Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2007.01.05
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is
covered in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Products
iPod Accessories
Software
News & Opinion
Poor Boy Apple .mac Alternatives
5thirtyone.com's Derek Punsalan says:
"Purchased a new Apple computer lately? Apple recommends
supplementing your new purchase with a yearly subscription to their
Dot Mac (.Mac) service.
"Touting such conveniences as iWeb publishing (no HTML/CSS
knowledge necessary), Photocasting (think personal photo
broadcasting), iDisk (access files anywhere at anytime or share
files with others), Backup (schedule automatic backups offsite or
to external media), Groups (communicate and socialize with others),
Mail (desktop & web based email access), and Sync (data &
preference syncing between machines) what's not to like? What may
not be so enticing for users is the admission cost(s) for such
'conveniences'. $99 for single users and $179 for family (up to 5
members) per year. Still sound enticing enough to subscribe and
renew on a yearly basis? It very well may be. Fortunately, for the
penny pincher in all of us, similar 'conveniences' can be achieved
for a fraction of the cost... Maybe even free.
"Whether or not you can make do without the annual subscription
service offered by Apple depends wholly on your willingness to
nit-pick through the alternatives. The following article will
break-down available solutions based on the specific 'conveniences'
you wish to retain while saving a little money in the long
run...."
Link: Poor Boy
Apple Dot Mac Alternatives
Mac Pro and New iPod nano 'Ruled in 2006'
Newsday's Stephen Williams reports:
"Miniature media players and giant-screen monitors bookend the
best in electronics that passed our way in 2006. As usual,
everything plugs in, and some of our favorites, like the earphones
from JBL, plug in at both ends.
"The end of the year promises to be a major revenue event for
consumer electronics companies, with their gadgets once again
taking the prize for most-wanted gifts of the holiday season.
"But enough about the future. Here's a look . . . at
the best of 2006:"
Two Apple products made the list, coming in at #3 and #4:
Mac Pro
"This Apple PC is a desktop to die for. The ultimate Mac to
date, the Mac Pro, is a powerhouse machine driven by a pair of
Intel Xeon processors, allowing it to run computations up to twice
as fast as the previous Power Mac Quad desktop...."
8 GB iPod nano (Product) Red
"This latest generation iPod junior doesn't sound any better
than its predecessor, but the screen is noticeably brighter and
seems more impervious to scratching. Still a terrific music
portable."
Link:
These Gadgets Ruled in 2006
Planned Home Computer Purchases Surge, Apple
Closes on HP
InformationWeek's Gregg Keizer reports:
"Although Dell (at 43%) and Hewlett-Packard (13%) were voted the
top two brands among likely buyers in December, Apple's 12% was the
highest since IBD began tracking it in mid-2003.
"Consumer PC purchase intent is at the highest level since July,
according to a monthly index tracked by Investor's Business Daily,
and one of the big beneficiaries in the next six month will be
Apple Computer.
"The IBD/TIPP Home Computer Purchase Outlook index, which uses a
0-100 scoring system to measure buyer intent, jumped 17% to 23 in
December from November. Only July's 23.4 had a higher mark in the
last three years, Investor's Business Daily said."
Link:
Planned Home PC Purchases Surge, Apple Closes on HP
Mac mini 'Carputer' in a Subaru
GThing's Sam reports:
"WELCOME DIGG USERS: This is the last of 5 articles about the
carputer. It has all the good stuff like pictures of the final
install. If you want more background and information, videos of the
front end in action, pictures of my car ripped apart, etc. about
the installation, check out the first four articles.... If you
would like the music from the clip that plays in the video, it's
free and you can get it at thepowerless.com....
"Items Used In The Carputer:
- 7" Lilliput 629GL-10NP Touch Screen - ~$250
- Subaru WRX Bolt in Kit (Custom Screen Housing) - ~$130
- Carnetix CNX-P1900 DC-DC Power Regulator - ~$100
- MacPac Power Cable Kit - ~$25
- Kenwood 300 Watt 4-Channel amp - ~$??
- Refurb 1.66 GHz/512/60 GB Intel
Mac mini - $530
- Long VGA Cable - ~$20
- USB Extender Cable - ~$20
- Subaru Wiring Harness - ~$20
- Miscellaneous Wiring, Switches, Fuse Box, Fuse, Female
Cigarette Adapter, Mounting equipment, etc. - ~$200
- GPS Tracking Equipment - ~$50 (+$5 Monthly)
- Phone: Undecided
"Softwares:
- AMP Version 1.0 (frontend available in the mp3car.com
forums)
- Bluephone Elite (Bluetooth cellphone calling and answering,
etc.)
- Mac OS X
- DisplayConfigX (To get OS X to properly work at the Lilliput's
native resolution of 800 x 480)"
Link: Carputer 5 -
Mac mini in a Subaru
Low Power Mighty Mouse Coming?
greenthinkers.org reports:
"According to
Macsimum News, Apple has been granted a patent for a hybrid low
power computer mouse. Basically, this 'green' mouse will use two
different mechanisms to track its movement on your desk - an
optical tracking sensor and a new feature, an
accelerometer...."
Link:
Enviro Mighty Mouse?
Apple Updates
What To Do if Your Intel-based iMac Won't Turn
On
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
There are some simple troubleshooting steps you should try if
your iMac (Early 2006), iMac (Mid 2006), or iMac (Late 2006) - the Intel-based iMacs -
won't turn on. Use these steps if:
Your Intel-based iMac computer's display has no picture after
you turn it on.
You don't hear any fan or hard disk activity sounds after you
turn the computer on.
The computer doesn't seem to have any power when you try to turn
it on.
Link: Intel-based
iMac: What To Do if Your Computer Won't Turn On
Resolving Startup Issues and Performing Disk
Maintenance
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
If your computer won't start up normally, you may need to use a
disk repair utility to fix the issue. Mac OS X includes two
utilities for this - Disk Utility and fsck. You can also use these
even when your computer starts just fine but you want to check the
disk for possible file system issues. For Mac OS X 10.4.3 or
later, check out "About live verification in Mac OS X 10.4.3
or later," below.
Note: If you're using Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you should use
Disk Utility instead of fsck, whenever possible.
In some situations, file system errors may prevent your computer
from starting up. This can occur after an improper shutdown, forced
restart, or power interruption. If your computer shows any of the
following symptoms on startup, use a disk repair utility:
- Your computer partially starts but then displays a command line
in a text-only environment. You may see the message, "file system
dirty, run fsck." Below it, you'll see what's called a command-line
prompt, indicated by a number sign (#), that allows you to type a
command. If you see this, you'll need to run fsck from the command
line (see "Use fsck," below).
- Your computer starts but either it won't reach the login
screen, or it may reach the login screen but not load the Desktop
after you log in. However, you can start up in single-user
mode.
If your computer exhibits either of the above issues, here are
some things to try to get your computer back to starting up
properly again. If you can't find the system discs that came with
your computer, see "Use fsck," below.
Topics covered:
- Try a Safe Boot
- Try Disk Utility
- Use fsck
- About live verification in Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later
Link: Resolve
Startup Issues and Perform Disk Maintenance with Disk Utility and
fsck
Products
Compact, USB Powered DSMobile 600 Scanner Has
OS X Support
PR: Pentax Imaging Company has announced the
introduction of the Pentax DSmobile 600 scanner. The powerful,
compact, lightweight 600-dpi color scanner combines dynamic
software with exceptional quality scanning for easy management of
documents and photos.
Built for use in the office or on the road, this Pentax DSmobile
600 scanner provides higher resolution and more powerful speed than
previous Pentax mobile scanners. The advanced technology sheet-feed
scanner and software are specifically designed for compatibility
with Windows® XP, 2000, ME and 98SE. A Mac OS X 10.3 or
later TWAIN driver will be downloadable from http://www.pentaxtech.com.
Measuring a mere 1.5" in height, 11" long, and weighing just 12
ounces, the DSmobile 600 offers quality scanning when space is an
issue. Capable of scanning media as small as a business card and up
to 8.5 x 14 inch paper size, the scanner offers high performance
with low power consumption and connects to a high-speed USB 2.0
interface yet uses only 2 W of power while scanning. The
unique USB power/data interface draws power directly from a PC or
Mac and comes with a detachable USB cable.
One touch of a button on the DSmobile 600 will launch a choice
of compatible scanning programs allowing users to choose these
scanning programs and initiate that program. The DSmobile 600 ship
set includes: DSmobile 600 scanner, 6 foot USB cable, carrying bag
for scanner protection, installation CD, user manual (printable
from the installation CD and also available on the Pentax website),
two photo sleeves, two calibration sheets, and an installation
guide.
The DSmobile 600 scanner ship set also includes the following
windows software:
- DSmobileSCAN that allows scanned documents to be automatically
saved as Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format files.
- PageManager Version 7, an updated version of the popular
software used with the DSmobile USB that allows users to scan and
organize digitized files with the ability to view, edit, send, and
save files in many formats.
- TWAIN allows users to control all scanner details and settings.
Users may access an array of scanning applications because TWAIN is
compatible with any application that uses TWAIN device input.
The DSmobile 600 Scanner will ship in January for $135 through
Pentax Reseller channels and online through Pentax Tech.
Link: Pentax Tech
Gefen's Wireless USB Extender Boasts Full
Wireless USB Connectivity
PR: Gefen's new Wireless USB Extender gives you the
freedom to move your Mac peripherals around while retaining
high-speed USB capability. This means your keyboard/mouse, scanner,
printer, hard drive, digital camera, and iPod can all remain
connected to the computer from up to 60' in distance (line of
sight) with no connection cables required. Distances up to 30' are
guaranteed through one wall.
Computer access is immediate with data transfer rates up to 400
Mbps. Pictures can be downloaded, documents printed, and computer
data accessed instantly from any USB device. Both high and low
speed USB (1.0 and 2.0) peripherals are supported on cross-platform
computers for unbeatable compatibility.
The Gefen Wireless USB Extender operates through a small sender
dongle that connects to the computer's USB port, and a four-port
USB Hub positioned at the remote location. The Hub is plug and play
in application, meaning you simply connect up to four USB devices
to the hub's four inputs for instant access.
Based on ultra-wideband wireless technology from Wisair that
operates in the 3.5 GHz range, Gefen's Wireless USB Extender is
expected to begin shipping in January with a MSRP of $249.
Gefen is also making available a Wireless Component Audio
Extender and a Wireless for HDMI Extender, expected in the first
quarter of 2007. Check www.gefen.com for updated product
information.
Gefen helps Mac pros and consumers get the most out of their
systems with high quality add-on solutions designed to deliver the
very best in digital video. Gefen's switchers, extenders,
converters, scalers, and splitters enable the most streamlined and
effective system integration possibilities available today.
Top-notch performance and reliability have long added to Gefen's
recognition as an innovative connectivity supplier for all types of
audio/video systems, with the emphasis on Apple computers and high
quality digital displays. Additional information may be found
online.
Link: Gefen
RadTech Releases Tiny DriveMate External
Drives
PR:
Rugged, portable, and compact 1" hard drive based data storage
module combines compact size and multilayer hardware protection
with ultra-fast data transfer speeds. DriveMate provides security
conscious users with high-performance, compact and attractive
solutions for their secure, portable data storage requirements.
DriveMate
compact data storage modules provide the ultimate physical
protection and security for your valuable data. Protection starts
with DriveMate's compact, tough and lightweight form-factor. The
internally gusseted enclosure features a HDD shock-chamber to
provide exceptional drop protection and physical crush resistance.
A captive USB cable neatly stows inside DriveMate's housing and
provides versatile connection options.
Each DriveMate module features a generous 2.0 gigabytes (GB) of
data storage capacity, and is available with 64-bit patented Enova
X-Wall hardware encryption technology - the most effective way to
secure your valuable and sensitive information. A low profile
write-protect switch prevents inadvertent data transfer when
required.
DriveMate also includes OnSync - A Mac/PC compatible backup and
synchronization application which combines scheduled sync and smart
backup capabilities. OnSync sports a user-friendly and intuitive
interface, detailed analysis of files to be synchronized and
error-proof confirmation dialogs to prevent unintentional
overwrites and duplicate file changes or deletions. When quality
and dependability count, DriveMate delivers - don't trust your data
to anything less.
Features:
- Rugged protection and security with blazing hi-speed USB 2.0
data transfer performance.*
- Compact and lightweight enclosure provides exceptional drop and
impact protection.
- Integrated USB cable stows inside housing and provides
versatile connection options.
- Low-profile USB connector and flexible cable won't block
adjacent ports on computer.
- Available 64-bit hardware encryption ensures that your data is
safe and protected.
- Low profile write-protect switch prevents secondary users from
writing to module.
- Includes OnSync - synchronization and data backup utility for
Mac and PC
- Perfectly sized module fits easily into pocket, purse or
luggage.
- Formats easily as Mac, Unix, or MS-DOS volume(s).
* Backward compatible with USB 1.1
Encrypted Hard Drives Available with 64-bit Hardware-Based
Encryption
Infinitely more secure than software or biometric-based
encryption. The Enova X-Wall engine provides real-time,
hardware-based encryption and decryption.
X-Wall shuttles encrypted data as fast as the installed HDD
reads and writes.
Unlike easily circumvented and platform dependent software or
biometric encryption, X-Wall strongly encrypts every bit and byte
on the drive, including the directory. The included secure key must
be present to mount the drive. Without the key, the drive and its
data are rendered useless and unreadable.
Two keys are included with each DriveMate, additional keys
available for purchase on request.
Enova's X-Wall technology provides the world's most secure
method to encrypt digital data:
- Hardware key must be present at drive mount time - after drive
mounts, the key can be removed
- Attempts to crack X-Wall receive no 'bingo' answer to key
injections, and a mount attempt must follow each try
- Would require decades or even centuries to crack 64-bit Enova
X-Wall hardware encryption
- 192-bit software or biometric HDD encryption can be readily
cracked in hours or days
DriveMate Specs
- Material: Polystyrene
- Enclosure Wall Thickness: 1.2mm
- Dimensions: 76 x 66 x 15mm
- Weight: Std: 57g Encrypted: 59g
- Power Source: USB Bus Power
- Bus Interface: USB 1.1 and/or 2
- Data Transfer Rates:
- USB 1.1: ² 12 Mb/s
- USB 2.0: ² 480 Mb/s
Product of Taiwan
Price: $74.95 - $144.95
Link: DriveMate
Impact 2.5" Secure Hard Drive Enclosure
for ATA and SATA Drives
PR: Impact ruggedized storage enclosures
provide the ultimate physical and thermal protection for your
valuable data. Protection starts with Impact's tough, yet
lightweight heat-dissipating 1mm thick extruded 6075 Aluminum alloy
shell. The tubular shell features 2mm thick, full-length stiffening
runners, providing exceptional load-bearing capabilities and
physical crush resistance.
A full-length bridgeboard features anti-shock damper strips and
is suspended within the enclosure by full-length radial Aluminum
standoff ribs. An array of self-limiting shoulder screws are
provided to prevent stripped screw guides and properly load the
shock-absorbing damper strips. This arrangement forms an effective
anti-shock chamber, further guarding the HDD and electronics from
impact and crush damage.
Self-aligning guide rails and high profile IDE or slim SATA
connectors assure hassle-free installation of virtually all 2.5"
hard drives. Horizontally stackable or vertically standable via the
included rubber-footed base, Impact enclosures deliver the
flexibility you need to be productive.
Easy Setup: Installing your hard disk drive into the Impact
enclosure is fast and easy.
Each enclosure includes all mounting hardware, data cables for
all supported connection busses and world voltage AC power supply.
Philips drivers #0 & #1 required (not incl.) to access
enclosure and mount HDD.
Features:
- Maximum physical and thermal protection with top-speed data
transfer performance
- Rugged extruded Aluminum enclosure provides exceptional crush
and impact protection
- Heat dissipating design keeps hard drives running cool -
extending their life span
- Easy HDD installation - all hardware and high-quality
connection cables included
- Stack horizontally, or stand vertically using included stand
base
- Models for ATA (EIDE) and Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk
drives
- FireWire models are fully boot capable for Mac OS 9 and 10
- Hardware encrypted models (presently ATA only) also
available
Impact 2.5" HDD Enclosure Specs:
- Material: Extruded 6075 Aluminum
- Enclosure Wall Thickness: 1-2mm
- Dimensions: 130 x 83 x 23mm
- Weight: 220-230g w/o HDD
- Power Source: Bus or Ext 5 VDC Source
- HDD Supported: ATA-6 or SATA: 2.5" x 9.5mm
- Bus Interfaces: USB 2.0+ FW400 and/or 800
- Bus Ports: USB 2.0+ FW400 and/or FW800
- Data Transfer Rates:
- USB: ² 480 Mb/s
- FW: ² 800 Mb/s
- Power Supply Input: 110-240 VAC 50-60 Hz
- Power Supply Output: 5 VDC-2A
Product of Taiwan
Price: $54.95 - $89.95
Link: Impact 2.5"
HDD Enclosure
Impact 3.5" Hard Drive Enclosure for ATA
and SATA Drives
PR: Impact ruggedized storage enclosures
provide the ultimate physical and thermal protection for your
valuable data. Protection starts with Impact's tough, yet
lightweight heat-dissipating 1.5mm thick extruded 6075 Aluminum
alloy shell - highly efficient convection cooled interior negates
the need for a distracting cooling fan.
The tubular shell features 3mm thick, full-length stiffening
runners, providing exceptional load-bearing capabilities and
physical crush resistance.
A full-length bridgeboard features anti-shock damper strips and
is suspended within the enclosure by full-length radial Aluminum
standoff ribs. An array of self-limiting HDD-mounting shoulder
screws are suspended within the bores of 4 resilient grommets. This
arrangement forms an effective anti-shock chamber, further guarding
the HDD and electronics from impact and crush damage.
Self-aligning guide rails assure hassle-free installation of
virtually all ATA-6 or SATA 3.5" hard drives. Horizontally
stackable or vertically standable via the included rubber-footed
base, Impact enclosures deliver the flexibility you need to be
productive.
Easy Setup: Installing your Hard Disk Drive into the Impact
enclosure is fast and easy.
Each enclosure includes all mounting hardware, data cables for
all supported connection busses and world voltage AC power supply.
Philips drivers #0 and #1 required (not incl.) to access enclosure
and mount HDD.
Features:
- Maximum physical and thermal protection with top-speed data
transfer performance
- Rugged extruded Aluminum enclosure provides exceptional crush
and impact protection
- Heat dissipating design keeps hard drives running cool -
extending their life span
- Easy HDD installation - all hardware and high-quality
connection cables included
- Stack horizontally, or stand vertically using included stand
base
- Models for ATA (EIDE) and Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk
drives
- FireWire models are fully boot capable for Mac OS 9 and 10
- Front panel-mounted status LED provides positive visual
feedback
- Encrypted models (presently ATA only) are also available
Impact 3.5i" HDD Enclosure Specs
- Material: Extruded 6075 Aluminum
- Enclosure Wall Thickness: 1.5-3mm
- Dimensions: 222 x 134 x 43mm
- Weight: 810g w/o HDD
- Power Source: Ext 12 VDC Source
- HDD Supported: ATA-6 or SATA 3.5"
- Interfaces: USB 2.0+ FW400/800 + eSATA
- Ports: USB 2.0+ FW400 or 800 and/or eSATA
- Data Transfer Rates:
- USB: ² 12 Mb/s
- FW: ² 800 Mb/s
- eSATA: ² 3 Gb/s
- Power Supply Input: 110-240 VAC 50-60 Hz
- Power Supply Output: 12 VDC-3A
Product of Taiwan
Price: $64.95 - $107.95
Link: Impact 3.5i"
HDD Enclosure
Software
Docx Converter Fixes Major Bug
PR: In Office 2007 Microsoft introduced a new file format
called the Microsoft Open Office XML Format (.docx). This format is
not compatible with older versions of Microsoft Word or with
alternative operating systems like Linux or Mac OS X. Nor is it
compatible with other word processing applications like OpenOffice,
Lotus 1-2-3, or NeoOffice.
The Docx-converter Dashboard Widget allows you to convert files
right from your Desktop. Simply drag the .docx file you want to
convert into the drop area of the widget (click to drag, push F12,
drop) and the widget will automatically convert the file and save
it to the location of the original file (with a .htm extension) and
(optionally) open it in your web browser. Best of all, any updates
or feature additions to the website will automatically be reflected
in the widget!
New in this Version
- Fixes a major bug where Paths or Filenames with spaces wouldn't
convert.
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later
Freeware
Link: Docx
Converter
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two
weeks:
For more deals on current, recently discontinued, and older
notebooks, see our MacBook deals,
15" MacBook Pro deals,
17" MacBook Pro deals, 12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" & 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.
