Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.06.16
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.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Products
iPod Accessories
News & Opinion
Apple Takes Away the Microsoft Pain
Sydney Morning Herald's Graeme Philipson says:
"I have had just about enough of Microsoft.
"I've had it with rebooting my notebook and my desktop
constantly because my applications crawl to a halt. I've had it
with reformatting my drives every few months to get rid of all the
stuff that accumulates on them.
"I've had it with dysfunctional bloatware, inelegantly designed
and inefficiently coded. I've had it with viruses and worms and
Trojan horses and spyware and all the other rubbish that Microsoft
lets in.
I don't care about Vista; I'm moving
now.
"In a move that will delight many readers of this column, I am
taking the plunge and going Apple Macintosh. My son has been using
one for a year now, and Apple's OS X operating system is
everything Microsoft's is not. I don't care about Vista; I'm moving
now.
"I'm not alone. I don't know a single soul with a good word to
say about Microsoft. It's true, of course, that all large companies
get their share of malcontents, but Microsoft just keeps attracting
criticism. Flaky products, flakier business practices, greed,
hubris. On and on it goes.
"I don't care if Bill Gates is the world's biggest
philanthropist. The pain he has inflicted on the world in the past
20 years through lousy products easily outweighs any good he has
done.
"Now that the Apple Mac is using Intel processors, and the
prices are reasonable, and the inter-operability is fine, I see no
reason not to switch. I can always run Windows if I want, though my
intention is to avoid Microsoft whenever possible. Apple is as
arrogant as Microsoft but at least its stuff works as
advertised."
- Link: Apple
Today Takes the MS Pain Away
Switching to the Mac: A Guide for Windows
Users
TechWeb's John Welch says:
"With all the buzz surrounding Apple Computer these days, many
Windows users are starting to think the unthinkable: Should I
switch to a Mac?
"There are plenty of good reasons to consider a Mac. Most of
Apple's current desktop and laptop models are shipping with Intel
Core Solo or, more commonly, Core Duo processors, putting to rest
the longtime stigma of 'overpriced and underpowered' that critics
attached to many Macs. And the release of new products like Boot
Camp and Parallels
that let you run Windows on a Mac mean that
switching is no longer the one-way street it was a few years (or
even a few months) ago - which makes the idea of moving to Apple
and Mac OS X much easier.
"Then there's the matter of style. Some PC manufacturers have
tried, but none can match the sleek sophistication of Apple
products - and Apple knows it. You can't help but notice a certain
glee in the way the company's advertising flaunts its products'
superior design.
"Once you get past the cute commercials and talking heads, there
are some hard facts that you need to know to make an intelligent
decision about switching. And, to be honest, there are some things
about Macs that will seem a little weird if you do make the switch.
We're here to guide the way."
- Link:
Switching to the Mac: A Guide for Windows Users
Macs Play Crucial Role in Restoring James Bond
Movies for DVD
Macworld UK's Jonny Evans reports:
"Macs have been instrumental in breathing new life into classic
English spy James Bond.
"Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced the July 17
release of the James Bond Ultimate Edition DVD Collection - and
this time the infamous secret service spy isn't just licensed to
kill, he's also licensed to Mac.
"The collection - which took over two and a half years to put
together - includes digitally enhanced versions of all the James
Bond movies; sound and images look sharper and sound better than
ever before thanks to new 5:1 surround sound.
"All twenty James Bond movies are available as part of this
collection, from 1962's 'Dr No' to 2002's 'Die Another Day'.
"The videos also offer a vast range of meticulously researched
archive material, including host of never-before-seen interviews
and on-set footage.
"For Mac users, the story grows even more interesting, as the
images and sound were remastered by DTS Digital Images (once Lowry
Digital Images) using a huge installation of 600 Power Mac
G5s."
- Link: James
Bond 007: Licensed to Mac
iMac King of All Media
Wired's Dylan Tweney reports:
"Adding a computer to your home theater no longer means crossing
your fingers and hoping for the best. All of the rigs here handle
video and audio with aplomb, and even play saved movies while
burning DVDs. For the Windows PCs, Intel's Viiv (rhymes with five)
standard promises plug-and-play compatibility with other
Viiv-labeled products, like MP3 streamers, when they come out later
this year. The downside is that configuring these computers - with
the exception of the iMac - is
a real challenge. Set aside at least half a day to integrate one of
these monsters into your entertainment system."
"You gotta hand it to Apple: The iMac has just about the easiest
setup we've seen. Everything is integrated into a single, beautiful
package, with no monitor, speakers, or remote control receivers to
plug in, and no software wizards to stand between you and your new
Kung Fu box set...."
- Link: iMacs Kings
of All Media
Apple Releases Bluetooth Firmware Update for
PowerPC Macs
PR: Apple Bluetooth firmware - 1.2.1 for DLink &
internal Bluetooth modules
The Bluetooth Firmware Update improves Bluetooth performance and
reliability issues. When the update package is downloaded, the
Bluetooth Firmware Updater application will be launched. Follow the
on screen directions to update your Bluetooth Firmware.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later
- PPC based Mac
File Size: 1.4M
- Link:
Apple Releases Bluetooth Firmware 1.2.1 for PowerPC-based
Macs
Products
Universal USB 2.0 Adapter for 2.5", 3.5", 5.25"
IDE, ATAPI, and SATA Drives
PR: The NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter
implements a bridge between one USB port and one ATA, Serial ATA,
or ATAPI based mass storage device port. The USB 2.0 to IDE Drive
Adapter turns any ATA or SATA drive into a convenient external
drive. Easily transfer files from computer or notebook, back up
files, or store large file archives on hard drives. The Hi-Speed
USB interface provides for easy installation with its Plug and Play
design.
Compatible
with any 2.5", 3.5", 5.25" IDE or SATA device!- Supports IDE & Enhanced IDE 3.5" internal IDE Hard
Disk
- Supports ATA/ATAPI-6 Specification 1.0
- Supports SATA I and SATA II
- USB 2.0 up to 480Mbps Transfer Speed
- Backwards Compatible with USB 1.1
- Plug and Play
- Hot Swappable
The NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter has been tested
with:
- 2.5" Laptop Drives - all brands
- 3.5" Desktop Drives - Works with all brands, including Maxtor,
Seagate, IBM, Hitachi, Samsung, Western Digital, etc.
- 5.25" Drives - The adapter supports all existing IDE/ATAPI
devices such as CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM drives.
- Removable Media drives, such as Iomega Zip.
Product Specifications:
- USB 2.0 to ATA connection (2 sided, for 2.5" and 3.5" drives),
and a SATA connection.
- Connect any device with an ATA or SATA Interface to a Mac or PC
with USB interface
- Transfer rate Approx. 480 MBps (USB 2.0)
- Complies with USB 2.0 standards
- Backwards compatible to USB 1.1 standards
- Complies with ATA/ATAPI-66 Spe. V1.0
- Compatible with SATA-I and SATA-II
- Simple to Install
- Supports IDE and enhanced IDE hard drives
- Supports ATA/ATAPI CD-ROM/R/RW DVD-ROM and more
- External AC adapter provides drive power
System Requirements:
- Mac OS 9.2 or higher incluing Mac OS X
- Linux 2.4.X
- Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP
Package Contents:
- USB 2.0 to IDE adapter cable
- 2.5" to 3.5" Adapter
- Power adapter and cord
- Driver CD
USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter $24.95
- Link: NewerTech
ATA/ATAPI/IDE/SATA to USB 2.0 Universal Adapter
2-Port External SATA PCI Express Card with
RAID
PR: 2
Port SATA External
Specifications
- Interface: PCI Express
- Card Type: SATA II
- Connector Type: 2 x eSATA External Connectors (I-Type)
- RAID Support: RAID 0/1 (Apple Disk Utility)
- Data Tranfer Rate: 300MB/sec per Data Channel or Port (SATA
II)
- OS Support: Windows 2000/ XP and Mac OS X v10.4.x "Tiger"
Features
- Fully compliant with 2.5Gbit/sec
- PCI Express specification (PCIe x1 slot)
- Compliant with Serial ATA 1.0a specification
- Supports both SATA & SATA II devices
- Supports PIO and DMA modes
- Supports hard disk drive size up to 750GB
- Supports bus master DMA at 3.0Gbps burst rate
- Fully Plug-n-Play and Hot-Swap compatible.
- Link:
MaxExpress 2-External Port eSATA PCI Express Card RAID 0/1
iWoofer iPod Speaker System with Radio
PR: iWoofer is a fresh and radical iPod speaker system
with unique combination of features like downfiring subwoofer and
the smallest iPod speaker with radio.
iWoofer is designed to make a striking impression for the eye as
well as the ear, with unique combination of features like
downfiring subwoofer and the smallest ipod speaker with radio.
iWoofer distinctive sci-fi yet friendly looks matches your fun
loving lifestyle and let you share with all to enjoy.
iPod dock with
recharging and synchronization- 2.1 channel speaker system (left and right stereo speakers plus
dedicated subwoofer)
- Digital amplifier
- Bass control
- FM radio with auto scan tuning and preset station memory
- Telescopic antenna
- Blue halo lamp
- AC (adapter included) or 4 AA batteries powered
- USB
- Audio in (cable included)
Additional features:
- the smallest ipod speaker with radio;
- compatible with all versions of iPod 2G onwards and the iPod
shuffle
- designed specially for the iPod nano; (nano version)
Specifications:
- Power Rating: Total 12 Watts RMS
- Satellite speakers: 2 x 3 Watts (8 ohm), 30mm full range
drivers with neodymium aluminum speaker cones
- Subwoofer: 1 x 6 Watts (4 ohm), 2.5" dedicated low frequency
driver
- Power Supply: External AC Adapter (100-240V)
- Dimensions: 4.6" x 6.7"/116mm x 170mm (diameter x height)
- Weight: 16.7 oz / 473.5 g
$129
- Link: iWoofer iPod Speaker
System with Radio
H2O Audio
Advanced Waterproof Housing for Video iPod
PR: H2O Audio, the leading
provider of waterproof housings and headsets for Apple iPod and
other mp3 players, announced today that its new H2O Audio housing for iPod (with video), is now
shipping. The new housing joins H2O
Audio's proven and globally popular line of adventure sport and
outdoor recreation iPod player accessory solutions.
H2O Audio for iPod's debut received an
enthusiastic reception at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las
Vegas, NV, generating excitement in both the media and reseller
communities. Following last year's successful launch of its SV and
DV product lines, and in response to tremendous consumer demand,
H2O Audio has developed the new next
generation iPod housing and is now shipping the product.
The new H2O Audio for iPod
features patented engineering and design that provides absolute
waterproof protection for 5th generation iPod (with video) owners.
The new H2O Audio housing protects
the iPod's video screen from any scratches or abrasions, so the
user can always enjoy a clear video image without annoying marks or
screen interference. It's an ideal solution regardless of outdoor
conditions or recreational activities.
"With the introduction of its 5th generation iPod, Apple once
again demonstrates why it has such market share dominance. The 30
and 60GB models are slimmer and lighter than any previous model and
with storage for up to 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 150 hours of
video these are the hottest players yet," said Kristian Rauhala,
CEO of H2O Audio.
"We created our new iPod housing recognizing that many outdoor
enthusiasts want to carry all of their tunes and now video wherever
they go, regardless of outdoor elements and weather conditions. We
are providing durable, affordable protection that makes that
possible."
H2O Audio for iPod
Features:
- Patented waterproof housing for Apple iPod 5G (with video)
players
- Submersible up to 10 ft (3 meters) when paired with
H2O Audio waterproof headphones
- Commander™ Scroll Wheel easily controls player functions
even under water
- Scratch and abrasion resistant protection for iPod Video
Screen
- Latch Tight™ locking system
- Seal Tight™ connector (compatible with standard 3.5mm
headphone jacks)
- Sport armband included
Pricing and Availability:
MSRP for the H2O Audio for Apple
iPod with Video is $89.95. H2O Audio
products and accessories for Apple iPods and mp3 players are
available at local surf/wake stores, RCS, J&R, and other
retailers and dealers globally, as well as from the H2O Audio eStore at:
* H2O Audio Headphones are sold
separately for $39.95
- Link: H2O Audio
Nyko FM Trans Kit for iPod nano
PR: Nyko Technologies, a peripherals manufacturer
dedicated to enhancing the digital lifestyle, introduces the FM
Trans Kit for the Apple iPod nano. Nyko's latest iPod offering is
perfect for music fans who groove to their favorite tunes in the
car and are looking for a complete package to compliment their iPod
nano.
The versatile
FM Trans Kit combines a high powered, four frequency, FM
transmitter, a car charger and three different mounting options.
The high-quality FM transmitter broadcasts music through the car
stereo; tuning is simple with the product's one-touch operation
making it safe to operate while driving. Matching the look and feel
of the Nano's design, the kit is powered by the iPod nano's battery
or the included car charger. Users also have the ability to
simultaneously recharge the iPod and listen to music. The charger
conveniently plugs into any car power outlet or lighter. The FM
Trans Kit's adhesive backed clip, horizontal/vertical air vent clip
and sun visor clip all offer different mounting solutions that will
work with any vehicle's interior.
"Nyko is committed to bringing high-quality accessories to the
iPod market," said Susan Corben Cox, vice president of marketing,
Nyko Technologies. "The FM Trans Kit is a compact, easy to use, and
flexible solution for motorists who want their iPod nano's music
collection along for the ride."
The FM Trans Kit features:
- Four frequency FM transmitter
- Car charger that plugs into any vehicle's power outlet or
lighter adaptor
- Three different mounting brackets for convenience
- One-touch operation tuning promotes safe operation while
driving
- Powered by the Nano battery
- Slick design - FM transmitter matches the look and feel of the
iPod nano
- Apple licensed "Made for iPod" product
Nyko's FM Trans Kit ($39.99) will be available nationwide this
summer.
For more information, visit the company website or call
1-888-444-6956.
- Link: Nyko
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