Apple offers refurb iBooks, Intel iMacs

Apple is offering refurbished 14-inch 1.42GHz G4 iBook laptops for $999 featuring 512MB of memory, a 60GB hard drive, built-in wireless connectivity, and Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor technology. The company is also selling refurbished 20-inch 2GHz Intel iMac desktop systems for $1,399 with 512MB of memory, a 250GB hard drive, and built-in wireless connectivity. Refurbished AirPort Extreme cards to add wireless connectivity to Apple systems are priced at $39 each, while AirPort Express Base Stations with "AirTunes" functionality are available for $99 each. The company's 1.5GHz Intel Core Solo Mac mini desktop system is available for $519 with 512MB of memory, a 60GB hard drive, and an Apple Remote; while refurbished AirPort Extreme Base Station wireless access points are available for $149.

InDesign-To-QuarkXPress conversion tool

Markzware has released an update to its InDesign-To-QuarkXPress conversion utility: ID2Q7 is an XTension that easily and effectively converts Adobe InDesign files (v1.5 through 4.x) into QuarkXPress v6.x or 7 documents with a single click. The conversion process includes elements of the documents such as object positions, colors, fonts, text attributes, images, etc. Additionally, ID2Q also converts between cross-platform files, i.e., converting PC InDesign files to Mac QuarkXPress and vice-versa. "ID2Q solves a giant problem for many design studios. Being able to open an InDesign document in QuarkXPress makes it possible for those who tried InDesign but prefer QuarkXPress to salvage the projects they created in InDesign. It vastly increases page layout options for the entire industry," according the company. ID2Q7 is $200 and currently available for Mac users only (a Windows version is in development).

Wi-Fi hack demo used modified MacBook...

Security researchers who appeared to demonstrate vulnerabilities in wireless device drivers earlier this month using a MacBook now admit that the laptop was in fact exploited using a third-party wireless device driver, not Apple's own default software. "This video presentation at Black Hat demonstrates vulnerabilities found in wireless device drivers," reads a disclaimer on the SecureWorks website. "Although an Apple MacBook was used as the demo platform, it was exploited through a third-party wireless device driver -- not the original wireless device driver that ships with the MacBook. As part of a responsible disclosure policy, we are not disclosing the name of the third-party wireless device driver until a patch is available." A responsible demonstration policy forbids the installation of flawed drivers to make a point, according to InformationWeek.

FastMac lowers G4 upgrade pricing

FastMac today announced that it has lowered pricing on its G4 processor upgrades (for AGP-based Power Macs) by 30 percent, and unveiled a new "SuperGrade" bundle featuring a 16X double-layer SuperDrive coupled with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger. Each G4 processor upgrade includes 256KB of 1-to-1 L2 cache on chip, 2MB of L3 cache, and an integrated heat sink. The upgrades are designed to work with Apple PowerMac G4 AGP Graphics (Sawtooth), Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio, and Quicksilver models. The "G4 AGP processor upgrades", which range from 1.4GHz to 1.5GHz, are priced from $250, while the "SuperGrade" bundle is available for $100. All FastMac processor upgrades ship with a three-year warranty.

FireWire Depot ships 15-drive enclosure

FireWire Depot today launched the RM15_S2P (shown at right), a 15-drive 4U rack mount enclosure supporting SATA 3.5-inch swappable hard drives. The RM15_S2P -- which offers up to 6TB of expandable storage space -- plugs all 15 drive bays directly into a backplane, reducing the number of interconnections to boost system reliability. The company also began shipping its USB eBOX-U, an enclosure supporting up to eight 3.5-inch hard drives that measures 5.25 x 13.45 inches. The eBOX-U connects the IDE or SATA hard drives via a single USB 2.0 host, and is programmable via a dip switch to support a variety of drive configurations. The RM15_S2P is priced at $1,500, while the USB eBOX-U is available for $270.

Dublin man plans Apple "walk of shame"...

Following a week of waiting for Apple to arrange for the pickup of a malfunctioning iMac G5, a Dublin says he has decided to prove that he can walk to Cork -- the location of the nearest Apple repair center -- faster than Apple can arrange for the pickup of his broken Mac. "I think there comes a time when the only thing that works with these companies is to show them up publicly and shame them into taking you seriously," said Karl Hayden, who is frustrated after repeated efforts to resolve the issue with Apple customer care. Hayden says his 10-month-old iMac crashed on the 14th of July, after which he received two replacement logic boards, a power supply unit, and a back casing which failed to fix the problem. The Dublin man claims Apple finally agreed to replace the computer on August 14th following a long phone conversation, but has failed to pickup the old system prior to shipping his new iMac.

NitroAV ships 7-port FW, USB adapter...

NitroAV has begun shipping its FireWire (FW) 800/1394b and USB 2.0/1.1 Combo PCIe host adapter, expanding the company's ExpressWay series of devices. The host adapter boasts seven ports which include two FireWire 800 external ports, three USB 2.0/1.1 external ports, one FireWire 800 internal port, and one USB internal port. The PCIe (PCI Express) FireWire 800/1394b and USB 2.0/1.1 Combo card is compatible with the latest iteration of Apple's Pro desktop systems, the Mac Pro, as well as older Power Mac G5 systems featuring PCIe expansion slots. Each card requires only one PCIe lane (X1), freeing up other lanes for future expansion options. The card ships for $100, offering compatibility with Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows. [image included]

iSkin unveils keyboard protectors...

iSkin has unveiled a new version of its ProTouch Keyboard Protectors for Apple's new MacBook and MacBook Pro portable notebooks. ProTouch Keyboard Protectors are designed to cover and protect the keyboard while preserving the ability to type normally with a clear view of the keyboard. The covers are molded to form fit each key, preventing sliding or movement while in use, while a special coating provides smoother, quicker typing. ProTouch for MacBook and MacBook Pro are constructed with high-grade silicone to protect against key wear, spills, food, and other particles. ProTouch keyboard protectors are washable and are designed to reduce dirt build-up, as well as the spread of germs. The keyboard protectors ship in three colors for the MacBook ($25) or two colors for MacBook Pro ($25). [images included]

Apps: RouteBuddy, FlexTime, xTimeProject

• RouteBuddy 1.1 ($100, $50 for additional maps) natively supports Garmin GPS devices on Mac OS X systems, allowing users to manage and display GPS data in high precision vector-based road maps. RouteBuddy 1.1 adds support for road-level routing, automatic speed selection for any NMEA GPS device, several minor bug fixes, and runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. RouteBuddy 1.1 requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 20.4MB]


• FlexTime 1.0 ($20) is a timer utility designed to manage time dedicated to various activity. The software can cue users by playing an arbitrary system sound, displaying a text message, or speaking a text message using the built-in Mac OS X speech synthesizer. FlexTime also supports scripts to perform any number of various tasks, such as launching an application. FlexTime requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later. [Download - 1.8MB]


• xTime Project 4.0b ($100) is a project and task management tool designed to help team members effectively communicate information while working jointly on projects. The update boasts improved task management (both daily and hourly), better process management, enhanced resource management, and a reformed user interface. Further changes to Time Project include improved print functionality, report creation, and XML import. [Download - 18MB]


• Navicat 6.3.2 for MySQL ($100) provides a graphical environment to manage and develop PostgreSQL databases with Navicat, including: a visual query builder; SSH/HTTP tunneling for remote database connectivity; server-to-server database transfers; and data as well as structure synchronization. Version 6.3.2 supports HTTP tunneling to access the PostgreSQL Server via the HTTP protocol, and adds Foreign Key Data Selection. Navicat for MySQL 6.3.2 requires Mac OS X 10.1 or later. [Download - 6.0MB]


• TCPdirect 2.0 ($50) is a FileMaker plug-in allowing databases to interact directly with a large variety of internet-based services. TCPdirect 2.0 introduces single-step fetching of Web pages as well as other data using the HTTP protocol, and includes 'across-the-board' support for SSL encryption of any TCP session (including HTTPS). The plug-in requires Mac OS X 10.1 or later with FileMaker Pro 7 or newer. [Download - 523KB]

ICFTU criticizes Apple Foxconn report...

The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) has criticized Apple's recent report on possible labor abuse because it was not independently verified. The Cupertino-based company launched the investigation following reports of sweatshop-like conditions in iPod manufacturing facilities in China managed by Foxconn. "We are not impressed either by the report or by the findings of Apple," said Janek Kuczkiewicz, director of human and trade union rights at the ICFTU. Apple's team interviewed 100 workers at an iPod manufacturing plant in China, but the facility employs an estimated 30,000 workers devoted to iPod production. Apple said it also cross-checked staff logs, and visited factory floors as well as dormitories, according to the BBC. "We do not know the conditions in which the interviews were held. We have serious reservations about the report," Kuczkiewicz said.

Amapi Pro offers refined interface

e-frontier has released Amapi Pro 7.51, an update to the advanced NURBS modeler featuring a streamlined interface. The application has a loyal following among product and industrial designers in France as well as North America, according to Architosh, and features a dynamic geometry palette enabling users to revisit, edit, or change previous steps used to make basic components of complex modeling assemblies. Amapi supports several popular CAD file formats including IGES, SAT, STEP, openNURBS, VDAFS, STL, and DWG. The software also generates "watertight" STL files to create plastic models of design ideas for fast prototyping to facilitate the tooling process, according to the report. Amapi 7.51 is priced at $750, with upgrades available for $250. The software requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.

No Jobs keynote at Apple Expo 2006

Reed Expositions -- the organizing company for Apple Expo in Paris -- today announced that Apple CEO Steve Jobs will not speak at this year's event. Until recently, Jobs was a mainstay of the yearly event which usually takes place at the end of summer. Steve Jobs has often used Apple Expo in the past to showcase new products from Apple that were set to launch for the holidays. The CEO's presence as the keynote speaker is often a sign that a major product announcement is expected, making this year's absence suggestive that the Cupertino-based company will offer only minor updates at best.

Print estimating software updated

PowerQuote software has released version 12 of PowerQuote, its printing estimating software for digital and offset printing. It features built-in rates to adjust and accurate cost based calculations along with a modular system, and integration with MyOrderDesk. Version 12 adds compatibility with the PowerQuote Windows release allowing cross platform networking; enhanced methods to sort and search jobs, quotes, and customers; a new modular expandable system for offset or high speed on-demand digital printing; all new input windows and formulas especially for digital printing; both offset and digital modules have improved user interface; and new file handling and pre-press charges are now calculated. PowerQuote requires Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later and costs $1600 per user license. Interested parties can contact PowerQuote and schedule a phone demonstration.

Doghouse takes on Apple with RoverTV

Doghouse Electronics has launched RoverTV, a digital video recorder and media player that stands to compete with Apple's video iPod. The device can record as well as play live video, and features a timer to schedule recording sessions, according to Electronista. The RoverTV captures live FM radio, supports digital audio playback, and enables users to view photos much like Apple's video iPod. Content is stored on SD cards, and a 2GB card is included with the device. Two distinct models offer a 3.5-inch standard ratio screen ($300) or 4-inch wide-screen playback ($350). Both devices are compatible with Macs as well as Windows systems.

Briefly: native Matlab; Woz in Detroit

In brief: Mathorks is reportedly planning to launch an Intel-native version of Matlab this fall, and is encouraging feedback regarding prioritization of third-party toolbox ports.... MacGroup-Detroit this weekend will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with special guest Steve "Woz" Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.... Sirius today launched another strategic assault against its rival XM with five new satellite tuners, four new radios, and a new unit that taps into existing home stereos.... Boeing today announced that it will shut down Connexion, which provides internet access for notebook users on long-haul trips arriving in or departing from major U.S. airports.... Grass Valley is giving away four REV PRO drives via one free drawing each day at this year's WEVA Expo, which takes place August 21-24th at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.... X2 Studios has announced that its checkBox Server software is on sale for $2 (regularly $300) until midnight of August 31st, 2006.

iPod-ready Levis reviewed...

The BostonHearld has posted a review of Levi's recently announced iPod-ready jeans, which are expected to ship next month. The new jeans feature iPod design traits and controls for the media player integrated into the jeans themselves. The review calls some of these traits "a bit gaudy" but states, "The Levi’s design team is unlikely to take insult at this fashion critique from a 41-year-old who is a few decades beyond the age of the targeted consumer." As we have learned from information releases on these jeans, they include a dock, a connector, a RedWire conductive ribbon (which is reportedly blue on men's jeans), the joystick and earbuds. The 'joystick' is sewn to a piece of denim which attaches inside the pocket of the jeans. moves in four directions to adjust volume, track, and pause and play with a click. The review names flaws in the included earbuds being uncomfortable and the overall ($250) price of the jeans -- the jeans received 3 out of stars. [image included]

PGP Desktop beta supports Intel Macs

PGP today released PGP Desktop 9.5 Public Beta 2, bringing native support to Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary along with an improved user interface. PGP Desktop is designed to provide protection from identity theft and fraud by offering simple, robust encryption for email and files. The latest beta release features the ability to encrypt an entire non-boot volume hard drive with multi-user support, dynamically resizable virtual disks, and numerous new messaging policies in the policy editor. PGP Desktop 9.5 Public Beta 2 also offers comprehensive status as well as control for outbound messages via Notifier, along with full S/MIME support for Outlook MAPI and Lotus Notes messaging components. The public beta is available for free via download, delivering German as well as Japanese localization (system requirements were unavailable).

Danger Mouse USB laser released...

MacMice has launched a new company 'flagship' laser mouse, the Danger Mouse USB. According to CEO M.H. Peng, this mouse has been in design and development for over a year and, "Like Apple, we were seeking the simplest, cleanest design that would perform well and look great on the desktop." The mouse features a glossy white design with two buttons and a clicking scroll wheel. Danger Mouse's laser tracking has a 1600 DPI resolution, which not only helps accuracy, but also allows the mouse to be used on a greater variety of surfaces. Like other products from MacMice, the Danger Mouse features the MicroScroll notchless mini scroll wheel along with a 5ft foot USB cable and works with the standard mouse drivers included in either Mac OS X or Windows. This mouse will ship on August 22nd and can be pre-ordered now for $30. [images included]

CalDigit's RAID video editing solution

CalDigit is now shipping its S2VR Duo SATA II RAID storage solution. The S2VR Duo is designed for multi-stream uncompressed 10-bit SD editing. The S2VR Duo is a hardware RAID solution that can be configured for Performance, Protected, or JBOD; it features a cool-running, ball bearing fan-cooled mechanism along with two SATA hard drives capable of data transfers of up to 3Gb/s. In addition, it features CalDigit's unique technology to support multi-streams of uncompressed SD, DVCPRO, HDV and DV non-linear video editing systems. The company claims that CalDigit S2VR Duo is the "fastest dual-drive SATA 3Gb/s subsystem in the world," achieving speeds of up to 148MB/s--for editing up to three streams of 10-bit uncompressed SD video. Three different capacities are available (500GB, 1TB, or 1.5TB) starting at $550 (w/ controller card). It also includes support for password protection, e-mail notification, HBA controller card, (PCI-e or PCI-x), driver CD, and an eSATA cable.

PDF2Office Personal v3.0 due in Sept.

Recosoft has announced PDF2Office Personal v3.0 for Mac OS X, a major upgrade to the PDF-to-Word conversion plug-in with over 250 new features and enhancements. Based on a new technology infrastructure in converting PDF files to Microsoft Word X/2004 formats, PDF2Office Personal v3.0 utilizes modern client-server technology and will be available as Universal Binary. PDF2Office recreates the original construction and layout of the document, including forming paragraphs; applying styles; regrouping independent graphic elements; extracting images; creating tables; and processing headers/footers, endnotes/footnotes and columns/sections, all automatically--without any manual intervention. It now supports conversion of password-protected documents, dramatic improvements to the layout reconstruction engine, and more. New versions are $60, while upgrades are $30. It is expected to ship in September.