PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review. iPod, iPhone,
and Apple TV news is covered in The iNews
Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Safari 3.1 Will Be 'CrazyFast'
Macworld UK's Jonny
Evans reports:
"Apple is preparing its latest update for the Safari browser it
offers Mac, Windows and iPhone clients - and early reports claim the
new version to be speedier than ever before.
"Some reports claim the browser runs between 2-6 times faster than
Firefox 3, with Computerworld claiming the new build to be 2.5 times
faster than the existing version of the Apple browser."
Link: Safari 3.1 Will
Be 2.5 Times Faster - Report
Safari Browser Set to Speed by the Competition
Wired's Scott Gilbertson
reports:
"It's no secret that Apple's Safari is a svelte piece of software
and, if developer previews are any indication, future versions of
Safari will be even sleeker and faster.
"While Safari began life mainly trying to catch up to existing
browsers like Firefox, Opera and Internet Explorer, in terms of
functionality, it has arrived and now Apple seems to be focusing on
speed."
Link: Apple's
Safari Browser Set to Speed by the Competition
Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.5.2 Update
PR: The 10.5.2
Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X Leopard and
includes fixes and enhancements for Stacks, Time Machine, bundled iLife
apps., and Safari, enhanced camera RAW support, Mail bugfixes, and
general operating system fixes that enhance the stability,
compatibility and security of your Mac. For a more comprehensive list
of changes, see below.
The updater file is a whopping 343 MB and requires Mac OS X 10.5 or
later. To update to Mac OS X 10.5.2, use Software Update or the
standalone installer which can be downloaded from Apple.com
It is recommended that you back up your system prior to installing
any updates.
Choose Software Update from the Apple menu to automatically check
for the latest Apple software using the Internet, including this
update. (Software Update might have linked you to this article to learn
more about the update.) If your computer is not up-to-date, other
software updates available for your computer may appear that you should
install. Note that an update's size may vary from computer to computer
when installed using Software Update. Also, some updates must be
installed prior to others, so you should run Software Update more than
once to make sure you have all available updates.
You can download the update installer and run it manually if you
don't want to use Software Update. The standalone installer is a useful
option when you need to update multiple computers but only want to
download the update once. The Mac OS X 10.5.2 Update standalone
installer is available from Apple Support Downloads.
Leopard Graphics Update 1.0 for OS X 10.5.2
Adding another 48.9 MB to
the already humongous OS X 10.5.2 update is the somewhat mysterious
Leopard Graphics Update, which Apple is recommending for all users and
says improves the stability and compatibility of your Mac. This update
requires Mac OS X 10.5.2 to be installed first, and wants a second
reboot.
Reportedly, the Leopard Graphics Update contains mainly graphics
drivers it contains graphics drivers, including an AltivecDVDDriver,
IntelGMA drivers, ATI drivers, GeForce and NVDANV drivers, and a new
OpenGL framework.
System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5.2
You can download the update from Apple.com.
Link: Download
page
Apple Security Update 2008-001 for Mac OS X
10.4.11
About Security Update
2008-001 (Universal)
Security Update 2008-001 (Universal) is recommended for all users
and improves the security of the following components:
Security Update 2008-001 (Universal) SHA1 Digest:
SecUpd2008-001Univ.dmg=
f572a0e29df4b44e124a92d5601ba45772818e02
For explanation of what a SHA1 digest is, visit this website:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n75510
File Size: 28.8 MB
About Security Update 2008-001 (PPC)
Security Update 2008-001 (PPC) is recommended for all users and
improves the security of the following components:
Security Update 2008-001 (PPC) SHA1 Digest:
SecUpd2008-001PPC.dmg=
bf3ebc69e094000d48d94e997a4d51f25c4824e0
For explanation of what a SHA1 digest is, please visit this
website:
http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n75510
File Size: 16.7 MB
Reviews
Core 2 Mac mini 'as Powerful as a Larger
Desktop'
PC Magazine's Joel
Santo Domingo reports:
"The Apple Mac mini has been around in one form or another for
almost three years, and while the internal components have changed, the
general concept and overall design has stayed the same . . .
but now that it's equipped with the Core 2 Duo processors, it is as
powerful as a larger desktop while retaining its power (and space)
savings. The Apple Mac mini appeals to both space-constrained and
green-thinking PC users."
Link: Apple Mac mini
(2-GHz Core 2 Duo)
Products & Services
20x SuperDrive for Most Desktop Macs from $35
PR: Other World Computing (OWC), a leading Mac and PC
technology company, has announced new SuperDrive optical drives for all
Mac computers, including Mac Pro; PowerBook G4 Titanium 15", 12/15/17"
Aluminum; iBook G4; PowerMac G3, G4, G5; iMac G4; and eMac.
Whether upgrading from a read-only drive, replacing an older
SuperDrive or adding additional optical drive, OWC's SuperDrives are
priced right and are Plug & Play easy to install. OWC offers the
newest, fastest, and quietest SuperDrive technology from Pioneer,
including 20x DL SuperDrive DVR-115D to read and write DVDs, CDs, and
dual-layer DVDs. Capacity for dual layer DVDs is 8.5 GB at speeds of
10X; regular DVDs for 4.7 GB capacity at 20x; and CDs for 700 MB at
40X.
"Replacing an existing optical drive or even adding an additional
drive lets you enjoy the latest DVD and CD authoring performance and
reliability," said Larry O'Connor, President, Other World Computing .
"For most Macs, this is an incredibly easy upgrade and one of great
return for anyone who's currently making or planning to make their own
DVDs or CDs."
OWC makes it easy to upgrade to fast DVD/CD burners compatible with
the latest software, such as Apple iLife, Apple Discburner, Roxio
Toast, NTI Dragonburn, and other CD/DVD authoring applications.
SuperDrives are available immediately from OWC priced starting at
$29.99. Online installation guides and videos show users how to quickly
install.
Link: SuperDrive
page, OWC
MacRecycler.com Wants to Buy Your Old Macs
PR: Don't know what to do with your used Macintosh Computer?
Sell it to MacRecycler.
G3Apples.com (The Apple Liquidator) is now MacRecycler.com (The
Apple Recycler)
Power Macs, Power Books, iBooks & Mac minis - any G4, G5, or
Intel Mac. Visit the MacRecycler Service Page to request a quote.
They pay for the shipping. Broken Screen? No Problem. Bad Hard
Drive? Not an Issue. Dead Battery? No Trouble at all.
New Program Coming Soon:
Donate your old Mac and Apple Recycler will refurbish it and give it
local charities or low income families.
- MacRecycler.com
- 905 Crestview Rd
- Newton, NJ 07860
Link: MacRecycler.com
OWC's 'Quick Install' Guide for Mac Pro 800 MHz
Memory
PR: Other World Computing (OWC), a leading Mac and PC
technology company and leading after-market supplier of memory upgrades
for the Mac Pro, today announced its new "Quick Install" Guide for OWC
Memory Upgrade Kits for the latest Mac Pro 8-Core Xeon models for the
fastest, easiest installation a user can do on their own. Priced as low
as $48.75 per GB, OWC memory upgrades offer a savings of well over 70%
as compared to factory-installed and other competitors.
There are some slight changes to the memory riser configuration vs.
the prior model, so users need to plan for a slightly different memory
installation procedure. To simplify the process, OWC has created both a
standard "Quick Install" Guide included with every Mac Pro 800 MHz
Memory set shipped and an online video installation guide to show just
how easy it is to install. As OWC's guide and online video affirms
(link below), Mac Pro memory is an easily user installable upgrade.
OWC (FB-DIMM) 800 MHz DDR2 72-Bit ECC fully-buffered Memory Upgrade
Modules are available in matched sets of 1 GB, 2 GB, and
4 GB modules for up to 32 GB of total memory (see full pricing
info below).
OWC Memory Module New Pricing:
- 2 GB Matched Sets (1 GB Module x 2) for as low as
$60.00/GB
- 4 GB Matched Sets (2 GB Module x 2) for as low as
$48.75/GB
- 8 GB Matched Sets (4 GB Module x 2) for as low as
$85.94/GB
OWC has been providing memory to upgrade Apple computers for nearly
20 years. In August of 2006, OWC was the first to provide true
Apple-Qualified memory for the first Apple Mac Pro Quad Xeon computers
at independent prices and now without delay, has the new 800 MHz memory
available for these most recent Apple Mac Pro 8-Core Xeon models. OWC
Memory Upgrade Kits provide premium quality, fully tested modules that
completely meet and/or exceed all Apple specifications. Utilizing
superior components, including true Apple-Qualified heat spreaders, the
modules provide a lifetime of high-performance, reliable operation
backed by OWC's Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty.
Cash Back Trade-in Rebate
A cash-back rebate of up to $55 per set is also available from OWC
for the trade-in of Apple factory memory. Available for immediate
order, the OWC Memory Upgrade Kits consist of matched pairs of FB-DIMM
modules manufactured to Apple's stringent Mac Pro specifications, far
exceeding JEDEC (the leading developer of solid-state industry
standards) specifications. For additional information on OWC's Mac Pro
8-Way Quad Xeon Memory Modules, see the Mac Pro Memory page or call
toll free (800) 275-4576.
OWC also offers a full line of memory for upgrading nearly every
Apple model made from the last twenty years, including MacBook, MacBook
Pro, iMac, PowerMac, and PowerBook computers. The full OWC Memory line,
as well as a compatibility guide which directs customers to the correct
upgrades for each specific Apple model, can be found online.
Software
TechTool Deluxe 3.1.2 Updater for AppleCare Version
of TechTool Deluxe
TechTool Deluxe is included with Apple's AppleCare Protection
Plan.
Updates TechTool Deluxe 3.0.x to version 3.1.2 for the AppleCare
Protection Plan.
NOTE: Version 3.1.2 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or greater.
For complete change list, see the ReadMe file.
Owners of TechTool Deluxe are eligible to upgrade to the premiere
diagnostic and repair utility TechTool Pro. It includes many features
that are not available in TechTool Deluxe.
New in version 3.1.2:
- Full Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) compatibility.
- Other minor changes and feature enhancements.
- Updated localization.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- TechTool Deluxe 3.0.x or later.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Link:
TechTool Deluxe 3.1.2 Updater
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.
