MacBook, PowerBook, iBook, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review. iPod, iPhone,
and Apple TV news is covered in The iNews
Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
The Apple Core's Jason D.
O'Grady notes that the biggest news item in the news these days is the
outbreak of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, and that there's an
interesting technology story about the virus that caught my eye about
how the outbreak is being tracked in the US using Macs.
"As the H1N1 virus continues to spread across the globe, scientists
are working to stay one step ahead of it. Hoping to predict where it
might turn up next, researchers are looking to the sky.
"From their laboratories at the Ohio State University Medical
Center, over fifty scientists work on treatments for the next major
outbreak - and while they never know if it will be tuberculosis,
malaria or swine flu, they will know where to find it."
Macworld's Ted
Landau observes that most of us would rather fix a problem ourselves
than hassle with driving to an Apple Store - providing there's even one
within driving distance of where you live.
Ted offers up six tried-and-true simple remedies for misbehaving
Macs that you shouldn't forget in the rush to try more-complicated
troubleshooting techniques. Briefly:
Right Zoom Makes Your Mac's Zoom Button More
Useful
Macworld's Dan
Moren says that a frequent complaint he hears from his Windows-refugee
friends when they switch to the Mac is about that little green Zoom
button in the top left of OS X application and document windows.
Even some veteran Mac users find the Mac OS Finder Zoom function
obtuse.
For relief, Moren recommends a handy little freeware utility
Right
Zoom, which transforms the green Zoom button function to a more
Windows-esque window maximization function and includes a handful of
other customization options.
Overclockers Club's Ediseye says the scuttlebutt is that sometime
this June, Nvidia will be releasing the GeForce GTX 285 for Macintosh
users, presumably featuring similar specs to the PC version, such as
the 648 MHz core clock speed, as well as the 240 processor cores that
are used on the Nvidia GPU.
Problem with APC Battery Backup and Intel Macs
Running Leopard
Macworld's Ted
Landau says:
"Even the briefest of power failures can cause your Mac to shut off.
At a minimum, this means time wasted while you wait for your Mac to
restart. Worse, you lose any unsaved work. Even worse especially if you
don t have a separate surge protector there is a small risk that your
Mac may get damaged when the power returns....
"One of the best-known makers of battery backups is American Power
Conversion (APC). However, if you own an Intel Mac and are using a
recent version of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), you may want to look
elsewhere for a UPS. APC devices are likely to give you grief
. . . APC units don't work with Intel Macs above Mac OS X
10.5.4."
Cnet's Jon
Oltsik predicts that within the next 18 months, Apple will begin
recommending that Mac users install Internet security software on all
systems, basing his prognostication on a hunch is that Mac attacks will
increase precipitously over the next year.
Oltsik reasons that Mac users tend to be more affluent than the
median, thus juicy targets for identity theft with fast broadband
connections to the Web to hack into for increasingly diversified and
sophisticated cyber-criminals, and the Mac's presence in the enterprise
is growing as well, raising its profile as a target, plus,
depressingly, he says that Macs are fairly easy to hack.
I hope he's mistaken, but it's a caveat worth keeping in mind.
Oltsik compares the status quo up to now in the Mac orbit with the days
"senior citizens" recall nostalgically when they could leave their
houses unlocked and car keys in the ignition switch. I actually still
live in a small rural community where one can do both with relative
impunity, and the freedom from the hassle of installing and updating
antivirus software has been one of the great joys of Mac computing for
me, and will be saddened if Oltsik is right and those days are
numbered.
"Disk Utility is an excellent OS X utility for managing hard drives
and removable storage. If you've ever installed OS X, wiped a hard
drive clean, or needed to re-format a USB stick, there's a good chance
that you'll be familiar with the app. Whilst managing disk images is
undoubtedly Disk Utility's forté, it can also be used to good
effect for creating images.
"This how-to will walk you through how simple this process is. We'll
illustrate how to create a simple disk image for storing files, a few
of the uses that images can have, and also investigate how images can
be encrypted to keep your files secure."
Voyager Q SATA Drive Dock Reviewed and
Benchmarked
MacInTouch
contributor Robert Mohns reports:
"Plummeting hard drive prices and the widespread adoption of the
SATA interface have combined to create a new type of product, the
'drive dock', which connects any number of inexpensive bare hard drives
to your Mac as easily as docking an iPod....
"Newer Technology designed its Voyager Q ('Quad') drive dock,
distributed by Other World Computing, to accept laptop (2.5-inch) and
desktop (3.5-inch) SATA drives that then connect to your computer via
any of its four different storage interfaces: external SATA (eSATA),
FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0."
Editor's note: The graphs show the real world difference between
eSATA, FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0, which top out at 86.9,
62.1, 35.4, and 33.6 MB/sec. read throughput on Intel Macs. FireWire
400 has a big edge over USB 2.0 with files smaller than 16 KB and shows
better write times than read times, while USB 2.0 writes slower than it
reads, making FireWire a better backup choice.
FireWire 800 has a significant advantage over both and is a better
match for modern, high performance hard drives. Apple definitely made
the right move switching from FireWire 400 to 800. dk
This update fixes intermittent
system freeze issues for iMac computers with ATI Radeon HD 4850
graphics and fixes wake-from-sleep issues in Boot Camp.
To complete the firmware update process, please follow the
instructions in the updater application (/Applications/Utilities/iMac
EFI Firmware Update.app). The updater will launch automatically when
the Installer closes.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot
ROM Version will be: IM91.008D.B08
Jimdo Launches LifeBoat to Rescue GeoCities Sites,
Provide Free Hosting
PR: Jimdo's developers got to work right away when the news
hit - figuring out some way to rescue GeoCities sites. They've launched
the Jimdo Lifeboat to let
users know they have somewhere to go. Over the past few days, they've
finished a migration tool for GeoCities: site owners can just enter
their old site URL, and the old content is imported to a Jimdo
account.
This isn't
just GeoCities 2.0, and it's not a static archive of the site: all the
pages and content can be edited and managed using Jimdo's WYSIWYG
interface. There's only one side-effect . . . the sites might
not look exactly the same. Some might even be prettier. The developers
did did all they could, but some things just aren't transferable.
While the work is only partly done, the Jimdo folks are trying to
get the word out to as many GeoCities users as possible that there's a
new home waiting. They've also thrown together an entertaining
video.
Jimdo is also working on The Jimdo Lifeboat for Google Page Creator
for those using Google Page Creator, which is also shutting down in
June.
PR: The most advanced Online Backup Service to hit the market
raises the bar for data security. BackUpMax Secure Online Backup for
Mac and Windows possess an impressive and unusual feature set developed
with the mobile laptop user in mind.
BackUpMax backs up and restores files, but so do other services.
BackUpMax Personal Edition takes a step further by allowing users to
erase sensitive data remotely from lost or stolen computers and can
actually help you to recover a lost or stolen computer.
More than 637,000 laptops are lost each year at US airports alone
according to a survey by the Ponemon Institute.
A laptop is stolen every 53 seconds and, according to the FBI, 97%
are never recovered.
"BackUpMax Personal Edition will actually snap pictures and movies
of the thief using a computer's built-in camera. It can listen to
sounds in the room. It can even discover its location," explained
software developer Rob Cosgrove, the founder of the Online Backup
industry, "It sends all this information silently to your BackUpMax
account where you can view it."
Users can log into their BackUpMax accounts on the web. From there
they can order their lost computers to shred files using Military-grade
DoD 5220.22-M protocol. Users can also locate their computers on a map
using an innovative process that does not require a GPS or other
special hardware or software on the lost computer.
Users can view video and snapshots, listen to room sounds, query the
wireless network card and system information - all of which can help
locate the computer and prosecute the thief.
Of course, BackUpMax has all the normal online backup features, plus
some including web-based restore, cross-platform backups and restores,
user-defined backup sets, configurable file retention policy,
user-defined private keys, and very high security.
BackUpMax Personal Edition is for laptops and personal computers.
Subscriptions start at $9.95/month for 10 GB. BackUpMax Business
Edition is for Servers, and starts at $89.95/month. Only the Personal
Edition contains the Remote Security Suite.
PR: The Evoluent VerticalMouse 3 Wireless is an advanced
third generation of the revolutionary mouse from the inventor of the
handshake grip. Some users say using the VerticalMouse has relieved
their wrist and arm pain.
Features
Relaxed Handshake Position
The ergonomically contoured shape supports your hand in a natural
handshake position that eliminates forearm twisting. You use the same
familiar grip as with an ordinary mouse, but in a vertical orientation,
so almost no retraining is needed. Clicking the mouse buttons does not
result in unwanted movement because your thumb naturally opposes your
finger movements.
Contoured and Textured
The contoured black portion of the body where you hold the mouse has
a polyurethane coating, allowing you to have complete control of the
mouse just by resting your hand on it practically eliminating the need
to grip the mouse.
Light Tactile Buttons
The buttons on the VerticalMouse take about half the force of
traditional mice to click, so your fingers won't get tired with all the
clicking required in today's computer applications. The button force is
light for easy clicking, but still firm enough to avoid accidental
actuation.
Optical Scroll Wheel
The vertical scroll wheel is optical, providing improved reliability
and quiet, smooth operation. Detents provide useful tactile feedback
when scrolling.
5 Buttons
The VerticalMouse provides a total of 5 buttons. A thumb operated
button and 3 finger operated buttons are provided. Also, the scroll
wheel provides a fourth button at your fingertips.
2600 DPI Optical Resolution
With an optical sensor at this resolution, the amount of movement
required for cursor control is reduced without any loss in precision or
accuracy making it perfect for AutoCAD, photo editing, web surfing or
playing your favourite game. The Avago 3080 gaming grade infrared
optical sensor tracks more accurately than most laser sensors on the
majority of surfaces.
Selectable Resolution
A button and indicator light on the bottom of the mouse allows you
to set the resolution to 2600, 1800, 1300, or 800 DPI.
Finger Flange
A small ledge along the bottom right edge of the mouse prevents your
little finger from dragging on the work surface.
Programmable Buttons
Using the latest driver, all 5 buttons are programmable to many
different functions. This allows you to customize and optimize your
mouse, speeding up common tasks with a single click. Some of the more
commonly used programmable button features are described below. Also,
you can create customized button programming for different applications
so that depending on which application is active, your mouse can
perform different preset programmable functions (Note: Button 1,
normally left click, cannot be reprogrammed with 2006 or older
drivers.)
Speed Toggle
Cycle through as many as 3 pointer speed settings with a keyboard
shortcut or mouse button. For example, use a high speed for moving
between monitors, a medium speed for ordinary tasks and a slow speed
for graphics work.
Auto Click
Automatically perform a single or double click by pausing the
pointer. The time delay before activation is adjustable.
Click Lock (or Drag Lock)
Press and hold a button momentarily to simulate continued pressing
without holding down the button. The time delay before activation is
adjustable.
Break Reminder
Set up visual and/or audio alerts to remind you to take a break.
Eliminates Arm Twisting
The patented shape supports your hand in a fully upright handshake
position that eliminates forearm twisting. Many users said earlier
models relieved their hand, wrist, or arm pain. See these actual user
comments. An ordinary horizontal mouse requires your forearm to twist
away from its natural position.
Familiar Grip
The grip is the same as on an ordinary mouse, just turned sideways
into a handshake position. Many users said they got used to it very
quickly.
The VerticalMouse does not move sideways when clicking with normal
force because the thumb naturally opposes the fingers. Pointer control
is as accurate as any other good mouse when the pointer speed settings
are properly adjusted.
2.4 GHz Wireless
Resistant To Interference
Ultra Slim Receiver
The compact USB receiver is slim enough to avoid blocking adjacent
ports.
Long Battery Life
3 month estimated battery life under typical use with non-chargeable
AA batteries. The sensor never sleeps so pointer response is always
instantaneous.
Prevents Desk Rubbing
A small lip on the bottom edge prevents the little finger from
rubbing the desk.
Easy To Use Buttons
All 5 buttons are easily operable without contorting your fingers.
The button force is light for easy clicking, but still firm enough to
avoid accidental actuation.
Fits Different Size Hands
The new shape fits larger hands as well as smaller hands better.
Mac Compatibility
2 buttons and a scroll wheel in OS X or newer without a driver
Evoluent does not supply a Mac driver for programmable functions,
explaining that they are a tiny company with limited resources, and the
quantity of VerticalMouses sold to Mac users is very small, while the
cost of developing a Mac driver is higher than for a Windows driver.
Since they are not Mac users themselves they would be unable to test
the driver in day to day use,making development of a Mac driver will be
even more difficult. Consequently the Mac driver must wait until they
achieve substantially greater volume. However, shareware drivers are
available at www.plentycom.jp/en/steermouse and www.usboverdrive.com
for programming the buttons. (Evoluent has no business relationship
with these vendors.)
PR:
The VerticalMouse 3 is the third generation wired version of the
popular Evoluent mouse. A small flange was added along the bottom right
edge to prevent the user's little finger from dragging on the desk.
Also, the scroll wheel now has tactile detent positions. A new feature
added to Revision 2 of this mouse allows the user to set the resolution
to 2600, 1800, 1300 or 800 DPI using a button and indicator light on
the underside of the mouse. This makes adjusting pointer speed easier
and further improves tracking - note the mouse is shipped with the
resolution at 2600 DPI.
Features similar to those described above for the wireless
version.
The VerticalMouse 3 is currently available in a right-handed model
only, with a black housing and silver buttons.
PR: The Evoluent VerticalMouse 2's patented shape supports
your hand in a relaxed handshake position that eliminates forearm
twisting. The mouse remains stable when pressing buttons because the
thumb naturally opposes the finger movements.
More
intuitive/less of a learning curve than central pointing devices or
touchpads.
Ergonomic Benefits
An ordinary horizontal mouse causes your forearm to twist away from
its natural position, which can reduce blood flow, put muscles in
awkward positions and increase the rate of fatigue. For many, this can
result in discomfort and pain while mousing.
The design of the Evoluent VerticalMouse improves comfort and
control when mousing, with a patented shape that supports your hand in
a relaxed handshake position, and provides a notch for your thumb to
rest in. This innovative design eliminates forearm twisting and
minimizes the effort required to use the mouse.
You use the same familiar grip as with an ordinary mouse, just
turned sideways, and the buttons are operated by the same fingers.
That's why there is virtually no retraining necessary.
The mouse does not unintentionally move sideways when clicking with
normal force because the thumb naturally opposes the finger movements.
Pointer control is as accurate as any other high-quality mouse.
Features
Relaxed Handshake Position
The ergonomically contoured shape supports your hand in a natural
handshake position that eliminates forearm twisting. You use the same
familiar grip as with an ordinary mouse, but in a vertical orientation,
so almost no retraining is needed. Clicking the mouse buttons does not
result in unwanted movement because your thumb naturally opposes your
finger movements.
Contoured and Textured
The contoured black portion of the body where you hold the mouse has
a polyurethane coating, allowing you to have complete control of the
mouse just by resting your hand on it practically eliminating the need
to grip the mouse.
Light Tactile Buttons
The buttons on the VerticalMouse take about half the force of
traditional mice to click, so your fingers won't get tired with all the
clicking required in today's computer applications. The button force is
light for easy clicking, but still firm enough to avoid accidental
actuation.
Optical Scroll Wheel
The vertical scroll wheel is optical, providing improved reliability
and quiet, smooth operation. The wheel is smooth scrolling with no
detent positions.
5 Buttons
The VerticalMouse provides a total of 5 buttons. A thumb operated
button and 3 finger operated buttons are provided. Also, the scroll
wheel provides a fourth button at your fingertips.
1200 DPI Optical Resolution
With an optical sensor at this resolution, the amount of movement
required for cursor control is reduced without any loss in precision or
accuracy making it perfect for AutoCAD, photo editing, web surfing or
playing your favourite game.
Programmable Buttons
Using the latest driver, all 5 buttons are programmable to many
different functions. This allows you to customize and optimize your
mouse, speeding up common tasks with a single click. Some of the more
commonly used programmable button features are described below. With
the newer driver, you can create customized button programming for
different applications so that depending on which application is
active, your mouse can perform different preset programmable functions
(Note: Button 1, normally left click, cannot be reprogrammed with 2006
or older drivers.)
Note: Evoluent does not supply a Mac driver for programmable
functions, explaining that they are a tiny company with limited
resources, and the quantity of VerticalMouses sold to Mac users is very
small, while the cost of developing a Mac driver is higher than for a
Windows driver. Since they are not Mac users themselves they would be
unable to test the driver in day to day use,making development of a Mac
driver will be even more difficult. Consequently the Mac driver must
wait until they achieve substantially greater volume. However,
shareware drivers are available at www.plentycom.jp/en/steermouse and
www.usboverdrive.com for programming the buttons. (Evoluent has no
business relationship with these vendors.)
Auto Click
Automatically perform a single or double click by pausing the
pointer. The time delay before activation is adjustable.
Click Lock (or Drag Lock)
Press and hold a button momentarily to simulate continued pressing
without holding down the button. The time delay before activation is
adjustable.
Break Reminder: Set up visual and/or audio alerts to remind you to
take a break.
Specifications
Type: Vertical mouse
Optical resolution: 1200 DPI
Buttons: 1 for thumb, 3 buttons + scroll wheel button for
fingers
Interface: USB, PS/2 with USB adapter (included)
Dimensions: 4.6" L x 3" W x 3" H (117 mm L x 76 mm W x 76 mm
H)
Cable length: 80" (2 m)
Warranty: 2 years
This mouse is available in a left-handed model with a black housing
and silver buttons, and a small quantity of right-handed mice are still
available with a black housing and black buttons.
Mac of the Day: PowerBook 500 Series, introduced 1994.05.16. 'Blackbird' includes a 25 to 33 MHz 68040 along with smart batteries and grayscale or color displays.
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
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We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.
PR:
The VerticalMouse 3 is the third generation wired version of the
popular Evoluent mouse. A small flange was added along the bottom right
edge to prevent the user's little finger from dragging on the desk.
Also, the scroll wheel now has tactile detent positions. A new feature
added to Revision 2 of this mouse allows the user to set the resolution
to 2600, 1800, 1300 or 800 DPI using a button and indicator light on
the underside of the mouse. This makes adjusting pointer speed easier
and further improves tracking - note the mouse is shipped with the
resolution at 2600 DPI.
More
intuitive/less of a learning curve than central pointing devices or
touchpads.
