This is the last Mac News Review of 2009. We wish our readers a
blessed Christmas and a safe New Year's holiday. Site updates will
resume on Monday, January 4, 2010.
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.
News & Opinion
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
27" iMac Graphics Firmware Update 1.0
Apple has released the 27" iMac Graphics Firmware Update 1.0, which
updates the graphics firmware on ATI Radeon HD 4670 and 4850 graphics
cards to address issues that may cause image corruption or display
flickering.
The iMac Graphics Firmware Update will update the graphics firmware
on your iMac.
File Size: 683 KB
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.2
Link: 27-inch iMac Graphics Firmware
Update 1.0
Link: iMac (27-inch, Late
2009) display image is corrupted or flickers
Upgrading Your Mac's Hard Drive
Writing for Macworld, iFixit's CEO Kyle Wiens says that upgrading
its hard drive can be one of the best things you can do for your Mac,
but is also one of the hardest to explain since each Mac model is
different, and the upgrade instructions for one probably won't apply to
another.
iFixit's free, illustrated online guides are of course a great help
with this, with their step-by-step instructions for upgrading hard
drives and invaluable resource, and in this Macworld piece Kyle Wiens
concisely summarizes the process of upgrading all of Apple's recent Mac
models and provides links to iFixit's instructions for each one, giving
each model a difficulty rating for the job.
- iMacs
- Early G5 - Easy.
- Later G5 iMacs and first Intel models - Difficult
- More recent iMac models - Moderate
- Mac mini - Moderate
- MacBook Pros
- First generation MacBook Pros - Moderate
- Unibody MacBook Pros - Easy
- MacBooks
- Original MacBook - Easy
- Unibody MacBook (aluminum or plastic) - Easy
- MacBook Air - Moderate
Link:
Upgrading Your Mac's Hard Drive
Products & Services
USB Data Recovery & NAND Data Recovery
PR: eProvided, a thumb drive recovery and NAND data recovery
company, looks back to when 1 GB hard drives seemed gigantic. Cutting
edge NAND based storage devices are hitting the markets globally.
2 TB hard drives cost less then $129. Now we join the Solid State
Drive Revolution. SSD drives are mega-fast, moving data at 400 MB/s to
1.5 GB/s. Better yet, the SD association has recently announced the
SDXC; a 2 TB memory card with read/write speeds of up to 104 MB/s!
eProvided celebrates 10 years in the industry in 2010 & aims to
tackle any data loss from any damage to any of these cutting edge flash
based devices.
SSD drives use NAND Flash Memory, tiny surface mount chips that
store data. Already consumers are also witnessing the launch of SSD
Raid Systems. The positives: These new types of flash memory storage
devices, are lightning quick, have no moving parts, are super small and
can handle extreme temperatures (-60F - 350F). The negatives: NAND
flash wafers split or become damaged in many consumer devices. NAND
flash storage drives are recoverable in the event of severe damage and
loss of data.
eProvided consulted the department of defense on proper ways to
protect data & secure data, recovered NASA's Helios Mission data
after an Atlantic Ocean crash & were also called upon when NASA's
Mars Rover quit due to a data glitch on Mars.
eProvided states "If your USB drive is broken or the flash drive is
split in half, losing your data is painful, yet flash memory data
recovery is now a solution. Solid state drives (SSD) drives, digital
camera memory, iPhones, cell phones, voice recorders, USB storage or
anything with storage based or NAND flash memory is recoverable."
Flash memory manufacturers implement many NAND flash memory wafers
into small spaces, leaving the device easy to break. Why develop a 64
GB USB Flash Drive with eight 8 GB NAND wafers when one could use
a single 64 GB wafer during the manufacturing of the device? Soon we
will find 2 TB USB sticks.
Advanced flash memory recovery is the process of rebuilding multiple
sets of NAND flash dumps and unscrambling code. Then, taking the
numerous unscrambled files and assembling them into one single disk
image; voilà, all user files are recovered just the way they
were before. eProvided coins this method of recovery a "SimpleFix".
Flash memory recovery is a common every day service for a company in
the business 10 years. Today's most common data loss situations: 1)
Broken tip off USB thumb drive. 2) "Unknown Device" Unexpectedly. 3)
Sudden Loss of functionality. 4) Wash cycling a device by accident.
Solid state drives contain numerous NAND chips. eProvided.Com
founder Bruce Cullen states, "The first two Solid State Drive data
recovery requests at eProvided were a success. Consumers are told all
the time these services are not available. People need to be brought up
to speed before losing every file they have."
Link: eProvided
BackPack iMac and Cinema Display Peripherals
Shelf
PR: BackPack is a sturdy, sleek looking shelf designed
exclusively to attach to the back of iMac and Apple Cinema Displays.
This handy little piece of heavy gauge steel is perfectly sized to hold
hard drives, USB peripherals or even a Mac mini. (If you use it to
display your favorite Star Wars action figures, well totally
understand.) You can use the perforated base to tie up that web of
cables lurking behind your Mac.
Out of sight, but not out of reach
BackPack is the perfect place to park portable hard drives, card
readers or other USB peripheral you want to hide, but need easy access
to every now and then. Set your USB hub on the shelf and tie your
cables to it for a super tidy workspace. BackPack is also a handy home
to stash your iPhone or iPod while charging and synching.
Doubly good to have
Because its height adjustable, there's room for more than one
BackPack in your life. Hang one low for hard drives and add a second
one for hubs and gear (or a Transformer). If the back of your iMac
faces the room, a BackPack or two is a completely fun, new way to
personalize both your iMac and your workspace. The choice of what to
display on your BackPack is completely yours.
Uses gravity to sit tight
The BackPack rests on the back of the desk stand on flat-screen
iMacs and Apple Cinema Displays using gravity and two simple,
adjustable clips. This allows you to position the sporty shelves at the
perfect height without a screw ever touching your iMac. Because the
BackPack uses gravity to stay in place, it will not leave any scratches
or marks on your machine.
Easy on the eyes and your gear
Not only is this accessory a stylish space saver, it has some key
protective benefits for your gear. This cool, ventilated shelf is the
perfect way to get your hard drive or other Mac accessories elevated
for better ventilation and the heat relief most electronic devices
crave.
Product Specs:
- Height: 0.95 inches (2.4 cm)
- Width: 7 inches (17.8 cm)
- Depth: 4.5 inches (11.4 cm)
- Weight: 0.5 pounds (.23 kg)
- Max Capacity: 5 pounds (2.23 kg)
Compatibility
- Fits all iMacs and Apple Cinema Displays that use the L-shape desk
stand
$29.99 - Free shipping for a limited time
Link: BackPack iMac and Cinema
Display Peripherals Shelf
Users of 27" iMac Cheer Safe Landing with
CaseCruzer Advanced Carrying Case
PR: Preparing for an important trade show or presentation
naturally creates stress for everyone involved. Getting there and
setting up is easy enough. The dreaded moment arrives when carrying
cases must be opened. Has the essential Apple iMac 27" LCD screen with
aluminum keyboard and mouse landed safely? There is never any doubt for
those photographers, media artists, videographers and digital editors
who travel with CaseCruzer's new indestructible transport solution.
Trade show exhibitors and creative professionals will find that
performing under pressure is a walk in the park when traveling with
CaseCruzer's iMac 27" Computer Carrying Case. The outer shell is
rotationally molded Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) that
provides superior strength and durability. The interior is designed to
hold LCD screens in the desirable upright position with a universal
interior foam padding system designed to easily configure for
customized protection. The airtight and watertight case comes with an
unconditional lifetime guarantee.
The new CaseCruzer shipping case is ideal for trade shows. Firms can
easily store and transport their LCD screens, the iMac aluminum
keyboards, mouse devices and display content for booth visitors without
fear of in-flight turbulence or baggage handlers.
But the same is true for photographers, videographers, video
engineers, editors, web and graphic designers who work with visual
materials on a daily basis. Advantages also add up for those who work
in motion picture production, digital cinema and advertising. In short,
any professional who must travel with an iMac desktop computer and
would be lost if the 27" LCD widescreen were damaged in transit will
benefit from CaseCruzer's reliable, reusable transport innovation.
cruzer27.jpg
Corner wheels for tilting and convenient maneuvering through crowded
places makes arrivals at distant destinations smooth and easy. The iMac
27-inch Computer Carrying Case is also outfitted with two durable
cushioned rubber over-molded end handles, and enjoys an ATA 300
rating.
The creative professional's answer to worry weighs only 36.85 lb.
when empty. Exterior dimensions are a compact 34.50"L x 13"W x 30"H.
Other features include a weather-resistant gasket, tongue-and-groove
valance for moisture protection; heavy-duty twist latches that tightly
seal the case; and on each side one pad-lockable latch for the ultimate
protection against theft of belongings.
It is now safe to travel cross country with a prized Apple iMac
desktop computer and 27" LCD widescreen. When hitting the road or
lifting off, graphic artists, gamers and media professionals are wise
to think CaseCruzer: Carrying case solutions that Power Up with Peace
of Mind.
cruzer272.jpg
- Outside Dimensions: 32.25"L x 12.50"W x 29.38 "H
- Empty Weight: 37 lb.
- Price: $525
- Color: Black
CaseCruzer is a world leader in reusable carrying case solutions
serving Aeronautics, Communications, Computers & Laptops,
Electronics, Film & Broadcasting, Industrial, Medical, Photography
& Videography, Transportation, and other markets. For more info
about the new CaseCruzer case, visit casecruzer.com; call 800-440-9925
in the US or 909-613-1999 internationally; fax 909-465-5598; or write
to CaseCruzer at 4665 State Street, Montclair, CA 91763.
Link: CaseCruzer iMac
27-inch Computer Carrying Case
Software
Online Bible for the Mac Supports Snow Leopard
PR: If you are looking for the most cost effective, high
quality Bible program available for your Macintosh, you need look no
further. Online Bible, and many of its Bible, Lexicon, Note and Topic
modules (detailed below), can be downloaded and used free of charge.
And many of our users who own some of the higher priced Bible study
programs for the Mac now say they prefer and use the Online Bible.
Classic or Deluxe CDs
While the Starter Pack and many modules can be freely downloaded
also available are two CDs, containing significantly more material and
offering a great value. The Deluxe CD (for $79.95) includes all of the
material, while the Classic CD (for $39.95) includes all of the
material except the NAS95, NAS, NIV, NKJV, NLT, and NRSV. To place an
order for either CD, please visit the store.
Free Starter Pack
Download and try the free Starter Pack, assuming your computer
system meets our minimum system requirements. It allows any English
speaking Bible student to easily get started studying God's Word. You
can even later download and add several additional modules at no
charge.
The Starter Pack (102 MB) is a simplified Installer package
containing these individually downloadable pieces:
- Online Bible application (v.4.1.1) (5.9 MB)
- King James Version Bible
- Thayer's Greek Lexicon
- BDB Hebrew Lexicon
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
- Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
- Smith's Dictionary of the Bible
System Requirements
The following are the minimum system requirements for the Online
Bible:
- A Macintosh computer with a PowerPC G4 or G5 processor, or an Intel
processor.
- The Online Bible application can run on Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or
later, but the installer requires an Intel-based Macintosh computer, or
a PowerPC-based computer running Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later.
- At least 512 MB of free hard disk space for installation.
- 512 MB of random-access memory (RAM) installed.
- CD-ROM drive (required for installation using the Classic or Deluxe
CDs).
Slow Internet?
For those of you who, through no fault of your own, are burdened
with a slow Internet connection - e.g., you live in a rural area where
dial-up service is your only choice you can use the various links in
the description of what is included with the Starter Pack to locate and
download, one at a time, the individual pieces of the Starter Pack and
build your own Online Bible folder. The first piece you should download
is the application itself; all of the other pieces assume that the
application is already installed. You must also, at a minimum, have at
least one Bible version installed for the app to work properly.
Download each piece and follow the instructions that come with that
piece. This does take quite a bit more effort than using the Starter
Pack Installer package, but the individual pieces are smaller, making
it easier to download them and achieve the same result: a usable Online
Bible folder.
Caveat Emptor
Some of the material for use with the Online Bible for the Mac is of
an interpretive nature. As such, you may or may not agree with the
views expressed. You are encouraged to prove all things and hold fast
that which is good (1 Thess 5:21). Let
the Scriptures be your guide in this matter. To the law and to the
testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them (Isa 8:20).
Freely Copied
You may share the starter pack and other downloadable modules with
other Mac users. However, Online Bible modules may not be shared nor
used with other Bible study programs including the Online Bible for
Windows.
Notice: The above material is published for use with the Online
Bible for the Mac, which retains the electronic rights. Commercial use
of this material is prohibited without written permission.
The Apocrypha
Those books (or writings) here classified as Apocrypha are those
that have never been accepted as Scripture for several reasons,
namely:
- The Jews never considered them part of their sacred canon.
- Christ rejected them by citing the scriptures as the Law, the
Prophets, and the Psalms. The Jews would understand that to be what we
now consider the 39 books of the Old Testament.
- They are never quoted in the Bible.
- They are unreliable and contradict known historical facts and
doctrines in the Bible; e.g. 2 Mac 12:44,45, Wis 13:18, etc.
- The number of books, the verse numbering, and the actual verses
themselves vary greatly depending on who prints the Apocrypha.
Online Bible makes make them available for those whose faith or
Church find them generally useful.
Snow Leopard:
- The current version of the Online Bible (v.4.1.1) behaves properly
under Mac OS X 10.6.x (Snow Leopard).
Mac OS 7 thru 9:
If you are still using Mac OS 7 thru 9, the developers have a
limited supply of CDs available for use with those platforms. Their
contents will disagree slightly with those of version 4.1.1, but you
can visit our store for more information, including pricing and
availability.
System Requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later (installer)
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later (program itself)
- Mac OS Classic version 3.5.1 available
Platform Support: PPC/Intel
Free
For more information, visit:
Link: Online Bible for
the Mac
Desktop Mac
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