Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.07.28
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Products
Software
News & Opinion
Is 512 MB Enough?
MacUser's Dan Moren says:
"The old adage says you can never have too much RAM. I heartily
agree with this sentiment which is why, when I bought my MacBook, I
opted to spend the extra dosh for a full gigabyte. Granted, I was
moving up from an iBook with about 256 MB, so that was a nice
little jump there. But I figured the two 2.0 GHz processor cores
would be doing their fair share of heavy lifting."
Charles Moore says: I've long maintained that 512 MB is the bare
minimum RAM for halfways tolerable performance with OS X, and
a few days last week working on my daughter's 1.2 GHz G4 iBook with the standard 256 MB
of RAM reinforced that conviction (she has since upgraded to 1.25
GB of RAM). My 17" PowerBook has 1.5
GB, and some days I don't think even that's enough.
- Link: Is 512 MB
Enough?
Macs Gaining Market Share in Business
Quad-State Business Journal's Peter Heerwagen reports:
"Macintosh computers used to be popular with the creative crowd,
but now are finding a place on the desks of corporate America.
According to the Wall Street Journal, JupiterResearch
surveyed technology decision makers at 258 medium and large
businesses and projected that 33 percent would be running Macs next
year, while only 21 percent were doing so now.
"Last year Apple sold 4.7 million Macs, up 35 percent from 2004,
and way ahead of the 16 percent growth for the industry as a whole
during the same period...."
- Link: Macs Gaining
Market Share Among Businesses
Apple Debuts Wireless Mighty Mouse
PR: Apple this week introduced the
wireless Mighty Mouse, a new version of its popular multibutton
mouse, now with the added freedom that only wireless connectivity
can provide. The new wireless Mighty Mouse offers a reliable,
secure connection to Macs and features a new laser tracking engine
that is 20 times more sensitive than standard optical mice for
better tracking on even more surfaces. Priced at just $69, Apple's
wireless Mighty Mouse includes up to four independently
programmable buttons and an ingenious Scroll Ball that lets users
scroll in any direction.
"We cut the cord on our popular Mighty Mouse to give consumers
even more flexibility when using a Mac," said David Moody, Apple's
vice president of Worldwide Mac Product Marketing. "A
Bluetooth-enabled Mac desktop with an Apple Wireless Keyboard and
Mighty Mouse is the ideal cable-free setup at home or in the
office, and the wireless Mighty Mouse is the perfect travel
companion for the MacBook user on the go."
The wireless Mighty Mouse is a Bluetooth 2.0 based multibutton
mouse that retains the simplicity of a single-button mouse, and can
be used as a single- or multibutton mouse depending on the user's
preference. The wireless Mighty Mouse features a single seamless
enclosure with programmable touch sensors that act as primary or
secondary buttons. With a simple click on the upper right or left
side of the mouse, users can instantly access features such as
contextual menus found in Mac OS X and other applications. The
wireless Mighty Mouse's two other buttons are activated by pressing
its Scroll Ball and squeezing its sides, and can be easily
programmed to give users one-click access to Mac OS X "Tiger"
features such as Spotlight, Dashboard and Exposé, or to
launch any application such as Safari or iChat.
The wireless Mighty Mouse features an easy-to-use design that
comfortably fits the left or right hand. It also includes an
advanced power management system that automatically switches to low
power modes during inactivity, and an off switch to maintain
battery life while not in use. Ready to use out of the box, the
wireless Mighty Mouse works with either one or two AA
batteries.
The wireless Mighty Mouse is available immediately through the
Apple Store, at Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized
Resellers for a suggested retail price of $69. The wireless Mighty
Mouse easily connects to the latest Macs with built-in Bluetooth
wireless technology, and requires Mac OS X "Tiger" version
10.4.6 or later to customize buttons for one-click access to
Spotlight, Dashboard and Exposé or to launch
applications.
- Link: Wireless
Mighty Mouse
Setting Up Your Wireless Mighty Mouse
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If the wireless Mighty Mouse will not operate and will not
appear in the Bluetooth pane of System Preferences, install the
supporting software. The wireless Mighty Mouse will not work until
the software has been installed. To install the software...."
- Link: Setting Up
Your Wireless Mighty Mouse
Spotting Lemons and Other Challenges
Macworld's Jason Snell says:
"This year has brought a flood of new Mac models, as Apple
quickly converts all the computers it sells into ones running
processors created by Intel. And just as surely as summer follows
spring, the release of new Mac models are followed by reports of
various quirks, flaws, annoyances, and other issues with those
models.
"We've all been told that it's a good idea to have as much
information as you can before making a purchase. But thanks to the
Internet, the amount of information you can get on any given
product is more than you could ever stuff inside your head. So
what's a Mac user to do?"
- Link: Spotting
Lemons and Other Challenges
Products
OWC's Quad Interface FW 400 & 800/USB
2.0/eSATA Drives
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the
immediate availability of the Quad Interface version of its
flagship external storage solution line, the Mercury Elite-AL Pro -
featuring four interface options in one external hard drive and a
starting price of only $199.99 and capacities from 250 up to 750
gigabytes ( GB).
This exciting new Quad Interface Mercury
Elite-AL Pro features one eSATA, two FireWire 800 (1394B), one
FireWire 400 (1394A), and one USB 2.0+1.1 ports and ships with all
required cables to allow easy plug-and-play operation with
virtually any Mac, PC, or Linux system. Seamless data accessibility
from all interfaces ensures continued optimized connection of the
Elite Quad as users move the storage solution device between
multiple systems or upgrade their computer systems.
Engineered with the next generation, high speed Oxford 924
chipset and the fastest drive mechanisms on the market, the Quad
Interface Mercury Elite-AL Pro achieves the fastest
single-mechanism transfer speeds possible, sustaining up to 80
Megabytes Per Second.
The Quad Interface Mercury Elite-AL Pro is manufactured using
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 and 7200.9 SATA-2 drives and is available
in capacities from 250 GB to 750 GB, with the 500 GB model included
in OWC's Sizzlin' Summer Sale.
Pricing is:
- 250 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB Cache - $199.99
- 320 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB Cache - $229.99
- 400 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB Cache - $339.99
- 500 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB Cache - ONLY $349.99
- 750 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB Cache - $629.99
All OWC Mercury Elite-AL solutions are tested and certified for
demanding Audio/Video, Backup, Movies, Graphics, Music,
Photography, General Data, and more. The sleek aluminum design
optimizes function while aesthetically enhancing the desktop, and
is specifically built to safely endure the rigorous demands of
portability. All models are EMC Backup Certified and are directly
supported by EMC's industry respected standard Retrospect Backup
software.
Mercury Elite-AL Pro storage solutions come packaged from Other
World Computing with everything needed for immediate plug-and-play
operation: all necessary cabling; Intech HD SpeedTools utility
suite; EMC Retrospect backup software; and a full 2 year Warranty.
A five-year warranty on the internal Seagate mechanism covers the
internal drive for three full years after the solution's warranty
comes to term.
- Link: Mercury
Elite-AL
miniXpress SATA to FireWire Drive Hits 160
GB
PR: Trans International today announced
the addition of 160 GB drive to it's miniXpress SATA to FireWire
Portable External Storage Solution line. This affordable miniXpress
($328) is the largest capacity external SATA to FireWire drive and
utilizes the Hitachi 2.5" SATA drive.
The
miniXpress Portable External drive utilizes the latest SATA to
FireWire, hot swappable and bus powered technology. This allows the
drive to be swapped without restarting the computer and, powered
through the FireWire port, it does not need an additional external
power supply. The drive mounts automatically when plugged in to the
computer. It's rugged yet stylish Aluminum cases assures durability
and efficient heat dissipation. Small (can easily fit in your shirt
pocket), equipped with an anti-shock mechanism and triple interface
(F800/F400/USB) the miniXpress is a versatile, durable and highly
portable storage solution.
Trans International has also available internal SATA 160 GB
drive. This affordable ($229) storage solution is ideal for
upgrading MacBooks, MacBooks Pro and Mac minis as well as other
computers and devices that use 2.5" SATA hard drives.
- Link: Trans
International
Jeep Drives - Rugged USB Flash Drives
PR: Never has there been a niftier way to carry music
files, photos and other valuable personal electronic data than with
the new Jeep USB Flash Drive and the USB Flash Drive Plus Ink Pen
from EDGE Tech Corp., a leading supplier of DRAM and Flash memory
upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices and other
experience-enhancing technology solutions.
The rugged flash drive was created for
those who savor the off-road lifestyle - where creature comforts
are sacrificed for the thrill of back trail adventure. The Jeep USB
drive is designed to reflect the ruggedness, durability, and style
that consumers have come to expect from Jeep vehicles.
The Jeep USB Flash Drive ships in 256 MB and 512 MB of storage
and is about the size of your thumb. Priced at $29.95 and $44.95
after rebate, the drive is Plug-and-Play - simply insert the drive
in any USB port and files can be saved or transferred. The drive,
complete with the Jeep logo, comes in a shock-resistant case.
The Jeep USB Flash Drive Plus Ink Pen is a unique, dual-function
portable storage device. Users simply unscrew the barrel of the
sleek, executive style ink pen, and discover a fully functioning
USB Flash Drive inside. The drive portion of the pen plugs directly
into a computer's USB port and is recognized as an additional
storage device on the user's desktop. As with the previously
mentioned drive, the Jeep USB Flash Drive Plus Ink Pen also allows
for easy transfer and storage of digital photos, songs, and other
important files. The device includes a cushioned grip for extended
periods of writing, a USB extension cable for hard-to-reach
connections, and an extra replacement ink cartridge. With this
device, users will reap the benefits of both form and function.
The Jeep USB Flash Drive Plus Ink Pen is priced, after rebate,
at $29.95 for 128 MB and $49.95 for 512 MB.
- Link:
Jeep USB Flash Drive
Software
SteerMouse Supports up to 8 Mouse Buttons
PR: SteerMouse allows using extension buttons of any
multibutton mouse. You can make the best use of a button which
previously did not work on Mac.
SteerMouse allows adjusting of the cursor's speed and
acceleration.
You can adjust the cursor's speed and acceleration. (Apple's
driver allows you to adjust only the cursor's acceleration) By
adjusting both the speed and acceleration, you can customize the
best setting that fits the movement of your own hand.
When a window or dialog box is activated, SteerMouse moves the
cursor to a specific location on the screen: the default button;
the cancel button; the close button; etc. You never lose sight of
the cursor's position, because the cursor does animated
movement.
SteerMouse has a lot of convenient and unique functions, and
customizes your mouse greatly.
- It is possible to allocate shortcut keys based on the rotation
of the scroll ball and wheel.
- Move the cursor to a specific location, such as the default
button and the close button, etc. You never lose sight of the
cursor's position, because the cursor does animated movement.
- Scroll vertically or horizontally. You can adjust the scrolling
speed and acceleration.
- You can assign click, double-click or modifier click, etc.
- Display the process screen for switching applications.
SteerMouse is customizable in each application.
You can configure your mouse with different groups of settings
for different applications. Find the best setting that's right for
you.
New in version 3.3.1:
- Improved the shortcut key for Exposé and browser
back/forward on the scroll ball rollings of Mighty Mouse. It now
works appropriately.
- Problems solved where buttons on some mice did not work.
- Many other enhancements and improvements were added.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later.
System support: PPC/Intel
SteerMouse is $20 shareware.
- Link: SteerMouse
Roxio Toast 7 Ready for Blu-ray Drives
PR: Sonic Solutions has broken new high-definition ground
with the release of Toast 7 with Blu-ray Disc (BD) support - the
first application of its kind for the Mac. The software ushers in a
new era of advanced optical disc recording providing Mac users with
the ability to store as much as 50 GB of data on a BD-R
(recordable) or BD-RE (rewritable) disc. The Blu-ray Disc
capabilities extend Toast's long history of Mac-platform firsts and
exemplify Sonic's commitment to helping the industry make a
successful transition to next-generation formats. Toast 7 with BD
support is available exclusively for original equipment
manufacturers developing next-generation external BD drives. The
first drives to feature Toast 7 with BD support are expected to be
available later this quarter.
Making the recently impossible now possible for Mac users,
Toast's Blu-ray Disc features include Toast Dynamic Writing, which
for the first time enables users to record files simply by dragging
and dropping files onto a disc in the same convenient way they
would move or copy files to a removable storage device. The ability
to store as much as 50 GB of data makes Toast an ideal solution for
archiving extensive digital music collections or protecting
critical files and precious memories too large to fit on a standard
DVD. In addition to its Blu-ray capabilities, Toast 7 is now also a
universal application that runs natively on both Intel-based and
PowerPC-based systems.
"We are extremely pleased to continue our pioneering work and
provide Mac users with new ways to exploit the full power and
potential of the platform," said Stan Wong, general manager, Roxio
division of Sonic Solutions. "The inclusion of Blu-ray Disc
capabilities adds to an already unrivaled lineup of digital media
features that have made Toast a retail leader and the standard for
CD and DVD burning on the Mac. Toast 7 with Blu-ray Disc support
represents a compelling solution for manufacturers of
next-generation BD drives who want to provide their Mac customers
with a product that has become synonymous with quality and
innovation."
Toast 7 with BD support is the latest in a long series of
high-definition initiatives by Sonic Solutions, which began its
pioneering work on next-generation formats over two years ago.
Sonic has taken the leading role in helping the industry make a
smooth transition to high-definition, spearheading the High
Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA) in 2005 to prepare Hollywood
and their authoring facility partners for the rollout of BD and HD
DVD titles. More recently, Sonic announced an extension to the
Alliance with the formation of an Advisory Group (HDAA AG),
comprised of top-tier computer and consumer electronics companies.
The HDAA AG is collaborating with the HDAA to ensure
high-definition formats deliver reliable, consistent and dynamic
viewing experiences across platforms. Sonic has also released a
number of high definition software applications that are in use
today in both the professional and consumer markets.
miniStat2 System Monitoring Widget
PR: All about your processor, memory, storage,
temperature sensors, network connections and battery. Customizable
skins
Original
miniStats have been downloaded more than 150,000 times and some
have been in Apple's Top 50 for weeks. Our new miniStat2 doubles
the features of previous miniStat widgets.
Now you can increase your Mac system monitoring with many new
features, its numerous code optimizations, and all in a compact
widget with customizable skins. This widget shows all information
about your Mac's processor, memory, storage, sensors, network
connections and battery.
Detailed statistics about CPU, memory, storage, network,
temperature sensors and battery. Customizable cool looking skins.
Updates every second. Only 1% of CPU when updating. 10M of RAM at
average.
miniStat (including Traffic Meter) 350 x 250 total for all seven
widgets. All this stuff separated into six widgets. Each widget
shows only one value. For example, miniFreeRam shows only amount of
a free RAM. miniStat2 widget shows a detailed view for all four
types of RAM usage. 15% of CPU total and 50M of RAM at average for
all seven widgets.
- Six different view types - processor, memory, storage, network,
sensors and battery
- Really tiny size and low CPU usage
- Customizable skins - make widget look like your Mac!
- Ability to change "Desktop" background picture
- Very useful desktop mode - summarizes all statistics on one
screen
- Control widget without mouse via hotkeys
- Very accurate AirPort signal strength values
- View your wireless mouse and keyboard batteries charge
- "Lock this window" feature
- Smooth animations and cool graphics
- You choose preferred temperature units - °C or °F
- Simply the best system monitoring tool from the #1 dashboard
widget company
No special configuration required beyond selecting your skin and
your temperature units. Just install with a few clicks and it is up
and running on your dashboard.
New in version 1.83:
- Active processes list - The "Processor" section is now
modified, so you can check now what are the most active
applications currently running.
- Added the "P" button shortcut to open processes list from
anywhere in the widget.
- Battery remaining time values will be now the same as values
reported by the Apple's battery icon.
- Fixed some issues with interface feedback.
New in version 1.81:
- Intel-based Mac temperature sensors - thanks to the SpeedIt
module from InCrew Software miniStat2 now can use temperature
sensors from all new Macs with Intel Core Duo processor.
- Now you can change currently monitored network interface right
from Network tab of the widget. Just click on the network interface
name (en1, en0, ...) and selection menu will popup.
- Storage tab of the widget now will show only physical
hard-drives. Mounted disk images such as .dmg or .iso will not
popup there anymore.
- Thanks to Ramon Medrano Llamas, miniStat2 is now fully
translated into Spanish language.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
$4.95 shareware
- Link: miniStat2
Desktop Mac
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