New Mac Pro "coming soon"

Apple is expected to release a new updated version of its Mac Pro tower computer soon. April was mooted as a relese date but July – even August – now seems more likely. At the very least expect USB 3.0, speedier serial ATA and Thunderbolt. Apple last 'updated' the Mac Pro line in June last year with faster processors and more RAM as standard. It's unclear whether the new model will be altered to comply with the tougher European electrical regulations which have stopped Apple selling the Mac Pro in the UK and Europe, but it would be daft not to.

Bin those untidy cables

Cable Law: leave tidy cables under the desk for a week and they'll be a rat's nest of tangled wires when you next look. And here's the solution. Put them in the bin.

CableBin from BlueLounge  provides a tidy place for your extension block, ADSL router, mini switch and chargers which looks smart under or next to your desk.

Available in dark or light wood finishes.

Bye, bye big silver box...

Apple is killing off the Mac Pro in Europe. Apparently all high end graphics and video professionals live in the United States. The announcement has been followed by hints that there will be a new 'pro' Mac later in the year. We can only wait and hope...

In January we were mainly...

• Migrating a client from Microsoft Exchange to Google Apps
• Configuring Sky to run over Cat 6 for wall mounted TVs
• Configuring POS terminals
• Managing the installation of Cat 6 network cabling, IP phones and CCTV for a new London cafe
• Implementing a 10TB daily online backup system with 10TB daily offline disaster recovery alternate
• Helping an art licensing company relocate to new riverside offices with new Cat 6 networking and broadband services
• Meeting with architects to advise on network and electrical system requirements and placement  for cinema refurbishment
• Upgrading printing services for a top international magazine
• Planning and configuring reliable fail-over broadcast services for an internet based news and culture radio station
• Setting up and configuring Cloud systems to enable international group working for a top UK brand agency
• Consulting with client on software purchase strategies
• Upgrading font server for key UK book publisher

Blackberry's late arrival

RIM, now renamed Blackberry, has launched the first two handsets powered by the new Blackberry 10 operating system that was due last year.

The Z10 is has a 4.2in (10.7cm) touchscreen while the Q10 uses a 3.1in (7.9cm) screen and virtual keyboard.

The new OS allows up to eight apps to run simultaneously, four of which can appear in small windows on the same screen while BBM can now make audio and video calls.

The new keyboard can learn the most common words and phrases  typed and then floats suggestions above the keyboard which can be tapped into place. Autocorrect can learn to anticipate and correct frequently made mistakes. In an effort to woo business users, Blackberry Balance can limit company files to select apps, while photos and other personal data can be used universally. Companies can also remotely wipe sensitive files. 

Blackberry says there are more than 70,000 additional apps available on its its Blackberry World app store.