Use Any Networked Computer as an Additional Mac Display, Fixing AirPort Problems with OS X 10.4.8, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2006.10.06

This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News

PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News

• Use Any Networked Computer as an Additional Display in Mac OS X
• Logitech Pushes the Edge with New Keyboard Design
• zCover Pro Tools Program Keyboard Cover
• MondoMouse Gives Your Mouse Super Powers
• Solving AirPort Problems with Mac OS X 10.4.8
• Mac Pro Power Consumption and Thermal Output

Desktop Mac Deals

News & Opinion

Use Any Networked Computer as an Additional Display in Mac OS X

PR: Recycle your old iMac, PowerBook or even Windows PC.

Most Mac users have a spare computer sitting right next to their main computer on their desk. ScreenRecycler now enables you to use this spare computer as second display for your Mac. You can even use an idle machine for that purpose.

Just start ScreenRecycler on your Mac then connect to ScreenRecycler via VNC from your old machine.

Free prerelease download.

Link: ScreenRecycler

Logitech Pushes the Edge with New Keyboard Design

PR: It's more than a keyboard - it's a minimalist work of high-technology art. Logitech has unveiled the Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard, a cutting-edge blend of refined design and breakthrough innovation. Following the design legacy of Logitech's original, award-winning diNovo Media Desktop (2003), the diNovo Edge reflects the growing importance and visibility of the PC in today's home.

Meant to be seen and touched, the comfortable new keyboard, with a high-gloss finish, is laser cut from a single, semi-translucent piece of black Plexiglas and set into a brushed-aluminum frame. Its minimalist style is further evident in the limited number of buttons and the dynamic, backlighted icons embedded within the keyboard, which are invisible when not illuminated. Considering the keyboard's many innovations and advanced technology, this eye-catching design seems impossibly thin at only 3Ú4" (19.05 mm) thick.

Breaking new ground in technology, the diNovo Edge is Logitech's first rechargeable keyboard, features an integrated touch-sensitive navigation and scroll panel, and includes embedded Bluetooth wireless technology. Its fusion of premium technology and aesthetics adds a sense of prestige to any den or office. It also makes the keyboard a perfect addition to the living room, where an increasing number of people are using their computers.

"The diNovo Edge is the most beautiful and elegant keyboard we've ever made," said Denis Pavillard, vice president of product marketing for Logitech's keyboards and desktops. "It elicits an immediate emotional connection the first time you see it - and that connection only gets stronger when you place your hands upon it. The diNovo Edge delivers a premium experience in every way, from how it looks in the office or living room, to how it feels and performs in the hands of its owner."

The diNovo Edge is the newest member of Logitech's premier family of Advanced Peripherals. It's designed to perfectly complement the equally stunning and powerful Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse. To further create the best-of-the-best computer system, people can add the Logitech Z-10 2.0 Interactive Speaker System, which matches the diNovo Edge with a soft-orange liquid-crystal media display and a pristine glossy black surface.

Logitech's first-generation diNovo keyboard design, introduced in 2003, reflected the growing minimalist tastes among consumers - with sharp angles and an ultra-slim profile that complemented flat-panel monitors. The new diNovo Edge keyboard takes the approach even further by reducing the number of seams and buttons on the keyboard, offering touch-sensitive technology and controls that are flush with the keyboard surface, and using dynamic soft-orange backlighting behind the single Plexiglas panel.

The semi-translucent surface enables the dynamic backlighting of icons embedded within the keyboard, which are invisible without illumination. Pressing the function key illuminates icons for secondary F-key functions, including media controls and application-launch keys. After the function key is released, the icons above the F-keys disappear and the keyboard's top panel returns to its pristine black state.

The keyboard rests completely flat, with a low profile, on a desk or coffee table, or on a lap. Several studies have shown that lower-profile keyboards reduce wrist extension and thereby reduce the risk of hand and forearm discomfort.

The navigation features of the diNovo Edge keyboard are carefully designed to deliver premium performance, whether with a PC in the office or in the living room - using Windows XP, Windows XP Media Center Edition, or the upcoming Windows Vista™ operating system. For example, the keyboard has a special start key that launches the Vista start menu, and an F-key search button provides one-touch access to Vista's search feature.

The keyboard includes the first-of-its-kind touch-sensitive TouchDisc, which enables people to scroll and navigate a graphical user interface without having to reach for a mouse - perfect for leaning back from the desk, for making a small adjustment when working at the desk, or for using a media PC in the living room. Moving a finger up and down or across the disc moves the cursor on the computer screen, and moving the finger in a circular motion around the perimeter of the TouchDisc enables people to scroll horizontally and vertically through documents.

Located above the TouchDisc, the keyboard's touch-sensitive volume slider makes it easy to quickly adjust the computer's volume. And on the left-hand side of the keyboard, three zoom buttons - zoom in, zoom out, and 100 percent view - enable people to navigate and edit digital photos with ease. A pointer button, used with the TouchDisc, enables two-hand navigation.

With the diNovo Edge, each keystroke feels fluid and stable with Logitech's PerfectStroke key system, featuring precision micro-scissor mechanisms that distribute force evenly across key surfaces. On many keyboards, when pressure is applied to a key's edge, the key sticks and requires more force to engage. On the diNovo Edge, whether one pushes the center of the key or one of the key's edges, the keystroke feels the same. Logitech also has carefully calibrated the tension and travel required for keystrokes, optimizing each specification to deliver the best performance.

With Bluetooth wireless technology, the diNovo Edge can connect directly, without the included USB micro-receiver, to PCs that have built-in Bluetooth technology. For computers without built-in Bluetooth technology, people need only plug in the micro-receiver to a USB port to connect the keyboard to the PC; the keyboard and receiver are pre-paired during manufacturing so that they automatically connect when plugged in.

Bluetooth wireless technology provides the keyboard with a longer range (up to 10 meters, or 33 feet) than for many cordless keyboards - important for use in the living room.

The rechargeable diNovo Edge comes with a stylish stand that serves as both a recharging station and a display base; when inserted in the stand, the keyboard rests perpendicular to the desk, showing off its slim design and freeing up valuable desk space. A two-hour charge yields up to two months of battery life.

The Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in November. Its suggested retail price is $199.99 in the U.S. More information about the keyboard is available in the Advanced Peripherals section of Logitech's website.

Link: Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard

zCover Pro Tools Program Keyboard Cover

PR: zCover Inc, manufacturer of fashionable silicone protective cases, has announced the release of their zPrinting Pro Tools Program Keyboard cover.

With precision moulding and printing process, the zPrinting Pro Tools Program Keyboard cover turn your normal keyboard into a fully functional Pro Tools audio editing keyboard. This zPrinting Pro Tools Program Keyboard cover designed for Mac users to run pro tools with pre-printed program shortcut icon and key letters on their Apple Keyboard or the Apple Wireless Keyboard.

zPrinting Pro Tools Program Keyboard cover is made of high quality silicone and is applying high printing know-how. The printing will not peel off or fade. It fits every contour of your keyboard and it won't slip or slide while you work. This durable short cut key cover offers more flexibility for the editors.

This durable Keyboard skin can be cleaned quickly and easily. It protects from dust, spills, staples and many other contaminates that could damage your keyboard as well.

"It took us years to develop printing technology for our silicone covers. zPrinting is one of our key business." said Sean Sa, vice president of zCover Inc. "The editors can now use the zPrinting covers with the best value for their money. The printings will not peel off or fade as they are blended prior to moulding. Its extraordinary durability and perfect fit will win your lasting affection and loyalty"

Features:

• zCover silicone skin are crafted from non-toxic, durable high-grade silicone rubber. It is safe.
• Ultra thin (0.6mm) skin touch feeling, durable,
• Made of 100% high grade silicone,
• Multicolor and glow-in-dark fashionable design,
• Full shock-absorbing, tear-resistant protection,
• Molded to specifically fit every point,
• removable easy on and off for cleaning,
• Stays in place and does not shift around,
• Washable - you can wash zCover silicone typeOn skin by hand, washing machine, or dishwasher. Make sure it's dried out before put it on your keyboard. Dry it in room temperature. Please avoid direct fire and direct bright sunshine.

The zPrinting Pro Tools Program Keyboard cover is compatible with all versions, including Pro Tools 7, Pro Tools HD, Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools Free

The zPrinting Pro Tools Program Keyboard cover fits Apple Keyboard & Apple Wireless Keyboard.

(note: this keyboard skin does not compatible with Apple Pro Keyboard and older version Apple USB Keyboard.)

The zPrinting Pro Tools Program Keyboard cover retails for $49.95

Link: zCover Pro Tools Program Keyboard Cover

MondoMouse Gives Your Mouse Super Powers

PR: MondoMouse is a mouse enhancement for Mac OS X 10.4. It adds cool new capabilities to your mouse.

• Move any window without clicking it, and without bringing it to the front.
• Resize any window without clicking it, and without bringing it to the front.
• Focus Follows Mouse Automatically switch to whatever application the mouse hovers over.

But wait, there's more! Ever have trouble finding a window? MondoMouse identifies the window under the mouse for you via a floating text box. Find just the right window from the dozens that may be open, without all that tedious mucking about with Expose!

New in version 1.1.1:

• Fixes a bug where Delicious Library would occasionally crash while MondoMouse

New in version 1.1:

• Adds visual indication of which MondoMouse action is active at any given time. Also numerous performance enhancements and bug fixes have been included.

System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

System support: PPC/Intel

$14.95 shareware

Link: MondoMouse

Solving AirPort Problems with Mac OS X 10.4.8

A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"After upgrading to Mac OS X 10.4.8, some Intel-based computers may not auto-connect to remembered networks that use WPA2 security. This article explains how to correct this behavior.

"Products affected

• Macs with Intel Core Duo-based processors:
  • MacBook
  • MacBook Pro (all models)
  • Mac mini (Early 2006)
  • iMac (Early 2006)
• Mac OS X 10.4.8

"Solution

"To restore the auto-connect feature:

1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
2. Select the Network pane.
3. From the 'Show:' drop-down menu, choose 'AirPort'.
4. Make sure the 'By default, join:' pop-up menu is set to 'Preferred networks.' (If it was set to 'Automatic networks', you can set it back to Automatic after the next step.)
5. Select any network that shows WPA2 security and use the minus (-) button to remove those networks from the list.
6. Once all WPA2 networks have been removed from the list, use the plus (+) button to add them back. (You will need the appropriate passwords for the wireless network.) If it's more convenient, you can wait to re-add the networks until you use them--when you use a network, it will be added to the list automatically.
7. If in step 3, your default was Automatic rather than Preferred, go ahead and change your default back to Automatic."

Link: Mac OS X 10.4.8: AirPort Does Not Auto-connect to Existing Networks after Restart or Wake from Sleep

Mac Pro Power Consumption and Thermal Output

A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"Learn about the power consumption and thermal output of Mac Pro computers.

"Power Consumption Thermal Output

"Idle /CPU Max/ Idle/ CPU Max

"171 W 250 W 584 BTU/h 1519 BTU/h"

Link: Mac Pro: Power Consumption and Thermal Output (Btu) Information

Desktop Mac Deals

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