Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2007.07.27
This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is
covered in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
iPod News
Products
Software
News & Opinion
John C. Dvorak Using a Mac - and Liking It
PC Magazine's John C. Dvorak says:
"Not too long ago, while beginning work on some projects for a
company, I was asked whether I wanted a PC or a Mac - laptop or
desktop - to use while in the office. Since the place was
essentially a Macintosh shop, I requested an iMac (with a second
screen so I didn't look like a complete schlub).
"Oh horrors. Dvorak is using a Mac.
"Hey, I figured since I'm known for ragging on the Mac all the
time, I may as well speak from some experience, right? It's been a
couple of months now, so I thought I'd report what I think about
the platform from a user's perspective - specifically, from a PC
user's perspective.
"So here's what I think.
"First of all, the machine is not half bad...."
Link: Me and My
Mac
Switching from Windows to Mac: The ROI
Case
ZD Net blogger Larry Dignan says:
"Auto Warehousing Co. CIO Dale Frantz says his decision to go
from a Windows shop to one powered by Apple is based on time and
labor spent maintaining Windows.
"A week ago, I noted that Auto Warehousing Co. was switching to
the Mac platform. The move, first chronicled by Computerworld, left
a few loose ends on Frantz's business case. The biggest loose end:
I looked like Frantz was adding costs with an unclear return.
"I emailed Frantz to get some more color on his decision.
Without offering specific return targets he did tie up a the loose
ends. Instead of interpreting his remarks and paraphrasing I
thought it was best to let him tell it. Here's his reply to my
question about his business case for switching to the Mac on the
front end of his infrastructure."
Link: Switching from Windows to Mac:
The ROI Case
Vista Use Grows as Mac OS X Stays Flat
Computerworld's Gregg Keizer reports:
"Windows Vista's share of online users has increased every month
this year, while rival Mac OS X - to which Vista has often been
compared - has shown little, if any, growth, a metrics company
reports.
"According to Net Applications, in June Windows Vista accounted
for 4.52 percent of all systems that browsed the Web, up from
January's 0.18 percent. Vista has grown its usage share each month
since its release to consumers Jan. 30, hitting 0.93 percent in
February, 2.04 percent in March, 3.02 percent in April and 3.74
percent in May. Apple Inc.'s Mac OS X, meanwhile, accounted for
6.22 percent in January and hit its high point of 6.46 percent in
May, but it slipped back to 6 percent in June.
"If Vista's uptake trend continues, it should pass Mac OS X
in Web usage share by the end of August."
Editor's note: Ummmm . . . okay, but what's being
downplayed in this story (although its in the third paragraph down)
is that Vista's increase is largely compensated by a decrease in
Windows XP usage and that "Windows overall total has remained flat"
though the first six months of 2007, so it would appear that
OS X is holding its own nicely, especially given the purchase
deferral factor that has to be dampening OS X sales as
prospective buyers wait for the release of Leopard in October.
cm
Editor's note: Vista users account for 9.7% of all Windows
visits to Low End Mac, while Windows XP has 81.9% of the Windows
installed base. Third place? Windows 2000 with 5.5%. dk
Link: Vista
Use Grows as Mac OS X Stays Flat
PC Industry 'Disappointed' with Vista
digitalartsonline.co.uk reports:
"Acer president Gianfranco Lanci became the first major PC
manufacturer to openly attack Microsoft over the Windows Vista
operating system in the Financial Times Deutschland on Monday.
"Lanci said the operating system was riddled with problems and
gave users and businesses no reason to buy a new PC, according to
the report. Taiwan-based Acer is the world's fourth-largest PC
manufacturer, after HP, Dell and Lenovo.
"'The whole industry is disappointed with Windows Vista,' Lanci
said."
Link: PC
Industry 'Disappointed' with Vista
Create an Inexpensive iPhone Car Connector
MacOSHints' ricardob says:
"So you had an iPod that would nicely plug into your car. You
get the iPhone and because the iPhone's headphone connector is
recessed, your cable does not exactly fit. You can't hear the music
through your car stereo.
"Instead of hacking your $20 Monster cable, buy a couple of
cheap parts from Radio Shack and create an adapter for the existing
cable in your car...."
Link: Create
an Inexpensive iPhone Car Connector
iPod News
70% of Zune Owners Expect to Switch to iPod,
iPhone
Macworld UK says:
"Microsoft recently confirmed it has sold just over a million
Zunes - but recent research says most Zune owners rue the day they
ever dipped into their pocket to pick one up, with 70 per cent of
Zune owners planning to ditch the device in favour of an iPod or
iPhone just as soon as they can.
"Survey research from the Eagle Research Group shows most Zune
owners are displeased, meaning the player has acquired little brand
loyalty."
Link:
70% of Zune Owners Will Switch to iPod, iPhone
Products
Stylish GE Digicams Return to Home Shopping
Network
PR: The stylish
new line of GE digital cameras make a return appearance on
multichannel retailer HSN with
the world launch of its 10-megapixel E1040. General Imaging, the
worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, announced
today that HSN will offer the E1040 in black, silver, and an
eye-catching, HSN-exclusive hot metallic pink.
Besides the 10-megapixel resolution, the E1040 boasts 4x zoom
and a 3-inch LCD screen. As with all GE cameras, it also offers
such advanced features as face detection, redeye removal, panoramic
stitching, and image stabilization. The E1040 also provides ISO
3200 sensitivity. These features are all embedded in the camera,
meaning no additional software is needed.
All GE cameras offer movie mode, continuous-shot mode, and a
variety of special scene modes - all at prices far less than many
of their competitors.
The line of eight cameras represents the first time General
Electric has bestowed its highly regarded and trusted brand on a
consumer camera line. General Imaging, led by Chairman & CEO
Hiroshi "Hugh" Komiya, is the exclusive worldwide licensee for the
GE cameras.
General Imaging, based in Torrance, Calif., lifted the wraps on
eight cameras in all, from the entry level to the "prosumer"
level.
All of the GE cameras offer popular advanced features as
standard at every price point, including face tracking, image
stabilization, redeye removal, high ISO sensitivity, and panoramic
stitching.
The GE line sets a new benchmark for point-and-shoot digital
cameras with a strong product identity that combines both ease of
operation and a handsome consistency in look and feel across all
models. "Consumers are demanding not just advanced features but
stylish designs," Komiya said. "And General Imaging is meeting that
demand with cameras that are a statement of style while offering
all the latest technology."
Here are more specifics about the entries in the new GE camera
line:
A Series
The most affordable, entry-level GE digital cameras. Remarkably
feature-rich cameras for first-time buyers or those upgrading from
first-generation digital cameras. Both include a generous 2.5-inch
LCD screen. Powered by two AA alkaline batteries.
- The A730 features a 3x optical zoom and 7 megapixels of
resolution.
- The A830 offers 3x optical zoom and 8 megapixels.
E Series
The intermediate level of the GE models offers features found on
other brands' top-of-the-line models. The E1030 features a 2.7-inch
LCD; all others in this series offer a spacious 3-inch screen. All
are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
- The E850 includes a 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, a 5x
optical zoom and 8 megapixels.
- The E1030 offers a 3x optical zoom and 10 megapixels.
- The E1040 includes a 4x optical zoom and 10 megapixels.
- The E1240 features a 4x optical zoom and 12 megapixels.
G Series (The G1)
The signature GE camera is its most compact model (3? inches
wide x 21Ú2 inches high), yet it's big on performance.
Perfect for soccer moms or anyone else on the go who wants a
superb, snazzy point-and-shoot camera. Includes a 3x optical zoom,
a vibrant 2.5-inch LCD screen, 7 megapixels, and a rechargeable
lithium-ion battery.
X Series (The X1)
A high-performance camera for the more serious photographer.
Boasts state-of-the-art optical image stabilization, 12x optical
zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 8 megapixels, and a handgrip. Powered
by four AA batteries.
Komiya said his goal is
to be among the top three camera brands in the world within five
years. "We believe digital cameras are still in a growth market,"
he said. "With the replacement cycle now down to three years, many
consumers are buying their second or third digital camera, while
others have been waiting for just the right camera to come along to
make their first purchase. With our excellent quality, advanced
features, strong value proposition and the great GE name, we are in
a position to lift the entire category."
GE digital cameras are also available at Sears and K-mart.
Link: GE
Digital Cameras
SanDisk's Ducati Flash Drive
PR: SanDisk Corporation today rolled out the sleek
SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive. A tribute to
Ducati's distinctive Italian design and engineering, the new drive
has the same glossy red chassis and black trim as the Ducati Corse
team motorcycles now racking up victories on the MotoGP
circuit.
The true "Ducatisti," as aficionados of Ducati motorcycles call
themselves, will appreciate the attention to detail in the SanDisk
Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive, including the Ducati Corse
logo on top of the drive and the red tail light that illuminates
whenever the drive is inserted into the USB port of a computer.
On the inside, the drive offers a generous 4
gigabytes1 (GB) of capacity and front-of-the-pack read
and write speeds of 20 megabytes per second2 - the
fastest of the SanDisk portfolio of consumer USB drives. In other
words, there isn't a long wait to fill the drive's big fuel tank
with documents, photos, music and other digital data.
"Ducati and SanDisk share a passion for bringing together
performance and design," said Alessandro Cicognani, Ducati Corse
marketing and licensing manager. "That's why Ducati was proud to
welcome SanDisk as a sponsor of our MotoGP team back in January,
and why we're delighted today that SanDisk has created a product so
closely mirroring our commitment to excellence."
"There has never been a USB flash drive that looked like this,"
said Greg Rhine, senior vice president and general manager of the
Consumer Products Division at SanDisk. "The SanDisk Extreme Ducati
Edition USB Flash Drive is fast and functional, but it's also a way
for everyone to share the excitement of Ducati motorcycles and
Ducati's long history as a racing champion."
The SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive comes with a
custom lanyard, as well as SanDisk's RescuePRO Deluxe software for
recovering data that is accidentally deleted. The drive is
compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and
versions 10.1.2 or better of the Mac operating system.
The drive has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $124.99
in the United States. It is expected to be available in North
America and Europe in August, and worldwide in September. The drive
will be sold through high-end niche retailers, high-end department
stores, Ducati network shops and other outlets, including on-line.
It will also be available for pre-order on the SanDisk website.
Today, SanDisk also announced SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition
Compact Flash cards, in 4 GB and 8 GB capacities, and a
SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition 4 GB SD™ Plus card. These
cards have the fastest performance that SanDisk has ever offered in
their formats. (See separate press release.)
"These new Ducati Extreme Edition products are the beginning of
what we believe will be an important partnership, leveraging
Ducati's reputation in MotoGP to support a worldwide merchandising
and marketing campaign for SanDisk," said Tanya Chuang, director of
worldwide retail product marketing for the high performance imaging
market at SanDisk. "Our Ducati Edition products also clearly show
SanDisk's capabilities in performance and design, which we feel put
us far ahead of the competition."
Ducati, founded in 1926, is one of the world's best-known names
in performance motorcycles. Emphasizing unique engine features,
innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical
excellence, Ducati motorcycles have won 14 of the last 16 World
Superbike Championship titles - more individual victories than the
competition put together. Since 2003, Ducati also has been a leader
in the MotoGP World Championship circuit.
SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is
the world's largest supplier of flash data storage card products,
using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller
technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, California, and
has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the
U.S.
- 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes.
- Based on SanDisk internal testing; performance may be lower
depending upon host device. 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes.
Link: SanDisk Ducati Team
FireWire 800 Compact Flash Reader
PR: Synchrotech's CFFire800 Pro
FireWire 800 to Compact Flash Drive Read-Writer is a must for pro
photographers and other demanding users of high speed Compact Flash
memory cards. Capable of exploiting the high speeds of the latest
generation of Compact Flash memory cards, the CFFire800 FireWire
800 boasts incredible read speeds of up to 43 MBs with Lexar's new
UDMA 300X and 39 MBs with SanDisk's Extreme IV Compact Flash
cards.
The CFFire800 FireWire 800 to Compact Flash Drive reader
supports all the latest high-speed Compact Flash standards
including PIO Modes 1-4, DMA Modes 0-2, and UDMA Modes 0-6.
CFFire800 features a single Compact Flash slot for Compact Flash
Type I and II including Hitachi Microdrives and other CFII+
rotating media. It supports FireWire 800 (400?) connectivity on
both Macintosh and Windows Operating Systems. The FireWire to
Compact Flash uses FireWire bus power, so the CFFire800 reader
plugs and plays with no external AC power. CFFire800 Pro FireWire
800 to Compact Flash Drive requires no drivers and comes with a one
year limited warranty.
Features
- FireWire bus powered, no power adapter required
- Supports media hot swapping and FireWire plug and play
- Compact and portable design with low power consumption
- Supports PIO Modes 1-4, DMA Modes 0-2, and UDMA Modes 0-6
- High speeds of over to 45 Mbps (Megabytes) interface access to
UDMA Mode 6 (Ultra ATA/133) storage cards
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
- Easy Installation
- CE Approved
Select Benchmarks
- Mac OS X 10.4.9 (Read / Write) 1394b
- Lexar 8 GB UDMA 300X: 43.0 / 38.0 MB/s
- SanDisk 8 GB Extreme IV: 39.0 / 33.0 MB/s
- Transcend 4 GB CF 120X: 14.2 / 11.2 MB/s
- SanDisk 1 GB Ultra II: 11.2 / 11.0 MB/s
- Windows XP (Read / Write) 1394b
- Lexar 8 GB UDMA 300X: 42.6 / 23.2 MB/s
- SanDisk 8 GB Extreme IV: 38.1 / 23.4 MB/s
- Transcend 4 GB CF 120X: 13.9 / 7.0 MB/s
- SanDisk 1 GB Ultra II: 10.6 / 9.1 MB/s
PCMCIA Media Support
- Compact Flash Memory Cards
- High Speed Compact Flash Memory Cards including PIO4, DMA 2 and
UDMA6 based cards like Lexar's UDMA 300X and SanDisk's Extreme
IV
- Microdrives and other CFII+ rotating media
Transfer Rates
- FireWire 800: 800 Mbps (Megabits)
Standards
- PC Card Version 2.1/JEIDA 4.1
- IEEE 1394a/b (FireWire)
System Requirements
- PC or Macintosh with free nine pin FireWire 800 port
- Mac OS X 10.1x or later
- Windows 2000/XP and The Vista
- Unsupported, but known to work with FireWire capable Mac OS
Classic 9.X
- Unsupported, but known to work with FireWire capable BSD and
Linux distributions
Electrical Characteristics
- Bus Powered: 12V ±10% @ < 1.0A
Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions: 70.0 X 70.0 X 25.0mm (LWH ± .5mm)
- Cable Length: 0.95m
- Weight: 92g
PCM-CR-FW81ECF-02 CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to Compact Flash
Drive Read-Writer
Requires powered FireWire port (9-pin port)
$59
Optional Accessories
- ADP-ATA-CF Compact Flash Type I to 16-bit PC Card Type I/II
Adapter for ATA Flash
Only supported for use with ATA Flash Memory PC Cards.
$26.00
Link:
CFFire800 Pro
OWC NASPerform Network Attached Storage
for Home or Business
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the
NASPerform fast 10/100 Base-T Ethernet/USB 2.0 Network Attached
Storage Solution for home or business networks. With a data storage
capacity of up to 750 GB, NASPerform effortlessly connects to wired
or wireless networks for easy file storage and sharing among
multiple network users.
Store & Share Photos, Music, Movies with Your Whole Family
or Small Office
Available for Mac and Windows, NASPerform stores and shares
photos, music, movies, and other data with up to 20 other network
users. NASPerform works just like an internal hard drive. Users
just simply point and click, and drag and drop files they wish to
access. With its built-in USB 2.0 port, NASPerform can also be used
as a portable external hard drive for personal file storage.
Plug N'Play Easy Installation
NASPerform connects directly to any wired or wireless Ethernet
network switch or router and comes complete with Ethernet and USB
2.0 connecting cables for Plug N' Play easy installation. It
eliminates the need for complicated TCP/IP settings or a costly
server. In addition, NASPerform provides the ability to assign
read/write privileges to each network user to prevent unwanted
deletion or modification of valuable data. NASPerform's innovative
technology also protects data from external Internet security
intrusions.
NASPerform is ideal for:
- Multimedia storage (MP3s, digital photos, digital video). Home
networking storage (storing and sharing files, backing up, and
archiving). Network storage for small business.
- Data archives, disclosed data, backups, and data conservation
storage for public institutions/facilities. Multiplatform network
storage (simultaneous Macintosh and Windows use).
NASPerform Technical Highlights:
- Up to 750 GB of bootable disk capacity
- 16 MB of data cache
- Ximeta NDAS 2011 chipset
- One RJ-45 100 Base-TX Auto MDI/MDI-X port
- One USB 2.0/1.1 5-pin port
- Up to 20 simultaneous connections
- Front panel LED status light: blue when powered on, red &
flashing with read/write activity
- Dimensions of 5.2" x 8.7" x 1.8", 3 lb. weight
- External auto-switching 100-240V 50-60 Hz 3 amp UL listed power
supply included
- 36" double shielded USB 2.0/1.1 and 36" Ethernet RJ-45
connecting cables included
- $200 retail value utility software bundle of ProSoft
Engineering® Data Backup 3, NovaStor NovaBACKUP®, and
Intech® SpeedTools Utilities included with preconfigured
solutions
- 1 year OWC warranty
System requirements:
NASPerform is compatible with Macintosh computers running OS 8.6
and later with an available USB port or OS 10.3 and later via
Ethernet for network operation. NASPerform is also compatible with
Windows computers running Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows 2000
(Home or Professional), Windows Vista with an available USB port or
a via Ethernet for network operation.
Priced starting at $127.99
NASPerform is available in five preconfigured 7200 RPM
solutions, from 250 GB to 750 GB, priced starting at $127.99 MSRP.
A 0 GB "add your own drive" enclosure is also available priced at
$59.99 MSRP.
Available immediately from Other World Computing.
Link:
NASPerform
LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ 2 TB Hard Drive with
Shortcut Button
PR: Huge capacity, great speed, connects
everywhere
- FireWire 800, FireWire 400 & Hi-Speed USB 2.0
- LaCie Shortcut Button launches any application
- EMC Retrospect backup and recovery software
LaCie has unveiled the triple-interface Big Disk Extreme+ with
LaCie Shortcut Button and included EMC Retrospect backup and
recovery software for Windows/Mac OS. This versatile storage
solution is equipped with FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0
interfaces, as well as a utility that allows users to back up files
or launch any application by pushing the front blue button. The
LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ is available today in 1 TB, 1.5 TB,
and 2 TB capacities.
"LaCie is excited to introduce this high-capacity solution for
professional users," said Olivier Mirloup, LaCie Hard Disk Drive
Business Unit Manager. "The Big Disk Extreme+ is a triple threat
with high-performance storage, high capacity and a user-friendly
quick backup feature for data safety and recovery. Professional
users working with very large, resource intensive files can take
advantage of the high throughput of the FireWire 800, or the
universal compatibility of USB, with the reassuring convenience of
EMC Retrospect Express backup software and the LaCie Shortcut
Button."
Three
interfaces in a single solution gives professionals the versatility
needed to work in almost any environment. With burst transfer rates
close to 90 MB/s*, the LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ takes full advantage
of the great bandwidth of FireWire 800 connectivity. This makes the
LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ especially convenient for video editors
working in SD/HD or for quick individual workstation storage in a
small business setting.
People can utilize the LaCie Shortcut Button - the blue button
in front of the drive - as a one-push backup or
application-launching utility . It can be configured to launch any
document or application, or initiate included EMC Retrospect
Express software that offers automated backups on the LaCie Big
Disk Extreme+.
LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ features the quintessential d2 design -
a stylish, metallic housing crafted from sturdy aluminum alloy for
portability and protection. It offers excellent natural heat
dissipation which is combined with an ultra-quiet thermo-regulated
"smart" fan system to prolong performance and drive reliability. A
3-position switch allows for customized power management. LaCie Big
Disk Extreme+ can stand vertically to save desktop space, be laid
horizontally to stack multiple drives, or be rack-mounted to fit
into an audio/video setup. Several Big Disks can even be
daisy-chained to the same computer and combined together to further
increase capacity, speed or security via FireWire.
Availability
The LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ 1 TB, 1.5 TB, and 2 TB are
available immediately online and will be widely available through
LaCie's specialized dealer network later this month starting at the
suggested retail price of $350. Drives ship with EMC Retrospect
Express HD 2.0 for Windows, Retrospect Express 6.1 for Mac OS, all
interface cables, and a power supply. LaCie separately offers
FireWire PCI cards.
(*) Burst transfer rates vary from one computer to another and
may vary slightly from one drive to another. Average speed is
usually lower, depending on host configuration.
Link: Big Disk
Extreme+
Kanguru Solutions' Power Saving Eco
Drive
PR: Kanguru Solutions has announced the release of
the Kanguru Eco Drive, the most environmentally friendly and energy
efficient external hard drive on the market.
With its three built in Power Saving modes, the Kanguru Eco
Drive automatically gauges hard drive usage to reduce power
consumption by up to 75% and extends the life of the hard drive
itself. The three modes include Idle mode (drive operates at 80% of
normal consumption after 3 seconds of inactivity), Standby mode
(drive operates at 10-20% of normal consumption after 3 minutes of
inactivity) and Power Down (drive operates at 5-10% of normal
consumption after 5 minutes of inactivity). The power modes are
configurable through included software for Windows platforms
(Windows 2000, XP and Vista only).
The Kanguru Eco Drive is also RoHS compliant. RoHS, or the
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, is an international
directive to restrict the use of six hazardous materials in the
manufacture of certain types of electrical equipment. These
materials are lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and
PBDE flame retardants.
The high-speed (480 Mbps) USB 2.0 hard drives are available in
capacities of up to 750 GB. The Kanguru Eco Drive is compatible
with Windows (98 and above), including Windows Vista, and with Mac
OS X and above. SATA support will be available soon.
"With energy costs and environmental concerns on the rise
Kanguru is setting the standard for environmentally concerned
manufacturers. We are proud to be able to offer a high quality and
cost effective storage solution that is environmentally friendly."
said Nate Cote, VP of Product Management at Kanguru Solutions
A division of Interactive Media Corporation, Kanguru Solutions
manufactures high quality, secure and portable computer storage and
security peripherals that have provided consumers with secure
back-up solutions for more than a decade. Interactive Media Corp.
was established in Massachusetts in 1992.
Link: Kanguru Eco Drive
zPrint Keyboard Skin for Adobe
InDesign
PR: Preprinted and
Molded for Apple Keyboard with Program short cut key compatible
with Adobe InDesign®
version 1, 1.5, 2, CS, CS2 and CS3.
- Washable
- Durable
- Dustproof
zPrinted
- It is compatible with the new Apple Keyboard.
- All G5/Intel iMacs and G5 PowerMacs are packaged with this new
Apple keyboard.
- It is also compatible with the Apple Bluetooth Wireless
keyboard.
- NOTE: It is not compatible with
the older Apple Pro Keyboard and Apple USB Keyboard.
- Unique in having preprinted program icons on the cover
- Turn your normal keyboard into a fully functional program
editing keyboard
- Not peel off or fade off
- Snugly fitted to your keyboard
- zCover silicone skin are crafted from nontoxic, durable
high-grade silicone rubber. It is safe.
- Ultra thin (0.6mm) skin touch feeling, durable,
- Multicolor and glow-in-dark fashionable design,
- Full shock-absorbing, tear-resistant protection,
- Molded to specifically fit every point,
- Removable easy on and off for cleaning,
- Stays in place and does not shift around,
- Washable - you can wash zCover silicone typeOn skin by hand.
Make sure it's dried out before put it on your keyboard.
Price: $49.99
Link: zCover
TypeOn Adobe InDesign zPrint Program Keyboard Skin
Software
CUPS-PDF 2.4.6 Prints to PDF Files
PR: CUPS-PDF is a backend module for CUPS (Mac OS X's
printing system) by Volker C. Behr that, rather than printing to a
device, prints straight to PDF files.
Why use this rather than a simple "Save as PDF" in the print
dialog?
- Pressing return is faster.
- Batch-print through the writer to convert documents to
PDF.
- Common save location for all generated PDFs.
Due to the nature of the program, the title of the document you
print is the name of the file, so printing a document twice will
overwrite the file. Be aware of this.
New in version 2.4.6:
- optimized default options for GS to produce PDFs
- enclosing parentheses () are removed from title
- set a more comprehensive identification string
- DOS-style path separators '\' are now recognized
- replaced 'setenv' by 'putenv' to increase compatibility
- several code optimizations
- PostScript PPD now uncompressed and rev4 only
- added a new revision of the PostscriptColor PPD file
- Mac OS X: Updated cups-pdf.conf to create unique filenames by
default (Label)
This version is a universal binary and runs on PPC and Intel
Macs.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: CUPS-PDF
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers monthly:
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.