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
Reviews
Apple Updates
Products
Software
News & Opinion
Safari 3.1: The World's Fastest Browser?
PR: Apple on Tuesday
introduced Safari 3.1, claming it to be the world's fastest web browser
for Mac and Windows PCs. Safari loads web pages 1.9 times faster than
IE 7 and 1.7 times faster than Firefox 2. Safari also runs JavaScript
up to six times faster than other browsers and is the first browser to
support the latest innovative web standards needed to deliver the next
generation of highly interactive Web 2.0 experiences*. Safari 3.1 is
available immediately as a free download for both Mac OS X and
Windows.
"Safari 3.1 for Mac and Windows is blazingly fast, easy to use, and
features an elegant user interface," said Philip Schiller, Apple's
senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "And best of all,
Safari supports the latest audio, video, and animation standards for an
industry-leading Web 2.0 experience."
To update to Safari 3.1, use Apple Software Update or a standalone
installer [your editor highly recommends the latter]. You only need to
use one of these methods to update your computer.
Software Update will automatically check for the latest Apple
software using the Internet. (You might have followed a Software Update
link to this article to learn more about the update.) If your computer
is not up-to-date, other available software updates will appear.
Download the update installer and run it manually. This is a useful
option when you need to update multiple computers but only want to
download the update once [or just if you want to minimize the potential
for problems - ed].
Safari software updates are delivered seamlessly through Apple's
Software Update application, which automatically checks for
updates.
Safari 3.1 for Mac OS X requires Mac OS X Leopard or Mac OS X Tiger
version 10.4.11, a minimum of 256 MB of memory, and is designed to run
on any Intel-based Mac or a Mac with a PowerPC G5, G4, or G3 processor
and built-in FireWire. Safari 3.1 for Windows requires Windows XP or
Windows Vista, a minimum of 256 MB of memory, and a system with at
least a 500 MHz Intel Pentium processor.
(* Performance will vary based on system configuration, network
connection and other factors. HTML and JavaScript benchmarks based on
VeriTest's iBench Version 5.0 using default settings running on an iMac
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system running Windows XP, with 1 GB of
RAM.
Apple Smashes Mac Sales Record in February
tech.co.uk's
Rob Mead reports:
"Mac sales are continuing to grow at a phenomenal rate, with US
consumer sales up 60 per cent in the last 12 months, according to new
numbers from market research firm NPD. The figures also show that
Apple's market share now stands at 14 per cent - naysayers take
note."
Link:
Apple Smashes Mac Sales Record in February
Mac Sales Soar to Capture 14% of US Retail
Market
ZD Net's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
reports:
"Mac sales have now soared to account for 14% unit share and 25%
dollar share of all US-based PC retail sales, that's according to
market research firm NPD.
"Here's a breakdown of the data:
- Mac unit share up from 9% in Feb 07 to 14% in Feb 08.
- Mac dollar share up from 16% in Feb 07 to 25% in Feb 08.
- Notebook unit sales up 64% (compared to 20% in the retail segment
as a whole)
- Notebook unit revenue up 67% (compared to 11% in the retail segment
as a whole)
- Desktop unit sales up 55% (compared to -5% in the retail segment as
a whole)
- Desktop unit revenue up 68% (compared to -2% in the retail segment
as a whole)
"So, what's behind this?"
Link: Apple Sales Soar to Capture
14% of US PC Retail Sales
Could Rising Mac Sales Spell the End for the
PC?
OnSoftware's
Nicholas Mead says:
"Are the days of PCs and Windows really numbered? Will the world
eventually convert to Macs? Maybe these sound like rather wild
suggestions but what's clear is that Apple Macs are selling better than
ever before - and in a time when economies around the world have
started to slow down.
"Fortune recently reported that Mac sales worldwide went up 60% last
month compared to the same period in 2007. At the same time, Apple's
share of the US Market has almost doubled from 9% to 14% over the same
period. Fortune reports that in dollar terms, Apple captured a full 25
percent of the US computer market last month."
Link:
Do Rising Mac Sales Spell the End for the PC?
Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?
TidBits' Rich
Mogull says:
"When people find out I'm a security expert, I can almost guarantee
the ensuing conversation will evolve in one of three ways. If they are
technologically illiterate, I'll have to explain I don't know anything
about trading securities and can't help them with any hot tips. If they
use Windows, I'll tell them to back up their data and reformat the
system. But if they use Macs, the discussion usually becomes a little
more complicated....
"The reality is that today the Mac platform is relatively safe.
There are hundreds of thousands of viruses and other malicious software
programs floating around for Windows, but less than 200 are known to
target the Mac, and many of those are aimed at versions of the Mac OS
prior to Mac OS X (and thus have no effect on a modern Mac)."
Link: Should Mac Users Run Antivirus
Software?
Apple Updates AirPort Express with 802.11n
PR: Apple has updated
its AirPort Express mobile base station with 802.11n to deliver up to
five times the performance and twice the range of the previous model*.
Priced at just $99, AirPort Express is the world's smallest
802.11n-based mobile base station. It can be plugged directly into the
wall for wireless Internet connectivity and USB printing at home or
easily brought on the road for wireless freedom wherever there is an
Internet connection. AirPort Express features AirTunes™, which
works seamlessly with iTunes to give users a simple and inexpensive way
to wirelessly stream iTunes music from a PC or Mac to any room in the
house.
"Apple is leading the way with a broad range of innovative 802.11n
base stations for almost any wireless networking need," said Philip
Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
"From the small and portable AirPort Express, to AirPort Extreme for
workgroups of up to 50 users and the new Time Capsule for automated
backups, Apple customers now have more great ways to extend their
wireless networks with 802.11n."
AirPort Express features a single-piece, compact design weighing
just 6.7 ounces, providing maximum portability. AirPort Express offers
both PC and Mac users the ability to share a single DSL or cable
broadband connection with up to 10 simultaneous users. Users can also
share a printer wirelessly that is connected to the USB port. Apple's
AirPort Utility software provides easy step-by-step instructions for
setting up and configuring AirPort Express; and with its advanced
security features, AirPort Express safeguards data on networked
computers with support for WiFi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2), 128-bit
WEP encryption and a built-in firewall. Apple now includes 802.11n as
standard in its entire line of AirPort base stations and Mac notebooks
as well as iMac, Apple TV and Time Capsule™.
AirPort Express includes a built-in combination digital and analog
audio connector allowing users to connect to a home stereo or powered
speakers. iTunes automatically detects remote speakers and displays
them in a simple popup list for the user to select. Once the remote
speakers are selected, AirTunes wirelessly streams iTunes music from
the computer to the AirPort Express base station. Multiple AirPort
Express base stations can be set up around a home, each connected to a
set of powered speakers for a whole-home music experience. AirPort
Express can also extend the range of an existing AirPort Extreme
wireless network.
AirPort Express is available immediately through the Apple Store, Apple's
retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail
price of $99.
*AirPort Express is based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification.
Actual performance will vary based on range, connection rate, site
conditions, size of network and other factors.
Link: AirPort Express
Reviews
New Mac Pro a Speed Demon
Computerworld's Michael DeAgonia reports:
"The upgraded Mac Pro pushes
apps to the limit with a pair of quad-core chips and up to 32 GB of
RAM
"In front of me, two 30-in. Apple Cinema Displays glow softly at my
desk. Beside me sits the fastest stock-configuration Macintosh that
Apple has ever shipped: a superfast eight-core Mac Pro. Inside the Mac
- and on full display on those screens - is Mac OS X 10.5, better
known as Leopard, Apple's latest operating system. All around me is the
work I've been putting off that is now getting done."
Link:
Apple's New Mac Pro Is a Speed Demon
New Mac Pro Packs a Mighty Punch
IT
Business.ca's Michael DeAgonia reports:
In front of me, two 30-in. Apple Cinema Displays glow softly at my
desk. Beside me sits the fastest stock-configuration Macintosh that
Apple Inc. has ever shipped: a superfast eight-core Mac Pro....
Link: New
Apple Mac Pro Packs a Mighty Punch
2.8 GHz Mac Pro 'Delivers Significantly Higher
Performance'
AMUG's Michael
Bean reports:
"On January 8, 2008 Apple announced the release of a new Mac Pro
model with eight processor cores and a new system architecture that
delivers significantly higher performance. The base Apple Mac Pro 2.8
GHz model MA970LL/A is $2,799. For those looking for slightly higher
processor speeds, 3.0 GHz ($3,599) and 3.2 GHz ($4,399) models are also
available. Apple offers custom configurations at the Apple Store which
include a single quad-core Intel Xeon processor (-$500), additional
memory, an $800 four-channel internal RAID 5 card, hard drive upgrades,
video card upgrades, displays, wireless, fibre channel, modem,
software, printers, AppleCare and more. Selecting all of the available
options for the Mac Pro at the Apple Store can raise the final price to
over $28,000. During this review the Apple Mac Pro 2.8 GHz model was
tested to determine how it compares to the original Mac Pro 2.66 GHz
model."
Link:
The AMUG Mac Pro 2.8 GHz Reference Guide
Apple Updates
Security Update 2008-002 for Leopard and Tiger
PR: Apple Security
Updater 2008-002 is recommended for all users and improves the security
of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been incorporated into this
security update.
Security Update 2008-002 v1.0
Security Update 2008-002 is recommended for all users and improves
the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been
incorporated into this security update.
Security Update 2008-002 v1.0 Server
Security Update 2008-002 is recommended for all servers and improves
the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been
incorporated into this security update.
Products
Miglia TVMini HD Express: One Touch TV for
Your Mac or iPod
PR: Miglia, a leading brand in digital media products, has
announced the release of the Mac only TV Mini HD Express for US "free
to air" digital television users. Shipping with The Tube software the
TVMini HD Express puts you in control of where, when and how you watch
TV. Users can watch, pause, rewind, skip forward and even record live
digital TV. With the new TubeToGo feature you can now watch your
prerecorded TV anywhere in the world with just a web browser and a WiFi
connection.
Miglia, a
leading brand in digital media products, has announced the release of
the Mac only TV Mini HD Express for US "free to air" digital television
users.
Shipping with The Tube software the TVMini HD Express puts you in
control of where, when and how you watch TV: you can watch, pause,
rewind, skip forward and even record live digital TV. With the new
TubeToGo feature you can now watch your prerecorded TV anywhere in the
world with just a web browser and a WiFi connection.
Don't have time to watch the recording? No problem, with the easy
exports option you have your content, on your iPod easily and quickly,
ready to watch at your convenience. A new approach to watching TV that
puts the control, not just the remote control, in your hands!
Key features
- Watch, Pause, Rewind, Skip forward, Live HD TV
- Record your favourite shows
- Change channels, volume and pause live TV using your Apple
Remote
- Made for your Mac
- Small portable Aluminum enclosure
Technical Specifications
- Built in USB 2.0 connectivity
- USB A Type
- ATSC free to air digital TV
- Standard definition 720p, 1080i resolution
- Connect via antenna or cable
- Record MPEG-2, export h.264 or MPEG-4
- USB powered, no external power supply required
The TVMini HD Express is available from Miglia's distribution
partners or online store, with a retail price of $99. A list of
distributors and resellers is available on Miglia's website. If you
wish to write a review of the TVMini HD Express for your magazine or
online site, please do not hesitate to contact Miglia directly at their
website or by phone at +44 (0) 1422 892 592.
Link: TVMini HD Express
Mercury Elite-AL Pro FireWire+USB 2.0
Reaches 1 TB
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the
introduction and immediate availability of its new OWC Mercury Elite-AL
Pro FireWire+USB 2.0 Combo storage drives featuring SATA technology
with a starting price of $107.99 and capacities up to 1.0 TB for Plug
'N Play, hot swappable storage.
The latest in the OWC Mercury
Elite-AL storage line, the Mercury Elite-AL Pro FireWire+USB 2.0 Combo
storage drives feature the latest Oxford 934 performance chipset, the
best SATA mechanisms available, two FireWire 400 1394A 6 Pin, and one
USB 2.0 port. Drives may be stacked or stood vertically (stand
included) and measure only 9.3" (length) x 1.4" (height) x 5.6" (width)
or 237mm x 36mm x 142mm.
The drive's two FireWire ports allow it to be daisy-chained to any
additional FireWire devices. Its Oxford chipset allows Plug 'N Play
compatibility with virtually any Mac, PC, and Linux-based computer that
supports either a FireWire or USB 2.0 Interface. Data may be
accessed/read/written interchangeably between any of the FireWire and
USB 2.0 ports allowing the seamless use of the drives between multiple
systems or for upgrading corresponding computer systems.
OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro FireWire+USB 2.0 Combo Drives Pricing:
- 80 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB cache, $107.99
- 160 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB cache, $117.99
- 250 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB cache, $137.99
- 320 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB cache, $147.99
- 400 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB cache, $159.99
- 500 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB cache, $175.99
- 750 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB cache, $239.99
- 1.0 TB 7200 rpm 32 MB cache, $369.99 ($339.99 after
limited time rebate)
All OWC Mercury Elite-AL drives are tested and certified for
demanding audio/video, backup, movies, graphics, music, photography,
data, and more. The drive's sleek aluminum design optimizes function
with fanless heat dissipation while aesthetically enhancing the
desktop, and is specifically built to safely endure the rigorous
demands of portability.
OWC Mercury Elite-AL Pro storage drive solutions are available from
Other World Computing with everything needed for immediate Plug 'N Play
operation: FireWire and USB 2.0 cables; Intech HD SpeedTools utility
suite; Prosoft Data Backup for Mac OS X(r); NovaStor NovaBackup for
Windows; and a full 2-year warranty.
Link: Mercury
Elite-AL Pro
NewerTech Lowers Price on MAXPower 802.11n
Wireless Line
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. has announced new lower pricing on
its MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless line of router and adapters. The
lowest-priced fully Mac OS X supported WiFi products available on the
market, MAXPower delivers up to 4 times the range and the fastest data
transfer rates for wireless home and office networking.
The NewerTech MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless Line includes:
- MAXPower Router: MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless Router, now priced
at $89.99.
- MAXPower Adapters:
- MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless USB 2.0 Stick Adapter & Extension
Cradle, now $57.99.
- MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless PCMCIA Laptop CardBus Adapter, now
$54.99.
- MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless PCI Adapter with moveable antenna
base for desktop computers, now $54.99.
Maximum Range and Fastest Data Transfer Rate of 300 Mbps
NewerTech MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless Router and Adapters utilize
MIMO, a signal processing and smart antenna technology, to transfer
multiple data streams through multiple antennas. By efficiently
utilizing the clearest data path in all environments, the MAXPower
802.11n/g/b Wireless Router and Adapters offer the fastest, most
reliable wireless data transfer rate of up to 300 Mbps, with an up to
four times greater reception range over 802.11g. Network users can
share Internet access, media files and network resources, such as
printers and storage drives simultaneously, even from the furthest room
in a home or office, without needing additional costly repeaters.
Because the NewerTech MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless Router and
Adapters are backwards compatible with earlier 802.11g/b wireless
standards, users can add MAXPower products to their current network,
while still maintaining their existing investment. All products are
Plug & Play easy to install with setup through onscreen menus.
Maximum Security and Privacy in One Touch
The latest encryption and security features are built into the
MAXPower Router and Adapters to protect the network and individual
computers from hackers and unauthorized users. With a simple press of
the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button on the MAXPower Router, a
wireless network is automatically configured with a network name (SSID)
and WPA data encryption and authentication.
Access the Internet Wherever You Go
The MAXPower Wireless PCMCIA Laptop CardBus Adapter or the USB 2.0
Stick Adapter and Extension Cradle can be used to access the Internet
and your email wirelessly in public locations, such as coffee shops,
airports, and hotels. The included Extension Cradle also lets you
position the Wireless USB 2.0 Stick for optimal reception wherever you
go.
The NewerTech MAXPower 802.11n/g/b Wireless line is available
immediately from NewerTech's exclusive distributor, Other World
Computing.
Link: MAXPower 802.11n/g/b
Wireless Router And Adapters
New Rolleiflex MiniDigi Twin Lens Reflex Released
PR: Direct Source Marketing, the US distributor for
medium and large format Horseman and Rolleiflex professional cameras,
today announced the MiniDigi AF 5.0, a three-inch high, fully
functional digital replica of the original and classic twin reflex
camera. Not only is it small, it takes "cool" to another level with its
red or black casing.
In
2006, Rolleiflex introduced the original MiniDigi, which looked like
the original but, due to popular demand it quickly sold out. The new
MiniDigi AF (auto focus) 5.0 has been given some significant
performance upgrades, including a 5 MP image file from a 3 MP
CMOS sensor; auto focus (between 10cm and infinity); and a clear 1.1
inch TFT, which allows you to preview and review images on a very clear
1.1 inch monitor, which is located at the top of the camera as it is on
the full-sized Rolleiflex TLR.
It is available through specialty retailers. Pricing is expected to
be $399 MSRP.
The classic Rollei twin reflex camera has been a favorite of
professional photographers since it was introduced in 1929 to this day.
The original camera's two lenses, one above the other; a hand crank
lever; shutter release; hooded viewfinder; the coal-black casing, and
the Rolleiflex logo have always set it apart. The new Rolleiflex
MiniDigi has the look and feel of the original, but easily fits in the
palm of your hand or pocket. Most importantly, it's a camera with
features that are not only nostalgic, but also unique in the digital
world.
Take the hand crank. Like its parent, the hand crank is an integral
part of the camera, but instead of advancing film (which it obviously
doesn't have), the Rollei MiniDigi's crank prepares the camera for the
next shot. Another unique feature is the classic popup hood and
viewfinder. The hood means no stray light gets in the way.
Still another nostalgic design feature that has modern applications
is the square format. The square format means no shutter opportunities
or valuable seconds are lost having to choose between horizontal or
vertical position. You simply look downward into the viewfinder at
waist level, aim, and then shoot from the waist.
Besides the features unique to Rolleiflex, the MiniDigi incorporates
digital camera technology - Mini SD memory cards w/SD card adapter,
white balance, fast shutter speeds, 3 MP sensor, LCD monitor,
etc.
Though it's not intended to be a full-featured digital camera, it
takes good pictures and is an attention-getter and conversation
piece.
Software
AlSoft Releases DiskWarrior 4.1 CD
Updater
PR: AlSoft has released the DiskWarrior 4.1 CD updater for
registered DiskWarrior 4 version 4.0 users as a free download. This
updater will allow you to create a new startup CD containing the
updated DiskWarrior application.
Note that the new startup CD will start up the same set of Macs as
your current DiskWarrior CD. Your new CD will not start up any Mac that
your current DiskWarrior CD can not.
DiskWarrior 4 version 4.1 is now shipping on DiskWarrior CD revision
42. This CD is a universal startup CD that can start up both PowerPC
and Intel Macs. All Mac models meeting the system requirements for
DiskWarrior except the new Mac Pro and Xserve models introduced on
01/08/2008, the MacBook Air introduced on 01/15/2008, and the
MacBook/MacBook Pro models introduced on 02/26/2008 can be started from
the CD.
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.
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iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
