Low End Mac Editorial Archive

July 2004

How should Apple respond to Real's iPod hack?, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 07.30. Apple may not like Real's Harmony Technology, but could there be ways for Apple to turn it to their benefit?
SuperDrive upgrades, PowerBook Setup App, Apple quality, Mobility Radeon 9800, and more, Charles Moore, The 'Book Review, 07.30. Also notebooks slow as desktop replacements, Iomega Micro Mini, new Windows laptops, bargain 'Books from $500 to $2,599, and more.
Microsoft Office 2004 for Macs does more than just match the Windows version, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 07.28. Microsoft's Mac Business Unit has given Office 2004 users useful features unavailable on any Windows version of Microsoft office.
Which older Macs make the most sense? And why you want an OS 9 machine, Jason Walsh, The Low End Designer, 07.28. Which older desktop models and 'Books make sense in a design shop - and why you may want to have both OS 9 and OS X up and running.
A low-end digicam, sleep of death, GV modem software, 9.2.2 and 10.3 on WallStreet, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 07.26. Also troubleshooting G3 Power Macs, Radeon Enabler on iBooks, and the dead iBook lives again.
The iPod goes back to basics, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 07.23. Smaller and less costly, the 4th generation iPod's best feature is the restored simplicity of the original iPod.
Best 'Book ever, G3 vs. G4 iBook, laptop market growth, monitoring software, and more, Charles W Moore, The 'Book Review, 07.23. Also new PowerBook handles, metallic touch up pens, new drive enclosures, WiFi Spy, and iPod mini armband, bargain 'Books from $190 to $2,175, and more.
Why design using low-end Macs?, Jason Walsh, The Low End Designer, 07.21. How to run a design studio on low-end Macs. Whether you want to get off the upgrade treadmill or want to set up shop on a budget, this series will help you out.
Concord Eye-Q 3040AF 3.1 megapixel digital camera, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 07.21. A 3 MP Mac-friendly digital camera for just US$129 - what's the catch?
Sometimes you feel like a dolt, sometimes you don't, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 07.19. Everything was plugged in correctly, but the 4-port USB hub wouldn't power peripherals. It had to be defective hardware, right?
Portables 54% of Mac sales, replacing an iBook, tiny and high capacity drives, new BookEndz, and more, Charles W Moore, The 'Book Review, 07.16. Also G-Point 802.11g card, ThermographX updated, Palms and Macs together, Sony X-brite display, iTunes underwater, bargain 'Books from $45 to $2,599, and more.
Serious Classic Mac OS Performance Tips, Dan Knight, Mac Daniel, 07.16. Tips for getting the best performance from the classic Mac OS on older hardware and in OS X classic mode.
How long is the useful life of a laptop computer?, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 07.16. Threee years? Ten years? How long can you expect to keep using a laptop before you consider it obsolete or wear it out?
20 suggestions for improving the Mac experience, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 07.14. Macs, OS X, iPods, and iApps are pretty great, but here are 20 suggestions for making a good experience even better.
Tech junkie swears off new hardware for one year, Kevin Webb, The Mac Webb, 07.14. "This is the day of the big freeze. I am going to choose my personal infrastructure and freeze those products for one full year!"
A dying modem, more on the dead iBook, burning DVDs in OS 9, refurb quality, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 07.12. Also more on WallStreet screen swaps, DVD burners the work with Panther, and getting OS 8.6 on a blue and white without an 8.6 CD.
Sony just doesn't get it - the digital Walkman can't compete with the iPod, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 07.12. The digital Walkman has enough drawbacks that is simply won't be able to go head-to-head with Apple's market-leading iPod.
Hardware failure, that rare Mac headache, Stephen Van Esch, Mac Scope, 07.09. Macs are usually pretty reliable, but a hardware failure after just two-and-a-half years is still disappointing.
Radeon Enabler unlocks video features, Walla challenges Gmail, new laptop accessories, and bargain 'Books, Charles W Moore, The 'Book Review, 07.09. Enable hidden Radeon video features, Keynamics laptop stand, new bags, Kuna aluminum drive enclosure, WallaMail, and bargain 'Books from $45 to $2,599.
A dead iBook, WallStreet screen swap, broken iBook ethernet port, a B&W G3 boot problem, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 07.07. Also Pismo screen problems, ColorSync profiles, iDVD for OS 9, refurbished cosmetics, Sawtooth boot problems, and more.
Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) looks promising, but what about the little stuff?, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 07.07. The Dashboard, Spotlight, and RSS Safari sound like winners, but there are several parts of OS X that could use a tweak or two.
G5 going mobile, Inducing Infringement Act threatens iPod, PowerPizza case, and more, Charles Moore, The 'Book Review, 07.02. SideTrack trackpad drive updated, transparent Wildeepz, Toshiba's laptop fuel cell, a secure pocket router, Plextor's 12x DVD burner, and bargain 'Books from $45 to $2,399.