MacFair returns to southern California

Southern California MacFair 2003, the region's "largest" Macintosh event, returns to Cerritos College in Norwalk, CA for three days, Friday-Sunday, November 14-16. Over 30 exhibitors are participating including Aladdin Systems, Microsoft, MYOB, Apple Shop at CompUSA, Provue Development, Micromat, MacAlly, and Prosoft Engineering. In addition, over 24 informative presentation seminars are scheduled including three special presentations by Adobe Systems showcasing its new Creative Suite. Admission for both the vendor expo and seminars, at the door for both days is $20 ($15 for advance registration); workshops cost between $60 and $100.

Second San Diego Apple Store to open Oct 24

Apple is expected to open a second retail store in San Deigo, CA on Friday, October 24, the same night as its "Night the Panther" special events at local Apple Stores around the US. As noted in early September, the store will open in the upscale University Towne Center in La Jolla area (San Diego, CA), as noted by the directory listing on its website. The store is expected to complete construction on October 17 and hold its grand opening on October 24th. Apple's Website currently only lists the Fashion Valley retail as the only San Diego-area store. Update: Readers also note that Apple will be holding a grand opening of a Cleveland-area store on the same day as well. The new retail store, first noted in late May of 2003, is located at the Legacy Village retail center in Lyndhurst, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.

Apps: QuiXample, Autologin, SignalScope ...

lain Pastor has released QuiXample 1.2.2, a maintenance update to the fast plain-text search tool that gives developers access to the countless FutureBasic source code files on their computers. QuiXample can memorize up to 20 favorite folders for quick access. [292KB] Gideon has updated Autologin 1.1 (AL), its freeware preference pane that can automatically mount Appleshare volumes when you login and also updated Dock-It 1.5.1 (DI), its $12 multifunctional launcher and Finder enhancer for Mac OS X. [AL, DI] SignalScope is a 2-channel real time audio spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope, built for Mac OS X. SignalScope was designed to "make meaningful measurements with easy-to-use controls." SignalScope is shareware and registration is $25. [796KB] Flash AV Players 2.3 updates the Flash application that broadcasts MP3, SWF (Audio and Video) and JPEG files by loading playlists in XML format. Flash AV Players, beside the MP3 and database ready feature, has also navigation and sound controls, preloading, crossfade of movies, custom backgrounds and comments, and more. RealeStudios today released RealeWriter ("Really Writer"), a personal publishing application for Mac OS X and Mac OS Classic that helps users create picture books, print them in several formats, save them as interactive Web sites. A single user license for RealeWriter is $30. [796KB] Cliché Software has released Stratèges 1.0 a $10 recreation of the classic Stratego game and Chercher 1.0, a $6 sleek utility for instantly searching the web from any application. [ST, CH] X2 Studios has updated its XMMS Remote Client application for Mac OS X 10.3. The update also fixes bugs that didn't show up when running in 10.2. XMMS Remote is a two-part software solution that uses Web-services to remotely control and display the status of the xmms media player. [144KB]

HELIOS debuts WebShare file server

HELIOS Software today introduced its new HELIOS WebShare, an extremely fast and secure, remote Internet file server with support for the Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 Server platform. Files can be accessed and swapped directly and speedily via a Web browser without any additional WebDAV, FTP, AFP or SMB/CIFS connections that typically slow down file transfers. The two-tier server application uses WebObjects server to authenticate and display a catalog of files available through the WebShare File Server.

ShaggyMac unveils new laptop screen protector

ShaggyMac.com today launched the MacSoft Cloth laptop screen protector. The MacSoft Cloth ($10) cushions a laptop's fragile screen when the lid is closed. This prevents the abrasive keyboard from making contact with the screen and causing permanent marks and scratches. To accommodate this wealth of different models, ShaggMac.com features the "Custom Shop," which allows customers to easily navigate and design their own build-to-order laptop screen protectors.

Belkin ships TuneDok for iPod

Belkin today began shipping its new TuneDok for iPod, which holds the iPod firmly in your vehicle's cup holder: "The TuneDok holds your iPod in position for easy access using AirGrip suction-cup functionality. Offering three adapter cup configurations (for different-size cup holders), its flexible construction gives a perfect fit in your vehicle's cup-holder console. With its innovative height-adjustment capability, the ratcheting neck feature allows you to reposition your iPod easily. The cable-management clip eliminates loose and tangled cords." It is available for $30 and works with both "3G" and older iPods.

SplashPhoto update includes catalog feature

SplashData announced today the launch of SplashPhoto 4.0 for the Mac. SplashPhoto ($30) enables Palm OS handheld users to manage and synchronize their image libraries with a Macintosh. It offers a fast, easy-to-use image viewer for handhelds and smartphones. Version 4.0 includes a desktop catalog feature with two-way synchronization, offering the easiest means of managing photos on a Macintosh computer and handheld device. Several other new features also appear in the $10 upgrade.

Aspyr: Sims Superstar in duplication; updates

Aspyr announced today that "The Sims Superstar", its $30 expansion pack for The Sims, has gone into duplication. The estimated ship date is Wednesday, October 22, according to the developer: "Players can live their fantasies of fame and fortune as they pursue the dream of being a Rock Star, Movie Star, or a Supermodel, live the lifestyle of a celebrity, and even mingle with the rich and famous." Aspyr has also posted updates for Ghost Recon, Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds, and Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds-Clone Campaigns Expansion Pack. The new version of Ghost Recon adds for GameRanger voice communication team channels. SWGB 1.1.1 and SWGB-CC 1.1.1 fix a number of issues. [Download - GR, SWGB , SWGB-CC ]

Discreet to ship combustion 3, holds events

Discreet this week will hold special launch events in New York and Los Angeles for the release of combustion 3, its visual effects and compositing software for the desktop: "Attendees will get up close and personal with combustion 3 through performance demos and an interactive software studio for hands-on exploration of the dazzling effects and motion graphics software. Additionally, industry experts will provide a guided tour of many of the key new features." combustion 3 was announced in early September; it will sell for $1000 with upgrades starting at $200. : The Mac version is due in early 2004 for full compatibility with Panther.

Apps: junXion, Web Dumper, Finance, SafeClean

IntelliPrompter 1.2 is a new functionality update to its teleprompting solution for the Mac. It now features a Microsoft Word import assistant, support for Panther, and additions to IntelliPrompter's AppleScript support, including speed ratio and dual directional scrolling adjustments. Pricing starts at $80. [Classic, OSX] ZappTek has released several modifications for iCal to allow it to use email clients other than Apple's Mail. Separate modifications are available for Entourage, Eudora, Mailsmith, and PowerMail. STEIM has released junXion v1.1, a data routing application that allows the connection of any USB game controller and defines, in an easy user interface, the translation of each key or joystick action into a specific MIDI event. It now supports mouse movement and clicking by an external game device and GUI improvements. It is $30 and runs on Mac OS X 10.2. [376KB] Maxprog has updated its web tool: Web Dumper 1.8.1 is a featured internet tool that allows users to download web sites for offline browsing. It is avaialble in in English, French and Spanish. It adds Referer support to all HTTP commands, better URL handling, and other improvements. It is $17. [Classic, OSX] Yenco.com's Finance 5 updates the $20 financial management application with 125 enhancements. Changes include redesigned account windows which combine list and detail views of your transactions into a single, simplified interface; a new convenient sidebar to display all your account balances and a persistent, integrated search interface. [788KB] SafeClean 2.4 updates CodeTek's internet privacy tool. The $25 shareware "protects your Internet privacy by permanently removing cached web pages, browser histories, logs of chat conversations and the emails that you've sent or marked for deletion." [1.2MB] Steinberg has posted updates for Cubase 2.01, its music creation and production system and Nuendo 2.1, its professional audio and post production application as well as its Xphraze 1.1 VST syntheizer plugin. [CB, ND, XPH-Cl, XPH-OSX] Vizspring has updated its $25 flagship font manager application: Typeset 1.6.3 brings full Panther compliance to the font viewing utility designed to view a collection of installed fonts searching for a good font for a particular project or logo. [1.0MB]

Hemera releases BizArt image collection

Hemera today released BizArt, an extensive image collection specifically designed to meet the visual needs of business professionals. It offers over 56,000 high-quality images on CD and DVD-including stock photos (500x700 @ 300 dpi), vector clip art (EPS format) and Photo-Objects images (600x600 @ up to 300 dpi). The royalty-free BizArt images are divided into several themes including Architecture, Commerce, Customer Service, Education, Finance, etc. The Mac version is available on DVD for $50.

Dr. Frame3D for 3D modeling, frame analysis

Dr. Software has released Dr. Frame3D 1.0, a 3D modeling and frame analysis tool. Frame3D implements a rich direct manipulation environment in which users can interactively build and test 3-D truss and frame structures, while receiving realtime visual and numeric feedback to indicate structural behavior. The application offers modeling/visualization tools for creation, manipulation, and inspection; realtime feedback on objects, views, and tools; and hierarchical display of object properties with support for direct editing of values. It is available for $600 ($300 off) for a limited time and for $100 to education customers.

MacBU launches \'Compatibility Center\'

Microsoft's Business Unit (Mac BU) has launched a new Compatibility Center at its Mactopia website. The new area features case studies, success stories, how-to articles, plus results from an Answer Research survey and a new IDC report. The Compatibility Center is designed to "provide education and awareness about the pitfalls of incompatibility and the solutions that can help make this problem a distant memory."

Handspring releases Treo 600 phone/PDA

Handspring today announced nationwide availability of the Treo 600 with wireless service from Sprint. The Treo 600 combines a phone, a Palm OS 5-based organizer, messaging, email, and web-browsing capabilities into a compact device with a phone-like look and feel. It features a built-in QWERTY keyboard, a bright color screen and an integrated SD/MMC slot. It is $600 with a $150 service credit offered with a two-year PCS Advantage Agreement. For a limited time, Handspring is also offering all Treo 180, 270 and 300 owners the ability to upgrade to a Treo 600 for only $400.

Mac OS X network utility gets advanced DNS

Charlie Boisseau has updated Net Tool Box 2.5, his multi-purpose networking utility for Mac OS X with features such as geographical IP mapping, a "Ping & Ping" scanner, DNS lookup tool, DNS scanner, MX lookup tool, TCP terminal, TCP listener, HTTP header browser, traceroute, and port scanner as well as several other functions. The updates adds a new DNS query tool for advanced DNS lookups and other bug fixes. The author also has posted "The Next Episode, which explains his plans for Net Tool Box 3.0, which will include Windows and Linux versions as well visual traceroute, advanced SMTP/POP, and DICT functions. [2.9MB]

Heredis Mac X manages genealogical data

Heredis Mac X is a new tool for managing genealogical data using an expandable database and manages data entry, including validity of dates, coherence of data, evolution of family names and of place names over the centuries, personalized data entry shortcuts, and permanent control of duplicates. It supports QuickTime-compatible files, offers a 3D family tree, and includes the ability to write a CD-ROM directly containing your genealogy including all the individuals of your choice. It is available for $40 ($20 off) through the end of November.

Iconfactory releases \'Haunted Drives\' icons

The Iconfactory has released a new set of freeware iconsm, Haunted Drives, to "infuse your Mac's HD with the spirit of famous movie monsters. This New Tuesday's release is Haunted Hard Drives and they have come to inhabit your desktop, frighten the neighbors and hold your files. Today also marks the return of the Web's Attic, a one-stop page for all of the best Halloween related icons, fonts, desktop images and other GUI goodies we've found across the Internet."

Tech: Longhorn delayed, MS sued, UltrSparc

Morning tech news: The Longhorn edition of Microsoft's Windows operating system is at least two years away and will include technology designed to make information easier to find and view; E-Data has sued Microsoft, charging that the software giant's new music download service in Europe infringes on a patent it owns nearly 20 years old; and Sun says its upcoming UltraSparc IV processor will outperform its predecessor by a factor of 1.6 to 2.

New MacIT sessions at Macworld Expo SF 2004

IDG World Expo today announced MacIT, a new conference for enterprise IT managers that will debut at 20th anniversary of the show, Macworld SF 2004, which takes place January 5-9, 2004. The new conference will offer sessions on servers, services, security, IT management, integration and networking. Participants can choose from more than 30 conference sessions on topics such as Enterprise Solutions; Concepts in Mac and PC Integration; transition to Mac OS X; designing Airport networks; Mac firewalls; Rendezvous; AppleScript; telephony; and debunking the IT myth.

Minolta debuts DiMAGE G400 4MP digital camera

Minolta today introduced the new high-performance, compact DiMAGE G400 4.0 megapixel digital camera. It features a 3x optical zoom lens, sleek metal exterior, a 0.7-second startup time, autofocusing, autoexposure, auto white-balance, and a shutter-release time lag of approximately 0.03 seconds. Other features include auto bracketing; manual exposures; the ability to store/recall two sets of frequently used camera settings; control of color, sharpness, and contrast; video/audio recording at 320x240; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and support for both Memory Sticks and Secure Digital Memory Cards. Pricing and availability were not announced.

Apple Q4 \'03 earnings, Webcast due Wednesday

Apple will broadcast is Q4 Financial Conference Call on Wednesday, October 15 (tomorrow) at 5:30 pm PT, 30 minutes later than usual. The QuickTime Webcast will follow the release of Apple's earnings tomorrow after the markets close--usually around 4:30 pm ET.

Studycard Studio: multimedia flashcard app

Digital Meadow today released Studycard Studio 2.0, an update to its multimedia flashcard applications for Mac OS 9/X. Version 2.0 offers the ability to print individual cards or multiple cards per sheet--with the question on the front and the answer on the back and also allows users to print on perforated card sheets. It also now imports/exports text, CSV and iFlash files encoded as styled text, RTF, or Unicode; imports from EDICT and CEDICT Japanese and Chinese dictionaries; offers improved performance; and supports find/replace, resizable thumbnails, and a sort command. It is a free update to the $30 application, while a new "lite" version is free.

Apple to broadcast music event at some stores

Apple will be broadcasting its upcoming media event at select Apple Stores. Apple is expected to unveil iTunes for Window as well as other make other announcements: "The year’s biggest music story is about to get even bigger. Come to one of these Apple stores Thursday, Oct 16, at 10 a.m. PT to see a live satellite broadcast of this exciting event."

CMS Products changes name, reduces prices

CMS Products today changed its name from CMS Peripherals to CMS Products and also announced it has reduced pricing on its ABSplus, Automatic Backup System. ABSplus offers The ABSplus offers plug 'n play backup of your computer's hard drive, including all files, applications and operating system, creating a fully bootable drive as well as other disaster recovery features. The Portable ABSplus is available in 20GB ($280), 40GB ($330), 60GB ($400), and 80GB ($500) models, while ABSplus for Desktops offers 7,200 rpm drives with 4.9 seconds seek times; they are available in 80GB ($280), 120GB ($330), 200GB ($400), and 250GB ($500). The drives carry a 3 year warranty.

Dell cluster vs. Apple cluster; redux

MacNN reader Dave Shroeder writes: "The University of Texas just rolled out a $38M Dell/Linux cluster that will achieve 3.7 Tflops, not even yet at full capacity. Compare that to Virginia Tech's $5.2M Apple/Mac OS X cluster that achieves 17.6 Tflops, constructed in 3 months." Several readers followed up on the pricing and cost issues involved: [updated]