Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2007.06.15
Totally retro. That's the only explanation for what one Japanese
Mac lover has created by putting a Mac mini inside an SE/30 case -
complete with a grayscale 9" CRT monitor.
On the virtualization front, VMware Fusion is closing the gap
with Parallels by including 3D acceleration on Beta 4. For a look
at the state of virtualization, see Parallels 3 Narrows the Gap between
Virtualized Windows and Using Boot Camp.
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is
covered in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Software
Products
iPod News
News & Opinion
Mac mini in an SE/30
A Japanese Mac enthusiast, who may be named Kaede Sakura,
has succeeded in grafting a Mac mini
into a Mac SE/30 case.
If you're not familiar with the old compact Macs, the SE/30 was
the cream of the crop, with the 16 MHz 68030 (plus math
coprocessor) power of a Mac IIx stuffed
inside a case as small as the
original Macintosh and the Mac
Plus.
Anyway, the Japanese site says:
"We prepared MacMINI, case of Mac SE/30 and 9 inch gray scale
monitor.
"We did not use original monitor and analog board because it can
only display black and white.
"We used 9 inch Gray Scale cathode-ray tube moniter made by the
TVS company.
"TVS(TAIWAN VIDEO SYSTEM) CCTV moniter series B/W CCTV ==> 9"
B/W
"This CRT has the input terminal of RGB.
"The size of this CRT and the position of the hole have fit
MacSE/30.
"We took out and used the cathode-ray tube and the circuit board
from this CRT.
"To connect monitor we used normal VGA adaptor.
"I got a lot of opinions that you should use the LDC panel than
the gray scale cathode-ray tube.
"We thought that the gray scale suited the atmosphere of SE/30.
However, I understand The color monitor is more practicable."
Full description (in Japanese and English) and lots of photos
online.
Link: Mac
mini in an SE/30
OpenOffice Introduces Mac OS X-Native Port
eWEEK's Tiffany Maleshefski reports:
"OpenOffice.org, the open-source productivity project sponsored
by Sun Microsystems, has moved forward on its long-awaited Mac OS
X-native port by releasing 'Aqua,' the alpha version of the
suite.
"The release, which hit the Internet on June 5, comes six years
after OpenOffice.org announced a Mac port. Though OS X is Microsoft
Windows' biggest desktop rival, the platform has lacked equitable
support from Microsoft Office's biggest rival, OpenOffice.org."
Link: OpenOffice
Introduces Mac OS X-Native Port 'Aqua'
Software
VMware Fusion for Mac Beta 4
PR: From the virtualization industry leader comes VMware
Fusion. Simply the best way to run Windows, Linux, or Solaris at
the same time as Mac OS X - without rebooting.
Built from the ground up for the Mac, VMware Fusion leverages
nearly a decade of virtualization expertise to harness the full
power of your Mac hardware, while still supporting Windows-only
applications, USB 2.0 devices, 64-bit, and accelerated 3D graphics.
Build 48339 is a beta build of VMware Fusion for Mac.
Break down the walls between Windows and your Mac
Say goodbye to the Windows desktop - seamlessly run Windows XP
applications just like Mac applications; use Exposé to
switch between any application, minimize to the Dock, bring forward
only the application you care about, and use familiar Mac keyboard
shortcuts. Use the VMware Fusion Launch Palette to easily access
all your Windows applications, and keep your favorite Windows
applications in the Dock.
Turn back time on your PC
VMware Fusion's innovative Snapshot feature enables you to
capture and save the exact state of your virtual machine. If your
Windows virtual machine becomes unresponsive, use the Snapshot
feature to rollback to that known stable state with the click of a
button.
Get the most out of your Mac hardware
Only VMware Fusion takes full advantage of 64-bit and multi-core
processors of your Mac for maximum flexibility. You can run 64-bit
operating systems such as Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition or
leverage Virtual SMP to create and run multi-processor virtual
machines.
VMware Fusion also includes a cutting-edge 3D technology that
enables you to play select DirectX 8.1 games on your Mac. What's
more, you will get full read/write support for CDs and DVDs, as
well as complete USB 2.0 support - even for proprietary video
cameras, Bluetooth devices and other Windows-only peripherals.
Run Linux and Solaris on your Mac with ease
VMware Fusion also makes it easy to use UNIX-based operating
systems such as Linux and Solaris right alongside Windows and Mac
OS X, and with the ease and simplicity you've come to expect from
your Mac. Only VMware Fusion makes it possible to copy and paste
text between Mac and Linux or Solaris, or to drag and drop files
from the Mac desktop to Linux or Solaris.
Get started today by downloading a ready-to-use virtual
appliance including many popular Linux distributions from the
VMware Virtual Appliance Marketplace. The Virtual Appliance
Marketplace features over 450 preconfigured virtual machines that
you can download and use with the click of a button.
Proven technology from the industry leader
Since 1998, VMware has set the standard for virtualization on
industry-standard PC platforms. Over 4 million users already rely
on VMware's award winning, proven technology. Shouldn't you be one
of them? There is no better way to run PC applications side-by-side
with Mac OS X.
Key Features of VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion for Mac is a desktop application that lets you
create and run virtual machines on your Intel-based Mac. VMware's
first product for the new Intel Macs makes it easier than ever to
take advantage of the security, flexibility, and portability of
virtual machines. VMware Fusion provides an intuitive user
interface for creating virtual machines, and for running
preconfigured virtual machines created with VMware Workstation,
VMware Server, and ESX Server. With VMware Fusion, you can run your
favorite Windows applications on your Intel-based Mac. You can also
download virtual machines from the VMware Technology Network (VMTN)
Website, which has a growing library of virtual appliances with a
wide range of pre-installed and preconfigured applications and
operating systems.
Features of VMware Fusion:
- You can use 32-bit and 64-bit guest operating systems in VMware
Fusion virtual machines. VMware Fusion supports Windows, Linux, and
Solaris operating systems in virtual machines.
- Fusion supports all Intel Mac hardware.
- Your virtual machines can have multiple virtual processors,
taking advantage of the Intel Core Duo chips in today's newest
Intel Macs.
- VMware Fusion supports high-speed USB 2.0 for a huge range of
devices. Even devices that do not have drivers for Mac OS X will
work in a virtual machine.
- Virtual machines seamlessly integrate with your Mac: you can
cut and paste text between your Mac and your virtual machines, drag
and drop files between your Mac and your virtual machines, and
create shared folders on your computer so you can easily share
files and folders between your Mac and your virtual machines.
- VMware Fusion Unity view displays your Windows virtual machine
applications directly on your Mac desktop. The virtual machine
window is hidden, and your virtual machine applications are
displayed in the Mac dock, so you can use them just as you use your
native Mac applications.
- You can burn CDs or DVDs to your Mac's rewritable optical drive
from within your virtual machine.
- You can resize your virtual machine's display dynamically.
New and Improved Features in Beta 4
This Beta 4 release of VMware Fusion for Mac includes the
following new features and feature improvements:
- Unity - The seamless way to run Windows applications: Run
Windows XP applications alongside your favorite Mac applications
and switch between any open application with command-tab or
Exposé. Leave the Windows desktop and Start menu behind and
use the VMware Fusion Launch palette to quickly find and launch
your Windows applications. Save your favorite Windows applications
to the Mac OS X Dock. Even use familiar Mac keyboard shortcuts to
seamlessly copy and paste between Windows and Mac
applications.
- Boot Camp improvements - You no longer have to choose between
Windows or Mac-run Windows XP with Mac OSX off your existing Boot
Camp partition. Beta 4 adds experimental support for Microsoft
Vista, greatly improves Boot Camp partition detection, and when you
are running the Boot Camp partition in a virtual machine, VMware
Fusion automatically updates the Boot Camp partition to use drivers
that are optimized for your virtual machine.
- Improved performance - Virtual machines boot faster and
applications launch faster from virtual hard disks. Interactive
performance is improved over previous betas and VMware Fusion now
uses Apple's multithreaded OpenGL engine for improved
performance.
- Improved user experience - The toolbar is greatly enhanced and
is now completely customizable. To make the display less cluttered
and easier to use, the virtual hardware buttons have been moved
from the toolbar to the status bar. The virtual machine hardware
editor is a now sheet attached to the virtual machine you are
editing.
Link: VMware Fusion
Beta
Games Compatible with VMware Fusion
Experimental 3-D Acceleration
PR: VMware testing has determined that the following
games, running in Windows XP Service Pack 2 virtual machines, are
playable with VMware Fusion experimental 3-D acceleration:
- Aliens vs. Predator Demo
- Breath of Fire IV
- Grand Theft Auto III (Tip: Set the Display Setup option Trails
to OFF.)
- Hitman 2
- Lord of the Realms III
- Max Payne 1
- Max Payne 2
- Need for Speed Porsche Demo
- RalliSport Challenge
- Tony Hawk 3
- X-2 Rolling Demo
The fixed-function tests in 3dMark2001 operate successfully in
Windows XP Service Pack 2 virtual machines with VMware Fusion
experimental 3-D acceleration.
3-D acceleration does not work on Macs that use the Intel GMA
950 graphic chipset. [Editor's note: This includes the Intel-based
Mac mini and MacBook, as well as the low-end iMac. dk]
You can download VMware Fusion for Mac and obtain a beta-use
serial number online.
Link: VMware Fusion
Beta
Products
Western Digital My Book External Hard
Drives
PR: You can't
measure memories in gigabytes. But you can use those gigabytes to
preserve the stuff that really matters - the photos, music, movies
and documents that you never want to lose, never want to forget. My
Book is full of life...your life.
It starts with research. How do people use external storage? How
to they install it? How do they organize their data? Do they back
up? We needed answers. We listened and learned as we interviewed
people and watched them in action while they used their computers,
digital cameras and MP3 players. We met with all kinds of people -
photographers, artists, musicians, students, doctors, moms, dads,
and business people. What did we learn? Make it elegant, friendly,
engaging, and, above all else, keep it simple.
Simple to Use
Installation is a snap because you don't really "install" this
drive, you just plug it in and it's ready to use. On most editions,
there is no CD... the included software loads from the drive the
first time you plug it in. It's so simple and integrated that the
drive even turns on and off with your computer.
Elegant and Engaging
This compact drive, iconic of a book, takes up less space on
your desk, stacks horizontally and allows two or more drives to
nestle neatly together like volumes on a shelf.
The front power button, surrounded by light, shows your drive's
activity. The circular blue LEDs on the inner ring, tell you how
full your drive is (except Essential Edition.)
Environmentally Friendly
To save power most editions go into standby mode after 10
minutes of inactivity. My Book is designed without environment
contaminants.
High Quality Inside and Out
We make drives. Protecting your data is in our DNA. With years
of experience building drives that watch over data, we understand
the exacting requirements needed to keep your data safe. Dropping,
jarring, jostling - the usual bumps of everyday life - may leave no
marks or obvious damage on an external drive, but damage can happen
where you can't see it, and over time this damage can cause data
loss.
My Book is designed to provide the maximum shock protection
for the valuable data you're storing. In addition, the
heat-dissipating enclosure keeps our drives cool. Cool drives mean
safer data. That prevents heat buildup... another data killer. We
don't skimp on quality when designing enclosures; we know how
important your data is.
We've made it simple to access and share your files from
anywhere in the world, even when your local computer is turned off.
From any PC, use Windows Explorer to browse through folders on My
Book and open, edit and save them as though they are right there
with you. Sharing your files is just as easy. Just decide what you
want to share and the software generates an e-mail for you to send
to friends, family, or clients with a link to your files.
EMC Retrospect Express backup software (Premium ES Edition,
World Edition, World Edition II)
We've added this powerful, feature-rich software with the tools
you need to easily back up and restore everything - files,
applications, drivers, and your settings - or just critical files
automatically or whenever you choose. Once you install Retrospect
you'll be ready to start your first backup in less than 5 minutes.
Step-by-step wizards guide you through installation, backup and
restore.
EMC Retrospect Express backup and system recovery software (Pro
Edition and Pro Edition II )
We built our Pro Edition drive for the more intense user -
professional photographers, graphic designers, video editors, small
office users and folks who spend a lot of time with their
computers. For these pro users we've include a more powerful,
feature-rich backup solution that includes full system backup and
bare-metal recovery capabilities.
WD Backup (Premium Edition and Premium Edition II only)
During our research we learned that most people don't back up
their data. Why? Because it's not easy, they forget, or it's just a
pain. So we provided software that makes this no-fun but necessary
activity as easy as possible. With WD Backup you can back up all
your data files or just save your picture and music files with a
few simple steps. You can also set a schedule for this tiresome
job, so you don't have to think about it again
Google (Essential Edition, Premium Edition, Premium ES Edition
and Premium Edition II )
We've installed Google software on the drive to make it easy for
you to locate files with Google Desktop manage your photos with
Picasa and simplify web searching with the Google Toolbar. We know
this software is free on the web, but we've made it extra easy for
you to put it on you computer
Link: Western Digital My
Book External Hard Drives
Miglia TVMini Express Puts Digital TV Content
on Your Mac
PR: TVMini Express provides a quick and simple
solution to get digital TV straight on your Mac.
Watch, record TV, all in brilliant digital picture quality.
Surfing between channels takes on a new dimension thanks to the
real-time display of what's playing on each TV station.
The award-winning TVMini hardware comes with The Tube software,
its simple interface eliminates the window clutter on your monitor
usually associated with other TV solutions.
All of this at a great price! So grab TVMini Express from its
box, plug it in and you're off.
Key Features
- Watch and record all your favourite shows in superb digital
quality
- Great performance, crystal clear picture and perfect sound
- Includes The Tube TV software
- Real-time information of what is playing on each TV
channel
- Export TV shows to your iPod
- Two year warranty offers total peace of mind
Putting the digital life into your Mac
This is what it's all about, award-winning Miglia TV technology
in a tiny USB stick.
Watch digital terrestrial TV on your Mac, record it to your hard
drive to watch later or save it to your iPod to get that
TV-on-the-go experience.
TVMini Express's integrated digital TV tuner lets you enjoy a
wide range of TV channels so there is something for everyone.
As its digital TV, images are sharper and cleaner making your TV
viewing all the more pleasurable. This is about fresh ideas, having
fun and rediscovering TV on your Mac or iPod.
Created for you and your Mac
Created for your Mac, TVMini Express blends in with your
favourite computer, not only in style but also in performance.
Its elegant design allows perfect integration within your home
or office environment.
Of course, TVMini Express is backed by ourexclusive two-year
warranty for total peace of mind.
Macintosh Compatibility
- Mac with built in USB 2.0 connectivity
- G4/1.25 Ghz or higher, Intel processor
- Mac OSX 10.4 or higher
£34 (about $69)
Addonics Diamond Hard Drive Kit Features
Built-in eSATA/SATA
PR: Addonics Technologies has announced a hard drive kit
with built-in eSATA and SATA connectors, which allow users to
easily connect an external SATA hard drive to a system or use any
SATA hard drive as a removable cartridge drive.
Addonics' Diamond Hard Drive Kit is the first enclosure to
feature built-in eSATA/SATA connectors as well as provide the first
direct bridge design, which connects the SATA hard drive to the
computer in native SATA mode.
The Diamond Hard Drive Kit can be easily attached to any
computer externally via the high performance eSATA port or used
like a drive cartridge in the Diamond drive cradle mounted inside a
standard 5-1Ú4" drive bay.
The SATA direct bridge in the Diamond drive enclosure also
isolates the SATA hard drive power and data connectors from the
wear and tear that most removable SATA hard drive systems are
subjected to. The hard drive inside the Diamond enclosure can also
be accessed by any computer via eSATA or USB connection using the
Addonics USB - eSATA adapter. Users can also install any 2.5" SATA
hard drive into the Diamond drive enclosure using an optional hard
drive mounting bracket.
Addonics offers a wide assortment of IO converters, cables and
accessories to give the Diamond drive enclosure and cradle
unlimited connection and installation possibilities.
For example, a user who wants the combined features of an
external eSATA hard drive and removable hard drive would order the
Diamond Combo hard drive, a bundled kit that includes an enclosure;
cradle with SATA interface; a eSATA data cable; and a power
adapter. The MSRP for this configuration would be $49.95.
Constructed in heavy gauge aluminum, the Diamond drive kit is
built to last while at the same time providing excellent heat
dissipation for the hard drive.
System requirements:
- Operating system support in external hard drive mode includes
eSATA - DOS, Windows 95, NT(SP6), 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Vista, Mac,
Linux and Solaris. USB support is provided for Windows 98SE, Me,
2000, XP, Vista, Mac, Linux and Solaris. Internal hard drive
support includes all the previously mentioned operating systems as
well as optional interface support for IDE or SCSI.
The Diamond Hard Drive kit is available through the Addonics
online store, major catalog companies, resellers, VARs and
distributors, including Amazon.com, PC
Connection, CDW,
Buy.com,
Provantage.com, Insight, and Ingram Micro.
Addonics Technologies Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets a
broad line of external and mobile storage products. Addonics is
headquartered at 2466 Kruse Drive, San Jose, CA 95131, Phone:
408-433-3899.
Link: Addonics Diamond Hard
Drive Kit
New Kensington SmartFit Products Promote
Smarter, Healthier Computing
PR: Kensington Computer Products Group has announced
seven new SmartFit products that create a tailored computing
experience in minutes.
SmartFit is a patented three-step system from Kensington that
allows users to find the optimal settings for their workstation
accessories quickly and easily. Kensington's SmartFit line of
products incorporate color-coded settings that can easily be
adjusted to provide a range of users with the most favorable
computing environment.
"With ergonomic injuries costing US industry $50 billion per
year, using workstation accessories correctly is critical. We
developed the SmartFit system in order to demystify ergonomics for
the consumer. We studied how people interact with their computers
and assessed the variation in their computing needs," said Tom
Pscheidt, Global Ergonomics Product Manager, Kensington. "The
result is an extension of our 'Smart Made Simple' product
philosophy: we engineer our SmartFit products to provide the most
complete out-of-the-box solution that can offer a personalized
level of comfort for a wide range of people with minimal setup
time."
From footrests and monitor arms to keyboard platforms and lumbar
supports, Kensington offers over 20 ways to bring the benefits of
SmartFit into the workspace and cater to every aspect of people's
computing lifestyle.
The
Kensington SmartFit System
The Kensington SmartFit system was developed by performing
statistical analysis on an anthropometric database developed by the
United States Army. There is a direct correlation between the size
of an individual's hand and the rest of his or her body
measurements. Kensington partitioned this data into four
percentiles, each corresponding to an individual color.
Each SmartFit product ships with a colored hand chart so users
can easily find their correct SmartFit "comfort color". By placing
their hand on the chart, users can quickly determine the color that
represents their ideal setting and then adjust the SmartFit product
according the color-coded instruction guide that is included in the
package.
Click the following link to view the colored hand chart :
http://us.kensington.com/docs/
Kensington_SmartFit_System_Handchart.pdf
The New Kensington SmartFit Products Include
Kensington Over/Under Comfort Keyboard Drawer with SmartFit
System (SKU K60717US) - This unique Keyboard Drawer/Monitor Stand
adjusts both keyboard and monitor height to match your SmartFit
personal comfort color. Universal design works over or under a desk
to fit any workspace and individual body size. Suggested retail
price, $84.95.
Kensington Modular Keyboard Platform with SmartFit System (SKU
K60718US) - Fit any size desk space with adjustable platforms. Use
all 3 platforms for a large mousing area or remove 1 platform to
fit just your keyboard. Low profile articulating arm simply adjusts
6" in height, +/-15º tilt and rotates 360º to match your
SmartFit comfort color. Includes wrist rests for keyboard and
mouse. Suggested retail price, $142.95.
Kensington Modular Long Arm Keyboard Platform with SmartFit
System (SKU K60719US) - Fit any corner or curved workstation with
adjustable platforms. Use all 3 platforms for a large mousing area
or remove 1 platform to fit just your keyboard. Low profile
articulating arm simply adjusts 6" in height, +/-15º tilt and
rotates 360º to match your SmartFit comfort color. Includes
wrist rests for keyboard and mouse. Suggested retail price,
$249.95.
Kensington SoleMate Comfort Footrest with SmartFit System (SKU
K56144US) - The full-featured foot rest steps up with greater leg,
back, and foot comfort. The luxurious memory foam pad soothes tired
feet and eliminates pressure points. With a flick of the
foot-operated lock, the angle can be adjusted to the perfect angle
for all-day back and leg comfort. Height adjusts 3.5" to 5".
Suggested retail price, $74.95.
Kensington SoleMate Plus with SmartFit System (SKU K56146US) -
Reduce muscle strain and fatigue by supporting your legs at an
optimum angle. Height adjusts from 3.5" to 5" and angle adjusts
30• and locks into place with a simple press of the foot.
Large non-skid surface. Suggested retail price, $64.95.
Kensington Flat Panel Monitor Stand with SmartFit System (SKU
K60046US) - Gain valuable workspace, organize your desk and
position your monitor to the desired height. Platform adjusts from
2.5" to 4.5" above the desk and allows for keyboard storage. Two
adjustable shelves holds speakers, a PDA cradle, or just about
anything on your desk. Supports up to 35 lbs. Rubber feet protect
surface. Suggested retail price, $54.95.
Kensington Lumbar Back Support with SmartFit System (SKU
K62823US) - The Lumbar Back Rest looks˜and feels˜like
no other lumbar support. The unique shape supports and aligns your
spine while the heat-activated memory foam construction molds
itself to your body for a truly comfortable fit. Suggested retail
price, $44.95.
"One size does not always fit all," said Pscheidt. "The best way
to enhance people's computing experience is to offer them
accessories that cater to their individual needs. The SmartFit
System lets the vast majority of people interact with their
computing products as though the products were custom-made for
them."
Kensington's revolutionary SmartFit system takes a holistic
approach to ergonomics by working with the overall computing
environment to produce a complementary solution. "Kensington takes
a proactive stance on promoting wellness rather than simply
compensating for discomfort or blindly following a hodgepodge of
poorly-understood rules on ergonomics," said Pscheidt. "Computers
are people's windows for communication, entertainment, and work,"
said Pscheidt. "Kensington gives them the tools to make computing a
more comfortable and productive experience."
Link: Kensington
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.
