Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.07.07
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Tips
Products & Services
iPod Accessories
News & Opinion
Apple Introduces $899 Education iMac
PR: Apple has introduced a new $899 configuration of the 17" iMac designed
specifically for education customers featuring a 1.83 GHz Intel
Core Duo processor, a built-in iSight video camera, and iLife '06,
the next generation of Apple's award-winning suite of digital
lifestyle applications. The 17" iMac for education is available
immediately and will replace the eMac, Apple's last CRT based
computer, providing students and teachers everything they need to
learn and create in today's digital classroom, all in the
ultra-efficient iMac design.
The ultimate in design simplicity, the iMac is ideal for the
space saving needs of both the classroom and the dorm room with the
entire computer built right into a two-inch thin display. The iMac
design has continuously improved generation after generation,
resulting in increased material efficiency, decreased packaging
mass and volume, and decreased energy consumption - all of which
lead to a smaller environmental footprint.
Featuring a 17" widescreen LCD display, the iMac for education
includes a Combo drive for burning CDs and reading DVDs, 512 MB of
667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable up to 2 GB and hard drive
storage capacity up to 160 GB. Every iMac also includes a built-in
iSight video camera for video conferencing out-of-the-box using
Apple's award-winning iChat AV, or recording a video podcast or
iMovie® using iLife '06. Providing the latest in
high-performance connectivity options, the 17" iMac for education
includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for
high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11g WiFi for up
to 54 Mbps fast wireless networking*, a total of five USB ports
(three USB 2.0) and two FireWire 400 ports.
Designed with
today's digital classroom in mind, every iMac comes with iLife '06,
the next generation of Apple's award-winning suite of digital
lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD,
GarageBand and iWeb, a new iLife application that makes it
super-easy to create amazing websites with photos, blogs and
Podcasts and publish them on .mac for viewing by anyone on the
Internet with just a single click. Every iMac also comes with the
latest release of the world's most advanced operating system, Mac
OS X version 10.4.6 "Tiger" including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV,
Front Row and Photo Booth, running natively on the Intel-based
desktop.
The 17" iMac for education is available immediately for
education customers through the Apple Store for Education or by
calling an Apple education sales representative at 800-800-APPL.
The eMac will no longer be in production and is available for
purchase while supplies last through the Apple Store for Education
or by calling an Apple education sales representative at
800-800-APPL. Apple will showcase the 17" iMac and its complete
line of products and solutions for education at the National
Educational Computing Conference in San Diego, California from July
5-7, 2006.
The 17" 1.83 GHz iMac, for a suggested education price of $899
(US), includes:
- 17" widescreen LCD display;
- 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor;
- 512 MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 2 GB;
- 24x Combo drive;
- Intel GMA 950 graphics;
- built-in iSight video camera;
- built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking;
- 80 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
- mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold
separately);
- built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
- Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard.
Build-to-order options and accessories include up to 2 GB
DDR2 SDRAM, 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive, iWork™ '06
(preinstalled), Apple Remote and Apple USB Modem.
- *AirPort Extreme uses the IEEE 802.11g wireless standard.
Actual speed will vary based on range from the base station,
environmental conditions and other factors.
Classic on Intel Macs, Courtesy of
SheepShaver
The Apple Blog's Rich Trouton reports:
"I've gotten Mac OS 9.0.4 up and working on an Intel Mac,
running off of SheepShaver. I can get out to the Internet via
ethernet or my workplace's wireless network, so it looks like TCP
is working fine. I can't see the AppleTalk zones of my workplace
though, so all printing looks like it'll need to be set up via LPR.
In terms of speed and screen redraw, it's not that swift but it
should be fine for a person who just needs to run one or two Mac OS
applications.
"Installing SheepShaver was fairly easy. I needed a Mac
OS 9 CD (9.0, not 9.1 or 9.2.x.), a copy of a compatible Mac
OS ROM (I used MacOS ROM 1.6 from MacOS ROM Update 1.0; use
TomeViewer on a PPC Mac to extract the ROM from the installer),
sufficient space on my hard drive and a copy of
SheepShaver...."
LCD Installed in eMac
ierna.com reports:
"Ages ago, I found out it would cost nearly what I paid to fix
the analog board in my eMac . Over $500 to repair a refurbished
machine I only spent $599 on in the first place was folly, so it
sat broken on my floor until last week. But what's this? Apple
announced a warranty repair extension for the eMac when it shows no
video! Since it was a refurb, I couldn't verify against the serial
numbers listed on the extension page, so I had to bring it in to
the Genius Bar. They told me that my machine didn't fall in the
range. Crap.
"Later in the day, we're at Sam's Club, and I spot a Samsung 17"
monitor for $199, and the plan begins a-brewin'. I'm going to
convert the CRT eMac to an LCD, which will allow me to bypass and
remove the faulty Analog Board completely.
"The eMac is no longer a doorstop, and it only cost my $200 plus
a few hours of time. The machine is about 30 pounds lighter, and
won't use as much electricity."
- Link: eMac LCD
Conversion
Mac mini in a Prius
Jeremy Kusnetz writes:
"The quest to make Mac Prius. A work in progress! Webpage in
progress too!
"(For the impatient - download a QuickTime video of Front Row
being controlled by the Prius's MFD touch screen)"
- Link: Mac
Prius
The Latest from MiniTure Mac Journal
Darryl writes:
"The new iMac completes my very small digital Lab. Now multiple
digital media experiments begin. I have experienced the interesting
phenomena of multiple Apple Remote interesting events.
"The Concept of Syncopated multi media Mac's at various levels
of media syncopation is an attractive one, to me, and an
appropriate topic for me to explore at more depth, within the day
to day search for enhanced sound quality at a price also multiple
digital media management and display which may well be totally
appropriate in a digital interactive home."
Reviews
Mac mini 'Almost Sinfully Attractive'
lifestyle.hexus.net's Bob Crabtree reports:
"Ever fancied the ultra-small form factor of a Mac mini but been put off by its slow
processor and inability to natively run Windows? Well, the mini now
uses far faster Intel Core CPUs, instead of IBM/Motorola G4s, and
can dual-boot between XP and Mac OS X. So, we checked one out to
see if there remains any reason why anyone who likes the idea of
the mini shouldn't indulge themselves.
"There's been something almost sinfully attractive about the
Apple Mac mini from the very first version. This is, after all, a
complete computer (well, complete except for keyboard, mouse and
monitor) that's small enough to fit in a greatcoat pocket and takes
up less desktop real estate than a typical mouse mat."
- Link: Mac mini -
Core Duo
Mac mini 1.66 GHz Core Duo vs. Power Mac
G4/1.25 GHz Dual
macspeedzone.com reports:
In performance the Mac mini 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo is ....
- Processor Single - 77% faster
- Processor Multiple - 78% faster
- Copy (many files) - 25% slower
- Copy (Single large file) - 20% faster
- Word Macro - 36% slower
- Link:
Mac mini 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo versus Power Mac Dual G4/1.25 GHz
- A Performance Comparison
Mac mini G4/1.25 GHz vs. Power Mac G4/1.25
GHz
macspeedzone.com reports:
In performance the Mac mini G4/1.25 GHz is ....
- Processor Single - same
- Processor Multiple - same
- Processor Saturation - 10% faster
- Graphics Card - 5% faster
- Graphics Processor - 2% slower
- Graphics Gaming - 29% slower
- Graphics Interface - 8% slower
- Copy (many files) - 35% slower
- Copy (Single large file) - 42% slower
- QuickTime Encode - 2% slower
- iMovie Import - 9% slower
- iMovie Render - 3% slower
- iTunes Encode (From CD) - 56% slower
- iDVD Import - 6% faster
- Word Macro - 7% faster
- Photoshop Filters (Dual Tuned) - 3% faster
- Photoshop Filters (Single) - 16% slower
- Photoshop Workflow - 7% slower
- Link: Mac mini G4/1.25 GHz versus Power Mac G4/1.25 GHz
Tips
iPod Updater 2006-06-28
iPod Updater 2006-06-28 includes:
- New iPod Software 1.1.2 for iPod
- New iPod Software 1.2 for iPod nano
- New iPod Software 1.1.4 for iPod shuffle
iPod Updater 2006-06-28 contains the same software versions as
iPod Updater 2006-03-23 for all other iPod models.
To learn how to use your iPod with step-by-step instructions and
easy-to-follow movies, see the iPod tutorials at: http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/howto/.
For more information, visit http://www.apple.com/support/ipod101/.
Note: If you aren't sure which iPod you have, and you want to
find out if your iPod needs updating, follow the directions below
to use iPod Updater 2006-06-28. If the software on your iPod can be
updated, the Update button in the updater application will be
available.
iPod Updater 2006-06-28 delivers the following software:
Features of iPod Software 1.1.2 for iPod:
Features of iPod Software 1.2 for iPod nano:
- -Nike + iPod support
- -Bug fixes
Features of iPod Software 1.1.4 for iPod shuffle:
Note: iTunes 6.0.5 or later required to set a maximum volume
limit for iPod shuffle. For information about how to set the
maximum volume limit, open iTunes and choose Help > iTunes and
Music Store Help.
System Requirements
To install and use iPod Software 1.1.2 for iPod, you need:
- An iPod
- A PC with a USB port or card (USB 2.0 recommended)
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 6 or later
- Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Elements 3.0
iTunes is included on the iPod + iTunes CD. To ensure you have
the latest version of iTunes, go to http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
Note: iTunes versions earlier than 6 are supported for music,
photo, and podcast syncing only and will not sync videos properly
with iPod.
To install and use iPod Software 1.2 for iPod nano, you
need:
- An iPod nano
- A PC with a USB port or card (USB 2.0 recommended)
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 4.9 or later
- Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Elements 3.0
To install and use iPod Software 1.2.1 for iPod with color
display, you need:
- An iPod with color display
- A PC with a high-power USB 2.0 port or card, or a FireWire port
or card
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 4.7 or later
- Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Elements 3.0
Note: iTunes versions earlier than 4.9 are supported for music
and photo syncing only and will not sync podcasts properly with
iPod.
To install and use iPod Software 1.1.4 for iPod shuffle, you
need:
- An iPod shuffle
- A PC with a USB port* or card
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 5.0.1 or later
Note: iTunes versions earlier than 4.7.1 are not supported and
will not sync music properly with iPod shuffle.
- *Some computers require either the optional iPod shuffle dock
or a USB cable extender (sold separately).
To install and use iPod Software 1.4.1 for iPod mini and iPod
Software 3.1.1 for iPod with Click Wheel, you need:
- An iPod mini or an iPod with Click Wheel
- A PC with a high-power USB 2.0 port or card, or a FireWire port
or card
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 4.7 or later
Note: iTunes versions earlier than 4.9 are supported for music
syncing only and will not sync podcasts properly with iPod.
To install and use iPod Software 2.3 for iPod with dock
connector, you need:
- An iPod with dock connector
- A PC with a high-power USB 2.0 port or card, or a FireWire port
or card
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 4.7 or later
To install and use iPod Software 1.5 for iPod with touch wheel
or scroll wheel, you need:
- An iPod with touch wheel or scroll wheel
- A PC with a FireWire port or card
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 4.7 or later
File Size: 49 MB
System Requirements
- Mac OS X
- An iPod or iPod nano
- Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 6 or later
- Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or iPhoto 4.0.3 or later.
- Link: iPod
Updater 2006-06-28
Products & Services
iMac-based ElevenBC Business Center
Computer Runs Both OS X and Windows XP
PR: ElevenBC is a fully featured computer running both
Macintosh OS X and Windows XP operating systems and offers a full
array of applications, including Microsoft Office. Delivered in
partnership with leading network service providers, this solution
delivers a rich, secure and easy-to-use guest experience.
Current Business Center Challenges
Many business travelers and most leisure travelers leave their
laptops at home. They hope to find computers in the hotels they
patronize. Historically, many hotels have turned to basic Internet
kiosks, but these provide only browser-based Internet access. More
recently, hotels have set up their own basic desktop computers,
placing them in the hotel lobby or business center.
Neither of these two approaches has allowed hotels, or their
service providers, to deliver complete computer functionality to
guests. Nor have these approaches enabled the hotel to properly
monetize business center computing and printing. Even some newer
systems don't allow hotels to control their brand image and guest
experience, let alone centrally manage, control and report on
business center use.
The ElevenBC Solution
ElevenBC is a new lobby and business center computer solution
developed by Eleven Wireless, an emerging leader of software for
managing public-access hospitality broadband networks. ElevenBC
offers hotels and their service providers the ability to deploy an
elegant all-in-one computer that guests can use to access email,
applications and the Internet, as well as print in high-quality
color or black-and-white.
Both Windows and Mac
ElevenBC is the first business center solution that caters to
both Windows and Mac users by running both Microsoft Windows XP and
Apple Mac OS X. Guests have complete access to Mac Office,
Windows Office and other applications on both operating systems and
can toggle between the operating systems with a click of the
mouse.
System Functionality
The guest swipes a credit card to obtain computer access and to
print documents. Broadband Internet access is included with
purchase. After each session, the system destroys the previous
account and delivers a fresh image to the next guest. This helps
protect guest privacy while assuring that each guest gets a clean
computer image free of viruses and leftover user data.
ElevenBC is a turnkey solution that ties into Eleven's on-demand
broadband billing software, ElevenOS, thereby enabling centralized
reporting, management, troubleshooting and updates. Because of its
stylish form factor, ElevenBC can be deployed anywhere, even in the
hotel lobby.
Full Featured Configuration
ElevenBC is based on the Apple iMac and sports a stunning
widescreen display certain to attract the interest of guests. The
20" model offers the best in a desktop system, while the 17" model
minimizes desktop space without compromising performance.
Both the Mac OS X and Windows XP Professional operating systems
are available. Users can switch between the two operating systems
during a paid session. ElevenBC comes preloaded with standard
software applications: Microsoft Office featuring Word, Excel and
PowerPoint is available for use with both operating systems. There
are even games and other entertainment programs. Included in most
ElevenBC configurations is a color laser printer, available for
paid use on a per-printed-page basis. A credit card swipe is
attached to the computer, and a steel cable and lock are included
to secure the full system. ElevenBC is a turnkey solution designed
for optimum guest experience.
Greater Hotel Profit Opportunity
ElevenBC addresses both the functional needs of the business
center and the financial needs of the hotel. The combination of
competitive third party leasing terms and an attractive revenue
share formula enables each ElevenBC hotel to maximize profit and
minimize risk. Eleven offers a variety of pricing models that allow
for limited risk to the hotel and allow for greater profit from the
business center.
Hard Drive Mounting System for Power Mac
G5 Allows 11 Internal Drives
PR: MaxConnect is an internal hard drive mounting
solution that allows nine additional hard disk drives to be
installed in a Power Mac G5 system. The MaxConnect consists of
three mounting assemblies:
- An Optical Drive Bay Disk Drive mounting assembly that enables
four hard disk drives to be mounted in the Optical Drive Bay of the
Power Mac G5.
- A MaxConnect CPU Bay Disk Drive Mounting Assembly that enables
installing three hard disk drives in the CPU bay of the Power Mac
G5.
- MaxConnect PCI Bay Hard Disk Mounting Assembly that enables
installing two additional hard disk drive in the PCI Bay of the
Power Mac G5.
With the MaxConnect internal hard drive mounting solution, a
Power Mac G5 can house a total of 11 drives internally, which
enables the system to boot from one drive and allows other eight
drives to be RAIDed (Stripped RAID Level 0) to offer an 8x speed
increase in the data transfer rate compared to a Power Mac G5
single drive. Transfer rates in excess of 500 MB/sec sustained can
be achieved by striping the hard disk drive using Mac OS X built-in
RAID software utility on Power Mac G5 Systems with PCI-X Slots.
The MaxConnect internal hard drive mounting solution provides a
practical, cost effective, and space saving solution for Power Mac
G5 storage expansion without sacrificing the data transfer rate. A
total of 19 hard drives (11 drives internally and eight drives
externally) can be connected to a Power Mac G5 system, producing
more than 18x performance increase in sustained transfer rate.
To tap the full potential of G5 Power Mac to obtain faster data
transfer rates, along with MaxConnect disk drive mounting assembly
the following is also needed:
- SATA PCI-X Card that adds two, four or eight independent data
channels to the G5 Power Macs, each channel can pump up to 60 MB/s
of or more data from main storage to the CPU.
- SATA Data Cables to connect the PCI-X card Data Channels to the
disk drives house in CPU or Optical Bay.
- Power Cables to provide power to the disk drives housed in
Optical or CPU Bay.
- Link:
MaxConnect Internal Hard Disk Drive Mounting Solution [Aluminum]
for G5 Power Macs (PCI-X)
iPod Accessories
Listen to MP3s, iPods, MP3 Players, CDs,
and More with New Car Stereo
PR: Roadmaster USA Corp. has announced the
Roadmaster VR3 Car Stereo (Model VRCD400SDU). Designed to fit
easily in your dashboard, the VR3 Car Stereo is a 3-in-one plug n
play stereo, featuring an SD card slot, USB port, and Auxiliary
Audio Input port for the flexibility to play your entire music
collection in your car any way you'd like. The VR3 Car Stereo plays
music saved on many different formats, including downloaded MP3 and
non-DRM WMA files, iPods, MP3 Players, DVD Players, and CDs, etc. A
remote control is also included for easy navigation.
Displays Song and Artist Titles Automatically
The Roadmaster VR3 car stereo lets you listen to all your MP3
and WMA music saved on your computer, laptop, or MP3 Player while
on the road. Just save your music on a USB flash memory key or SD
card and plug it directly into the VR3 car stereo; or simply plug
your MP3 player, iPod, DVD Player or other device into the Audio
Input port of the VR3 for instant music. The VR3 is compatible with
ID3 Tag Display, so your MP3 music info (including music titles and
artists) will automatically appear on the dashboard when
playing.
High-Quality Stereo Sound
Roadmaster designed the VR3 Car Stereo with all the power of
their high-end car stereos. It features 180 watts total maximum
power (4x45 watts), 4 x 21 Watt RMS, single din format, and
6.5‰ Full Range Speakers. In addition to MP3, WMA, and
iPods, the VR3 also plays traditional CDs and has a built-in AM/FM
radio tuner with preset equalization and 30 preset stations with 4
speaker channels. To protect sensitive electronics, the USB slot
has an anti-dust cover and built-in electrostatic discharge. And to
protect your car stereo from theft, the face plate is easily
detachable and re-attachable.
Priced at $139, the Roadmaster VR3 Car Stereo Model VRCD400SDU
is available immediately through most major superstores, retailers,
and car dealerships.
- Link: Roadmaster Car
Stereos
MobileTune iPod FM
Transmitter/Charger
PR: Love your car? Get an iPod FM Transmitter &
Charger that has a 'nice car' look. MobileTune transmits music from
your iPod through your car stereo system, charges your iPod and
looks good in your car, all at the same time. Soft leather, chrome
details and a glowing, blue dial indicator give a distinctive look
while the transmitter offers seamless iPod integration through your
car stereo for the ultimate in-car experience.
Insert MobileTune iPod FM Transmitter/charger into cigarette/12V
power adapter in car. Plug iPod into MobileTune. Tune your radio
and the MobileTune to the same station with no programming (dead
air or static...). Pick a song and hit PLAY on your iPod!
MobileTune will charge and transmit signal at the same time.
The cord for iPod to charger acts as a built-in antenna, giving
you a stronger, more powerful signal with less static than other FM
Transmitters. It's got a self-resetting fuse to keep your iPod safe
from power surges. It will pause and power-down your iPod when your
car is turned off. MobileTune will charge your iPod faster than
most chargers in the market. Clad in soft, genuine leather with a
shiny chrome dial, its distinctive look clearly separates it from
the pack.
Features:
- Works with iPod video, iPod nano, 4G iPod, and mini iPod.
- 5V charging power rapidly charges your iPod
- Fits all 12V power sockets
- Built-in antenna provides strong, clear signal
- Continuous tuning
- Frequency Band/Bandwidth: 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz FM
- Leather + Chrome
Details that look great in your car. Fits any 12V power socket.
Charges and transmits through your iPod.
Built-in Antenna
Cord works as a built-in antenna- providing a strong, clear
signal for superior audio performance.
Continuous Tuning
Shiny chrome tuning knob has a glowing blue dial indicator.
Continuous tuning for Frequency Band 88.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz FM.
Looks great in your car
Did we mention it looks great in your car?! No other FM
transmitter for iPod was made to have that 'car' look. Shift-knob
inspired, wrapped in leather, with a super-shiny chrome tuning
knob. Leather wrapped body, chrome face and glowing blue dial
accent the look of your nice car interior. Don't have a nice car
interior? You will when you plug in a MobileTune.
System requirements:
MobileTune iPod FM Transmitter & Charger works with all 5G
(video), nano, 4G and mini iPods. It will not work with iPod
shuffle, 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation models.
$59.95
- Link: MobileTune
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two
weeks:
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notebooks, see our MacBook and
MacBook Pro deals, 12" PowerBook
G4 deals, 15" aluminum PowerBook G4
deals, 17" PowerBook G4
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