Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.06.30
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
Tips
Reviews
Products
iPod Accessories
News & Opinion
Apple Announces eMac Repair Extension
Program
Apple has announced an eMac Repair Extension Program for Video
and Power Issues
"The eMac Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues
applies to eMac computers that exhibit a certain video or
power-related issue as a result of a specific component failure.
These computers were sold between approximately April 2004 and June
2005. If your eMac is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below
and your computer's serial number is within the noted ranges, your
computer may be eligible for repair, free of charge. If Apple or an
Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) determines that your eMac
computer is eligible as part of the program, the repair will be
covered by Apple for up to three years from the original date of
purchase even if your eMac is out of warranty. This is a worldwide
Apple program.
"Affected systems will exhibit one of the following video- or
power-related symptoms:
- Scrambled or distorted video
- No video
- No power
"Note: If your eMac is not experiencing any of these symptoms,
you do not have to contact Apple or any Apple Authorized Service
Provider.
"The program is available for certain eMac models that were sold
between approximately April 2004 and June 2005 featuring 1 GHz and
1.25 GHz G4 processors.
"The affected eMac computers have serial numbers where the first
5 digits fall into the ranges noted below.
"Serial Number ranges:
- G8412xxxxxx - G8520xxxxxx
- YM412xxxxxx - YM520xxxxxx
- VM440xxxxxx - VM516xxxxxx
"All eMac computers have their serial numbers printed inside the
disc drive door. You can see this number when you eject the optical
drive tray; just press the Eject key on your keyboard.
"This program applies only to the systems noted in this FAQ.
Other versions of the eMac line are not part of this program.
"An Apple technical support representative or an Apple
Authorized Service Provider (AASP) will need to physically examine
your computer to determine if the component failure identified for
the eMac Repair Extension Program affects your computer and, if so,
arrange for the repair.
"To participate in the program, bring your eMac to the Mac
Genius Bar at your local Apple Retail store or Apple Authorized
Service Provider (AASP), or call your local Apple contact center.
The U.S. support number is 1-800-275-2273. If you are located
outside the U.S., please see Apple's international contact list for
your local Apple Technical Support phone number.
"If Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP)
determines that your eMac computer is eligible as part of the
program, the repair will be covered by Apple even if your eMac is
out of warranty. Customers are responsible for transporting their
computers to eligible AASPs or to the Mac Genius Bar at any local
Apple Retail store.
"The program covers affected eMac computers for up to three
years from the original date of purchase. Apple will continue to
evaluate the repair data and will provide further repair extensions
as needed.
"Apple is aware that some customers may have paid for out of
warranty repairs that qualify under this program. Apple or local
AASPs will contact affected customers (where contact information is
available) with details on the reimbursement process."
- Link: eMac
Repair Extension Program for Video and Power Issues
Fastest Mac on the Planet a Mutant mini?
Cult of iPod's Leander Kahney and Pete Mortensen report:
"Man, Intel wasn't kidding about the strength and speed of its
Core 2 Duo processor family.
"A Macinstein reader, Rico, tipped off the modding site to a
Korean forum with benchmarks from putting a 2.16 GHz Core 2 Merom
(remember, that's the low-power portable chip) into a Mac mini.
"The results are pretty staggering."
- Link: Fastest
Mac on the Planet a Mutant mini?
Mac mini's Brain Replaced with a Core 2 Duo
Macenstein's Helper Monkey
"Faithful Macenstein reader rico sent us a posting on the
Taiwanese forum Oikos discussing the results of replacing an Intel
Mac mini's standard Core Duo chip with a Core 2 Duo chip (the 2.16
GHz Merom T740). After a quick Babelfish 'Traditional
Chinese-to-English' translation, we can see why he was so
excited!
"While the Mini does not recognize that its brain has been
replaced by a Core 2 Duo chip (it lists itself as simply having a
'genuine Intel CPU') the benchmarks certainly don't lie."
- Link: Mac
mini's Brain Replaced with a Core 2 Duo
Mac mini Hotrods from Rival Computer
Apple's Mac mini isn't
configured the way you like it? Rival Computer will sell you a
customized Mac mini with up to 2 GB of RAM, 120 GB of drive
space, a 7200 rpm hard drive, up to 2.16 GHz of Core Duo power, and
more.
Configurations and options available:
Processor
- 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo
- 1.67 GHz Intel Core Duo
- 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo
- 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo
Hard Drive
- 60 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
- 80 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
- 100 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
- 120 GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
- 100 GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
Memory
- 512 MB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2x256)
- 1 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2x512)
- 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2x1 GB)
Optical Drive
- Slot Loading Combo Drive
- Slot Loading SuperDrive
Keyboard/Mouse
- Logitech Cordless Desktop
- Apple USB Keyboard and Mighty Mouse
- Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Monitors
- Acer 15" LCD Monitor (Black)
- Acer 17" LCD Monitor (Black)
- Acer 19" LCD Monitor (Black)
- Acer 20" Widescreen LCD Monitor (Silver)
- Apple Cinema Display (20" flat panel)
- Apple Cinema HD Display (23" flat panel)
Additional Operating System
- Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Parallels Desktop
- Parallels Desktop with Windows XP Home Edition
- Parallels Desktop with Windows XP Professional
- Link:
Rival Computer, Mac mini
Apple's Growing Bite of the Market
BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl reports:
"Windows PC users cite plenty of reasons for not wanting to own
a Mac. One of the biggest has historically been the inability to
run Windows applications - many of them needed for business - on an
Apple computer. But that and other reasons are becoming less valid,
and evidence is mounting that a potentially tectonic shift in
Apple's place in the PC market could be coming in the next few
years.
"In case you hadn't heard, Apple's Macs can now run Microsoft's
Windows. Also, by the end of the year - with luck, by the end of
the summer - all Macs will be built with microprocessors from
Intel. That, combined with the runaway success of the iPod music
player, augurs a considerably brighter picture for Mac sales and
worldwide market share starting about 2008.
"LOTS MORE INTEREST? Charles Wolf of Needham and Co. says Apple
could end up with a global PC market share north of 5% by 2011,
compared with a 1.9% sliver in 2005. How does he reach that
conclusion? He asked Windows users. Wolf had Harris Interactive
poll about 2,400 people on their intentions to buy a Mac. About 300
didn't own a computer and another 100 or so already owned a Mac,
leaving 2,092 people who use Windows on home computers."
- Link:
Apple's Growing Bite of the Market
Advice to Students: Pack a Mac
BusinessWeek's Stephen H. Wildstrom says:
"In a few months, nearly 3 million freshmen will head off to
college. Included in the gear most of them lug along will be a
computer, often brand new. This year I have some advice for the
college-bound: Unless you have a compelling reason not to go with a
Mac, an Apple laptop or desktop offers the best combination of
features, ease of use, and value.
"While I have been a Mac fan for years, I have never felt
strongly enough to make the Mac a default recommendation. But
things have changed. Mac software, both the OS X operating
system and the applications such as iPhoto and GarageBand bundled
with it, have gotten steadily better, while Windows seems stuck in
a rut.
"Meanwhile, new Mac hardware based on Intel processors has
erased the performance gap between Macs and products from
Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and others in the Windows camp. The move to
Intel also lets Macs run most Windows programs, either by rebooting
using Apple's Boot Camp software, or right on the Mac desktop using
Parallels
Workstation...."
- Link:
Advice to Students: Pack a Mac
Apple Product 'Serial Number Analyzer'
PR: If you would like to have more information on your
Macintosh (model, date of production, etc.) then enter your serial
number here. All the information that we can wring from the serial
number will be shown to you.
We support all Apple products including computers, laptops,
monitors, printers and batteries.
- Link: Apple
Product 'Serial Number Analyzer'
FastMac Internal Bluetooth Upgrade for Select
Mac Systems
PR: FastMac has announced the availability of a 100%
compatible plug and play internal Bluetooth upgrade for select
Power Mac G5, Power Mac G4, and iMac G4 systems. The upgrade adds
Bluetooth wireless connectivity between the customer's desktop
computer and the growing array of Bluetooth-enabled personal
digital assistants, mobile phones, cameras, printers, headsets,
keyboards and computer mice.
The Bluetooth module fits directly into the system's main logic
board, attaching to the built-in Apple antenna. No drivers or
software are required. This upgrade is available now for an
introductory price of $25.95. It comes with a 1-year warranty and
30-day money back guaranty.
Unlike other upgrades that attach externally, cost more and tie
up USB ports, this upgrade connects directly into the systems main
logic board freeing port space while adding functionality. The
upgrade has an effective range up to 32 feet (10 meters) and can
transfer data at up to 721 kbps. It is fully compatible with all
versions of Mac OS X including 10.4 (Tiger). Video install and PDF
instructions are also provided.
Compatibility
- PowerMac G4 (FW 800)
- PowerMac G5
- PowerMac G5 (June 2004)
- PowerMac G5 (Late 2004)
- iMac G4 (17-inch Flat Panel, 1 GHz)
- iMac G4 (USB 2.0)
- Link: FastMac
Gateway Profile 6 Falters Against the iMac
CMP Media's Fredric Paul reports:
"Can it really be so hard to make a great all-in-one computer?
Apple keeps doing it over and over again with its iMac series - and
not just because of the Macintosh operating system. But PC makers
seem to have a much harder time.
"Take Gateway's new Profile 6. On paper, it looks like the
perfect iMac killer for PC users: everything you need in one sleek
black case. But when you actually put it on your desk, it comes off
as more clunky than cool."
- Link:
Review: The Gateway Profile 6 Goes Up Against the iMac
Parallels System for Macs Still Best
The Washington Times' Mark Kellner says:
"About two months ago, I saluted what is now Parallels Desktop
for Mac as a stunning achievement of 'virtualization,' the ability
to create a 'virtual [computing] machine,' or 'VM,' inside another
computer. The idea is to be able to run another operating system
alongside your computer's main one.
"Herndon-based Parallels has released the final version of the
Mac virtualization software, and if you have an Intel-based Mac,
and a need to run just about any version of Microsoft Windows, your
choice is clear: Either pay $49.95 now for the program, or pay
$79.95 after July 15.
"There's just no better way - so far - to run Windows (or Linux)
on one of the newest Macs."
- Link: Parallels
System for Macs Still Best
Latest Articles from Mini
Ture_MacJournal
PR: One more panel yet to come in the modular network of
my connected living space perhaps another iMac this time with front
Row?
Tips
How To Use Multiple iPods with One
Computer
An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"Do you want to use more than one iPod with the same computer?
You can! In fact there are a couple of different ways you can do
it.
"Method One
"If you share your computer with other people, the simplest way
is to maintain separate user accounts on the computer for each
person and his or her iPod. This is useful if everyone has
different musical tastes; each person gets to maintain his or her
own personalized iTunes music library, and can customize the iPod
with his or her music.
"Method Two
"If one person wants to use multiple iPods on a computer, or you
don't want to create multiple user accounts to support multiple
iPods, you can set iTunes to update each iPod with only certain
playlists. This way, you can put all your music on, say, your iPod
photo and keep just your workout music on your iPod mini."
- Link: How To Use
Multiple iPods with One Computer
Printing in Classic Using a Mac OS X
Inkjet Printer Driver
An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If you're using a Classic application, you can print from it
using a Mac OS X printer driver. This applies only to inkjet
(raster) printers that use a single driver to print from either Mac
OS X or Classic applications. Here's how to do this in Mac OS X
10.3 or later."
- Link: Mac OS X
10.3 or Later: Printing in Classic Using a Mac OS X Inkjet Printer
Driver
Reviews
The mini Crosses Over
"Short of buying yourself a Power Mac G5, the Mac mini has been the cheapest way to
get a Mac without a built-in display. In fact, it is the most
affordable Mac in Apple's lineup.
"Unfortunately, its performance never exceeded its budget price
tag. The Mac mini has always been endowed with the slowest
processors (a 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 in its previous iteration), which
was still okay for 90% of your daily needs but not quite enough for
more demanding users.
"Which brings us to the new Mac mini, now powered by either a
1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo or a faster 1.66 GHz Core Duo
processor....
"Whether you're using a notebook PC or one of the new Intel
Macs, the Core Duo processors have garnered quite a good reputation
- they're really fast."
- Link:
The mini Crosses Over
Products
$99 XLR8 ProView Full-screen USB Video
Capture for the Mac
PR: Daystar Technology, is following its award-winning
(product of the year) InterView 3.0 (USB 1.1) video capture with a
new USB 2.0 product. This new product delivers full-screen,
no-compromise video on the Mac via USB 2.0.
The new XLR8 ProView USB delivers full 29.97 FPS (frames per
second) video, via QuickTime. Unlike expensive competitive devices,
ProView USB fully supports QuickTime and accepts audio/video from
any standard device via S-video or standard RCA connectors. Easy
for home users and professionals alike.
No Limits with ProView USB.
ProView USB can capture in raw video format, or via any-
QuickTime compressed format. Users just connect, then hit "Play" on
the video device, then hit "Record" on the bundled OS X capture
utility. Once captured (digitized), users can drag and drop
directly into iMovie, and begin editing in full DV format. ProView
USB supports full 640 x 480 capture in a full 29.97 FPS, with NO
dropped frames.
Capture, Archive and Create from Anywhere
Since ProView USB digitizes video from any standard analog
device, users can capture video from their VHS, Betamax, DVDs, CD
. . . directly into their Mac. Then use iMovie or iDVD to
create their own custom DVDs for family and friends.
XLR8 ProView USB Pricing
ProView USB contains everything that the user needs to be up an
running immediately. The package includes the USB 2.0 to
S-video/Composite device, and the RCA Stereo to Mini-jack for
audio. QuickTime handles the audio/video just like any DV
capture.
XLR8 ProView USB, $99 (for USB 2.0, OS X 10.3.5 up)
- Link:
XLR8 ProView USB
SeriTek/2SE2-E PCI Express eSATA Adapter
for Macintosh G5 Shipping
PR: New FirmTek solution equips the latest PCI Express
based Macintosh G5 towers with state-of-the-art storage performance
and flexibility
FirmTek, LLC, a pioneer and leader in Serial ATA (SATA) storage
solutions for Macintosh and PC platforms, is now shipping their
anticipated SeriTek/2SE2-E PCI Express adapter with two external
eSATA ports. Announced at NAB, this breakthrough solution provides
a high-performance SATA adapter that delivers the benefits of a
modern bus architecture with "SATA II" transfer rates as high as 3
gigabytes per second for two external drives. This is the first
two-port solution to arrive for the advanced technology in the
Dual-Core and Quad-Core G5s that provides plug-and-play
functionality which works without having to install separate
drivers. In addition, FirmTek's established hot-swap capability
makes it easy for users to move entire drives and arrays between
any FirmTek-equipped desktop system, or into secure storage, in
seconds.
Support for the Bus Standard of the Future
Apple's use of PCI Express in the new G5 has opened a new era of
performance for peripheral devices and expansion cards. Unlike
previous standards, PCI Express (also known as PCIe) gives each
device dedicated bandwidth and access to the system controller.
Under this design standard, slots are defined by the number of data
lanes included; usually one, four, eight or sixteen, each
supporting up to 250 Mbps. The new G5s include a 16-lane slot
intended for a graphics, as well as two slots with four lanes and
one slot with eight. Cards must be specially designed to work with
this new standard. "We are pleased to deliver a PCI Express card
supporting Serial ATA for these G5s," said Chi Kim Stanford, Vice
President of Business Development for FirmTek. "We're very happy to
announce its delivery ahead of schedule."
Security and Flexibility
FirmTek has pioneered products supporting ATA standards on the
Macintosh for many years, and offers a variety of enclosures and
interface solutions for demanding users. Since the introduction of
Serial ATA, the ability to hot-swap drives between enclosures has
been a key feature across FirmTek's products. All FirmTek
enclosures are designed to allow quick and easy removal and
installation of drives, usually in about a minute, without shutting
down or restarting the computer. This flexibility allows users to
share important data quickly, transfer or duplicate files at the
speed of SATA (instead of over sluggish networks, slow
USB/FireWire, or Internet connections), and to keep more sensitive
files locked up and secure with minimal effort.
Hot-swappable external enclosures also provide effectively
unlimited storage capacity, as users are not limited to the two
internal drive bays provided with the basic G5 system. As volumes
are filled to capacity, they are easily removed and replaced with
new drives, and ready to accept additional content. Enclosures are
currently available in 2-drive or 4-drive configurations to meet
the budgets and needs of most professionals.
To assist customers in maximizing their productivity and
obtaining maximum benefit from their FirmTek solutions, FirmTek
offers additional drive trays for $22.99 each, without any
additional purchases required. This enables customers to keep an
unlimited number of drives on hand and ready for action.
Designed to work with the Latest G5
As a PCI Express card, the SeriTek/2SE2-E is solely intended for
use with the new Dual and Quad-Core G5 systems and PCs that utilize
the PCI Express bus. This new card design is not compatible with
older PCI-X or PCI slots. FirmTek offers a variety of outstanding
solutions for other Macintosh and PC platforms, more can be learned
about these products online.
FirmTek's SeriTek/2SE2-E adapter for the latest G5 and PCs
running Windows and Linux is available now from FirmTek's network
of resellers and from the FirmTek website, with estimated retail
pricing of $99.95. For more information or to order, please visit
FirmTek's website.
- Link: FirmTek
SeriTek/2SE2-E
iPod Accessories
Nyko Announces the FM Trans Kit for iPod
nano
PR: Nyko Technologies 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 productâ'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
Nanos 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.
- Link: FM
Trans Kit for the Apple iPod nano
iDictionary Puts a Dictionary and/or
Thesaurus on Your iPod
PR: iDictionary is a Mac OS X application that allows you
to create a custom dictionary and/or thesaurus for your iPod, and
easily put it on your 3rd generation or better iPod. iDictionary
leverages the built in dictionary available with OS X 10.4
along with some very smart filtering and optimization techniques to
create a dictionary or thesaurus that will fit on an iPod. The
dictionary or thesaurus is displayed on your iPod using the iPod's
built in "Notes" feature. The "Notes" feature, which is needed to
view a dictionary or thesaurus on your iPod, is available on 3rd
generation or newer iPods (sold since April, 2003.).
Hard work has went into optimizing the dictionary creation
process to use the least amount of space possible since the "Notes"
feature of the iPod can only hold 1000 note files, holding a
maximum of 4 MB of data. iDictionary has an array of options
available that allows you to customize your dictionary to exclude
words that match certain criteria to save space, since the iPod can
only hold a finite amount of data.
If you have installed iPodLinux on your iPod you can view both a
dictionary and thesaurus on your iPod without limitation since
iPodLinux does not have a 1000 file viewing limit. If you are
interested in installing iPodLinux on your iPod I recommend the
iPodLinux Installer for Mac OS X.
Key Features
- Put a dictionary and thesaurus on your iPod
- Customize your dictionary and thesaurus to limit the number of
files the resulting dictionary will have
- Manage your created dictionaries or thesauruses
New in version 1.1:
- iDictionary Lite has been merged into iDictionary, this means
that if you don't own a license you can still use iDictionary; but,
your dictionaries will be restricted to letters a-z.
- Added "Created Dictionaries" window. You can now view and
select all previously created dictionaries to easily copy them to
your iPod. The "Created Dictionaries" window also features a
"Reveal in Finder" function which allows you to see where the
selected dictionary is located on your computer.
- User interface improvements to the dictionary & iPod
selection tables
- "Under-the-hood" improvements to the iDictionary code
base.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- 3rd generation iPod or newer.
System Support: PPC
$7 Shareware
- Link: iDictionary
Case-Mate Announces Patriot Line of iPod
Cases
Case-mate, makers of premium form-fit leather cases for the
Apple iPod and nano, introduces the Patriot Line.
Select traditional stars and stripes or the
brilliant disguise of camouflage to outfit your 5th generation Ipod
Video (30 GB and 60 GB) or nano. No matter which style you choose,
you'll be supporting our troops while protecting your music.
The Patriot Line from Case-mate offers stars and stripes or the
brilliant disguise of camouflage. No matter which style you choose,
you'll be supporting our troops while protecting your music.
Whether it's an iPod video or a nano case you take home, a
portion of the proceeds from the Patriot Line goes directly to the
United Service Organizations
(USO) of Georgia, which serves military personnel serving around
the world. Since before World War II, the USO has been helping
Americans support its troops.
Purchase a premium form-fit leather case and
watch the Ol' Glory and combat camouflage come to life in your
hands. Made of genuine Napa leather, each case is also outfitted
with an injection molded plastic shell providing the ultimate
protection for your music. Patriot cases have sharp and precise
cutouts with complete access to all functions of the iPod and nano.
Each case comes with a:
- Fully removable belt clip
- Full face screen protector
- Scroll wheel protector
- Applicator card
- Micro fiber cleaning cloth
Whether it's an iPod or nano case you take home, a portion of
the proceeds from the Patriot Line goes directly to the United
Service Organizations (USO) which serves military personnel serving
around the world.
- Link: Case-mate
iWood Red iPod Case
PR: iWood iPod cases carved out of blocks of solid wood
by Netherlands-based Miniot.com.
There are
iWood models for both the iPod nano and the 5g full-size iPod
Miniot.com has released a special red version of its iWood iPod
case available for €75 until June 30, 2006.
Made from red padouk, the iWood Red fits both U2 and "regular"
fifth-generation iPods.
The iWood red also allows you to sync your iPod while leaving it
in the case.
Each iWood comes in a black gift case.
A monogram of your choice is engraved on top, and a personalized
two-line message inside.
- Link: iWood
Red iPod Case
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