Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.05.06
This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News
PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review. iPod news is
covered in The iNews Review.
Tiger Talk
News & Opinion
Tips
New Products
Tiger Talk
Tiger Migration Guide Posted
it-enquirer.com
says:
"The Tiger Migration Guide is available for download now. It
covers only the changed and new features, and is meant to help you
get started quickly without taking away the fun of discovering the
new OS. I sincerely hope you will find this eBooklet worth the -
free - download.
"The low-res, print-disabled version of the Tiger Migration
Guide is a free download of approx. 1.9 MB. If you like the
guide you can buy a high-res, printable version (which also allows
for copying and annotating) for 5 USD / 4 EU.
"If you pay for the Guide you will not only sponsor IT-Enquirer,
and help me earn a living, but you will also receive a Bonus
Chapter containing the new and changed shortcuts.
"As the price for which the Tiger Migration Guide is sold, is
relatively low, and the Guide itself is an electronic file, the
reality is that you can copy it ad infinitum. I therefore appeal to
your honesty, granting you a license in the process to have it read
by up to 5 readers. I hope this will cover most people's needs. If
you need more 'copies', please email me so we can work out a decent
and fair deal."
AppleTalk without TCP/IP No Longer Supported in
Tiger
An updated Apple
Knowledge Base Article says:
"Mac OS 8, Mac OS 9, and Mac OS X 10.1 to 10.3.9 support file
sharing (AFP) connections over AppleTalk. However, Mac OS X
versions 10.0 to 10.0.4 and 10.4 and later can only connect to
AppleShare over TCP/IP.
"If you want to connect from versions 10.1 to 10.3.9 to Mac OS 8
sharing (which is AppleTalk only), be sure to enable AppleTalk....
Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X can both connect over TCP/IP
without AppleTalk, so this step is optional in the absence of Mac
OS 8.
"Mac OS X 10.4 and later don't support Personal File Sharing (or
other AFP) over AppleTalk, though by initiating the connection from
the opposite direction you could still achieve an IP connection
from a Mac OS 8 computer to a sharing Mac OS X computer.
The Network preference pane in Mac OS X 10.4 and later still
offers the AppleTalk checkbox, but it is for browsing
AppleTalk-advertised resources and zones. The subsequent connection
must be over TCP/IP."
In short, this means that Macs with a version of the Mac OS that
don't support AppleTalk using TCP/IP will not be able to use
AppleTalk to connect to Macs running Tiger - and vice versa.
Tiger Roars onto the Mac mini
123macmini.com
says:
"We installed Tiger on a 1.42 GHz Mac mini and the entire process took
around 50 minutes. Boot times with Tiger seem to be a little faster
than with Panther, averaging around 40 seconds. Both Spotlight and
Dashboard perform admirably on the Mac mini, however, there is no
Dashboard ripple effect due to lack of Core Image support on the
Mac mini. Here are few early reviews of Tiger along with some
installation tips and pictures."
CEI Takes a 'Tiger' by Tail, Embracing New Mac
OS
LocalTechWire's Rick Smith
reports:
"Two Triangle area firms have moved quickly to capitalize on the
latest versions of the Macintosh operating system, and in very
different ways.
"CEI, the very high-end visualization software firm in Apex that
was spun off from supercomputer firm Cray a decade ago, announced
Monday that it would support the new Mac product since it supports
64-bit operations as opposed to less sophisticated 32-bit....
"While Macs have long been the darlings of graphic artists, more
and more engineers are embracing Apple as an alternative to Linux
and Unix....
"Lulu is making the Tiger guide
available in two formats - $14.95 as a downloadable PDF file and
$29.95 in printed form.
OWC Mercury Extreme Upgrades 100% Compatible
with 'Tiger'
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has reassured its
customers any Mercury Extreme
G4 upgrades already installed or being considered are 100%
compatible with Apple Computer's latest operating system, Mac
OS X 10.4 Tiger.
Just as with prior OS X and OS 9 versions, the OWC Mercury
Extreme G4 upgrades remain 100% plug and play compatible with this
latest OS X version. This includes all prior shipped OWC
Mercury Extreme models, as well as the current line offering speeds
of 933 MHz to 1.5 GHz from US$195.
OWC Mercury Extreme G4 upgrades may be used to increase the
performance of PowerMac G4 AGP
Graphics (a.k.a. Sawtooth), Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio and Quicksilver models.
"The compatibility of existing hardware and upgrades is always a
concern we hear from users when a major new operating system is
released," said Larry O'Connor, president of OWC. "And we are happy
to confirm, now that Tiger is out, that our products remain fully
compatible."
In addition to processor upgrades, OWC offers a full line of
easy-to-install memory, hard drive and video upgrade products that
are also Tiger-friendly, and provide added performance to most any
existing Apple desktop or laptop model.
Complete pricing, ordering and availability information for all
of OWC's products is available online.
Daystar Confirms Tiger Compatibility for
Upgrades
PR: Daystar
Technology, a provider of CPU upgrades, has announced that
it has verified, tested and qualified its upgrades running in the
latest releases of Apple's new version of OS X, 10.4,
Tiger.
According to Gary Dailey, president of Daystar, "The Latest
announcement of Tiger has raised questions on compatibility, given
Apple's official 'upgrade cards are not supported...'
statement.
"First, let me say clearly, there is no problem with our
upgrades and any version of Mac OS 9 or OS X through
Tiger. The statement from Apple (used with every release of Mac
OS X to date) does allow Apple to refuse tech support calls on
systems using upgrade cards. We, however provide toll-free
unconditional support to all of our customers. As always our CPU
upgrades perform at full speed and with full compatibility.
"We have tested Tiger with upgrades on OS X supported systems;
the MAChSpeed ZIFs, G-Celerators, and MAChSpeed Pismo upgrades.
There are no issues with the upgrades themselves. The MACh Carrier
and Lombard upgrades have not been tested with Tiger, as Tiger
cannot install on these systems (unsupported systems). XPostFacto
(the Open-source utility) may solve this problem in the next few
months.
"MAChSpeed Control (the optional XLR8 software package sold with
Daystar upgrades) is being updated to work within the new Tiger
Kernel rules. Currently, they will install, but the utility will
not open in Tiger. Current Daystar customers will be upgraded when
the Tiger compatible revision is released."
Daystar currently distributes/resells Apple, XLR8, Giga Design,
and a variety of leading brand products via its store front and web
store . Daystar offers a wide array of Apple performance products.
It also sells and services Apple products via its storefront in
Buford, Georgia.
Additional information on Daystar Technology and XLR8 can be
found via the Daystar website.
News & Opinion
ATI Graphics Available in iMac G5 for the First
Time
PR: For the first time since its introduction, the
iMac G5 will feature
graphics from ATI
Technologies Inc. Leaders in the high-end graphics
experience, ATI and Apple have teamed to offer the Radeon 9600 for
both the iMac and eMac,
giving users cinematic quality graphics for the full range of
digital lifestyle applications. As Apple continues to broaden its
consumer product lineup, ATI graphics are now available in the
iMac, eMac, Mac mini,
PowerBook, iBook, and Power
Mac.
"Apple continues to blaze a trail in
3D graphics, using the graphics processor for functions well beyond
gaming. Having Apple recognize the value of integrating ATI
graphics into the iMac is a real testament to our continuing
technology leadership in the Apple market," said Rick Bergman,
Senior Vice President, PC Business Unit, ATI Technologies. "The
user experience remains the focus of both ATI and Apple and these
new systems clearly carry on that tradition."
The new iMac and eMac feature the Radeon 9600, which supports up
to 128 MB of memory and has 128-bit architecture, giving users
incredible performance, resulting in a compelling graphics
experience. The Radeon 9600 accelerates a range of applications,
from presentations and real-time games to home entertainment and
video editing.
ATI is the leading supplier of desktop and mobile graphics
technology for the Apple platform, including retail boards and
onboard systems.
Mac minis Could Make Converts
CBS News's
Larry Magid says:
"Hearing the hype about Apple's new $499 Macintosh gave me
pause. Could Apple, which is known as the BMW of computer
companies, really come out with a machine cheap enough to tempt
Windows users yet still 'Mac' enough to satisfy Macintosh
aficionados? After unpacking and setting up the new machine, the
answer is a qualified yes.
"Before I get into the evaluation, here are the basics. Aside
from being the cheapest Mac, the Mac Mini is also the smallest. In fact,
it's the smallest full featured desktop powered PC from any major
computer maker. It measures only 2 inches by 6-1/2 inches square
though it comes with an external power adapter that's just as long
and more than a third as wide as the computer itself. I could
easily see someone taking this machine back and forth between home
and work....
"So how did the Mac stack up? Apple sent me the basic $499
system except it was upgraded to 512 megabytes of memory, which
turned out to be more than enough for every thing I threw at it,
including Adobe Photoshop....
"While the Mac Mini won't suddenly make Macs a more popular
platform than Windows, I think it may tempt many Windows users who
are curious about the Mac and/or frustrated with Windows which is
far more prone to spyware, viruses and security problems...."
Mac mini Goes after Frustrated Windows
Users
The Houston Chronicle's Dwight
Silverman reports:
"When Apple Computer released its latest Macintosh, the Mac Mini, the company known for its
rabid fans made it clear this was aimed at a tougher crowd -
Windows users.
"Buoyed by sales of its iPod music products to non-Mac users,
Apple sees an opportunity to tout its computer products to the
curious or disaffected users of Microsoft's dominant operating
system. Indeed, given how many Windows users are frustrated by and
angry at waves of viruses and spyware, the relatively untouched Mac
OS should be an easy sell.
"But walking away from something that's familiar is hard for
most people. They'd rather suffer Windows' security problems than
try something new. Still, the Mac Mini is compelling - relatively
cheap, easy to use with existing PC hardware like keyboard and
mouse, and downright cute.
"I decided to put Apple's strategy to the test. I tried to
completely switch from a Windows XP box to a Mini for two
weeks."
Tips
Interesting mini USB Sound Option: Pioneer
Elite Receivers
machtpc.com reports:
"In what might be one of the more expensive USB audio solutions
for the mini, it turns out
several Pioneer Elite A/V receivers accept digital audio in over
USB. The models I could confirm that accept USB are the, VSX-56TXi
and the VSX-59TXi.
"The 59TXi lists for gulp $4,500.00 - not exactly a bargain
basement solution, but the VSX-56TXi can be found online for around
$950.00, again not for those on a budget, but if you were already
in the market for an upper end A/V receiver, for use in a system
with a Mac mini, this makes the deal a little sweeter."
New Products
iWoodKiosk with iMac G5 Inside
PR: Tactus Multimedia Studio of Hungary has
launched its new product - iWoodKiosk - a new
generation of information/Internet kiosks for indoor usage with an
Apple iMac G5 inside. Back to
Nature!
This rig makes my mouth water. As a woodworker myself, I
appreciate fine craftsmanship, but the iWoodKiosk goes well beyond
that into the realm of sculptural art using wood as a medium melded
with avant garde industrial design, to meld technology with
tradition.
Features include:
- Made of natural lime wood
- In several natural colors of wood or your company's branding
color with logo
- Apple iMac G5 inside (can be sold separately)
- 17" LCD screen, 16:10 wide aspect ratio
- Wireless networking (recommended)
- Full size keyboard (can be sold separately)
- Integrated touchpad with scroll and click function
- Integrated touchscreen option coming soon
The iWoodKiosk can serve as an Internet kiosk or information
point for hotels, museums, schools, banks, offices, and shops
Dimensions:
- height: 154 cm (60.63 inches)
- width: 48 cm (18.89 inches)
- depth: 93 cm (36.61 inches)
- weight: 70 kg (154.32 pounds)
The M9 Mac mini Module
engadget.com's Ryan Block
writes:
"We're seeing a lot of these Mac mini port replicator/external
drive bays cropping up (any takers to whip one up with some
video-in and media-center features, pretty please?). The latest by
Macpower and Tytech Technology Co., the M9, features a 3-port USB
2.0 hub, 3-port FireWire hub, 3.5-inch hard drive bay, and active
cooling system. It don't look too shabby (or different from the
others), too."
Kanguru Solutions Releases Tiny Kanguru
Zipper Pro Hard Drive
PR: Kanguru Solutions has announced the release of their
latest in portable and low cost hard drives, the 20 GB Kanguru Zipper
Pro.
The Kanguru Zipper Pro
offers the perfect blend of storage and portability in a USB 2.0
hard drive. It provides a greater storage capacity than competing
Flash drives, while remaining more compact than a 2.5" external
hard drive. In fact weighing just 40g, the miniature Kanguru Zipper
Pro is lightweight and small enough to fit comfortably in your
shirt pocket, yet capable of storing up to 20 GB of data!
A USB 2.0 swivel-style plug unfolds neatly from the side of the
Kanguru Zipper Pro and fits directly into any available USB port
for instant plug and play access. The exterior alloy enclosure of
the Kanguru Zipper Pro is extremely rugged, as the unit is able to
withstand up to 1500Gs of shock.
This high speed, high quality USB 2.0 hard drive excels in
mobilizing and sharing data. Inside this unit is a 1" mini hard
drive, similar to the IBM Microdrive, offers a rotational speed of
4200 rpm and works with Windows and Macintosh, most without any
device drivers. As an external drive, it can be used for saving or
backing up data, storing photos, MP3s, or important documents for
home and office use.
A division of Interactive Media Corporation, Kanguru Solutions
manufactures high quality, secure and portable computer storage
peripherals that have provided consumers with secure back-up
solutions for more than a decade. Interactive Media Corp. was
established in Massachusetts in 1992.
Belkin USB 2.0 Hub Complements Mac Mini
123macmini.com
reports:
"Belkin has introduced a new Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Hub,
packaged in a white, compact shell that complements the iPod
shuffle and the Mac mini, this Hub features a patent-pending,
top-loading USB port for easy access with three additional ports in
the back. The Hub connects up to two devices without a power
adapter. The top loading port gives you easy access for quick,
temporary connections of USB flash drives, media readers, small
accessories such as USB lights and fans, the Apple iPod shuffle,
and more. The Belkin USB HUB retails for $29.99 and begins shipping
in June."
XtraDrive Turns Unused Flash Memory
Cards into USB Drives
PR: MediaGear announced the next generation of its
popular keychain drives called XtraDrive,
to help satisfy the growing consumer demand for convenient extra
USB flash drives created from unused memory cards.
XtraDrives have a colored, transparent cap that
allows the user to see if a media card is installed. Also, to
eliminate crowding of several drives together on a PC or notebook,
the XtraDrive package also includes a USB adapter cable.
"Photographers have an abundance of old memory cards that are no
longer used because of their low megabyte storage. The new
XtraDrive gives these outdated memory cards a brand new life,"
noted Terry Smith, VP of Marketing at MediaGear.
"Most new cameras come with a 16 or 32 MB card and the
photographer quickly moves up to higher capacities - especially now
that prices are dropping. The digital camera user can pop these
outdated flash memory cards into a compatible XtraDrive and easily
load and transfer data or photos from computer to computer via the
USB ports," continued Smith.
An added bonus of this new generation of keychain drives is the
inclusion of an 18" USB cable for use when slots on the computer
are too cramped for space.
"The new XtraDrives are great looking too. We went for
see-through colorful, gem tone caps that are visually appealing,
but more importantly allows the user to see if a memory card is
already inserted into the drive," added Smith.
The drives can accommodate most card formats including Secure
Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard, Sony Memory Stick, Compact Flash
Types I and II, MicroDrives, SmartMedia, and xD.
Retail pricing is: $14.95 MSRP. The new USB-compatible
XtraDrives is currently available at
Office Depot, MicroCenter and
Fry's Electronics, and from the MediaGear website.
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two
weeks:
For deals on laptops, see our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals,
and Best iBook G3
Deals. For deals on iPods, see our Best iPod Deals.
