Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2007.02.16
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
Software
News & Opinion
Vista Home Does Run on a Mac
Macworld's Christopher Breen reports:
"If you care about running Windows on a Mac, you've undoubtedly
heard that the end user license agreement (EULA) for Windows Vista
Home Basic and Home Premium forbids you to use these versions of
Microsoft's latest operating system release with virtualization
software - software that allows you to run operating systems other
than the Mac OS in a windowed environment within the Mac OS. Such
virtualization software includes the popular Parallels Desktop
for Mac. What the reports on this matter
don't reveal is whether this
is simply a legal restriction or also a technical one.
"I hoped to have the answer. And then, last night, it came to me
in a dream."
"I'm elated because - at least according to my dream - Windows
Home Premium does run acceptably under Parallels as does the latest
version of Office, despite what the EULA may hint. But I'm
disappointed that it doesn't run as well as XP.
"Happily, nothing in the EULA forbids me from running Vista
under Boot Camp. As far as Vista and Microsoft are concerned, a Mac
running Boot Camp is just another PC."
Link: Running
Vista Home on a Mac
Installing OS X on non-Apple Hardware Legal for
Apple Developers
profit42.com says:
I wrote this guide because I get around 10 e-mails a week with
people asking if it's possible to get a clean OS X only
installation. This guide covers every single detail about
installing OS X 10.4.8 on a regular Intel/AMD computer....
Read this before reading the guide:
There are only two ways to install OS X 10.4.8 legal on
your Windows computer:
- Become an Apple developer
- You can also buy an Intel Mac (I would recommend the Mac Pro!),
install Windows XP on it using Apple's Boot Camp and remove
OS X completely, so that you have a legally bought osx86
license. This method isn't confirmed and some people say it's
illegal because the EULA says that you aren't allowed to install
OS X on non-Apple hardware.
This means that for most people it is illegal to install
OS X on their computer. If you aren't an Apple developer,
leave page site now. This site is in no way liable or responsible
for the actions of its visitors.
[Note: Apple's OS X EULA.states:
"This License allows you to install and use one
copy of the Apple Software on a single Apple-labeled computer at a
time. This License does not allow the Apple Software to exist on
more than one computer at a time, and you may not make the Apple
Software available over a network where it could be used by
multiple computers at the same time. If you use Setup Assistant to
transfer software from one Apple-labeled computer to another
Apple-labeled computer, please remember that continued use of the
original copy of the software may be prohibited once a copy has
been transferred to another computer, unless you already have a
licensed copy of such software on both computers. You should check
the relevant software license agreements for applicable terms and
conditions. You may make one copy of the Apple Software (excluding
the Boot ROM code) in machine-readable form for backup purposes
only; provided that the backup copy must include all copyright or
other proprietary notices contained on the original.]
Link:
Installing OS X 10.4.8 on a Normal Intel/AMD Computer Illegal
Unless You're an Apple Developer
Apple Legacy Product Manuals
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"The links on this page are to manuals for older Apple products.
Each link will take you to a Knowledge Base document containing a
list of available manuals for that product in PDF format.
"To view these manuals, if you're not using Mac OS X, you would
need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you see garbled text, you
may need to change your browser's preferences to handle PDF files.
Have questions - check out our FAQs."
Link: Apple
Legacy Product Manuals
Step-by-step Tutorial: Upgrading the Mac mini's
CPU
Hardmac's Lionel reports:
"The Mac mini, as well as the
iMac and the Mac Pro, is powered by an exchangeable CPU
(socket). During the Apple Expo 2006, we recorded
a video showing how to upgrade a Mac mini (CPU, RAM modules and
HD). Perhaps because the video is in French, many readers requested
an article providing a more step-by-step procedure with closer
views and photos."
Link: Upgrading the CPU of a Mac
mini Step-by-step Tutorial
Upgrading the Mac Pro to Quad Core Xeons
Hardmac's Lionel reports:
"We just released a step-by-step procedure to replace original
Dual Core Xeon CPUs of a Mac Pro
3.0 GHz by Quad Core Xeon X5355 CPUs clocked at 2.66 GHz.
"...OS X perfectly handles doubled number of cores:
"Direct link to the article: http://www.hardmac.com/articles/70/
"A future article will evaluate performance gain obtained by
doubling core number."
Link: Upgrading CPUs of a
Mac Pro to Quad Core Xeons
Integrated Graphics Remains Mac mini's Biggest
Weakness
Arizona Macintosh Users Group's Michael Bean reports:
"In September of 2006, Apple updated the Mac mini line by providing the low end
model with a 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor ($599). That
improvement moved the entire Intel Mac mini line to a Core Duo
processor. This article will examine the performance
characteristics of the Intel Mac mini 1.66 GHz and discuss some of
the upgrade options that are available for it.
"While the Intel Mac mini 1.66 GHz provides plenty of upgrade
options it has one weakness, its graphics chip. The Intel GMA 950
integrated graphics chip provided inside the Intel Mac mini
provides slow performance when playing 3D games and there is no
upgrade available to address this issue...
"The Intel Mac mini excels in every other aspect of its
design...."
Link:
A Review of the Apple Mac mini 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo (Late
2006)
ATI R600 Mysteries Revealed: Overdrive &
Vapor Chamber Cooling
The Inquirer's Theo Valich reports:
"ATI's coming R600 launch is causing fevered speculation and
engendering widespread confusion.
"Pictures of R600XTX OEM/SI version made the web rounds last
weekend, and many readers . . . asked us what's going on
with AMD.
"Firstly, the PCB design of these products pictured are
identical to the final form factor, and around nine inches long.
And there will be a special cooler, designed as a one-off."
"...the R600XTX has a special OEM/SI design mostly for Apple,
the retail versions won't come with water cooling, but rather
advanced vapour chamber technology, and the board has 8/6-pin
config but can be used with two 6-pin ones - in which case you'll
lose the Overdrive feature and stay inside a 225W power envelope,
just like Nvidia Geforce 8800GTS . We will bring you more details
about the connectivity of R600 boards later in the day."
Link: AMD's R600
Mysteries Revealed - Welcome Overdrive, Vapour Chamber Cooler and
12 Inchers
Could Apple Overtake Microsoft?
The Globe and Mail's Mathew Ingram says:
"Not that long ago, anyone suggesting that Apple might some day
be as large as - or even larger than - Microsoft would have been
laughed out of the room. After all, Apple was a mere pipsqueak in
the personal computer market, while Microsoft controlled more than
90 percent of the desktop software business worldwide.
"In 2004, Apple had somewhere around 2 percent of the computer
market, and annual revenue of slightly more than $8 billion. Its
stock market value was roughly equal to its sales, at about $9
billion or so. Microsoft, by comparison, had revenue of $37
billion, almost five times larger than Apple's, and a market value
30 times higher, at about $275 billion.
"The past few years have shown, however, that the best company -
and by far the best investment - has been Apple. Its shares have
climbed more than 700 percent to the $83 level, and its sales have
soared 150 percent to about $21-billion. Microsoft's sales are now
only twice as large (although its stock market value is still
substantially larger).
"A financial blog called 10Layers.com caused a stir recently by
suggesting that if current trends continue, Apple could actually
surpass Microsoft in terms of sales within the next five years,
hitting the $65-billion revenue mark (according to one forecast) in
2010 or 2011."
Link:
Could Apple Overtake Microsoft?
Products
$20 iKeySlim USB Keyboard for Macs
PR: Macally iKeySlim is a stylish & clean white
slim keyboard. Enhanced low profile keycaps reduces key stroke
travel distances and eases pressure on your finger tips.
Features:
- 104 key slim USB keyboard
- Thin keycaps with sensitive and responsive touch
- 2 Built-in USB ports
- CD Eject and volume control buttons
- Ice white finish to match your Mac
- Low profile for easy storage inside a keyboard drawer
Specifications:
- Dimensions : (L) 18.5", (H) 1", (W) 7
- Maximum Cable Length : 5'
- Net Weight : 2lbs
- 3 year warranty
System Requirement:
- Mac OS 9.2, Mac OS X v10.2.8 or Mac OS X v10.3.x and above
- Any desktop or notebook computer with an available USB
port
MSRP: $19.99
Link: iKeySlim
USB Keyboard
miniStack V2 Space Saving FW/USB Hub
PR:
Expand your storage capacity and port flexibility while decreasing
your desk/cord clutter. The Newer Technology miniStack V2 is the
perfect external drive and bus powered hub companion for any
computer.
Housed within the miniStack's compact, sleek, state-of-the-art
enclosure is a fast 3.5" drive with up to 750 GB that blows away
smaller and slower 2.5" internal drives. Now you can have all the
storage space you need for music & video files, graphics &
photos, and document backup. Plus, with 2 FireWire and 3 USB 2.0
ports built in, you now can connect devices including scanners,
printers, memory card readers, digital cameras, and iPods - all at
once!
This terrific storage/connectivity solution is fully portable
and works with all Macintosh computers and laptops, as well as
virtually any Windows or Linux-based system with USB or FireWire.
The easy-to-use, Plug-and-Play miniStack also is perfect for
booting your OS on any system with USB2 boot-support.
Whether you're a techie and want to add your own hard drive to
one of our 0 GB Kits or want the convenience of a pre-configured
solution that comes complete with a leading hard drive
utility/performance & backup software bundle valued at $200,
NewerTech has a miniStack solution for your specific need.
miniStack
V2 Features:
High Performance 3.5" ATA/6 7200 rpm Drive with 8 MB or 16 MB
data buffer, Premier top tier Oxford 911+ chipset, smart Power
auto-engage ON/OFF, Intelligent Thermal Control, 2 FireWire 400
Ports, 3 USB 2.0 High Speed Ports, Full 2 Year Warranty. Now with
NEW Ultra-Quiet Operation!
- NEW! Ultra-Quiet Operation
- Up to 750 GB of bootable, performance disk capacity
- Large 8 MB or 16 MB data cache
- Compact 6.5" x 6.5" x 1.5" size
- Integrated USB 2.0 powered 3-port hub (1 uplink + 3
additional)
- Integrated FireWire powered 2-port hub/repeater (1 uplink + 2
additional)
- Auto-Power on/off automatically with computer
- Intelligent thermal monitoring activates fan only when
needed
- Industry standard security slot
- Selectable FireWire or USB2 hard drive interface mode
- Fully bootable via USB or FireWire
- EMC Retrospect Backup Certified
- EMC Retrospect Backup and Intech HD Speedtools included
- NewerTech 2 year warranty
System Requirements: miniStack V2 External Hard Drives Requires:
Apple/Mac or PC with available FireWire or USB port
High-Performance 3.5" ATA/6 7200 rpm drive with 8 MB or 16 MB
data buffer doesn't just give you more storage, it also provides
far better performance than any internal 2.5 ATA hard drive option
as well. Use the NewerTech miniStack as your Startup Drive for an
instant performance boost!*
Mac Requirements:
FireWire 400 (1394a): Mac OS 9.2 or higher
USB 2.0: Mac OS 10.2 or higher
USB 1.1: Mac OS 9.2 or higher
The miniStackV2
- 0 GB 'Add Your Own HD' $69.00
- NEW! 0 GB 'Add Your Own HD' Hard drive utility/performance
& backup software bundle included. A $200 value - $75.00
- 80 GB 7200 rpm 2 MB - $114.99
- 160 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB - $129.99
- 250 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB - $149.99
- 320 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB - $179.99
- 400 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB - $199.99
- 500 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB - $249.99
- 750 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB - $449.00
USB ONLY also available
Link: miniStack V2
Software
Hardware Monitor Updated
PR: Hardware Monitor is an application to read out all
accessible hardware sensors in Macintosh computers. Currently more
than 100 different Macintosh hardware sensors and more than 200
hard drive temperature sensors are supported. The program can
visualize the history graphs of the readings, display measured
values in a large variety of fashions, or announce readings by
speech output. It can also store and export readings. Depending on
what sensors are built into your Macintosh system, the following
data can be accessed:
- Temperarature readings at different locations
- Battery data of portable computers
- Voltage sensors
- Current (amperage) sensors
- Fan speed sensors
- Sensors for pulse-width controlled fans
- Power and load sensors
- Ambient light sensors
- User-defined artificial sensors to monitor the operating
system
New in version 4.11:
- The menu-bar display will now be highlighted when the menu is
open.
- It is now possible to delete the full sensor preferences set of
a remotely monitored computer by a single mouse click when that
machine has been taken offline and is no longer connected to the
local computer.
- Corrects a scaling issue affecting the display of history
curves when a long term history display had been zoomed out and the
window width resulted in a horizontal time sampling resolution
between 1 and 2 minutes per pixel.
- The resize behavior of the remote connection window was
optimized.
- Enhanced compatibility of the disk saver feature with Mac OS X
Jaguar.
- The internal hard drive sensor of Maxtor MaXLine Pro 500
(7H500F0) drives is now also detected by PPC-based Macintosh
systems.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 or later.
System support: PPC/Intel
Price: $10 Shareware
Link: Hardware
Monitor
Desktop Mac
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