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News & Opinion
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Apple's October 20 Event: Back to the Mac
Apple sent invitations to the media this week for an October 20
event that will provide a sneak peak at Mac OS X 10.7, which
everyone is guessing will be named Lion based on the invitation
image.
Everyone is guessing at what else Apple may introduce - an overdue
update to the MacBook Air,
a new revision of the MacBook and 13" MacBook Pro based
on Intel's i3 CPU, and improved graphics processors from Nvidia are
some of the most popular theories.
5 Features You'll Love as a Mac Switcher
AppStorm's Justin Stravarius says:
"I have long been thinking of getting a Mac, but since I am not a
developer or designer, there wasn't really a compelling reason to do
so. But when the AppStorm network called for writers a few weeks ago, I
jumped ship and bought a MacBook Pro. And boy - am I loving it or
what!
"...there are a lot of reasons why I consider this to be my best
purchase of the decade."
Justin's five favorite Mac features:
- Breezy Installation & Uninstallation
- Preview Files With Quick Look
- Awesome Bundled Software
- Controls
- Stability, Stability and More Stability
Link: Five OS X Features
You'll Love as a Mac Switcher
Products & Services
Macally iKeySlim Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Keyboard
PR: Macally iKeySlim is a stylish slim keyboard for Mac users
- a redesign of the form's popular iceKey 'board that was one of the
pioneers in migrating laptop-style scissors-action keyswitches to the
freestanding desktop keyboard space. The iKeySlim's enhanced low
profile keycaps reduce key stroke travel distance and reduce pressure
on the user's finger tips. Two built-in USB 2.0 ports provide faster
transfer rate.
Features:
- 104 key slim USB keyboard
- Thin keycaps with sensitive and responsive touch
- 2 Built-in USB 2.0 ports
- Works with both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports in the computer
- CD Eject and volume control buttons
- Ice white finish to harmonize with 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: 2 lb.
- 1 year warranty
System Requirements:
- MacOS X 10.2.8 to 10.5.x and above
- Any desktop or notebook computer with an available USB port
Price: $29.99
Publisher's note: Charles Moore reviewed the iceKey, the predecessor to the
iKeySlim, in 2003, stating that it has "short-travel and (relatively)
light touch keyboard action". We're excited to see a new USB 2.0
keyboard on the market, as they provide a very convenient place to plug
in a flash drive, memory card reader, iPod sync cord, etc. that will
benefit from the 40x higher speed of USB 2.0 vs. USB 1.1. We plan to
review the iKeySlim in the near future. dk
Link: Macally
iKeySlim (currently available from Amazon.com
for $23.84 and eligible for Super Saver shipping in an order of $25 or
more)
Razer Launches Wireless Version of Best-selling
Razer Naga Gaming Mouse
PR:
Razer, specialist in high-end precision gaming and lifestyle
peripherals brand, today announced the launch of an elite wireless MMO
gaming mouse that's an upgrade from the original award-winning and
best-selling gaming mouse - the Razer Naga Epic.
Designed by the highly-acclaimed Razer R&D labs, the Razer Naga
Epic epitomizes that fine balance between keyboard and mouse with 17
MMO-optimized buttons, and takes it to a whole new level with three
ergonomic interchangeable side panels for optimal fit, the choice to
customize the backglow from over 16 million colors, and a dual mode
wired/wireless functionality. Gamers can now enjoy a MMO gaming mouse
with no strings attached - literally.
"With the
Naga Epic, Razer gives MMO gamers around the world more freedom than
ever before," says Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, President, Razer. "We
combined the MMO gaming capabilities of the original best-selling Razer
Naga and took it to the next level by giving it a true gaming-grade
wireless option utilizing the same technology that we developed for the
ultra high-end Razer Mamba."
The final design of the Razer Naga Epic, from optimal button
configuration to its form factor, was achieved through the scientific
testing and screening of more than 80 different model iterations by
Razer's ergonomics team.
"Every aspect of the Razer Naga Epic's design, from its ergonomic
form factor to button sizes, placement and angles was rigorously tested
both internally in our R&D labs in San Francisco and Singapore, and
with seasoned pro-gamers," explains Min-Liang Tan, CEO and Creative
Director, Razer. "The Naga Epic is also one of the most comfortable
mice we've ever designed, with three interchangeable side panels that
ensure an ideal fit for various hand sizes and grip styles."
The end
result is a mouse intended to not only provide a personalized level of
comfort, but with its dual wired/wireless functionality and unique
MMO-optimized multibutton thumb grid it also lets gamers fully immerse
in their favourite MMO games knowing they have the full range of
character abilities at their fingertips.
The Razer Naga Epic MMO gaming mouse allows gamers to easily
organize their character abilities for any game by enabling them to
fully remap and assign programmed macros to all 17 buttons. With the
three interchangeable side panels facilitating optimal fit for various
hand sizes and grip styles, the Razer Naga Epic allows gamers to quest,
raid, or PVP in comfort for hours on end. The true gaming-grade
wireless connection on Razer says the epic mouse also allows gamers a
greater variety of movement without any sacrifice of mouse control or
accuracy, with zero downtime as the mouse charges while in wired
mode.
Razer Naga Epic sells for $129.99/€129.99, and will be
available from Razerzone.com and worldwide through gaming resellers in
November 2010
Product Features:
- 17
Fully-programmable MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb
grid)
- Wired/Wireless dual mode capability
- Three interchangeable ergonomic side panels
- Charging dock (also functions as a wireless receiver unit)
- Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
- Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
- 16 million color backlight illumination
- 5600 dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
- 1000 Hz Ultrapolling / 1 ms response time
- Approximate size: 116L x 77W x 41H (in mm)
- Battery Life: 12 hr. (continuous use); 72 hours (normal gaming
usage)
Link:
Wireless Razer Naga Epic Gaming Mouse
Razer Unleashes Ultra-smooth Razer Ironclad Metal
Mouse Mat
PR: Razer, specialist in high-end precision gaming and
lifestyle peripherals, today announced the Razer Ironclad elite hard
gaming mouse mat, the only metal mat in Razer's product range built to
enhance and optimize the gliding capabilities of your mouse for
unparalleled mousing comfort and control.
Equipped with a finely sandblasted surface, the Razer Ironclad
minimizes hand discomfort and feels smooth to the touch, allowing for
effortless and natural mouse movements over its sleek top. It features
just the right amount of friction to deliver the precise targeting you
need to eradicate all competition with sharpshooting accuracy without
abrasive results.
"The Razer Ironclad stands apart from the pack because it delivers
the highest form of comfort and long-lasting performance with its
ultra-smooth surface and sturdy metal body," says Robert "Razerguy"
Krakoff, president, Razer USA. "We understand the diversity of gamers
out there, from ones who demand a large surface area to those who want
superior tracking precision. We produced the Razer Ironclad to make
winning feel easy, and give every type of gamer the feel, traction, and
durability that they need to do so."
Made from anodized aluminium, the Razer Ironclad features a robust
unibody construction for reinforced strength and extreme durability to
withstand the test of time in any gaming environment. Its extra-large
surface area caters for low-sensitivity settings and wide sweeping
movements. Gamers can now have a premium combination of both precision
and reliability for those kill-or-be-killed moments in gameplay.
The Razer Ironclad combines premium comfort, well-built resilience,
and high precision tracking with its ultra-smooth sandblasted surface
and extra-wide anodized aluminum body, providing gamers with the
ultimate long-lasting hard gaming mouse mat. The non-slip rubber base
ensures the mat stays put during the most intense of gaming sessions,
and it comes with a carrying case for added mat protection and
portability.
Product Features:
- Ultra-smooth sandblasted surface for the best mouse glide comfort
and control
- Anodized aluminum body for reinforced strength and extended
durability
- Extra-large to cater to low-sensitivity gamers
- Compatible with all mice
- Non-slip rubber base that stays put
- Protective carrying case for greater portability
- Approximate size: 320 mm (length) x 270mm (width) x 2.5mm
(height)
Razer Ironclad sells for $59.99 and will be available at Razerzone
in October 2010 and worldwide in November 2010.
Link:
Razer Ironclad Metal Mouse Mat
Kanex Expands Connectivity Solutions to Apple LED
Cinema Displays
PR: Apogee Inc., makers of Kanex products including the award
winning Kanex XD and iAdapt series have announced the new Kanex C
Series, a new line of products to help people who are looking for
alternative connectivity solutions to connect and enjoy Apple LED
Cinema Displays.
Kanex C247m
Designed for previous generations of MacBook
and Mac mini with mini-DVI video output, the C247m combines audio and
video to Apple LED Cinema 24" and 27" displays. Now users with older
models are not left behind and can take advantage of these larger
displays. A blast for the past Macs.
Kanex C247d
Designed for PC or Macs with DVI video output, the C247d converts
and combines audio and video to Apple LED Cinema 24" and 27" displays.
PC users can now include these displays into their systems.
Key Features for C247m & C247d
- Combines DVI + USB audio to Apple Cinema Displays 24" and 27"
- Extend desktop as a secondary or mirror display to increase
productivity
- USB powered and audio pass-through to Mini DisplayPort and USB
output
- USB 2.0 pass-through for iSight camera and other USB functions
Simple Plug and Play Solution - Kanex C30
Designed for Apple Cinema Display 30" and other displays with
Dual-Link DVI-D, the Kanex C30 converts Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link
DVI-D at a max resolution 2560 x 1600. The 30" displays require larger
resolutions due to the size of the screen, and the Kanex C30 can easily
support the maximum resolution of Dual-Link displays.
Link: Kanex C247m - MSRP:
$129 - Available November 2010
Link: Kanex
C247d - MSRP: $129 - Available November 2010
Link: Kanex C30 -
MSRP: $99 - Available Now
Software
Freeware ToyViewer Image Utility for Snow Leopard
and Leopard Updated to Version 5.10
PR:
ToyViewer is an image viewer, resizer and format switching utility that
can read and display image files in tiff, jpg, pdf, png, gif, bmp,
pict, JPEG2000(jp2, jpc, j2k), and eps formats. ToyViewer can also deal
with svg, jbig(bie), pcx, pcd, pnm(ppm, pbm, pgm), xbm, mag, SUN
Rasterfile, and display Photoshop psd files. You can set ToyViewer to
display any image format if there is a filter program to ppm
format.
Displayed images can be saved as tiff, pdf, gif, bmp, png, jpg,
JPEG2000(jp2, jpc, j2k), jbig(bie), pnm, or xbm files. Additionally,
vector images such as PDF can be converted into bitmap images such as
jpg or tiff.
While ToyViewer is no replacement for full-featured image editors
like Photoshop Elements or Pixelmator, it can copy, crop, rotate, and
flip images, enlarge or shrink images, adjust brightness, contrast,
color tone, replace a specified color with other color or transparent
color, images with palettes, enhancement, blur, mosaic, and so on. You
can also make Aqua-button-like images, poster-like images, attach a
custom icon to any file, and there are several printing options
New in version 5.10:
- You can display each image file in a zipped archive file one by one
in fullscreen. Besides, you can retrieve marked images from the
archive. (You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and
in other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.)
- You can open the image file by specifying its URL. You can type the
URL on the panel. Besides, if the string of the URL is copied in the
pasteboard, then you can display the image.
- If the full path of an image file is copied in the pasteboard, then
you can display the image.
ToyViewer 5.10 has several limitations:
- Can't display some TIFF images. (Mac OS X does not support TIFF
images compressed by JPEG any more)
- Can't display correctly some SVG images. (The current version of
WebKit does not support all variations of SVG images)
- Can't display some JPEG2000 images. (Mac OS X currently does not
support some variations of JPEG2000 images)
- Color profiles and transparent colors (alpha channel) aren't dealt
as expected. (Frankly, it is difficult to handle properly any possible
combinations of them)
- You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and in
other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.
New in version Ver. 5.05/5.10:
- You can display each image file in a zipped archive file one by one
in fullscreen. Besides, you can retrieve marked images from the
archive. (You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and
in other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.)
- You can open the image file by specifying its URL. You can type the
URL on the panel. Besides, if the string of the URL is copied in the
pasteboard, then you can display the image.
- If the full path of an image file is copied in the pasteboard, then
you can display the image.
ToyViewer 5.10 can be downloaded in separate versions for OS X Snow
Leopard and Leopard. Version 5.05 is still available for OS X 10.4
Tiger.
Link:
ToyViewer
Dragon Dictate 2.0.1 Update Released
PR: Nuance Communications, Inc. has released the first
incremental update for its Dragon Dictate for Mac version 2.0. Dragon
Dictate for Mac is the successor to MacSpeech Dictate 1.5, following
Nuance's acquisition of MacSpeech earlier this year, and leverages the
new Dragon 11 engine, which also powers the recently-announced Dragon
NaturallySpeaking 11 for the PC. Dictate 2.0 offers a more streamlined
setup, revamped Mac user interface, and dynamic new voice commands for
dictation, editing, navigation and proofreading. Dragon Dictate for Mac
also "learns" better than any previous version of Dictate, responds
faster to spoken commands and supports Dragon Voice Shortcuts for
searching the web, email and Mac desktop by voice.
New in version 2.0.1:
- Corrected issues related to MouseGrid and multiple monitors
- Preference update no longer causes crash
- Corrected issues related to upgrade of certain Dictate 1.5
Profiles
- Fixed issue with New Line and Tab Key not functioning in Spelling
mode
- Removed File/Page Setup to keep more in line with OS X 10.6 (Snow
Leopard standards)
Dictate sells for $199.99 with a bundled high-quality USB microphone
for Mac. A Bluetooth microphone option is available. Download version
is available, and requires the user provide a Nuance-approved USB
microphone.
The version 2.0.1 update is free to registered users. Existing
MacSpeech Dictate 1.5 customers and Dragon NaturallySpeaking customers
can upgrade to Dragon Dictate for Mac starting at $49.99 and $99.99
respectively for a limited time.
Link: Dragon Dictate for
Mac
October Giveaway: Free AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint
for Mac
PR: AnyBizSoft have launched a new giveaway for everyone -
AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint for Mac, normally priced at $49.95. From
now to October 31, anyone who comes to AnyBizSoft's Facebook page can
get a totally free license for the software.
Just visit the AnyBizSoft page on Facebook and click 'Like' to
become a fan.
How Can AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint Converter for Mac Boost Your
Productivity? You can fulfill the following tasks with ease with this
tool:
- Present PDF contents professionally in Microsoft PowerPoint on
Mac
- Recover text, images and graphics for reusing in other
application
- Modify or change text, images, tables, hyperlinks, etc.
- Extract specific pages from PDF files to reorganize new PowerPoint
presentations
- View PDF files in Ms PowerPoint
- Print restricted PDF files easily
As noted, fans of AnyBizSoft can click Maczone to access their
giveaway zone exclusive for Mac users on the fan page. Grab a free
license immediately after filling in your name and email.
New visitors only need to click 'Like' to become a fan, and
thereafter enjoy the same privileges as other fans of AnyBizSoft.
Since June 6, 2010, AnyBizSoft has been running continuous giveaways
on Facebook to benefit fans. "We won't stop." says Wondershare CEO Mr.
Wu Taibing. "The giveaways are aimed to let more and more PC and Mac
users enjoy efficiency gains free handy tools can bring about."
Note that the free license is for personal usage only.
Link: AnyBizSoft
PDF to PowerPoint for Mac
Link: AnyBizSoft's
Facebook page
Desktop Mac Deals
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.
