Monday, June 30, 2003
Top Stories
Apple Explains Power Mac G4 Mobo Switch
Reverting to the older motherboard architecture had another added benefit: Today's Power Mac G4 is dual-bootable in Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.
Beige G3 Abandoned By Panther? Is It Really Inevitable?
At some point it's going to happen.
News
Casady & Greene To Cease Operations Thursday
Casady & Greene, a company that's been publishing software since 1984, will offiically cease business as of Thursday.
.Mac Members Getting Renewal Notices Three Months Early
"What happened to the extra 3 months?"
Pinnacle To Buy Dazzle Products
Pinnacle Systems Inc., which makes such products as the Mac-based CineWave video editing solution, has entered into a definitive agreement to buy the Dazzle home video editing business from SCM Microsystems.
iSight, iPod, Power Mac G5 Top Apple Sales Chart
Fuel Creativity, Manage Passion
Apple Computer attracts many bright, passionate individuals, and the big task for its Asia-Pacific VP, Tony Ho, is to manage them and harness their creative energies.
Benchmarking The Leaders
Most if not all educational organisations use the Apple Mac platform for teaching information technology and in visual arts departments.
PowerSchool Announces Student Information System 3.6
PowerSchool 3.6 features "more scheduling versatility, expanding on the Master Schedule Builder of version 3.5."
Apple Kicks Off "You Save. They Rave." Promo
US$99 mail-in rebate with the purchase of a Mac and an HP DeskJet or Photosmart printer or any HP all-in-one product.
MacSoft: Neverwinter Nights Coming In July
Set in the Forgotten Realms, Neverwinter Nights is a true 3D RPG set developed using D&D 3rd Edition rules.
Macworld CreativePro To Feature FCP-Made Films
Independent Bands Use Internet To Sell Recordings, Widen Their Exposure
Opinion
New Power Mac G5 Triggers Wave Of Hype
Processor speed is but one measure of a desktop computer's performance.
The Video Phone Meets The PC: Steve Jobs Shows How To Put THe Phone Companies Out Of Business
The folks who should be the most worried about this development are the phone companies.
Apple's On A Roll Again—But Is It Too Late?
With stuff this good, Apple deserves a break.
Take Another Look At Apple
Apple can still make a case in the enterprise, targeting creative types, some road warriors and some server applications, and it's clearly not running short on innovation.
Will Microsoft's Browser Engine Backfire?
Microsoft may have unwittingly started a revolt against its Internet Explorer (IE) browser by discontinuing it as a standalone product and blurring the future of the current version, IE 6.
The Audiophile Future?
Once the mass market has adopted an audio format it finds convenient, audiophiles are expected to grumble a bit and then get down to the business of perfecting it.
Q&A: Dan Gillmor On Apple's New G5s, Panther
"Clearly on the UI front, Apple is ahead and will stay ahead. But Microsoft is nothing if not relentless. This is a long, long competition."
Analyzing Apple's Market Position
I would appreciate if other marketing aspects are also brought to the spotlight, as the "lower the prices, sell more machines" argument is very simple and not well thought.
The Panther Report: Is Apple Now Cribbing Ideas From Windows?
This isn't the first time Apple has gone outside the company for technology and ideas.
Review
MacAlly Noise Reduction Headphones
The MacAllys are a solid set of headphones and pack the sound quality that should be expected for their price.
Sidetrack
BRAND NEW TOY : "So, to Mac developers," advised Brent Simmons, , "I'm not saying don't use Web Kit. Use it. It's super cool."
"I'm just saying to pay attention to security."
After all, there is a reason why most of us don't use Windows by choice.
STUPID : The Malaysia government wants to put software under price control to fight piracy. I only have one word to describe this move.
Wintel
IBM Takes On Microsoft: Smaller Businesses Win
Microsoft's New Interest In Washington
New Itanium A Breakthrough For Intel?
With "Madison," Intel is hoping the third time's a charm.
A Safer System For Home PC's Feels Like Jail To Some Critics
Your next personal computer may well come with its own digital chaperon.
Sunday, June 29, 2003
Top Stories
Mac's Retail Rush
When Apple launched its "switcher" campaign to woo Windows users into the Macintosh camp, the stores were supposed to serve as the ultimate physical enticements for would-be defectors. But fewer than two out of a 100 non-Mac-using store visitors end up buying Macs, about the rate at which Mac-using visitors buy new machines.
Apple Exploits Open Source To Produce An Outstanding Browser
Safari is one of Apple's finest releases, an elegant piece of work that shows a refreshing emphasis on two often-neglected qualities: simplicity and speed.
News
Mac Geeks Unite At Sea
Inside what looks like an ordinary classroom, students gathered for what seemed to be a usual computer seminar. But the computer users were far from common.
Oak Ridge Upgrades School Computers
Students and teachers at Oak Ridge's four elementary schools will have new wireless computers and software when school resumes in August.
Apple Wins Two Industrial Design Excellence Awards
Apple received two awards in this year's Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).
Opinion
Apple And Developers
Just because Steve Jobs doesn't have a genius for encouraging developers doesn't mean that he isn't a genius at a certain kind of marketing.
Review
Macintosh In The Land Behind The 64-Bit Looking Glass
Combined with the compiler and software improvement, the roadmap might give us the fastest desktop platform around — but will Apple make full use of it, or screw up a great opportunity as they did many times before?
PlanarMedia 14 Audio System
I don't have any pretense of being an audiophile, but I know what I like. And I like the way this speaker system sounds.
Sony CD Recorder Is Good To Go
Sony's new MPD-AP20OU portable CD recorder costs more than some other outboard units, but it has several features that might make it worth the price.
Sidetrack
HACK AWAY : iTunes Music Store's digital rights management scheme.
YET ANOTHER MARRIED QUOTE : My contribution to this : "So, why not you choose what we'll have for dinner?"
"Pizza?"
"No."
Saturday, June 28, 2003
Top Stories
Greene Leaders Agree To Lease Computers
Greene County leaders on Thursday approved a lease agreement that will provide laptop computers for every middle and high school students.
News
Sybase Covers All The Bases
New offerings help manage very large databases and mobile and small-business apps.
Aspyr Ships SimCity 4
The long-awaited 4th generation of the game features new simulation and graphics engines, new regional game play and the new ability to track the lives of individual Sims as they go about their daily routine.
Apple Confirms Third-Party Cards Work With AirPort 3.1
The ability for third party IEEE 802.11g cards to work in Macs equipped with AirPort 3.1 drivers was a deliberate engineering decisiono n Apple's part.
Security Concerns Raised Over Retrospect
Apple Blooms On Michigan
Apple today puts the final polishes on and at 6 pm, opens its new North Michigan Avenue store, the largest in its rapidly expanding network of company-owned retail outlets.
Opinion
Panther Preview Confirms New PowerBooks?
A tantalising glimpse of Apple's PowerBook plans has emerged courtesy of the preview release of Mac OS X 10.3 handed out to developers at this week's Worldwide Developers Conference.
Why Does Apple Put Politics First?
Apple is apparently a company that is so constrained by the political views of its corporate leadership and board, which now includes Algore, that it's accepting lower sales. What a shame.
Apple's iChat AV And AOL IM Interoperability
Now we can guess why AOL asked the FCC to cancel the instant-messaging interoperability requirement for video services, something AOL had promised as a consequence of its buyout of Time Warner.
Concerning Apple's New Power Mac G5
A number of interesting details about the new Apple machines have gone more-or-less unnoticed.
Is The G5 Going To Change The Platform?
The Time Is Now
To grow their market share, Apple need to increase the appeal to all levels of consumers.
Review
Add Songs To iPod After Altering Your Preferences
Audio/Video Conferencing With iChat AV
After fiddling with iChat AV, I have this feeling that Apple is going to popularize video conferencing with these two new product launches.
The Game Room: Save The Drama
From comic-book heroes to skate rats to tried-and-true board games, we've packed this month's Game Room with games that offer a more upbeat outlook.
Tropico: Mucho Macho Edition
If Tropico slipped by you on its initial release, the Mucho Macho Edition is a great opportunity to try one of the most unique simulation games ever at a bargain price.
Wintel
Sobig Variant Making A Name For Itself
Our long national nightmare continues.
Microsoft Eases E-Mail Licensing
Companies will not have to pay as much to keep their e-mai-addicted employees happy under new licensing terms established by Microsoft for the next version of Exchange.
Friday, June 27, 2003
News
PowerLogix Drops G4 CPU Upgrade Prices, Talks G5
PC-Mac War Hits Tukwila School — Foster High Wins Grant For 30 New Apples, But Tech Plan Calls For PC Use
"I'd rather have 30 PCs than nothing," although the first choice would be to have new Macs rather than used PCs.
VCD-Authoring App Updated
The software lets Mac users create VCDs from iMovie or QuickTime files.
Opinion
Gloves Off The Benchmark Brawls
Did Apple lie? No, it probably got the results it said it did on the Dell machine, but the system world probably submerged in maple syrup or powered by a humidifier.
Flipping The Bird
The tendency to cast every story in terms of conflict is fueled by laziness.
Could An eMac Strategy Bring More Market Share To Apple?
Panther For $129? Please
I'm sticking with Jaguar.
Review
Uplink
Uplink might not appeal to trigger-happy FPS fans, but it's worth a look if you like games with a cerebral twist.
3 Days Of The Panther... Not Bad, Not Bad At All
The best feature of Panther is the new level of sophistication.
The Panther Report: An Early Look
I'll distill a few personal reactions based on working with the Panther prerelease right after the keynote, and conversations with Apple on the subject.
Sidetrack
VISIT IT ONLINE : Catch pictures of the brand new Apple Store at North Michigan Avenue, Chicago.
Wintel
Gates: Security Isn't All Big Brother
Technology will help preserve privacy rights.
Group Claims Linux Advance On Xbox
A group of Xbox security researchers say they have found a way to run Linux on the Xbox without a so-called mod chip and will go public with the technique if Microsoft won't talk to them about releasing an official Linux boot loader.
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Top Stories
Will Apple Score With The Technical Crowd?
Even the most vocal critic must agree that the forthcoming PowerPC G5 will have considerable juice, but will it have what it takes to make the grade in scientific research and engineering apps?
Apple Design Award Winners Announced
Salling Clicker 1.5 picked up awards for both Best Mac OS X Product (Best of Show) and for Most Innovative.
Video Chat Software Reviewed
Apple, [as opposed to Microsoft], would sooner die than release anything that could be described as "stuttering" or "microscopic."
News
Questions On Mac OS 10.3 (Panther) System Requirements; Real-World Test Results
As far as we can discern, any hardware that will run Mac OS X 10.2.x (Jaguar) will also be capable of running Mac OS X 10.3.
Thursby Releases Free DAVE 4.1 Update
QuickTime State Of The Union Address Posted
AppleScript Gathering Planned For CreativePro
An AppleScript for Workflow Automation Birds-of-a-Feather meeting will be held at next month's Macworld CreativePro Conference and Expo.
Biggest Apple At Home In Chicago
Apple is opening its largest store in Chicago, part of a retail that has yet to prove it can help the computer-maker take a bigger bite of its market.
Apple Releases Darwin 7 Preview Source Code
Apple's G5: Reality Distortion Field Not Required
While the casual Mac user may wonder what the fuss is about, the new Power Mac G5 is the machine for which pro users (as well as home users with a penchant for power) have waited for more than a year.
Opinion
Will The G5 Kill Consumer Mac Sales?
Would you buy an iMac now if yo uknew that inside 12 months a G5 iMac would be released?
A Look Inside Apple's New Push For Speed
If I were a betting man, I'd wager that an Apple-branded camcorder and an Apple-branded phone aren't too far off.
The WWDC Report: Apple Does It Again To Third Party Developers
If you look at the larger picture, Apple's move makes sense. It is not competing with third party developers, but with Microsoft.
No Wonder People Don't Buy Apple Macs
Why people don't switch and how to entice them.
Apple On Speed
The old debate about Mac versus PC has been revived, and the Mac side has a lot more ammunition today than it had last week.
Review
Making The Switch: Macs Can No Longer Just Talk Amongst Themselves
Wired or wireless, the process of sharing files is the same.
Blogs For Teachers: Post Your Lesson Plans On The Web
I was so impressed with the organization, versatility, and ease of use of iBlog that I went ahead and set up blogs for my classes this fall.
Want To Do More With An iSight Than Chat?
I want to introduce you to one variation right now — EvoCam 3.1.
Windows Of Opportunity
The real beauty of the latest Virtual PC version 6 is how seamlessly it works with Mac OS X Jaguar.
Sidetrack
SORRY, NO MAC USERS PLEASE : Mac Net Journal discovered that Safari 1.0 doesn't work with FileMaker's site.
Will somebody be fired too? :-)
SHHHHH! : Last night, on the local news on TV, a report was made on steps the National Library Board is taking to make the library a quieter place again.
I was so happy, until I realise the reporter was conducting interviews in the library, interviewing both librarians and library users.
Sigh. I lost hope.
IT'S A CITY DOWN THERE : Artist turns PPC 970 die into futuristic city.
Wintel
Time Running Out For WIndows NT
The clock is ticking for those Microsoft customers still using the software maker's Windows NT 4.0 workstation operating system.
Court Curbs Microsoft Java Distribution
A federal appeals court dealt a legal blow to Sun on Thursday, tossing out most of a preliminar injunction requiring Microsoft to carry its rival's version of an interpreter for the Java programming language.
Office Remodel To Help Disabled Users
Microsoft plans to make the next version of Office more accessible to people with disabilities, a move that could help sales to companies doing government work.
Microsof Urged To Fry Its Own Spam
Microsoft recently launched a high-profile campaign against spammers, but some critics say the company should be more introspective if it is serious about reducing the scourge of unwanted e-mail.
Microsoft Warns Of Windows 2000 Server Flaw
Microsoft on Wednesday issued a bulletin warning users of a flaw in a Windows 2000 Serve rcomponent that could allow attackers to execute code on vulnerable machines.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Top Stories
Design According To Ive
"We wanted to get rid of anything other than what was absolutely essential. We kept going back to the beginning again and again. Do we need that part? Can we get it to perform the function of the other four parts?"
Developer Notes From WWDC 2003
The hardware is robust, the operating system is evolving, the developer base is growing, and customers worth having are taking notice of Apple once again. My gosh, what a good time to be an Apple developer.
Apple Hardware VP Defends Benchmarks
Apple set out from the beginning to do a fair and even comparison, which is why Apple used an independent lab and provided full disclosure of the methods used in the tests, which would be "a silly way to do things" if Apple were intending to be deceptive.
Apple's Benchmarks Put To The Test
Analysts and others are raising questions over Apple's claim that its new Power Mac G5 is the world's fastest personal computer.
News
Apple Offers Details On Panther Server
Apple's Panther Server Sneak Preview offers a glimpse of its upcoming features which Apple says "will deliver major enhancements."
Power Mac G4 Hard Drive Update For OS X Released
Apple has released Hard Drive Update 1 for Mac OS X, which improves the longevity of some hard drives shipped in certain Power Mac G4s, including the Cube.
FileMaker To Spotlight K-12 Solutions At NECC
Sony USA CEO Sees Glimmers Of Hope In Music Sector
"Steve Jobs has liberated us."
Pixar Measuring Interest In Mac Renderman
Pixar has "found the performance of the G5 to be impressive," and is considering a full release of the popular renderer, depending on customer demand, among other issues.
Apple Shares Hit 52-Week High
Apple's share price reached its highest point for a year following Monday's announcement of the Power Mac G5.
Apple Denies Fiddling G5, Xeon Tests
What the 'cheating' controversy has done at least is question the value of SPEC-based tests.
Apple Computer Steps Up Marketing In Korea
Apple Korea said it would actively promote its computer products for ordinary users as well as professionals.
Apple Store Boca Raton To Open July 3rd
MacMania III To Sail For Eastern Caribbean
MacMania combines an ocean voyage with 20 hours of conference ocurses. It will run Nov 7-14, 2004, in the Eastern Caribbean.
Ability Enterprise Lands Orders From Apple And Casio
Ability Enterprise has landed orders to produce Apple's iSight PC camera, sources said.
Keep Connected On The Go
"The use of wireless laptops facilitates learning and students become lifelong learners. The idea is to get into the hands of kids technology they can use."
Can The G5 Save Apple?
For all of the innovation the company is introducing with its next-generation G5 processor, its market battle remains decidely uphill.
Ellison And Jobs: Two Visions Of Tech
In their recent moves, the CEOs of Oracle and Apple have demonstrated divergent views of the industry.
No WPA For Apple Until Year-End
Support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) will not be available until Mac OS X version 10.3 "Panther".
Opinion
Apple: The Last Bastion?
As more sites shift to the IE way of thinking, it becomes easier to sell the Windows message; why buy a Mac system (or for that matter, a Linux one) that 'doesn't work properly with the Internet'?
Apple's New G5 Is Impressive Despite Questionable Benchmarking
In any case, Apple's market share does not really depend on performance. The company's user interfaces, packaging and competence with content keep customes coming back. Apple users will welcome the update, but we see no reason for PC users to switch unless the Mac platform offers a compelling and sustainable performance benefit for their specific needs.
Wintel Catching Up? Time For Apple To Think Again
Apple, I believe has, in recent times, taken its customers and pre-eminence in PC laptop design for granted. It's time to Think, not just Different, but Again.
Review
Blowout G4s Or Forthcoming G5s, Which Wins Value Comparsion?
There are precisely two standout values — the 2002 dual 1.25 GHz G4 at $1,299 and the dual 2.0 GHz G5 scheduled to ship in August.
Apple Power Mac G5
We don't love the G5's look, but the innards have serious promise.
Xserve RAID Shows Promise
Apple's first foray into the RAID market yields an interesting storage unti that blends ATA drives with Fibre Channel connectivity. Unfortunately, it's currently an Apple-only product.
Sidetrack
DON'T EXPECT THE IMPOSSIBLE : Dave Hyatt on Safari 1.0. "If you actually thought all 10 million Web sites would render flawlessly in 1.0, then you simply had unrealistic expectations."
Wintel
Gates Puts The Squeeze On Spam
Microsoft stepped up the rhetoric in its war on spam Tuesday, as Chairman Bill Gates called for government and corporate cooperation to stem the tide of junk e-mail.
Microsoft's Next Target — Google?
Microsoft's path to expand the Windows empire is leading directly to search king Google.
Alas, Poor Microsoft... Yo Used To Be So Interesting
These guys are no longer the zeitgeist-setting titans we loved to hate. It makes a polemicist like me sad.
Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Top Stories
Apple Steps Into The Future With Panther And G5
"We're not in a space where we are still finishing things we wanted to do with Mac OS X; Jaguar was that and we are beyond that now."
Apple & User Centricity. A Fan Letter.
Everything I saw this morning made me reel in the fact that Apple really, truely gets it and delivers.
Apple Benchmarketing Raises Questions
It appears that Apple requested an optimized compiler to be used with its processors, while forcing the Intel processors to use a generic alternative.
News
Hello, iPod. Goodbye, MD
Sony really dropped the ball.
Power Mac G4s And G5s Compared
Power Mac G4 Prices, Configs Slashed After G5 Intro
Users interested in one of Apple's G4-based pro desktop systems will find their choices more limited than before, although bargain hunters may find some deals.
Aladdin Offers Ten For X Vol. 2
Apple Takes A Bite Out Of Video IM
Jobs hopes to encourage the spread of video chat by integrating it into instant messaging.
Apple Plan To Roll Out Net Music In Europe Delayed
Attempts by Apple to launch a European version of its online Music Store has been held up until next year by disputes between record companies and their artists over licensing.
Apple Hits A High, But Fails To Convince Big Investors
Shares of Apple hit a one-year high in intraday trading Monday, propelled by enthusiastic chatter about a new powered-up chip for its high-end computers and a promising venture into the online music business. But though Mac lovers may see reason to applaud, heavy hitters in the fund world aren't exactly jumping out of their seats.
EverQuest Mac Edition Now Available
EverQuest is a real-time 3D massively multiplayer online role-playing game.
The MacHax Best Hack Contest 2003
The touchstone for the MacHack developers conference has long been the annual MacHax Group's Best Hack Contest, in which numerous Macintosh developers of all skill levels show off their programming talents and learn new skills, all while having some fun and entertaining their friends.
Apple Announces Chip Deal And Other Moves To Lift PC's
Steve Jobs unveiled a new alliance with IBM today in a bid to stay innovative and independent in a computing world dominated by Microsoft and Intel.
Apple Unleashes Panther
With its new Panther operating system, Apple is once again asking Mac users to pay to adopt a new cat.
Oracle Bringing Database Software To Mac OS X
Oracle today announced plans to issue a production release of its next generation database technology on Mac OS X, citing high demand for its Database Developer Release.
Wolfram Announces Mathematica 5
Mathematica 5 boasts over 100 new algorithms for symbolic and numerical computation.
Mac Enthusiasts React To WWDC News
Macintosh users are an easily excitable bunch.
Opinion
3 Months Ago: Apple Switch
Apple will switch to Intel processors within the next 12 to 18 months.
Linux: Cheap, Reliable, But Fast?
What I find interesting — and what Boutin doesn't really acknowledge or deal with in his article — is how effecitvely Apple has rekindled developers' interest.
Thrills At The Mall Of America's Apple Store
If Apple has raised the bar for OS X's hardware requirement above my iMac, I'll be bummed.
Flipping The Switch
Linux's new popularity may hurt Apple more than Microsoft.
Review
My Life And The Big Screen
The 17-inch PowerBook G4 is a bit heavier, but you do get more computer for your trouble.
The Power Mac G5 Value Equation
Apple has definitely turned things on their head with the Power Mac G5 when the dual 2.0 GHz machine offers 2.5x the sheer power of the 1.6 GHz model at just 50% more money.
Sidetrack
AN APPLE A DAY : MusicOnMac — the site for artists.
Monday, June 23, 2003
Top Stories
Apple Previews Mac OS X 'Panther'
Highlights of the new operating system version include a revamped Finder interface that Jobs describes as "user-centric". Other new features include faster search, colored labels, and better integration with Windows network environments.
Apple Rolls Out iChat AV, iSight
The next version of iChat, iChat AV and a new Apple digital camera, the iSight, were unviled by Steve Jobs today.
Jobs Unveils New Power Macs
Speaking at the company's annual developer conference, Steve Jobs rolled out a new crop of Power Macs that he says can outperform any Windows-based PC on the market. The Power Mac G5 will be built around IBM's new PowerPC 970 chip and come in three flavors — a 1.6GHz model, a 1.8GHz model and a dual processor 2GHz model.
News
Mac OS X Users Top 7 Million
The number of Mac OS X applications have also doubled to more than 6,000 during the past year.
iTunes Music Store Hits 5 Million Downloads
Over 46 percent of the songs have been purchased as albums, and over 80 percent of songs available the online store have been purchased at least once.
Apple Releases Safari 1.0
Safari has seen over five million downloads of the beta versions in the past six months; version 1.0 will be the defalt browser for the new Power Mac G5s coming in August.
Apple Introduces Xcode Developer Tools
Xcode, Apple's new developer tools, combines a Unix-based development environment, a breakthrough — and simplified — user interface, and performance technologies including Fix and Continue, Zero Link and Distributed Build.
Apple Previews Mac OS X 'Panther' Server
The new version includes an Automatic Setup feature, Open Directory 2, Samba 3 and the JBoss Application Server.
Musical Revival
Success of Apple's service breathes new lie into online song sales.
OpenOffice For The Mac Goes Gold
OpenOffice for the Macintosh is finally out of beta, just in time for Apple's WorldWide Developer Conference.
Week Ahead: Pocket PC Vs. Mac
Microsoft and Apple Computer are set to face off "mano a desktop" on the publicity front.
LaCie Announces 60GB Pocket Drive
The 7200rpm drive weighs in at 12.5 ounces and is small enough to fit into your pocket.
No School For The Unwanted
Christchurch hi-tech research organisation Ultralab South is hoping to persuade the government to trial a British scheme for educational non-achievers called "Notschool".
Apple iPod Does A Palm
Now Windows users can harness their iPods as personal organizers, too.
Opinion
Apple And Microsoft: Can This Divorce Be Saved?
I remain concerned tha tthere needs to be more great Apple software to help the platform along. But I don't think that Microsoft's withdrawal from that market will prove fatal for Apple.
Review
More Than An MP3 Player
Apple's new range of iPod music players are musical manna from heaven.
Sidetrack
SEE YOU IN THE MORNING : Because of the time difference, I will be fast asleep when Steve Jobs unveils G5s and Panther. (And maybe iTunes for Windows, TiVo on iPod, and OS X Tablet PC Edition.) So, you'd have to go to some other places for your up-to-the-minute news.
HOGWART EXPRESS, in full QuickTime VR glory.
Wintel
Microsoft Unleashes New Handheld OS
Aimed to play up its WIndows heritage, Microsoft on Monday will unveil a new version of its handheld operating system that boasts the new Windows Mobile name, but only a few new features.
New P4, Itanium From Intel
Intel on Monday will come out with a Pentium 4 running at 3.2 GHz and will separtely discuss a new version of its upcoming Madison chip specially enhanced for dual-processor servers and workstations.
Microsoft Blog Policy Coming Down The Pike?
So far, corporate has yet to weigh in on its growing cadre of bloggers. But that may be about to change.
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Top Stories
The Missing Future
If you want my support, and the support of others like me, propose a vision. Show me you can co-operate, show me you can build platforms.
MacHack 18: Experiencing The Unstoppable
MacHack is a conference for professional developers who make their living developing for the Macintosh platform.
News
NetNewsWire Gets Combined View, LiveJournal Support
Version 1.0.3 brings a new Combined View that combines titles and descriptions into a single view.
Power Mac G4 Hard Drive Update For OS 9 Released
Apple has released Hard Drive Update 1 (Mac OS 9 only), which improves the longevity of some hard drives shipped in certain Power Mac G4s, including the Cube.
MacHack 18 Opens With A Keynote Address From Ken Arnold
As is traditional, MacHack 18 opened first thing Thursday morning at 12.00 am with its keynote address.
Review
12-Inch PowerBook Continues Low-Weight Legacy
PowerBook Is Big, Expensive Spectacle
It's a dream. Get one and tourists might even ask to pose with you at the Burbank airport.
Saturday, June 21, 2003
Top Stories
Apple To Update Desktop Chips
IBM has scheduled analyst briefings on the chip to begin after Steve Jobs givs his keynote address. A group of IBM engineers has come to Appe's Cupertino headquarters for last-minute preparations. And Apple's close partners say signifcantly faster Apple machines should arrive before the end of the year.
News
Apple Expected To Preview Next OS X On Monday
It has been a big year for Apple.
Safari Time For Mac Users
For users of Apple's Macintosh operating system, a certain amount of dependence on Microsoft has long been a practical necessity.
Apple Workers Get 13% Pay Rise
Workers at the Apple plant in Cork have managed to break the computer manufacturer's global pay freeze by winning a 13% pay rise.
Apple Gets A Taste For Speed
Apple appears poised to boost its Power Mac line in what could be a much-needed overhaul of its high-end desktops.
O'Reilly In A Nutshell
"When Mac OS X came out, it offered thebest of all worlds, the Office world and the whole Unix toolset all wrapped into that cool new interface, and with all the interesting iApps."
Profiles In Success: Information Security Institute, Johns Hopkins University: Securing The Internet Age
For this team, security, collaboration, and productivity are mission-critical. That's why they depend on Macintosh systems running Mac OS X.
Apple Ships Shake 3
Shake 3 includes such Mac OS X only features as Shake Qmaster network render management software that allows visual effects artists to distribute rendering tasks across a cluster of Apple's Xserve 1U rack servers or desktop Power Mac G4 systems.
Apple Acknowledges Continuing .Mac Problems
Several outages have affected .Mac within the past 12 hours.
Opinion
Letters: iTunes Will Save The Music Industry, Not Destroy It
Readers respond to Sahar Akhtar's "iTunes — The 'i' Doesn't Stand For Innovation."
Review
New Computer Tools Help Jam Spam, Spare Ham
My technique has reduced the 1,000-plus spams a day I used to receive to a few dozen, which are easily filtered for later review.
Wintel
Reports Wrong On Xbox Successor
A Japanese newspaper on Friday retracted statements attributed to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer regarding a new version of the Xbox.
Friday, June 20, 2003
Top Stories
Apple Leaks Power Mac G5 Specs
The online Apple Store inadvertently posted the specs of the Power Mac G5 late Thursday.
News
Opinion
AppleWorks Lament: In A Vacuum, No One Can Hear You Type...
Times have changed, the OS has changed and unless Apple wants it to be the office equivalent of the Yugo, AppleWorks needs to change.
The Bet: Aple, Faster, Better & Still A Loser
Steve Jobs should take his own advice and sacrifice some profit margin in exchange for some market share.
Does Mac OS And Windows Convergence Threaten Innovation?
If the Mac OS and Windows keep getting more and more similar, how long before they end up being the same thing?
Review
Giga Designs G4 Upgrades: Recent Entries TO CPU-Upgrade Market Let You Hol On To Your Old Mac
Live 2.0 And Phrazer 2.0: Two Apps Represent The Highs And Lows Of Loop-Based Sequencing
Portfolio 6.1: Upgrade To OS X-Native Digital-Asset Manager Speed Workflow
Solo users may consider this upgrade pricey, but if you're working in OS X as a single user or a small-office creative pro, you'll want this upgrade.
RealBasic 5.0: Software-Development Application Remains Top In Field
What makes RealBasic a compelling buy has remained the same since the early days: when you commit to RealBasic, you've got a lot of people at your back.
TextWrangler 1.0: Text Editor Brings BBEdit Features To Bargain Market
If you spend a lot of time looking at Unix config files or exports from a database application, or if you simply can't afford the $179 BBEdit, TextWrangler is a good option. But for TextWrangler to build a broader audience, it will need more flexibility and some features — such as AppleScript support — that it currently lacks.
ZBrush 1.5: Package Lets 2-D Artists Break Int To The Third Dimension
We like ZBrush's innovative support for painting with depth, but the interface leaves lots of room for improvement — and the program can't replace Adobe Photoshop or a full-featured 3-D application.
4th Dimension 2003 Standard Edition: Database-Development App Adds Cool New Features But Retains Familiar Barriers To Ease Of Use
4D 2003 is not easy to learn or use, but the company sure is trying, as evidenced by its well-integrated XML and Web-services support. It's well worth purchasing if you're an established 4D developer, but it will likely be over your head if you're not.
Mac FlipAlbum 3.0: Effort To Bring Real-World Feel To Virual Photo Albums Is Easy To Use But Yields Mixed Results
Mac FlipAlbum is definitely not a tool for professional photographers, but home users who are looking for a conceptual alternative to iPhoto may find FlipAlbum's interface refreshing. However, those users should think twice before deleting iPhoto — there are still many things FlipAlbum can't do.
FontLab 4.5: Highly Scriptable, OpenType-Compatible Font Editor Deserves To Be The Typography Professional's Choice
Professionals who take the time to tackle FontLab's toolbars will be rewarded with its pwoer and ease of use — especially after the sticky-mouse bug is fixed.
Datavideo DV Bank: Drive That Acts Like A Tape Deck Provides Improved Workflow For Video Editors
For videographers who need an additional capturing facility or time-lapse capability, this sturdy, well-designed machine is a great tool.
Faxstf X Pro: Major Improvements Earn Fax Software A Place Among Its Competitors — Though It's Not Without Faults
Faxstf X Pro is significantly better than its predecessor, but its hefty price, inconsistency in receiving faxes, and limited address-book compatibility mean it's no match for Page Sender.
FreeHand MX: Illustration Program Joins The FX Family
The real selling point is its more comprehensive integration with other MX products; this integration finally brings FreeHand MX up to a level where professionals can use it with confidence.
Wintel
Ballmer Sets Date For Next Xbox
Microsoft will deliver the next version of its Xbox game console in 2006, CEO Steve Ballmer said.
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Top Stories
Ambrosia Software: Software Of The Gods
If you play Mac games, you've probably heard of Ambrosia Software. One of the Mac's premiere shareware developers and publishers, Ambrosia has been making games and utilities with the passionate zeal that comes from drinking the gods' nectar.
AirPort Update Complies With Final IEEE 802.11g Spec
Apple has released an update to bring AirPort Extreme base stations and client computers equipped with AirPort Extreme cards in-line with approved specifications.
News
iPod Software Update 2.0.1 Released
Apple has released iPod Software Update 2.0.1, which offers restore and update features to iPods with a dock connector.
Macworld Shrinks To Core
Macworld's much-touted return to the Hub next year may feature a dramatically downsized show that has tens of thousands of fewer attendees than first planned, recent events in New York indicate.
Apple Gets Indie Bands
"I was waiting the whole time to find out, 'Where is the catch?' So far, there hasn't been any."
Apple In 2008
If industry influence trumped such tradition economic considerations as market shares, Apple probably would be the top computer manufacturer.
Opinion
Confessions Of A Soon-To-Be Ex-Mac User
The Macintosh is slow, horribly expensive and I'm not going to take it anymore.
Review
Power Over Ethernet
This one-trick widget obviously isn't for everyone, but as one-trick widgets go, it's a class act.
iMovie Retains Edge In Movie-Making
Apple's program is easy to use, has lots of interesting features, and works.
Put Weblogs To Work: Low-Cost Tools Let You Publish Professional And Personal Sites Instantly
For users who want a Weblog system that can expand with the needs of their publication or business, we recommend Movable Type or pMachine. Both offer excellent features, extensibility, and power, and they're both easy to use.
Wintel
MSN Search Bot A Glimpse Of Ambitions
In preparation for unveiling its own algorithmic search engine, Microsoft's MSN has quietly launched software that will index Web sites, a move that raises questions about MSN's relationship with Yahoo subsidiary Inktomi.
Tech Giants Ally On Home Networking
Microsoft, Sony and other tech heavyweights are set to unveil a joint effort to make sure that their products — from computers to DVD players to cell phones — can communicate with each other over a home wireless network.
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
Top Stories
Apple Stock Jumps On Analyst Upgrade
Shares of Apple hit a 52-week high Wednesday after Charles Wolf of Needham & Co. upgraded the Mac maker to "buy" from "hold," citing strong iPod sales and a potential Power Mac rebound.
News
Sony Unveils Fingerprint Identity Package For OS X
The package is an easy-to-use solution for securing access to desktops, Web sites and other critical applications.
Making The Cut: Producing A TV Series On The Mac
"We decided to go with Macs for everything and I'm very glad we did."
iPod Muzak Isn't Same Old Song
Instead of piping bland background music over tinny speakers, enterprising music promoters are loading hundreds of hours of hip tunes onto iPods and renting them to restaurants, nightspots, clothing boutiques and hair salons.
More Universities Hosting WWDC Keynote
Apple Upgraded At Needham & Co
Mac Advocates Launch New Publication
6 Years Ago: Mac Today will hit newsstands later this week that will argue the case that Apple isn't in trouble, it's just misunderstood.
Opinion
Apple Sometimes Get It Wrong
Apple has had its share of missteps over the years. That the company is still here, however, is a tribute to the brand's mystique and the quality of its products.
iTunes — The "i" Doesn't Stand For Innovation
As songs are increasingly sold one by one online, the musical creativity and risk-taking associated with the album format will decline.
Apple's Real Worry Isn't The Loss Of IE
Far more daunting is the prospect of Microsoft abandoning the Mac version of its popular Office software. That's because Apple hasn't yet shown it can replace Office for most of its users. And without Office, Apple's whole "switchers" program to convert Windows users will probably run aground.
Review
First Impressions Of A Low-End eMac
JBL Invader
All in all, while certainly a noteworthy 4.1 system, after shelling out $180, it may leave the buyer wishing for a more memorable aural experience.
Reason To Believe...
Apple store provides a much better experience than bootleg services such as Kazaa — and it'sguilt-free.
How To Manage Large Image Libraries With iPhoto 2
iPhoto 2 includes a few key improvements to help manage large image catalogs.
Sidetrack
MAYBE WE SHOULD BE SMILING when Microsoft stops developing IE for Mac. After all, you don't want to go through this experience when you visit your parents.
I CAN'T BELIEVE that MacSurfer's actually took my link that points to a 6-year-old article and reprint the link as if it's current news. :-)
Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Top Stories
The Key To Innovation
For now, the Innovation Advantage belongs to companies that control both hardware and software development. In this regard — until Microsoft buys HP, or Sony buys Microsoft — Apple stands alone.
Adventures In Downloading Haydn
This isn't all Apple's fault. It's just the way classical music is made.
News
Apple Director To Speak At Digital Music Event
Peter Lowe, Apple's director of marketing for Applications and Services, will be a keynote speaker at the Jupiter Plug.IN Conference & Expo.
University Of Winsconsin Hosting WWDC Keynote
Apple Responds To Microsoft Dropping Internet Explorer
"The Safari beta program has been an incredible success, and we will be releasing Safari 1.0 soon. Microsoft's Macintosh Business Unit felt it was a good time to reassign their resources working on IE to the revenue-producing Mac products they are working on, such as the next versions of Office, Entourage (including an Exchange client) and Virtual PC."
Apple To Broadcast Jobs Keynote From WWDC
Apple will provide a live satellite broadcast of Steve Jobs' keynote address from its Worldwide Developers Conference next week.
Apple Store Coming To Burlingame, CA
iPod, iTunes Put Apple At Core Of Music Industry
Supply Snag Slows Down Mac Cloner
John Fraser's one-mac Mac clone business has been put on hold after a key parts supplier became the target of Apple's legal team.
iTunes Independent-Lables Move
Apple has published a Knowledge Base document for musicians wishing to make their music available through iTunes Music Store.
Mac OS X Gains Reporting
Sybase is bringing graphical reporting capabilities to the Mac OS X platform.
Opinion
The New Void In The Web Browser Market
Safari is not currently available for Windows, but a case can be made that Apple could benefit from porting it to the Microsoft platform.
Why I Love The iPod
When you see someone on the street, white buds in their ears, it's a thrill to know that they are part of the brotherhood. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that my iPod has changed my life.
The Microsoft Watch: Will You Miss Internet Explorer?
Info With A Ball And Chain
We do need legislative help in keeping DRM under control. But ultimately, its fate will be determined by our own actions.
Microsoft Shows True Color: Yellow
We are entering a tech world in which means of distribution trumps marketing and even trumps product quality.
Review
Mask Pro 3
What Mask Pro offers is more tools to assist the user in the art of extraction.
Aladdin Spring Cleaning 6.0
Spring Cleaning and its trusty side-kick iClean remain the safest way to scrub out uesless files and polish the performance of your Mac.
TouchStream For 15" PowerBooks
Chartsmith
It shwos the strengths of Aqua and AppleScript. It follows the UNIX way: simple-seeming but powerful tools that interoperate freely.
Replacing A Power Mac G4 Power Supply
Most everyone else will probably be happy that the new power supply and fan are indeed quieter, even though this replacement won't eliminate jealousy over the silence of the fan-less Power Mac G4 Cube and older iMacs.
Sidetrack
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE : I really hope that iTunes for Windows will be available for Windows sufferers outside of the U.S., because none of the Windows MP3 players that I've tried matches the quality of iTunes.
Just don't use metal inferface on Windows. I've checked. There's no such thing in the Windows HCI guide.
Update: If this is true, then I worry. :-)
THANKS, DAN, now I need to go get myself a camera-phone.
SIMILARLY, IN SINGAPORE : there is also a right-of-reply policy for reporting on the Government. I don't think there is a policy of a right-of-reply for any individuals, companies, or organization, though.
Wintel
Microsoft Takes Spam Fight To Court
Intensifying its campaign against spammers, Microsoft announced Tuesday that it has taken legal action in the company's home state of Washington and in the United Kingdom.
Microsoft Go Direct To Drive Profits
Microsoft has a new strategy to boost its sales and fend off rivals: go direct.
West Virginia Drops Microsoft Appeal
West Viriginia's attorney general said Monday he would drop the state's appeal of the landmark Microsoft antitrust settlement, leaving Massachusetts as the final hold-out pushing for stricter sanctions.
Monday, June 16, 2003
Top Stories
Send Your Kids To Apple Camp
Conducted at your local Apple retail store, Apple Camp "enhance the learning, study, and research skills of students in grades 1 through 9."
News
Profiles In Success: B. F. Yancey Elementary School: Transforming Kids With Technology
"Working with the computers has given [the students] a sense of competency and initiative. They're starting to seek out their own learning opportunities."
Apple Store Coming To Cleveland, OH
Microsoft Releases Internet Explorer 5.2.3
The update enhances browser compatibility for users who work on a network with secure authentication or with proxy servers.
Apple To Introduce New Mac OS X Server At WWDC
Apple will introduce the new version of OS X Server based on Panther and discuss how Apple products and technologies fit into today's IT environment.
Apple Shipping iLife 1.1
The new version adds iTunes 4.0.1 to the bundle.
Apple Hardware VP To Keynote Macworld CreativePro
Apple vice president of hardware product makreting Greg Joswiak will deliver the opening feature presentation at next month's Macworld CreativePro Conference & Expo in New York City.
Updates To Microsoft Internet Explorer Expected Today
New Mac Site Launches For Mac Server Help
A new Web site has launched that seeks to provide help to users looking to develop and serve Web sites on a Mac.
Windows iTunes Service 'By End Of Year'
Apple remains on track to deliver a Windows version of its iTunes Music Store by the end of the year, a senior executive confirmed last week.
Maine Ushers In A Laptop Revolution In The Schools
Now, at the end of the experiment's first year, the consensus seems to be that it's a hit.
Review
Mac Chronicles: What's In A Dot Mac?
When used as a complete package $159 is not a bad deal. But if you're only looking for a couple of features, put your wallet away and opt out for the freebie services that are scattered across the Web.
Apple's Net-Sharing Smarts Overcome Apple's WiFi Woes
Apple needs to fix whatever is making some networks invisible to Airport Extreme cards. But it deserves some praise for the simple way you can create a low-end mesh network, with just a few clicks of a mouse.
Uplink
While this game might not appeal to everyone, it does what it does good.
FreeHand MX
New features and tools, better stability, and seamless program compatibility make FreeHand MX a good contender for future standards.
Price Cut Bolsters PowerBook's Value
A recent $200 price drop makes Apple's 12-inch G4 PowerBook one of the more attractive options if you're looking for an ultraportable laptop with powerful multimedia capabilities.
Wintel
Linux Version Of Acquired Antivirus Product Doomed
Users, resellers regret Microsoft plan to kill RAV AntiVirus for Linux.
Sunday, June 15, 2003
News
Opinion
Why Apple iTunes May Win
Apple is winning the online music battle, and may win the war.
This Month In Web Browsers
When you throw in Safari and Firebird, it feels like something's shifting.
Review
Why I Can't Finish The Upgrade To Mac OS X
There are three applications and one print driver keeping me chained to crashes, spinning beachballs, and inflexible modal dialog boxes. I need them, and I can't use them without Classic because, two years after OS X arrived, there is still no OS X version.
eMac In Class Of Its Own
The newest Apple eMac computers present compelling options to those in the market for a new machine.
Saturday, June 14, 2003
Top Stories
Selling Out: The Pocket Jukebox That's Shaking Up The World's Music Industry
Weighing little more than a tube of toothpaste and fitting easily inside the palm of the hand, an innocuous British-designed gadget is leading a revolution in the music industry.
News
Apple Re-Issues Security Update For Mac OS X
Security Update 2003-06-09 2.0 apparently fixes a login problem where you had to hit the return key instead of the login button.
School Committee Nams Two To Consolidation Panel
Apple is offering school systems a three year payment plan [for Powerschool], with a very low or token payment the first year. If the school system signs on by June 30, the company will throw in a free $4,000 server.
Opinion
R.I.P.
On this grey and rainy day, this news of a kind of death brings no warmth.
Review
Top Ten Digital Video Tips
Apply one or more of these tips to your movie making, and I guarantee you'll be rewarded with terrific results.
Sidetrack
STUPID WEBSITES : Visited Dallas Morning News' web site, who asked me to register first before letting me read. So I did. Except that the stupid registration form allows me to indicate I'm from Singapore (and not U.S.), but insists I enter a 5-digit ZIP code. (In Singapore, it's 6 digit postal code. I'm sure there are other countries that uses alphanumeric postal code.)
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
So what do I do? I faked the data. Now, Dallas Morning News have a visitor from Singapore with a ZIP code of 12345.
Nowadays, it's so darn difficult to be an honest man.
Friday, June 13, 2003
News
The Art Institutes To Migrate 3,000 Macs To OS X
Thanks to the release of QuarkXPress 6.
Microsoft: No New Versions Of IE For Mac
Microsoft's decision creates a conudrum for Mac users seeking maximum compatibility.
In iPod He Trusts
Armed with a small fleet of iPods, Porter's embarking on a one-of-a-kind business venture: filling the little mp3 players with a specially created musical catalog and renting them out to area businesses.
Internet Explorer Consigned To The Trash
Roz Ho, the general manager of Microsoft's Mac Business Unit, has confirmed that no future versions of Internet Explorer will be released for the Mac.
Corel: A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Ambition
With Corel set to disappear into the control of a California-based venture-capital firm for little more than a buck a share, it's easy to forget there was a time when this company could do no wrong.
Line Of Apple Stores Expanded With Opening In Newton, Mass
Leave it to Apple, the only PC maker that controls its own operating system, to think it can sell its products better than the computer superstores.
Apple Store Eats Channel Business
Apple resellers are becoming increasingly disgruntled with the product expansion and aggressive pricing of the vendor's online presence.
Wireless Remote Debuts For iPod
The naviPod consists of a receiver that plugs into the top of the iPod and a 5-button infrared remote control that produces the same functions as the Apple iPod wired remote.
Adobe Posts Gain In 2nd-Quarter Earnings
By Kids, For Kids
The Masconomet students wrote their stories then drew and painted pictures to go along with them. But everything soon turned high-tech.
Macs To Drive On HyperTransport Links
Apple will use HyperTransport as a high-speed link between the two processors that make up the chipset in new desktop Macintoshes, sources said. This is faster than most existing chip connection technologies, a change that in turn should lead to overall better performance.
Opinion
Can Diversifying Save Apple?
Products with Apple labels on them would have to somehow fit into the company's master plan. Since the company doesn't necessarily share its plans with the outside world, we're left to speculate.
iPod: Digital Music's Windows Desktop
Since record companies are desperate for new means of distribution, shouldn't they be looking for access to the iPod rather than just iTunes?
How Apple Software (And Not Just iTunes) Could Improve The Windows Experience
Who ever thought we'd be looking to Apple to make the Windows experience better.
Mac G5: Too Little, Too Late
Instead of a hot new model, Apple needs a new manufacturing process that will enable it to compete price-wise with Windows.
Review
Why Text Browsers? MacLynx Vs. WannaBe
Text browsers remain a viable alternative to graphical browsers, especially if you have a slow connection and/or an older machine.
From Geek To Chic, Mac Gifts Suit Dads, Grads
M last installment of gift suggestions focused on audio, but there's much more to being a Mac user than creating or enjoying music.
Ilisten 1.6 Dictation Software For OS X
iListen's far from perfected yet, and still has rough edges, but so does the competition, and this release has done considerable smoothing.
1GHz iMac
We love the LCD iMac enough to accommodate its flaws, but not enough to overlook them.
Mac OS X And AudioUnits Update
An abundance of delectable new plugins.
Sidetrack
WANT A MACINTOSH PDA? : Why not try emulating Mac OS 8.1 on an iPaq?