Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.12.16
PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review. News about Apple's
transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is covered in
The Macintel Report. iPod news is
covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Tips
Products
Software
News & Opinion
Woz Slams Apple for 'Worst, Worst
Software'
Macworld UK reports:
"Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak loves and loathes Apple.
"He's full of praise for the company's hardware and its
strategies, but frustrated that the firm he founded seems to have
lost its grip on the user interface lessons attempted in the
Apple Lisa.
"Interviewed by a Stanford University journalism graduate, he
said: 'I would try to take us back to the early Macintosh, the
failed Lisa-type thinking of philosophies that the human is the
centre of the world and the computer gets designed around that
person.'
"He also condemns large software makers, such as Microsoft and
Apple for delivering buggy software: '[Microsoft, Apple and AOL]
tend to turn out the crappiest products, you know, software-wise.
The ones that have the most bugs, the most items that are
supposedly in there but don't work.'
"'I get the worst, worst software almost always from
Apple.'"
FireWire Not Dead, but It's on Life
Support
ZD Net blogger Jason D. O'Grady says:
"I was genuinely surprised when Apple dropped FireWire sync from
the iPod nano. So much so that I almost returned mine when I first
made the gruesome discovery. I thought for sure that FireWire would
live forever in the bigger iPods and that it was just a casualty of
the nano's small size. Unfortunately, FireWire's almost dead
completely.
"...I'm hearing that FireWire is gone completely from the new
Intel iBooks that are coming next month...."
Link: FireWire Not Dead, but It's on
Life Support
iMac G5: Business or Personal?
Gene Steinberg, the Mac Night Owl, writes:
"When I first read about the latest iteration of the iMac, I got the impression
that, absent the remote control, it would serve well in an office
environment. Having spent a week with the computer, my opinion
remains unchanged. Sure, it's got a wealth of features that are
ideally suited for the home user, but only professional users who
require the utmost in processor power and perhaps a larger display
would feel something is lacking."
Link: iMac
G5 Review Addendum: Business or Personal?
"I Love My Mac" Song on MacAddict CD-ROM
PR: "I Love My Mac", a song created entirely using
Apple's GarageBand, has been included on MacAddict's most recent
CD-ROM. The song, written by Daphne Kalfon*, won first place in a
song contest put on by the people at macCompanion Magazine.
Concurrent to the contest, the song received much attention on
www.macjams.com , an online GarageBand community, and quickly rose
to the top of the pop category. To date, it has received the most
number of visits of any song on the site.
A Swiss fan of the song - Antonia Lutz - translated and recorded
her vocals into German, and soon followed a Swedish version,
translated and sung by a well-known Mac programmer, Ingemar
Ragnemalm. An entire website has now been devoted to the song and
its story: www.ilovemymacthesong.com
Since its release, the song has generated countless blogs and is
being featured on podcasts and internet radio stations all over the
world. New versions in Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, Hungarian,
French, Norwegian and Spanish are in the works and soon to be
posted at www.ilovemymacthesong.com
*Daphne Kalfon is an extraordinarily versatile and talented
songwriter and composer. Her works span the genres of pop, rock,
jazz, spoken word, theatrical, jingles, rap, Americana and film
music.
Samsung Producing 50% Faster Graphics
Memory
Editor's note: Apple uses Nvidia video in all the current Power
Macs. The GeForce 7800 GT and Quadro FX 4500 both use GDDR3 memory.
dk
PR: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced that it
is mass producing the fastest graphics memory device in the world -
a 900 MHz Graphics Double Data Rate 3 (GDDR3) chip. The device -
already being used in graphics cards for PCs, workstations and
notebooks - is 50 percent faster than the previous computer memory
chip produced in large volume.
"NVIDIA is now shipping the GeForce 7800 GTX 512 graphics card,
which some experts have proclaimed the fastest graphics card on the
planet(1), and which benefits greatly from Samsung's new 900 Mhz
GDDR3 memory chips," said Bryn Young, Director of Memory Marketing
and Sales, NVIDIA Corporation. "Samsung's 900 Mhz GDDR3 helped
NVIDIA achieve the highest memory clock speed of any commercially
available graphics processor."
Joe Macri, Director, Engineering, ATI Corporation, said,
"Samsung's aggressive memory roadmap meshes quite well with our
efforts to push the limits of speed to enable top-notch graphics
for gamers and enthusiasts. We have worked closely with Samsung and
have redesigned the memory controller in our recently announced
architectures to take optimal advantage of its high-speed
memory."
With the new 900 Mhz memory, the latest high-end graphics cards
will be offering not only faster animation, but also richer graphic
textures and images that are more realistic, bringing the digital
world a step closer to true cinematic rendition.
"We are considerably upping the ante for enriching the imagery
for gamers and professionals in the video and graphics industries,"
said Mueez Deen, Director of Marketing for Graphics, Mobile and
Consumer DRAM, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc.
The last mass-produced computer graphics memory was the
256Megabit (Mb) 600 Mhz GDDR3 chip - also a first for Samsung at
that time. The 512Mb 900MHz GDDR3, aligned in 32 rows of 16Mb
chips, is enabling high-speed 256 and 512 Megabyte (MB) graphics
cards.
According to Mercury Research, a PC component market research
firm, the market for high-end graphics memory is expected to grow
by 42 percent next year, from $1.1 billion in 2005 to $1.5 billion
in 2006.
(1) NVIDIA claim based on statements by the Tech Report.
Tips
Using Restore Discs with Mac OS X 10.2 through
10.3.3
A new Apple Knowledge Base Article says:
"Learn how to restore bundled applications or Mac OS 9 on
computers that shipped with 10.2 to 10.3.3.
"The Restore discs included with some computers that ship with
Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.3.3 are significantly different from those
used with earlier model Macintosh computers. This includes the
Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors). The restore process of each
model varies slightly, so the description in this document is
intended as a general overview and not a model-specific set of
instructions."
Link: Using
Restore Discs with Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.3.3
Products
Acrylic Mounts Put Mac mini on Wall or under
Desk
PR: The problem is that there was often no suitable place
on a table surface, and the Mac
mini isn't very stable when placed on its side. So Hubbell
Consulting came up with the design of the Mini mount. Like the Mac
mini, it's a simple, elegant, yet extremely functional design that
serves its primary purpose, to put the Mac mini on the wall or
under the desk - and out of the way.
Hubbell Consulting says:
As a home automation design and consulting company, we were
faced with the challenge of placing our control system (a Mac mini)
in just about any location that the customer wanted. The problem
was that there was often no suitable place on a table surface and
the Mac mini isn't very stable when placed on its side. So, we came
up with the design of the Mini mount. Like the Mac mini, it's a
simple, elegant, yet extremely functional design that serves its
primary purpose, to put the Mac mini on the wall, or under the
desk- and out of the way. Here are some of the key features of the
Mini mount Universal and Mini mount Shelf models.
Mini mount Universal
No case mods required
The Mac mini doesn't lend itself to being mounted easily. As Mac
lovers ourselves, case modification was out of the question so we
had to come up with a design that would safely and securely support
the weight of the Mac mini but not stick out like a sore thumb.
With the exception of the four small tabs holding the Mac in place,
there is little else that can be seen - and the two tabs at the
bottom don't even wrap around to the front. We use 1/4" cast
acrylic for maximum durability.
Sturdy, functional base
The base of the mount ensures maximum airflow by not obstructing
the air intakes of the Mac mini. Apple recommends that you not
place the Mac mini in a location that obstructs the intakes. Our
design not only ensures that the intakes aren't blocked, it
actually adds an additional 1/4" of clearance.
Doesn't block the DVD/CD drive
The tabs at the bottom of the case support the weight of the Mac
mini, but don't wrap around to the front so that you can still
access your DVD/CD drive. If you're using your Mac mini for an
entertainment system or simply need to get at the DVD/CD drive, the
Mini mount will do the trick.
Mounts with only two screws
The Mini mount can be secured with the two provided wood screws
by drilling right into a wall stud. With anchors (not included),
you could install the Mini mount in just about any location.
Exhaust ports aren't blocked
Key to the design was to not block any part of the back (top,
when mounted) of the Mac mini. Since that's where all of the ports
are as well as the computer's exhaust, we wanted to make sure that
the Mini mount remained free and clear of that area.
Optional Backlight kit
We know Mac users love cool. That's why we offer an optional
backlighting kit for an additional US$20 that you can plug into a
standard 110VAC plug and get a cool, white glow from the back of
the Mac mini (see the picture below). It looks great in dim or dark
rooms.
Great for home automation or media center applications
Being that we designed this mount for using in a home automation
setup, we know it works great for that application. You can also
use this mount for media center setups where you want the Mac mini
accessible, but out of the way. Use the Mini mount with a
touch-screen LCD and you have the world's most powerful home
automation and media center available on your wall - right at your
fingertips.
Price: $49.99 - $69.99 with backlight
Mini Mount Shelf
Where there's a surface, there's a way
Not everyone has a wall that they can put the Mac mini on but
there's a heck of a lot of shelves and desks out there who's
undersides are largely going unused. Enter the Mini mount Shelf.
We've taken from the design of the Mini Mount Universal and changed
a few things around to give you a stable, secure surface that
attaches to the underside of just about any surface. Tables,
shelves, desks, even the occasional Mac-mini-in-a-car project.
Clean and simple
The Mini mount Shelf tucks your Mac mini up under a desk or
shelf with ease. Four screws hold the mount in place and keep the
mount flush with the surface. All you see are the two front posts
keeping the Mac mini from sliding out of the front.
Secure
Sometimes, you may need to keep that Mac mini from growing legs
and walking away on you. The Mini mount Shelf has two blocking
posts that can be mounted at the rear to prevent the Mac mini from
sliding out of the rear. Simply anchor the mount, slide in your Mac
mini, and then screw down the blocking posts. You'll still have
full access to the rear ports on the computer, but your Mac mini
stays put.
Keeps things in place
We use the same 1/4" clear cast acrylic for the Mini mount Shelf
as with the other Mini mount products. The material looks great
while providing a remarkably sturdy surface to mount your Mac mini
on. Even if something were to strike the Mini mount Shelf from the
bottom, your Mac mini would be well protected.
Four screws and you're done
The Mini mount Shelf uses four screws to keep the unit in place.
We also provide 1" spacers in case you need additional vertical
clearance.
Comes with power supply mount
Are we the only ones who think that manufacturers should include
the dimensions of their power supply when talking about the overall
size of their gadget? Sheesh, the Mac mini's power supply is
roughly half the size of the computer itself. So, of course it
needs its own mount when going under a shelf. But, the problem is
that everyone's mounting situation is unique and we didn't want to
just attach a built-in power supply mount, so it's separate. Put
the power supply wherever you want it.
Great for media center or office environments
Entertainment centers have lots of shelves. Many homes have
built-in coves for televisions and A/V equipment. Sometimes,
there's just not a convenient place to put your Mac mini, but
mounting it under one of those shelves will do the trick. Likewise,
while the Mac mini is only 6.5" square, there are times where you
may want it off of the desk with easy access but not so easy to
remove. The Mini mount Shelf solves these problems and a great deal
more.
Mounting under a desk, cabinet, or shelf is a snap. Once in
place, the sturdy 1/4" clear cast acrylic provides excellent
support while keeping the air intakes and exhaust ports totally
clear.
The rear of the mount allows for full access to all of the ports
at the back of the Mac mini. The two holes at the rear allow for
bolts or screws to be driven through to prevent the Mac mini from
being removed.
Price: $49
Link: Mini
mount
New Antenna Boosts Wireless Performance for
iMac G5 Owners
PR: QuickerTek's new 5.5 dBi omni-directional antenna
offers iMac G5 users the best all-around antenna solution for
networks where a directional antenna limits AirPort signal strength
and speed
Press Release Edited By Applelinks Contributing Editor Charles
W. Moore
Apple iMac G5 users can now get improved wireless networking
performance with a new external antenna. QuickerTek's new 5.5 dBi
omni-directional antenna offers iMac G5 users the best all-around
antenna solution for networks where a directional antenna limits
AirPort signal strength and speed.
The new iMac G5 Antenna offers 5.5dBi of RF power, which means
that wireless networking distances can be as much a three times
further than when using the stock antenna. It also means that the
signal will also allow a full speed connection - so that not only
will users be able to use more networks, but also use them at the
highest speeds possible. The suggested retail price is $99.95.
A three-foot coax cable comes with the antenna for mounting up
where signal strength can be maximized. It works with Mac OS
already on the iMac G5 and is equally suitable for AirPort and
AirPort Extreme networks.
"The only thing the super-cool iMac G5 could possibly need is
better wireless and this new antenna delivers," said Rick Estes,
president QuickerTek. "Whether you need upstairs and downstairs
connections to your AirPort Base Station, or you just need more
distance and speed, this new anntena solves the wireless challenges
iMac G5 users face every day" he stated.
Like most QuickerTek products, it's backed with a one-year
warranty on parts and labor. QuickerTek has been a recognized
leading innovator of antennas and RF products for Apple Power
Macintosh, iMac and PowerBook computers. QuickerTek products can be
purchased online and from authorized dealers.
Link: iMac G5 5.5dbi Omni
Directional Antenna
Software
coconutIdentityCard Tells Where and When Your
Mac and iPod Were Made
PR: coconutIdentityCard is just a small app that reads
out where and when your Mac and your iPod were built by Apple.
Just plug in your iPod while the app is running and it will show
you the information about your iPod instantly.
Because it's UniversalBinary, it will run also ob the upcoming
Intel-Based-Macs.
Format of the date: dd.mm.yyyy
New in v1.1
- more bugfixes (thank you for your emails!)
System-requirements:
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two
weeks:
For deals on laptops, see our Best
Aluminum PowerBook G4 Deals, Best
Titanium PowerBook G4 Deals, Best
iBook G4 Deals, and Best White iBook
G3 Deals. For deals on iPods, see our Best iPod Deals.
