Low End Mac Editorial Archive

January 2006

Preparing yourself and your 'Book for time in the field, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 01.31. In addition to your notebook computer, you'll want a good case, lots of wires, cleaning supplies, and more when going into the field.
Picking the right hardware, software, and strategy for effective backup, Scott K Brown, Random Advice, 01.31. Do you want a full, incermental, or archival backup? Should you back up to hard drive, CD, DVD, or Zip? What backup programs are available for the Mac?
Comparing Apples to Apples: When is Macintel faster? When does PowerPC make more sense?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.29. Benchmarks show the Intel Core Duo flies through native code but plods through PowerPC programs. Will PowerPC or Intel give you the more productive workflow?
FastMac's $190 8x dual-layer SuperDrive for PowerBooks and dual USB iBooks, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 01.30. For US$190-250 you can replace the CD-ROM, CD-RW, Combo, or slow old SuperDrive in most PowerBooks, white iBooks, slot-loading iMacs, and Cubes with a faster, dual-layer drive.
The story behind Apple's 1984 ad, Tom Hormby, Orchard, 01.27. Although it went on to become the best ad in the history of the SuperBowl, Apple's board of directors wanted to pull the ad and run something safer.
Video iPod or PlayStation Portable? Each has its merits, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 01.27. The iPod is smaller and has a lot more storage capacity, but the PSP has a bigger screen and does things the iPod can't. And both sync well with the Mac.
Pocketable Power: Windows Mobile, Palm OS, or Blackberry?, Charles Webb, PowerBook Beat, 01.27. Each class of PDA has its strengths and weaknesses. Why you might choose Windows, Palm, or Blackberry to best meet your needs.
15" PowerBook G4 memory slot repair program, expect MacBook shortages, MacStyles gives 'Books Color, and more, Charles W Moore, The 'Book Review, 01.27. Also MacBook Pro opinions, fix for PB G4 skipping audio problem, 160 GB overnight upgrade service, bargain 'Books from $399 to $1,699, and more.
Pros and cons of Intel iMac, Mac compatible ergonomic USB keyboard, a truly tiny USB hard drive, and more, Charles W Moore, Mac News Review, 01.27. Also profitable iMac Core Duo, G-Drive Q with FW400/800 + USB2 + eSATA, one mile wirless, stereo HD video system includes Macs minis, and more.
Replacing Entourage: Mac Address Book integrates nicely with non-Apple apps and services, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 01.26. You can have Address Book sync with Pages 2.0, iPhoto 6, an Exchange server, other Macs (without using .mac), and online services.
Mac sales off: Why Macintel and PowerPC are hard to sell today, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.26. Between Apple's extravagant claims for Intel-based Macs and their failure to reduce prices of PowerPC models, it's no surprise Apple is falling short of sales projections.
Voices of a Distant Star: A brisk, breathtaking anime film made on a Power Mac, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence,.01.26. A good story well told by Makoto Shinkai - and produced on a 400 MHz Power Mac G4.
Intel anticipation slowed Mac sales, Rosetta RAM hungry, 34 known problems in Core Duo, and more, Charles W Moore, The Macintel Report, 01.26. Also component cost of the new iMac, no Classic support on Macintel, Intel stuns market by missing sales target, and more.
'Best of Show' iSee 360i records video to iPod, measure iPod battery life, covers with character, and more, Charles W Moore, iPod News Review, 01.26. Also Monster's FM transmitter for iPods, iSongBook iPod music system, and Ollie's iPod Extractor puts your tracks back on your Mac.
Turning an LC or other ancient Mac into a webcam with a QuickCam, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 01.25. As long as it has 4 MB of RAM and a hard drive, any 16 MHz or faster Mac that supports color can be configured as a webcam.
Casual comfort: Why I use a Mac, John Martorana, That Old Mac Magic, 01.25. "For me, the difference between Macs and PCs is like the difference between work clothes and casual clothes."
Camino: A better Mac browser than Safari or Firefox, Leaman Crews, Plays Well with Others, 01.25. If you're looking for a fast browser with most of the features found in Firefox and Safari, Camino could be just the ticket.
Macintel stumbling block: Sometimes you need Classic, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 01.25. As nice as the new Intel Macs seem to be, the lack of any Classic environment makes it impossible for some people to upgrade.
Windows on Intel Macs? OS X on PCs? Don't hold your breath, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 01.24. At present, it's simply not possible to run Windows or Linux on the new Intel Macs. That will change, but don't plan on running OS X on non-Apple hardware.
Replacing or upgrading the optical drive in your PowerBook G3 or 1400, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 01.24. If your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM has died or you want to upgrade to a CD or DVD burner, here's how to do it yourself.
The Pixar Story: Dick Shoup, Alex Schure, George Lucas, Steve Jobs, and Disney, Tom Hormby, Orchard, 01.23. From pioneering digital video work done at Xerox PARC and the creation of SuperPaint to Pixar's current position as a digital animation powerhouse.
Future of FireWire, NKJV Bible software?, WallStreet battery and keyboard problems, Macintel or G5?, and more, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 01.23. Also OCR on the Mac, trackpad issues, UPS Canada brokerage fees, the fate of SpellTools, and Macs for Internet cafes.
iBook on last legs, Mac mini saves marriage, and Macintel meanderings, Dirk Pilat, Down But Not Out, 01.23. With the iBook G4 "falling apart at the seams", does it make more sense to buy a new G4 iBook or wait for the Intellified next gen iBook?
File sharing nightmare with OS X and the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 01.20. If you need to transfer more than 2 GB of files from an OS X Mac to one with the classic Mac OS, none of the usual methods are going to work. But there's always FTP.
Apple's Intel transition smooth, paves way for next big thing, Leaman Crews, Plays Well with Others, 01.20. "With the Intel Core Duo processors two to four times as fast as the G4s and G5s they replace, plenty of native apps, and the reported outstanding performance of Rosetta for PPC emulation, a majority of OS X users could make the switch today and be better off for it."
iTunes 'mini-store' shares your music data with Apple, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 01.20. The iTunes 6.0.2 update adds a 'mini-store' that recommends music based on your listening habits - and that means it tells Apple who you are and what you're listening to.
MacBook Pro benchmarked, launched too soon?, battery life, ExpressCard slot, and more, Charles Moore, The 'Book Review, 01.20. Also win a MacBook Pro, BlackBerry to support OS X, 1.2 GHz G4 upgrade for TiBook, Seagate's new 160 GB notebook drive, bargain 'Books from $369 to $1,699, and more.
Sonnet's 1.7 GHz dual G4 upgrade, $35 USB Bluetooth adapter, folder sync software, clustering software, and more, Charles W Moore, Mac News Review, 01.20. Also new iMac has ATI Radeon graphics, MacWireless expands line, Maxtor media server for Mac, and more.
Replacing Entourage: Apple's Address Book more powerful than you might think, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 01.19. There's a lot more to the OS X Address Book than simply storing names and contact information. Tips for getting more out of Address Book.
iPod owners not thieves, Fujitsu preps 120 GB iPod drive, TuneBuckle for iPod nano, and more, Charles W Moore, iPod News Review, 01.19. Also Jobs says 'If you can find a better iPod, buy it', digital music more disposable, iPod home media center from Griffin, tough new cases, and more.
Intel inside - so what?, Intel upset over 'dull and boring' ad, specialists bullish on Macintel, and more, Charles W Moore, The Macintel Report, 01.19. Also, Apple neutral about Windows on Intel Macs, multiboot questions, why Apple chose ATI over Nvidia for Macintel models, developers move forward, and more.
One bad apple spoils things for everyone, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 12.18. Setting up a couple old Macs in the break room at work seemed like a good idea - until someone decided to mess one up.
OmniGraffle a great tool for big presentation graphics, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 01.18. If you need to make a big poster presentation, OmniGraffle may be exactly the tool you're looking for.
Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual - Tiger Edition, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 01.18. "...Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual is a must-have for anyone making the Windows to Mac transition."
'Just Say No to Microsoft' fails to convince, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows. Although a useful resource for those seeking alternatives to Microsoft, the author's biases and errors undermine the book's credibility.
Converting video and adding album art for your iPod, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive. Tips on converting and installing video for the 5G iPod and for locating and adding album art for color iPods.
Enhancing the WannaBe browser with Sherlock and Mozilla Plugins, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 01.06. WannaBe is a fairly basic text-only Web browser, but plugins give it a lot of flexibility.
Yes, you can still be productive with the 20-year-old Mac Plus, Thomas Ahart, The Productive Mac, 01.16. It's easy to come by a used Mac Plus very cheaply, and it can be a very nice writing tool - and even let you on the Internet.
Looking back at the Mac Plus, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 01.16. It was the first Mac the author ever used, and he still uses on today as a Web server.
The Mac Plus after 20 years, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.16. The Mac Plus broke Apple's original mold, offering expandable RAM, SCSI hard drive support, double-sided floppies, and LocalTalk networking.
The Mac Plus, my first Mac, turns 20, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 01.16. Apple introduced the first real workhorse Mac 20 years ago. The Plus had SCSI connectivity, RAM expandability, double-sided floppies, and supported networking.
Gadgets, software, and trends at Macworld, Dan Knight, Macworld Expo Report, 01.13. New keyboards, WorkStrip software, the clever new Hardcover Case, an external 'Book battery, iPod accessories, and more.
Apple intros MacBook Pro, 160 GB pocket drive, Serial ATA for notebooks, Lamborghini laptops, and more, Charles W Moore, The 'Book Review, 01.13. Also PowerBook speed comparo, 17" BookEndz, first bags for MacBook, bargain 'Books from $369 to $1,699, and more.
Apple unveils Intel-based iMac, NewerTech improves miniStack, Ferrari F-20 display, new drives, and more, Charles W Moore, Mac News Review, 01.13. Also Seagate prepares Iomega killer, RadTech unveils a host of new products at Macworld, a big noise reduction rack, and more.
iPod-ready Levis, Who's Townshend on hearing loss, iPod film festival, Wurlitzer dock, and more, Charles W Moore, iPod News Review, 01.12. Also newest Motorola ROKR, free shipping from PodShop, lots of new iPod accessories, iPDA software, and more.
Four times the power makes the MacBook Pro 'totally lustworthy', Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.12. Apple claims the MacBook Pro is four times as powerful at the PowerBook G4. Then add iSight, Front Row, and a remote control, and it's another winner for Apple.
Macworld or iPodworld?, Dan Knight, Macworld Expo Report, 01.11. Walking the Expo floor, you have to wonder if the iPod has eclipsed the Mac.
First Macintels shown at Expo, Macintel software, Intel may see earnings lift with Apple, and more, Charles W Moore, The Macintel Report, 01.11. Intel Core Duo based iMac shipping, MacBook Pro to ship next month. More on Intel's new family of processors.
Even Apple's user interface has room for improvement, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 01.11. There are parts of the Mac and iPod user interface that are anything but intuitive - and that can drive a user bonkers.
Apple's blender-based naming strategy, Jeff Adkins, The Lite Side, 01.11. Apple has exchanged Power for Mac in the PowerBook's name. What might they come up with next?
The iMac 2006 value equation: Intel changes everything, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.11. The performance gain with Intel's Core Duo CPU gives the newest iMacs Power Mac Dual performance at iMac prices.
Intel inside iMacs, MacBook Pro, Dan Knight, Macworld Expo Report, 01.10. Updates to iLife and iWork. Mac OS X 10.4.4 available and fully Intel native. iMac and 15" PowerBook leap to Intel CPUs.
5 ways to use the Terminal in OS X, from useful to just fun, Leaman Crews, Plays Well with Others, 01.10. Browse the Web quickly, make your Mac sing, view a calendar, watch Star Wars, and make a banner with the Terminal.
Is that old Power Mac G3 still useful in the workplace?, Charles Webb, PowerBook Beat, 01.10. The number of ways you can use an old Power Mac on the office network is nearly unlimited.
23 events that may compromise your Windows computer, Jeff Adkins, The Lite Side, 01.02. "If any of the following should occur, your Windows computer may be infected with a virus or subjected to a worm or other type of malicious software (malware)."
Installing Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' on unsupported hardware, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 01.09. Although Apple doesn't support it, you can install 'Tiger' on the Lombard PowerBook and many other unsupported Macs.
About time to replace five-year-old PowerBook G4, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.06. This old workhorse is showing its age - missing feet, scratched titanium, worn paint, missing backspace. Time for something better, but what?
iPod changes: Add video, subtract accessories, beware scratches, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 01.06. The newest iPods add video and seem more delicate than earlier models. Also, cost cutting has eliminated the Dock, FireWire cable, and AC adapter.
Low-end Mac treasure trove found on Craigslist, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 01.06. A nighttime jaunt ads a Performa 6400, Power Mac 7600, and assorted Mac peripherals to the author's Mac collection.
PowerBook 1400: Dated and a bit slow, it's still very usable, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.06. Apple's PowerBook 1400 was considered small and quick in 1997. Today it can still be a great little field computer.
15" PowerBook RAM slot failure, laptop reliability survey, PowerBook envy, 12" iBook EOL, and more, Charles W Moore, The 'Book Review, 01.06. Also Intel Macs to be built by Quata and Asustek, dual-core 'Yonah' iBook would trump G4 PowerBook, Imation's tiny hard drive, bargain 'Books from $230 to $1,799, and more.
Mac OS X 'best OS', G5 Quad 'best workstation', Mac mini built into a kitchen, wireless USB, and more, Charles W Moore, Mac News Review, 01.06. Also NewerTech miniStack named mini accessory of the year, Bluetooth firmware update, new Logitech keyboard and mouse for Mac, mailbox recovery tool, and more.
Five things I hope to see in 2006, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 01.05. I want to see a good all-in-one phone, iPod, PDA; a seamless Mac transition to Intel, Leopard running circles around Vista, a useful Media PC, and continued growth in Open Source.
iPod a 'best bet', automakers support iPod, fill video iPod for free, rip CDs to your iPod, and more, Charles W Moore, iPod News Review, 01.05. Podcasting and MP3 downloads bringing people to church, tiny DIY FM transmitter, create comics for video iPod, lots of new software, and more.
Mac developers ready for Macintel, Intel to help design Macintel mobos?, Intel 'leaps ahead', and more, Charles W Moore, The Macintel Report, 01.05. Intel's new 'Core' branding, Macintel prospects, Apple and Intel join on HD TV spec, Yonah performance preview, and more.
Dealing with resource forks and .DS_Store files on non-Mac volumes, Leaman Crews, Plays Well with Others, 01.04. Macs readily connect to non-Mac servers, but OS X tends to leave .DS_Store files and separate resource files behind. Here's how to keep your Mac from cluttering up those servers.
Evolution and Intelligent Design in the classroom, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 01.04. Intelligent Design is not science, but that doesn't mean it can't be discussed in science class.
System 7: Bigger, better, more expandable, and a bit slower than System 6, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 01.04. The early versions of System 7 provide broader capability for modern tasks than System 6 while still being practical for even the lowliest Macs.
Looking back at the future from 1992, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.03. Some predictions made about the Mac in 1992 are finally coming true today.
Software bundles: What came with the Mac 128K, 512K, and Plus, Andrew Conachey, Classic Mac Nostalgia, 01.03. A look at the software and system versions that Apple shipped with the original Macintosh, the 512K Fat Mac, the Mac Plus, and the Mac 512ke.
How to secure your wireless network using WEP and WPA, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 01.03. How to protect your wireless network from neighbors, drive-by WiFi users, and anyone else who might try to get on your 802.11a/b/g network.
Matias OS X and USB 2.0 Keyboards reviewed, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 01.03. Two very good, nicely priced keyboards for the Mac - one even has a USB 2.0 port for the iPod shuffle and other devices.
Web browser tips for the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 01.03. Tips on getting the most out of WaMCom, Mozilla, Internet Explorer, iCab, Opera, and WannaBe using the classic Mac OS.
How Microsoft could profit by selling Internet Explorer for Mac, Jeff Adkins, The Lite Side, 01.02. A surprising number of people are undoubtedly gullible enough to pay to use the browsers that Microsoft gave away for free.
Macintosh History: 2005, 01.02. Apple's year in review, from the Mac mini and iPod shuffle last January through the higher resolution PowerBooks and Power Mac G5 Quad.
A refreshed look at Low End Mac for 2006, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 01.02. We've made some changes to our appearance at Low End Mac, starting with a new typeface for our logo

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Low End Mac Editorial Archive

January 2006

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