Few refurb MacBooks left at Apple Store

Apple's selection of refurbished MacBook Pros has entirely disappeared from its U.S. online store, and its MacBook selection has dwindled to just one model. The Cupertino-based company's only reconditioned MacBook available is the White 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo model with 512MB of memory and a 60GB hard drive for $949. Interestingly, the company's supply of G4 PowerBooks has increased to five separate units. Apple's refurbished PowerBook G4 systems currently include its 12-inch 1.5GHz model with 512MB of memory, a 60GB hard drive, and a Combo drive for $1,099; 12-inch 1.5GHz with 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, and a SuperDrive for $1,199; 15-inch 1.67GHz with 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, and a SuperDrive for $1,299; 17-inch 1.67GHz with 512MB of memory, a 100GB hard drive, and a SuperDrive for $1,599; and its 17-inch 1.67GHz model with 512MB of memory, a 120GB hard drive, and a SuperDrive for $1,699.

Apps: Kodak EasyShare; GimmeSomeTune

• EasyShare 6.0.2 (free) is Kodak's official photo organizing program, which also allows users to edit video or share cards, books and standard prints. No new features are listed, but two cautions are given: the "One Touch to Better Pictures" option has been removed, and installing v6.0.2 may make a collection incompatible with earlier versions of EasyShare. The app requires Mac OS X 10.3 and 200MB of free hard drive space. [Download - 51.3MB]


• GimmeSomeTune 3.6 (donation) handles a number of functions missing from iTunes, such as automatic cover and lyrics downloads, and quick on-screen displays of both lyrics and a mini-controller. Version 3.6 shows covers and lyrics for all CDs and Internet streams, and can store art in an album's folder rather than its ID3 tag, saving space. A bug that crashed the app on launch has also been fixed. Mac OS X 10.3.9 is required. [Download - 997KB]


• DV Monitor Pro 1.1 ($200) captures video directly to a hard drive, and lets users add names, labels and other information immediately after a clip has finished transferring. Users can also conduct shot-matching and continuity checking, as well as compose special effects shots. The program is a Universal Binary for Mac OS X 10.4, and is intended strictly for standard-definition DV video. [Download - 3.5MB]


• DockStar 2.0 ($8) is a Mail add-on that inserts up to five new indicators into the Dock icon, indicating which account is receiving messages, and presenting optional information such flagged or total messages. The second edition introduces several enhancements such as sound effects, but is most notable for going beyond the Dock, adding a screensaver and a Dashboard widget. Mail 1.3 and Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later are mandatory; the widget requires 10.4. [Download - 4MB]


• iPresent It 1.5 ($18) converts PDF and PowerPoint presentations into a format that can be played on an iPod or Apple TV. iPods must have a color screen, as well as video output, and using an Apple TV with a projector may necessitate a DVI adapter. The v1.5 upgrade supports 1280x720 widescreen presentations, and will automatically detect and adjust for the correct aspect ratio. The software runs on Mac OS X 10.3 or higher. [Download - 852KB]

Apple spreading itself too thin?...

Apple may be biting off more than it can chew as it moves to spread its grip on the digital entertainment industry into the living room while also making a bold move into the already-cluttered mobile handset market, according to the Mercury News. Apple shipped its Apple TV wireless media streaming device in mid-March rather than its original February target, which, coupled with the company's latest announcement that it would push back its release of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard from the spring to the fall, has some industry watchers questioning whether the Cupertino-based company has enough resources to deliver on all of its more recent undertakings. Gartner research analyst Van Baker said Apple is a relatively small company compared to tech firms such as IBM and Hewlett-Packard, with Apple employing around 18,000 full-time workers vs. HP's 156,000 as of last fall.

Stanton launches DJ-friendly USB turntable...

Music accessory designer Stanton has ramped up its line of vinyl decks in advance of the NAB broadcaster expo with the T.90 USB. The turntable is one of the first to connect to computers that can also withstand the impact of a professional DJ, the company claims. Its cornerstone high-torque, direct-drive motor and a strong S-shaped arm maintain smooth tracking during mixes and scratches. Controls are also in place for DJ setups: a key lock adjusts tempo for beat matching without affecting pitch, and dual start/stop switches fit the T.90 into a larger mix setup or a DJ battle.

Merrill Lynch: buy on Apple weakness...

Research analyst Richard Farmer of Merrill Lynch is urging investors to purchase Apple shares while the price remains low as a result of yesterday's announcement that the Cupertino-based company would delay its release of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard until October in order to devote more resources to its iPhone. "We recommend investors use the current stock weakness related to Apple's delay of the Leopard operating system as a buying opportunity as it represents a temporary setback and we believe our long-term thesis is intact," Farmer wrote in a research note obtained by MacNN. "Leopard will still be available in beta version for developers in June at [WWDC]." The analyst retained his price objective of $113 based on earnings scenario analysis.

Philips snaps up DLO...

Philips today announced that it would acquire Digital Lifestyle Outfitters for an undisclosed sum. The move will fold the South Carolina-based accessory maker into the Dutch company's Peripherals & Accessories unit and is expected to accelerate the already fast growth of the Philips branch through DLO's sales success, which topped $100 million in 2006 alone. The deal should be finalized later this spring.

No iPods for MI students, lawmakers to repay...

The three Michigan lawmakers who travelled to California last month on Apple's dime have each agreed to reimburse the Cupertino-based company for $1,702 to cover trip-related costs. "The only reason we're paying for it is to end this public perception that something is misguided," said Rep. Tim Melton, D-Pontiac, who as chairman of the House Education Policy Committee said House Democrats mistakenly announced last week that they planned to pump $38 million into the budget to purchase iPods for Michigan students, according to the Detroit News. "We did the press a great disservice and we're deeply sorry for that," Melton admitted.

DAZ 3D releases free U3D content exporter

DAZ 3D has released a free U3D content exporter included as part of DAZ|Studio 1.5, allowing Photoshop users of all experience levels to quickly combine 3D models into existing projects. Users can manipulate 3D models inside Photoshop CS3 Extended, and can work with virtual objects to create images of any genre ranging from medieval to contemporary. The free U3D exporter is designed to ease the process of completing scrapbooks with 3D art and backgrounds; designing books with vivid cover images; and creating compelling storyboards. The company also links to a free video tutorial that walks users through the steps of loading the DAZ 3D Sea Dragon model into Photoshop CS3 Extended, and provides its DAZ 3D weekly free product archive with a slew of 3D models and accessories available for free download. DAZ|Studio 1.5 requires mac OS X 10.3 or later.

Creative finishes Xdock for iPod, Xmod Wireless...

Creative has just announced the final details of two key new wireless audio products. Freshly introduced is the Xmod Wireless, a version of the original Xmod. As before, it uses the company's X-Fi Crystalizer processing to restore lost quality from any computer or portable media player but adds a wireless function that can broadcast its music to any of the optional X-Fi Wireless Receivers up to 100 feet away. The transmitter can further generate virtual surround sound through CMSS spatialization. It ships in May for $244 in Creative's home of Singapore and should be available soon in the US.

Research analysts comment on Leopard delay...

Several research analysts have offered their thoughts on Apple's decision to delay its Mac OS X Leopard launch from the spring to the fall in order to ship its forthcoming iPhone on time. Analyst Ben Reitzes of research firm UBS lowered his fiscal year 2007 earnings estimates but increased his expectations for fiscal year 2008 to account for Leopard sales shifting ahead several months. "For fiscal year 2007 our earnings-per-share estimate is $3.20 (was $3.26), with revenue growth of 24 percent to $23.9 billion (was $24.1 billion)," Reitzes said. "For fiscal year 2008, we increase our earnings-per-share estimate to $3.90 (was $3.85) with revenue growth of 33 percent to $31.7 billion (was $31.6 billion)." UBS, like other industry experts, views the news as a net positive because the iPhone could contribute more to Apple's bottom line. "We would view any weakness on the news as a buying opportunity," the analyst added. The research firm maintained its $124 price target with a 'Buy 2' rating on Apple shares.

Digidesign ships Reel Tape Suite...

Digidesign has begun shipping its Reel Tape Suite (site not updated), a set of analog tape emulation plug-ins designed to re-create the warmth of analog tape recordings and tape effects in digital recordings or live audio. The software operates as an AudioSuite, TDM, and RTAS plug-in to bring the vintage sound of analog gear to digital audio. Reel Tape Suite features three plug-ins which include Reel Tape Saturation, Reel Tape Delay, and Reel Tape Flanger. Reel Tape Saturation simulates analog tape saturation effects by modeling analog tape machine and tape formulation characteristics. Reel Tape Delay simulates classic tape echo effects while providing precise control over regenerating echoes, and Reel Tape Flanger simulates tape machine flanging effects. The Digidesign Reel Tape Suite is priced at $500 for all three plug-ins, while a standalone version of the Reel Tape Saturation plug-in is priced at $300.

Foxconn to build Wi-Fi iPod?...

Apple is planning to release a Wi-Fi iPod in the second half of the year, according to component makers in Taiwan. The sources allege that local business Universal Scientific Industrial will be responsible for supplying the Wi-Fi chipsets needed for the design, while long-time Apple partner Foxconn will be responsible for building finished units. Parts from USI wold begin delivery as soon as this month while Foxconn could be ready to ship during the summer, the report said.