Refurb MacBook Pros disappear online...

Apple's previously available supply of reconditioned MacBook Pros has disappeared for the time being, leaving price-conscious pro consumers to shop instead for just one MacBook model or a slew of G4-based PowerBooks. The one remaining refurbished MacBook model is Apple's 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo white model with 512MB of memory and a 60GB hard drive for $949. The company's 15-inch G4 PowerBooks currently include the 1.5GHz model with 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, and a Combo drive for $1,249; the 1.67GHz model with 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, and a SuperDrive for $1,299; and the 1.67GHz model with 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, a SuperDrive, and a 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 video card for $1,349. Apple's 17-inch PowerBooks include the 1.67GHz model with 512MB of memory and a 100GB hard drive for $1,599; as well as another 1.67GHz model with 512MB of memory and a 120GB hard drive for $1,699.

Apps: LiveDictionary, Simon, SnapMeasure

• LiveDictionary 1.2.7 ($25) is an extension for Apple's Safari Web browser that provides instant information on a website's words. The software blends into the browser, popping up a window to show definitions whenever users mouse-over text. LiveDictionary can also translate foreign languages, and the latest release adds French as well as Japanese localizations. The update includes a minor improvement to Asian-language word search, and requires Mac OS X 10.3 or higher. [Download - 11.9MB]


• Simon 2.2.2 ($30) is a site monitoring tool that tracks ports, Web pages, FTP/DNS servers, and more. When certain components change or fail, the software can send notifications via four various methods: speech, sounds, email, or HTML reports. The latest release updates the Specific DNS plug-in to work with newer hardware, and improves headless operation of the application. Simon is a Universal Binary requiring Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 7.3MB]


• Album Cover Finder 6.1 ($11) is primarily designed for its namesake, but can also be used to locate reviews, track listings, videos and other associated data. Once album art is found, it can be added automatically to artists, playlists, or the entire iTunes library. Version 6.1 improves the search engine, offers a quick link to Google Images, and can produce text reports when the Fill Entire Library command is used. [Download - 6MB]


• SnapMeasure 1.7 ($24) is an Adobe Illustrator 10/CS/CS2 plug-in that enhances the measuring tool, causing it to "snap" to elements on the page for more accuracy. The plug-in also displays measurement information next to the cursor, and can use an alternate color for the line to improve visibility. Changes to version 1.7 include the "HoverMeasure" feature, as well as selectable snapping icons and data fields. [Download - 2.2MB]


• SmartWrap 2.6 ($18) scans text within various programs, and automatically rewraps lists as well as paragraphs to fit "naturally" within a document or e-mail message. SmartWrap supports Eudora, BBEdit, TextMate, and the Mac OS X clipboard. Version 2.6 is entirely rewritten in Cocoa, and improves the detection of lists as well as graphics. Requirements of client programs may vary, though SmartWrap requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 1.2MB]


• Random Wok 1.0 (free) is an Aperture 1.5 export plug-in designed to create random filenames for pictures either individually or in bulk. Owners can specify criteria such as casing, length and prefix/suffix amendments to exercise greater control. Users can also permanently set Wok to "freeze" the filenames it chooses to create Web images that are permanently linked. The plug-in only functions with Mac OS X 10.4.8. [Download - 228KB]

Griffin ships iTrip for 2G iPod nano

Griffin Technology today began shipping its newly updated iTrip for iPod nano, the latest addition to the company's iTrip product line that is redesigned to fit the sleek lines of the new second-generation iPod nano. iTrip for second-generation Nanos is designed as a grab-and-go solution for users who want to play an iPod on both auto and home stereo systems. The accessory works as a sled, broadcasting the iPod's music wirelessly to the car or home stereo FM radio. Griffin's SmartDisplay technology enables users to view iTrip's setup and control information on the iPod nano screen, and the iTrip automatically adjusts output volume for distortion-free play. The device features a mini-USB port to charge the iPod while in use, and is priced at $50.

Pat Sajack's Trivia Gems for Mac released

Uclick has released Pat Sajack's Trivia Gems for the Mac, the game show host's newest show challenging participants to climb the pyramid by answering trivia question triplets. Players must choose the steps carefully, however, as each colored pyramid step is a different trivia category. Participants wager on every question as they take into account their confidence in their own answers, enabling skilled players to place larger bets when they are certain that they're right. "Watch for Pat¹s Brain Busters and Gem of a Question, the surprise trivia challenges that give you a chance to multiply your winnings, as you make your way to Pat¹s Power Gem at the top of the pyramid for one last opportunity to double your money!" Pat Sajak's Trivia Gems is available from Macgamestore.com for $20, and requires Mac OS X 10.2 or later.

iTunes brings back the original Star Trek

Star Trek: The Original Series has returned to Apple's iTunes store after quietly disappearing in February of this year. The first season of the series is available alongside a remastered version of the classic Sci-Fi TV show, with both versions priced at $56.99 each. The remastered edition of Star Trek: The Original Series features "all-new digital effects that hold close to the spirit of the original," according to iTunes, available in their full-length original format without the cuts of syndicated television. "The vivid remastered versions make Star Trek new again, without compromising what made the show a pioneer of modern, continuing-character science fiction."

Adobe CS3 bundles, Euro pricing revealed

Adobe will announce on Tuesday that its Creative Suite 3.0 -- which is expected to boost Intel-based Mac sales due to pent-up demand for the professional software -- will be available in six individual bundles with European pricing from €999 to €2799, according to AppleInsider. A "Standard" bundle will include Acrobat 8 Professional, Illustrator CS3, and InDesign 3.0. A "Premium" version adds Dreamweaver CS3, Flash CS3 Professional, and replaces Photoshop CS3 for Photoshop CS3 Extended. Adobe is planning to offer a pair of bundles designed for Web developers as part of its "Adobe Creative Suite 3.0 Web" bundle, while the "Standard" package priced at €999 includes Contribute CS3, Dreamweaver CS3, Fireworks CS3, and Flash CS3 Professional. All of the new suites also include Adobe Bridge CS3, Acrobat Connect, Device Central CS3, Stock Photos, and Version Cue CS3.

New FastMac power adapter for old laptops

FastMac has announced a new power adapter in its TruePower line specifically targeted at older laptops that Apple may no longer support. The 65W AC adapter plugs into both clamshell iBooks and G3 PowerBooks, serving as a dual-voltage (100/240V) power source with an extended 10-foot cable for reaching difficult power sockets. FastMac's latest power accessory recharges the lithium ion battery while the system is off, on, or in sleep mode, and can also power a computer without a battery. The adapter features a built-in LED light to indicate activity, and comes with a 30-day refund guarantee and a one-year warranty. FastMac is already selling the adapter for $36.

Briefly: Apple traffic; WWDC poster sessions...

In brief: Apple is listed as one of the top U.K. internet properties as researched by comScore, Apple has announced a scientific development poster session at its forthcoming WWDC conference, Apoio today announced the Nordic Macintosh System Administrators Meeting 2007, and Linotype is preparing to hold the TypoTechnica 2007 conference at the Guttenberg Schule in Frankfurt, Germany. ComScore's report on traffic leading U.K. sites for the month of February marks Apple as receiving roughly the same number of unique visitors at least 15 years or older. The Cupertino-based company's website drew 9,450,000 unique visitors in February vs. 9,477,000 unique visitors in January of this year. The study excludes traffic from public computers such as internet cafes, as well as access from mobile phones or PDAs.

Computerworld reviews AirPort Base Station...

The new 802.11n AirPort Extreme base station stands to uphold Apple's promises as faster router with enhanced features, according to a new review of the device. "After four weeks with the stylish new base station, I can say that it delivers," wrote Ken Mingis of Computerworld. "The wireless storage feature, which I consider the best thing about the hardware, works flawlessly. Transfer speeds are indeed faster when moving files around." Simple setup and integrated security make the router an easy pick for non-technical users, according to the reviewer, and Apple will likely ensure that its Time Machine software -- which will ship with the company's forthcoming Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system -- integrates with storage devices attached to the base station.

IK debuts cheaper Miroslav Philharmonik CE

IK Multimedia has released Miroslav Philharmonik Classik Edition, a new, less expensive version of its virtual orchestra software. Both versions use 1.5GB of samples recorded by Miroslav Vitous in the Dvorák Symphony Hall, which IK believes to give each instrument a more natural and complementary sound. The Classik Edition retains most of the full version's functionality, such as a 16-part multitimbral workstation and multiple synth engines, but has fewer articulations and performance patches. The Mac software requires a 1.5GHz Core Solo processor and Mac OS X 10.4.4, and is also available as an AU, VST or RTAS plug-in. Miroslav Philharmonik Classik Edition is priced at $250.

Hairline cracks on MacBooks?

With an earlier MacBook having caught on fire despite a battery recall, a new incident may be evidence of mounting hardware troubles for Apple. A reader of Jason O'Grady's blog at ZDNet has sent in photo evidence of cracks located around the hinges, vents and the entire back edge of his MacBook. Critically, the reader says he has never been rough with his computer, keeping it either on his desk or in a suede-lined messenger bag. Apple has offered to repair the casing for free since the laptop is still under warranty, but O'Grady asks if there may not be more unreported fractures.

Jumsoft releases Keynote Objects FX 1.0

Jumsoft has released Keynote Objects FX 1.0, a package of photo objects for Apple's Keynote and Pages software that also works with Microsoft PowerPoint and Word applications. Keynote Objects FX is a new collection of images designed to make any presentation or document more informative and fun. The package includes over 50 new 3D rendered objects, with each object fully optimized for presentations that are 1024x768 pixels in size and Pages documents of any size. All images are rendered in 3D to provide a realistic look and feel, and the package includes a "Sparkle" QuickTime movie to produce a twinkle effect anywhere in a presentation. Keynote Objects FX 1.0 is priced at $40, and requires Mac OS X with iWork '05 or later.

70+ groups urge Gore to make Apple green...

Greenpeace and more than 70 other groups are urging Vice President Gore to use his influence on the Board of Apple to convince the Cupertino-based company to be a "green leader" in the electronics industry. Apple's Board of Directors, of which Gore is a member, is due to send out a statement recommending that stockholders vote against two proposals that would strengthen the iPod maker's environmental policies, according to Greenpeace. Draft board documents say that their board "unanimously" opposes both proposals, but Greenpeace and 73 other groups called on Gore to enlist his leadership in persuading Apple to instead support the proposals by making Apple an industry leader in making greener products.

Rumor: Leopard delay, iMac revamp, Parallels...

With the delayed launch of Apple TV finally here, Apple's rumor mill has turned to Mac OS X Leopard, iMacs, and possibly new server-oriented software from Parallels. A new rumor from Digitimes says the release of the Mac OS X Leopard operating system "will be postponed to October to allow Apple to make Leopard support Windows Vista through an integrated version of its Boot Camp software." According to that rumor, the company hopes that Macs with support for Vista can grab more market share, the report claims. SWsoft -- the makers of Parallels Desktop -- is reportedly working on a similar server-based virtualization application for Apple servers that "could provide customers with an innovative solution for running Windows, Mac OS and Linux side by side on a departmental or small business server."

Apple TV hacked to run XviD, other formats...

The Apple TV has already been hacked to run non-supported video formats, according to a pair of forum users. Confirming Walt Mossberg's claim that the media hub runs a custom version of Mac OS X, the technique involves removing the hard drive and mounting it on a Mac, where it appears as a native HFS volume. Installing the SSH server Dropbear, the video container Perian, and a custom script lets the Apple TV play files outside of its normal MPEG-4 and H.264 standards.

Apple TV: reviews discuss shortcomings...

As Apple TVs begin to arrive in the US, some media outlets have had more than a few days to play with the new set-top device from Apple. While most reviews are calling the device a "simple and elegant," Apple TV--called a "big iPod"--has several significant shortcomings and may not be for all users given other options. Microsoft's Xbox 360 is said to offer better file format/service support, direct internet purchases (movie trailers and software updates are available through the internet), and more. Apple TV also only supports a limited number of file formats, according to PC Magazine's 4 out of 5 star review. Files that work in iTunes don't necessarily work on Apple TV, the publication says; they must be transcoded using Apple's QuickTime Pro (which recently obtained new Apple TV export options) or a third-party software application.