[3/31] Apple Corps vs Apple Computer over Logos--Give Us a Break: A picture says a thousand words (maybe more) so here are the two logos in dispute in a British court:

_ vs _

News accounts (e.g. this one) claim Apple Corps' lawyer showed Apple Computer logos that he found on the iTunes Music Store to the British judge hearing Apple Corps' complaint. We didn't remember them being particularly abundant and couldn't find any in a brief search--maybe the British version is different. In fact, it was hard finding a reasonable-sized Apple Computer logo anywhere on Apple's own web site. The one above is a screen shot of a widget. What silliness. Give us a break! [Bill Fox]

[3/31] Apple Shipped Universal Final Cut Studio 5.1, Universal Aperture 1.1 Delayed to April: Apple is now shipping the first Universal version of its Final Cut Studio video production suite, v5.1. The Intel-based Final Cut Studio 5.1 delivers up to 2.5-times the performance when running on an Intel-based MacBook Pro notebook computer. Final Cut Studio features state-of-the-art tools that complement Final Cut Pro 5 including: Soundtrack Pro, a revolutionary audio editing and sound design application; Motion 2, the world's first real-time motion graphics application with GPU accelerated 32-bit float rendering; and DVD Studio Pro 4 for professional DVD authoring.

"Final Cut Studio continues to set the standard in the new era of HD production,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Marketing. “Now with the incredible performance of Final Cut Studio on a MacBook Pro, customers can work more efficiently wherever they are."

Aperture 1.1, the first Universal version of the revolutionary all-in-one post production tool for photographers featuring greatly improved RAW quality and impressive performance gains on both Intel- and PowerPC-based Macs, will ship in April.

Final Cut Studio 5.1 is available for $1299 or at a bargain crossgrade price of $49 or $99 depending on the software for which one is currently a registered owner.

[3/31] Apple Revised the Offerings from Four Hot Deals Retailers:

Apple Store Special Deals has great deals on a wide variety of Mac products including; Apple Certified Refurbished 20GB iPod with color display for only $199.00!; Apple Certified Refurbished 4GB Silver iPod mini for only $159.00!; Apple Certified Refurbished 1.9GHz 17" iMac G5 w/built-in iSight and SuperDrive for only $1099.00!; Apple Certified Refurbished 1.67GHz 17" PowerBook G4 w/512MB SDRAM and Super Drive for only $1849.00!; and much more.

audioMIDI has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Oxygen 8 v2 25-note velocity-sensitive synth-action keyboard w/USB interface from M-Audio for only $139.00!; Traktor Studio 3 Build your own Controller and Headphones Bundle starting at $199.00; Take control of your digital audio workstation (DAW) with Frontier Design Group's wireless DAW controller for only $195.00 and get the Tranzport Gig Bag free!; Rapture synthesis ignited virtual synthesizer from Cakewalk for only $199.00; Sennheiser CXE Ear Monitors for only $69.99; and much more.

J&R Computerworld has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Blue Microphones' Snowball Professional USB 2.0 microphone for only $149.99!; Samson Audio's C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone for only $79.00!; Audio Technica ATH-PRO5MS camouflage-look stereo headphones for only $47.99!; Edirol's UA-25 USB audio and MIDI interface for music recording for only $234.99; Podcast Factory from M-Audio includes professional audio interface, microphone and headphones for only $134.99; and much more.

Ramjet has Hot Deals exclusive pricing on a wide variety of Mac compatible RAM including; 1GB DDR SDRAM kit for the PowerMac G4 DDR (Mirror Drive Door) for only $96; 2GB DDR2-533 PC2-4200 for the iMac G5 w/iSight for only $283; 2GB SO-DIMM PC2-5300 kit for the new Mac Mini w/Intel Core Duo for only $252!; 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 module for the MacBook Pro for only $129!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/31] Apple Store Refurb Special Deals--Keep Track While Waiting for Your Deal: A new Web site, While Supplies Last, keeps track of refurbs for sale on the online Apple Stores in the U.S. and Canada. It's updated twice daily and has four different RSS feeds.

Official Apple refurbs offered at a considerable discount carry the same 1-year warranty and opportunity to buy AppleCare as new machines. Believe it or not, there are refurbished MacBook Pros available.

While over the years we have had mixed luck with official Apple refurbs (all were from vendors other than the online Apple Store and for difficult-to-find hardware like PowerBook 2400c's and G4 Cubes), Apple always made good on repairs just as if they were "new" machines. [Bill Fox]

<^o))))><

[3/30] Hands-On Report--Apple iPod Updater 2006-03-23 with Volume Limit: Apple released a new updater for the iPod and iPod nano. It is available for download via the automatic Software Update application or as a stand-alone file from this Apple Web page. According to the Read Me file,

iPod Updater 2006-03-23 delivers:

New iPod Software 1.1.1 for iPod
New iPod Software 1.1.1 for iPod nano

For all other iPod models, iPod Updater 2006-03-23 contains the same software versions as iPod Updater 2006-01-10.

Important: After downloading the iPod Updater software, connect your iPod to your computer and launch the iPod Updater application. If iPod Updater determines that your iPod needs to be updated, click the Update button to install the latest software on your iPod.

Features of iPod Software 1.1.1 for iPod and iPod Software 1.1.1 for iPod nano:

Volume limit
Bug fixes

The "Volume Limit" is a new control listed under Settings on the main menu. One can use it to limit the maximum volume that the iPod can play. Concerned parents can also lock the maximum volume with a "combination" numeric code. The details on how to use the Volume Limit setting are on this Apple Web page.

We downloaded iPod Updater 2006-03-23 and updated our iPod with video and iPod nano. The new Volume Limit setting worked as advertised.

When we first checked the Volume Limit setting on our iPod with video we noticed that it was not set all the way up but at about 15% less than maximum. Our iPod nano was set at maximum when we first checked. We left both limits at maximum since we normally set the volume at just over half maximum with earbud headphones and at about 3/4 maximum on an airplane--we don't have small children to be concerned about. [Bill Fox]

[3/30] New DELL Intel Core Duos to Give MacBook Pro a Run for the Money? DELL just announced new notebooks with Intel Core Duo CPUs ranging in speed from 1.66GHz to 2.16GHz with prices starting at $899. The Latitude D620 has a 14.1" wide angle screen at up to 1440x900 resolution, up to Nvidia Quadro NVS 256MB graphics and a weight starting at 4.4lbs. The Latitude D820 is most similar to the 15" MacBook Pro--it has a 15.4" screen at up to 1920x1200 resolution, up to Nvidia Quadro NVS 512MB graphics and a weight starting at 6.1lbs. Configured as close as possible to the $2799 2.16GHz MacBook Pro, the price of the 2.16GHz Latitude D820 is $2,300 (about) but with only the Intel 950 graphics since the Nvidia graphics are not yet available on DELL's Web site.

So the comparable 15" MacBook Pro is thinner and lighter, has a much better looking design, has much better graphics, runs Mac OS X and has a much better software suite but for an additional $499. We hope Apple will soon come out with a smaller MacBook Pro that will rival the 2GHz DELL Latitude D620 Core Duo for us heavy-duty travelers [Bill Fox]

[3/30] Apple Revised the Offerings from Three Hot Deals Retailers:

Publishing Perfection has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; the ScanMaker i800 professional flatbed scanner from Microtek comes with film holders and many extras for only $359.95; Image Maker: The Designers Toolbox from Innovation Multimedia for only $99.95; InDesign CS2 Upgrade from Adobe for only $177.95!; need a logo? Get OCA Enterprise's 10th anniversary edition of Corporate Trademarks and Logo - all in vectorized EPS files for only $495.00; get three complete products for one low price with The Eye Candy 5 Texture/Nature/Impact bundle of photoshop plug-ins for only $198.95; automatically track time and expenses with Gluon's TaskCapture for only $$78.95; and much more.

Small Dog Electronics has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; the LaCie Big Disk Extreme 800GB FW/800/400/USB 2.0 external hard drive for only $666.00; get free shipping when you purchase the Radeon 9800 AGP video card with 256MB of VRAM from ATI for only $249!; get a Canon PowerShot S500 5-megapixel digital camera with a 256MB Kingston Compact Flash card for $439.00; accessorize our storage needs with the pink LaCie Skwarim 30GB USB 2.0 portable hard drive for $149.00; and much more.

Sweetwater Sound has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; M-Audio's iControl w/control parameters for GarageBand or Audio Unit instrument and effect plug-ins for only $149.97!; get your DJ on with Numark's iDJ that allows you to control two iPods at once for only $199.97; Novation ReMOTE SL 25 25-key USB MIDI controller w/2 backlit displays and more for only $399.97!; Digidesign's Music Production Toolkit: Pro Tools LE/Pro Tools M-Powered Plug-in bundle w/soft Synth/Convolution Reverb and more for only $495.00!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/30] Tonight on the Tech Night Owl LIVE--Extra Special Show--Apple, OS X Gripes, Windows XP on a Mac mini and French iPod-Buster Law: This week host Gene Steinberg and his irreverent son and co-host Grayson will welcome Laura Metz from Apple Computer, who will be discussing the Intel-based iMac. Owen Linzmayer, author of "Apple Confidential 2.0," will speak about the Mac OS X features that continue to annoy him. Macworld's Rob Griffiths will be on hand to explain how he installed Windows XP on his new Mac mini. In addition, author Kirk McElhearn will reveal the truth behind those efforts to pass a law in France that threatens to force Apple to open its iPod copy-protection scheme, or close the iTunes Music Store in that country. Tune in the broadcast tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern. [Bill Fox]

[3/29] Avie "Dr. Mac OS X" Tevanian Leaving Apple CTO Position on Friday: According to a News.com account, Apple's Chief Technology Officer Dr. Avie Tevanian will be leaving Apple this Friday to pursue other interests. Dr. Tevanian was recruited from Carnegie Mellon University to NeXT by Steve Jobs and then brought into Apple after Steve Jobs' return. Apple bought NeXT's operating system called NEXTSTEP to be the successor to Mac OS 9, first called Rhapsody and ultimately Mac OS X. Dr. Tevanian was the senior executive responsible for developing NEXTSTEP at NeXT and Mac OS X at Apple.

Here is his bio and photo posted on Apple's Web site:

Avadis "Avie" Tevanian, Jr., Ph.D
Chief Software Technology Officer
Apple

As chief software technology officer, Avie Tevanian focuses on setting company-wide software technology directions for Apple. Tevanian joined Apple in February of 1997 as senior vice president of Software Engineering and is a recognized pioneer in creating cross-platform development environments used worldwide. Tevanian was appointed to his current role in 2003.

Before joining Apple, Tevanian was vice president of Engineering at NeXT and was responsible for managing NeXT’s industry renowned engineering department. Tevanian started his professional career at Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a principal designer and engineer of the Mach operating system upon which NEXTSTEP is based.

Tevanian joined NeXT as an engineer on the NEXTSTEP team in January 1988. He quickly moved up the ranks and managed the operating system, responsible for NEXTSTEP development and technology advances. Tevanian then managed a team responsible for porting NEXTSTEP to RISC-based systems and development of Portable Distributed Objects, the NeXT technology that made it possible to develop software on multiple operating systems. He was vice president of NeXT engineering from March 1995, reporting directly to Steve Jobs.

Tevanian holds a Ph.D. and a Masters of Science degree in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from the University of Rochester.

Apple has not released a press release but the News.com account noted that Apple's current Vice President of Software Engineering, Bertrand Serlet, will continue to lead Apple's software development efforts. [Bill Fox]

[3/29] From the Dark Side--Evil Empire Leader Steve Ballmer Brainwashed His Kids: We haven't posted a "From the Dark Side" column for some time but we couldn't pass this one up.

Yes, it's true according to the man himself. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was quoted by CNNMoney.com as saying, "...I've got my kids brainwashed...." He was gloating about not having an iPod personally when he stated that his kids don't either because he has them brainwashed.

Wonderful. The man who blurted out publicly that he does not know the meaning of the word "monopoly" when he runs the world's most lucrative monopoly and who bounced around on a stage screaming at the top of his lungs in earning the moniker "Monkey Boy" also practices mind control on his own offspring.

Well, maybe his days at Microsoft are numbered. There's dissension in the ranks at Microsoft according to this PC Pro article (registration required) with some blaming the woes of Microsoft's Vista on Ballmer. We hope he stays so as to keep things as they are at the Evil Empire. Besides, we hear from those who know him personally that he really is a very nice person and who else could provide us with such outrageous material for this column? [Bill Fox]

[3/28] BeLight Software Announced Let's get switched Contest for Apple's 30th Anniversary: Apple Computer, Inc., was officially formed on April 1, 1976, so this Saturday marks Apple's 30th anniversary. BeLight Software announced their own switcher contest, Let's get switched, and dedicated it to celebrate Apple's 30th anniversary. Everyone is welcome to participate by sharing their advice on how best to convert a person to using the Mac. All entries must be submitted from this BeLight Web page before Saturday, April 1st. The three best switching ideas, as selected by BeLight's executives, will get a special prize, a one-year subscription to either Macworld or MacAddict magazine each. Join in the fun, check out the official rules and send BeLight your switching idea today. [Bill Fox]

[3/28] Maintenance v3.3 for Mac OS X is Out--Freeware Automator Action: Maintenance v3.3 was released recently and it is available free as a download. It is designed to help run the maintenance tasks that come with Mac OS X to help keep things running smoothly--it's available as a Universal application. There are two new routines in v3.3: Update Locate Database and Update Whatis Database. Jesse Hogie's Maintenance Automator Action is our favorite and we run it every few days on all of our Macs. [Bill Fox]

[3/28] PowerLogix CPU Director v2.3b3 Utility Released for Mac OS X 10.4.5 Compatibility: CPU Director v2.3b3 with Mac OS X 10.4.5 compatibility is available for download via MacUpdate.com. This software utility allows you to view and configure the cache and processor clock speed settings on your PowerLogix CPU upgrade card. The included utilities allow you to enable or disable the cache "on the fly", change the speed at which your backside cache operates and automatically enable the cache at this speed at boot time. For some reason, every update to Mac OS X seems to break this utility. [Bill Fox]

[3/27] Aspyr Media Game Report--Quake 4 for the Mac with Multi-processor Support Out Soon and Universal Binaries for Recent Titles: Aspyr is looking to release Quake 4, The Sims 2 Nightlife and two bundles, Command & Conquer Generals Deluxe Edition and The Sims Complete Collection for the Mac very soon. All are available for preorder now. Amazon.com is showing April 3-10 as the shipping dates for Quake 4.

Aspyr has been moving the SMP (multi-processor) support for Quake 4 from the beta patch released for Windows to the OS X version. Their initial work has shown amazing results, and they hope to have the dual processor aware version of Quake 4 Mac ready to release soon. According to Aspyr, historically it has been difficult for many games to get a speed boost from dual processors, but having access to a very well engineered codebase that is SMP aware on the PC has really helped in this case.

Also, keep your eyes open for the soon-to-be-released Call of Duty 2 and Sid Meier's Civilization IV and more announcements of great titles coming to the Mac from Aspyr. We're waiting for Call of Duty 2, the sequal to our favorite shooter Call of Duty, that was introduced first on Microsoft's Xbox.

Universal binaries are coming for many recent Aspyr games. The last month has seen lots of progress in our Macintosh development efforts on Intel Macs noted Aspyr. Final testing is winding up on Universal patches for The Sims 2 and Civilization 3 Complete, and our first in-the-box Universal game, Quake 4. Having completed a thorough test of all our older games on Intel Macs, we'll now move to some of the other titles. Some of the games most likely to have Universal updates are Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, SimCity 4, Call of Duty (ed. note: WOOHOO!), and Command & Conquer Generals. [Bill Fox]

[3/27] Feral Interactive Released Trailer of Coming Title Imperial Glory: Imperial Glory, Feral's upcoming historical strategy game, hit Beta this past week. To mark this milestone, Feral released a trailer displaying the game's battle scenes in all their military splendour. You can download the trailer in two formats: click here for a standard QuickTime trailer, or click here for a special iPod Video version.

Imperial Glory is a game of military tactics and political strategy in which you lead one of 5 great nations through the turbulent Napoleonic age of the late 18th and early 19th Century. Your role is to make history by transforming a nation into Europe's dominant Empire. Featuring a comprehensive turn-based management mode as well as titanic real-time 3D land and sea battles, Imperial Glory requires sophisticated thinking and a ruthless will to win.

Imperial Glory will be released soon as a Universal Application for Mac OS X. [Bill Fox]

[3/27] TurboTax for Mac 2005 Updated: Those who have yet to file their federal income tax return using TurboTax 2005 should be aware that there have been February and March updates to the product. When running TT Deluxe 2005 this weekend, One-Click Update advised us that updates were available. For those for whom the Update feature does not work, manual updates can be downloaded from this Web site.

Updates are cumulative and are listed beginning with the latest update. Here is the list of updates:

• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 H (March 3, 2006)
  
• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 G (February 22, 2006)
  
• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 F (February 18, 2006)
  
• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 E (February 9, 2006)
  
• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 D (January 26, 2006)
  
• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 C (January 19, 2006)
  
• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 B (January 5, 2006)
  
• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 A (December 13, 2005)
  
• TurboTax 2005, Version: 05.00 (initial release)

[Dana Baggett]

[3/27] SMARTReporter v2.1.5 Now Supports Intel-Based Macs: SMARTReporter is a free application that can warn you of ATA hard-drive failures before they actually happen! It does so by periodically polling the S.M.A.R.T.-status of your hard-drives. S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a technology built into most modern hard-drives that acts as an "early warning system" for pending drive problems. Because SMARTReporter relies on the S.M.A.R.T. implementation of Mac OS X, it only supports ATA or S-ATA hard-drives. SMARTReporter is available for download via MacUpdate.com.

New in 2.1.5:

• Make SMARTReporter finally work on the Intel-Macs
• Fixed a crash on Laptops that had a Flash-Card inserted
• Fixed a small memory leak
• Fixed a bug in the Disk-Image-packaging
• Fixed French translation (thanks to Ronald Leroux)
• Added a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions - with answers ;-)
• Added some string-localizations

We have used SMARTReporter on our Power PC Macs for some time but we have never had an internal drive go bad so we have not seen it work. [Dana Baggett]

[3/25] Apple Revised the Offerings from Three Hot Deals Retailers:

The Apple Store has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; get a $20 mail-in rebate when you buy Toast 7 Titanium from Roxio for only $99.95; Save $40 via mail-in rebate when you buy Norton AntiVirus 10.0 and Norton Personal Firewall 3.0 for only $89.95; buy any Intuit TuboTax product with Quicken 2006 and save $20 via mail-in rebate; also from Intuit, get a $20 instant rebate with your purchase of QuickBooks: Pro 2006; Save $20 via mail-in rebate when you upgrade to the new Adobe Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0; and much more.

B&H Photo Video has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Olympus Stylus S710 7.1MP digital camera for only $349.99; add effects and increase Adobe After Effects rendering speeds by up to 50x wth the Media 100 Ultra Board Ultra BlueICE 2.0 PCI card for only $999.00!; enjoy your music while you cruise with Monster Cable's iCruze LCD display module for your car for only $39.95; with Epson Perfection 4990 Pro flatbed scanner you get the quality of a dedicated film scanner with the flexibility of a flatbed scanner for only $549.99!; Print, copy and scan with the Epson Stylus Photo RX700 all-in-one for only $399.95!; Wacom Graphire3 4x5" Tablet w/USB 2.0 for only $79.95; and much more.

ClubMac has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Maya Complete 7.0 Nodelock for only $1999.00; visualize a trip before go with Topics National Geographic Back Road Explorer 3D for only $47.99; Macromedia Studio 8 for only $399.00; do you need the ability to search online bibliographic databases? Then EndNote 9 from ISI Researchsoft with Spotlight support is for you. Get the upgrade for only $94.99!; Lego Star Wars is on the Mac! From Aspyr for only $29.99!; get World Class Poker with T.J. Cloutier for only $18.99! and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/25] Really Cool Mac Software--MacTracker 4.0.4 is Out and available free for download via MacUpdate.com. While still a Power PC application itself, v4.0.4 of MacTracker adds the Intel-based Macs to its database of everything Apple has ever made including items such as processor speed, memory, upgrade, and expansion options. Also included is information on Apple monitors, printers, scanners, digital cameras, Newtons and versions of the Mac OS.

Version 4.0.4 also adds an updated release for the iPod that adds the startup and death chimes. Also included is information on the type of firmware each Mac model has along with the power provided by its FireWire ports.

This is a "must have" Mac app and it's donationware. [Dana Baggett]

[3/24] Hands-On Report--SuperDuper! 2.1, A Universal Backup Application: After we set up a new miniMate 80 GB external Firewire hard drive as a clone to our 20" iMacIntel described here, we wanted to maintain it without having to clone the entire drive over and over again. Incidentally, one advantage of the miniMate is that it is not bundled with a back up application of someone else's choice and presumably is priced lower for that reason.

So, we searched for

• A Universal backup application that could do fast incremental backups from our internal GUID formatted iMacIntel hard drive to update our GUID formatted external FireWire miniMate drive.
• A relatively proven application that was simple enough for a non-techie type to understand and that could also produce a clone drive that would reliably boot our iMacIntel.
• Good customer support "just in case."
• Reasonable documentation and a "free trial."
• An application written with the new MacIntels in mind, not just ported over from the PPC version.
• Oh, and finally, we didn't want to pay too much (Ed. Note: The author is also known as "Bargain Man").

We thought our readers might identify with most, if not all, of these criteria and we wanted to find an application that achieved a majority of them.

Our search for a Universal incremental backup application started a month ago when there were few such applications available. So we had time to pick and choose. We decided to listen to vox populi - the "Voice of the People." (Those of us of a certain age remember "Vox Pop" on the - gasp! - radio. Do you? More here. But we digress.) What were users saying about such applications. We had been using a certain heavyweight incremental backup data application that did not produce bootable clones. So, we were "out of the loop."

We read lots of user comments on such web sites as MacUpdate.com. We read various reviews. We will spare the innocent any aspersions. The overwhelming favorite seemed to be SuperDuper! And we read on the developer's Web site that a Universal version was in beta testing and wasn't just a recompilation for Intel Macs. When version 2.1 was recently released, we jumped on it. Actually, we bought it for $27.95 since we wanted to use its SmartUpdate feature to do incremental backups. You can download and use it for free forever as long as you're willing to back up everything on your hard drive every time. We weren't.

We've taken several paragraphs to tell you how we decided on SuperDuper! v2.1 as our preferred backup application. You might wonder if we now plan to take you through each of the backup steps. We don't - because the developer has done a terrific job of describing each step and providing screen shots. In our experience, the application is simple to use, works well, fast and performs exactly as described. One option it offers is to boot into the clone drive after it has finished updating it, as proof of its effectiveness. That's a nice idea. Many users of other backup applications write that it wasn't until a crisis came that they discovered that their backup didn't work!

SuperDuper! v2.1 met several of our above criteria flawlessly. But, what about customer support. We didn't have any trouble that necessitated help but we had an idea to share with the developer so we wrote him about it. A reply came in a couple of minutes (!) suggesting that we visit the SuperDuper! user forums. Holy Cow! Lots of information in the form of FAQs and a general discussion forum as well with rapid responses from the developer. But wait! There's more. A 60 page User's Guide is available for download. A nice feature is that the documentation is integrated with the application. Reach a stage when you want some advice? Click on Help! in the Menu Bar and you can access the User's Guide as well as other info. Have you ever noticed that the applications that work really well also seem to have the best customer support, too?

We like our experience with SuperDuper! We've used it successfully several times since our first update. And perhaps that's the bottom line. [Dana Baggett]

[3/24] Shadow of the Colossus from Sony Wins Big in 2006 Game Developers Choice Awards: The Game Developers Choice Awards are given each year at the annual Game Developers Conference (GDC:06). GDC:06 is happening this week in San Jose, CA. Shadow of the Colussus from Sony Computer Entertainment received the Best Game Award and was the winner in four other categories: Character Design, Game Design, Innovation and Visual Arts. There are eight award categories altogether and Shadow of the Colossus won 5.

Unfortunately, there is no Mac version of Shadow of the Colussus, a Sony Playstation game. Call of Duty 2, coming to the Mac soon from Aspyr Media, was nominated in the Audio category but did not win.

The Independent Games Festival which immediately preceeded the Game Developers Choice Awards, gave Darwinia its top prize. Darwinia is published by Ambrosia Software for the Mac. There are other Mac-compatible titles among the other IGF prize winners. [Bill Fox]

[3/24] US Government Supports Apple in French iTunes Tiff: France's lower house of parliament passed a copyright law this week that would require Apple to open its digital rights management (DRM) technology to allow consumers to use songs downloaded from iTunes on any music player, not just on an Apple iPod. To become law, however, the upper house also needs to pass the law.

Apple has likened the law to state-supported piracy and yesterday the US Commerce secretary sided with Apple's position. Sec. Carlos Gutierrez stated support for Apple's defense of its intellectual property and that the French law needed a further look. More... [Dana Baggett]

[3/24] Apple Revised the Offerings from Three Hot Deals Retailers:

macgamestore has deals on hot games for your Mac - plus a Hot Deals exclusive 5% discount at check out!; Fresh adventures in extreme gardening with Garden Dreams from Toybox Games for only $19.99; Square off against the world's most elite commanders for battlefield domination in Command and Conquer Generals Deluxe Edition from Asypr for only $59.95; Choose from over 300 layouts and four game modes from super easy to extremely challenging with the board game Mah Jong Medley from GameHouse for only $19.99!; also from GameHouse comes Acropolis - travel across mythical lands and collect stunning relics in this lexical (vocabulary) adventure for only $19.99!; If you don't want easy games, stacked shuffles, hints, cheats or hollow victories then Solavant from Smallware is for you. Get 160 different types of strategic solitaire for only $27.00 (digital download only); and much more.

O'Reilly Media has deals on a wide variety of Mac related books with Hot Deals exclusive pricing including; Photoshop Retouching Cookbook for Digital Photographers tells you everything you need to know to adjust, correct, retouch, and manipulate your photographs-without making you first learn everything there is to know about Photoshop CS2 for only $23.96; Photoshop Blending Modes Cookbook for Digital Photographers shows you how to use blending modes to achieve a wide range of image adjustments and special effects-without first having to learn everything there is to know about Photoshop for only $23.96; Photoshop Fine Art Effects Cookbook tells you all you need to know to turn your digital photographs into images that mimic the styles of great visual artists for only $23.96!; Photoshop Filter Effects Encyclopedia explains and decodes the settings of every filter that Photoshop CS2 has to offer for only $23.96; Photoshop Photo Effects Cookbook shows you how to use Photoshop CS2 to simulate classic camera and darkroom techniques and special effects for only $19.96; and much more.

PowerMax has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; LaCie mini 250GB FW Hard Drive. Add storage to your Mac mini the elegant way for only $169.00!; Canon Powershot A540 6-megapixel digital camera with 4x optical zoom for only $284.99!; Airplug G Wireless USB 802.11g adapter for only $47.99!; A must have for serious gamers, the 256MB Radeon 9800 Pro Mac Edition Video card from ATI for only $284.99; Hewlett Packard Deskjet 9800 color inkjet printer that will handle prints from 3x5" to 13x19" for only $294.99!; Now you can use your car's cassette controls to command your iPod with the SmartDeck Cassette Adapter from Griffin Technology for only $29.88!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/23] Microsoft Delays Vista Release Until 2007--Does That Help Mac? The release of Vista, the next version of Windows, will be delayed from the second half of 2006 to early 2007 according to yesterday's Microsoft announcement. This is just the latest schedule slip for the successor to Windows XP. Vista was formerly code-named "Longhorn" until the "long-" jokes got to be just too much for Microsoft. The Microsoft claim is that the schedule slip is being done to increase quality. Why should we care? Well, some have written that this helps Apple's Mac OS X and computers. But does it?

How does this latest delay help the Mac? Supposedly, according to the argument advanced by some, there are all these Windows users out there just salivating to drop a wad of dough on a new computer during the 2006 holiday season and just because there won't be any new Windows OS, they'll be really upset and buy a Mac instead. Okay, it would be nice if that happens but we don't think it will in any significant numbers. No one with even half a brain "looks a gift horse in the mouth" no matter how small but, in general, rebound relationships are not likely to be stable ones.

What if Apple uses this delay to release its new Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" first, beating Microsoft to the market with a clearly better OS than Vista? This is an unlikely timeframe, in our opinion, because Leopard is likely to be first released to developers in August at it's Worldwide Developers Conference. Our guess is that Leopard will be specifically optimized for 32-bit and 64-bit Intel-based Macs with all major third-party software running on it natively. Apple's conversion to all Intel-based Macs may not be complete until the quad-core Intel CPUs ship early in 2007. Besides, we know that Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger" is already a better OS than Vista will be, with features that Microsoft had to drop from Vista to get it to market at all--right?

We also think the slip in Vista's schedule will benefit Apple. Not because it gives Apple any sort of early jump but because it gives Apple more time to develop Leopard and combine it with new fabulously-designed, blow-me-away, Intel-based hardware that leaps the slothful Microsoft and its BUB-makers in a single, well-timed bound! [Bill Fox]

[3/23] WARNING! Bogus IRS Refund Email Sent to Mac Users--Here's One: Yesterday, we noted a warning carried by PC World that phishers are using a fake IRS email and Web site to collect personal information. One of the phishers must have read our article because we immediately got one. Here it is:

The "click here" link goes to this URL <http://asf74.internetdsl.tpnet.pl/XXXXX/IRS/.tax-refund/caseid886432/>, a non-US server. The URL no longer works but a portion of the URL was replaced with X's just in case.

Remember, the IRS never uses email to communicate. Don't fall for this scam. [Bill Fox]

[3/23] O'Reilly Published iPod & iTunes: The Missing Manual, Fourth Edition: An iPod is many things to many people, but it can be much more than most people realize. That's where iPod & iTunes: The Missing Manual comes in. Like the device itself, this book is a long-running bestseller, now in its fourth edition. What makes it so popular is the wealth of useful, accessible information it provides--especially since Apple doesn't supply a manual of its own. Fully updated, iPod & iTunes: The Missing Manual by J.D. Biersdorfer (O'Reilly, ISBN: 0-596-52675-X, 328 pages, $24.99) gives you everything you need to evolve with each new version of iPod and iTunes. [Bill Fox]

[3/22] Apple and Maine Education Department Extend iBook Contract Four More Years: Maine's Department of Education and Apple Computer have reached agreement on a contract that extends the historic Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) with Apple iBooks for four more years according to a Maine press release. The agreement places a new Apple 1.33GHz 12" iBook G4 in the hands of every seventh and eighth grader and their teachers in the State of Maine, about 36,000 in total. The final contract terms were not revealed as yet but it is said to cost less than the $37 million contract for the first four years. Also included is updating the AirPort wireless systems in all middle schools, training and four year warranties.

Here are the details:

Professional Development:

• Summer 2006 training for teachers, principals and tech coordinators and ongoing professional development.

Per Seat Cost:

• $289

Device Description:

• Apple iBook 12.1”, 1.33 Ghz G4, 1GB RAM, 40 GB HD, 802.11b/g, 10/100 ethernet, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, slot-load CDRW-DVD ROM (24x CD-R, 16x CDRW, 8x DVD-ROM, 24x CD-ROM), 4.9 lbs

Applications:

• Pages, Appleworks, Mail, Dictionary & Thesaurus, Grapher, Keynote, iWeb, iMovie HD, iPhoto, iDVD, GarageBand, iTunes, Safari, iChatAV, iCal, Preview http://www.apple.com/software/
• NoteTaker http://www.aquaminds.com
• NeoOffice http://www.neooffice.org/
• Pasco DataStudio http://www.pasco.com/datastudio/
• GRASS GIS http://grass.itc.it/
• GIMP http://www.gimp.org/
• World Book Encyclopedia http://mackiev.com/world_book.html
• Journler http://journler.phildow.net/
• Anti-virus software

Communication

• Mac OS X Server hosted POP accounts for all users, private messaging accounts inside StudyWiz hosted environment for all users

Collaboration

• Hosted StudyWiz environment, http://www.studywiz.com/

Software Updating

• Apple Remote Desktop, 2 admin licenses per school

Software Restore

• MLTI Firewire Restore method. 1 drive per 30 student devices deployed.

Operating System

• Mac OS 10.4.x, Apple Maintenance Program, includes all Operating System revisions for the term of the contract.

Wireless Network

• Apple will expand network coverage as necessary to meet requirements (see Section 3.4.2 of the RFP). Will upgrade all switches and access points (Airport Extreme, 802.11g). If necessary, Apple will use PoE.

Support

• Extended warranty coverage for the term of the contract.
• Spare devices allocated to each school.
• Apple will provide 1-800 Help Desk services.

Backups

• Users have off-site storage using backup solution software, 100MB per student, 500 MB per teacher

Four years ago, Macs Only! broke the story on Apple winning the historic MLTI iBook contract with Maine that was subsequently announced by Apple. [Dana Baggett]

[3/22] Vebatim Announced New 16MB FlashDisc Storage Technology for Mac OS X--Out in April: Verbatim Corp. announced a new storage solution, the Verbatim16MB FlashDisc. The innovative FlashDisc is not only a brand new product, it forms the basis for an entirely new flash-based media category. Available in rich, vibrant colors, Verbatim FlashDiscs can be used for cost-effectively exchanging data or as an alternative to leaving behind hardcopy business presentations. Depending upon the file size, each 16MB FlashDisc can hold hundreds of documents, dozens of presentations or photos or a handful of MP3 files.

Verbatim’s FlashDisc is ideal for users who simply want a low-cost way to transport modest-capacity digital files from one computer to another or to share files on a disc that doesn’t necessarily have to be returned. Students can keep multiple FlashDiscs for each class subject and can access the information any time, anywhere. People of all ages can use FlashDiscs to distribute photos or favorite songs to friends and family. Businesses can share data and presentations with colleagues. Weighing approximately 0.3 oz., the Verbatim FlashDisc measures 2.35 inches in diameter and is 0.35 inches high. The drive is fully compatible with Mac OS 9.x and Mac OS X 10.x.

Developed by M-Systems, the Verbatim FlashDisc will be available in April. With an MSRP of only $19.99 for a 3-pack, the new media is set to revolutionize the way consumers, students and office workers exchange photos, music and other digital data files. More... [Bill Fox]

[3/22] Phishers Using Bogus IRS Email/Web Site: According to a PC World article, the IRS is warning all taxpayers that the crooks are out in full force sending bogus emails phishing for personal information on bogus cloned IRS Web sites. Don't fall for it. The IRS never uses email. More... [Dana Baggett]

[3/21] Mac OS X (Intel)--Bootable Drives Need GUID Partition Scheme as we noted yesterday in our Hands-On Report on the MiniMate used as an external bootable FireWire drive for our 2GHz iMac Core Duo. With one exception that we discovered, an Intel-based Mac can only install Mac OS X on a disk with the GUID_partition_scheme. This partition scheme is a new step for Mac users.

If you have a new Intel-based Mac and reformat your internal drive, make sure that when you use Disk Utility to do so that you click on the "Options" button under the "Partition" tab and select the GUID_partition_scheme. Why? Because the partition scheme needed on Intel-based Macs is the GUID_partition_scheme.

In addition, hard drives that you buy that have been formatted for the Mac will most likely have been formatted with the Apple_partition_scheme. They need to be re-partitioned with the GUID_partition_scheme before your Intel-based Mac can install Mac OS X on it. The default partition scheme in Disk Utility on Intel-based Macs is the partition scheme currently installed.

The one exception we have found is that Carbon Copy Cloner can clone an Mac OS X (Intel) startup drive to an Apple_partition_scheme drive and it will boot an Intel-based Mac. However, Mac OS X (Intel) still cannot be installed on the drive without re-partitioning it.

Note that the Apple_partition_scheme works with Intel-based Macs on disks that do not need to have Mac OS X (Intel) installed.

Our main question is why has Apple not made the GUID_partition_scheme the default partition scheme in Disk Utility running on an Intel-based Mac? The second question is why has Apple hidden the required partition scheme selection two levels away under a button labeled "Options" in Disk Utility? Hopefully, Apple will fix this in a subsequent version of Mac OS X (Intel). More... [Bill Fox]

[3/21] QuickerTek Released MacBook Pro Connect--Super WiFi Antenna: The MacBook Pro Connect is a super antenna that is now available for the new MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro Connect is the fastest and easiest way to add superior wireless networking to the new MacBook Pro without wires. Many antenna products require that you open the computer case to attach cables to the internal wireless card. MacBook Pro Connect eliminates this requirement - making improved wireless performance within the reach of every MacBook Pro user.

"The Connect product is perfect for MacBook Pro users because it delivers on the Mac's legendary 'ease of use' promise. No wires, no surgery and no hassle. It also extends the accelerated performance levels that has made the MacBook Pro such as hit," said Rick Estes, president of QuickerTek.

The MacBook Pro Connect is available in two versions--one powered by either the included AC power adapter or through USB for $199.95 and the other is powered through an internal battery for $229.95. See the MacBook Pro Connect at this QuickerTek Web page. [Bill Fox]

[3/21] Apple Revised the Offerings from Two Hot Deals Retailers:

MacMall has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Sony SDM-S205KB 20" LCD Display with DVI for only $599.00; MicroTek ScanMaker S400 flatbed scanner for only $119.99 after $20 mail-in rebate!; Enfocus PitStop Pro 6.5 & Instant PDF 3.5 for only $627.99; Epson PictureMate Deluxe Viewer Portable Photo Printer with Built-in Color LCD for only $199.00; LaCie 120GB USB 2.0 Safe Moble Hard Drive with Fingerprint Access Control for only $293.99; X2Gen MG17R 17" LCD Display with Speakers for only $129.99 after $99.00 mail-in rebate;and much more.

Ramjet has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible RAM including; 512MB DDR SDRAM DIMM for the PowerMac G4 DDR (Mirror Drive Door) for only $48.00; 512MB DDR SO-DIMM for iBook G4 for only $63.00; 1G DDR2-233 PC2-4200 for iMac G5 w/built-in iSight for only $88.00; 1G DDR400 DIMM for original flat-panel iMac G5 for only $135.00!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/20] Hands-On Report--MicroNet MiniMate External FireWire Drive with a 20" 2GHz iMac Core Duo: We needed to replace our failing external BUSlink FireWire hard drive with another drive that fits perfectly under our iMac Core Duo like the BUSlink does. We're not a fan of fans and most options on the market have one that runs audibly, at least on occasions. We also need more USB and FW ports than are provided on the iMac (three and two, respectively) so a fan-less external FireWire drive that can act as a hub is what we are after...oh...and the lowest street price would be nice, too.

The MicroNet MiniMate fits our requirements perfectly so we bought a 7200 RPM, 80GB model for less than $110. Other sizes--160GB, 250GB, 400GB--are available for those who need more space. The external dimensions of the MiniMate are identical to the Mac mini, a form factor that happens to fit very nicely on top of the pedestal foot of the iMac Core Duo. The periphery of the underside of the MiniMate has a series of vent slots for convection cooling and the bottom has a rubberized non-slip surface. It has silver metal sides that match the iMac pedestal perfectly and a white top that is the same shade as the iMac Core Duo.

The MiniMate ships with a 7 inch FireWire cable and a 9 inch USB 2.0 cable. These turned out to be the perfect lengths to plug into the horizontal strip of ports on the back of the iMac Core Duo. By plugging both the USB and the FW cables into the iMac, the drive functions as a FireWire drive and acts as a hub with two live FW and three live USB ports. The drive supports booting Mac OS X with FireWire. Unfortunately, no enclosure-only version is available for those who already have a bare hard drive.

We positioned the MiniMate a quarter turn to the left to better accommodate the cable connections to the back of the iMac Core Duo. Doing so has the added advantage of positioning the on/off switch where it can be easily reached on the right side, of making connecting other cables is more convenient and of presenting a clean face to the front, i.e. hiding the logo. A black logo on the white top of the MiniMate disappears from view under the iMac itself. An activity light intended to be viewed through a pinhole on the front now turned to the left side is easily visible by reflection from under the drive. A very neat and practical place for an iMac external drive. It even stays in place on top of the pedestal when you turn the iMac.

Now to get the MiniMate working. Although we intend to use the MiniMate drive to back up personal files on the iMac Core Duo, we want to install Mac OS X (Intel) on it to be able to boot from it as well. According to Apple Article ID: 303220, An Intel-based Mac can only install Mac OS X on a disk with the 'GUID_partition_scheme.', the Intel-native partitioning scheme. The MiniMate comes with the Power PC Apple partition scheme installed so we re-formatted it with the GUID partition scheme using Disk Utility.

To install Mac OS X, we put the Mac OS X 10.4.4 Install Disc 1 that came with the iMac Core Duo in its SuperDrive. By the way, we picked up a helpful tip from MacFixIt that we're delighted to pass along.

Helpful tip: You can install Mac OS X on an external drive without having to restart from the install DVD by going to /System/Installation/Packages on the DVD with Spotlight and double-clicking on the OSinstall.mpkg file.

The installation went well and we ejected the disc and booted our iMac Core Duo from the MiniMate external FW drive.

Here's the best part. The MiniMate now acted as if it were a new Mac and activated the SetUp Assistant. After the rudimentary registration preface, we were asked if we wanted to transfer all our data from another Mac or another partition. We chose partition, hoping that meant our iMac Core Duo's internal hard drive. It did! We were also asked to select which files to transfer; we chose all of them. In a very short time, the transfer was accomplished.

How's its speed? The MiniMate external FW drive scored 38 on Xbench 1.2's Disk speed test. By comparison, the 2GHz iMac Core Duo's internal drive scored 92 on the same test. But relative to our iMac G5 (Rev. A) internal drive's score of 43 and our Mac mini Core Duo's 30, the MiniMate does reasonably well.

In summary, we are quite pleased with our 80GB MiniMate. It fits very well aesthetically with our iMac Core Duo, runs completely silently and well after a month of use, gives us three extra USB 2.0 ports and two extra FireWire 400 ports and is a reasonable cost at only $110.

After searching for a Universal Binary application that will permit us to keep the two drives synchronized, we settled on SuperDuper! v2.1. Stay tuned for a future Macs Only! Hands-On Report. [Dana Baggett]

[3/20] O'Reilly Published Adobe InDesign CS2 One-on-One: If you're ready to master Adobe InDesign, there's nothing like having your own personal tutor, and nothing may come closer than the new Adobe InDesign CS2 One-on-One (O'Reilly, US $44.99) book from Deke McClelland--a comprehensive training package complete with sample files, full color images, and over two hours of video on DVD. Adobe InDesign CS2 One-on-One lets readers see InDesign in action and proceed at their own pace. Under Deke's seasoned guidance, through twelve step-by-step lessons and relevant, real-world projects readers will learn fundamental and advanced concepts, theories, techniques, and best practices for making the most out of InDesign. [Bill Fox]

[3/20] WAPi March General Meeting Next Saturday--Podcasting Featured: Chuck Joiner, editor-in-chief of the MugCenter web site and key participant in MacNotables and MacVoices web site podcasts, will create a podcast during the Washington Apple Pi (WAPi), Washington Metro area Macintosh user group, meeting on March 25, 2006, at 9 a.m. at Microsoft’s Innovation and Technology Center in Reston, VA.

In addition to identifying the Macintosh hardware, software, and accessories needed for podcast production, Joiner will then use these tools to create a polished podcast for posting to either the http://www.macVoices.com or http://www.macNotables.com web site, depending on who Joiner interviews and the topic discussed. The interview will occur during the meeting using a "voice-over-internet" phone (VOIP).

The meeting, open to the public, starts at 9 a.m. at the Microsoft Innovation & Technology Center, 12012 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA, 20190.

[3/18] Apple Posted Purpose of Security Update 2006-002 v1.1: Yesterday we noted that Apple had re-issued Security Update 2006-002 as v1.1. Late yesterday, Apple posted this Web page that explained that v1.1 fixes a problem with Safari created if Safari had been moved from the Applications folder prior to running v1.0. If one did this, Safari would get a generic icon and malfunction. v1.1 should be applied after deleting the malfunctioning Safari icon to fix Safari. [Bill Fox]

[3/18] Adobe Posted Preview Edition of Macromedia Flash Player 8.0.27 with Universal Binary for Intel Macs: As we were first to note Tuesday night for Wednesday's edition, Macromedia's latest Flash Player 8.0.24 update does not work correctly with the version of Safari that comes on Intel Macs. The workarounds were to revert to the version of Flash Player that came with Mac OS X 10.4.5 (Intel), to force Safari to run in Rosetta or to use a web browser that runs normally in Rosetta like Mozilla's Sea Monkey.

Now, Adobe has posted a preview universal edition of Flash Player v8.0.27 that is available, along with details, from this Adobe Web page. In our hands-on testing 8.0.27 works fine with Safari on our 20" 2GHz iMac Core Duo, displaying version 8.0.27 on the Flash Player test page. When the Flash Player test page is viewed with Sea Monkey, it shows v8.0.24 as it should for a web browser running in Rosetta.

For the future, Adobe states:

Adobe plans to support the new Intel-based Macs with Flash Player 8.5, after the initial release of the Windows and PowerPC-based Mac versions.

Adobe has also provided a PDF FAQ covering Flash Player support on Intel-based Macs. [Dana Baggett & Bill Fox]

[3/18] FREE iChat Icons for .Mac Members: Apple has provided free a set of icons that may be used during iChat sessions by .Mac members. Log in to your .Mac account and you can see the following message:

Your .Mac ID lets you use iChat AV to exchange messages with everyone on the .Mac and AIM instant messaging networks. As an additional benefit, messages exchanged among .Mac members are automatically encrypted (except for text chats involving more than two people).

If you've never played around with iChat AV you may not have discovered how easily you can switch among icons when you use the application. We've created a page that explains how it works and, as long as you're a .Mac member, lets you download some distinctive icons to play with. You can use what you download as long as you like, but we can only offer some of the sets for a limited time. Until June 1, 2006 to be precise.

[Bill Fox]

[3/17] WoZ Kicks the Bucket: The company Wheels of Zeus (WoZ) founded by Apple co--founder Steve Wozniak is being shut down according to a CNet article. WoZ, a play on Mr. Wozniak's nickname, Woz, was established to pursue personal GPS and wireless technology and other technology ventures. CNet reported that Mr. Wozniak is now in a joint venture with former Apple CEO Gil Amelio and former Apple CTO Ellen Hancock. More... [Bill Fox]

[3/17] [Updated] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple Released Security Update 2006-002 v1.1: Apple released an updated version 1.1 of Security Update 2006-002. We reported on Security Update 2006-002 v1.0 on Tuesday's edition.

The new v1.1 update did not appear in our automatic Software Update application for Power PC or Intel Macs. However, the links to the original Security Update 2006-002 v1.0 no longer work and Apple posted new links for stand-alone updaters of version 1.1 separately for Power PC and Intel Macs as stand-alone "manual" updaters. Apple's information about the new updates does not reveal what makes v1.1 different from v1.0.

We downloaded the stand-alone files for v1.1 and ran them on our Power PC and Intel Macs. They installed and after the requisite reboot the version number shown in the Software Update "Installed Updates" tab did not change, i.e. it is still at v1.0. However, in the Library->Receipts folder of each Mac there is a receipt for 1.1 but not for v1.0.

We ran our Macs with the new Security Update 2006-002 v1.1 for several hours with no apparent ill effects. Why Apple has chosen to do this in this way is a mystery to us. Perhaps, the only thing changed was the installer which may not have worked properly on some configurations. [Update: Late today Apple posted the purpose on this Web page. It's to fix a problem with Safari being relocated from the Applications folder.] [Dana Baggett & Bill Fox]

[3/16] Apple Revised the Offerings from Three Hot Deals Retailers:

CDW Mac Warehouse has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Corel Paint Shop Pro X with free digital camera kit for only $94.99; Konica Minolta 2400W Color Laser Printer for only $399.99!; Sony 5GB Micro Vault Pro USB 2.0 external hard drive for only $169.99; Adobe Creative Suite 2 Premium edition upgrade for only $579.00; Hewlett Parkard DeskJet 5740 Color Inkjet Photo Printer for only $89.00; and much more.

CompUSA has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Viewsonic VA912b 19" LCD Monitor for only $349.99 after $30 mail-in rebate!; Epson Stylus Photo All-in-one inkjet printer for only $199.99 after $100.00 mail-in rebate!; work big with the Infocus X2 dual-duty digital projector for work or entertainment for only $749.99 after $50 mail-in rebate!; Epson P-2000 40GB digital media player for only $449.99 after $50 mail-in rebate!; Store-It 60GB USB 2.0 external hard drive from Pexagon Technology for only $139.99 after $30 mail-in rebate!; and more.

Publishing Perfection has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Color Efex Pro! 2 Standard edition. Get 19-filters for a wide variety of photographic styles and enhancements from from Nik Multimedia for only $95.95!; put the power of Hollywood-style green and blue screen compositing on your desktop with Cinematte plug-ins for Photoshop for only $189.99!; for web design with the ease of desktop publishing get Freeway 4 Pro from SoftPress for only $278.95!; need to learn QuarkXPress in a hurry? Get Learning QuarkXPress 6, a movie-based workshop for beginning QuarkXPress users, from Lynda.com, for only $99.95!; Nikon's Coolpix S4 6.0 megapixel digital camera for only $399.95!; and more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/16] Tonight on the Mac Night Owl LIVE--Authors Leander Kahney and Joe Kissell plus Rob Griffiths on the MacIntel mini: Tonight Gene Steinberg and his irreverent son and co-host Grayson will feature Leander Kahney, author of "The Cult of Mac" and "The Cult of iPod." Just how is the move to Intel processors affecting the cult? You'll also hear hints and tips on getting optimum performance from your Mac from Joe Kissell, author of "Take Control of Maintaining Your Mac." You'll also get a very up-close and personal report covering a week with the new Intel-based Mac mini with Macworld's Rob Griffiths. Tune in the broadcast tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern. [Bill Fox]

[3/15] Brief Hands-On Report--Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.2.3 Update is Out: Microsoft released an updater for Office 2004 for the Mac. According to Microsoft,

After you install this update, you can use Mac OS X Sync Services and Spotlight searches to sync and find Entourage items, use smart cards with Entourage 2004, and enjoy improved overall security and stability when using Microsoft Word 2004, Excel 2004, PowerPoint 2004, and Entourage 2004. This update also includes all of the improvements released in all previous Office 2004 updates.

Fortunately, it is a combo updater so one does not have to save the previous updaters.

We downloaded and installed it with no problem. We don't use Entourge but a brief use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint revealed no issues. [Bill Fox]

[3/15] Brief Hands-On Report--Microsoft Excel X for Mac Security Update is Out: Microsoft released a security update for Excel X of Microsoft Office v.X for the Mac. According to Microsoft,

This update addresses a vulnerability in Excel X that could enable an attacker to use a modified workbook file to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code.

After installing the update, a brief use of Excell X revealed no problems. [Bill Fox]

[3/15] Microsoft Released Microsoft Messenger for Mac 5.1: According to Microsoft,

Messenger for Mac 5.1 makes it easy to take advantage of the full power of instant messaging. By using Messenger for Mac, you can see when your friends, family, and coworkers and associates at other companies are online and then communicate with them instantly.

Messenger for Mac offers two types of communication services — a personal account and a corporate account. A personal account works with the MSN® Messenger service on the Microsoft Passport Network. Contacts that you add to your personal account include friends and family members. A corporate account uses the Microsoft Office Live Communications Server service. Contacts that you add to your corporate account include coworkers who are in the same company as you and associates at other companies. Instant message conversations with other corporate account users are not limited to corporate users who have Messenger for Mac installed on their computers. With the federation features enabled on Live Communications Server, users can also have instant message conversations with users who have other instant messaging services, such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo Messenger, and iChat users who are signed in with AOL accounts.

[Bill Fox]

[3/15] Apple Released Aluminum PowerBook (15-inch) Battery Update v1.1: The update is available for download from this Apple Web page. According to Apple,

This update aids the 15-inch Aluminum PowerBook battery in performing at full capacity.

More details on the update are available on this Apple Web page. The update is only for PowerBook5,8 as shown in the System Profiler under Machine Model or for PowerBook5,2 or 5,4 or 5,6 if a replacement battery was bought after September 2005.

According to Apple, the update is required to keep your battery life up to specification, may recover battery life in some batteries that have developed short run times, and in some cases can recover batteries that are not recognized by the system. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[3/15] Brief Hands-On Report--Adobe Released Macromedia Flash Player 8.0.24--Not for Intel Macs Using Safari: This new version may NOT work with the MacIntel version of Safari. We downloaded and installed v8.0.24 on a number of Macs, including our new Mac mini Core Duo and iMac Core Duo. After installation, the installer automatically opened this Adobe Web page in Safari--it tells one which version of Flash is installed. Every Mac except our Mac mini Core Duo and iMac Core Duo showed Flash was installed and the version was 8.0.24. For our two Core Duos, visiting the Web page with Safari resulted in a drop down message that says Safari cannot find the Internet plugin and offers a Macromedia URL to download one. We checked in the Library->Internet Plug-ins folder and the Flash plugin v8.0.24 was there. We downloaded and ran a new installer but the Adobe test page still stated no Flash plugin was installed. We tried several Web pages that use Flash and, indeed, we got the same drop down message stating that we needed to install the Flash plugin.

The Intel version of Mac OS X 10.4.5 that came with our Mac mini Core Duo had v8.0.17 of the Flash plugin installed. So we replaced the 8.0.24 plugin with 8.0.17 from a backup drive, opened the test Adobe Web page in Safari and then it said Flash was installed but version 8.0.22! Go figure, but at least it works.

When we visited the same Flash Web pages with another Web browser, Mozilla's Sea Monkey, using our Core Duos with v8.0.24 of the Flash plugin, we did not get the drop down message. So it seems (with a sample of two--additional confirmations now have been received) that the version of Safari [2.0.3 (417.9.2)] included with Mac OS X 10.4.5 (Intel) with the Security Update 2006-001 and Security Update 2006-002 has a problem with Macromedia Flash Player 8.0.24. The fix is to not update Flash or to use another Web browser or to force Safari to run in Rosetta (see MacFixIt). [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[3/15] Adobe Released Macromedia Shockwave Player 10.1.1: It is available for download via MacUpdate.com. The installer also puts a plugin in the Library->Internet Plug-ins folder. [Bill Fox]

[3/14] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple Security Update 2006-002: Apple just released Security Update 2006-002 for MacIntels, PPC Macs and PPC Mac Servers running Mac OS X 10.4.5 or 10.3.9.They are available via the automatic Software Update application and as stand-alone updaters (10.4.5 (Intel), 10.4.5 (PPC Client & Server), 10.3.9 Client and 10.3.9 Server). This update adds security and fixes issues introduced by Security Update 2006-001. According to a CNet quote of Bud Tribble, Apple's vice president of software technology,

"This Security Update includes some upgrades to our download validation mechanism and strengthens it. We reduced the number of false positives it gives."

The Read Me file which reads in part,

Security Update 2006-002 is recommended for all users and improves the reliability and security of the following components:

apache_mod_php
CoreTypes
LaunchServices
Mail
Safari
rsync

Additionally, this update incorporates Security Update 2006-001....

Here are further details,

Security Update 2006-002 [...] addresses the following issues:

CoreTypes-- Remote web sites can cause JavaScript to bypass the
same-origin policy
Description: When documents containing Javascript are loaded
from a remote site, data access is restricted by the same-origin
policy. However, under certain situations, maliciously-crafted
archives can cause these restrictions to be bypassed. This
update addresses the issue by flagging these documents as
unsafe.

Mail--Double-clicking an attachment in Mail may result in
arbitrary code execution
Description: By preparing a specially-crafted email message with
attachments, and enticing a user to double-click on that
attachment within Mail, an attacker may trigger a buffer
overflow. This could result in the execution of arbitrary code
with the privileges of the user running Mail. This issue
addresses the issue by performing additional bounds checking.
This issue does not affect systems prior to Mac OS X v10.4.
Credit to Kevin Finisterre of DigitalMunition for reporting this
issue.

Safari, LaunchServices, CoreTypes--Viewing a malicious web site may result in arbitrary
code execution
Description: Security Update 2006-001 addressed an issue where
Safari could automatically open a file which appears to be a
safe file type, such as an image or movie, but is actually an
application. This update provides additional checks to identify
variations of the malicious file types addressed in Security
Update 2006-001 so that they are not automatically opened. This
issue does not affect systems prior to Mac OS X v10.4. Credit to
Will Dormann of CERT/CC and Andris Baumberger for reporting
several of these issues.

The following non-security issues introduced by Security Update
2006-001 are also addressed by this update:

• Download Validation: Security Update 2006-001 could cause the
  user to be warned when provided with certain safe file types,
  such as Word documents, or folders containing custom icons.
  These unneeded warnings are removed with this update.
• apache_mod_php: A regression in PHP 4.4.1 that could prevent
  SquirrelMail from functioning is corrected with this update.
• rsync: A regression in rsync that prevented the "--delete"
  command line option from functioning is corrected with this
  update.
  

We downloaded Security Update 2006-002 via Software Update and installed it on MacIntels (iMac and Mac mini) plus a Power Mac G5, Power Mac G4, iMac G5, Mac mini G4 and PowerBook G4. No problems were encountered while updating nor during hours of use since applying the update.

For some reason, installation of Security Update 2006-002 also appears to have fixed an AirPort Express connection problem that appeared after installing Security Update 2006-001. We have had a persistant failure of our 2GHz 20" iMac Core Duo to automatically connect with our AirPort Express network on startup. Many startups later we are still automatically connecting but are not sure why this update appears so far to have fixed the problem. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[3/14] Apple Revised the Offerings from a Hot Deals Retailer:

Sweetwater Sound has deals on a wide variety of Mac compatible products including; Blue Snowball USB Cardioid/Omni condenser mic with stand and cable for only $159.97; Waves (GTR) Guitar Tool Rack features Waves Amp plug-in w/seven modeled amps; Waves Stomp plug-in with 23 classic and modern effects; and more for only $450.00!; Sony MDR-7506 pro-grade foldable headphones for only $99.97; Steinberg Cubase SE, powerful audio/MIDI recording software for only $99.99!; TAPCO Mix.50 5-channel USB ultra-compact mixer with 1 mono mic/line input, 2 stereo inputs and tape I/O and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/13] Mac mini Core Duo 512MB vs 1GB--How Fast Is It? We recently applied our speed tests to our 1.66GHz Mac mini Core Duo with 512MB of RAM in a shootout among our upgraded Power Mac G4 Cube (that the Mac mini Core Duo replaced) and our 20" 2GHz iMac Core Duo. One question left hanging was, should one upgrade the base Mac mini Core Duo's RAM from 512MB to 1GB or even to 2GB?

We tested the RAM requirements of our original 1.25GHz Mac mini G4 and came to the conclusion that 256MB was easily sufficient for an entry-level or general computer user. We also saw no difference in application speed during weeks of use with 256MB or 512MB of RAM. A stress test consisting of launching and running six popular applications simultaneously showed no improvement when the 256MB RAM module was replaced by a 512MB module. Of course, we did not run any professional video or digital image applications which run better with a vast amount of RAM because the Mac mini G4 was not targeted at those users. But what about the Mac mini Core Duo that needs Rosetta to run many application?

The Mac mini Core Duo is still targeted at the entry-level and general computer user, especially those who already have a display, keyboard and mouse that they want to continue using. The Mac mini Core Duo and Solo have gone upscale in price relative to the Mac mini G4 by $100 but with much more capability and speed. There is better value, in our opinion, in the iMac Core Duos with faster Intel CPUs and much better graphics chips, so we expect that the Mac mini users will continue to be entry level or general computer users. Our Mac mini Core Duo replaced our upgraded G4 Cube for daily general computing.

First, we ran our normal suite of speed tests (see our Speed FAQ) on our Mac mini Core Duo with 512MB (two matched 256MB modules) of RAM and again with 1GB (two matched 512MB modules). Here are the results:

[3/9] Challenge Mac Uncracked and Unhacked after 38 Hours--Challenge Axed by U. Wisconsin's CIO: Dave Schroeder ended the "Hack My Mac" challenge Wednesday morning after safely running for 38 hours since Monday morning. We previously reported that his Mac mini running Mac OS X 10.4.5 with Security Update 2006-001 was hosted at the University of Wisconsin on the internet with the http port open to display the challenge's web page and the ssh port open to provide a route of access. While it drew a lot of attacks, the Mac mini was still unhacked as of early Wednesday morning and no one had claimed to have gotten into it.

Mr. Schroeder posted several notes about the attacks which included several Denial of Service attacks and social engineering attacks. However, in the afternoon, the challenge page had been taken down and replaced with the following notice:

Yesterday we discovered the Mac OSX "challenge" was not an activity authorized by the UW-Madison. Once the test came to the attention of our CIO, she ended it. The site, test.doit.wisc.edu, will be removed from the network tonight. Our primary concern is for security and network access for UW services. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused to the community.

It appears that the broad publicity given Dave Schroeder's challenge undertaken in response to the misleading challenge described originally in this ZDNet article carried on CNet, attracted the attention of the UW CIO or there were complaints about it. In any case, the 38-hour challenge proved the point. The Mac mini running Mac OS X 10.4.5 is certainly not "easy pickings" as claimed by the hacker in the misleading challenge described in ZDNet. People using a Mac running Mac OS X 10.4.5 are perfectly safe from external attacks coming through the internet.

However, the concern remains for an "inside job" using the privilege escalation vulnerability reported by the ZDNet article. If the reported challenge is not bogus, 30 minutes to get root control from a regular user account is a real problem, one that needs to be fixed to minimize social engineering attacks like trojan horses or damage from "legal" users on a network. [Bill Fox]

[3/9] Intel Revealed Speed Secrets of Coming New Multi-Core CPUs at IDF: Now that Apple is in the process of switching to Intel CPUs, we have another set of venues to cover that affect Macs. At its three-day Intel Developer Forum this week being held in San Francisco's Moscone Center, Intel revealed ways that will improve the performance of its coming set of multi-core CPUs.

It used to be that Intel increased performance by simply increasing the "megahertz" or cycle frequency of its CPUs and decreased the heat generated by the faster frequency by using smaller and smaller manufacturing processes measured in nanometers. Now Intel is fusing certain x86 instructions (micro-ops) into larger units (macro-ops), effectively moving in the direction of Apple's (and IBM's) Power PC architecture of reduced instruction set chips (RISC)--surprise, surprise.

Intel's new set of multi-core CPUs, code-named Merom (laptops), Conroe (desktops) and Woodcrest (servers), will have significant performance improvements due to macro-ops technology. The improvements will be as much as 40 per cent in Conroe and 80 per cent in Woodcrest with Merom gettin good gains over the perfomance of the present top of the line Core Duo (Yonah).

Right behind these CPUs due out later in 2006 is another set of CPUs with quad-cores due out in early 2007. Code-named Kentsfield, Clovertown and Tigerton, these quad-core CPUs destined for high end desktops and servers are really two dual-core chips packaged together sharing resources on a 65 nanometer manufacturing process. Later in 2007, they are scheduled to be produced on a much smaller 45 nanometer process.

Intel's rapid performance improvements will allow Apple the opportunity for more frequent "on the fly" performance increases. It will be interesting to see how Apple takes advantage of this after years of long performance plateaus with Motorola and IBM G4 and G5 CPUs. More...and...more...[Bill Fox]

[3/9] Apple Revised the Offerings from Three Hot Deals Retailers:

Apple Store Special Deals has posted new prices on Apple Certified refurbished 20GB iPod w/Click Wheel for only $169.00!; Apple Certified refurbished 20GB iPod w/color display for only $199.00!; and much more.

J&R Computerworld has deals on a wide variety of Mac products including; Podcasting Pocket Guide from O'Reilly Media for only $9.95; M-Audio Black Box USB audio Recording Interface with 12 virtual amps; 43 beat-synced effects; 99 drum patterns and built-in guitar tuner for only $179.99!; SmartDisk PhotoCute 20GB USB Photo Storage Drive for $149.99; Samsung SyncMaster 930B 19" LCD Display for only $309.99 after $50 mail-in rebate; M-Audio FireWire Audiophile Audio/MIDI Interface for $139.99; LaCie 160GB Porsche Design FireWire external hard drive for only $129.99!; and more.

MacZone has deals on a wide variety of Mac products including; Hewlett Packard 3600DN Color LaserJet Printer for only $848.98; Sony DSC-N1 8.i megapixel digital camera for only $473.98!; from Symantec, Norton Internet Security 3.0 for $84.98; Hewlett Packard 4250n LaserJet Printer for only $1248.88; Hewlett Packard 4250TN B/W Laser Printer for $1498.98; and more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/9] Tonight on The Tech Night Owl LIVE--Mac OS X Help Line, Skype and Win a Copy of Data Rescue II: Tonight Gene Steinberg and his irreverent son and co-host Grayson will feature ace Mac troubleshooter Ted Landau, author of the Mac OS X Help Line: Tiger Edition. You'll also hear from John Quain, a technical expert and consultant for Skype, who will discuss the company's Internet phone services. This week's show provides an opportunity to win a copy of Data Rescue II from Prosoft Engineering. Tune in the internet radio broadcast tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern. [Bill Fox]

[3/8] Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference 2006 Shifted to August: Apple's fantastic annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has been shifted again, this time one month later to August 7-11, Apple announced. After many years being staged in May, Apple shifted its WWDC to June and then to July last year. The WWDC is primarily for anyone who develops software or hardware for the Mac. But it is also for anyone who is interested in the technical aspects of Apple's Mac OS X and hardware.

We have attended several years and it has been a very long time since wrote code for the Mac. But we were very interested in Apple's new attention to scientific computing, i.e. adoption of clustering technology with Xgrid and Workgroup Cluster computers. We also enjoyed the Campus Bash party, other special intellectual and social events and meeting scads of members of the global Mac community.

One of the best things about the WWDC is that Apple's engineers are personally available to discuss the Mac platform. Connections can be made and issues resolved with the engineers who know the most about the Mac.

WWDC is a great place to discover tools and techniques for optimizing code on Intel-based Macs, explore best practices for choosing and using the latest APIs, and learn how to make the most of the technologies and services built into Mac OS X. Last year, the WWDC attendees were introduced to Apple's transition from Power PC CPUs to Intel CPUs with exclusive immediate hands-on access to the emerging technology--only at WWDC.

What will be the extra special draw this year? Apple's not saying yet but has announced that the next version of Mac OS X 10.5 is called "Leopard." Will this be the year of the Leopard at WWDC? Register now to reserve your spot and save $300. There are also specials like get five registrations for the price of four. [Bill Fox]

[3/8] Portending Good Things to Come in Displays, LG.Philips LCD Announced 100" LCD Panel: LG.Philips LCD announced today that it has developed a 100" TFT-LCD panel, the largest in the world. LG.Philips LCD's 100" LCD panel is approximately 1.5 times larger than the largest currently available LCD panel (82"), and is similar in size to the largest plasma display panel (PDP) currently available.

Developed at LG.Philips LCD's P7, the world's largest seventh generation substrate size (1950 x 2250mm) fabrication line in Paju, South Korea, the 100" panel is a wide screen (16:9) LCD TV panel with a screen width and height exceeding 2.2m and 1.2m, respectively.

Using LG.Philips LCD's proprietary copper-based interconnect technology, the 100" LCD panel offers high-definition picture quality without distorting the video signals. Moreover, it encompasses the latest in ultra-precision manufacturing and high-definition imaging technologies. Along with a response speed below 5ms, the 100" LCD offers 6.22 million-pixels, full HD grade picture quality and can reproduce 1.07 billion colors.

The product also features the latest technologies, such as a maximum 3000:1 contrast ratio, color reproduction of 92 percent, and an omni-directional, 180-degree viewing angle based on Super IPS and super-large compensation film technologies.

"Our development of the 100-inch LCD panel reaffirms that LG.Philips LCD is the global leader in large-area LCD technology said LG.Philips LCD's Executive Vice President for Development Center, Sang Deog Yeo. "Technological advances for large-area LCD TVs, such as the 100" LCD, will act as a catalyst that accelerates customer demand for high picture quality and large screens."

We also hope it means larger and less expensive computer displays in the near future. [Bill Fox]

[3/8] Apple Pro Tip of the Week--Seeing a Photo's EXIF Data: A digital camera provides a huge amount of information for each digital photo taken. This information is stored with the photo in a file called EXIF data. The stored information includes when the photo was taken, the make and model of the digital camera, the exposure, shutter speed, lens focal length, whether the flash fired and more. How do you find this information? Open the photo in Preview, simultaneously press the keys "Command-I" and click on the "Details" tab. Then scroll down to the heading "EXIF Properties." More... [Dana Baggett]

[3/8] AppleCentre Brunei Staged Mac Week: Yes, Macs are hot around the world. The AppleCentre Brunei staged a four-day Mac Week in Brunei to show off the new MacBook Pro, Mac mini Core Duo and Solo and iPod Hi-Fi. The event ran March 2-5 and store hours were extended to 10 pm.

Visitors received a free flashlight with an Apple logo and were treated to special events named Live Wirelessly, Introduction to iPod, Gamers Night, Photocasting and Podcasting. More... [Dana Baggett]

[3/7] Crack Mac OS X Security Externally in 30 mins? No way! Yesterday, CNet published an article first posted on ZDNet Australia with the original attention-getting headline claiming Mac OS X hacked under 30 minutes by a hacker responding to a challenge. The CNet headline has now been changed to Winner mocks OS X hacking contest but the story has not changed in any significant way that we could find. It still reports the hacker broke through Mac OS X's security on a Mac mini acting as a server and gained root control in 20-30 minutes. The article reports that the hacker calls the Mac "easy pickings." The implication is that this Mac mini was sitting on the internet and the hacker broke into it from the outside and gained complete control through an unpublished vulnerability.

Not so, wrote Dave Schroeder of the University of Wisconsin's Department of Information Technology. Readers will remember that Dave Schroeder is also the source of the Mac-compatible Citrix server solution with guide, Grants.gov for Mac OS X, that allows Mac users to access Grants.gov to file grant applications. He pointed out that the ZDNet/CNet article leaves out the fact that potential hackers in the contest were given user accounts and those accounts were given access by ssh. So, the hacker gained root access as a user on the system through privilege escalation rather than first breaking in from the outside which is Mac OS X's strength.

Dave Schroeder is so confident of the difficulty to break into a Mac from the outside that he set up his own challenge with the prize being recognition that it was done. He set up a Mac mini on the internet and posted its IP address. He even made it easier by opening ssh and http ports which few Mac users would do. To win, someone has to break in from the outside (not through being given a user account), modify the Web page that the Mac mini is displaying and then notify Schroeder including a description of the mechanism used. He also plans to provide the mechanism to Apple and others responsible for the compromised parts of Mac OS X so that they may be fixed.

Schroeder's Mac OS X Security Challenge began yesterday at 10:00 am CT and 12 hours later, as of 10:05 pm CT, no break-ins have occurred. We think individual Mac users and their families on small home networks behind routers or individual firewalls are pretty safe from direct external attacks.

That Mac OS X has perhaps been proved vulnerable through privilege escalation, on the other hand, should be of concern to those who run large networks with many users, some of whom may for some reason decide to become destructive. It's also possible for Trojan horses to use such vulnerabilities to do damage so the problem is not completely insignificant. Hopefully, Apple is working to better armor Mac OS X against attacks from within, a much more difficult job for any OS. [Bill Fox]

[3/7] PowerBook Connect--New, No-Surgery, Wireless Signal Booster for Apple AirPort-Equipped PowerBooks: QuickerTek is now offering the PowerBook Connect with up to five times the normal range of WiFi producing 200 milliwatts of RF power instead of the normal 30. PowerBook Connect sits between the PowerBook's internal AirPort card and the access point (commonly an AirPort Base Station). It amplifies the wireless signals going in and out of the computer. They note it is the easiest way to get increased wireless performance without disassembling your PowerBook. PowerBook Connect sets up simply using a web browser. While it requires power, it can come from either from USB, AC adapter or using an internal battery. Once setup, no extra steps or hardware are required. PowerBook Connect is only $199.95 without the battery option and $229.95 with. While supplies last, QuickerTek is offering customers their choice of a PowerBook Handle for their 12, 15 or 17 inch AL PowerBook. [Bill Fox]

[3/7] Daystar to Ship 1.83GHz 7448-based G4 CPU Upgrade for 1.67GHz PowerMac G4s: Daystar Technology is all set to deliver another new milestone in both CPU upgrades and PowerBook speed. The company announced a new 1.83GHz 7448-based G4 CPU upgrade for the PowerBook G4 1.67, the XLR8 MAChSpeed 7448 Aluminum. Its larger 1MB L2 cache size is optimal for maximum performance with the best balance between performance and overhead. In real-world (Photoshop) benchmarks, the 7448 performs 20-30% faster than a 7447A G4 at the same MHz. Daystar claims that overall the XLR8 MAChSpeed 7448 Aluminum provides 30-60% more performance for PowerBook users. The XLR8 MAChSpeed 7448 Aluminum is a factory installed upgrade and will be widely available within the next month. No price has been posted yet. [Bill Fox]

[3/6] New 1.66GHz Mac mini Core Duo--How Fast Is It? We hoped Apple would release a Mac mini that could replace our workhorse Mac, an aging and highly upgraded Power Mac G4 Cube. The original Mac mini didn't make the grade as it proved to be just the rough equivalent to our Cube according to our speed tests. When Apple released the new Mac mini Core Duo last week, we thought that Apple had answered our wish even though we had hoped for 1.83GHz rather than 1.66GHz and for a graphics system closer to the iMac Core Duo's. We ordered one on Wednesday and it arrived on Friday.

We ordered the $799 1.66GHz Core Duo model completely stock, including the 512MB of RAM despite a nagging feeling that it just might need more. We felt it might need more RAM because it will be running Microsoft Office 2004, Adobe Photoshop Elements and iVisit in Rosetta, the Power PC emulation software, and Rosetta runs best with lots of RAM. In addition, the Mac mini Core Duo's graphics system "takes" 64MB of the 512MB system RAM. But we first wanted to see how well the Mac mini Core Duo would perform with the base level 512MB of RAM.

As a bit of an aside, the RAM modules in the Intel Mac minis are laptop SO-DIMM modules and their "slot" is a typical laptop dual stacked unit found in 15" and 17" PowerBook G4s, the new Intel iMac and MacBook Pro. The architecture is such that there are speed benefits to using matched pairs of RAM modules so Apple includes two 256MB modules in the base 512MB configuration. Of course, to go to 1Gb or 2GB one has to buy two modules.

Since we will use our Cube's 22" Cinema Display, keyboard, mouse, USB microphone and external FireWire hard drive, we only needed a $99 ADC to DVI adapter to set up our new Mac mini Core Duo. As another aside, we remain chagrinned over Apple dropping the excellent ADC graphics connector, one that combined graphics, power and USB into one simple snap-on connector and one cable. Since it meant special Mac-only graphics cards in Power Macs and it limited the market for Apple's displays, dropping the ADC connector was probably a necessary decision. The indifference of the computer industry to consumers in not adopting this very simple graphics connector really grates on us every time we have to use those really stupid thumbscrews to connect a monitor and not to mention the corresponding requisite USB cable and power cable and power brick.

We already mentioned the new things that come with the new Intel Mac mini in last Wednesday's introductory article. One additional observation is that the power brick is now rated at 110W rather than 85W so the Mac mini Core Duo will not run on the old power brick--those who tote their Mac minis between office and home are forewarned. It is worth mentioning that the combination of the Apple Remote, IR port, digital optical in/out audio and new graphics system greatly improve the Mac mini for use as a home media center.

Our new Mac mini Core Duo was cracked open using a very thin, tapered and wide-bladed putty knife just like the original Mac mini G4. The only two things worth emphasizing on the internals (there are already excellent internal photos on the Web, e.g. see MacCentral) are that the 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo CPU is on a board in a socket instead of being soldered in and that RAM is much more difficult to get to and install. Hopefully, as a result of the CPU socket, we will see some third-party CPU upgrades in the near future.

WARNING! Installing RAM requires removal of the optical drive/hard drive assembly and a small black 2-wired cable in front. The cable connector is difficult to remove and more difficult to put back--one could easily damage it. The cable is the temperature sensor's feed and if one forgets to reinstall it or damages it, the fan runs full blast and the Mac mini runs exceedingly slowly. In addition, the orange ribbon cable to the optical drive can easily slip out of its connector and it is very difficult to replace. We do not recommend that an average user attempt to install RAM nor a CPU upgrade if and when they become available.

Okay, so how fast is it? We ran our usual suite of speed tests on our Mac mini Core Duo and our upgraded G4 Cube that it replaced. Here's a comparison of the relevant specs of the two computers:

[3/2] Brief Hands-On Report--Apple's Security Update 2006-001: The update was issued for Mac OS X 10.4 (PPC and Intel versions) and 10.3.9 (Client and Server versions): It is available via the Software Update application or as a stand-alone file from this Apple Web page. According to the Read Me File with the 10.4.5(PPC) update,

Security Update 2006-001 is recommended for all users and improves the security of the following components:

apache_mod_php
automount
Bom
Directory Services
iChat
IPSec
LaunchServices
LibSystem
loginwindow
Mail
rsync
Safari
Syndication

Here are the details:

apache_mod_php--PHP 4.4.1 fixes several security issues in the Apache module and scripting environment. Details of the fixes are available via the PHP web site (www.php.net). PHP ships with Mac OS X but is disabled by default.

automount--File servers on the local network may be able to cause Mac OS X systems to mount file systems with reserved names. This could cause the systems to become unresponsive, or possibly allow arbitrary code delivered from the file servers to run on the target system.

BOM--The BOM framework handles the unpacking of certain types of archives. This framework is vulnerable to a directory traversal attack that can allow archived files to be unpacked into
arbitrary locations that are writable by the current user. This update addresses the issue by properly sanitizing those paths. Credit to Stephane Kardas of CERTA for reporting this issue.

Directory Services--The passwd program is vulnerable to temporary file attacks. This could lead to privilege elevation. This update addresses the issue by anticipating a hostile environment and by
creating temporary files securely. Credit to Ilja van Sprundel of Suresec LTD, vade79, and iDefense (idefense.com) for reporting this issue.

FileVault--User directories are mounted in an unsafe fashion when a FileVault image is created. This update secures the method in which a FileVault image is created.

IPSec--Remote denial of service against VPN connections Description: Incorrect handling of error conditions for virtual private networks based on IPSec may allow a remote attacker to cause a service interruption. This update addresses the issues by correctly handling the conditions that may cause crashes. Credit to OUSPG from the University of Oulu, NISCC, and CERT-FI for coordinating and reporting this issue.

LibSystem--An attacker able to cause an application to make requests for large amounts of memory may also be able to trigger a heap buffer overflow. This could cause the targeted application to crash or execute arbitrary code. This update addresses the issue by correctly handling these memory requests. This issue does not affect systems prior to Mac OS X v10.4. Credit to Neil Archibald of Suresec LTD for reporting this issue.

Mail--In Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger, when an email attachment is double-clicked in Mail, Download Validation is used to warn the user if the file type is not "safe". Certain techniques can be used
to disguise the file's type so that Download Validation is bypassed. This update addresses the issue by presenting Download Validation with the entire file, providing more information for Download Validation to detect unknown or unsafe file types in attachments.

perl--When a perl program running as root attempts to switch to another user ID, the operation may fail without notification to the program. This may cause a program to continue to run with root
privileges, assuming they have been dropped. This can cause security issues in third-party tools. This update addresses the issue by preventing such applications from continuing if the operation fails. This issue does not affect Mac OS X v10.4 or later systems. Credit to Jason Self for reporting this issue.

rsync--A heap-based buffer overflow may be triggered when the rsync server is used with the flag that allows extended attributes to be transferred. It may be possible for a malicious user with
access to an rsync server to cause denial of service or code execution. This update addresses the problem by ensuring that the destination buffer is large enough to hold the extended attributes.
This issue does not affect systems prior to Mac OS X v10.4. Credit to Jan-Derk Bakker for reporting this issue.

Safari--A heap-based buffer overflow in WebKit's handling of certain HTML could allow a malicious web site to cause a crash or execute arbitrary code as the user viewing the site. This update addresses the issue by preventing the condition causing the overflow. Credit to Suresec LTD for reporting this issue.

Safari--By preparing a web page including specially-crafted JavaScript, an attacker may trigger a stack buffer overflow that could lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user. This update addresses the issue by performing additional bounds checking.

Safari--Safari's security model prevents remote resources from causing redirection to local resources. An issue involving HTTP redirection can cause the browser to access a local file, bypassing certain restrictions. This update addresses the issue by preventing cross-domain HTTP redirects.

Safari, LaunchServices--It is possible to construct a file which appears to be a safe file type, such as an image or movie, but is actually an application. When the "Open `safe' files after downloading" option is enabled in Safari's General preferences, visiting a malicious web site may result in the automatic download and execution of such a file. A proof-of-concept has been detected on public web sites that demonstrates the automatic execution of shell scripts. This update addresses the issue by performing additional download validation so that the user is warned (in Mac OS X v10.4.5) or the download is not automatically opened (in Mac OS X v10.3.9).

Syndication--Syndication (Safari RSS) may allow JavaScript code embedded in feeds to run within the context of the RSS reader document, allowing malicious feeds to circumvent Safari's security
model. This update addresses the issue by properly removing JavaScript code from feeds. Syndication is only available in Mac OS X v10.4 and later.

Further details of these details are provided on this Apple Web page.

It fixes a large number of vulnerabilities including the Safari Automatic Script Execution Vulnerability that we warned about and recommended Paranoid Android 1.3 as a solution. There is another solution called Safe Terminal that works explicitly on the Terminal application that looks promising.

We downloaded and installed Security Update 2006-001 on Power PC PowerBook G4s, Power Mac G5s, G4 Cubes, iMac G5 and a Mac mini plus an iMac Core Duo. We encountered only one problem--it was on a Power Mac G5 Quad that refused to shutdown after installation but after a forced shutdown and restart it functioned normally again. A few hours use has turned up no problems.

We tried the Secunia.com demo after installing the new security update. First, during the download Safari warned us that the demo file may contain an application and asked us if we wanted to finish downloading it or cancel it. When we clicked "Download" it failed to execute automatically when automatically unzipped. While Apple has fixed this explicit aspect of the general LaunServices vulnerability and a similar issue with Mail attachments, it may have fixed other aspects but we know of no demo to try.

One should remember that Mac OS X is not perfect. Nothing is. Even Mac users should adopt safe practices such as opening files only from trusted sources. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[3/2] Apple Released Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) Firmware Update for Single 1.8GHz CPU Model: The update is available for download from this Apple Web page. It works with Mac OS X 10.4.3 and later. The Read Me file states:

"...improves the reliability of your Power Mac G5, especially after it has been inactive for two hours."

We do not have one of these machines upon which to test the firmware update. [Bill Fox]

[3/2] Apple Updated iTunes 6.0.4, iPhoto 6.0.2 and Front Row 1.2.1: The updates are available via the Software update application for the applications are installed or via stand-alone files:

• iTunes 6.0.4 addresses stability and performance issues related to Front Row.
• iPhoto 6.0.2 resolves several minor issues with playing shared slideshows in Front Row.
• Front Row 1.2.1 supports the MacIntel mini.

All downloaded and installed them on our Macs noted in the security update news item, Power PC and Intel driven. We noted no problems with brief use. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[3/2] Apple Revised the Offerings from Three Hot Deal Retailers:

MacMall has deals on a wide variety of products for your Mac , including Wacom Intuos3 6"x8" USB Tablet with Pen for $307.99; IRIS Pen Express handheld scanner for $129.00; Adobe After Effects 7.0 Standard edition for $726.99; LaCie 500GB USB 2.0 Brick external hard drive for $379.99; Marshall Electronics Desktop Recording Kit for $129.99; SanDisk 1GB Ultra II high-speed compact flash card for $55.00; and much more.

ClubMac has deals on a wide variety of Mac products including; LaCie d2 triple interface (USB 2.0/FireWire 400/800) 500GB Big Disk Extreme external hard drive for $347.99 each; Wacom Graphire3 white 4"x5" Pen Tablet for $35.99; Epson Stylus CX4200 All-in-one photo printer for $79.00; Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 for $399.00; Logitech Z-2300 2.1 THX certified speaker system for $54.99; D-Link AirPlus G 802.11g wireless router for $19.99; and more.

Publishing Perfection has great deals on Mac products for your graphic design and publishing needs, including; Adobe Illustrator CS2 Upgrade for $175.95; Vector Studio 2 suite of Adobe Illustrator plug-ins from Virtual Mirror for $129.95; Painter Essentials 3 from Corel for $98.95; from Allume, Aquazone Seven Seas Deluxe virtual aquarium for $24.95; Wacom Graphire4 (blue) 4"x5" Pen Tablet and wireless mouse for $99.95; learn HTML with the Learning HTML CD from Lynda.com for $75.95; Epson Stylus Photo RX620 All-in-one photo printer for $199.95 after $100 mail-in rebate; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/1] Yes! Apple Answered Our Wish with the New Mac mini Core Duo--It's On Its Way: Yesterday we wrote:

"We have no inside scoop but we'd like to see a Mac mini Core Duo with decent graphics hardware so we can retire our much upgraded but aging (going on 6 years) workhorse G4 Cube and relegate it to the bookcase or coffee table to be revered and admired as it deserves."

And Apple answered with two new MacIntel mini's, one with a 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo CPU, combo optical drive and 60GB 5400 RPM 2.5" hard drive for $599 and the other with a 1.66GHz Core Duo, 8x double-layer SuperDrive and 80GB 5400 RPM 2.5" hard drive for $799. Apple also claims that they run up to four times faster than their predecessors. The full specs are on this Apple Web page.

Yes, the under $500 Mac is history with the low-end MacIntel mini coming in at $599. But the $499 model was a real stripper and the $599 is loaded with extras. Let's look at the additions from the previous $499 G4 Mac mini in the new $599 model:

Faster CPU at 1.5GHz
Faster graphics processor (see below)
Faster system bus at 667MHz
Faster RAM at 667MHz
• IR Remote controller
• IR port
• Optical digital audio in/out ports
• 2 more USB 2.0 ports
• 1 more RAM slot
• Built-in AirPort Extreme
• Built-in Bluetooth
• Gigabit ethernet

These additions are easily worth well over the extra $100 asking price. We bought the initial 1.25GHz $499 model but we eventually added AirPort Extreme, an external Bluetooth module and a 512MB RAM chip for more than $100. Apple has given up the appearance of value for real value, a move that is consistent with what Apple CEO Steve Jobs constantly refers to as Apple's DNA.

The high-end model goes from a 1.42 GHz single-core G4 CPU at $699 to $799 with all of the above added features plus a faster dual-core CPU at 1.66GHz and a double-layer SuperDrive. Again, the difference is well worth it. The addition of Apple's Front Row media software plus the upgraded iLife '06 suite, including the new iWeb, are just frosting on the cake.

There are some potential negatives.

• No dedicated VRAM and the graphics use a minimum of 80MB of system RAM
• No modem

But they are easy to dispel.

We have never used the modem on our low-end Mac mini, nor on any other Mac (including our PowerBook G4) for a very long time so it is no loss.

The lack of dedicated graphics RAM is a bit troubling as is the new Intel GMA950 integrated graphics chip set but we'll dispel the latter in a bit.

If the graphics unit is going to use 80MB of the 512MB system RAM, that leaves 432MB and less depending on the graphics task in a computer. We have shown that the G4 Mac mini really doesn't need more than 256MB RAM for entry-level use but the MacIntel mini may be using emulation via Rosetta on some key applications for some time. Rosetta's speed is dependent on abundant RAM. However, it is easy to fill the MacIntel mini with 2GB RAM because of it having two RAM slots rather than one if that much RAM is really needed and we don't know that it does at this time (stay tuned).

What really caught our (and many others') eye in the new MacIntel minis' specs are that they use Intel's GMA 950 graphics processor. What's that? Aren't these integrated chipsets used in the low-end el cheapo Wintel PCs? Yes and no, i.e. yes they are and no, not this particular model. The Intel GMA 950, where "GMA" stands for Graphics Media Accelerator, is the high-end Intel graphics chipset in the high-end Intel 945GM integrated chipset used in fairly high-end Wintel laptops.

Here are the specs for the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA 950:

• 256-bit graphics core running at 400MHz
• Up to 10.6 GB/sec memory bandwidth with DDR2 667 system memory
• 1.6 GPixels/sec and 1.6 GTexels/sec fill rate
• Up to 224 MB maximum video memory
• 2048x1536 at 75 Hz maximum resolution
• Dynamic Display Modes for flat-panel, wide-screen and Digital TV support

Here's what Intel says about the GMA 950:

If you want to watch video on your PC, then utilize Intel GMA 950 graphics for smooth video playback, native 16:9 format support for wide screen flat panels, motion compensation for smooth DVD playback and support for popular HDTV display formats.

and,

Stunning Video Playback

• High Definition Hardware Motion Compensation to support high definition hi-bitrate MPEG2 media playback
• Up and Down Scaling of Video Content
• High Definition Content Decode - up to two stream support
• 5x3 Overlay Filtering.

Alright, enough of the Intel self puffing. Just how do the Intel GMA 950 specs compare with those of an ATI card that we know about?

The closest performance match that we could find is the relatively new ATI Mac & PC Radeon 9600 Pro and it is nearly identical. It has a 400MHz engine clock speed, produces a fill rate of 1.6Gpixels/sec and uses up to 256MB VRAM via 128-bit memory interface. The ATI Mac & PC Radeon 9600 Pro is no slouch. It is much faster than the ATI Radeon 7200 graphics used in the G4 Mac minis but falls short of the more recent ATI 9800, X800 and X1600 Radeons for the Mac.

So our conclusion, on paper, is that Apple has answered our wish for "...decent graphics hardware..." that is likely to do well with everything just short of high-end video processing and fast 3D gaming.

We'll soon see how the 1.66GHz Mac mini Core Duo actually performs when ours arrives and, of course, we'll post the results here. [Bill Fox]

[3/1] Apple Announced High-End iPod Boombox Called iPod Hi-Fi and Leather Cases: The new iPod Hi-Fi that Apple says is the "home stereo reinvented" appears to us to be the best iPod audio dock out there (see image at right, courtesy of Apple Computer). We dubded it a boombox only because it has handles and can run off 6 D-cell batteries, as well as AC. It is a bit heavy at nearly 17lbs with batteries and the iPod is likely to fall off the dock if actually carried and played like a boombox. Unlike most other iPod audio docks the iPod Hi-Fi has fairly large speakers, a large 130mm woofer and two 80mm wide-range drivers, that should greatly improve its sound over rival audio docks. All iPods with a dock port fit on the iPod Hi-Fi and other iPods, including the shuffle, can use the audio-in port with an appropriate cable. It has an MSRP of $349 and is shipping now.

Apple also announced $99 Italian leather cases for the iPod with video and iPod nano (image courtesy of Apple Computer). They will ship in 3-4 weeks. [Bill Fox]

[3/1] Video of Yesterday's Apple Event Announcing MacIntel minis and iPod Hi-Fi: CNet has posted video clips of yesterdays B-I-O Apple media event held at Apple's Cupertino, CA, campus. Apple announced a new line of Mac minis sporting Intel Core Duo and Core Solo processors, a new high-end boombox called the iPod Hi-Fi and new iPod with video and iPod nano Italian leather cases. [Dana Baggett]

[3/1] Aspyr Media will Release Quake 4 for the Mac Very Soon: According to a note we received from Aspyr, "Quake 4 for Mac" has been finishing up development in Aspyr Studios and should be nearly done when you read this." Unfortunately it is still shown as a pre-order on Aspyr's Web site.

Quake 4 will be the first Aspyr game to ship as "universal" in the box so the game will run natively on both PowerPC and Intel Macs. According to Aspyr's note, now that they have had time to develop and test on Intel iMacs, they are well on the way to having their major 2006 titles (like Call of Duty 2) all ship with universal binaries in the box. They have been very impressed with the performance of the Intel iMacs for games, Quake 4 and Doom 3 run extremely well. Yesterday, we showed that Doom 3 runs very well on a 2 GHz iMac Core Duo.

The story line of Quake 4 is:

Immediately following a lone Marine's successful mission to bring down the Strogg defenses and defeat their leader, the Makron (story and events from QUAKE II), the Strogg are quickly regrouping and constructing a new and more powerful Makron.

You are Matthew Kane, a member of the elite Rhino Squad, which is leading the next wave of Earth's invasion. The invasion force is massive and the Strogg defense is substantial. After
an epic battle, and thanks to the work of you and Rhino Squad, the fleet is finally able to secure an LZ for a massive command ship. (Think Sci-Fi D-Day invasion.)

Quake 4 also has a multi-player online version.

Quake 4 will be available for $49.99 through Aspyr's Web site and video game retailers. [Bill Fox]

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