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

CDW Mac Warehouse has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: HP Photosmart Pro B9180 heavy-duty photo printer from Hewlett Packard for only $629.99!; Memorex 1GB TravelDrive USB 2.0 flash drive for only $12.99; Epson Stylus Photo R380 ultra high def photo, CD/DVD printer for only $129.99!; Olympus Stylus 1000 10-megapixel all-weather compact digital camera for only $349.99!; imagePROGRAF iPf5000 17" color inkjet printer featuring pigment inks from Canon for only $1945.99!; and much more.

O'Reilly Media, Inc. has Hot Deals exclusive pricing on a variety of Mac related books including: Inside .Mac by Chuck Toporek for only $13.96; Running Mac OX Tiger by Jason Deraleau and James Duncan Davidson for only $27.96; Mac OS X Tiger Server Administration by Michael Bartosh for only $13.99!; Mac OS X: The Missing Manual, Tiger Edition by David Pogue for only $20.96!; and much more.

Publishing Perfection has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: ScanMaker i800 flatbed scanner from Microtek for only $299.95; Autofocus Photoshop plug-in from Human Software for only $68.95; Textissimo plug-in with over 700 Type Effects from Human Software for only $99.95; ImageLibrary Choice royal-free stock photos from Ingram Publishing for only $249!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/30] Brief Hands-On Report--AirPort Base Station Update 2007-001

Apple released AirPort Base Station Update 2007-001 and it is available for download via Software Update if you have AirPort Utility 5.0 installed that came with Apple's new AirPort Extreme 'n' Base Station or as a stand-alone file from this Apple Web page.

According to Apple,

The AirPort Base Station Update 2007-001 includes general fixes, compatibility updates, and security improvements for the following applications:

- AirPort Utility
- AirPort Admin Utility for Graphite and Snow Base Stations
- AirPort Disk Utility
- AirPort Disk Agent

We downloaded the update via Software Update and installed it on several Macs that had AirPort Utility already installed with no problem. AirPort Utility came with our new Apple AirPort Extreme 'n' Base Station and it replaced the older AirPort Admin Utility. When we downloaded the update as a stand-alone file and tried it on several Macs without AirPort Utility installed, it wouldn't run.

We opened AirPort Utility 5.1 and accessed our new AirPort Extreme 'n', old AirPort Extreme 'g' and AirPort Express Base Stations and encountered no issues. We no longer have an older graphite or snow AirPort 'b' Base Station so we couldn't test AirPort Admin Utility for Graphite and Snow Base Stations v4.2.5. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[3/30] The Pro Caddy--Convert Mac Pro Optical Drive Bay for Hard Disk Use

In high volume professional production environments where flexible storage is at a premium, Trans International's Pro Caddy for Apple Mac Pro is a unique internal optical bay hard disk drive mounting solution. The Pro Caddy requires no modification, no replacement and no dismantling of your Mac Pro.

Using the existing optical bay housing, the Pro Caddy enables the installation of one additional bootable hard disk drive. Once installed, the Pro Caddy solution frees up all four of the removable hard disk drives in the Mac Pro's factory bays. You have the freedom and convenience to use all four drives in flexible ways to boost productivity (JBOD, Raid 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10).

The Pro Caddy is available from Trans International for $39 ($69 with SATA adapter). [Bill Fox]

[3/30] Apple launched 'Complete My Album' Section in iTunes Store

Apple's iTunes Store has a new Complete My Album section. According to Apple,

"Did you know that if you've purchased one or more songs from an eligible album, you may now be able to buy the rest of the album at a reduced price? You have up to six months after first downloading a song from an eligible album to purchase the remainder of the album."

Just open iTunes, go to the iTunes Store and click on the Complete My Album section. iTunes will then display the albums that your music qualifies for and how much it costs to complete the album and the time you have to do so. You should have until at least June 26 to elect the album-completion option. [Bill Fox]

[3/30] Adobe Updated InDesign CS2 and InCopy CS2 to v4.0.5

The updates are available from within the applications under the Help menu or as stand-alone updaters via MacUpdate.com:

InDesign CS2 4.0.5 -- This update for Adobe InDesign CS2 software is a CS3 compatibility update, containing fixes that address known issues with CS3 to CS2 Export to INX (Save Back) workflows. This update also provides key fixes in the areas of indexing, launch issues, transparency, shortcuts, text and fonts, scripting, inline graphics, InDesign Interchange (INX) files, German Reformed (1996) hyphenation, XML, library files, performance, QuickTime 7.x support, printing, SING glyphlets, EPS export, text import, and others.

InCopy CS2 4.0.5 -- This update for Adobe InCopy CS2 software provides key fixes in the areas of text and fonts, inline graphics, German Reformed (1996) hyphenation, performance, SING glyphlets, file corruption, shortcuts, and others.

We updated our copy of InDesign to 4.0.5 using the in-application Updates menu selection. With brief use of InDesign 4.0.5 we noted no issues. [Bill Fox]

[3/30] From the Dark Side--Microsoft's Bullet for Federal Government Macs?

Just as Apple has adapted to better compete with Windows and PCs (see Computerworld), could the hammer be dropping on Macs in the federal government workplace, at least those that can not run Windows?

An article in the online version of Federal Computer Week states that OMB is issuing mandatory guidance requiring the use of three standard configurations of Windows XP and Vista in all federal agencies.

According to the article:

"OMB is making this guidance mandatory in order to improve IT security across the government, experts said."

Plans for implementing the new standard must be completed by May 1, a fitting date for such an edict. The Soviet Union used to celebrate its existence on May Day.

However, it is not absolutely clear from the article if all other OS's in use by federal agencies are to be replaced with Windows or if the standards just apply to all Windows machines. We'll keep tabs on this development. [Bill Fox]

[3/29] Apple released Boot Camp 1.2beta with Windows Vista Support

Boot Camp partitions one's hard disk drive to permit installing Windows XP and now Vista on a Mac. Version 1.2beta is available for download from this Apple Web page. According to Apple, Boot Camp 1.2 beta includes:

• Support for Windows Vista (32-bit)
• Updated drivers, including but not limited to trackpad, AppleTime (synch), audio, graphics, modem, iSight camera
  
• Support the Apple Remote (works with iTunes and Windows Media Player)
  
• A Windows system tray icon for easy access to Boot Camp information and actions
  
• Improved keyboard support for Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Russian, and French Canadian
  
• Improved Windows driver installation experience
  
• Updated documentation and Boot Camp on-line help in Windows
  
• Apple Software Update (for Windows XP and Vista)

Boot Camp 1.2beta is Apple's quick answer to the recent rumor that the release of Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" was being significantly delayed to implement Vista on Boot Camp, a built-in feature of Leopard. [Bill Fox]

[3/29] Speed Dial Beta released for Opera Web Browser

Opera unveiled the beta release of Speed Dial, a new feature that lets people transform their top sites into nine visual bookmarks that are immediately available in any new tab. Speed Dial is a new feature in the forthcoming Opera 9.2, available in beta as a free download. Speed Dial came about from careful consideration of individual browsing preferences.

"Speed Dial is based on the idea that people generally have five to 10 sites they browse regularly throughout the day," said Johan Borg, team manager for Opera's desktop browser. "Speed Dial is made for almost instant access to those sites. We want developers and the curious-minded to discover Speed Dial. When they do, we hope they'll help us with another rigorous round of testing before the final release."

With each blank tab, Speed Dial presents a thumbnail preview of the top nine sites as selected by the user. In addition to fast access through the Speed Dial, users can also enter the number corresponding with each bookmarked Speed Dial page in Opera's address field to access the page.

For more on Opera--and to get Opera Mini on your phone--visit Opera's Web site. [Bill Fox]

[3/29] Cool Mac Software--WeatherPop 2.6.1 is Out

WeatherPop is the coolest weather application for the Mac, in our opinion. It is a Menu item with a real-time Doppler radar popup. There is a free version and an $8 Advanced version. We have used the Advanced version for a long time and we highly recommend it.

WeatherPop 2.6.1 is available for download from this Glucose Web page. The latest version has these new features:

• Pop Doppler real-time radar shows the Doppler radar for any US city
  
• National Weather Service forecasts for the US, with watches and warnings
  
• my.aol.com, wunderground.com, usatoday.com forecasts for International Users
  
• 3 to 5 day forecasts depending on your location
  
• Redesigned color icons indicating both weather conditions and time of day
  
• Up to 6 favorite locations in addition to the your main location
  
• Preferences interface redesigned for OS X 10.3
  
• 14-day trial period so you can decide if you like it before you buy

[Bill Fox]

[3/29] StreamShaping Technology improves Multi-guest Web Viewing of Demos/Presentations

StreamShaping technology from Glance Networks lets all participants in multi-guest sessions enjoy the best possible viewing experience, regardless of their different network connection speeds. Glance's StreamShaping continuously optimizes each person's view to the speed of his or her network connection. Each guest sees updates as quickly as possible and no one falls behind.

"Poor performance due to one participant's slow or unreliable connection is an issue that has affected much of the web conferencing industry. We’re thrilled to offer state-of-the-art technology that delivers a great experience to every participant in multi-guest sessions," said Rich Baker, cofounder and CEO of Glance Networks. "StreamShaping continuously optimizes each guest's view to match his or her actual network speed. Fast connected viewers go fast, while slower ones stay right on their heels. Everyone gets the best possible view. No one is left in the dust."

Many web conferencing services perform poorly when participants connect at different network speeds. People with slow connections will often find their views eventually fall many seconds or even minutes behind those on faster networks. To avoid this problem, Glance used to send screen updates only as fast as the slowest-connected guest could download them, so everyone's view stayed in sync. That worked well when everyone had a good connection. But if one guest was on a slow connection, everyone else’s view would slow to that guest's speed.

Glance's new patent-pending StreamShaping technology eliminates all of these issues. It delivers the best possible experience by sending participants as many updates as their particular connections permit, without letting anyone fall behind. Guests with fast download speeds see as many screen updates as their network connections allow. Those with slower connections may take slightly more time to receive updates, but they never fall behind. StreamShaping continuously adjusts what is sent to each person, based on his or her instantaneous network speed. If a guest's network initially is congested and then opens up, that person’s view speeds up as well.

StreamShaping also automatically and transparently re-connects a guest whose Internet connection momentarily drops. This can be important for participants on wireless or other networks subject to fades or brief outages. StreamShaping works to quickly re-establish the dropped connection and catch up to the most current view. Most guests will not even notice they had a connection problem. They just sit back and watch. More details are available on Glance Networks' Web site. [Bill Fox]

[3/29] Tonight on The Tech Night Owl LIVE--The David Biedny Zone and Digital Music

Tonight, host Gene Steinberg guides you into "The David Biedny Zone," as his Special Correspondent returns to talk tough about RIAA abuses, the failures of Microsoft and to reveal information about the forthcoming Adobe Creative Suite applications that you won't hear elsewhere. In addition, Macworld Senior Editor Christopher Breen will deliver a digital music update, and an in-depth report on the new Apple TV.

You can tune into the live Web broadcast tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern. [Bill Fox]

[3/29] From the Dark Side--M$'s Windows Vista Sales Claim is Bogus

We have noted before several times in this column that there are data supporting the notion that sales of Windows Vista is tepid at best. But that didn't stop Microsoft's PR machine from crafting and issuing a bogus argument that Vista is somehow setting a sales record by selling 20 million licenses in its first month, i.e. subsequently to January 30th, more than doubling XP's initial sales rate of 17 million in 2.5 months.

Well, there's lies, damn lies and Microsoft PR. According to Joe Wilcox's data, XP's 17 million license sales were to actual customers, not the much higher sales to THE SALES CHANNEL as are the Vista license sales, and Vista's sales time that has really been about FOUR months, not one. Therefore, Vista's real initial temporal sales rate to actual customers is much less than that of XP. Considering that the number of PCs being sold now is nearly double that of initial XP era, the sales of Vista per PC per unit time is much less than half of that for XP.

Come on, give us a break! The data clearly show that Vista's sales remain tepid at best. Where is the FTC's truth in advertising enforcement? [Dana Baggett & Bill Fox]

[3/28] Bluetooth Patent Infringement Lawsuit Heats Up--Apple Added as Defendant

The Washington Research Foundation, a fund-raising entity for the University of Washington, added Apple, Dell, Sony, Logitech, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Mobile Communications, Toshiba and Plantronics to its Bluetooth patent infringement lawsuit. The defendants are accused of infringing on four patents by using chips made by CSR plc. The Washington Research Foundation claims it licensed its patents to Broadcom and is not suing companies that use Broadcom technology. More... [Dana Baggett]

[3/28] Data Backup 3 (Universal) is Out for Mac OS X

Prosoft Engineering, Inc., released Data Backup 3. It is a powerful utility that allows you to backup, restore and synchronize your valuable data with minimal effort. Whether you are a new computer user or a seasoned professional, Data Backup 3 offers you just the right amount of power, flexibility and ease-of-use to help protect your files fast.

"We are excited that companies like Apple are raising the awareness of backups and are hopeful that it will encourage more people to establish a safe daily backup regimen," states Greg Brewer, CEO of Prosoft Engineering. "We are happy to be able to offer a flexible solution that gives novice users a simple, automated, safe backup solution while not overlooking the expert users who need comprehensive backup control and features. Everyone will find Data Backup 3 to be a valuable tool, and best of all, just like the original version 3 years ago, Data Backup 3 has ease-of-use built right in."

New Features of Data Backup 3:

• New user interface.
• Backup to CDs and DVDs, automatically spanning on multiple disks.
• Fast Start feature skips scanning and speeds up backups dramatically.
• Built-in backup sets to quickly backup your iTunes or iPhoto files, other important data or your entire system.
• Automatically wake from sleep to backup.
• Automatically power off after your backup completes.
• Go back in time and see your files and directories as they were when your backups happened.

Data Backup 3 is $59 for a single license. A free demo of it is available from this Prosoft Engineering Web page. [Bill Fox]

[3/28] Apple Revised the Offerings from Five Hot Deals Retailers

Apple Store Special Deals has exclusive prices on Apple Certified Refurbished products including: Apple Certified Refurbished iPod Shuffle (latest clip-on model) for only $49!; Apple Certified Refurbished 4GB iPod nano (previous generation) for only $129!; Apple Certified Refurbished 2GB iPod nano (current generation) for only $119!; Apple Certified Refurbished 4GB iPod nano (current generation) for only $169!; Apple Certified Refurbished 8GB iPod nano (current generation) for only $209!; Apple Certified Refurbished Mac Pro Quad 3.0GHz Intel Xeon processors for only $3299!; Apple Certified Refurbished 23" Apple Cinema Display for only $749!; and much more.

macgamestore has deals on a variety of Mac games with an exclusive 5% discount at checkout! Here is sample of the offers with prices before discount: Luxor 2 from MumboJumbo for only $19.95 - a digital download; Heroes of Might & Magic V (for Intel-based Macs only) from Freeverse Software for only $49.95!; Jets'n'Guns Gold (digital download) from Rake In Grass for only $29.95!; Luxor MahJong (digital download) from MumboJumbo for only $19.95!; Travelogue 360 Paris (digital download) from Big Fish Games for only $19.95; and much more.

PowerMax has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: CanoScan 4400F flatbed/film scanner from Canon for only $87.88!; Bass Freq earphones for iPod from V-MODA for only $34.88!; iListen speech recognition & dictation software for only $86.88!; VirusBarrier X4 - 5-user license from Intego for only $167.88; HP OfficeJet 6310 All-In-One inkjet printer, fax scanner and copier from Hewlett Packard for only $199.88!; 320GB G-RAID FireWire drive in Titanium case from G-Tech for only $339.88!; AL2216Wbd 22" LCD display (black) from Acer for only $298.88!; and much more.

Ramjet has Hot Deals exclusive deals on a variety of Mac compatible memory upgrades including: 2GB (2x1GB modules) RAM upgrade kit for MacBook Pro for only $164; 1GB RAM module for the iMac G5 for only $112!; 1GB RAM module for the iMac G5 w/iSight for only $96!; 2GB (2x1GB modules) RAM kit for the PowerMac G5 Dual Core for only $237!; 2GB (2x1GB modules) RAM kit for the MacBook for only $248!; 1GB RAM module for the Intel-based iMac for only $192!; and much more.

Small Dog Electronics has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including Hot Deals exclusive prices on the following four products: ViewDock 22" LCD monitor with built-in iPod dock for only $384.99!; Audioengine 5 speaker system (black) for only $324.99!; iHome AM/FM alarm clock radio with built-in iPod dock for only $89.99!; ProMedia Ultra 2.0 multimedia speakers (black) from Klipsch for only $89.99!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/28] Star Wars: Empire at War for Mac is Shipping from Aspyr

Star Wars: Empire at War has begun shipping from Aspyr Media for the Mac. The new game in the Star Wars series puts the power to command an entire war for the Star Wars galaxy in the hands of players, giving them the freedom to determine how they play the game within the completely scalable and accessible gameplay. Set a few years before the events of Episode IV A New Hope, LucasArts' Empire at War lets players wage war on the ground and in space, as well as experience the creation of the Rebel Alliance, the strengthening of the Empire and the beginnings of the Galactic Civil War.

Using an entirely new game engine created by the Las Vegas-based developer Petroglyph, Empire at War features beautifully rendered land and space battles set on memorable planets such as Yavin IV, Tatooine and Dagobah, as well as never-before-seen environments taken directly from the Star Wars films and expanded universe novels. In the game, players choose to join either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire, building and setting up tactical forces to unleash upon the enemy in real-time 3D. Memorable Star Wars hero characters can be brought into the action to help turn the tide of the battle as players build, manage and upgrade their space and ground-based units, vehicles, troops and base structures.

Star Wars: Empire at War is licensed by LucasArts and was developed for Mac by Aspyr Studios. It is available for Intel-based Macs only for $49.95. [Bill Fox]

[3/27] [updated]Adobe's Creative Suite 3 (Universal) Revealed--New Photoshop CS3 Extended with 3D, Motion and Image Analyses

Adobe revealed the content and pricing of its new Creative Suite 3 (CS3) today and will put on a special event to roll it out later today. The event will be webcast live from New York City today at 12:30 pm PT (3:30 pm ET). One of the best things about CS3 for Mac users is that the applications included are now either Universal Applications or Intel-based only, running natively on Intel-based Macs as well as most on PowerPC-based Macs.

Adobe's CS3 is really a complex of a number of applications packaged in a number of bundles and editions that represent a huge discount as a bundle over buying the individual applications separately. There are three main bundles--Design, Web and Production. Each is targeted at a separate class of creative professionals. The Design and Web bundles come in Standard and Premium Editions. Then, there is the Master Edition that includes the entire set of applications for a total of 6 different editions of CS3. The different editions range in price from $999 ($399 upgrade) for the Web Standard Edition to $2499 for the Master Collection Edition.

Here is how the applications are bundled by edition and their pricing (full/standard upgrade):

Design Standard ($1199/399)

• InDesign CS3 ($699/199)
• Photoshop CS3 ($649/199)
• Illustrator CS3 ($599/199)
• Acrobat 8 Professional ($449/159)
• Plus: Bridge, Acrobat Connect, Device Central, Stock Photos, Version Cue

Design Premium ($1799/$599)

• All of Design Standard
• Photoshop CS3 Extended in lieu of Photoshop CS3 ($999/349)
• Flash CS3 Professional ($699/199)
• Dreamweaver CS3 ($399/199)

Web Standard ($999/$399)

• Dreamweaver CS3 ($399/199)
• Flash CS3 Professional ($699/199)
• Fireworks CS3 ($299/149)
• Contribute CS3 ($149/79)
• Plus: Bridge, Acrobat Connect, Device Central, Stock Photos, Version Cue

Web Premium ($1599/$499)

• All of Web Standard
• Photoshop CS3 Extended ($999/349)
• Illustrator CS3 ($599/199)
• Acrobat 8 Professional ($449/159)

Production Premium ($1699/$799)

• After Effects CS3 Professional ($999/299)
• Premiere Pro CS3 ($799/299)
• Photoshop CS3 Extended ($999/349)
• Flash CS3 Professional ($699/199)
• Illustrator CS3 ($599/199)
• Soundbooth CS3 ($199/new app.)
• Encore CS3 (included with Premiere Pro)
• Plus: Bridge, Acrobat Connect, Device Central, Stock Photos, Dynamic Link

Master Collection ($2499/$1399)

• Every application (includes Photoshop CS3 Extended)

The details on what application(s) one needs in order to qualify for standard upgrade pricing is available from this Adobe Web page. There are also somewhat higher upgrade pricing options depending on what products one owns.

The major features of CS3, aside from its different bundling of applications, is the new Photoshop CS3 Extended application that incorporates new capabilities for handling 3D, motion and comprehensive image analyses; the improved integration of Adobe's applications, especially Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks from the Macromedia acquisition; the Production Premium Edition that includes Mac versions of almost all applications (OnLocation requires Windows using Apple's Boot Camp or a virtualization application like Parallels Desktop for Mac and Ultra is Windows only) as well as the all-new Soundbooth application; and Adobe Device Central CS3 for mobile devices.

What about Adobe GoLive?

Dreamweaver, acquired in the Macromedia purchase, has replaced GoLive as Adobe's principal Web development application in its Creative Suite. So the one major flaw that we see in Adobe's upgrade policy is that one can not get upgrade pricing for Dreamweaver CS3 from owning any version of GoLive nor any of the previous Adobe Creative Suite versions. It appears that one might get a working Dreamweaver CS3 as part of a CS1 or CS2 suite upgrade to CS3 but it is not yet clear that the license will allow a full installation of Dreamweaver CS3. People ran into this problem when they upgraded CS2 to CS2.3--the included Dreamweaver 8 license in CS2.3 was only an upgrade license so one needed a full Dreamweaver 7 license in addition to the CS2 license. [Update 4/3/07: Adobe's has assured us that this will not happen with a CS3 upgrade to CS2.]

We have used GoLive and its predecessor CyberStudio, another Adobe acquisition, to produce MacsOnly! for many years since converting from manual html coding. Adobe has announced publicly (and reconfirmed to a reporter personally) that GoLive will be developed as a separate application. However, we expect this will be dependent upon futures sales of GoLive being sufficient for Adobe to do so. Since GoLive is not yet a Universal Application and Adobe is clearly pushing Dreamweaver, we fear that GoLive's days are really numbered.

Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended

Photoshop CS3, a Universal Application, has been out as a public beta since December 15, 2006. We tested its speed on our Intel-based MacBook Pro C2D versus Photoshop CS2 (v9.0.2) and found that the CS3 beta is 40 percent faster on average in running a suite of filters and 50-70 percent faster in launching. Clearly, one of the best features in CS3 is that it runs natively on Intel-based Macs.

Adobe touts a variety of other new features in Photoshop CS3 that include:

• Streamlined interface
• Next generation Camera Raw support
• Faster Adobe Bridge with Stacks, Filters and Loupe tool
• Zoomify export
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom integration
• Improved, intuitive printing
• Non-destructive smart filters
• Vanishing point with adjustable angle perspective planes
• Black and white conversions
• Improved curves
• Adjustable cloning and healing with preview overlay
• Enhanced merge to 32-bit HDR
• Quick Selection tool
• Refine edge
• Automatic layer alignment and blending
• Photomerge with advanced alignment and blending

Obviously, Adobe's signature digital image application has received a lot of attention since the CS2 version.

In the briefing for journalists by Adobe's Senior Product Manager John Nack, we were impressed with all of these new features but the last two are truly amazing. If one takes several photos of the same scene, one can import them as layers and have them automatically aligned. Then, one can select to retain only the common elements among the layers and "poof", people walking by or cars driving by or birds flying over, etc. are eliminated instantly for a clear scene--very simple. In the latter feature, one can take photos taken at various times of parts of a given scene, merge them as one scene and adjust the color, etc. to have one perfect image--again automatically, virtually instantly and non-destructively to the original photos.

Photoshop CS3 Extended has all of the features of Photoshop CS3 but adds these new features:

• 3D visualization and texture editing
• Movie paint
• Motion graphics and video layers
• Vanishing point with 3D support
• Measurements and data
• Ruler and count tools
• DICOM support
• Image stack processing

Photoshop CS3 Extended is not intended to be a replacement for CAD or other 3D-intensive applications but to extend Photoshop's superior 2D capabilities into 3D without having to resort to using another application. People working with images in advertising, architecture, medicine and science will get some terrific tools in Photoshop CS3 Extended. In the briefing for journalists, the new tools looked terrific for placing labels or skins on 3D objects for advertising images, counting cells on a microscope slide and measuring the areas of features in a CAT scan section of a human head.

The Macromedia Apps--Dreamweaver, Flash and Fireworks

The applications that Adobe got with their acquisition of Macromedia are superb Web design tools. They now integrate well with Adobe's other products within the Design and Web suite editions and have a common CS3 interface.

They also have new features, including:

Dreamweaver CS3

• Spry framework for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, widgets and effects
• Advanced Photoshop CS3, Fireworks CS3, Device Central and Bridge CS3 integration
• Browser compatibility check
• Adobe CSS Advisor
• CSS layouts
• Manage CSS

Flash CS3 Professional

• Native Photoshop CS3 and Illustrator CS3 support
• Integration with Device central and Bridge CS3
• Instant Animation conversion to ActionScript 3.0
• New drawing tools
• Advanced QuickTime export
• More sophisticated video encoding
• New time-saving programming tools

Fireworks CS3

• Essential integration with Photoshop CS3, Illustrator CS3 and Bridge CS3
• New hierarchical organization structure
• Layers shared across multiple pages
• Flex code for RIAs
• Photoshop blending modes

Production Premium Edition

The Production Premium Edition combines applications for video, audio and design. Most have Mac versions and most of those are Universal Applications, running on Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs. The exceptions are OnLocation and Ultra, which run only on Windows, and Premier Pro, Soundbooth and Encore, which only run on Intel-based Macs. The totally new application is Soundbooth that delivers tools for everyday audio editing and cleanup, sound design and music creation. The applications are also integrated with Photoshop CS3, Flash CS3 Professional, Device Central and Bridge CS3.

Device Central CS3

Adobe Device Central CS3 is designed to improve the efficiency and productivity of those "...who develop dynamic and engaging interfaces, mobile assets, applications and video content for mobile phones and hand-held consumer electronic devices." according to Adobe. It is integrated in Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design, Web and Production Premium editions, as well as individual products, including Adobe Flash CS3 Professional, Adobe Photoshop CS3, and Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 software. For the first time, creative professionals are able to preview their work and test mobile content instantly within familiar authoring environments through a periodically updated library of detailed phone and device profiles. Adobe Device Central CS3 dramatically simplifies the mobile authoring process.

The Design and Web Editions are scheduled to ship next month (April). The Production Premium and Master Collection Editions are scheduled to ship in the summer quarter. For more details, see this Adobe Web page. [Bill Fox]

[3/27] Overnight Hard Disk Drive Upgrades for Apple TV

Apple TV comes with a rather small 40GB hard disk drive for storage of media files. For those who do not want to upgrade their Apple TV drive themselves, which is no simple matter, TechRestore now offers an overnight storage upgrade service for it. The upgrade is available in 60GB to 160GB options, offering up to 200 hours of video storage, up to 36,000 songs, up to 100,000 photos, with a 400% increase in storage capacity than the original Apple TV.

Pricing for the new service includes all parts and installation into the customer's Apple TV :

60GB Storage Upgrade: $99.99
80GB Storage Upgrade: $149.99
100GB Storage Upgrade: $169.99
120GB Storage Upgrade: $179.99
160GB Storage Upgrade: $219.99

Customers can elect to self-ship their Apple TV in for service or choose from TechRestore's overnight door-to-door pickup service. [Bill Fox]

[3/23] Techrestore posted First Apple TV Take-Apart Photos

At least, Techrestore's Apple TV take-apart photos are the first we know of. In the ensuing comments, Techrestore states that they plan to offer soon a larger hard disk drive upgrade to the standard 40GB drive. [Bill Fox]

[3/23] Apple Revised the Offerings from Two Hot Deals Retailers

B&H Photo Video has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: 5.1 Surround Sound as well as Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic support for your Mac with the FireWave system from Griffin Technology for only $59.95!; G-Drive Q 160GB eSATA external hard drive with FireWire 800/400 and USB 2.0 for only $188.95; LoJack for laptops (1-year subscription) from Computrance for only $49.95!; Creature 2 40-watt 3-piece speaker system from JBL for only $44.95!; Quicken 2007 from Intuit for only $69.95!; and much more.

GadgetLocker has deals on a variety of Mac compatible hardware and software products including: iLuv portable iPod video/DVD player with a 7-inch active-matrix LCD screen for only $179!; JamPlug lets you play your guitar or bass in complete privacy from MacMice for only $19.95!; i-Dog iPod compatible speaker (pink) from Hasbro for only $23!; eVo3 silicone case for 30GB iPod from iSkin for only $25.99!; HomeDock Deluxe connects dockable iPod to your stereo & TV with remote from DLO for only $129!; hard-wire your iPod to your car stereo with iPod2Car car connection kit from Peripheral Electronics for only $125.99!; and much more.

[Bill Fox]

[3/23] TurboTax Sales Flat while TaxCut shows Good Growth in Tax Software Battle

While Intuit's TurboTax is still the market leader, its sales have been flat for 2007, growing at only 1% over 2006, mostly in Web use. On the the other hand, both TaxCut and TaxAct have shown growth with TaxCut's sales increasing by a healthy 15%. This has been attributed to TaxCut being $10-15 less expensive and getting good reviews. So far TaxCut has worked great for us.

TaxCut returned to the Mac this year with a Mac OS X product. Last year, H&R Block did not release a Mac version of TaxCut. More... [Dana Baggett]

[3/23] Eos, a Digital Wireless Multi-room Audio System for iPod, is Shipping

[3/23] IntelliTouch announced Eos, the world's first digital wireless multi-room audio speaker system for iPod. Using breakthrough WiFi-friendly technology, the Eos system links up to four stereo wireless speakers, establishing interference-free CD sound quality (48Khz).  Eos' GigaWave technology employs error correction and a unique frequency hopping scheme for a real-world indoor range of up to 150 feet (50 meters) through walls, floors and ceilings. In open outdoor environments, Eos can broadcast in excess of 300 feet (100 meters).

 At the heart of the Eos system is an iPod docking base station/transmitter that features two high performance stereo drivers and a ported sub-woofer. The system features the added benefit of SRS WOW sound enhancement technology. SRS WOW improves the dynamic audio performance of compressed and uncompressed audio by expanding the size of the audio image and creating a deep, rich bass response. The attributes of the SRS WOW signal are broadcast to all the wireless stereo speakers linked to the base station/transmitter.

 Like the base station, the Eos wireless stereo speakers boast two high-performance stereo drivers and a ported subwoofer. The revolutionary design of the wireless stereo speaker features a removable, integrated power supply that allows the speaker to mount directly on a wall power outlet independently, without mounting brackets or other support. By removing the power supply from its cavity on the rear of the cabinet, the wireless stereo speaker can sit independently on a counter top or bookshelf.

The $299 Eos system comes in black or white and is simple to use. Just plug in the base station and the wireless stereo speaker and it instantly establishes a wireless audio link. To add more wireless stereo speakers at $149 each, just plug them into any power outlet and turn them on. Besides iPod audio, the Eos system also features an auxiliary input that allows you to broadcast audio from virtually any audio source from the Eos Base Station.

Eos is shipping now according to its Web site. [Bill Fox]

[3/23] Apple posted Apple TV Support Page

Apple has posted a support page for its now shipping Apple TV. Like the support pages for other Apple products, one can get a PDF of the manuals and check out the list of Apple Knowledge Base articles and the list of troubleshooting tips.

A 3-year AppleCare Protection Plan, an extended warranty, costs $49. [Bill Fox]

[3/22] Apple posted Details on WWDC 2007 Sessions and Labs

The details are now available on more than 100 sessions and labs planned for Apple's 2007 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) coming June 11-15. Packed with in-depth information, expert guidance from Apple engineers, and hands-on learning, this year's conference is all about helping you take full advantage of the exciting new possibilities of Mac OS X Leopard.

There will be three types of events:

• Presentation sessions--Get the technical information you need to take advantage of the new technologies in Leopard.
• Hands-on sessions--Bring your laptop to code along in practical "how-to" sessions with Apple engineers.
• Hands-on labs--Work one-on-one with Apple engineers to refine your code and answer your questions.

Check out the sessions and labs on the WWDC Web site today.

[3/22] SpinPac debuts--Integrated Marketing Tools for Mac Developers

Spin Studio today announced SpinPac, the first truly integrated marketing solution designed especially for Mac industry developers and companies releasing new and updated products. SpinPac provides an invaluable set of eight essential marketing tools and initiatives that both help announce a new or updated product to Mac customers around the world, and draw attention to it. The result is much higher revenue generation potential for the developer or company. What's more, with SpinPac customers get expert execution and implementation from Mac industry expert and Apple Worldwide Developer Relations alumni, Ed Prasek, Spin Studio's founder and president.

"Our innovative SpinPac provides Mac industry developers and companies with the critical marketing initiatives and expert execution that Mac applications and products really need to get off the ground on the right foot and thrive in the marketplace," said Ed Prasek, president and founder of Spin Studio. "And we've succeeded in taking the mystery out of marketing. Our SpinPac customers will know right up front exactly what they're getting, and they'll get it at a very reasonable fixed price. That's a really big deal to tons of Mac industry developers and companies who need professional marketing execution around an important product launch or update."

SpinPac's integrated services include one-on-one product and marketing consultation; product press release preparation; Mac and Mac OS X Universal badging paperwork preparation and submission; badging implementation consultation; Apple Retail Store inclusion request preparation and submission; product submission to Apple's Mac OS X Downloads; product submission to Apple's Macintosh Products Guide; editorial product review request submissions; and finally, a 90-day product positioning, messaging, and branding refresh service.

The new SpinPac is available immediately worldwide directly from Spin Studio for only $2,495. [Bill Fox]

[3/22] Apple Pro Mac OS X Tip of the Week--Drop Text on the Dock Icon

Text can be highlighted and dragged and dropped on the icon of an application in the Dock for fast action. For example, doing so on Mail creates a new message with the text copied to it, same with TextEdit and doing so with Safari creates a Google search on the text. This works with any application that is a native (Cocoa) Mac OS X application.

Get other Apple Pro Tips of the Week from this Apple Web page. [Dana Baggett]

[3/22] Tonight on The Tech Night Owl LIVE--eWEEK.com, Windows on Macs and MicroNet

Tonight host Gene Steinberg chats with, Larry Seltzer, eWEEK.com Security Center Editor, who will talk about the tragic fate of one domain name registrar and how you can avoid getting ripped off. You'll also hear from John Rizzo of MacWindows.com, who will bring us up to date on the Mac OS 10.4.9 and the latest versions of applications that let you run Windows software on your Mac. In addition, Joe Trupiano, director of marketing for MicroNet, will deliver details on their network-based backup and storage systems.

You can tune into the live Web broadcast tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Pacific, 9:00 to 11:00 PM Eastern. [Bill Fox]

[3/21] Brief Hands-On Report--Mozilla released Firefox 2.0.0.3, a Security Fix

Firefox 2.0.0.3 with a security fix is available for download from this Mozilla Web page. The security fix is:

MFSA 2007-11 FTP PASV port-scanning

We downloaded and installed v2.0.0.3 and use it for several hours, encountering no difficulties. [Bill Fox & Dana Baggett]

[3/21] Apple TV is Shipping to Early Adopters

According to widespread reports, people who ordered Apple TV early are being informed that their orders are shipping with a delivery date as early as today. Using Apple TV one may watch movies, TV shows, movie trailers, podcasts, and photos streamed from your Mac to your widescreen, enhanced-definition or high-definition TV capable of 1080i, 720p, 576p, or 480p resolutions.

We have not ordered one to test because we do not have an enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TV. [Bill Fox]

[3/21] Wine Lovers get Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2006 for your iPod

Each year, Wine Spectator senior editors survey the wines they have reviewed over the past twelve months and select the most exciting for the Top 100. This year, using Mogopop, these Top 100 Wines have been compiled into a portable, take-it-anywhere guide for iPod. Mogopop bills itself as the one-stop shop for creating, sharing and downloading interactive iPod content. The wine guide is free as is Mogopop Manager needed to download and load the file on an iPod.

We downloaded Mogopop Manager and Wine Spectator's Top 100. Then we used Mogopop to load it onto our iPod with video. The list ended up in our "Notes" section and will be a handy guide. [Bill Fox]

[3/21] OWC has 2GB RAM Modules and 3GB RAM Kits for C2D MacBook/Pros and iMacs

We received a note that OWC has a supply of 2GB RAM modules for Core 2 Duo MacBooks, MacBook Pros and iMacs for $259.99. If you have a 1GB RAM module, the 2GB module gives you 3GB of RAM, the maximum addressable. If you don't have a 1GB RAM module, OWC has a 3GB RAM kit for $339.99.

The RAM is easily user installable with a free online video installation guide and comes with a LIFETIME Advance Replacement Warranty. Consumers can also get Trade-in Rebates of up to $55 per module on their existing factory memory (PC5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM). [Bill Fox]

[3/21] Miglia released TVMini Express, an Inexpensive Mac TV Tuner and Software

Miglia Technology launched TVMini Express. This latest addition to the Miglia TV line of products, this small USB device transforms your Mac into a completely portable digital TV tuner and puts your recorded files directly onto your iPod.

"This is what Miglia is all about, award-winning TV technology in a tiny USB stick," said Eric Ferraz Miglia's CTO. "Watch digital terrestrial TV on your Mac, record it to your hard drive to watch later or export it to your iPod to get that TV-on-the-go experience."

TVMini Express's integrated digital TV tuner lets you enjoy a wide range of TV channels so there is something for everyone. Images are sharp and clean as you would expect from the latest digital technology, making your TV viewing all the more pleasurable. This is about fresh ideas, having fun and re-discovering TV on your Mac, or your iPod.

TVMini Express features Miglia’s new software which works in harmony with Miglia’s award winning hardware. TVMini Express is perfect for watching and recording TV and exporting to iPod. TVMini Express’s integrated digital TV tuner lets you enjoy a wide range of TV channels at home or whilst travelling. Full Freeview and TNT support makes the product a great choice for students and business travellers alike.

The key features of Miglia's TVMini Express are:

• Watch and record all your favorite shows in superb digital quality
  
• Great performance, crystal clear digital picture quality and perfect sound
  
• Share shows with your iPod or iPhone for great TV on the go
  
• Real-time display of what is playing on each TV channel
  
• Two year warranty for total peace of mind

TVMini Express is available for $69. [Bill Fox]

[3/19] Mac OS X 10.4.9--How Fast is It? There is a Performance Improvement

15" MacBook Pro C2D Speed Tests (average* scores or secs).

Test	Mac OS X
	10.4.9	<