Thursday, January 12, 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Apple's Intel Macs Push Shares to Record High
SAN FRANCISCO (Jan. 11) - Apple Computer Inc. shares leapt to an all-time high on Wednesday, boosted by its decision to use Intel Corp. microprocessors to help it grab a bigger share of the desktop PC market. Apple is tapping not only the latest chip technologies that rival makers of Windows-based computers will use but also the vast marketing power that Intel, the world's largest semiconductor company, delivers. Apple unveiled its first two machines with Intel's Core Duo - an iMac and new laptop - on Tuesday and said it would not thwart users who would seek to run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating system on the machines. With Intel processors inside the new Macs, their owners could run Microsoft Windows and software designed for it at full speed.
The move to Intel chips will boost Apple's sales and erase the perception that Macintosh computers lag behind Windows-based PCs in performance, analysts said. "Now consumers can buy a Mac that is three times faster and for the same price," said Nathan Brookwood, an analyst with Insight 64 research firm.
Apple shares soared $3.04, or 3.8 percent, to close at a split-adjusted record high of $83.90 on the Nasdaq Stock Market Wednesday.
With the success of its iPod players and flashy retail stores, Apple has already begun siphoning customers from the Windows camp. After years of hovering around 3 percent, Apple last year cracked 4 percent of the U.S. PC market. Apple's historic shift to Intel microprocessors came months earlier than expected as CEO Steve Jobs debuted Tuesday an iMac desktop and a notebook based on the chip makers' new two-brained processor, the Intel Core Duo.
When it first announced plans to switch in June, Apple said it expected to begin making the transition by mid-2006. On Tuesday, Jobs was joined at the Macworld Expo by Intel CEO Paul Otellini to unveil the new jointly designed computers.
Jobs said its entire Mac line will be converted to Intel by the end of 2006.The shift comes as Apple's hugely popular iPods continue to enthrall the public. Apple brought in a record $5.7 billion in sales during the holiday quarter as it sold 14 million iPods - nearly three times as many units as it did in the same period a year ago, Jobs said. Meanwhile, Apple's online iTunes store has sold more than 850 million songs and 8 million videos to date, he said.
The move to Intel chips will boost Apple's sales and erase the perception that Macintosh computers lag behind Windows-based PCs in performance, analysts said. "Now consumers can buy a Mac that is three times faster and for the same price," said Nathan Brookwood, an analyst with Insight 64 research firm.
Apple shares soared $3.04, or 3.8 percent, to close at a split-adjusted record high of $83.90 on the Nasdaq Stock Market Wednesday.
With the success of its iPod players and flashy retail stores, Apple has already begun siphoning customers from the Windows camp. After years of hovering around 3 percent, Apple last year cracked 4 percent of the U.S. PC market. Apple's historic shift to Intel microprocessors came months earlier than expected as CEO Steve Jobs debuted Tuesday an iMac desktop and a notebook based on the chip makers' new two-brained processor, the Intel Core Duo.
When it first announced plans to switch in June, Apple said it expected to begin making the transition by mid-2006. On Tuesday, Jobs was joined at the Macworld Expo by Intel CEO Paul Otellini to unveil the new jointly designed computers.
Jobs said its entire Mac line will be converted to Intel by the end of 2006.The shift comes as Apple's hugely popular iPods continue to enthrall the public. Apple brought in a record $5.7 billion in sales during the holiday quarter as it sold 14 million iPods - nearly three times as many units as it did in the same period a year ago, Jobs said. Meanwhile, Apple's online iTunes store has sold more than 850 million songs and 8 million videos to date, he said.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
MACWORLD - Latest New - Latest Hardware and Software
Go to this link for today's announcements:
http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/01/10/livekeynote/index.php
Go to this link for availability and prices.
http://www.apple.com/
Go to our monthly meeting on January 19th and get all the latest poop.
http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/01/10/livekeynote/index.php
Go to this link for availability and prices.
http://www.apple.com/
Go to our monthly meeting on January 19th and get all the latest poop.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Adobe unveils Lightroom; Aperture competito
Adobe on will announce today the public beta release of Lightroom, the company’s answer to Apple’s recently release Aperture. Adobe will release Lightroom as a public beta for the Macinstosh to get feedback from professional photographers before releasing the full version later this year, the company said. Lightroom is a new application that lets photographers import, develop, and showcase large volumes of images. The program will be available as a downloadable beta later this week. Derrick Story already has had a chance to use Lightroom and tells you what to expect from the program—including how it compares to Apple’s competing application, Aperture,
http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/01/08/lightroom/index.php
http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/01/08/lightroomfirstlook/index.php
http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/01/08/lightroom/index.php
http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/01/08/lightroomfirstlook/index.php
Saturday, January 07, 2006
MacSTAC January Meeting - Thursday, January 19th
Our next meeting should be an interesting one.
We will start off with Green Apples, where we will take your computer-related questions and hopefully provide useful answers.
Next, Wayne will present "News from Macworld San Francisco" (we've expecting a lot of new and exciting announcements). Rumors abound and it will be fun to see what Steve Jobs announced on January 11th.
It time, permits, Chris Buffington will give a short demonstration on his Mac+ emulation, running original System 1 OS and MacPaint and MacWrite on a modern Mac. Seriously folks, it can be done and it's a lot of fun.
On the side, we have asked a few members to bring in some Mac or computer jokes for us to enjoy. If you have one, bring it along and be prepared to present it.
Of course we'll have soft drink and cookies. Hopefully, the weather will be warm and sunny -- hope you can make it.
Ben
PS: If you haven't checked our web site lately, mouse on over to www.macstac.org. Be sure to click on the BLOG menu to see all the latest news.
We will start off with Green Apples, where we will take your computer-related questions and hopefully provide useful answers.
Next, Wayne will present "News from Macworld San Francisco" (we've expecting a lot of new and exciting announcements). Rumors abound and it will be fun to see what Steve Jobs announced on January 11th.
It time, permits, Chris Buffington will give a short demonstration on his Mac+ emulation, running original System 1 OS and MacPaint and MacWrite on a modern Mac. Seriously folks, it can be done and it's a lot of fun.
On the side, we have asked a few members to bring in some Mac or computer jokes for us to enjoy. If you have one, bring it along and be prepared to present it.
Of course we'll have soft drink and cookies. Hopefully, the weather will be warm and sunny -- hope you can make it.
Ben
PS: If you haven't checked our web site lately, mouse on over to www.macstac.org. Be sure to click on the BLOG menu to see all the latest news.
TechTool Protege offers Mac utilities on flash drive
Micromat Inc. has introduced TechTool Protege, a new Mac OS X troubleshooting and diagnostic tool stored on a bootable 1GB Firewire-based flash drive. TechTool Protege is shipping now but will make its public debut at next week’s Macworld Expo in San Francisco. It costs $229.
TechTool Protege combines the latest version of Mac OS X, the latest release of Micromat’s TechTool Pro, and a drive utility called Disk Studio. With TechTool Protege in hand, you can boot a troubled computer, run diagnostic software, and make adjustments or repairs as necessary.
You can diagnose the condition of the target Mac’s hardware, repair and diagnose hard drive problems, optimize and defragment the drive if necessary, rebuild volume directories, attempt to recover data, repartition drives without losing data and more, according to Micromat.
http://www.micromat.com/protege/protege_intro.html
TechTool Protege combines the latest version of Mac OS X, the latest release of Micromat’s TechTool Pro, and a drive utility called Disk Studio. With TechTool Protege in hand, you can boot a troubled computer, run diagnostic software, and make adjustments or repairs as necessary.
You can diagnose the condition of the target Mac’s hardware, repair and diagnose hard drive problems, optimize and defragment the drive if necessary, rebuild volume directories, attempt to recover data, repartition drives without losing data and more, according to Micromat.
http://www.micromat.com/protege/protege_intro.html
Friday, January 06, 2006
Pen-sized color scanner announced
Planon announced on Thursday the release of the DocuPen RC800 color scanner. The diminutive pen-sized device allows the user to store hundreds of pages into its 8MB of built-in memory, according to the company.
The DocuPen can scan full-page documents in 24-bit color, 12-bit color or monochrome. In addition to its built-in memory, the scanner also has a memory slot that allows users to add additional Transflash memory cards.
The DocuPen is powered by a rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery that can be recharged via a USB port. Included with the scanner is a leather case and USB cable. The company said the DocuPen is compatible with Mac OS X, although no specific system requirements were provided.
http://www.planon.com/docupen_rc800.php
The DocuPen can scan full-page documents in 24-bit color, 12-bit color or monochrome. In addition to its built-in memory, the scanner also has a memory slot that allows users to add additional Transflash memory cards.
The DocuPen is powered by a rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery that can be recharged via a USB port. Included with the scanner is a leather case and USB cable. The company said the DocuPen is compatible with Mac OS X, although no specific system requirements were provided.
http://www.planon.com/docupen_rc800.php
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
MacUpdate for FREE
MacUpdate gives away free premium memberships
Software tracking Web site MacUpdate is offering free memberships to its premium service to everyone that signs up in January 2006. The premium services include customizable site layout; customizable column data; software watch list; email update notifications; wish list for gifts; and download history, among other features. The service, which normally costs $20 yearly, is only available to new users, according to the Web site.
http://www.macupdate.com/pr/pr02-jan-2006.php
Software tracking Web site MacUpdate is offering free memberships to its premium service to everyone that signs up in January 2006. The premium services include customizable site layout; customizable column data; software watch list; email update notifications; wish list for gifts; and download history, among other features. The service, which normally costs $20 yearly, is only available to new users, according to the Web site.
http://www.macupdate.com/pr/pr02-jan-2006.php
Wireless Cablefree USB HUB
Belkin intros cable-free USB hub
By Peter Cohen
Belkin on Tuesday introduced its CableFree USB Hub, which provides wireless connectivity between a computer and any USB peripherals. A price was not announced; Belkin says the CableFree USB Hub will be released in early Spring.
The four-port hub uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, and doesn’t require software or drivers in order to operate with the host computer. It works with any USB peripherals, including printers, hard drives, scanners and MP3 players. Devices are plugged into the hub, which doesn't require a wire to communicate with the computer.
By Peter Cohen
Belkin on Tuesday introduced its CableFree USB Hub, which provides wireless connectivity between a computer and any USB peripherals. A price was not announced; Belkin says the CableFree USB Hub will be released in early Spring.
The four-port hub uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, and doesn’t require software or drivers in order to operate with the host computer. It works with any USB peripherals, including printers, hard drives, scanners and MP3 players. Devices are plugged into the hub, which doesn't require a wire to communicate with the computer.
Podcasting
Take Control of Podcasting on the Mac
Recording with Audio Hijack, GarageBand, or Audacity
http://www.macworld.com/2006/01/secrets/tcopodcasting/index.php
Recording with Audio Hijack, GarageBand, or Audacity
http://www.macworld.com/2006/01/secrets/tcopodcasting/index.php
Bluetooth Update
Apple updates Bluetooth for certain Macs
By Peter Cohen
Apple has released Bluetooth Firmware Update for Mac OS X 10.4.3, intended only for certain Macs — the iMac G4, iMac G5, 12-inch and 15-inch “Titanium” PowerBook G4 and Mac mini. The description of a 12-inch Titanium model has left some Mac users scratching their heads, however, since Apple only produced the 12-inch pro laptop model in an aluminum chassis.The update “improves Bluetooth performance and reliability issues,” according to Apple. Apple notes that the update can be applied to Macs that have built-in, internal Bluetooth modules and USB-based Bluetooth adapters manufactured by D-Link.
By Peter Cohen
Apple has released Bluetooth Firmware Update for Mac OS X 10.4.3, intended only for certain Macs — the iMac G4, iMac G5, 12-inch and 15-inch “Titanium” PowerBook G4 and Mac mini. The description of a 12-inch Titanium model has left some Mac users scratching their heads, however, since Apple only produced the 12-inch pro laptop model in an aluminum chassis.The update “improves Bluetooth performance and reliability issues,” according to Apple. Apple notes that the update can be applied to Macs that have built-in, internal Bluetooth modules and USB-based Bluetooth adapters manufactured by D-Link.
Donations of Old Computer Stuff and Other Things
Resolutions for a Better America
Although you can't single-handedly put an end to political strife or world hunger, you can still make a difference. Find out what small actions you can take to create a big impact.
By Jacob Young (extracted from Reader's Digest, January 2005)
..."Do you have an old computer to dispose of? Contact the National Cristina Foundation (cristina.org) or World Computer Exchange (worldcomputerexchange.org). You may get a tax write-off; someone who needs it gets your old machine. Still have materials from that remodeling project? Habitat for Humanity will look it over and either use it in one of their projects or sell it in one of their 300 ReStores. (Again, you get a tax deduction.) Old cell phone? The Wireless Foundation distributes phones to victims of domestic violence (calltoprotect.org). More than six million pairs of eyeglasses get "retired" in the United States each year. Take them out of the drawer and give them to the local Lion's Cluib. Used sneakers too cruddy even for the Goodwill? Nike will grind them up and use them to resurface ball courts, tracks and athletic fields (nikereuseashoe.com)."
Although you can't single-handedly put an end to political strife or world hunger, you can still make a difference. Find out what small actions you can take to create a big impact.
By Jacob Young (extracted from Reader's Digest, January 2005)
..."Do you have an old computer to dispose of? Contact the National Cristina Foundation (cristina.org) or World Computer Exchange (worldcomputerexchange.org). You may get a tax write-off; someone who needs it gets your old machine. Still have materials from that remodeling project? Habitat for Humanity will look it over and either use it in one of their projects or sell it in one of their 300 ReStores. (Again, you get a tax deduction.) Old cell phone? The Wireless Foundation distributes phones to victims of domestic violence (calltoprotect.org). More than six million pairs of eyeglasses get "retired" in the United States each year. Take them out of the drawer and give them to the local Lion's Cluib. Used sneakers too cruddy even for the Goodwill? Nike will grind them up and use them to resurface ball courts, tracks and athletic fields (nikereuseashoe.com)."
Software to Manage Yoiur eBay Auctions
GarageSale 2.0b5 is an auction creator and manager for eBay. It offers a WYSIWYG description editor, iPhoto integration, a built-in image editor, a categories browser, templates and template sharing, offline operation, support for Immediate Payment, and other features. This beta release uses eBay's new Unified XML API and is now a Universal Binary. It also adds cancellation of auction uploads, revision of auctions, automatic auction verification, improved performance, and other changes. GarageSale is $24.99 for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and 10.4.x.
http://www.iwascoding.com/GarageSale/
http://www.iwascoding.com/GarageSale/
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thrill-Filled Roller Coaster Simulation
NoLimits is the ultimate roller coasters simulation game that let´s you experience authentic roller coaster thrills.
Focusing on realism and speed, NoLimits lets you ride real existing coasters, or build rollercoasters to your own specifications - with 18 different track styles, including inverted, hyper-coasters, wooden and shuttle coasters.
Top Features:
- Ride ultra-realistic roller coasters
- Choose between more than 65 great premade tracks
- Download 1000s (!) of further NoLimits tracks for FREE.
- Build your own rollercoaster with the Track Editor
- Create mountains and lakes with the Terraformer
- Choose between 18 different track-styles
- Play the ride operator and dispatch the trains
- Choose different environments (fog, sunset, etc...)
- Include 3DS scenery objects in your coaster tracks
- More than one train at the same time
- Synchronized block-safety-device
- Animated objects
- 3D sound
- Save screenshots at your favourite views
There are no limits in creating your own roller coasters with this great simulator!
"As a professional coaster designer (www.john-wardley.demon.co.uk) I want to congratulate you on a superb piece of software development."
John Wardley - Coaster Designer (created Nemesis and Air)
"I'm the developer behind Disney's original Coaster game, that came out ten years ago. I just wanted to say, its about time somebody made a good sequel for the designers in all of us, that don't care about park admissions, or lines. Great Job guys!"
Dan Duncalf - CEO Pipeworks Software, Inc.
"The best 3D replication of roller coasters I have seen to date."
Bob Mandel - Senior Editor AVault
"The best 3-D roller coaster simulator on the market"
James Allen - Editor GameGenie
Download a free demo at http://www.nolimitscoaster.com/100php/index.php?source=macintouch for PC or Mac.
Focusing on realism and speed, NoLimits lets you ride real existing coasters, or build rollercoasters to your own specifications - with 18 different track styles, including inverted, hyper-coasters, wooden and shuttle coasters.
Top Features:
- Ride ultra-realistic roller coasters
- Choose between more than 65 great premade tracks
- Download 1000s (!) of further NoLimits tracks for FREE.
- Build your own rollercoaster with the Track Editor
- Create mountains and lakes with the Terraformer
- Choose between 18 different track-styles
- Play the ride operator and dispatch the trains
- Choose different environments (fog, sunset, etc...)
- Include 3DS scenery objects in your coaster tracks
- More than one train at the same time
- Synchronized block-safety-device
- Animated objects
- 3D sound
- Save screenshots at your favourite views
There are no limits in creating your own roller coasters with this great simulator!
"As a professional coaster designer (www.john-wardley.demon.co.uk) I want to congratulate you on a superb piece of software development."
John Wardley - Coaster Designer (created Nemesis and Air)
"I'm the developer behind Disney's original Coaster game, that came out ten years ago. I just wanted to say, its about time somebody made a good sequel for the designers in all of us, that don't care about park admissions, or lines. Great Job guys!"
Dan Duncalf - CEO Pipeworks Software, Inc.
"The best 3D replication of roller coasters I have seen to date."
Bob Mandel - Senior Editor AVault
"The best 3-D roller coaster simulator on the market"
James Allen - Editor GameGenie
Download a free demo at http://www.nolimitscoaster.com/100php/index.php?source=macintouch for PC or Mac.
Laptop / Powerbook Arm Chair Table
Here's a really cool product for your laptop.
surfACE |
• Ideal support for your laptop anywhere, indoors or outdoors.
• For web-surfing, gaming, watching DVDs, work and much more.
• Great design, quality materials and fine craftmanship.
• Sturdy, durable, secure, adjustable and expandable.
• Increases comfort, cooling and ergonomics.
"The surfACE is simply one of the best designed computer peripherals I have seen."
Gordon Kelly, TrustedReviews.com
"… its design, quality of construction and most important, usability are of the highest order,which should be enough to offset the cost for most people."
Clifford Hope, MacFormat Magazine
"Certainly, it's the most versatile laptop stand I have encountered."
Charles W. Moore, MacOpinion.com
"Compared to any other laptop tray on the market, this tray is one of the best you will find and will definitely make a great gift for any laptop user."
UpgradeAdvisor.com
Check it out at http://www.edgeblur.com/surface.html
"The surfACE is a wonderful useful and fun invention destined to change
the way we use our computers."
Isaac Mitzrahi
surfACE |
• Ideal support for your laptop anywhere, indoors or outdoors.
• For web-surfing, gaming, watching DVDs, work and much more.
• Great design, quality materials and fine craftmanship.
• Sturdy, durable, secure, adjustable and expandable.
• Increases comfort, cooling and ergonomics.
"The surfACE is simply one of the best designed computer peripherals I have seen."
Gordon Kelly, TrustedReviews.com
"… its design, quality of construction and most important, usability are of the highest order,which should be enough to offset the cost for most people."
Clifford Hope, MacFormat Magazine
"Certainly, it's the most versatile laptop stand I have encountered."
Charles W. Moore, MacOpinion.com
"Compared to any other laptop tray on the market, this tray is one of the best you will find and will definitely make a great gift for any laptop user."
UpgradeAdvisor.com
Check it out at http://www.edgeblur.com/surface.html
"The surfACE is a wonderful useful and fun invention destined to change
the way we use our computers."
Isaac Mitzrahi
Real Health News
Submitted by my Friend Don Elefante
Folks,
I hope this is important enough for you to welcome it in your inbox --
especially those who live farther north than I do and those with darker
skins. Maybe this won't be news to some of you, but it will be to many.
Some of you may even remember when a daily dose of cod liver oil was in
vogue!
Finally, the information on Vitamin D has gotten into the mainstream
after decades of being covered up by sunscreens and skin cancer fears.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/article335359.ece
Here's an article that covers additional details that you won't get in
the mainstream (or from the one-pill-fits-all philosophers), including
how
to optimize your vitamin D levels. It also presents what looks to me
like a balanced view on the sun exposure issue:
http://www.mercola.com/2002/feb/23/vitamin_d_deficiency.htm
Will your health practitioners know about this stuff? Hard to say. My
GP does and supports my yearly blood tests for optimizing my Vitamin D
levels.
Don Elefante
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Snowglobe
Get your Mac in the holiday spirit with a free virtual snowglobe, courtesy of the friendly folks at Freeverse.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Switching from the PC to the Mac
This would be useful if you have any PC friends who might be considering "switching" to the Mac platform.
You are probably already a Mac user. You also probably know Windows users who are curious. As the iPod popularity grows, more users are getting a taste of Apple technology and find out they like it. At the same time, the frustration with Windows from a virus and security perspective also continues to grow. Take Control of Switching to the Mac, the new Take Control eBook by Scott Knaster, is a great place to get the questions answered, whether for you as a Switcher, or for friends who are considering the change. Scott shares his tips on switching to the Mac, why he selected the eBook format for this project, and why his book is a great gift for your PC-owning friends. The price is only $10 for the download.
http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/switching.html?@707.fvjqaUSPbxh@
You might also look at the other books by Take Control. Their catalog is at
http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/catalog.html
You are probably already a Mac user. You also probably know Windows users who are curious. As the iPod popularity grows, more users are getting a taste of Apple technology and find out they like it. At the same time, the frustration with Windows from a virus and security perspective also continues to grow. Take Control of Switching to the Mac, the new Take Control eBook by Scott Knaster, is a great place to get the questions answered, whether for you as a Switcher, or for friends who are considering the change. Scott shares his tips on switching to the Mac, why he selected the eBook format for this project, and why his book is a great gift for your PC-owning friends. The price is only $10 for the download.
http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/switching.html?@707.fvjqaUSPbxh@
You might also look at the other books by Take Control. Their catalog is at
http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/catalog.html
Friday, December 16, 2005
MacSTAC Annual Holiday Party --- REPORT
Notwithstanding really lousy weather, 17 hardy souls appeared last night for our Annual Holiday Party. The food was delicious and plentiful, the decorations were festive, the gift giving was loads of fun, and the drinks (especially the mulled hot cider) were wet and wild, and the company was outstanding. The library decided to close at 7 PM and Scott told us we could stay until 9 PM. We finished all our business by 8:30 PM.
Thanks to all who donated and participated.
We look forward to a great new year and lots of exciting things in the world of Apple. Thank you all for your strong support and we hope to see you on Thursday, January 19th. Speaking of that, you probably have a new calendar for 2006, so while you are transferring birthdays and anniversaries to it, how about penning in the third Thursday of each month as MacSTAC User Group meeting, 6:30 PM, Vestal Libratry.
Happy holidays.
Ben
Thanks to all who donated and participated.
We look forward to a great new year and lots of exciting things in the world of Apple. Thank you all for your strong support and we hope to see you on Thursday, January 19th. Speaking of that, you probably have a new calendar for 2006, so while you are transferring birthdays and anniversaries to it, how about penning in the third Thursday of each month as MacSTAC User Group meeting, 6:30 PM, Vestal Libratry.
Happy holidays.
Ben
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