This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, 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
Apple Updates
Products
Software
News & Opinion
Should You Buy a Mac mini, iMac, or Mac Pro?
Tom's Guide's Anthony Celeste says:
"Apple recently released what some have called long overdue updates
to its lineup of desktop computers: the Mac mini, iMac and Mac
Pro. This update marks the third version* of desktop Macs to use
Intel's multi-core processors, and the third version to be able to run
both Apple's Mac OS X, and Microsoft's Windows operating
systems.
"Apple has certainly never been more distracted than it is today
from its core business of making an operating system and computers to
run it. With hardware like iPods, iPhones and Apple TV; the iTunes
music downloading service; and advanced software titles such as iLife,
Aperture, Final Cut Studio and Logic Pro; Apple may have to prove to
its often-loyal personal computer customer base that it has not lost
site of its flagship product, the Macintosh computer.
"Personally, I use both Windows and Macintosh computers. I'm ready
to make an investment in a high-end computer this year, and what I see
in the new Macs will be the single most important factor in deciding
whether that new computer will be a PC or a Mac."
* Editor's note: While the Mac mini and iMac are on their third
Intel revision, the Mac Pro remains the same model released over a year
ago. The only change to the Mac Pro has been adding an 8-core option,
which Apple introduced in April. dk
Link:
Should You Buy a New Mac mini, iMac or Mac Pro?
What is Interference Robustness?
MacInstruct's Arbi Karamians says:
"Few topics have ever been more exhaustively analyzed and discussed
within Internet/Macintosh based forums than the Apple AirPort feature
'Interference Robustness.' The lack of information made available by
Apple regarding the feature makes for a lot of confused and curious Mac
users. Unfortunately the aforementioned forums appear to be the only
venue through which one can find any significant information regarding
Interference Robustness. In fact, I ran a quick search on 'Mac Help' on
my MacBook Pro and within all the documentation provided by Apple,
Interference Robustness was mentioned on a single occasion. And that
reference was limited to 'If you are using an AirPort Extreme wireless
card and are experiencing network interference, you can use the status
menu to turn on Interference Robustness?' Simple enough, but several
questions remain: 'What does it do and how does it work? When should I
use it? If it cuts down on interference shouldn't I leave it on all the
time?'
"These specific questions appear to be the most common topic of
discussion online, and they're specific questions that have been left
unanswered. Whether it's by design (for one Steve Jobs reason or
another) or simply that they believe it's self-explanatory, the fact
remains that Interference Robustness is the Area 51 of OS X. I
know it seems a bit cheeky to compare an OS X feature to a highly
secure government compound which is said to host the development and
testing of military aircraft, but seriously, try for yourself - Google
it. After some serious scouring, I honestly believe you'd be more
successful obtaining information regarding the goings on at the Groom
Lake compound."
"Most wireless hardware manufacturers have already taken preemptive
measures to battle interference from other sources. Interference
Robustness is Apple AirPort's insurance policy against interference
caused by outside variables. It's also important to understand that if
you run a Mac and use a Linksys, Netgear, Belkin or one of the many
other options one has, checking the 'Use Interference Robustness'
option will not work. Interference Robustness is specific to Macs
connected to Apple's AirPort Express and Airport Extreme."
Link: What is
Interference Robustness?
A Sleeker, Slimmer, More Productive iMac
Computeractive's Anthony Dhanendran reports:
"Apple's habit of giving its new products the same names as its old
ones makes it hard to identify the new ones, but this is the fourth new
design the company has come up with for its flagship computer....
"The 20in widescreen is excellent, with a pin-sharp display, and the
computer's connectivity is likewise impressive, with network, USB2 and
FireWire ports available, and wireless networking (to the new 802.11n
standard, no less) and Bluetooth built in.
"As with all Apples, setup was a doddle, and it connected to our
wireless network easily. That ease of use extends to the rest of the
operating system, and provides an excellent reason to buy a Mac, quite
apart from iLife."
Link:
Review: Apple iMac Computer
Apple Updates
Apple Keyboard Software Update 1.2
Install this software to take advantage of your aluminum Apple
Keyboard's special features.
With its elegant anodized aluminum enclosure, the Apple Keyboard
looks equally at home in your living room or on your desk. Just connect
it to the USB port on your Mac and start enjoying the crisp, responsive
feel of its low-profile keys.
New in this Version:
- Install this software to take advantage of your aluminum Apple
Keyboard's special features.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later.
System support: Intel
35.3 MB
Link: Apple
Keyboard Software Update 1.2
Products
Superfast PowerLogix 1 GHz G3 Upgrade
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has, announced the immediate
availability of the superfast yet economical PowerLogix G3 1.0 GHz ZIF
memory upgrades for Power Mac G3 Beige,
G3 Blue & White, and G4 'Yikes' PCI video computers. By popular demand,
this exceptionally easy to install upgrade is now available at a 30%
lower price, for $139.99.
Fully compatible with all PowerMac G3 and G4 'Yikes' computers
running Mac OS 8.6 to 9.2.2 and Mac OS X 10.1.5 and later, the
PowerLogix ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) CPU upgrades provide performance
up to 5 times faster than with the original stock processor and
requires much less power. Compared with more expensive G4 ZIF options
of up to 1.0 GHz or even the stock G4 processor in the G4 Yikes, not
only does the PowerLogix G3 1.0 GHz ZIF runs far cooler and uses far
less power, but it also offers performance comparable and even
exceeding that of these G4 counterparts. The PowerLogix G3 ZIF
efficient core design with 1 MB of 1:1 high-speed on-chip level 2
cache provides the highest performance and efficiency possible in an
upgrade.
"Macs have about the best longevity of any computer ever. And if
it's not broke, there's no reason to replace the computer, especially
when you've got a wealth of software that runs great on it. The
increased speed provided by our PowerLogix G3 ZIF upgrades just make
everything run a whole lot faster and at an affordable price. You can
even install OS X 10.4.x Tiger!,"said Larry O'Connor, CEO, Other World
Computing.
OWC also offers a full line of G4 single and dual processor upgrades
for the full PowerMac G4 AGP Line, including OWC's own Mercury Extreme
brand as well as upgrades made by NewerTech and Sonnet.
Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000
PR: This comfortable, groundbreaking mouse is
claimed to be the most advanced mobility tool available. Its
transceiver is also with 1 GB Flash Memory, which frees up USB ports
and lets you easily back up and transfer files. You can even continue
to work while your mouse is charging.
Features
- Transceiver with 1 GB Flash Memory - The transceiver is also a
fully functional flash drive, so you can store and transfer files and
free up USB ports.
- 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology - The 2.4 GHz wireless USB
mini-transceiver connects wirelessly right out of the box with
virtually no interference, and up to 30 feet of wireless range.
USB Rechargeable with Magnetic Connectors - Simply snap
in the magnetic connectors to charge while working, using the included
USB transceiver.- High Definition Laser Technology - Microsoft High Definition Laser
Mouse products are more precise, more responsive, and deliver smoother
tracking.
- Battery Life Indicator - You won't get caught with a dead battery -
the Battery Status LED Indicator glows red when the battery is running
low.
- Magnifier - Point and click to enlarge and edit detail using the
Magnifier*.
- 4-Way Scrolling - Scroll four ways for greater efficiency and
comfort with Tilt Wheel Technology.
- 5-Button Mouse - Get quick access to the media, programs, and files
you use most often with customizable buttons.
- Flip 3D - Easily flip through all open windows with Flip 3D.
- Instant Viewer - Too many open items on your desktop? Click the
scroll wheel button to instantly display your open windows, then point
and click to select.
- Right Handed Design - Mouse design is optimized for right handed
users.
- Scroll Wheel - Save time and effort with the scroll wheel -
navigate documents and Web pages without using the onscreen scroll
bar.
- On/Off Button - Turn your 3-in-1 device off to extend battery life
even longer.
- Bluetooth Mode Switch - A switch on the bottom of the mouse enables
Bluetooth notebook users to connect directly to their PC without using
the included transceiver.
- Carrying Case - Protect your mouse while you're on the go.
- Designed for Notebooks - Compact and comfortable, our handy
notebook and laptop products are designed for convenience and
mobility.
* The Magnifier is not compatible with Direct3D API in full screen
mode, media players, OpenGL, and Layered Windows. If you are using Mac
OS X, the Magnifier enlarges text and images on the entire screen.
MSRP: $99.95
Link:
Microsoft Mobile Memory Mouse 8000
IOGear Bluetooth Laser Mouse with Nano
Technology
PR: IOGear's new Bluetooth Laser Mouse with product protected
antimicrobial Nano Coating is an excellent tool for medical offices,
libraries, and schools as well as for mobile professionals, gamers, and
desktop users. The special Nano Coating contains antimicrobial
properties built in to protect the product from bacteria surviving on
its surface.
The Bluetooth Laser Mouse is coated with a Titanium Dioxide
(TiO2) and Silver (Ag) nano-particle compound. These two
mechanisms deactivate enzymes and proteins of bacteria from surviving
on the surface of the product. Nano Coating has been tested and proven
effective against the settlement of harmful microbes on the insulated
surface.
This new IOGear mouse uses VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting
Laser) as the light source, which provides 30x more tracking power than
mice using an optical sensor. VCSEL allows the mouse to work on
virtually any surface, even glass. It provides an extremely high
resolution of 1600 dpi, substantially reducing the amount of
injury-producing hand and arm movement. IOGear's Bluetooth Laser Mouse
with Nano Technology is USB ready, Plug-n-Play, and Hot Pluggable. It
provides a 33 feet (10 meter) wireless range, and it is also backed by
IOGear's 3 Year Limited Warranty.
Disclaimer: Nano Coating properties may not protect users or others
against bacteria, viruses, germs, or other disease organisms. This
device cannot be used as antibiotic or anti-viral medication. Do not
ingest the surface material of the device under any circumstances. If
you have symptoms of bacteria or viral infection please consult with
your physician and seek medical attention immediately. This device does
not eliminate the entire universe of bacteria or viruses. It is not a
replacement for cleanliness and good personal hygiene. Please keep your
hands and work area clean for optimal protection.)
Features
- 1600 dpi laser sensor offers twice the accuracy of typical mouse
movement
- 800/1600 dpi adjustable resolution
- Ergonomic and contour design good for both right and left hand
users
- Contains antimicrobial properties built in to protect the product
from bacteria surviving on its surface
- Operates on most surfaces without the need for a mousepad
- Works up to 33 feet from your notebook or desktop
- Light and very portable, great for mobile professionals
- Saves precious space in your mobile work area
- Power on/off switch conserves electricity for maximum battery
life
- Comes with a USB charger to allow you to charge batteries through
the laptop
- Ergonomically contoured design for comfortable use
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
- 1 Year Limited Warranty on germ free coating
System requirements:
- Computer/Laptop must be Bluetooth-enabled and support the HID
profile
- Operating System:
- Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
- Windows Vista
- MAC OS X v10.3.5 or later
If the computer/laptop is currently not Bluetooth-enabled, a
Bluetooth USB adapter will be required.
Package Content
- 1 x Bluetooth Laser Mouse
- 1 x Carrying Bag
- 1 x USB Charger Cable
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x AAA Rechargeable Batteries
- 1 x Warranty/Registration Card
Warranty 3-YEAR
Specifications
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz
- Operating Range: 33 ft. (10M)
- International - Languages: English, French, Spanish
- Number of IDs: 2048
- Battery Type: NiMH
- Resolution: 800/1600 dpi
- Unit Dimensions
- Width: 2.0 inches (5.1 cm)
- Length: 4.0 inches (10.3 cm)
- Height: 1.3 inches (3.4 cm)
- Weight: 2.7 oz. (76g) with batteries
- Power: Voltage 2.4V
Bluetooth Laser Mouse with Nano Technology MSRP: $79.95
Link: IOGear
Bluetooth Laser Mouse
QuickerTek High Speed 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless for
Mac mini
PR: QuickerTek has announced an 802.11 upgrade for Mac mini
Intel computers. Most notable is the addition of 802.11a wireless - a
feature not even available from Apple. It is available as both a
user-installed product for $149.95, or QuickerTek can install the
upgrade for the customer for $199.95 (including the upgrade and
installation but excluding users choice of shipping).
This upgrade provides 802.11 a/b/g/n compatibility for complete
wireless network freedom. The upgrade also has an external antenna for
'a' wireless as well as three antennas for MIMO wireless - which
enables the Mac mini to easily reach top wireless speeds not previously
possible on accessible networks.
The user-installed upgrade includes the high speed 802.11 upgrade
card, external antennas, cabling, tools and illustrated installation
manual - everything needed to install the Mac mini upgrade.
The installation service is available using any shipping option the
customer chooses, with shipping charges added to the $199.95 installed
upgrade cost. The upgrade service allows the customer to pay for the
exact shipping speed and company they prefer.
This wireless networking upgrade is made to the same specifications
as the Apple factory networking products. It works with all
802.11a//b/g/n WiFi equipment including Apple AirPort, AirPort Extreme
and the latest 802.11n version of AirPort Extreme, as well as common
wireless hardware from Linksys, Belkin and other popular brands found
in thousands of wireless networks across the country.
Like most QuickerTek products, this 802.11a/b/g/n wireless upgrade
is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Link: aCard + Tri-Band
for Mac mini
Revolabs xTag USB Wireless Microphone with
iListen
PR: Macintosh speech specialists MacSpeech have recently
begun selling the Revolabs xTag Wireless Lapel Microphone, and also
offering The iListen Wireless Solution - a new, innovative product
bundle that frees you from the keyboard, mouse and headset wires
Would you prefer to roam freely and untethered as you dictate
into iListen, voice chat online, record Podcasts, or talk on the phone
using VOIP?
Macintosh speech specialists MacSpeech have recently begun selling
the Revolabs xTag Wireless Lapel Microphone, and also offering The
iListen Wireless Solution - a new, innovative product bundle that frees
you from the keyboard, mouse and headset wires
The Revolabs xTag wireless microphone system connects to any
computer (PC including Vista or Mac OS) via a USB without the need for
a software driver install. The xTag is designed to accommodate
demanding personal audio applications such as iListen, Webconferencing,
Podcasting, Voicelift, Skype and Google
Talk, Speech Dictation, among many others.
About the size of a lipstick tube, this amazing little device
actually is a noise-canceling microphone. The base station, which is
about the size of two iPods stacked on top of one another and plugs
directly into a USB port does not require special drivers, and is
actually pretty easy to carry around. While a bit more bulky, its
footprint is actually less than that of a conventional headset. The
microphone itself clips to your collar or lapel.
Key Features
- Ease of Use - The xTag USB Desktop is a plug-and-play personal
microphone that is instantly recognized by all operating systems and
immediately usable out of its box.
- High Comfort - The small form factor and wireless capability
combined with the lack of a headset, makes the xTag USB Desktop an
attractive and comfortable alternative.
- Rechargeable Battery - The xTag USB Desktop has a rechargeable
battery that provide eight hours of talk time after each charge. The
unit will be charged any time the USB cable is connected.
- High Quality - Recording/Voice Lift Capability: The xTag USB
Desktop provides extremely high quality input for VOIP, Internet
Telephony, Webconferencing and Recording via its state-of-the-art
noise-canceling technology.
Benefits
- Nothing beats the look and comfort of an xTag because it's a lapel
microphone.
- No headset means you look more professional when when dictating,
especially in front of clients / customers / patients.
- Excellent accuracy, particularly when compared to our top off the
line headset microphones.
- 8 hour talk time.
- Charges from any USB port.
- Great noise cancellation for a lapel microphone. This microphone
will not pick up keyboard clicks, chair squeaks, laser printer from 3
feet away or someone talking on a telephone from 8 feet away.
128 bit encryption
Includes remote dual function Mute and On/Off switch.
The base station/ charging tray is the communications hub of the
xTag Desktop. This remarkably compact unit controls all communication
flow of the xTag Desktop system. Use the USB connector to connect
directly to your Mac or PC and get all the mobility you want.
Dimensions (L,W,H) and Weight
- Charging Base: 3.9" (10cm) W x 2.4" (6cm) D x 1.0" (2.56 cm) H,
.5lbs (.2 kg)
- Wireless Microphone: .9" (2.4cm) W x .8" (1.95cm) D x 2.6" (6.68cm)
H, .05 lbs (.02 kg)
Accessories
- Earpiece - 2.5mm mono audio connector, 26" (66cm) cable with inline
volume control, adjustable earpiece containing a 20mm high quality 32
ohm speaker, easy to clean.
- Lanyard - 24" (61cm) of 3/16th (5mm) black rayon fiber with quick
disconnect snaps.
Price: $249
Link:
Revolabs USB Wireless Microphone
zCover TypeOn Keyboard Skin for Aluminum Wired
Keyboard
PR: I've been fortunate enough to never have caused damage to
a notebook keyboard on any of my machines, but I did one time take out
a MacAlly IceKey keyboard by spilling not one, but two sloshes of
highly acid grapefruit seed extract
zCover Inc., manufacturer of fashionable
silicone protective cases, has announced the release of their zCover
TypeOn keyboard Skin for new Apple Aluminum Keyboard
Constructed from the zCover's high-quality silicone, zCover TypeOn
keyboard protectors are fashioned to mold perfectly to your new Apple
Aluminum Wired Keyboard and keep the keyboard clean and smudge free.
Being durable and a perfect fit, they protect your new Apple Aluminum
Wired Keyboard without restricting normal typing and maintaining a
clear view of the keyboard. zCover TypeOn keyboard protectors are
removed just as easily and can be washed for easy cleaning
A MacBook-using friend of mine has one of this type of keyboard
cover, and seems pleased with it. As the name indicates, you can type
with the keyboard skin in place, leaving the 'board protected against
dust, food crumbs and accidental spills. The tactile feel and feedback
of the keys is of course diminished somewhat, which is not exactly my
cup of tea, but the protection factor is undeniable.
I've been fortunate enough to never have caused damage to a notebook
keyboard on any of my machines, but I did one time take out a MacAlly
IceKey keyboard by spilling not one, but two sloshes of highly acid
grapefruit seed extract (GSE). Despite disassembling and cleaning the
keyboard, we weren't able to get it working reliably again, so it can
happen.
The keys in the MacBook and the new Apple Aluminum Keyboard with
their short travel and distinct separation are an ideal configuration
for use with a zCover cover
zCover TypeOn Keyboard Skin for Apple Aluminum Wired Keyboard
features;
- It is compatible with the Aluminum Apple Wired Keyboard.
- All new iMacs and Mar Pro are packaged with this new Aluminum Apple
keyboard.
- NOTE: It is not compatible with the oldest Apple Pro Keyboard and
Apple USB Keyboard. It is not compatible with the previous plastic
keyboard and plastic wireless Keyboard
- zCover silicone skin are crafted from nontoxic, durable high-grade
silicone rubber. It is safe.
- Ultra thin (0.6mm) skin touch feeling, durable,
- Made of 100% high grade silicone,
- 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.
the zCover TypeOn Keyboard Skin for new Apple Apple Aluminum Wired
Keyboard retails for $29.99.
Link:
zCover TypeOn Keyboard Skin for Apple Aluminum Wired
Software
New Acorn Image Editing Program for OS
X
PR: Acorn is a new image editor built with one goal in mind -
simplicity. Fast, easy, and fluid, Acorn provides the options you'll
need without any overhead. Acorn feels right, and won't drain your bank
account.
Don't let
Acorn's size fool you; it's a powerful little guy. Fancy math to keep
your pencil strokes from having sharp edges, squeezing all the
performance out of your computer's GPU as possible, and simple
innovations to make your life easier.
- Take screen shots using Acorn and edit them right away.
- Chain together image filters to create stunning effects.
- Layer based image editing, an industry standard.
- Make new images and layers using your built-in iSight.
Easy image and
canvas resizing, just by changing the size of your window.- Take advantage of every pixel of your monitor with full screen
image editing.
- Tablet sensitive for pressure strokes and using the tablet's
eraser.
- Vector shape and text layers.
- Freeform, elliptical, rectangular, and magic wand selections.
- Gradients.
- Create and apply custom text styles.
- Control opacity and blending modes for each layer.
- Write plug-ins using the Python scripting language, as well as in
Objective-C.
- GPU powered. The same graphics card that makes your gaming
experience smooth, helps Acorn fly through the toughest of graphics
operations.
- And much much more. Download Acorn and try it out yourself.
System requirements: Requires Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later.
$39.95 (intro price)
Link: Acorn
Opera 9.50 Alpha for Mac Released
If you're feeling adventurous, after more than a year of development
Opera has released the first public alpha build of Opera 9.50, named
"Kestrel", carrying on with the Opera hawk names. Previous versions of
Opera 9.x have been dubbed "Merlin."
I've been using it since last weekend and have found it fast and
stable, with no bugginess encountered.
New features in version 9.50 include AppleScript support, improved
font handling, improved image quality when zooming, respect for the
Full Keyboard Access setting in Mac OS X System Preferences, many
performance improvements (reportedly substantial speed improvements in
what was already the fastest OS X browser), full history search,
improved site compatibility, access for everyone, improved platform
integration, preview of bookmark and speed dial synchronization, magic
windows build number jester extended CSS3 support, a rewritten
ECMAscript engine, some HTML 5 support, and improved IMAP reliability
in the email client module.
Note well that Opera recommends that you use only on properly backed
up computers, making a clean install and copy over your profile data
(but not your preferences file). You may not be able to downgrade if
you upgrade an existing install.
This release uses new storage and indexing formats for Opera Mail
(including newsfeeds). If you copy your Mail directory from an existing
profile, you will be prompted to convert all accounts into the new
format and reindex your messages. You will not be able to downgrade to
a previous version of Opera after starting the conversion process.
Read the Release Notes changelog for full details on known issues
and unsquashed bugs in this release.
Link:
Opera 9.5 Alpha 3
Desktop Mac
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