Briefly: Apple surpasses Dell marketcap

In Brief: After years or waiting and anticipation earlier this week, Apple today closed with marketcap of $72.13 billion, surpassing Dell's $71.97 billion and making it one of the most valuable PC vendors in the world (behind HP).... Apple closed today at $85.58, up almost $1.30 (1.54%)--another all time high-- following several analyst upgrades.... While Apple has chosen not to participate in the "Intel Inside" program, which gives the vendors marketing dollars co-branding on the box and in marketing materials (including TV ads), Apple will includ Intel's dual-core Duo processor logo on its new iMac box--in part to distinguish it from the existing PowerPC-based iMac.... A newly filed Apple patent suggest that Apple may be looking to integrate a FM transmitter into its iPod as patent application No. 20050286481 describes "a method, apparatus, and system" that wirelessly plays iPod audio files over an FM radio receiver, such as a car radio... The recently released iPod Software Update 1.1 is causing a headache for many iPod users and many problems, including problems with sound after 20 seconds of playback.... Seattle software company Delicious Monster continues to be successful with its software for cataloging books, CDs and other items on a Mac, despite losing two employees to Apple. [updated]

Forums: Intel iMac, MacBook Pro, more...

Topics of discussion on the MacNN forums today include: The all-new Intel-based MacBook Pro released by Apple this week.... The new Intel-based iMacs released by Apple this week.... The possibility of dual-booting Intel Macs with Windows.... The new Mac OS X 10.4.4 update released by Apple this week.... The possibility of running the new Mac OS X on Intel PCs.... Whether users will be able to run Windows XP on the new Intel-Macs, despite use of the new EFI instead of a BIOS.... Levi's so-called iPod-compatible jeans.

New tools debut for DeltaGraph 5.6

Red Rock Software this week showcased new tools for DeltaGraph 5.6 Mac--its data analysis, charting and graphing software--at the Expo in San Francisco. The new tools take advantage of technologies found in Mac OS X v.10.4 Tiger, such as Spotlight and Automator features. The company showcased "DGPlot," an Automator action used to create multiple, repetitive charts such as those used in reports, experiments and analysis. A demonstration displayed how using the Spotlight plug-in for DeltaGraph can help users manage a large collection of charts. The plug-in provides searches using key words in charts, including a specified chart's title, legend, X or Y Axis labels, and more (system requirements and pricing were unavailable).

NoteBook 2.1 to ship in March

Circus Ponies Software has announced that NoteBook 2.1 for Mac OS X Tiger is slated for shipment in March. The updated version adds "Action Item" syncing with iCal and Microsoft Entourage, new Cornell note-taking pages, enhanced .Mac integration, and direct FTP uploading. Version 2.1 also offers LinkBack support, enhanced PDF publishing capability, and Spotlight search functionality. The improved Action Item framework in NoteBook 2.1 allows users to sync NoteBook to-do items either with iCal or with Microsoft Entourage. The new sync mechanism is bidirectional, keeping to-do lists in sync regardless of which application applies changes. NoteBook 2.1 is priced at $50, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

MS to ship keyboard, mouse for Macs

Microsoft this week announced plans to ship its "Wireless Laser Desktop" bundle--a wireless keyboard and mouse specifically for Macs--marking the first that the software giant has shipped a product specifically for Macs. The RF-based bundle offers keyboard with a comfort curve for ergonomic support, an eject key for the optical CD/DVD drive, customizable one-launch keys for specific tasks, customizable keys using new Microsoft driver/softoware, and a "clover" shaped key to mimic the Apple/command key functionality. The wireless laser mouse features a tilt-wheel and offers magnifying options. The Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac owners is expected to ship in the summer of 2006 for $100.

MacJournal 4.0 beta near completion

Mariner Software announced at the Expo that its journaling and blogging application--MacJournal 4.0--has reached the late development stage and is expected to ship in March. The update will be available in beta form from the Mariner Software website in January, and introduces several feature additions as well as numerous bug fixes. Features include ATOM blogging and podcasting support, audio recording capability, and Inspector support. The upgrade will also offer pre-journal customization, and advanced search functionality. MacJournal 4.0 will be available for $40, with upgrades for version 3.x customers priced at $25. MacJournal requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

RBLibrary.com offers REALbasic help

RBLibrary.com is new source of documentation for the REALbasic programming language that features current, accurate articles containing information about REALbasic. Exclusive content only found at RBlibrary.com includes articles written by REALbasic experts. Articles for all skill levels covering a wide range of topics include new REALbasic 2006r1 features, threading, databases, and more. New articles are added daily, and past articles can be searched and accessed. Prices for articles on RBLibrary.com vary, however an introductory offer is currently available in which the first 100 customers receive 50 percent off by entering 'RBLIBRARY.COM' as the coupon code.

Intel Macs support 802.11a WiFi

The new iMacs are shipping with 802.11a WiFi standard, despite previous statements by Apple execs that there was no need to use that particular specification, and a lack of mention on Apple.com's iMac features page. Devices based on the 802.11a standard operate in the 5GHz frequency range, creating a wireless zone about 300 feet in radius in which users can exchange files and data at 55mbps -- about five times faster than 802.11b Wi-Fi networks. The 802.11a specification differs from others in that it provides 12 non-overlapping channels-- 8 for indoor use- that enable more access points to cover the same physical location without interfering with one another. Owners of new iMacs and MacBook Pros will be able to connect to and browse third party access points using 802.11a as well as 802.11b and 802.11g. The new Mac Book Pros with 802.11a WiFi will not ship until later next month.

Briefly: podcasts; Apple Mactel ad

In brief: MacNN has posted two new podcasts, a live broadcast from Macworld and an interview with OmniGroup.... The Big Nerd Ranch today announced the Mixed Networks Bootcamp, offering hands-on instruction on the ins and outs of managing a multi-platform network.... Freeverse today announced that Escort Wing, by William Hogben and Stephen Johnson has won the first OMG Cup contest.... Apple has posted its new advertisement on the company website, which debuted at the Expo on Tuesday and took Intel by surprise.... GizMac Accessories is showcasing an XRackPro Rack Mount Enclosure Cabinet and a colorful aluminum case for the iPod Nano at this week's Expo.... Harman Multimedia announced the JBL On Time iPod docking stereo system at the Expo.... Rebe--a mother and daughter team--showed a line of pocketed bags with hand carry handles, as opposed to shoulder straps, that fit all PowerBooks and accessories at the Expo.

Apps: info.xhead, Crossword Forge

• info.xhead 1.1 ($15) updates the personal database application, adding hidden fields, sorting options, application lock, adjustable field spacing, a password generator, and sync support for USB iPods. Info.xhead organizes personal data, stores it securely, and locates it quickly with Spotlight search functionality. The application securely stores all types of data, and offers .Mac integration. [Download - 662KB]


• Crossword Forge 4.5 ($50) updates the classroom crossword and word search puzzle generator, allowing users to create interactive crossword puzzles for use on the Web. Puzzles can be exported as PDF, image, or text, and can be printed out. The software features picture backdrops, a spell checker, and offers over a dozen built-in language sets. [Download - 3.8MB]


• SyncupX 1.5 ($20) is an easy-to-use backup application featuring an iSync-like interface, dynamic backup configuration using spotlight smart folders, and automation using iCal, Automator or shell scripts. The update includes an improved interface, extended logging, and an option to ignore files without read permissions. SyncupX 1.5 is available as a Universal Binary to provide compatibility with Apple's new Intel-basec Macs. [Download - 251KB]


• OnMyCommand 1.7 (free) is a UNIX CLI and AppleScript executor that allows users to build their own contextual menu items or GUI applications. Version 1.7 offers a complete GUI development environment for shell scripts and AppleScripts, as well as multi-level submenus in the contextual menu. Additional new features include support for adding or removing popup menu items at runtime, a configurable default filename for "Save as" dialog, and more. [Download - 4.4MB]


• High Priority 1.0 ($6) allows users to create, modify, remove, and view iCal To-Do items directly from the menu bar. The software offers the ability to use graphite or blue images, while labels can separate To-Do items. Selecting any item brings up a window allowing users to view and edit information, while a selected item with user-specified modifiers can be toggled or removed. [Download - 221KB]


• Pedia programs update ($39) for DVDpedia 2.3, Bookpedia 2.3, CDpedia 2.3, and Gamepedia 1.1. The Pedia programs are media inventory applications for Mac OS X, with internet search and iSight scanning abilities. The updates include improvements to the preference settings, the Web view, and the drag-and-drop feature to start a search. Additionally, Bookpedia and Gamepedia contain minor bug fixes.

Intel iMac leverages ATI's Radeon X1600...

Apple's new iMac Core Duo uses ATI's Radeon X1600 for the iMac, introducing an "impressive consumer platform with discrete PCI Express graphics. The Radeon X1600 enables users to get the most out of not only the extensive feature set of the iMac, but to leverage all the capabilities of the Mac OS X Tiger, including Core Image and ATI's Avivo technology." The iMac features the Radeon X1600, designed with 128MB GDDR3 of high speed memory, resulting in a graphics experience to match the capabilities of the iMac. The 20-inch iMac is upgradeable to 256MB GDDR3 memory for $75.

GizMac's 4U XRackPro reduces RAID noise

GizMac Accessories (booth 2211), designer and manufacturer of products for the Apple platform, today officially announced the 4U XRackPro Noise Reduction Enclosure at the Expo. The GizMac 4U XRackPro solves several issues of customers with Apple's Xserve and Xserve RAID systems. The 4U rack mounts a few pieces of equipment, and with locking doors, the 4U protects the equipment from unauthorized tampering. Also, the small size of the XRackPro 4U facilitates travel within or outside of the office (availability and pricing were unavailable).

MacWireless antennas extend range

MacWireless.com announced the release of a new antenna line, offering range extension solutions for Apple AirPort base stations, PowerMacs, iMacs, PowerBooks, and iBooks. The whip antenna ($50) is designed to help a laptop or desktop computer reach a far away access point, and can help to overcome obstacles such as the metal frame on Titanium and Aluminum PowerBooks. MacWireless whip antennas also work on an iBook with an AirPort or AirPort Extreme Card. The new MacWireless omni-directional antennas ($20-50) feature a waterproof exterior, making them useful for boats and RVs, and the antennas can be used with an AirPort base station and Power over Ethernet to create a solution for schools, homes, and offices. A MacWireless booster yields signals up to fifteen times more powerful than an AirPort card or base station. Featured in the lineup is a new ceiling antenna, which enables a wireless base station to broadcast downward through multiple floors, useful for cafes, study rooms, and multi-level office buildings. In addition to offering full support for Apple AirPort products, the new MacWireless antennas can also be used with most other wireless base stations and cards.

Apple Specialist Pavilion debuts software...

New products have been introduced at the Apple Specialist Pavlion at Macworld Expo by Actoris Software, EZQuest, and Xsilva Systems. Actoris' Xpress Schedule 1.1 allows users to create work schedules for employees. New features include the ability to print graphical views of schedules, interactive calculations for scheduled hours during the scheduling process, support for international date formats, improvements to printed schedules, a new two-week schedule report, an integrated software update function, and the ability to email schedules. Xpress Schedule provides versions for both Mac and PC (availability and pricing unavailable).

Legion Arena RPG for Mac this spring

Freeverse today announced that it will be bringing Slitherine Software's Legion Arena to the Mac this Spring. Legion arena is a historicalally based online role-playing game in which players can connect with and play against friends and other players around the world. Players can play as either the Romans or the Gauls in over 100 scenarios and with over 20 unique units including Praetorians, Elephants, and Naked Fanatics. In Legion Arena, players can buy equipment and choose from over 100 skills, personalize the appearance of their squads, and earn experience and denari for victories (pricing was unavailable).

Briefly: QT patch; clip art, MicroPack

In brief: Gremdan has announced "Gremdan's Catholic Clip Art Collection Feb-Sep 2006" in response to the demand for Catholic clip art.... Apple's recent security update to QuickTime is coming under fire, with claims that it is causing problems for both Mac and Windows users.... Photoshop World Conference and Expo is offering a $100 advance registration discount now through February 17th.... XtremeMac has debuted its HomeShow and RoadShow cable kits, designed to turn Apple's iPod players into home or auto entertainment centers.... Neuros unveiled its new MPEG4 Recorder ($150), a digital VCR allowing users to create open digital files to use on all MPEG-4 compatible devices--such as Apple's iPod.... XtremeMac has announced its MicroPack ($100) for all dock connecting iPods, providing 80 extra hours of play time to iPod users.... The Iconfactory has released scalable EPS versions of its Contour Finance stock icon add-on collection. [updated]

LightZone showcased at MWSF

Light Crafts is showcasing LightZone at the Expo in San Francisco, its photo editing software designed to significantly reduce the time photographers spend after a shoot. LightZone views, manages, edits, and corrects digital photographs while working with light values and shapes to imitate the way that photographers think about photographs. StudioZone, a key feature of LightZone, is an image viewer and file browser designed to print and publish photographs using a true digital negative format. StudioZone also includes a search function with metadata search, and an integrated RAW converter. ZoneFinder, another key feature, analyzes and displays images in shapes and tonal values. LightZone requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, and is available for $250.

Macs get Intel chips, others wait

While Apple fans cheer the release of the new Intel-based Macs, corporate buyers of notebooks from Dell and Hewlett-Packard are unhappy that consumers may purchase Duo Core machines from Apple now, while they will have to wait for weeks for Intel's "Yonah"-based notebooks. Intel CEO Paul Otellini received an endorsement at CES from Dell's Micheal Dell for the new microprocessors, but non-Mac PC consumers will have to wait for new notebooks and laptops with Yonah. Many buyers complain that corporate policy, buying cycles, and necessity are forcing them to choose either current Dell and HP models or wait longer than expected for the new Intel processors. Many corporate notebook buyers frequently purchase tens of thousands of machines, and since most companies are unlikely to allow mass purchases of Macs instead of PCs, Intel now risks antagonising corporate buyers with the delayed availability of Yonah PCs.

Onlife Public Beta 3 released

Onlife has announced the Public Beta 3 release, available for download immediately. Onlife is the new information manager for Mac OS X that allows users to search, visualize and organize all the content that they create and consume from one single place. The Public Beta 3 release introduces several new features such as support for more applications, an open plug-in architecture, improved tagging, and activity grouping. Other new features and upgrades include tooltips for items in day and web history views, contextual menus added to views, the option to disable check for software updates, tagging architecture modified to support del.icio.us-style tags, and the option to create web item thumbnails for web history view. Public Beta 3 now supports OmniWeb, Camino, RealPlayer, QuickTime Player, Vienna, NetNewsWire, Xcode, TextWrangler, Microsoft Word, and OmniOutliner. Onlife Public Beta 4 will be released within the next 6 weeks, and will be the last beta version before the 1.0 release candidate. The free Beta 3 version requires Mac OS X Tiger.

Thunderbird 1.5 offers RSS, spam filters

Mozilla has released Thunderbird 1.5, the latest version of its full-featured free email client. Thunderbird offers intelligent spam filters and customizable views, as well as RSS (really simple syndication) integration. A new software update mechanism offers streamlined, automatic updates which are handled in the background and notify users when they are ready for installation. A built-in "phishing" detector helps protect users against email scams by flagging suspicious messages, and Thunderbird's support for RSS allows users to receive feed updates as email messages, filtering and organizing these updates as ordinary email. Version 1.5 also allows users to access podcasts via a dialog box that provides access to a "helper" application, such as a Web browser or audio player. Thunderbird 1.5 is available for free, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

Actual releases ODBC Pack 2.0 drivers

Actual Technologies today released the Actual ODBC Pack 2.0, a suite of ODBC (open database connectivity) drivers designed to connect to popular databases. The new drivers are distributed as Universal Binaries for compatibility with both PowerPC Macs as well as Intel-based Macs, and are designed specifically for Mac OS X. Each member of the ODBC pack connects Excel X to a database back-end, without the need for programming knowledge while allowing users to import from FileMaker Pro. Supported databases include SQL Server/Sybase, Oracle, MySQL/PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, and OpenBase. Each database driver is available for $30, and requires Mac OS X 10.2.4 or later.

SiteTagger 2.0 improves bookmarking

Concentrate Software released SiteTagger v2.0, a replacement for web browser bookmarking functions. It features tag-based bookmark management, importing from most major browsers as well as sfeatures integration with several online bookmarking services. SiteTagger v2.0 improves upon previous versions by adding a validator that checks for duplicates and broken bookmarks, improved tag browsing, bookmark importing, Split-view tags view filters for available tags, "Post to Furl" action to bookmark editing panel, a new feedback function in the Help menu, and added import links from the web page feature. SiteTagger v2.0, a free update, is available for $10.

'Universal' embedded Web store

eSellerate today announced the public beta release of their in-application sales solution, the Embedded Web Store for Macintosh. This release is a universal binary sales solution for Macintosh software and will run on both Intel- and PowerPC-based Mac computers. The Embedded Web Store allows developers to add all of the features of eSellerate's Custom Web Store into their applications. A call from within the software launches a web-based interface taking customers through an online sales process that is more recognizable to them. Upon completion of the purchase, serial number information can then be passed directly back into the application, automatically making it a fully registered product. The Custom Web Store for Macintosh is immediately available for download from the eSellerate website.

Analyst raises AAPL target to $103...

Piper Jaffray is the latest analyst to raise its price target and estimates for Apple stock, following the announcements at the Expo. Much like UBS and Morgan Stanley, Bear Stearns, and Merill Lynch, the firm raised its price target and earnings estimates based future iPod and Mac growh. Piper raised its target price on Apple to $103 (from $80) based on its expectations for continued market share gains for both Mac and iPod. In his research note to clients, analyst Gene Munster said that "while 2005 was the year of iPod growth," he believes that 2006 "is poised to be the year of both iPod growth and, more importantly, Mac market share gains." The firm also expects conservative guidance by Apple for its March quarter, a 2-for-1 stock split announcement, and the analyst also believes that Apple will deliver new categories of products by end of 2006. Apple is expected to report earnings on January 18, 2006.

'Essentials' Scriptpak for iListen

MacSpeech (booth 738) today released its Essentials for Mac OS X ScriptPak bundle, which features over 750 commands that give users complete control over 13 applications that are included with Mac OS X 10.4 (“Tiger”). The new ScriptPak, designed for its iListen application (starts at $100), adds command sets for Address Book, Calculator, DVD Player, Font Book, Grab, iCal, iChat, Image Capture, Keychain Access, Preview, QuickTime Player, Sherlock and Stickies. “This is a great bundle for those who want more control of the applications they use every day — the ones that come with Mac OS X,” said MacSpeech Chief Evangelist Chuck Rogers. “We have been wanting to do these for a long time, but it was only recently we felt comfortable loading this many commands into a user’s profile.” The Essentials for Mac OS X ScriptPak sells for $40.