Forums: iMac vs. Mac Pro, Merom MacBook

Forums roundup: Members are discussing the difference in performance between the Mac Pro and an iMac to help a user choose between them for graphics-intensive work.... Other users discuss the possibility of cooling their MacBook without changing any internal components.... A user looks to the forum populous to help find out what is wrong with his computer when applications continue to crash despite reinstall attempts.... Others are beginning to wonder when Apple will place Merom processor in a MacBook and how the switch to Intel has changed the product cycle.... Meanwhile, another user looks for advice while building their Mac Pro weighing RAM against processor speed and the value of Apple's RAM offering.

Briefly: Boston retail; OS X vs. WinXP...

In brief: Boston.com has posted the first look at the proposed image of the neighborhood Board-approved Apple retail store in downtown Boston (800 Bolyston), but notes that it still requires approval from several other city agencies.... Parallels has sold nearly 100,000 copies of its Parallels Desktop software for Mac, enabling those users to run PC software on their Apple hardware without rebooting.... RoughlyDrafted Magazine says that Microsoft Windows actually costs users five times as much to keep up to date when compared to Mac OS X.... Virtual network operator Helio is planning to open Apple-like mobile retail stores.... Despite being knocked offline for about six hours due to database issues, YouTube today announced that it is speaking with records labels to post thousands of music videos online to become a provider of mainstream entertainment.... U.S. consumer safety officials today said they are reviewing all Sony lithium-ion batteries in laptops for fire hazards following Dell's earlier announcement that it would recall 4.1 million laptop batteries.

Apple releases Boot Camp 1.1 beta

Apple today released an update to Boot Camp, its beta technology that allows users to startup into Microsoft Windows on Intel-based Macs. Boot Camp 1.1 beta offers many updates and is intended for all new and previous Boot Camp beta users, according to the company. Version 1.1b includes support for the latest Intel-based Macs, easier partitioning using presets for popular sizes, the ability to install Windows XP on any internal disk, iSight camera support, support for built-in microphones, right-click when pressing the right-hand Apple key on Apple keyboards, and improved Apple keyboard support including Delete, PrintScreen, NumLock, and ScrollLock keys. The 202MB download requires Mac OS X 10.4.6 Tiger or later. Apple notes while users do need to partition their hard drive again, it is very important to update the Boot Camp Assistant software, create a new Macintosh Drivers for Windows CD and install the updated software it contains on Windows XP. Users can provide feedback to Apple at bootcamp@apple.com to improve future versions of the software.

CBS to stream primetime TV for free

CBS is planning to add star attractions to its "Innertube" online streaming service, which competes with Apple's iTunes Music Store in the digital video download arena. Innertube initially offered internet users free access to TV shows, but restricted the content to non-primetime areas of the network's lineup. Such hit shows as CSI and Survivor will be available starting in September to stream the morning after a given episode has aired, and will remain available for four weeks following each broadcast. CBS also vows that each episode will be free to stream with a "limited" use of commercials to help address costs, according to Electronista.

Hitachi to ship 1TB drives in 2006

Hitachi has announced that it will likely offer a 1TB 3.5-inch hard drive before the years' end, according to Hitachi's senior vice president Bill Healy. Perpendicular recording technology is quickly advancing the capacity of hard drives, which up until recently topped out at the 500GB mark. Hitachi also revealed that it will debut holographic removable storage this year in a 300GB write-once format, according to Electronista, with larger capacities and rewriting capability slated to arrive in the future.

MMScript 1.0 schedules scripts

Comm-Unity Networking Systems today released MMScript 1.0, a FileMaker plug-in designed to trigger and schedule scripts. The plug-in is fully compatible with FileMaker Pro 8.5, and supports the creation of an entire calendar of events. Users can set up a script to trigger in five minutes or five days, and the software supports recurring events or events which trigger after a designated period of idle time. MMSCript can trigger a script in any calculation engine entry point, when the user is idle, when a new record is created, upon exiting a field, or when a pop-up menu changes. MMScript is priced at $35, and requires Mac OS X (specific system requirements were unavailable).

Applepeelz protect Apple notebooks

Glyphix is shipping applepeelz, a series of protective film covers for Apple's entire range of current notebooks and the Mac mini. Applepeelz use an 8 mil "self-healing" Scotchgard film originally designed by 3M for the defense department to protect the leading edges of helicopter rotor blades. The covers are entirely translucent, and allow unfettered access to all ports. The films are easily removable, and increase traction on slippery surfaces when applied to the bottom of the device. Applepeelz for MacBook and MacBook Pro are priced at $20 to cover the lid as well as the bottom of the notebook, while "whole peelz" are available for $50 which also cover the trackpad, button, and surrounding palmrest. A "Mini Top" cover ($8) is also available for the Mac mini, and the company offers "Otherpeelz" providing coverage for the video iPod as well as the Apple remote.

Norway to discuss iTunes policy...

Nordic consumer regulators are scheduled to meet in Iceland on August 24-25th to discuss possible legal action against Apple. The meeting in Reykjavik will seek to resolve whether to file a lawsuit against Apple if the company refuses to lift restrictions preventing tracks purchased via iTunes from playing on rival music players, according to the Associated Press. Meeting attendees will also discuss whether to address the Apple case individually or jointly. Consumer agencies in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden cried foul in June, saying that Apple was violating copyright laws by restricting music purchased from the iTunes Music Store to play only on its iPod portable player, locking out competitors. Apple responded to the complaints, saying that its business model would not change and that it was not in violation of those country's laws.

Jobs may be implicated in stock issues

Apple CEO Steve Jobs remains at risk of criminal charges related to the company's stock option grant irregularities, which the company announced in late June. Apple at one point did not have an independent compensation committee, and shareholders are concerned that Jobs may have been implicated in the options case, according to Macworld UK. Apple elected not to begin expensing stock options until 2004, when the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) insisted that all companies charge options against company profits. "Because stock options are now accounted for as an expense, companies who secretly backdated grants will have been overstating their profits in recent years and may have to pay higher taxes in future years," wrote The Independent.

Apps: Driver vX, TextExpander

• Driver vX 5.0 ($20) is professional logbook software for users to track their car or even the complete carpool of their company with the ability to put into perspective costs of running a car, report printing, and Google Maps integration. Version 5.0 brings Universal Binary support, Filemaker 8.5 Runtime, a refined GUI, an integrated Web viewer, and full Google Maps integration. Driver vX requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 35.5MB]


• TextExpander 1.4 ($30) lets users define abbreviations for frequently-used text strings and images allowing users to save time by quickly typing words and phrases with a few letters. The update adds user-specified delimiters; the ability to import comma- and tab-delimited text, RTF, and RTFD files; a new style menu bar icon; the ability to sort snippets by date created; and the option to sort snippets by date modified. [Download - 2.4MB]


• MailTemplate 1.6 ($15) automates and streamlines the process of composing e-mail messages by using predefined templates with embedded macros reducing the time involved in both composing replies and making new e-mail messages. Version 1.6 adds Address Book integration, drag-and-drop support for addresses or attachments, an enhanced attachments menu, improved message composition, and new project resources. MailTemplate is a Universal Binary and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - for Mail or for Entourage]


• pearLabelizer 0.6 (free) is a utility to print addresses or other text onto specific labels of a label sheet; it features an easy-to-use interface and drag and drop support from Apple's Address Book application. The update adds support for Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary, AddressBook field Nickname, printing support for the Smart Groups feature, newline and space stripping, and invisible newline characters at the end of entries are now handled properly. PearLabelizer requires MacOS X 10.3 or higher. [Download - 259KB]


• E-Mail Commander 1.1.4 ($30) helps with sending press releases, wedding invitations, and other bulk messages using dynamically customized messages on a per-recipient basis to increase the relevance to the reader. Version 1.1.4 adds inline images for Raw HTML messages, a completely revised parsing engine for quick e-mail previews, an enhanced Find feature for the recipient databases, improved reliability and error handling for sending messages, complete import and export features with support for field mapping or CSV files, an interface overhaul and a completely integrated Help system. It requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later. [Download - 3.9MB]

Briefly: Xcode 2.4; Dell battery recall

In brief: Apple's Developer website has released Xcode 2.4 -- the company's software development package -- as a free download.... Following numerous reports of Dell laptop batteries overheating and catching fire with little warning, the computer-maker has issued an unprecedented recall of 4.1 million batteries used in its Inspiron, Latitude, Precision, and XPS systems.... Memorex today announced that it has begun shipping the first HD DVD-R discs ($20 each), and said it would offer HD DVD-RW discs by the fourth quarter.... Kollective.de today revealed that it received a letter from Apple stating that its Tinpod -- an MP3 player case made of tin featuring artist illustrations -- is "confusingly" similar to Apple's own iPod trademark.... SanDisk today announced that the European Imaging & Sound Association (EISA) has named the new SanDisk Extreme IV line of Compact Flash cards as the European Memory Card of the Year 2006-2007.

DesignMerge XTensions support Quark 7

Quark today announced that Meadows Publishing Solutions has released the DesignMerge XTensions module to support QuarkXPress 7. DesignMerge is a suite of software modules allowing users to easily create variable-data output from QuarkXPress projects. Each copy of a printed document is customizable by changing items such as name, address, and graphics. The entire process is database-driven, flexible, and easy to use, according to Quark. The XTensions module features "CopyFit," which automatically fits text into the space allotted for it, and the DesignMerge Rules feature, which provides the ability to perform specific layout actions based on the contents of one or more database fields. DesignMerge XTensions require Mac OS 9.2 or later (pricing was unavailable).

The Sims 2 Open for Business goes gold

Aspyr Media today declared The Sims 2 Open for Business (OfB) as gold master for the Mac, and said the title is scheduled to ship to retail outlets early next week. The Sims 2 Open for Business allows sims to design clothing boutiques, beauty salons, florists, high-end electronics shops, bustling restaurant chains, or virtually any other type of business. Players can hire staff as the business grows while putting talented Sims to work making toys, running the register, crafting floral bouquets, giving sales pitches, or manufacturing robots. The Sims 2 Open for Business allows players to pick a business theme, set prices, and treat customers as desired. Players can turn talents into cash by learning the tricks of the trade, training good employees, and firing slackers. The Sims 2 Open for Business is priced at $35, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later as well as the full version of The Sims 2 for Mac OS X.

Sonic Studio ships soundBlade

Sonic Studio, a developer of ultra–fidelity production tools for audio engineers, has announced that it is now shipping soundBlade, First shown at the 120th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society in Paris, the company said that that soundBlade has entered distribution channels worldwide. Designed as an answer to audio engineers' need for a streamlined, high-fidelity alternative to available PCM production applications, soundBlade runs natively on Mac OS X, leveraging Apple's Core Audio engine; it offers AU and VST plug–in support and says that either type can be used in any order in the signal path. The application also combines Sonic Studio’s EFM and four-point editing capabilities with the company's SSE real-time audio engine and optional, accelerated DSP processing to deliver the "finest fidelity money can buy." The solution combines Sonic Studio’s benchmark premastering functionality with signal processing, restoration and comprehensive editing. soundBlade is shipping now for $1,500.

ConceptDraw MINDMAP v4.5 ships

CS Odessa today released ConceptDraw MINDMAP v4.5, a free update to its popular mind mapping and brainstorming software that works both on Windows and Mac OS X. Version 4.5 offers user interface improvements in the Mac OS X version, Spell Checker, improved Export to PDF and a number of other improvements and fixes. “We always strive to improve our program according to our customer’s needs and maintain our existing users paying attention to their feedback.” says Yury Varbanets, the product manager of ConceptDraw MINDMAP. ConceptDraw MINDMAP is a brainstorming tool that uses standard mind mapping techniques to help organize ideas and tasks. The company claims that it speeds up understanding, decision making and learning up to 90 percent; MINDMAP can also be used to illustrate your MS PowerPoint presentations, generate project plans, draw pro-quality flowcharts and more. t is a free update to v4.x owners and $70 (Standard) or $130 (Professional) for other previous registered users.

Apple tops in customer satisfaction...

The quarterly American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) today released its 2006 second quarter report, saying that Apple continues to lead the PC industry in customer satisfaction with a score of 83, up 3 percent bringing it into the top 15 percent of all companies measured. Google still retains the top spot in its own industry -- which it has held since it was first measured in 2002. Dell also rose to break its downward trend, but Yahoo fell 5 percent to 76 in its worst performance in five years. Google's score dropped 1 percent to 81, but the company continues to satisfy customers even as it expands its business beyond its core search functionality. [updated]

Belkin debuts two surge protectors...

Belkin has announced two new search protectors, the Concealed Surge Protector and the Compact Surge Protector. The Concealed Surge Protector organizes the users' cables and keeps them out of view with a closing cover. Designed with the goal of protecting electronics, computers, and appliances, the Concealed Surge Protector can sit on the floor either out of the way or in the open. The design also features 11 outlets for protection of equipment, telephone, internet and includes 10ft cord, eight surge protected electrical outlets, 1-in/2-out phone/fax/modem ports, and a $200,000 connected equipment warranty. The Compact Surge Protector is also designed to safeguard users' electronics, computers, and appliances while staying out of the way. Unused outlets are designed to stay clean and safe with sliding covers and is designed to be barely noticeable while keeps cords orderly with integrated cable management. The Compact Surge includes a 6ft cord, 11 surge protected electrical outlets, 1-in/2-out phone/fax/modem ports, coaxial in/out, ethernet in/out, and a $300,000 connected equipment warranty. The Concealed Surge Protector ($50) and the Compact Surge Protector ($40) will ship in North American this October. [images included]

Briefly: "Get a Mac" to expand, Java

In brief: In an interview with the LATimes, actor Justin Long (the "Mac" in Apple's recent campaign) stated that twenty more commercials have been filmed for the "Get a Mac" campaign.... A Mac enthusiast blogger has posted a video on his blog showing users how to set up their Mac as a video sever -- this is the first video in the series.... OmniPilot has announced a celebration for the 10th anniversary of Lasso, offering upgrades from any previous version of Lasso to the current version for $300 and new licenses for $500.... Java will expand support to more programming languages such as Microsoft's Visual Basic.... Apple has set a grand opening date for a new retail store, The Pier at Caesars--located Atlantic City, New Jersey--for Saturday, August 19th.

Apple cuts Taiwan workforce by 30%

Apple has cut its workforce at its local Taiwan sales office by 30-40 percent, including many executives and managers. The Digitimes reports that the workforce reduction was due to weaker sales and market share achieved by Apple Taiwan, compared to the performance of Apple's Hong Kong branch. The cuts follow the June resignation of Kong Yuk-loong, the former managing director of Apple Taiwan, according to the report. "Since Kong's departure, a number of managers and executives at the branch have resigned as well, including the former head of Apple Taiwan's marketing division, Hsu Guang-qi (transliterated from Chinese), who now works at Dopod International," according the report. Meanwhile, Samsung is preparing to increase its workforce in the fourth quarter, as many expect the MP3 market to grow signficantly, according to Samsung.

Forensic Notebook DriveDock v4 ships...

WiebeTech has announced new enhancements to its proprietary write-block technology which allows investigators to image any 2.5-inch IDE notebook drive using FireWire 800 (400 compatible) or USB connectivity. The new Forensic Notebook DriveDock v4 maintains its rugged case and includes more LED indicators to monitor data transfer--one of which confirms to users that write-block technology is active and protecting the data. "We're offering forensic examiners more versatility by offering write-blocked access through USB as well as FireWire; and because the new Forensic Notebook DriveDock v4 is based on the Oxford 922 chip, FireWire transfer rates are really fast," according to the company. The DriveDock v4 includes a new on/off power switch with safegaurd to accompany the new power system which allows the unit to be attached to any 2.5-inch IDE notebook drive and powered with a +12V adapter (included with product) or also with a standard disk drive 4-pin molex power source. It is available now for $400.

Mac Pro copper/optical networking cards...

Small Tree Communications has announced new high-performance networking and storage solutions for Apple's Mac Pro. Both multi-port copper Gigabit Ethernet and optical Gigabit Ethernet cards are ready to ship with support for Apple's new Mac Pro systems. "We are already shipping our 2-port PCIe cards to customers who want to use the new Mac Pro and its internal RAIDed disks as a file server, but realize that a performance bottleneck will occur without our multi-port cards," said Corky Seeber, president of Small Tree. The RoHS-compliant PCI-Express Gigabit Ethernet cards for the new Mac Pro are available with one or two ports and either copper (two port version is $300) or optical (two port version is $1000) connections -- four port cards are in development, according to the company.

PlatinumNAS 3 offers 3TB network storage

MicroNet Technology has announced the PlatinumNAS 3.0, its new storage solution for small and medium businesses. The PlatinumNAS 3.0 is a compact, high-performance network storage solution that uses new SATA drive technology and high-availability hardware architecture with plug-and-play simplicity. The company claims it provides 50 percent more storage capacity than competitors, but uses 30 percent less energy. The PlatinumNAS 3.0 offers a three-terabyte (3TB) capacity powered by four 750GB hot-swappable hard drives. It offers dual-channel gigabit Ethernet connectivity, an Intel XScale 64-bit network storage processor, four discrete SATA 2+NCQ disk channels, 256MB of write-back/write-through error correcting cache memory, multiple simultaneous network services, and cross-platform compatibility between Windows, UNIX, and Mac OS X. MicroNet’s PlatinumNAS 3.0 is available immediately for $3800.

Apple claims 'pod' mark ownership...

Apple is again aggressively trying to control its iPod trademark and branding; however, a new report suggests that the company may have gone too far with its current efforts. Having already registered 'pod' in Europe (and with a pending US application), Apple's legal team has sent a 'cease & desist' to companies using 'pod' in their own product names and materials--even "if the product you make doesn't look, smell, feel, or do anything remotely close to what an iPod does, and even if consumers can't buy it on the shelves in a store, that apparently doesn't mean Apple won't release its legal dogs on you if the name of your product includes the letters P-O-D," according to ZDNet. New reports note that the company has sent cease and desist letters to at least two companies that use 'pod', including a company that manufacturers a device that can be used to wirelessly track sales from an arcade game using a PC.