Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2007.02.02
Hardmac has published a list of which Macintel models can
accept CPU upgrades. In brief, the only Intel Macs that can't
accept a faster CPU are the notebook models, which have their CPUs
soldered in place.
We have more info on fixes for the change in Daylight Saving
Time here in the US (and also adopted in Canada to facilitate
commerce with the States), and Apple has released a $2 enabler for
Core 2 Macs (except for the 1.83 GHz iMac) that provides support for
the 802.11n draft WiFi standard.
NewerTech has a clever $25 device that lets you connect a
parallel ATA hard drive to a USB port without having to buy a drive
enclosure. Could be a great, low cost way to migrate your data to a
new hard drive.
If you're an iPod owner and have a 2001 or newer GM vehicle, be
sure to take a look at iConnect, a very attractive system for using
your iPod in your car or truck.
And if you're the "go to guy" for Mac support for friends and
family members (or even an IT staffer), take a look at Copilot, a
secure system that lets you connect to remote computers - even
through firewalls.
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is
covered in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Products
iPod Accessories
Software
News & Opinion
Which Intel Macs Can Take a CPU Upgrade?
Hardmac's Lionel says:
"We received many questions following our news regarding
changing the Mac mini's processor which we are going to try to
answer here.
- The MacBook Pro and the MacBook have their processors directly
soldered to the motherboard. So it's impossible to change
them.
- The iMac and the Mac mini on the other hand have processors
placed in connectors. This connector (or socket) is called the 479.
It accepts both the Core Duo and the Core 2 Duo which are compatible
pin for pin. On the other hand, don't try to install a Pentium M.
Although it has the same number of pins (478), it is
incompatible.
- The Mac Pros also have
interchangeable processors. It uses a socket 771. It will accept
all the Xeon 51xx series with a 1333 MHz bus (there are Xeons with
a 1066 bus which would slow down the machine). The 4 core Xeons are
also compatible."
Link: Specific Details on
Intel Processor Updates for a Mac
Fix for DST Time Change on 'Panther' (OS X
10.3.9)
PR: Updated time zone files and ICU data archive to
account for changes in daylight savings.
Ian Ward Comfort has posted both a disk image of the changed
files and a script to build from source of the changes.
Link: Fix for
DST Time Change on Mac OS 10.3.9
DST Software Patch Info
DST Patch.com's Countdown to DST 2007 page says:
"A provision of the US Energy Policy Act of 2005, extends
Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the US by four weeks, beginning in
2007. Systems and applications that process dates and times using
the US DST rules will be affected by this change.
"Date and time processing functions in systems and applications
in countries implementing the new DST rules (US, Canada, Bermuda)
are affected. Systems and applications in countries not
implementing the DST changes could be affected if they support
users, transactions, or applications involving countries that are
implementing the new DST rules."
Link: Changes to Daylight Saving
Time in 2007
Logos Bible Software Finalist for 'Consumer
Product of the Year', Coming to Mac
PR: Logos Bible Software 3 has been selected as one of
three statewide finalists for Consumer Product of the Year - Mac
version coming soon; free widget available now
Logos Bible Software 3, released in May 2006, applies
cutting-edge information retrieval technologies to the age-old task
of Bible study, helping students and scholars learn more in less
time.
Version 3 includes a number of "firsts" such as the industry's
first-ever reverse interlinear Bibles and syntactically tagged
resources. The software engine's modular, standards-based
architecture also sets it apart in the industry.
"It's great to see Logos Bible Software 3 recognized as a
technically innovative product," said Bob Pritchett, president/CEO
of Logos Bible Software. "We're always looking for ways to apply
the newest and best technology to help people experience better,
deeper and more exciting Bible study."
Each year WSA, the state's oldest and largest technology trade
organization, recognizes the state's most outstanding technology
achievements with its Industry Achievement Awards. The awards
celebrate companies which best demonstrate innovation and
excellence in technology, and have made significant contributions
to the way we work and live. Winners will be announced March 21 at
the awards event in Seattle.
The criteria for Consumer Product of the Year include:
"technical innovation, consumer adoption, intuitiveness, value to
consumers, staying power and general distinction of the applicant's
product in the consumer marketplace." Past winners in this category
include household names such as WhitePages.com, Expedia, and
RealPlayer.
"The WSA is focused on supporting technology innovators succeed
and the WSA Industry Achievement Awards honor the great technology
companies in Washington State," said Ken Myer, WSA president and
chief executive officer. "These 18 finalists have proven to be
among the premiere technology companies in this region."
Logos Bible Software for the Macintosh Coming
Macintosh users have asked for it (over and over again) and now
it is headed your way: Logos Bible Software for the Macintosh.
That's right - a version of Logos Bible Software that is native
to Mac OS X. Immediate access to thousands of Bible reference
titles never before available for the Macintosh. The advanced
automation and convenient reports that Logos users have come to
love. No more emulators, no more guilt over your flirtation with
the PC.
The Macintosh version will read the same book files as the PC
version, making 14 years of digital book publishing instantly
available to Mac users. Categories include Bibles, original
language texts, morphological databases, commentaries,
dictionaries, lexicons, grammars, maps and more. Electronic books
can be acquired in money-saving library collections or unlocked
individually.
The truth is, we have always been a little jealous of Mac users.
The Mac design aesthetic, cool bundled apps, the stability and
security of the platform all made us a touch green. That's why we
are just as excited as you are about developing Logos for the Mac.
We can't wait to show it off.
"When can I buy it?" you ask. Work on the product has already
begun, and the official launch is planned for the second quarter
2007. But we will be pulling back the curtain now and then for a
peek in the meantime and we'll start taking orders as launch day
approaches. The best way to keep up to date on all this is to
subscribe to the Logos for the Mac Email List. We'll also be
discussing the product in our Macintosh newsgroup. (To access the
newsgroup you will need a newsreader like Mozilla Thunderbird.)
In the meantime...
As a completely separate side project Logos had some developers
whip out a quick widget to help you quickly look up the text of any
Bible reference you come across. Simply type or cut and paste any
Bible reference into the Logos Bible Widget and instantly see the
full text of that verse.
Easier than grabbing your Bible off the shelf, faster than going
to Bible Gateway, and best of all - the Logos Bible Widget is
free
Intel Breakthrough 'Biggest Change to Computer
Chips in 40 Years'
PR: In one of the biggest advancements in fundamental
transistor design, Intel Corporation has revealed that it is using
two dramatically new materials to build the insulating walls and
switching gates of its 45 nanometer (nm) transistors. Hundreds of
millions of these microscopic transistors - or switches - will be
inside the next generation Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core 2 Quad and
Xeon families of multi-core processors. The company also said it
has five early-version products up and running - the first of
fifteen 45nm processor products planned from Intel.
The transistor feat allows the company to continue delivering
record-breaking PC, laptop and server processor speeds, while
reducing the amount of electrical leakage from transistors that can
hamper chip and PC design, size, power consumption, noise and
costs. It also ensures Moore's Law, a high-tech industry axiom that
transistor counts double about every two years, thrives well into
the next decade.
Intel believes it has extended its lead of more than a year over
the rest of the semiconductor industry with the first working 45nm
processors of its next-generation 45nm family of products - code
named "Penryn." The early versions, which will be targeted at five
different computer market segments, are running Windows* Vista*,
Mac OS X*, Windows* XP and Linux operating systems, as well as
various applications. The company remains on track for 45nm
production in the second half of this year.
Intel's Transistors Get a "High-k and Metal Gate" Makeover at
45nm
Intel is the first to implement an innovative combination of new
materials that drastically reduces transistor leakage and increases
performance in its 45nm process technology. The company will use a
new material with a property called high-k, for the transistor gate
dielectric, and a new combination of metal materials for the
transistor gate electrode.
"The implementation of high-k and metal materials marks the
biggest change in transistor technology since the introduction of
polysilicon gate MOS transistors in the late 1960s," said Intel
Cofounder Gordon Moore.
Transistors are tiny switches that process the ones and zeroes
of the digital world. The gate turns the transistor on and off and
the gate dielectric is an insulator underneath it that separates it
from the channel where current flows. The combination of the metal
gates and the high-k gate dielectric leads to transistors with very
low current leakage and record high performance.
"As more and more transistors are packed onto a single piece of
silicon, the industry continues to research current leakage
reduction solutions," said Mark Bohr, Intel senior fellow.
"Meanwhile our engineers and designers have achieved a remarkable
accomplishment that ensures the leadership of Intel products and
innovation. Our implementation of novel high-k and metal gate
transistors for our 45nm process technology will help Intel deliver
even faster, more energy efficient multi-core products that build
upon our successful Intel Core 2 and Xeon family of processors, and
extend Moore's Law well into the next decade."
For comparison, approximately 400 of Intel's 45nm transistors
could fit on the surface of a single human red blood cell. Just a
decade ago, the state-of-the-art process technology was 250nm,
meaning transistor dimensions were approximately 5.5 times the size
and 30 times the area of the technology announced today by
Intel.
As the number of transistors on a chip roughly doubles every two
years in accordance with Moore's Law, Intel is able to innovate and
integrate, adding more features and computing processing cores,
increasing performance, and decreasing manufacturing costs and cost
per transistor. To maintain this pace of innovation, transistors
must continue to shrink to ever-smaller sizes. However, using
current materials, the ability to shrink transistors is reaching
fundamental limits because of increased power and heat issues that
develop as feature sizes reach atomic levels. As a result,
implementing new materials is imperative to the future of Moore's
Law and the economics of the information age.
Intel's High-k, Metal Gate Recipe for 45nm Process
Technology
Silicon dioxide has been used to make the transistor gate
dielectric for more than 40 years because of its manufacturability
and ability to deliver continued transistor performance
improvements as it has been made ever thinner. Intel has
successfully shrunk the silicon dioxide gate dielectric to as
little as 1.2nm thick - equal to five atomic layers - on our
previous 65nm process technology, but the continued shrinking has
led to increased current leakage through the gate dielectric,
resulting in wasted electric current and unnecessary heat.
Transistor gate leakage associated with the ever-thinning
silicon dioxide gate dielectric is recognized by the industry as
one of the most formidable technical challenges facing Moore's Law.
To solve this critical issue, Intel replaced the silicon dioxide
with a thicker hafnium-based high-k material in the gate
dielectric, reducing leakage by more than 10 times compared to the
silicon dioxide used for more than four decades.
Because the high-k gate dielectric is not compatible with
today's silicon gate electrode, the second part of Intel's 45nm
transistor material recipe is the development of new metal gate
materials. While the specific metals that Intel uses remains
secret, the company will use a combination of different metal
materials for the transistor gate electrodes.
The combination of the high-k gate dielectric with the metal
gate for Intel's 45nm process technology provides more than a 20
percent increase in drive current, or higher transistor
performance. Conversely it reduces source-drain leakage by more
than five times, thus improving the energy efficiency of the
transistor.
Intel's 45nm process technology also improves transistor density
by approximately two times that of the previous generation,
allowing the company to either increase the overall transistor
count or to make processors smaller. Because the 45nm transistors
are smaller than the previous generation, they take less energy to
switch on and off, reducing active switching power by approximately
30 percent. Intel will use copper wires with a low-k dielectric for
its 45nm interconnects for increased performance and lower power
consumption. It will also use innovative design rules and advanced
mask techniques to extend the use of 193nm dry lithography to
manufacture its 45nm processors because of the cost advantages and
high manufacturability it affords.
Penryn Family Will Bring More Energy Efficient Performance
The Penryn family of processors is a derivative of the Intel
Core microarchitecture and marks the next step in Intel's rapid
cadence of delivering a new process technology and new
microarchitecture every other year. The combination of Intel's
leading 45nm process technology, high-volume manufacturing
capabilities, and leading microarchitecture design enabled the
company to already develop its first working 45nm Penryn
processors.
The company has more than 15 products based on 45nm in
development across desktop, mobile, workstation and enterprise
segments. With more than 400 million transistors for dual-core
processors and more than 800 million for quad-core, the Penryn
family of 45nm processors includes new microarchitecture features
for greater performance and power management capabilities, as well
as higher core speeds and larger caches. The Penryn family designs
also bring approximately 50 new Intel SSE4 instructions that expand
capabilities and performance for media and high-performance
computing applications.
Link: Intel
Apple Updates
$2 AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Core 2
Macs
If you have a Mac with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (except the
17-inch, 1.83 GHz iMac) or a Mac Pro with AirPort Extreme, you can
enable it to access an 802.11n* wireless network using the AirPort
Extreme 802.11n Enabler software.
Price: $1.99
Many Mac computers with an Intel Core 2 Duo and all Mac Pro
computers with AirPort Extreme can be enabled to access
802.11n-based wireless networks. If you purchased one of these
Macs, you can use the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler software to
activate this advanced wireless capability.
Important note: The Enabler is included free with the new
AirPort Extreme Base Station with 802.11n. If you purchase a new
AirPort Extreme Base Station, you do not need to purchase the
Enabler separately.
These Macs have the 802.11n hardware built-in:
Do you need the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler
Before purchasing the 802.11n Enabler software, check to make
sure that your Mac does not already have the 802.11n enabler
already installed.
- Open Network Utility (found in the Applications > Utilities
folder)
- Under the Info Tab, choose Network Interface (en1)
- In the section "Model: Wireless Network Adapter," if it says
(802.11a/b/g/n), you already have the 802.11n enabler installed. If
it says (802.11a/b/g), you do not have the 802.11n enabler
installed.
How to install the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler:
- Add the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler to your shopping cart
and complete your order.
- On the Order Confirmation page and email, you'll receive
instructions and a URL for downloading the Enabler software.
- Click the download link, then locate the disk image (.dmg) file
on your computer and double-click it.
- Double-click the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler file and
follow the onscreen steps to update your Mac.
Note: The software license for the 802.11n Enabler software
allows you to install and use it on all computers under your
ownership or control.
*Based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification.
Link:
AirPort Extreme 802.11n Enabler for Mac
AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001
The perfect wireless solution for home, school, and business. As
it blankets your space with a blazing-fast, secure wireless
network, it opens up a world of possibilities for home
entertainment, backups, printing, and more. With the AirPort
Extreme Base Station, you and up to 50 of your friends, colleagues,
or family members can enjoy a robust wireless network offering up
to five times the performance and up to twice the range of networks
created with the earlier 802.11g standard.
This update is recommended for all Intel-based Macintosh
computers and provides compatibility with AirPort Extreme base
stations and networks.
It addresses a security problem:
Impact: Attackers on the wireless network may cause
system crashes
Description: An out-of-bounds memory read may occur while
handling wireless frames. An attacker in local proximity may be
able to trigger a system crash by sending a maliciously-crafted
frame to an affected system. This issue affects the Core Duo
version of Mac mini, MacBook, and MacBook Pro computers equipped
with wireless. Other systems, including the Core 2 Duo versions are
not affected. This update addresses the issue by performing
additional validation of wireless frames. Credit to LMH for
reporting this issue.
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.4.8
- Intel-based Macintosh
System Support: Intel
Products
NewerTech Ships USB Universal Drive
Adapter
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) has announced
that it is shipping the NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter,
the easiest and most cost-effective way to move data from your old
hard drive to your new hard drive via USB Plug-N-Play.
Essential Tool for the Techie - Easily Moves Data
Priced at $24.95 (introductory pricing), the NewerTech USB 2.0
Universal Drive Adapter is a USB adapter cable that gives a second
life to switched-out hard drives, which can be used without buying
expensive enclosures. Recently announced at Macworld Expo with
sellout crowds and one of the largest sales volumes ever, the USB
2.0 Universal Drive Adapter allows any hard drive (2.5", 3.5", or
5.25") or optical drive (standard IDE/ATA/ATAPI 40 pin or
Serial-ATA) to be connected via USB with any computer using Mac OS
9.2 or higher, Linux 2.4.X, or Windows 2000 or higher for the
ultimate in usability. The adapter allows you to reuse old drives
on an as needed basis for emergency access should a problem occur
with a computer, and also lets you transfer data from drives
removed from a failed computer.
Popular with PC and Mac users alike, the USB 2.0 Universal
Drive Adapter is perfect for file transfer after the upgrade of an
internal hard drive, backing up and storing file archives, and
accessing data and interfacing with stored backup drives. Truly
universal, the USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter has been tested to
work with all hard drive brands, including Maxtor, Seagate, IBM,
Hitachi, Samsung, Western Digital, and Fujitsu; optical drive
brands, including LG, Lite-On, Panasonic, Pioneer, Plextor, Sony,
Teac, and Toshiba; and removable media drives, such as Iomega Zip.
The adapter provides a USB 2.0 transfer speed of up to 480 Mbps and
is also backwards compatible with USB 1.1.
With the proliferation of large digital video, music and photo
files, storage is crucial for every computer user, who requires
larger and larger hard drives than those that were originally
shipped with their computers. After upgrading these drives, the
question is how do you transfer your files from the old drives and
what do you do with your old, still functioning storage drives. The
NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter lets you easily transfer
data between drives and then allows you to reuse old drives without
the extra cost of enclosures, instead of just throwing the old
drives out.
The NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter includes all
hardware necessary for the plug-and-play of supported
2.5"/3.5"/5.25" storage devices to any Apple/Mac or PC with an
available USB port. No software is required for the use of the
adapter with a Apple/Mac computer with OS 8.6 or higher (including
any version of OS X); a CD is included with the drivers required to
use with Windows based systems. The NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal
Drive Adapter is available through exclusive distributor Other
World Computing immediately for $24.95.
OWC Lowers Pricing on Mercury On-the-Go
Portable Drives
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced lowered
pricing on its award-winning Mercury On-the-Go FireWire 400+USB 2.0
line, with new prices now starting at $114.99.
The OWC Mercury On-the-Go line offers up to 200 GB of data
capacity in a reliable, performance solution that weighs less than
12 ounces. All FireWire models utilize the latest Oxford based
bridge solutions and the best qualified drive mechanisms, to
provide the best performance and reliability for demanding
audio/video, backup, music, photo, and more!
All models are bootable via FireWire and/or USB 2.0 interfaces
(system must support such boot option); are bus-powered, with no
external power required; and are EMC/Dantz Retrospect Backup
Certified. OWC Mercury On-the-Go portable external solutions
include: all connecting cables; Intech HD Speedtools utility suite;
Carrying Case; and a 1-Year OWC Warranty.
As a new software-bundling bonus, all OWC Mercury On-the-Go
solutions now include the award-winning Prosoft DataBackup II for
OS X(a $59.95 retail value) and the award winning NovaStor
NovaBACKUP® for Windows (a $49.95 retail value). Both
award-winning backup systems are full retail versions, including
full retail support and the same technical support and
version-update support as retail stand-alone versions.
The new prices for the Mercury On-the-Go 2.5" FireWire 400+USB2
line are as follows:
- 40 GB 5400 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $114.99
- 60 GB 5400 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $124.99 - a $5 Drop
- 60 GB 7200 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $149.99 - a $10 Drop
- 80 GB 5400 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $129.99 - a $10 Drop
- 80 GB 7200 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $169.99 - a $10 Drop
- 100 GB 5400 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $147.99 - a $12 Drop
- 100 GB 7200 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $199.99 - a $10 Drop
- 120 GB 5400 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $149.99 - a $20 Drop
- 160 GB 5400 rpm w/ 8 MB buffer, $219.99 - an $18 Drop
If a USB 2.0 interface is not needed, Mercury On-the-Go 2.5"
FireWire-only models of the above On-the-Go capacities are also
available, and are priced $5-10 less than the combo FW+USB 2.0
version.
UPS Ground Delivery priced from only $2.95; 2nd Day Air within
the US, $7.95 or less.
Link: OWC Mercury
On-the-Go Bus Powered Portable Solutions
OWC Cuts Maxtor 500 GB Quickview Drive to
$134
PR: At $133.99, Maxtor is great value for audio/video,
backup, music, photos and more
Other World Computing has announced lowered pricing on the
Maxtor Quickview 500 GB SATA I/II 3.0G Hard Drive. The Maxtor 500
GB Quickview, selling for $133.99, is an 7200 rpm , A/V class
drive, with 16 MB buffer, and a 5-year warranty.
Featuring SATA I/II interface, the Maxtor 500 GB Quickview is
perfect for audio/video, backup, music, photos, and more, holding
up to 500 hours of standard video or 89 hours of high-definition
video recording. With Quiet Drive Technology and High Definition
Streaming Performance, the Maxtor 500 GB Quickview means
high-capacity, reliable data transfer at lightning speed - a great
drive for a great price.
Limit 5 per customer.
The Maxtor 500 GB Quickview brings Plug and Play ease of
installation, via Internal SATA ports on PowerMac G5s, Mac Pro Quad
Xeon, and PC Systems with SATA Host . Or, add a SATA PCI or
PCI-Express controller card for SATA HD Support, priced from
$49.99.
Maxtor 500 GB Quickview drives are brand new, backed by a full
5-year Seagate fulfilled Maxtor factory warranty.
UPS Ground Delivery is available for $4.50; or for $2.95 on
orders totaling $149 or more. 2nd Day Air Delivery available for
$7.95 on select orders of any value.
iPod Accessories
iConnect GM iPod Integration System
Imagine having 5000 songs as if they are all on one CD in your
car radio. Well it's finally a reality with iConnect. iConnect is a
range of Apple approved iPod integration systems and integration
systems allowing you to play music off any USB storage devices
without cutting wires or damaging delicate vehicle electronics.
By operating directly through the in-vehicle communication
protocol, iConnect for GM ensures you have total control of your
iPod through your normal vehicle radio and steering wheel
controls.
All Smart Park products are made from the highest quality
components to exacting QS9000 and ISO9001 standards, SMART PARK
products also have E-Mark (TUV) approval.
The iConnect GM iPod Integration system offers you complete iPod
integration for almost every GM vehicle (2001-2007).
Developed by Zorg Industries Australia, in conjunction with
Coastal Electronic Technologies, iConnect vehicle integration
products are readily adaptable to suit both OEM and after-market
requirements.
iConnect is an approved Apple device, retails for $249 with a
three year warranty.
It is available through GM dealers.
Link: iPod
iConnect
SwimMan Waterproof iPod
PR: Yes, it IS possible. A waterproof MP3 player and
matching waterproof headphones. No bulky case! In fact, there's no
added case at all. Just the tunes you want, anytime and anywhere
you want. We've combined two top-of-the-line products by two
top-of-the-line companies: A 100% SwimMan waterproofed Apple's 1 GB
iPod Shuffle (2nd generation) and SwimMan's 100% waterproof
headphones.
This is a "go anywhere, do anything" MP3 player for all sports
and leisure activities on land or in the water.* And, it is the
easiest, simplest to use, best sounding, most rugged and most
versatile MP3 Player on the market worldwide. We know you will be
absolutely thrilled with an iPod that's waterproofed. It will
enhance your swimming and water sports experience. This is the way
your favorite tunes should be: limitless!
SwimMan is the originator of waterproof personal audio players
and we have been producing them for over ten years starting with
the first waterproof audio cassette and headset, then the first
waterproof digital audio (MP3) player and now the first and only
waterproof iPod.
This is a genuine 2nd Generation iPod Shuffle that SwimMan has
waterproofed by its proprietary waterproofing technology. Because
the waterproofing is made inside the Shuffle, no bulky, heavy case
or other obstructive and unattractive covering over the iPod is
required.
We only charge $75 for the shuffle alone. If you buy it at the
store, it's close to $80. Oh, and did we mention that our shuffle
is waterproof ? This is the only website where you'll be able to
get an iPod that you can take into the water. It just makes more
sense!
It's guaranteed 100% waterproofed from the inside-out. Take it
to the pool, in the rain, to the snow, to the beach, or even in the
shower. [*not for scuba use below ten feet] Both the shuffle and
the headphones are waterproof. We're so confident in our product
that it comes with a full warranty.
This package includes both the 2nd Generation Apple iPod Shuffle
waterproofed by SwimMan and the SwimMan Waterproof Headset. Shuffle
comes in original package with original accessories (charging dock,
iPod earbuds, USB cable, manuals, warranty, etc.) Headset also
comes with manual.
- iPod Shuffle, 2nd Generation ($79 value)
- SwimMan Waterproofing Technology ($100 value)
- SwimMan Waterproof Headset ($100 value)
- Total: $250.00
Product Details:
Shuffle:
Package B
- Package A + customized shuffle color!
- iPod Shuffle, 2nd Generation ($75 value)
- Customized Shuffle Color ($50 value)
- SwimMan Waterproofing Technology ($75 value)
- SwimMan Waterproof Headset ($100 value)
- Total: $300
Waterproof iPod Shuffle Only
This package includes the 2nd Generation Apple iPod Shuffle
waterproofed by SwimMan. Shuffle comes in its original packaging,
with all original accessories (earbuds, dock, USB cable,
manual).
Please be aware that the apple earbuds that originally come with
the shuffle are not waterproof.
- iPod Shuffle, 2nd Generation ($79 value)
- SwimMan Waterproofing Technology ($100 value)
- Total: $150.00
SwimMan Waterproof Headset Only
This purchase includes one (1) set of SwimMan Waterproof
Headphones.
The headset utilizes our very rugged audio transducers -
providing proven excellent, sound isolating, unsurpassed audio
quality. This headset is comparable to the best headphones of any
type on the market today, and ours are completely waterproof! Can
be attached to your goggle strap or headband.
Please be advised that the purchase of these headphones do not
make your existing MP3 player waterproof! If you'd like to take
both your MP3 player and headset into the water, consider Package A
(above).
Total: $100.00!
- No retro fit, no glued over parts
- Solid state (no moving parts)
- Genuine 100% waterproof headphones.
- Rugged "field tested" audio transducers - providing proven
excellent, unsurpassed audio quality.
Link: SwimMan
TuneTech for iPod 1.5
PR: TuneTech for iPod optimizes iPod performance,
protects data, can defragment your iPod's hard drive and optimize
your playlists for less wear-and-tear and better battery life. It
also offers advanced management features including media surface
scanning and volume testing and repairing capabilities to keep your
iPod drive in tiptop condition. Additionally, TuneTech for iPod can
erase files and volumes on your iPod securely for added security,
and its Backup and Duplicate features allow you to create a backups
of your music and data quickly and conveniently. If you ever
accidentally delete songs, TuneTech for iPod's Undelete feature can
recover them.
TuneTech for iPod (formerly Pod Genius) is the only
comprehensive software utility geared specifically toward iPod
users. Recover lost or damaged music, repair corrupted data
structures, backup your iPod to an exact copy, permanently delete
unwanted files, or optimize the file layout of your music. You've
invested a lot into your iPod and music, with TuneTech™ for
iPod®, you can be sure your iPod will faithfully perform and
your investment is well-protected.
TuneTech for iPod features:
- Backup: Make an exact clone of your iPod for safe keeping. This
is the fastest way to backup all the music, pictures and files that
are stored on your iPod. Use your backup as protection against data
loss.
- Optimize: Increase battery life and minimize wear-and-tear.
Your songs get optimized by physically putting them in order on the
drive in the order that you want to hear them, minimizing hard
drive access and reducing the work your iPod has to do.
- Repair: This is the solution if songs or play lists have become
inaccessible due to software errors. If songs are missing or play
erratically, repair immediately before running the risk of
permanent data loss.
- Undelete: Accidentally deleted music? Undelete quickly recovers
them in perfect condition.
- Shred: Permanently delete your songs and files from your iPod.
Do your part to protect against music piracy... if you sell or
donate your iPod, shred your music to prevent unauthorized
use.
- Duplicate: Make an exact copy of your iPod on another iPod -
perfect when migrating all your data in one shot from your old iPod
to a newer model.
- Scan: Analyze your iPod's hard drive for media defects that can
endanger the data on your iPod.
- Info: Display detailed information about your iPod's hard drive
to enable sophisticated troubleshooting.
Think of it as health care insurance for your iPod.
New in version 1.5:
- Universal Binary application. Optimized for Intel Macs.
- Streamlined user-interface on various features.
- Auto-renamer feature allowing ease of identifying and
reorganizing the salvaged tunes.
- Duplicate feature allows cloning to more than a single
destination.
- Shredding feature allows selectable number of passes.
System requirements:
- TuneTech for iPod Is optimized for:
- Mac OS X 10.4.x Tiger
- Mac OS X 10.3.x Panther
- TuneTech does not support
- iPod Shuffle or iPod nano
- Tune Tech will only work with Macintosh formatted iPods.
TuneTech for iPod sells for $59.00, and can be downloaded in a
Lite version or the Trial version, which has part of the feature
set disabled.
The following features are disabled in the trial version:
- Restore
- Undelete
- Recovery
- Duplicate
- Optimize
- Repair and Rebuild
TuneTech for iPod is also available on CD.
Software
DoubleCommand Remaps Mac, PC
Keyboards
PR: DoubleCommand is software for Mac OS X (a kernel
extension) that lets you remap keys, in other words change the way
your keyboard works. Often used to make a PC keyboard more
comfortable with a Mac, swapping the Alt (Option) and Windows
(Command or Apple) keys, since they are in swapped positions on Mac
and PC keyboards. DoubleCommand is a quick and easy way to fix this
if you use a PC keyboard with your Mac. Called DoubleCommand
because originally it was used to give the old PowerBooks a second
Command key, where there was an Enter key.
DoubleCommand started out as a hack of iJect, which was
generously GPL'd by Christian Starkjohann. So go check out the
great software he makes over at Objective Development www.obdev.at
As a result, DoubleCommand is released under v2 of the GPL.
Please read the file Licence.txt for more information.
DoubleCommand 1.6.2 fixes two bugs: Command flags still active
after using PC style home and end, and allows both shift keys to
trigger the forward delete feature.
DoubleCommand is for Mac OS X only.
Donationware
Link: DoubleCommand
Copilot Service: Remote Assistance Made
Easy
PR: The Fog Creek Copilot service allows people to help
their friends, relatives, and customers fix their computer problems
by connecting to their computers via the Internet.
Unlike other remote assistance services, Fog Creek Copilot is
secure, easy to use, works through virtually all home or office
firewalls, and requires no installation or configuration.
The problem.
Ever tried to walk a friend, family member, or customer through
the process of trying to diagnose, troubleshoot, and fix a computer
problem over the phone, e-mail or via an online messenger?
Or, perhaps you're the one needing the computer help and are
equally if not more frustrated with the situation, as you're the
one without a working computer. Whether it's the back-and-forth
waiting of an e-mail correspondence, the ambiguity of instant
messages, or the frustrated tone in your helper's voice over the
phone, having your computer fixed remotely is certainly not a
pleasant experience.
Various utilities exist that allow one person to remotely
connect to another's computer, but they're often cumbersome and use
insecure, open connections, requiring complicated installations and
configurations that are rarely worth the trouble. Even the simplest
of these programs will not work through a corporate or home
firewall installed with most broadband connections.
The solution.
Fog Creek Copilot is a simple and inexpensive service that
allows friends, relatives, and customers to help each other solve
their computer problems by letting one person temporarily connect
to the computer of the other over the Internet. Fog Creek Copilot
is inexpensive, fast, easy, secure, and works with any firewall or
router without having anything to install or any settings to
configure.
How to connect.
To Fix Someone's Computer
Go to www.copilot.com and enter your name into the homepage
Choose between purchasing a Day Pass, passing the payment on to
the person you're helping, or test driving Fog Creek Copilot free
for two minutes.
You are then given a link to the Fog Creek Copilot download and
a 12-digit invitation code.
An invitation link can be automatically e-mailed to the person
needing the help or you can read the invitation code over the phone
instead.
Download the Fog Creek Copilot program by saving it to your
desktop.
Run the program and wait for the other person to do the
same.
To Have Your Computer Fixed
Wait for a Fog Creek Copilot e-mail or IM invitation, or for the
helper to read you a 12-digit invitation code.
If you received an e-mail, click the included link. If instead
you were given an invitation code, go to www.copilot.com and enter
that code into the homepage.
If the helper chose for you to pay for the Fog Creek Copilot
service, you will be prompted for payment.
You'll then be given a link to the Fog Creek Copilot
download.
Download the Fog Creek Copilot program by saving it to your
desktop.
Run the program and click "Yes", when prompted, to allow the
helper to connect to your computer.
Using the Fog Creek Copilot service.
While connected as a helper, you see the desktop of the person
you're helping in its own window. As you move your mouse within
this window, the other's mouse pointer moves, and as you type, the
text appears on both of your screens. A status bar on top of the
window tells you how much time is left in the Day Pass.
Troubleshoot and fix your family's, friends', coworkers', or
customers' computers as if they were your own. Save time and energy
by not having to physically be at the problematic computer.
If your computer is the one being fixed by a helper, you'll see
a dialogue box that tells you about your connection and that has a
button allowing you to kick off the helper at anytime. Sit back and
watch as the helper navigates your computer, seeing exactly what
the problem is and taking the necessary steps to fix it. The
control isn't exclusive. At any time you too can move the mouse to
point something out, or to press the disconnect button. You can
also use your keyboard to type in a password, or locate a specific
file for the helper.
There is nothing to install, no settings to configure, no
usernames or passwords to remember, and no external factors to
worry about. All Fog Creek Copilot requires is a 30-second or less
download and you're ready to go. Everything is preconfigured to
help the copilot and pilot connect hassle free.
Security.
Fog Creek Copilot uses 128-bit SSL encryption, the same type of
security offered by major online retailers. The 12-digit invitation
code ensures that only the helper who gave it is the one connecting
to the computer needing the assistance. After disconnecting, the
person being helped is given the option for Fog Creek Copilot to
delete itself so that no further connections can be made without
his or her permission.
It just works.
The Fog Creek Copilot connection is routed through our secure
servers so it doesn't matter if either person, or both, are behind
office or home firewalls. You can connect quickly and easily with
no external settings to configure. Fog Creek Copilot just
works.
No commitment or easy subscription.
With a Day Pass, no registration of any kind is required. Either
party can pay for the service and both credit card and PayPal are
accepted. Invitation codes are treated as Day Passes that last 24
hours from the time a connection is first established. While a Day
Pass is active the helper can use the same invitation code to
connect to as many computers as he or she wants, as many times as
needed.
Subscriptions allow those who provide frequent support a more
complete option. Signing up takes only a few minutes, after which
connecting becomes even faster and easier. See
www.copilot.com/signup/ for pricing plans - $5 for 24 hours.
The Fog Creek Copilot Test Drive lets a helper connect to a
another computer for 2 minutes. See for yourself how reliable,
fast, and easy-to-use Fog Creek Copilot really is.
Link: Copilot
Rush Limbaugh 24-7 Media Center Setup
and User Guide for Mac OS X
PR: Rush Limbaugh offers the Rush 24-7 Media Center Setup
and User Guide for Mac OS X
Downloading the Rush 24-7 Media Center
Note: If you currently have a prior version of the Rush 24-7
Media Center installed, you do not need to reinstall this software.
Simply allow the program currently installed to run an auto-update
to the new version. You will see the software briefly quit and
restart itself . . . this is completely normal.
- Go to the Rush Limbaugh website
- Download the Rush 24-7 Media Center for Mac OS X
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.2 through 10.4
- Internet Connection (DSL, cable, or better recommended)
- iTunes 6, QuickTime 7, or Real Player 10 for audio MP3/video
MP4 playback
- iPod for audio MP3 playback
- Video iPod for video MP4 playback
- Link: RushLimbaugh.com
- Link:
The Rush 24-7 Media Center Setup and User Guide for Mac OS X
(PDF)
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers monthly:
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
