Appletell

For those of you who want Spore, but are still running Tiger, we’ve got the fix for you. With some simple .plist editing, you can be on your way to making strange looking aliens in no time! Read on for the fix.

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With the imminent release of the 3G iPhone, I thought it may be helpful to provide some suggestions on what to do with your soon-to-be-outdated iPhone. YouTube user willgorman also seems to be having the same thought. In a recently posted video, he demonstrates how to turn an iPhone into a great little robot.

First, the intrepid DIYer wrote a simple program for the Lego NXT Robot using NXJ that enabled the machine to be controlled by certain colors. Then, he wrote a safari web app using the Google Web Toolkit to provide the color changes needed to control the robot. Once all the programing and building was complete, he put the iPhone on the machine and let ‘er rip using another iPhone to control it over WiFi.

Catch the video after the break.

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For those of you who are unsatisfied with the current MacBook Air (or the iPhone, iMac, MacBook Pro or iPod Classic, and who value looks and style over functionality (or in some cases a lack thereof), this mod is for you.  Computer Choppers, an Oregon-based company, will take one of the previously mentioned Apple products and really pimp it out.  You have the choice of five precious metals and four semi-precious metals to cover your computer in, and other add-ons such as multi-colored sapphire Apple Logos on your computer. 

The main feature of their line if a 24 karat gold MacBook Air.  For $5,000, you can get a base-line MBA sheathed in the shiny stuff, and for another $3,000, you can get the Apple logo on the top cover replaced by multi-colored sapphires (of course using the original Apple Logo color scheme).  Other specialties include a Platinum iMac, a Rose Gold iPhone, and a Black Nickel iPod Classic.   

Via [9 to 5 Mac\

• NVIDIA based MacBook Airs now shipping
• Appletell review - Racer-X laptop case [updated]
• Four finger multi-touch gestures on older Macs

Famous modder Ben Heckendorn is at it again, this time with an Apple IIgs laptop.  This laptop is very impressive, and although it may seem dangerous, Ben said it gives off just about as much heat as a pocket calculator (calculators give off heat?).  Here are the full specs:

• 15-inch screen
• Original Apple IIgs motherboard
• Custom acrylic keyboard with laser etched keys
• Compact Flash adapter as the hard drive
• Side port access for floppy drive, joystick, and mouse
• Original mouse
• Glowing blue “][“ logo
• Built-in stereo speakers

This isn’t Ben’s only awesome creation, be sure to check out his PS3 mod as well.  Also, there are more pictures and a video up on his site.

• How to get your Mac to talk to your PS3
• Same old same old nebooks again
• HP introduces the TouchSmart TX2 laptop

In this Appletell video, Adam shows you how to run any version of the Classic Mac OS (from System 1.1 all the way to 7.5) on an Intel or PowerPC Mac OS X-running Mac. It has never been difficult, but there is no easy to find place that teaches you how to do it, beginning to end. In this video, Adam will get you from start to finish emulating any Classic Mac System Software.

Video and links after the jump.

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I replaced the RAM in my MacBook after reading about it. It’s true that Apple really do overcharge for RAM upgrades, whether it’s a build-to-order computer from the online store, or an existing computer. Buying RAM from a place like Crucial is quick, easy and cheap - and apparently Micron Technology (the parent company of Crucial) supply the RAM for Apple anyway. Upgrading the hard drive in the MacBook is pretty much the same as RAM, you just open up the battery, remove a few screws and replace the drive in the slot; although you will have to re-install Mac OS X.

MacBook Pro owner Max Millon replaced his hard drive in around 40 minutes. He used the instructions at ifixit to place a massive 320GB drive into his MacBook Pro. After watching this time-lapse video, you will understand how to go through this process yourself. It’s definitely a lot harder to do than in a MacBook. I hope the next MacBook Pro will adopt the new system that the MacBook uses; because it takes less than half the time of this. Watch the video after the jump.

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Making phone calls from your TV may sound weird right now, but it could be the future of VOIP. If you’ve got an Apple TV and are unhappy with the current way you make Skype calls, or you just want to try something completely new, try the new Skype plugin for the Apple TV. Developer Brandon Holland has been working on this plugin for a while and has finally released a very early version of it today. It runs on the Skype API to allow calls via USB headsets, text messages and more. I can understand maybe sending IMs via Skype - maybe if there was a bluetooth keyboard. But having to plug in a USB headset just to make a call from your TV doesn’t seem worth it. It would be far easier to use a laptop running Skype, or just use a regular phone - but this plugin is cool nonetheless. And apparently the Take 2 Apple TV software doesn’t stop the development of more plugins in the future. Maybe the next edition will include support for USB webcams that we put on top of our TVs.

Via [Engadget]

• Mozilla wants you to Fashion Your Firefox
• Apple Releases Apple TV 2.3, couple nice new features
• Apple TV. Why?

For those who aren’t happy with the standard silver, black, and chrome color scheme on their iPhone, you may be aware that ColorWare can color your iPhone, for a premium that is. You may know ColorWare for adding some color to your iPod or a few other Apple products. Well, if you wanted to see what ColorWare’s paint jobs will do, the time has come.

Doc Macenstein has posted a gallery of photos of his shiny iPhone, which is now green with envy. Well, at least those viewing this gallery may become envious. The back cover and the dock are “Envy Green” while the base and the chrome is “Carbon,“ which makes for a very nice looking combination.

For those who want the complete paint job including the back cover, dock, earbuds, and the “Home” button, it will cost you a pretty penny: $219 all together. In addition to spending $219, you will also have to wait approximately 3 weeks for the paint job to be finished, so we recommend that you have a secondary phone available if you send your own phone in. But your reward will be oh so sweet. For complete gallery of pics, click the link below.

Read [Macenstein] Via [TUAW]

• Who’s On Crack in tech: 11.21.08 edition
• Apple launches new iPhone Your Life site
• Walmart will sell iPhone, just not for the holidays

There have been many Apple TV hacks circulating around the Internet to add more functionality to your Apple TV, but what about making it look better? iStyles has come out with over 70 Apple TV skins that can give your box a new personality.

Give your Apple TV a new look in seconds and express yourself! This iStyles Skin creates a whole new look that sets you apart in the sea of Apple TVs without interfering with the device’s cooling or normal operation.

This Apple TV iStyles Skin features an ultra-high resolution full-color design that is printed on premium grade adhesive-backed cast vinyl with UV resistant inks and then covered with a clear protective layer for ultimate durability. All iStyles Skins use a patented repositionable and removable adhesive backing for fast, easy and accurate installation and goo-free removal.

It is basically just a sticker that you place on the top of your Apple TV. The set even comes with a matching sticker for your Apple Remote! The stickers are 14.99 each, and their is a wide variety of designs to choose from. Now if only they sold the stickers separately, I would totally trick out my Apple Remote.

Product [iStyles]

• Apple Releases Apple TV 2.3, couple nice new features
• Apple rated #1 in customer satisfaction in recent survey
• Who’s On Crack in tech: 11.21.08 edition