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June 2007 News Archive

Return to Macs Only!'s Current News Page.
Copyright 2007 by Bill Fox All rights reserved.
Last Updated: June 30, 2007

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[6/30] Hands-On Report--iPhones Still Available in Apple Retail Stores

Fortunately, we were on a flight during Friday's magic 6:00 pm hour that kicked off Apple's iPhone sales so we were not tempted to stand in line. We had planned to buy one via Apple's online store to avoid the expected crowds and lines. But when we were able to do so late Friday night, the shipping time was an astounding 2-4 weeks, yikes! Then, we checked the iPhone availability chart for the Apple retail stores in San Diego County and all were green--actually all throughout the U.S. were green.

This morning we called the San Diego Fashion Valley Apple Store to be sure and they said they had plenty. Twenty minutes later we had our 8GB iPhone in hand. There were three people ahead of us buying iPhones when we arrived and about ten behind us when we left about 10:00 am PT.

When we asked about the store's stock, all the staff would say is that they had a good supply. When we asked whether the 4GB or 8GB model seemed to be the favorite, the answer was both were favorites. That could be true because two of the three in front of us bought 4GB models and one bought an 8GB model like us.

Unlike the horror stories we read elsewhere about activation problems and quality issues, we had neither. Activation via iTunes 7.3 was straight forward. We already have an AT&T family plan with two Motorola RAZR's and we wanted to add the iPhone rather than replace an existing phone. The activation software offered us that option contrary to AT&T's FAQ that states we have to go to an AT&T store to do so. The cost was only $29.99--$9.99 to add a third line to our family plan which includes 550 anytime shared minutes and $20 for the unlimited data option to support the iPhone. That's much better than we had expected.

Our iPhone has been working fine for several hours now as we are getting to know it. We've sync'd it with our contacts, calendars, email accounts, our iPod's "Favorites" playlist of 200 songs, the last 12 months of photos, numerous podcasts and all of our TV/movie videos. We still have over 5GB left unfilled for growth.

We'll post a longer term report on Monday's edition. Oh, one last thing...we don't find EDGE to be too slow for Web browsing. It is slow, much like a dial-up connection, but it is quite useable and doesn't take "minutes" to load a Web page as many have claimed. We think you'll love the iPhone. [Bill Fox]

[6/30] Apple Revised the Offerings from Six Hot Deals Retailers

Hot Deals for Developers - Be sure to check out the exclusive prices on products direct from the developers!: Mail Factory from BeLight Software for only $19.95!; Speed Download 4 from Yazsoft for only $20!; Kinemac 3D animation and Video titling for only $174!; The DoorStop Security Suite from Open Door Networks for only $69!; Typinatior 2.0 from Ergonis Software for only $12.99; Serene Saver 2 HD video wallpaper from Amuse for only $19.99.

Apple Store Special Deals - has just added the following Apple Certified Refurbished products: for a limited time get Apple Certified Refurbished 4GB iPod nano for only $129!; Apple Certified Refurbished 17-inch MacBook Pro, 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB memory and 160GB hard drive for only $2,299!; Apple Certified Refurbished 24-inch iMac, 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB memory, 250GB hard drive for only $1,699!; and much more.

B&H Photo Video - has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: 500GB d2 Quadra eSATA triple interface external hard drive from LaCie for only $199.95!; VX922 19" Xtreme LCD display (Black) from Viewsonic for only $224.95!; Sportfolio case for the MacBook from Marware for only $39.95!; Samsung ML-2510 laser printer for only $128.95!; I-Trigue 2200 13-watt multimedia speakers from Creative Labs for only $43.95!; ExpressCard 34 compact flash card adapter from Delkin Devices for only $59.95!; OmniVibe iPod speaker system from Mirage for only $149.95!; SE310 sound isolating high-definition stereo earphones (Black) from Shure includes a $50 gift card and free portable MP3 player for only $249!; Canon HV10 high-definition camcorder for only $699.95!; and much more.

Gadget Locker - has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: It's About Time to Learn The Switch to Mac from It's About Time Products for only $19.99!; Toast 8 Titanium from Roxio for only $85.99!; ColorTunes portable speaker for iPod nano from iHome for only $29.99!; Keynote Theme Park - Superset 2 from Wow You Design for only $119!; BlueTooth wireless stereo ear clips from iLuv for only $129.99!; HomeDock Deluxe connects your iPod to your home Stereo and TV from DLO for only $129!; AirDock iPod docking station with remote from Griffin Technology for only $54.99!; Outdoor Case for 1st & 2nd generation iPod nano from H20 Audio for only $29.99!; InvisibleShield full-body wrap for iPod nano from Protective Solutions for only $9.99!; and much more.

PowerMax - has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: HP LaserJet 3050 All-In-One color printer, fax, scanner and color copier from Hewlett Packard for only $309.88!; inMotion IM5 portable audio system for iPod from Altec Lansing for only $49.88!; G-DRIVE mini 100GB ultra portable hard drive from G-Technology for only $159.88!; Reunion 9 "family tree" genealogy software from Leister Productions for only $89.88!; DAC-200 Digital to Analog video converter from Datavideo for only $189!; Intensity PRO PCI Express card adds HDMI technology to your Mac from BlackMagic Design for only $319!; Digital Performer 5.1- Academic version from MOTU for only $299.88!; and much more.

Small Dog Electronics - has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including Hot Deals exclusive prices on the following products: mStand laptop stand from Rain Design for only $43.99!; MediaDesk 2.1 multimedia speaker system from Blue Sky for only $549.99!; Final Cut Pro/Express cover for Apple Keyboards from KB Covers for only $29.99!; RoadTrip FM Transmitter and auto charger for iPod (Charcoal) from Griffin Technology for only $59.99!; iRocker guitar companion for iPod from Talking Panda for only $19.99!; QuickCam Notebook Pro webcam from Logitech for only $84.99!; 2TB F800 Biggest Disk external hard drive with FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 from LaCie for only $779.99!; adjustable ergonomic USB keyboard for Mac from GoldTouch for only $82.99!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[6/30] iPhone: The Missing Manual Sneak Preview--David Pogue's Favorite iPhone Tricks

The iPhone's finger-driven interface seems natural and obvious. But when you really think about it, making it seem that way was no easy task. There are no menus in the iPhone software, for example, and no checkboxes or radio buttons. Everything on the screen has to be big enough for a fleshy fingertip.

On the other hand, the finger makes an outstanding pointing device; heck, you’ve been pointing with it all your life. It's much faster to scroll diagonally with a fingertip, for example, than with fussy adjustments on two different scroll bars.

O'Reilly has made available some of the iPhone's unadvertised taps, double-taps, and other shortcuts, all culled from David Pogue's upcoming "iPhone: The Missing Manual," on this O'Reilly Web page. [Bill Fox]

[6/30] iPhone Disassembly Photos

• ThinkSecret
• iFixit

[Bill Fox]

[6/29] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple released iTunes 7.3 for iPhone Activation

Apple released iTunes 7.3 and it is available for download via Software Update or as a stand-alone file from this Apple Web page.

The primary feature of the update is to allow iTunes software to activate the Apple iPhone that will go on sale later today.

We updated our copy of iTunes to v7.3 using Software Update. On launch, iTunes 7.3 updated our iTunes library and then determined the sound levels of all podcasts in our library. iTunes 7.3 seemed to function fine after the update in brief checking. [Bill Fox and Dana Baggett]

[6/29] [Updated] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple released MacBook Pro Software Update 1.0 with Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT Drivers

Apple released Macbook Pro Software Update 1.0 for 2.2/2.4 GHz MacBook Pros. It is available via Software Update for those affected models or as a stand-alone file from this Apple Web page.

According to the Read Me file,

This update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all 2.2/2.4GHz MacBook Pro models.

We downloaded and installed the update on our 15" 2.4GHz MacBook Pro C2D-LED. After a restart, we encountered no problems during brief use.

Update: The primary contents of this Software Update 1.0 are new Nvidia drivers explicitly for the new Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor included with the newest MacBook Pros. Hopefully, these new drivers significantly improve the poor OpenGL performance that we noted in our previous review. [Bill Fox]

[6/29] Apple updated Many of Its Pro Applications

Apple updated its pro applications in Final Cut Studio 2. They are available for download via Software Update or as stand-alone files:

• Final Cut Pro 6.0.1
• Motion 3.0.1
• Color 1.0.1
• Compressor 3.0.1
• Soundtrack 2.0.1
• Pro Applications Update 2007-01

[Bill Fox]

[6/29] Apple released SuperDrive Firmware Update 2.1 for Early MacBooks and MacBook Pros

Apple released SuperDrive Firmware Update 2.1 and it is available for download from this Apple Web page for certain early MacBooks and MacBook Pros. According to Apple,

The SuperDrive Update improves readability of certain CD media. The updater application will be installed in the /Applications/Utilities folder. Please follow the instructions in the updater application to complete the update process.

The system requirements are:

• Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later
• MacBook Pro Core Duo (15 -inch 1.83GHz, 2.0GHz, or 2.16GHz)
• MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo (15 -inch 2.16GHz or 2.33GHz)
• MacBook Core Duo (13 -inch 1.83GHz or 2.0GHz)
  
• MacBook Core 2 Duo (13 -inch 1.83GHz or 2.0GHz)

[Bill Fox]

[6/29] Software Special Deal of the Day: Media Indexer 2.3 (Universal) for 46% Off--$6.99 Today Only

Media Indexer allows you to browse indexes of your removable media as if they were inserted in your computer. This makes the process of finding your archived files incredibly fast. Media Indexer features an exclusive super fast search engine, as well as a traditional, Mac OS X-like file browser, MP3 files support, Spotlight integration, indexes export... and much more!

Normally $12.99, Media Indexer 2.3 (Universal) is offered for $6.99 today only--that's 46% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/29] iPhoney 1.1 is Out as Open Source Project--Marketcircle adds Zooming Feature

Marketcircle released iPhoney 1.1 as an Open Source Project on SourceForge with the objective of providing a global test bench for iPhone developers. iPhoney 1.1 is a fully native, universal binary Cocoa application, written in Objective-C. As well as its new status as an Open Source Project, iPhoney 1.1 has upped functionality with a frequently requested "zoom to fit" found in the iPhone.

iPhoney is a pixel-accurate, full-featured browser that Web 2.0 developers can use to ensure their designs look great on the iPhone. iPhoney 1.1 will open any Web site that works with Safari, in a shell that simulates the iPhone Web browsing user experience. [Bill Fox]

[6/29] iFixit will provide Live Disassembly of iPhone Later Today

iFixit will be live blogging the disassembly of an iPhone immediately after its release tomorrow, June 29. They will stream live images and descriptions of the disassembly as they go. Their technicians will also be analyzing the internals and posting component descriptions and design analysis.

To be notified as soon as iFixit begins disassembly, sign up on this Web page. The live disassembly will also be posted on that Web page.

"We're excited to see how Apple's engineers have crammed so much functionality into an iPod form factor," commented Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit. "We'll be posting professional images as fast as we can take them, as well as writing disassembly instructions. We're using the same AJAX technology to publish this live guide as we use in our web store."

iFixit will also release a complete Fixit Guide for the iPhone next week. This Guide will complement their existing line of Mac and iPod Guides, which show the reader how to easily access and replace any component in their machine. [Bill Fox]

[6/29] Apple Pro Tip of the Week--Assign Color Profiles in Preview

Within the Preview application, one can assign different color profiles. According to Apple,

You can assign an ICC color profile for any open JPEG or TIFF image by going under the Tools menu and choosing Assign Profile. This brings up a dialog with a pop-up menu of available color profiles. To assign a specific profile, just choose it from the pop-up menu, then click OK.

If instead you want to change the color profile to match a specific ColorSync profile, then go under the same menu, but instead choose Match to Profile. A dialog will appear where you can choose the source, and which profile you want to match.

More...[Dana Baggett]

[6/28] More Details on iPhone Service Plans posted by Apple, AT&T and Others plus New Reviews

Apple has posted special Web pages that describe the service plan options available to consumers buying and activating an iPhone. The pages cover individual, family and existing customer service plans as well as activation and service area coverage.

AT&T has posted a very useful FAQ that includes some additional details. Especially important to us is the procedure for those who already have a family service plan and wish to add an iPhone rather than replacing an existing phone. We have to go to an AT&T retail store and request an additional line for the iPhone and add the special iPhone data service. Unfortunately, not cost is mentioned. Hopefully, it will be just $9.99 for the additional line, the cost in the current plan, and $20 for the data service.

One iPhone per person on Friday--AppleInsider claims to have an AT&T communication that establishes the policy of selling only one iPhone per person on Friday. hey also claim that Apple plans to limit sales to individuals as well. This may be bad news for those paying someone to stand in line and pick up an iPhone for them, those providing the service and those planning to flip some quickly on eBay for a profit.

Finally, Walt Mossberg (WSJ video and ATD) and David Pogue (NYT) have posted iPhone reviews based on two weeks of use that potential iPhone buyers may find helpful. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[6/28] Software Special Deal of the Day: iCash X 3.3.3 (Universal) for 50% Off--$14.95 Today Only

iCash is software for controlling your personal finances, keeping track of incomes, expenses, credits, debts and Banks transactions for you. As simple as creating the accounts you need and move money between them! You don't even need to know about accounting or even care about it! Your finances depends largely on good organization that lets you know where your money comes from and to where it goes.

Normally $30.00, iCash X 3.3.3 (Universal) is offered for $14.95 today only--that's 50% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/28] Tonight on The Tech Night Owl LIVE--iPhone, Troubleshooting and Windows Secrets

Tonight, host Gene Steinberg brings you up to date on the iPhone and other up-to-date issues involving Apple Inc. with Macworld's Jim Dalrymple.

You'll hear the very latest Mac troubleshooting secrets from Joe Kissell, author of "Take Control of Troubleshooting Your Mac."

If you are a Windows user, you'll want to hear Scott Dunn, from Windows Secrets, who says Microsoft has failed to deliver on some of its promises for Vista Ultimate, the most expensive version of its newest operating system.

You can tune into the Web broadcast Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern.

 

[6/27] Brief Hands-On Report--Adobe released Photoshop Lightroom 1.1 Update

Adobe's Photoshop Lightroom 1.1 Update is available for download from this Adobe Web page. It is a free upgrade for existing users, with added functionality and support for Windows Vista.

Improvements in Lightroom 1.1 include a new image management system that allows flexible multi-computer workflows. A catalog-based system means photographers now can move images and information quickly between their computers. Lightroom 1.1 further streamlines the digital photography workflow with the addition of a convenient way to synchronize folders in the program with new or changed photos. Other changes include improved noise reduction and sharpening functionality, utilizing customer feedback and technology from industry-standard Photoshop. Raw file support for 13 additional digital cameras from leading manufacturers including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Phase One was added.

We downloaded and updated to Lightroom 1.1. Our serial number did not have to be re-entered. The conversion to a catalog database did not take an appreciable period of time since we only had a couple hundred photos in our Lightroom database. No problems were encountered in brief use. [Bill Fox]

[6/27] Software Special Deal of the Day: ViewIt 2.21 (Universal) for 50% Off--$9.95 Today Only

ViewIt is an image viewer that supports most popular image formats: JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PSD and more. Images can be viewed in a window or in full screen mode. ViewIt has also tools for: quick image sorting, printing, digital cameras and EXIF tags. Anybody interested in adding his own features to ViewIt can easily do it through its plugin architecture via the SDK.

Normally $20.00, ViewIt 2.21 (Universal) is offered for $9.95 today only--that's 50% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/27] O'Reilly published 'Dreamweaver CS3: The Missing Manual'

David Sawyer MacFarland's Dreamweaver CS3: The Missing Manual (O'Reilly, $58.99 US) updates his previous best-selling O'Reilly titles about Dreamweaver. With the recent release of Adobe's powerful web design program--Dreamweaver CS3--developers can do more than ever, notes MacFarland. Best of all, the upgraded program comes packed with exciting new design tools.

"The Spry JavaScript framework, for example, lets non-programmers add sophisticated interface elements like drop-down navigation menus, tabbed panels, and interactive data tables. My new book provides in-depth coverage on how to add Spry to a website, and equally as important, how to customize the Spry page elements to match the look and feel of an existing site's design," adds MacFarland.

Loaded with step-by-step instructions and lucid, easy-to-grasp explanations, MacFarland's guided tour of Dreamweaver CS3 covers:

• Getting started--from building your first site to putting it on the Web.
  
• Gaining pinpoint control over design and layout with powerful CSS tools.
  
• Adding interactivity with forms, new Spry tools, JavaScript, and animations.
  
• Building database-driven Web sites without having to hire a team of geeks.
  

This one-stop Dreamweaver CS3 resource aims to boost the skills and knowledge of designers at every level, from novices to power users. MacFarland's book delivers tips and tricks from a veteran designer along with expert guidance on what looks good--and what looks dated--to spruce up existing Web sites or create dazzling new ones. [Bill Fox]

[6/27] iPhone to reset Mobile Phone Bar says Gartner Analyst

Robin Simpson, Gartner's Research Director, believes that Apple's iPhone will raise the bar for mobile phones.

"Consumers are going to want to use touch screens and sensors, they are going to expect more sophisticated graphics," he said. "The iPhone will reset the bar--it really is that different."

The key elements are the integration of touch and gesture in the interface plus smart technology like sensors that turn off the iPhone's keyboard when talking on it and that sense which direction the iPhone held, upright or horizontal, and adjusts the screen accordingly. More...[Dana Baggett]

[6/27] Study for the SAT on Your iPod with Video

According to the New York Times, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions now has three interactive applications for sale on iTunes that can be downloaded to an iPod with video. The applications were released last week, giving students plenty of practice time before the October SAT test date.

Reading, mathematics and writing are the subjects of the three applications that cost $4.99 each. They correspond to the three graded sections of the SAT exam and are available in the iPod games section of the iTunes store. The applications contain some 1,000 practice questions and hints and strategy sessions.

"Learning styles have changed a lot since Stanley Kaplan founded Kaplan in 1938," said Kristen Campbell, the national director of SAT and ACT programs for Kaplan. "Students take their iPods with them all the time...."

More...[Dana Baggett]

[6/26] Apple and AT&T announced iPhone Service Plans Starting at $59.99 per month--Activation is through iTunes

The biggest iPhone mystery was finally resolved. AT&T and Apple announced three simple, affordable service plans for iPhone which start at just $59.99 per month.

All iPhone plans include Visual Voicemail, an industry first, which allows consumers to see a listing of their voicemails, decide which messages to listen to, then go directly to those messages without listening to previous messages. Just like email, Visual Voicemail on iPhone enables users to immediately and randomly access the messages that interest them most. Unlike most wireless plans that charge additional fees for new features, there are no additional fees for Visual Voicemail.

"We want to make choosing a service plan simple and easy, so every plan includes unlimited data with direct Internet access, along with Visual Voicemail and a host of other goodies," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We think these three plans give customers the flexibility to experience all of iPhone's revolutionary features at affordable and competitive prices."

All iPhone monthly service plans are available for individuals and families and are based on a new two-year service agreement with AT&T. Individual plans are priced at $59.99 for 450 minutes, $79.99 for 900 minutes and $99.99 for 1,350 minutes. All plans include unlimited data (email and web), Visual Voicemail, 200 SMS text messages, roll over minutes and unlimited mobile-to-mobile and a one-time activation fee of $36. Family plans are also available. Customers with existing AT&T accounts will have the option of keeping their existing phone number and upgrading their account to work with iPhone.

"Users will be able to activate their new iPhone in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "There are tens of millions of people in the US who already know how to sync their iPods with iTunes, and syncing their new iPhone with iTunes works the same way."

iPhone users will be able to activate their new iPhones using Apple's popular iTunes software in the comfort and privacy of their own home or office, without having to wait in a store while their phone is activated. Activating iPhone takes only minutes as iTunes guides the user through simple steps to choose their service plan, authorize their credit and activate their iPhone. Once iPhone is activated, users can then easily sync all of their phone numbers and other contact information, calendars, email accounts, web browser bookmarks, music, photos, podcasts, TV shows and movies just like they do when they sync their iPods with iTunes.

We currently have an AT&T family plan with two cell phones which costs around $65 per month with taxes and fees. However, it does not include unlimited data so $59.99 per month for the iPhone service including unlimited data and Visual Email is a pretty good deal. While the announcement states that AT&T's regular service plans are available along with family plans for the iPhone, it is not clear that we can simply add the iPhone to our current family plan and upgrade it to get unlimited data. We will see when we get our iPhone. [Bill Fox]

[6/26] Find the Cheapest Gas with PocketMac's Free Gas Pump Genie Widget

PocketMac released their Gas Pump Genie Widget. Use it to find the lowest gas prices in your neighborhood or in any area that you specify. The Gas Pump Genie Widget is free and available for download from this PocketMac Web page. Gas Pump Genie uses the GasBuddy.com database. [Bill Fox]

[6/26] Software Special Deal of the Day: CoverSutra 1.1.6 (Universal) for 45% Off--$10.95 Today Only

CoverSutra sports a variety of methods that let you easily control iTunes. See what's currently playing or enjoy your album artwork. CoverSutra is never in your way but always by your side.

Global Shortcuts - Quickly control iTunes from anywhere. Play, pause, rate, show, skip, rewind, fast forward...whatever! CoverSutra gives you total control over your music with customizable keyboard shortcuts.

Information Bezel - CoverSutra alerts you of any song change, so you always know what's playing. Bezels also works nicely with Shortcuts and your Apple Remote: You'll get Feedback for every single action.

Instant Player Controls - Playback position, album artwork, song details: See all important informations in a single floating window.

Jewel Case - For those who like their artwork on the desktop. At wish CoveSutra puts a little CD jewel case displaying the artwork of the currently playing song right on your desktop.

Last.fm integration - Join the social music revolution. CoverSutra integrates smoothly with the Last.fm service. Songs you listen on your mac will be automatically scrobbled.

Normally $20.0, CoverSutra 1.1.6 (Universal) is offered for $10.95 today only--that's 45% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/26] PulpMotion 1.2 is Out

PulpMotion, a Mac OS X application from Aquafadas gives users a simple yet powerful new option for designing and sharing, in a few clicks, striking videos, sideshows that integrate personal photos, videos and music.
The animations produced with PulpMotion can be emailed through an interactive postcard, loaded onto an iPod, used as a personalized screensaver, exported as high quality QuickTime movies, or published to a website using iWeb.

The new features in PulpMotion 1.2 include:

• New soundtrack options for the video during playback,
  
• Great performance increase in the media manager: scrolling through thousands of images is now really quick
  
• New in the player: you can now export a player animation as a screensaver
  
• Support for external camera and microphone

PulpMotion 1.2 is available immediately for download from this Aquafadas Web page. The price is $45 for a single user license.

[6/26] Peachpit published 'The Apple TV Pocket Guide'

Peachpit released The Apple TV Pocket Guide, the essential companion to the popular Apple TV set-top box. This handy guide steers you through how to:

• Connect your Apple TV to your television and home network
  
• Navigate your way around the Apple TV menus and use the Apple Remote
  
• Move content from your iTunes Library to the Apple TV
  
• Stream content from a friend's computer to your TV
  
• Watch movies and TV shows, view photos, and listen to songs and podcasts
  
• Create high-quality movies from DVDs you own to play on the Apple TV
  
• Convert your own home movies for showing on the big screen
  
• View high-definition content on your HDTV TV using the Apple TV
  
• Create custom slideshows that go beyond Apple TV's built-in options
  
• Fix common problems and learn what to do if you can't fix them yourself

The Apple TV Pocket Guide (Peachpit, ISBN: 0-321-51021-6, 160 pages, US $14.99) is by Jeff Carlson. Jeff Carlson is the author of all editions of the iMovie: Visual QuickStart Guide and Making a Movie with iMovie and iDVD: Visual QuickProject Guide. He divides his time between his Seattle Web design company, Never Enough Coffee Creations, and writing for publications such as Macworld, I.D., and HOW Magazine. He is also the managing editor of the weekly electronic newsletter TidBITS, which covers Macintosh and Internet issues. [Bill Fox]

 

[6/25] Apple iPhone Week--iPhone arrives Friday at 6pm Local Time, Info trickling out

Apple's iPhone will finally arrive this Friday at 6pm, apparently local time. However, we wonder which time zone the online Apple Store will use. Some of the questions about Apple's iPhone are beginning to be revealed, almost begrudgingly.

The biggest question is how much will the data service cost? That is still a mystery but AT&T revealed via this Boston Globe article that canceling the two-year service contract will cost $175. Why, you ask since AT&T is not subsidizing the cost of the iPhone as with other cell phones? Well, it's because of other infrastructure costs according to AT&T. We guess that means that AT&T is incurring some significant costs associated with supporting the iPhone, perhaps like the reported beefing up of their EDGE network.

Apple released a QuickTime movie Guided Tour of the iPhone that provides a lot of details about the iPhone's operations. One of the new items is that a headset comes with the iPhone with a built-in simple remote controller.

Here's AP's article. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[6/25] Software Special Deal of the Day: Übercaster 1.1 (Universal) for 44% Off--$44.95 Today Only

Übercaster is the first complete podcast production suite for the Mac.

Leave your garage and feel at home. Übercaster has been made with podcaster's needs in mind.

Auto ducking, effects, chapters for enhanced podcasts, ID3 tags, album cover art, mp3/AAC/AIFF encoding - you name it. It's all there. Seamlessly integrated.

Normally $79.95, Ubercaster 1.1 (Universal) is offered for $44.95 today only--that's 44% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/23] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple Security Update 2007-006

Apple released Security Update 2007-006 in two versions depending on whether or not Safari 3 Public Beta is installed. The correct version should appear for download via Software Update. This update is for: Mac OS X v10.3.9, Mac OS X Server v10.3.9, Mac OS X v10.4.9 or later, Mac OS X Server v10.4.9 or later and Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs.

The standard version of Security Update 2007-006 has the following security updates:

WebCore--CVE-2007-2401--Visiting a malicious website may allow cross-site requests. An HTTP injection issue exists in XMLHttpRequest when serializing headers into an HTTP request. By enticing a user to visit a maliciously crafted web page, an attacker could conduct cross-site scripting attacks. This update addresses the issue by performing additional validation of header parameters. Credit to Richard Moore of Westpoint Ltd. for reporting this issue.

WebKit--CVE-2007-2399--Visiting a maliciously crafted website may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. An invalid type conversion when rendering frame sets could lead to memory corruption. Visiting a maliciously crafted web page may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. Credit to Rhys Kidd of Westnet for reporting this issue.

The version for Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later with Safari 3 Beta installed includes this additional update to bring the Public Beta to version 3.0.2:

Safari--CVE-2007-2400-Visiting a malicious website may allow cross-site scripting. Safari's security model prevents JavaScript in remote web pages from modifying pages outside of their domain. A race condition in page updating combined with HTTP redirection may allow JavaScript from one page to modify a redirected page. This could allow cookies and pages to be read or arbitrarily modified. This update addresses the issue by correcting access control to window properties. Credit to Lawrence Lai, Stan Switzer, Ed Rowe of Adobe Systems, Inc for reporting this issue.

Similar security fixes and an additional one were released for the Windows version of Safari 3 Beta.

We installed Security Update 2007-006 via Software Update on a variety of Macs: 15" MacBook Pro C2D-LED, 24" iMac C2D, 20" iMac CD, PowerMac G4 Cube and 12" PowerBook G4. We installed Security Update 2007-006 in Safari 3 Beta Update 3.0.2 via Software Update on a PowerMac G4 Cube. All were running Mac OS X 10.4.10. We encountered no problems applying the update nor in limited use thereafter. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[6/23] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple Safari 3.0.2 Beta

We had problems with several widgets (Air Traffic Control, Gas Prices and Package Tracker) that we use frequently when we tried out the original Safari 3 Beta Web browser. While we had no other problems, we uninstalled it. Since then, Apple has released Safari 3.0.1 Beta for Windows and now Safari 3.0.2 Beta for both Mac OS X and Windows. Safari 3.0.2 Beta is available as a stand-alone installer and uninstaller from this Apple Web page.

According to Apple, the changes in Safari 3.0.2 for Mac OS X beta include:

• Latest security updates (noted in the article above)
  
• Improved stability
  
• Improved WebKit support for Mail, iChat and Dashboard
  

Apple also divulged what's coming soon to Safari 3:

• Support for International users
  
• International text input methods
  
• Advanced text (contextual forms, international scripts)
  
• Localized menus and help
  
• NTLM support
  
• PAC file auto-detection
  
• FTP directory listings
  
• Link to proxy settings from Safari (Safari respects the proxy settings in the Windows Internet control panel)
  
• Cookie management
  
• LiveConnect support
  
• Tooltips
  
• Spell checking
  
• Printing page numbers, titles, margins

We downloaded and installed Safari 3.0.2 Beta with no problems. All three widgets that did not work with version 3.0 now work fine. We encountered no problems with Mail or iChat. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[6/22] [Updated]See Macs Only! on iPhoney, a Free iPhone Simulator from Marketcircle

Marketcircle, maker of Daylite Productivity Suite and Billings business software for the Mac, released iPhoney. iPhoney is a new iPhone simulator for Web designers.

Marketcircle is providing the application free as a service to the Mac developer community to test iPhone-enabled Web 2.0 applications and compatible Web sites.

iPhoney will open any Web site that works with Safari (Safari 3 works best), simulate the iPhone user agent to test browser redirection scripts, and rotate Web sites in either portrait or landscape orientation. iPhoney is also pixel accurate to the iPhone, which has 160 pixels. But since most Mac displays offer between 72 and 96 pixels per inch, iPhoney looks about twice the size of an actual iPhone.

iPhoney requires Mac OS X 10.4.7 or later. Here's some of what you can do with iPhoney:

Test your iPhone-enabled Web 2.0 applications and compatible web sites.

• Open any web site that works with Safari (use Safari 3 beta for the most accurate experience).
  
• Rotate to see web sites in either portrait or landscape orientation.
  
• Show or hide the location bar for a full-screen iPhone experience.
  
• Simulate the iPhone user agent, to test browser redirection scripts.

To learn more about iPhoney's origins, check out this blog or just download and play with it from this Marketcircle Web page--it's free!

Obviously, we have a lot of work to do to make an iPhone-size Web page for Macs Only! [Update: Actually, we don't. Marketcircle simply has not yet implemented the iPhone's web zooming function yet in iPhoney--it's coming soon. Thanks to reader Gordon Brock for pointing this out.] [Bill Fox]

[6/22] Apple debuted Hot Deals from Developers and revised the Offerings from Two Hot Deals Retailers

Hot Deals From Developers - get exclusive Hot Deals prices on the following products direct from the developers: Mail Factory from BeLight Software - software for designing and printing envelopes, postcards, address and shipping labels for only $19.95!; Speed Download 4 from Yazsoft is the ultimate download manager for Mac OS X for only $20!; Kinemac 3D real-time animation and video titling made easy for only $174!; The DoorStop X Security Suite from Open Door Networks is an integrated, comprehensive approach to securing your Mac on the Internet for only $69!; Typinator 2.0 from Ergonis Software automates typing of frequently used text and pictures and auto-corrects typing errors for only $12.99 (12.99 Euros); Serene Saver 2 HD from Amuse is a unique cross between a video desktop (moving wallpaper) and a traditional screen saver for only $19.99!.

B&H Photo Video - has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: LaCie 500GB Quadra external hard drive with FireWire 800/400 and USB 2.0 for only $199.95!; Viewsonic VX922 19" Xtreme LCD monitor for only $224!; Sportfolio Case for MacBook from Marware for only $39.95; Glovez neoprene sleeve for MacBook in silver from Case-Mate for only $24.95! Samsung ML-2510 laser printer for only $128.95!; I-Trigue 2200 2.0 multimedia speakers from Creative Labs for only $43.95!; E200-17 Sun Shade for 17" notebook computers from Hoodman for only $29.95!; SE310 sound isolating stereo earphones from Shure for only $249!; ; and much more.

Sweetwater Sound - has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: FirePod 8-channel FireWire audio interface from PreSonus for only $399.97!; Jupiter-8v classic Roland synth in software from Arturia for only $199.97!; Link.FireWird 4x6 ultra-portable audio interface from TAPCO for only $199.99!; Studiophile AV 40 desktop speakers from M-Audio for only $149.97!; get over 4-hours of Ableton Live 6 tutorials with Live 6 CSi Master from Thomson Course Technology for only $49.97!; compose and edit music like a pro with Band In A Box from PG Music for only $79.97!; Symphony Mobile audio interface for the MacBook Pro from Apogee for only $535.97!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[6/22] Software Special Deal of the Day: Sound Byte 3.4 (Universal) for 49% Off--$39.95 Today Only

Sound Byte is a computerized cart machine for the Macintosh. It is very similar to the so-called cart machines used at radio stations in the past. Each recording - a jingle, advertisement, etc, was on a cartidge, which could be quickly selected and played.

Sound Byte brings the cart machine to the computer age. You can assign select up to 75 recordings per rack, and assign each to a button. Clicking on a button plays that recording. Multiple recordings can be played at the same time.

Normally $79.00, Sound Byte 3.4 (Universal) is offered for $39.95 today only--that's 47% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/22] Aspyr Studios making good progress on 'Enemy Territory: Quake Wars' for Mac

According to Aspyr Studios' recent newsletter, their new game Enemy Territory: Quake Wars for Mac has been really shaping up well. Aspyr has been working hard keeping Mac builds of Quake Wars up to date with the PC version. Aspyr's goal is to ship Quake Wars Mac very close to the PC release.

The graphics engine has a lot of new code over the base Doom 3/Quake 4 engine, and id Software's new MegaTexture technology is up and running on OS X. id's new technology was demoed by John Carmack at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars features strategic team play, persistent character promotions, and the universe's most powerful weapons and vehicles in heroic objective-based battles as the Global Defense Force faces off against the alien Strogg invasion. Battles rage on stunning battlefields inspired by tropical, arctic, temperate, urban and desert locations both online and offline against lethal A.I. combatants. With unmatched graphics, physics, networking, and story-driven military missions, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars transports players to the front lines of the ultimate war for Earth.

As the invasion begins, players choose to battle as one of five unique classes in either the human Global Defense Force (GDF) or the barbaric Strogg armies, each augmented with specialist weapons and combat hardware. Troops utilize more than 40 conventional and futuristic vehicles, deployable structures, and defense systems like quad-bikes, tanks, and alien walkers for intense ground assaults; or helicopters and anti-gravity ships to lend firepower from the air. Throughout each battle, teams establish bases, deploy defense structures, artillery, radar, and advanced forward-command systems into enemy territory while constructing and demolishing obstacles to speed progress and gain a tactical advantage over the enemy.

The minimum hardware specifications for Enemy Territory: Quake Wars for Mac have not been released as yet. The Windows version is expected to be out from Activision on July 2. A public beta for Windows is already out. [Bill Fox]

[6/22] CNET Deal of the day: JBL Creature II 3-piece desktop speaker system for $34

According to CNET, desktop speakers come and desktop speakers go, but good design lasts... well, if not forever, at least a mighty long time. Admire the smooth surfaces, enjoy the groovy mathematical curviness, appreciate the metallic sheen as you imagine yourself speeding through the galaxy on your own little cubicle-spaceship, with terrific audio. Ah! Space--the final frontier of hyperbole. Listed today at one-third its original price of $99, the JBL Creature II 3-piece desktop speaker system is a well-liked speaker set for folks who want good audio at a great price and with a very small desk-top footprint.

The JBL Creature II 3-piece desktop speaker system is $33.51 from Amazon.com. [Dana Baggett]

[6/21] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple released Mac OS X 10.4.10

Apple released Mac OS X 10.4.10 for Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs in client and server editions. The various editions are available via Software Update or as stand-alone updater files from this Apple Web page.

According to the ReadMe file,

The following improvements apply to both Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs unless otherwise noted:

Bluetooth

• Addresses an issue in which a Bluetooth headset may show up as an available device for sound output in the Sound preference pane after it had been removed from Bluetooth preferences.
  

Third-party

• Adds RAW image decoding support for the following cameras: Panasonic DMC-LX1, Panasonic DMC-LX2, Leica M8, Leica D-LUX 2, Leica D-LUX 3, Fuji S5 Pro, Nikon D40x, and Canon EOS 1D Mk III.
• Resolves an issue in which some DNG images may appear tinted or distorted.
• Improves compatibility of Mathematica 6 with 64-bit Macs.
  

USB

• Improves reliability when using the IR remote control after waking from sleep.
• Improves reliability when mounting external USB hard drives.
• Resolves an issue in which a TomTom GO 910 may not be recognized when connected via USB to an Intel-based Mac.

Other

• Improves responsiveness when using the Control-Eject key combination to display a shutdown dialog.
• Addresses a specific issue in which users importing video from a DV camera may experience dropped frames.
• Includes recent Apple security updates.
• Addresses issues with calendar calculations in certain applications.
• Addresses issues when rounding decimal numbers for display in certain applications.
• For Motion, addresses an issue in which some texture corruption could appear in Motion if VRAM is full.

The details of the new security fix are:

Networking--CVE-2007-2242--Remote attackers may be able to adversely affect network performance. A design issue exists in the IPv6 protocol's handling of type 0 routing headers. Depending on network topology and capacity, the reception of specially crafted IPv6 packets may lead to a reduction in network bandwidth. This update addresses the issue by disabling the support for type 0 routing headers. This issue does not affect systems prior to Mac OS X v10.4.

We downloaded and installed Mac OS X 10.4.10 client via Software Update in a variety of Macs: MacBook Pro LED, MacBook Pro C2D, iMac C2D, iMac Core Duo, Power Mac G4 (client and server editions) and PowerBook G4. Each took longer than normal at the gray screen with Apple logo and "gear" and each restarted twice. No problems were encountered during installation and none were noted in several hours use.

Unfortunately, the issue with poor OpenGL performance, including the unplayability of Call of Duty 2, on the new 15" MacBook Pro LED with Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics noted in our Hands-On Review and confirmed by our readers was not fixed in this update. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[6/21] Apple released Apple TV 1.1 Software to implement YouTube.com Access and fix Security Issue

Apple released an update to the Apple TV's software to version 1.1. It is available only via the Apple TV's software update function and is not (yet) available as a separate stand-alone updater. Version 1.1 allows one to easily navigate through YouTube's familiar video browsing categories or search for specific videos. YouTube members can also log-in to their YouTube accounts on Apple TV to view and save their favorite videos.

The security issue is:

CVE-2007-2386--A remote attacker may be able to cause a denial of service or arbitrary code execution. A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the UPnP IGD (Internet Gateway Device Standardized Device Control Protocol) code used to create Port Mappings on home NAT gateways in the Apple TV implementation. By sending a maliciously crafted packet, a remote attacker can trigger the overflow which may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution. This update addresses the issue by performing additional validation when processing UPnP protocol packets. Credit to Michael Lynn of Juniper Networks for reporting this issue.

[Bill Fox]

[6/21] Software Special Deal of the Day: iGet 2.6.2 (Universal) for 50% Off--$24.50 Today Only

iGet is an inventive file transfer tool designed specifically for the Mac. It allows you to log into your account on any remote Mac and browse, find, and get the files you need. As easy to use as the best FTP clients, iGet is much more Mac-oriented: you can stop and resume file and folder transfers, and you see the real Mac icons and Finder labels for all your files as you browse. iGet can even put files into the Trash remotely.

Normally $49.00, iGet 2.6.2 (Universal) is offered for $24.50 today only--that's 50% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/21] YouTube.com Videos on Apple's iPhone

Apple announced that YouTube.com's videos will be available to access with Apple's iPhone due out Friday, June 29. A new Apple-designed application on iPhone will wirelessly stream YouTube's content to iPhone over Wi-Fi or EDGE networks and play it on iPhone's 3.5 inch display.

To achieve higher video quality and longer battery life on mobile devices, YouTube has begun encoding their videos in the advanced H.264 format, and iPhone will be the first mobile device to use the H.264-encoded videos. Over 10,000 videos will be available on June 29, and YouTube will be adding more each week until their full catalog of videos is available in the H.264 format this fall. [Bill Fox]

[6/21] O'Reilly published 'Excel Hacks,' Second Edition

Millions of users create and share Excel spreadsheets every day, but few go deeply enough to learn the techniques that will make their work much easier. Yet there are many ways to take advantage of Excel's sophisticated capabilities without spending hours on advanced study.

Now expanded to include Excel 2007, authors Dave and Raina Hawley provide a resourceful, roll-up-your-sleeves guide that gives you little known "backdoor" tricks for several Excel versions using different platforms and external applications. Excel Hacks (O'Reilly, $29.99 US) provides more than 130 hacks--clever tools, tips and techniques--that will leapfrog your work beyond the ordinary. [Bill Fox]

[6/21] Tonight on The Tech Night Owl LIVE--MacFixIt, Leopard and Mac Security

Tonight, host Gene Steinberg looks at the latest Mac troubleshooting news, covering the newly-released Mac OS 10.4.10 update, the Safari 3.0 beta and more, with MacFixIt Editor Ben Wilson.

You'll also hear from Macworld Editorial Director Jason Snell on his reaction to Safari for Windows, and the newly announced features for Mac OS 10.5 Leopard.

In addition, security guru Alan Oppenheimer, of Open Door Networks, will bring you up to date on whether there are any new and pressing issues in regard to Mac security.

You can tune into the Web broadcast tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern. [Bill Fox]

[6/20] PocketMac Remote allows Apple Remote to control PowerPoint and Keynote

Information Appliance Associates (IAA) released their new presentation tool, PocketMac Remote, a software advance for Intel Mac owners who want to do more with their Apple Remote. PocketMac Remote works by re-routing the play/pause, volume control and forward/back buttons so they effectively control business people's presentations in either Microsoft PowerPoint or Apple's Keynote application.

"We're thrilled to release PocketMac Remote," said Tim Goggin, VP
of Sales & Marketing for IAA. "With so many business people taking
their PowerPoint and Keynote presentations on the road, it just makes
sense to add the functionality to control those presentations with
the cool little remote that comes with all of the new Intel Macs."

Goggin continues, "This great little app works. And it's so simple to use...just run it, open your presentation and you're ready to talk in front of a crowd of 10 or 10,000."

A special bonus report on maximizing presentations will be
included for the first 1,000 customers. PocketMac Remote is available as a download for $9.95. [Bill Fox]

[6/20] Software Special Deal of the Day: TabMeister 2.0 (Universal) for 47% Off--$7.95 Today Only

TabMeister is a desktop utility that allows the user to organize applications, files, and folders into "Tabs" which act like pop-up windows sitting on the edge of the screen. Rather than cramming dozens of files into the Dock, these Tabs now allow for better organization of all of the files that users commonly need. TabMeister gives you immediate access to hundreds of files without cluttering the Dock or desktop.

Normally $14.95, TabMeister 2.0 (Universal) is offered for $7.95 today only--that's 47% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/20] Learn All About Apple TV--June WAPi General Meeting this Saturday, June 23

It might seem a bit early in the month for a Washington Apple Pi General Meeting, but if you check the calendar, this coming Saturday is the fourth Saturday, and another "Home Grown" meeting is all lined up. Everything you ever wanted to know about Apple TV and more! Come learn all about Apple TV.

The June Pi General Meeting will start promptly at 9:30 with the highly acclaimed Q&A session. Bring your questions and see if you can stump Lawrence.

Then Pat will host the Apple TV presentation that will be followed by three breakouts that focus on specific relationships with Apple TV.

Of special note, there will be no prize drawings at this meeting since the new Board has not had proper time to determine how this aspect of the meetings will continue. [Bill Fox]

[6/20] Apple's MacBook wins Editor's Choice Award from CNET

CNET took a look at the most recent edition of Apple's MacBook and declared it an "Editors Choice." Here is their full review. [Dana Baggett]

 

[6/19] Apple's Safari Web Browser and .Mac Web Service won Webware 100 Awards

CNET.com announced the winners of its first ever "Webware 100" Awards. Apple's Safari Web browser received an award in the Browsing category and Apple's .Mac service received an award in the Data category.

The Webware 100 winners were picked by users from a group of finalists that were selected by the editors of Webware.com, a CNET site. The "Webware 100" Awards program recognizes the best Web 2.0 sites, services, and applications that are leading the next wave of innovations.

"True to the Web 2.0 revolution, the innovative sites and services in the Webware 100 were chosen by a community of users and our editorial team," said CNET Editor at Large, Rafe Needleman. "By leveraging the expertise of our editors, and the passion of our users, we're able to recognize the companies that are redefining how we use computers and the Internet."

A complete summary of all of the winners is available on this Webware.com Web page.

[6/19] Apple provided iPhone Comparo with Increased Battery Life/Glass Display Announcement

Apple announced that the iPhone will have a talk time of up to 8 hours. This is far longer than the 5 hours preliminarily announced back in January. In addition, the standby time is up to 250 hours, Internet use is up to 6 hours from 5, video playback is up to 7 hours rather than 5 and audio playback is up to 24 hours rather than 16. This is a huge change that should remove some of the worries of battery performance.

Included in Apple's announcement was the news that the iPhone will have an optical-grade glass top-side display surface rather than one made from plastic to improve the quality of the iPhone and to increase its scratch resistance.

Apple also release a chart comparing the iPhone's specs and performance with its current main competitors. Here is the comparison chart:

The iPhone comes out on top, of course. [Bill Fox]

[6/19] nQuicky Cardbus--802.11n WiFi PCMCIA Card for PowerBooks to Ship

In late June, QuickerTek will ship a 802.11n CardBus upgrade for Apple PowerBooks going back to the Pismo models with a free PCMCIA slot. According to QuickerTek, nQuicky CardBus improves wireless range by a factor of three or more and can be as much as 10 times the speed of a standard wireless card. nQuicky eliminates the need to buy a new Mac just to get 802.11n wireless speed and range.

The nQuicky CardBus offers the latest wireless benefits yet retains backward compatibility with previous wireless standards. It works with all IEEE 802.11 b/g/n networks and performs to it's full speed (100 to 300 mbps typical) potential across the 2.4GHz frequency with 802.11n rated hardware.

The nQuicky CardBus is coming in late June and it is available to pre-order for $149.95. It is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. [Bill Fox]

[6/19] Software Special Deal of the Day: Color Schemer Studio 1.5.2 (Universal) for 50% Off--$24.95 Today Only

Color Schemer Studio is a professional color matching solution for anyone from hobbyists to advanced professionals. Use it to:

• work with a dynamic visual color wheel
  
• instantly explore color harmonies and relationships
  
• access over 2,500 pre-made color schemes, or share your own, in the Color Schemer Gallery
  
• preview color schemes on the built-in web page QuickPreview
  
• even let the app intelligently suggest color schemes for you
  

Color Schemer Studio also features a number of built-in tools that make it easy to create great-looking color schemes.

Normally $49.99, Color Schemer Studio 1.5.2 (Universal) is offered for $24.95 today only--that's 50% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/19] Jawbone Bluetooth Headset with Noise Shield in Apple Stores at iPhone Launch

Aliph today announced that its Jawbone Bluetooth headset with Noise Shield will be sold along with the iPhone in all 157 Apple Retail Stores and from the online Apple Store beginning June 29, 2007.

Jawbone is Aliph's groundbreaking Bluetooth headset that integrates the latest innovations in acoustics, audio processing and product design to provide users with best-in-class incoming and outgoing voice clarity. Using a revolutionary new technology called Noise Shield the headset eliminates background noise and seamlessly adjusts speaker volume throughout the call, resulting in uninterrupted and clearer conversations, even in the most extreme environments.

"As the leader and innovator in audio quality, it's exciting for us to have the Jawbone paired with the most innovative mobile phone platform in history," said Hosain Rahman, Aliph CEO. "We believe consumers will find that the marriage of these products delivers the best experience in terms of quality and sophistication."

Jawbone was recently ranked as one of PC World's "100 Best Products of 2007", in addition to being CNET's highest rated Bluetooth headset ever and a fixture on CNET's Top 5 Most Wanted Products list in 2007. Jawbone was recognized with the International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award and the prestigious iF Product Design Award. It is also currently on exhibit at the San Francisco Museum or Modern Art.

Jawbone will be available for $119.99 and comes in three colors—silver, red and black. [Bill Fox]

[6/18] Hands-On Review and Speed Tests--15" 2.4GHz MacBook Pro LED

We ordered a new 15" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo with LED-backlit screen the day they were announced, i.e. Tuesday, June 5, with 2-day delivery. It arrived from Shanghai on June 12 and we have been using it heavily ever since. The new 15" MacBook Pro LED comes with Mac OS X 10.4.9 but with an updated build number (8Q1058 vs 8P2137).

It was a BTO from the online Apple Store because we wanted the larger 200GB hard drive even though it is slower at 4200rpm vs 5400 or 7200rpm. With more music, videos and Parallels Desktop for Mac with two Windows virtual machines crowding the 160GB drive in our former 15" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo, we badly needed the additional space.

Apple promised a slightly faster CPU at 2.4 vs 2.33GHz and 800 vs 667MHz frontside bus, much faster graphics (Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT vs ATI Radeon X1600), better battery life from the LED-backlit screen and improved CPU management, more RAM capability (4GB vs 3GB) and a 0.2lb lighter Mac. What's not to like? The decision seemed a no-brainer to us, partly because we're a die-hard gamer and the faster graphics were especially attractive and partly because we are a road warrior and the longer battery life and reduced weight are both highly welcome.

This time we got the glossy screen instead of the standard matte screen. After receiving positive comments from many glossy-screen MacBook owners, comparing the two screens on MacBook Pros at the local Apple Store and seeing so many high-end Windows machines with glossy screens, we decided to try them. When it comes to screens, we are more of a consumer than a pro. We really like the glossy's color saturation better and decided we probably wouldn't mind the glossy's seemingly minor reflection issue all that much.

In summary, the salient features that differentiate our new MacBook Pro are:

• 2.4GHz Intel "Santa Rosa" Core 2 Duo CPU with 800MHz frontside bus
• 15" LED-backlit glossy screen
• Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 256MB VRAM
• 200GB Toshiba 4200rpm hard disk drive

The macBook Pro that it replaced has:

• 2.33GHz Intel "Merom" Core 2 Duo CPU with 667MHz frontside bus
• 15" CCR standard matte screen
• ATI Radeon X1600 graphics with 256MB VRAM
• 160GB Hitachi 5400rpm hard disk drive

Both have 2GB of RAM, an 8x slot-loading SuperDrive, the same complement of ports and were priced the same. The biggest difference is in the graphics systems.

The LED Screen

The only externally visible new feature is, of course, the new 15" MacBook Pro's LED-backlit glossy screen. We tried and failed to get some useful photos of the screens of the former and newer MacBook Pros. Qualitatively, the LED-backlit glossy screen appears to be a bit brighter than the CCR matte screen at full brightness but just barely. This difference may, in fact, be due simply to the CCR-backlit matte screen being 6 months older. The LED-backlit glossy screen also appears to be a bit more evenly lighted over the whole screen. And, as we noted before, we do like the better color saturation of the glossy screen over the matte screen when viewed directly. When viewed from an angle, the white or light gray colors shift to a light greenish/yellowish tint on the glossy LED-backlit screen much more so than the matte CCR-backlit screen.

Outside on a deck in the shade with the screens turned up to full brightness, an image on the LED-backlit glossy screen is little more visible than on the CCR-backlit matte screen. In direct sunlight, the image on the LED-backlit glossy screen is clearly more visible than on the CCR matte screen. On the other hand, when the screen is dimmed to extend battery life, the glossy LED-backlit screen's reflection issue becomes more prominent. In a room with lots of windows and overhead lighting, like an airport terminal, a fully dimmed glossy LED-backlit screen is much more difficult to read than the matte CCR screen. On a darkened airplane, the fully dimmed glossy LED-backlit screen is more easy to read in our experience. So, there are trade-offs to consider.

Our view is that the LED-backlit screen is slightly superior in visual quality to the CCR-backlit screen when both are relatively new. The gap is expected to widen as both screens age. After a week's use, all things considered, we are happy with the glossy screen choice.

Performance

The major performance difference is expected to be in graphics. Based on Apple's posted tests, the new MacBook LED with an Nvidia GeForce 8600MGT ran 37, 50 and 57 percent faster than a 2.16GHz 17" MacBook Pro Core Duo with the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 when respectively running Motion, Doom 3 and Quake 4. It is curious and perhaps ominous that Apple chose to benchmark against the earlier MacBook Pro Core Duo instead of the second generation MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo. We posted gains of 33 and 30 percent for Doom 3 and Quake 4 between those two older models. Taking that into account, we would still expect a gain on the order of 17 and 27 percent for the new MacBook Pro LED over our MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo.

The benchmarks posted by NotebookCheck.com positions the Nvidia 8600M GT graphics with only 128MB VRAM way ahead of the older Radeon X1600 with 128MB VRAM and very nearly the same as the very fast ATI Mobility Radeon x1900 with 256MB VRAM.

Comparison of Graphics Cards by NotebookCheck.com

Card	VRAM	Pixel Shaders	Vertex Shaders	3DMark03	3DMark05	3DMark06
ATI Mobility Radeon X1900	256	36	8	11800	7080	3460
Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT	128	16	16	10840	6029	3323
ATI Mobility Radeon X1600	128	12	5	8000	3500	1800

So our expectations were high that the new Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB VRAM would out-perform handily the older ATI Mobility Radeon X1600.

To find out, we ran our standard set of speed tests on our Intel-based MacBook Pros.The tests consist of four canned benchmark applications, five so-called real world tests and six 3D games.

Here are the results for the MacBook Pro LED vs the MacBook Pro C2D:

Test*	MacBook Pro LED	MacBook Pro C2D	Performance Change (%)
Benchmarks (scores)
Altivec Fractal v1.3 (GFLOPS)**	10.0	9.9	+1
Cinebench v9.6 - Rendering (2X)	738	724	+2
- OpenGL Hardware Lighting	3903	4321	-10
Let1kWindowsBloom v1.0 (sec)**	8	8	0
Xbench v1.3 - CPU	122	121	+1
- Threading	236	231	+2
- Memory	135	129	+5
- Quartz graphics	175	143	+22
- OpenGL graphics	137	207	-34
- User interface	432	377	+15
- Disk	31	34	-9
"Real World" Tests (seconds)
Startup	31	25	-24
Shutdown	10	9	-11
Duplicate 500MB Folder	61	41	-49
Scroll Adobe Reader v8.1	11	10	-10
Export DV from iMovie v6.0.3	52	48	-8
3D Game Tests (framerate)
Quake III Arena v1.32UB	407	626	-35
Call of Duty v1.5**	43	46	-7
Call of Duty 2 v1.3	~25	~75	-67
Halo v2.0.1	85	69	+23
Doom 3 v1.3.1	85	90	-5
Quake 4 v1.2	66	67	-1

There's good news and bad news stemming from our speed tests. The graphics results are mixed and the slower Toshiba drive is noticeably slower.

On the good side, the new MacBook Pro LED with Nvidia graphics is much faster at Quartz graphics according to Xbench 1.3 leading to a significantly improved User Interface score in Xbench 1.3. It is also much faster at the 3D game Halo v2.0.1, consistent with other comparisons between Nvidia and ATI graphics that we have made. On the other hand, it does not do better at Doom 3 and Quake 4 at the resolutions and settings we use. At least it does not do worse.

But the bad side is very bad. The new MacBook Pro LED with the supposedly hot new Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics does much poorer with OpenGL graphics, the foundation of many Mac games, than its predecessor with ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics. It does not even come close to the expectations from previous benchmarking. This can be seen in the OpenGL benchmarks of Cinebench 9.6 (-10%) and Xbench 1.3 (-34%) and in the 3D games Quake II Arena (-35%) and, especially, Call of Duty 2 (-67%). The latter is extremely unfortunate for us because Call of Duty 2 is our favorite 3D game and it is totally unplayable in multiplayer mode at any settings with the new MacBook Pro LED. Call of Duty 2 plays great on our 24" iMac Core 2 Duo with Nvidia graphics so its poor performance on the new MacBook Pro is a mystery. It is possible that the Call of Duty 2 performance issue may be at least partially in the game itself. Either way, we hope that Apple and/or Aspyr fix this glitch quickly.

[UPDATED--6/20/07--Several readers and members of Apple's MacBook Pro Discussion Forums have confirmed the unplayability of Call of Duty 2. Unfortunately, Mac OS X 10.4.10 update released today does not fix the problem with OpenGL performance nor with Call of Duty 2.]

We expected the 200GB 4200rpm Toshiba hard disk drive to be slower than the predecessor's 160GB 54000rpm Hitachi hard disk drive and it is. It scores 9% lower in Xbench 1.3. It also contributes significantly to the 24% increase in startup time and to the 49% increase in the time to duplicate a folder with 20 files totaling 500MB. If one can get by with 160GB of disk space, the MacBook Pro will run significantly faster for many operations with the 160GB 5400rpm drive. But we need the extra space and do not do a lot of drive-sensive work. We also expect to get another couple of positives that are important to us, i.e. bit more battery life and a little less heat generated.

Heat

Speaking of heat, the utilities CoreDuoTemp, smcFanControl and Temperature Monitor all indicate that the new 2.4GHz MacBook Pro LED's "Santa Rosa" CPU runs about the same temperature as the "Merom" CPU of its predecessor 2.33GHz MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo on battery and on AC with no applications open and maybe a few degrees more depending on which applications are open--Safari and Dreamweaver C3 seem to raise the temperature the most. We thought the "Santa Rosa" CPU would run cooler based on Intel's announced specifications. Anyway, the fans in the new MacBook Pro LED run at a lower speed and are quieter at all speeds than in its predecessor.

Another curious observation is that the speed of the new "Santa Rosa" CPU has never exceeded 2.0GHz as measured by the CoreDuoTemp utility even though it is a 2.4GHz CPU. No matter how we tried to stress the CPU it has never registered above 2.0GHz. Hopefully, this is because CoreDuoTemp needs to be updated for the new CPU.

Battery Life

Our experience is that battery life is significantly improved in the new MacBook Pro LED. We have not conducted any rigorous timed tests as yet but at full useable conservation, we have been getting 3.5-4 hours use regularly on the new model vs 2.75-3.25 hours on its predecessor.

WiFi

Finally, the Intel 802.11n WiFi unit in the new "Santa Rosa" CPU works great. We've had no problems connecting with our Apple AirPort Extreme "n" Base Station or other WiFi transmitters in various AirPorts and cafe's.

In Summary

Overall, we are generally pleased with the new 15" 2.4GHz MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo LED. The only exception is its very poor OpenGL graphics performance. Given the benchmarks of the Nvidia graphics unit published elsewhere and noted above and Apple's advertising claims, the graphics performance is a huge disappointment. Hopefully, this simply stems from the Nvidia drivers in Mac OS X needing to be updated for the 8600M series chip and that they will be updated shortly.

We like the new LED screen and are pleased with the glossy option. The longer battery life is a real plus. We don't really notice the 0.2lb weight loss when handling the two MacBook Pros but we are happy about it anyway. And, we're glad to get almost an extra 40GB of disk space even if it is a bit slower as a result.

If Apple can fix the new MacBook Pro's OpenGL performance, it is a real winner. If not, there are still plusses that will appeal to many, although we would recommend they carefully consider the $1999 2.2GHz model along with the $2499 2.4GHz model. [Bill Fox]

[6/18] Software Special Deal of the Day: Tiger Cache Cleaner 3.2.11 (Universal) for 44% Off--$4.99 Today Only

Tiger Cache Cleaner makes system maintenance simple with an easy point and click interface to many OS X functions. Tiger Cache Cleaner can improve system performance by tuning internet and file cache settings, implementing ram disks, and cleaning out various cached and stale data. TCC can recover wasted disk space by eliminating language localization files and slimming Universal Binaries. Tiger Cache Cleaner is the only utility in its class to ship with powerful ClamAV antivirus built in. If disaster strikes, the power of Tiger Cache Cleaner is available at the command prompt in Single User Mode.

Normally $8.99, Tiger Cache Cleaner 3.2.11 (Universal) is offered for $4.99 today only--that's 44% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/18] Brief Hands-On Report--Halo (Universal) updated to v2.0.2

Macsoft released an update to Halo 2.0 (Universal) to v2.0.2. It is available for download via this MacUpdate Web page. According to the ReadMe file, the changes in v2.0.2 are:

• Fixed a problem with multi-key combos and the 'A' key on the keyboard.
  
• VSYNC flag now enabled correctly at game start.

We downloaded the updater and ran it on our copies of Halo 2.0.1.Then we checked out its speed on our new 15" 2.4GHz MacBook Pro LED and our 24" 2.33GHz iMac Core 2 Duo using our speed test protocol.

Here are the results:

Speed Comparisons of Halo Versions (frames/second)

Computer (Graphics)	Halo 2.0.2	Halo 2.0.1	% Change
15" MacBook Pro LED (Nvidia)	86	85	+1
24" iMac C2D (Nvidia)	70	71	-1

The latest version 2.0.2 has no effect on the speed of Halo at the settings we use, at least on the two Nvidia graphics chip sets. The MacBook Pro uses the 8600M GT and the iMac uses the 7600 GT. [Bill Fox]

[6/18] OneTrip Shopping List--First iPhone App?

OneTrip Shopping List by Neven Mrgan runs on Safari using JavaScript and has existed since May 31. Last Monday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2007 that Safari would be the avenue for developing third party applications for the iPhone. OneTrip Shopping List may work on the iPhone since it runs in Safari but no one knows if the iPhone will support JavaScript.

You can try OneTrip Shopping List by downloading it from Mrgan's Web site and using it with Safari. [Dana Baggett]

[6/18] Commentary--Why doesn't Maine have Any Store that carries Macs?

We'd really like to know the answer to that question. Better yet, we'd prefer to have an Apple Store or any store for that matter that stocks Macs.

Some friends of ours came by the other night. They are on the island for a month or so and need a computer and money is not a problem. They know of our allegiance to all things Mac. They aren't very happy with their old Windows machine and want to come by and get our thoughts on buying a Mac.

We'd love to be able to send them to an Apple Store. But, the nearest one is three hours away in New Hampshire or a bit further in Boston. Best Buy has built a new store in town. But no Macs on display. Grr.

Not only is Maine a leader in Mac notebooks in schools but it is apparently now leading the nation in immigration of retirees. Hello Apple? We want a Mac outlet, any Mac outlet. [Dana Baggett]

[6/16] Brief Hands-On Report--Mozilla released Thunderbird 2.0.0.4

Mozilla released an update to its stand-alone email client, Thunderbird 2.0.0.4. It is available from within Thunderbird via "Check for Updates..." under the Help menu or as a stand-alone updater from this Mozilla Web page.

Thunderbird 2.0.0.4 is largely a security update b ut it includes Korean localization as well. Here are the security fixes:

MFSA 2007-15 Security Vulnerability in APOP Authentication
MFSA 2007-12 Crashes with evidence of memory corruption (rv:1.8.0.12/1.8.1.4)

We use Thunderbird as our backup email client. This is necessary because we must access several email servers with custom security certificates with which, for some unknown reason, Apple Mail refuses to work but Thunderbird does.

We updated our Thunderbird client to v2.0.0.4 via the in-application "Check for Updates..." and encountered no problems. In two days of use we have not run into any new issues. [Bill Fox]

[6/16] Brief Hands-On Report--Skype 2.6.0.148

Skype released an update to its VoIP client to v2.6.0.148. It is available within the application or as a stand-alone update via this MacUpdate Web page.

Here are the changes:

• improvement: Skype's own audio codec
  
• improvement: Skype improved conference mixer
  
• improvement: Skype Jitter Buffer and concealment
  
• improvement: Skype audio preprocessing components
  
• localizations: all updated
  
• bugfix: fixed application hangup on handling certain URL links in chat messages
  
• bugfix: fixed exception (resulting in disappearance of message) on handling certain intentionally constructed "bad" chat messages
  
• bugfix: privacy policy fix, not accepting multichats from non-authorized users

We use Skype extensively for international calls, saving hundreds of dollars, so we upgraded to the new version and tried several calls with it. No problems were encountered. [Bill Fox]

[6/16] Apple Pro Tip of the Week--Add Keywords to your Photos

When using Preview to sort digital camera images, one can add keywords to photos. Since these keywords will even show up in Spotlight, one can search a hard disk for images using keywords.

This is how you do it according to Apple's latest tip:

When you have an image onscreen that you want to rate, just go under Preview's Tools menu and choose Get info. Click on the Keywords tab, then click the Add button to add a field. Enter your keyword in the highlighted field, click in the white space to finalize your keyword, and you're done.

This is a very handy feature of Preview. [Dana Baggett]

[6/16] Tom Bihn shipping new Zephyr Bag

TOM BIHN introduced the Zephyr, a new medium-size briefcase with "smart" pockets, pouches, and dividers for quick access and organization, as well as the option for adding the TOM BIHN Brain Cell hard-sided laptop case as a highly protective interior compartment for a laptop computer.

The Zephyr has a highly professional appearance that, for all its organizing features, also looks compact. Made from 1050 denier ballistic nylon and 500 denier Cordura, the Zephyr is available in several color combinations, including Black/Steel/Olive, Black/Steel/Steel, Black/Hunter/Steel, Black/Black/Deep Blue, Black/Black/Crimson.

Smart organizing features of the Zephyr include:

• A horizontal zippered pocket designed to fit DVDs or small electronics.
  
• A vertical zippered pocket to provide quick access to a cell phone.
  
• A diagonal, open-top pocket perfect for a plane ticket or any
  similarly sized accessories.
  
• A large, zippered front pocket under the front flap that extends
  almost the width length of the bag, and behind that pocket, a large pouch that features 3-D pockets for a PDA, cell phone, and pens, plus one of several small "O" rings that offer a place to attach either a key snap or a TOM BIHN Organizer Pouch.
  
• Ample area in the rest of the pouch for storage of gear
  
• A main compartment that unzips low on the sides, exposing a
  "bellows" that permits easy access to the depths of the bag, and
  that is completely padded by 1/4" (6mm) closed-cell foam to protect contents and maintain a sharp look.
  
• Three hard plastic file dividers inside the main compartment that
  make organizing papers a snap, and
  
• Clips for attaching the optional Brain Cell hard-sided laptop case,
  so the Zephyr can be turned into a sophisticated and highly protective
  laptop briefcase.

The asymmetrical front flap of the Zephyr closes with a sturdy 1-1/2"
side-release Duraflex Warrior Buckle and has three outside pockets.
The comfortable handles are constructed of Ballistic nylon and are rolled around high-quality, 0.5" thick Poron(r) foam. The handles lie naturally together at the top of the bag. The unique TOM BIHN
Absolute Shoulder Strap can be added if Zephyr owners choose to carry the bag as a shoulder bag.

The Zephyr is in stock and ships worldwide when ordered through the TOM BIHN Web site. TOM BIHN is a designer, manufacturer, and retailer of laptop bags, backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases. We use several TOM BIHN products. It's great stuff! [Bill Fox]

[6/14] Brief Hands-On Report--Parallels released Desktop for Mac 3.0 Build 4128

Parallels released Desktop for Mac 3.0 Build 4128 to take care of an incompatibility with Apple's Boot Camp 1.3. It is available for download within the application or as a stand-alone file from this Parallels Web page.

We tried to install Build 4128 from within Build 4124 but nothing happened, i.e. we ended up with Build 4124. So we downloaded the stand-alone updater, uninstalled Build 4124 and installed Build 4128. We used the uninstaller because we have had problems in the past installing one build over another.

After starting up our Windows XP SP2 virtual machine, the Parallels Tools Install Wizard opened automatically to update Parallels Tools. After the update, Windows XP was restarted and we downloaded a few Microsoft updates. We also downloaded and installed Safari 3 Public Beta. Our Windows applications seemed to work fine in brief use.

Then we launched our Windows Vista Ultra virtual machine. Following the same steps with Vista took considerably longer. Windows Live Care initially interfered with the automatic Parallels Tools update but it came up after dismissing Live Care so we did not have to update Parallels Tools manually. In addition, we had to put up with approving the installation of each new Parallels driver. Again, our Windows applications worked fine in brief use. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[6/14] Software Special Deal of the Day: SecretBook 3.1.1 (Universal) for 50% Off--$9.95 Today Only

SecretBook is an encrypted personal information database for Mac OS X. It allows you to easily and safely store all those little bits of information like passwords and software licenses.

Normally $19.95, SecretBook 3.1.1 (Universal) is offered for $9.95 today only--that's 50% off as Today's MacUpdate Software Promo. [Bill Fox]

[6/14] Brief Hands-On Report--smcFanControl 2.1.2 is Out

We started up smcFanControl to check on the operation of our MacBook Pro's fans and it alerted us to a new version recently released that fixed some memory leaks. We downloaded and installed v2.1.2 within the application but one can get a stand-alone updater via MacUpdate.

Our fans were running full blast (6000rpm) during the update of the Windows Vista virtual machine after installing Parallels Build 4128.

smcFanControl v2.1.2 works fine with our MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo. [Bill Fox]

[6/14] Make a Tiger Dock Downloads Folder like in Leopard

One of the new features in Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" that Steve Jobs demonstrated during his WWDC 2007 keynote address is the Downloads Folder in Leopard's Dock. This is cool and makes for a cleaner Desktop. However, one can do the very same thing in Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger or probably any version of Mac OS X.

Here are the steps that we followed:

1. Create a new folder in the ~/Documents folder and name it "Downloads."
2. Add a custom icon (we chose a downward-pointing arrow) by control clicking on an image or folder and choosing Get Info. Then click the image in the top left corner and copy it (control-C). Then control-click the Downloads folder and choose Get Info. Click the image in the top left corner and copy the image (control-V). Step 2 can be skipped as it's only a nicety.
3. Drag the new Downloads folder to the Dock below the application demarcation line and drop it. It should stick in the Dock.
4. Open the preferences for Safari (or any Web browser) and set the downloads location to be the new Downloads folder created in the Documents folder.

Now all of your downloads will end up in the Downloads folder. Control-clicking the folder's icon in the Dock will produce a list of the downloads in the order that they were completed. It's not quite as nice visually as Leopard's will be but it accomplishes mostly the same thing. [Bill Fox]

[6/14] Free Video and Audio Podcasts of the Joint Gates-Jobs Interview at the D from the iTunes Store

On May 30, Walter Mossberg and Kara Swisher conducted a joint interview of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at the "D"--see our previous article. It is rare that both Jobs and Gates appear at the same time, the last being 1997 at Macworld although Gates was there by video and not live.

Free video and audio podcasts of the 1.5 hour interview are now available from the iTunes Store at Podcasts/Today's Top Podcasts. It's #1 at publication time. [Bill Fox]

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