Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.12.01
This week's hot rumor: A Macintosh Tablet computer. No
specifics, but if it offers the same features as the MacBook, count
me interested. As for rumors of a 17" widescreen display from
Apple, count me skeptical. Apple left the low-end (sub-20") LCD
market a long time ago, and only huge levels of Mac mini sales could prompt them to
return to that part of the market.
The Photoshop Ninja reports that Apple has improved Rosetta in
OS X 10.4.8 to the point that Photoshop benchmarks average 35%
faster on Intel Macs. That could help a lot of Photoshop users
transition to Intel before Adobe releases a universal binary of its
flagship product for the Mac.
In other news, Computerworld looks at Spaces, Apple's virtual
desktop technology that will appear in Leopard, and Adesso has a
compact $30 USB keyboard just for Macs.
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is
covered in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Products
iPod Accessories
News & Opinion
Mac Tablet Coming Soon?
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady says:
"It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the concept of an Apple
tablet. It would be a great machine for commuting, allowing me to
keep up with news and email on-the-go. New reports indicate that
Apple may be close to releasing such a beast in 2007.
"Citing sources in Taiwan Australia's Smarthouse [below] claims
that Apple researchers have built a fully working prototype of
tablet Mac and three companies in Taiwan are bidding for a
potential launch in mid 2007."
Link: Apple Tablet Coming
Soon?
Mac Tablet Mac with Docking Station in
2007?
Smarthouse.com.au's David Richards reports:
"Apple researchers have built a full working prototype of a Mac
tablet PC and three Companies in Taiwan are now costing a product
for a potential launch in mid 2007.
"Sources in Taiwan have said that the focus has been more on the
home and the education environment than the enterprise marketplace.
Several months ago I was told that Apple was exploring a neat new
device that is basically a touch screen that links to various
source devices including a brand new media centre that Apple is
planning to launch next year.
"The Mac tablet has been designed to handle third party
applications such as home automation software that will allow users
to control lighting, audio, entertainment devices and security
feeds. It also acts as a full blown PC has wireless linking for a
new generation of Wireless Hi Fi speakers that are currently being
tested by Apple."
Link:
Apple Mac Tablet PC with Docking Station in 07?
OS X Update Boosts Photoshop CS2 on Intel
Macs
The Photoshop Ninja says:
"It seems like the wait for a native Intel based Mac OS X
version of Photoshop, due for release sometime next year (rumored
to be around Easter) has just been made a whole-lot sweeter with a
new Apple Mac OS system update.
"As reported on John Nacks Adobe blog, the recently launched
10.4.8 system update includes improvements to the Rosetta system
technology that allows PowerPC based applications to run on an
Intel processor based Mac...
"Reports suggest that by upgrading your operating system to
10.4.8, you will get around a 35% speed improvement...."
Link: OS X Update
Reaps CS2 Performance Improvements on Intel Apple Macs
Spaces: Virtual Desktops in Leopard
Computerworld's Ryan Faas reports:
"Last month, I talked about Time Machine, the revolutionary
backup tool that will be built into Mac OS X 10.5, or Leopard, the
next release of Apple's operating system that's due out early next
year. Although Apple has been mum on many of the details of
Leopard, CEO Steve Jobs did preview some of the coming attractions
back in August. This month, I'm looking at another of those new
features in Leopard that has gotten a lot of attention - and
engendered a fair amount of informed speculation - among Mac fans:
Spaces.
"Simply put, Spaces creates virtual desktops. A virtual desktop
acts like an imaginary second display, allowing you to position a
number of windows among various virtual desktops. You can also
switch between them, in effect turning your head to look at a
different 'physical' screen.
"As with using multiple displays, the advantage of virtual
desktops is that you can organize the various applications and
windows that are displayed at any given time without closing them
or minimizing them to the dock. You can still have windows from a
dozen applications open - but you're not distracted by all of them
overlapping each other...."
Link:
Spaces: A Look at Apple's Take on Virtual Desktops in
Leopard
Apple and ViewSonic to Unveil 17" Widescreen
LCD Monitors Soon
DigiTimes' Max Wang and Emily Chuang report:
"LCD vendors such as ViewSonic and Apple are set to launch
17-inch widescreen LCD monitors by year-end or the first quarter of
2007, according to industry sources.
"LCD monitor vendors expect 17-inch widescreen monitors to
replace entry-level and middle-range 15-inch and 17-inch LCD
monitors in the future. The prices for 17-inch widescreen monitors
will not necessary be higher than 17-inch 4:3 models amid more
efficient panel cutting by makers, according to the vendors."
Link: Apple and
ViewSonic to Unveil 17-inch Widescreen LCD Monitors Soon -
Report (subscription required)
Top Photo Editors for Macintosh
About.com says:
I've just updated my top picks of Macintosh photo editors.
Whether you're just starting out, in need of something more
advanced, or have a restricted budget, you're sure to find
something that meets your needs.
High End
- Adobe Photoshop
- ACD Systems Canvas
- Corel Painter
- Synthetik Studio Artist
Intermediate
- Adobe Photoshop Elements
- PhotoLine 32
- ArcSoft PhotoStudio X
- MicroSpot PhotoFix
- MicroFrontier ColorIt!
Basic (or free and not so basic)
- Seashore (Free)
- GIMP for MacOSX (Free)
- Pixel
- Pixen (Free)
- FuturePaint (Free)
- PhotoLine 32
- Painting
- Rainbow Painter
Link: Top Photo Editors
for Macintosh
Products
Adesso's $30 Mac SlimMedia Mini Keyboard
PR: The Adesso Mac SlimMedia Mini keyboard for Mac takes
its inspiration from Apple's distinctive, contemporary approach to
design. Inside its low-profile form, the keyboard is packed with
performance and convenience functions. Low-travel, high quality
membrane key switches delivers a crisp, responsive touch for faster
typing. And multimedia hot keys provide intuitive, one-button
control of audio playback & web browsing.
Features:
- Hot Keys for Instant Web & Email Access
- Slim Compact Design
- Convenient Multimedia Controls
- Bus Power USB with 2 downstream ports keyboard
- Instant access to Multimedia, Internet and Application
functions
- Easy tactile keys lets you work longer in comfort
- Compatible with Mac OS 9/ OS X (Jaguar & Tiger)
- Multimedia Hot Keys: Volume down, Volume up, Mute, Pre track,
Next track, Play/Pause, Stop
- Internet Hot Keys: WWW /home, favorite, Refresh, Stop,
Email
- Application Hot Keys: Calculator, Print, Sleep
- Multi-language: English
- System requirements: iMac 9.1/10.3 or greater (Tiger and
Jaguar)
- Key Layout: Keyboard: 100 with 12 hot keys
- Operating Force: 55 ± 10 ( gm )
- Total Travel: 2.2 ± 0.3 ( mm )
- Connector: USB Port
- Key switches: Membrane switch with tactile feedback
- Keycaps type: Low profile
- Cable Length: 5 ft
- Switch Life: 10 million cycles
- Dimension: 15.75" x 6.73" x 0.5" (L x W x H)
- Warranty: 12 months
Price: $29.99
Link:
Adesso Mac SlimMedia Mini Keyboard for Mac
FireWire/USB 2.0 RAID Drive Supports RAID 1, 0,
and JBOD
PR:
Supports Multi-stream Uncompressed SD, DV, HDV, and DVCPro HD -
available in 500 GB (standard), 1 TB and 1.5 TB
capacities.
Introducing the first configurable FireWire RAID solution
supporting uncompressed 8-bit/10-bit SD editing and photo
libraries. The FireWireVR is equipped with 2x SATA 3 Gb/s hard
drives and CalDigit's unique FireWire technology to support
multi-stream uncompressed SD, DVCPRO, HDV and DV nonlinear video
editing systems. FireWireVR is also designed to store large photo
libraries with an option of providing hardware RAID protection on
digital content.
Triple Interface, Universal FireWire 1394a and 1394b 800 and
USB Connectivity
Designed for high-speed access to video, audio, and any digital
content; while at the same time offering flexible connectivity
options. The FireWireVR is the highest performing triple interface
2-bay drive on the market today. FireWireVR is designed to connects
any Mac, Linux, or Windows PC machines via FireWire 800, FireWire
400, and USB 2.0 connection.
Configureable RAID Modes
The FireWireVR offers ease and flexibility in the RAID
Configuration. Performance (RAID 0), Protected (RAID 1), or JBOD
can be configured from back panel.
With configurable RAID level, you can choose RAID 0
(Performance) for intensive disk-access applications; for example,
video editing. RAID 1 (Protected) can be used for automatically
mirroring data to secure your digital content creation.
Ideal For
- Video Editing Multi-Stream of 8 & 10 bit Uncompressed SD,
DVCPRO HD, HDV, DV.
- Digital Library Photo/MP3 libraries, Motion Graphics
- Application Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Aperture, Photoshop,
Lightroom, etc.
Specifications:
- Dimension: 9.76" L X 5.12" W X 4.26" H (247.87mm L X 130mm W X
108mm H)
- Net Weight: 7.5 lb. (3.4 kg)
- Power Supply Specification: Input 100-240V auto switch 50~64 Hz
1.5A, Output 5V 4.2A, 12V 3A
- Operating Temperature: 5~40 degrees Celsius
RAID Engine
CalDigits' sophisticated & powerful RAID engine allows the
FireWireVR to be easily configured to RAID 0, 1, & JBOD. The
only True FireWire RAID solution, designed for professional content
creation applications including Video/Audio editing, as well as
graphic design and digital imaging .
Quality and Detail
Each rugged & functional aluminum enclosure incorporates a
high airflow cooling system.
A quiet, reliable, ball-bearing fan and specially designed
venting facilitates airflow above and below the hard drives from
the front of the unit to the back.
Swappable Drive
Perfect for RAID 1
A team of world class engineers with years of experience in the
storage business; CalDigit has developed the only real hardware
FireWire RAID 1 solution.
Unlike other companies? RAID 1 products, the FireWireVR takes
the place of other FireWire
solutions that may have RAID functionality but fail to deliver
when a mirrored drive is down. The FireWireVR product has real
swappable functionality, which enables a dead drive to be swapped
out, replaced and rebuilt.
The Latest FireWire Disk RAID Technology
FireWireVR features the latest FireWire 800 Disk RAID
technology, for high data transfer rates to support multi-stream
video playback with real time effects
The Latest Storage Technology
The FireWireVR also features the latest SATA 3 Gb/s 16 MB cache
drives for speed to meet the demands of the most up-to-date video
& content editing software.
Thoroughly Tested Before Being Shipped to You
Each FireWireVR is completely tested under stringent real world
application tests and burned in to assure you optimal
performance.
Virtually Unlimited Capacity
The swappable functionality of the FireWireVR allows user to
upgrade the drive capacity as needed. No capacity limitation to any
single chassis.
Online and Offline Rebuild
The FireWireVR supports online and offline rebuilds. User can
choose offline rebuilds if the host computer port is not
available.
Mac, Linux, and Windows
FireWireVR is compatible with Windows, Linux, Apple Mac Pro,
MacBook Pro, PowerBook, G4, and G5 computers with impressive
performance and protection at an attractive price.
Modular Design
The FireWireVR's drives and fan are designed to be swappable.
Our modular design allows the fan and drives, which can potentially
fail, to be easily and quickly hot swapped reducing downtime on
time-critical projects.
The FireWireVR Drive Module features a unique handle design for
fast, easy installation and a positive locking mechanism to hold it
tightly in place after insertion. This module employs a drive
mounting technique that increases drive isolation and reduces
vibration. Carefully tested and qualified to ensure maximum
performance and reliability, FireWireVR Drive Modules work
seamlessly with the sophisticated FireWireVR RAID engine and
variety of Operation System. Order below for additional 250 GB, 500
GB, and 750 GB modules
- FireWireVR spare drive
- Expand capacity
- Replace the faulty drive
- Rebuild the RAID array
- Interface: Serial ATA
- Buffer Size: 16 MB
- Spindle Speed: 7200 RPM
$499.99
Link: FireWireVR
SATA to FireWire 1394a/1394b 800 and USB RAID 1, 0, and
JBOD
MaxConnect Adds Room for 4 More Hard Drive in
Mac Pro
PR: MaxConnect for Mac Pro is an internal hard drive
mounting solution that allows four additional SATA hard disk drives
to be installed in the optical bay of the Mac Pro system.
MaxConnect for Apple Mac Pro Optical bay internal hard disk
expansion solution allows Mac Pro system to utilize two extra SATA
data channels (available on the logic board) along with existing
Optical Drive, MaxConnect flexible design allows Mac Pro system to
house eight hard Disk Drives internally.
MaxConnect for Mac Pro Optical Drive Bay Features
- Two piece construction, Precision machined Aluminum.
- Slip in Design in the Optical Bay, no modification needed.
- Optimized for Air Flow.
- Surface Treated for electrical insulation.
- Flexible Upgradability.
- Install two SATA drives in the Optical Drive bay with the
Optical drive (Optical Drive with 6 total SATA drives, on board
SATA Channels No SATA Controller required).
- Install two SATA drives in the Optical Drive bay with an
ATA/IDE Drive (7 total internal SATA drives: No SATA Controller
required).
- Install four SATA drives in the Optical Drive bay (8 total
internal SATA drives: Two internal ports SATA Controller
required).
Six SATA drives installed in the Mac Pro system, two SATA drives
in the Optical bay along with the Optical Drive and four in the
factory bays, two SATA drives in the Optical Drive bay are
connected with two onboard SATA channels (All six drives have
native SATA support), user can stripe all six drives for maximum
DATA transfer rate,or stripe two drives in the Optical Drive bay
for faster boot (2x WD Rapter 10k) and stripe four drives in
factory drive bays, or any other combination desired.
Eight drives installed in the Mac Pro system,Four SATA drives in
the Optical bay along with four SATA drives in the factory bays,
two SATA drives in the Optical Drive bay are connected with two
onboard SATA channels, (requires removal of Optical Drive, mounts
on the same Optical drive mount), (Six SATA drives have native SATA
support two SATA drive in the Optical Drive bay connected via two
internal ports PCI Express Controller) , Eight drives striped for
maximum DATA transfer rate (470+ MB/sec) .
Test result of eight 500 GB SATA drives, system is booted from
FireWire External Drive (factory drive was installed in an External
FireWire Enclosure)
Seven drives installed in the Mac Pro system, two SATA drives in
the Optical bay along with four SATA drives in the factory bays,
two SATA drives in the Optical Drive bay are connected with two
onboard SATA channels and one IDE/ATA Drive in the Optical Bay (
requires removal of Optical Drive, mounts on the same Optical drive
mount )(All six SATA drives have native SATA support and ATA/IDE
drive is onboard IDE channel (native) , user can boot from an
IDE/ATA Drive and stripe all six drives for maximum DATA transfer
rate.
MaxConnect P/N MaxConnect for Mac Pro System
SZ-MCMPOPT01 MaxConnect for Mac Pro System
- Base Mount (Aluminum) for the bottom two SATA drives
- Optical Drive Mount (Aluminum) for Optical Drive or Two SATA or
IDE Drive
- Two SATA Cable
- Power Cable for Two SATA Drives
SZ-MCMPOPT02 MaxConnect for Mac Pro System
- Base Mount (Aluminum) for the bottom two SATA drives
- Optical Drive Mount (Aluminum) for Optical Drive or Two SATA or
IDE Drive
- Four SATA Cable
- Power Cable for Four SATA Drives
Link:
MaxConnect for Mac Pro Optical Drive Bay Disk Mounting
Assembly
iPod Accessories
New iPod Stands Inspired by a Guitar Stand
PR:
Marty Knapp writes:
Westshore Craftworks, makers of the iDockCover, is excited to
make a couple of announcements. We have some new products and a new
web site.
First of all, we have the new GS Series iPod stands. Inspired by
a guitar stand, they feature a lacquered hardwood base with a steel
wire bracket that facilitates all full-size iPods. And they work
with or without a case!
We currently
have four different styles - two round bases, one in glossy white
lacquer and one in glossy black lacquer. We also have glossy
sunburst lacquer guitar base (looks similar to a Strat) and a
glossy black lacquer Grand Piano.
Secondly, we have a new web site - www.PodStands.com.
Link: PodStands.com
iSymphony Integrates iPod with
Audio/Video Technology
PR:
Audio innovations and enhancements have come in many formats with
new jumps in technologies over recent years. What can be done with
these technologies for the consumer may be coming into a new light
by a new company.
iSymphony Holdings Enterprises, LLC has officially announced the
launch of its new iSymphony line, designed to integrate these
technologies and provide new eye-opening applications of them for
the user. Rodney Rich, Director of Marketing for iSymphony, pointed
out flatly that "unlike the many 'i' companies marketing products
today, the 'i' in iSymphony stands for something other than just
riding the iPod coat tails: it represents integration and
innovation. iSymphony combines traditional audio needs with unique
applications of iPod and contemporary music sharing devices."
The market
is filled with devices that allow you to play your favorite iPod
tunes via a dock and speakers, but do not allow you to do much
else. CDs, your favorite radio stations, and staple functions of
traditional audio systems seem to have been forgotten. iSymphony
has integrated these functions and many others into its unique
products along with the iPod "playability." One flagship model in
the line, the M1 (available at Best Buy, Radio Shack, CompUSA,
Fry's Electronics and many notable retailers across the U.S.), has
an integrated CD/MP3 player, USB, SD/MMC inputs for flash memory
devices to be played through the unit, an AM/FM stereo tuner, MP3
and WMA playback, a backlit clock with "wake up to your favorite
music" functions, and caps it all off (literally) with a built in
universal dock for iPod with adapters for all docking iPod models
included.
The system allows your iPod to charge while docked, and with the
M1's PC connectivity, allows you to remix your tunes through the
system! Oh - for the iPod shuffle owners, fear not; just plug your
unit into the USB port and enjoy the very rich sound the M1
provides. The unit's sound quality is superb, and is enhanced by
Dynamic Bass Boost and preset EQ settings.
Need more? The iSymphony M2 takes all of the M1's features and
adds a Progressive Scan DVD/MPEG4 player plus additional flash
memory via its Memory Stick compatibility. The result: a DVD/Home
Theater/iPod system that appeals to every member of the family,
whether at home, office or dormitory. It is the ultimate
"all-in-one" system. The company seems to have thought of
everything: you can even take your SD card from your digital
camera, plug it in to your M2, and have a home slide show on your
large screen TV. The unit plays your iPod videos on your TV, too,
showing all relevant information regarding the artist, song number,
etc.
The
iSymphony line features products that incorporate iPod functions
and docking/charging stations in micro systems, clock radios and
other product categories. There is no skimping on sound quality,
either, as the speakers, amps, and power of the iSymphony systems
provide rich, high fidelity sound.
Mr. Rich cited the impressive retail account roster that picked
up the line immediately upon its inception, and also pointed to
prominent chains abroad that similarly picked up the products as
soon as they were deliverable, most notably Dixon's, the largest
electronics retailer in the U.K. and Europe. Rich attributed the
immediate pickup of the line to its novel applications, noting that
the company's marketing and R&D staffs saw market conditions
that allowed for simple integrations that would have mass appeal
and start "a migration from iPod speakers with no functions to
integrated and loaded 'hybrid' units that would also revive flat
audio system categories worldwide. Once this occurred to the team,
the direction and focus of the company immediately crystallized;
what you'll see from iSymphony in the very near future will take
great existing technologies - including Bluetooth and WiFi - and
utilize them with simplicity and sensible applications that bring
great convenience to the consumer."
Rich went on to add that the company will be showcasing these
technologies in its new line of products at the Consumer
Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. He stated that "The
Company will maintain its iPod integration with new twists to it,
while looking to broaden our demographic reach to the widest degree
possible with products that are perfect for any member of the
family in any setting. I believe that it will be difficult for
anyone to find mainstream categories of product with features that
rival the level of innovation we'll be unveiling."
Most products under the iSymphony line up are part of the "Made
for iPod" program. This program designed by Apple allows for
companies such as iSymphony to state "Made for iPod" on POP
materials, as well as on the packaging of products that have been
authorized by Apple to use their proprietary dock connection
within. iSymphony is very proud to meet the high expectations of
Apple under this program, and, as Mr. Rich concluded: "This is only
the beginning."
iSymphony Holdings Enterprises, LLC is a privately held company
incorporated in Los Angeles and is in the business of making audio
devices integrating and creating new applications for the latest
technologies.
Link: iSymphony
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers monthly:
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
