Refurbished Macs reduced to iMac, Mac Pro

Apple's supply of reconditioned MacBook Pros, MacBooks, iBooks, PowerBooks, Power Macs, and Mac minis have all disappeared. As a result, the company's remaining refurbished Macs have been reduced to iMac and Mac Pro systems. Apple's reconditioned iMacs currently include the 17-inch 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 1GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive, and an ATI Radeon X1600 graphics card (128MB) for $1,049; as well as the 24-inch 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 1GB of memory, a 250GB hard drive, and an NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics card (128MB) for $1,699. The Cupertino-based company's refurbished Mac Pro systems include the Quad 2.66GHz Intel Xeon with 1GB of memory, a 250GB hard drive, and an NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics card (256MB) for $2,199; as well as the Quad 3.0GHz Intel Xeon with 2GB of memory, a 250GB hard drive, and an ATI Radeon X1900 XT graphics card (512MB) for $3,299.

Briefly: MacNN reviews; Nature's Smart Fish...

In brief: MacNN has reviewed the Multi-Card Reader & Hub from Cardette, as well as Laptop GelaSkins. Something Fishy today launched Nature's Smart Fish for virtual aquariums, and MacProVideo.com has announced the public beta of its Nonlinear Educating Device -- a software video player that allows users to search tutorial videos by keyword. MacNN has reviewed Cardette's Multi-Card Reader & Hub ($35, shown at right), its slick looking portable flash card reader that plugs directly into a USB port. MacNN has also reviewed Laptop GelaSkins ($33), a series of covers for Apple notebooks that customize looks and offer protection from scratching.

Apps: Sticky Windows, Mactracker, Labels X

• MimMac 1.8.7 ($10) updates the cloning, backup, and file synchronization utility. Version 1.8.7 corrects an error when examining .hotfile.btree, as well as an instance where ownership on a volume would fail to enable when other similarly name volumes were present. The application also includes a more robust registration engine installation procedure that enables the application to recover from a failed installation. MimMac is a Universal Binary application, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. [Download - 1.04MB]


• MacGizmo 1.0.6 ($20) allows users to view the content and other useful information of any selected items in the Finder, as well as from other participating applications. The software fully supports most common item types, such as images, sounds, music, video, text, PDF documents, Web files, and more. The update enables users to move the window around the screen when using the fade effect, and adds the ability to show album artwork when selecting an AAC song. [Download - 2.6MB]


• Debtinator 2.1.0 ($15) enhances the intelligent debt re-payment application designed to restructure a budget to pay down debts in good time. Debtinator finds all excess cash and re-allocates the money toward paying down balances, and helps users track as well as plan spending habits. The latest release offers an interest vs principal graph, area graph breakdowns, additional reporting columns, and minor interface modifications as well as bug fixes. [Download - 1.1MB]


• Sticky Windows 2.1 ($16) updates the application that creates tabs to de-clutter the desktops. Sticky Windows 2.1 repairs incompatibility with FileFault, allows users to pick which color is used for different visual effects, and supports selection of which margin of the screen can enable Sticky Windows. The latest release also fixes the 'Black windows' bug, and offers a more reliable installer/uninstaller. [Download - 954KB]


• Mactracker 4.2 (donationware) adds the latest Apple hardware to the detailed database on every Mac ever made. Mactracker 4.2 also enables users to create smart categories for multiple search criteria, "View Options" for individual categories, updated Support Status for Apple's latest vintage and obsolete products, updated AirPort entries to indicate support for 802.11n, and fixes several bugs from the previous revision. [Download - 18.9MB]


• Labels X 1.8.1 ($10) is a free update to the Mac OS X file label enhancement utility that allows users to apply various color tints to files or folder icons, as well as sort files by label. Labels X 1.8.1 includes Application Enhancer 2.0.3, offers speed optimizations, and fixes an issue that prevented the Recent Items menu from working on Intel-based Macs. [Download - 2.9MB]

MS: China's Vista sales not so poor...

Opening sales of Windows Vista in China were much stronger than the 244 copies claimed earlier this week, according to a spokesman from Microsoft. Though the company declined to provide an actual figure for the number of copies sold during the new operating system's first weeks on the market, Microsoft said that sales were "double" those of XP during the same amount of time. The corrected number suggests that Chinese sales were proportionate to worldwide sales results that exceeded the XP launch of 2001.

Apple sets up 750TB demonstration at NAB

Apple setup a dazzling display at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Conference in Las Vegas consisting of 90 Xserves and 40 Xserve RAIDs for a grand storage capacity of 750TB amidst three miles of fiber optic cabling. AppleInsider managed to take some high quality photos of the setup, with a traditional large theater area in the center of Apple's booth with seats for roughly 200 attendees. The company also demonstrated its new 8-core Mac Pro systems as well as its Final Cut Pro/Server software to the sides of the presentation area, and offered an "Apple Lounge" filled with black leather furniture for attendees to sit down and play with MacBook Pros.

Fastmac ships slimline Blu-Ray drive

Fastmac today announced that it has begun shipping the first and only Blu-Ray optical drive upgrade for Apple's PowerBook, iBook, and MacBook Pro notebook systems. The new slimline, slot loading drive provides up to 50GB of storage on one disk without sacrificing compatibility with standard DVD and CD media. The new drive is tested and certified compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 video production software, and comes with a 1-year warranty as well as a 30-day guarantee. Fastmac's slimline Blu-Ray slot loading optical drive is priced at $800 for a limited time, and requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later.

Pokie Magic releases Pirates Plunder for Mac

Pokie Magic has released Pirates Plunder for Mac, a new game that takes inspiration from the company's recent release of Totem Treasure 2. "Blackbeard's treasures, ships setting sail, skull and crossbones, and Pecky, the animated parrot mascot. No detail goes unnoticed as the game play will lead players to all things pirate: gold booty, treasure maps, deserted islands, and the chance to find as much loot as possible." Pirates Plunder boasts increased depth of game play alongside more bonuses and payout percentages, enabling players to select between a five or six reel slot machine before spinning to play. The title also provides secondary game play via Roulette, and allows players to try for a virtual progressive jackpot. Pirates Plunder is priced at $20, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

Final Cut Server, Studio 2 win awards at NAB...

NewBay Media's Video Group has announced its Best of Show awards at the 2007 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Convention, offering Apple awards for its Final Cut Server and Final Cut Studio 2 software. "The Best of Show Awards are given in recognition of outstanding achievement in the advancement of the art and science of video technology, include the Videography Vidy Awards, the longest running NAB awards program, the Television Broadcast Top Innovation Awards, the DV Black Diamond Awards, and the Digital Cinematography Premiere Awards." Apple's Final Cut Server and Final Cut Studio 2 both took home 2007 Vidography Vidy Awards, while Final Cut Server received a Television Broadcast Top Innovation Award. Final Cut Studio 2 also achieved a DV Black Diamond Award at the convention.

Target may carry, demonstrate Apple TV

Major U.S. retailer Target will likely join Best Buy in carrying the recently launched Apple TV wireless multimedia streaming device. Target has agreed to carry the Apple TV at all of its locations, according to AppleInsider, and units have surfaced at various Circuit City and CompUSA locations. Sources familiar with Target's plans say Apple TVs will begin surfacing by the end of April, according to the report, and Target will offer complete demonstration units connected to widescreen HDTVs at some locations. Apple TV received a warm welcome just after launch, but sales at Best Buy locations appear to have tapered off following the initial buzz. Apple is due to report on its second fiscal quarter on April 25th, and is expected to hint at sales tallies from the company's direct channels, according to the report.

DLO teases with iPhone skin...

iPod accessory maker DLO is already preparing accessories for the iPhone, the company revealed today. The company has released a teaser photo that shows an unnamed silicone skin for the Apple device that would guard all but the screen against impact or scratch damage; the protective layer would be sensitive enough to allow use of the home button.

Color options, prices, and launch details haven't been announced by DLO, though the skin and similar extras are likely to be available shortly after the iPhone becomes available in late June. [via CrunchGear]

Real Arcade releases AquaPark for Mac...

Real Arcade today released AquaPark for Mac, a game challenging players to fill the AquaPark with colorful and exotic fish. Players click on the swimming fish to trap them in a bubble, floating to the surface where they are collected and sent off to the AquaPark. The game includes two modes, as well as a relaxing aquarium mode. "The more fish you collect, the more exciting your aquarium will be." AquaPark features detailed graphics and numerous levels to maintain a challenge. The game is available for $20 from Macgamestore.com, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. The title also runs natively on Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary.

The Sims 2 Seasons coming to Mac in May

Aspyr Media today announced that it will bring the fifth expansion pack for The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Seasons (site not updated) to Mac in late May of this year. Licensed by Electronic Arts, The Sims 2 Seasons builds on the The Sims 2 experience that allows players to create and control virtual characters throughout their lives while determining the outcome of their relationships and choosing their destiny. "Whether your Sims are ice skating on a crisp winter day or jumping into leaf piles during a warm autumn afternoon, the variety of seasonal activities is guaranteed to add a fresh, new layer of fun into your Sims life." The Sims 2 Seasons will soon be available for pre-order for $35, and will require the full version of The Sims 2 for Mac OS X.

Apple likely to lead music negotiations...

Apple is preparing to sit at the bargaining table with the major record labels over the next month, and will likely use its market-leading position to push for DRM-free tracks from the remaining 'big three' music companies. Apple and EMI on April 1st announced that the label would offer its entire catalog of audio tracks without copy protection via the iTunes Store, and the other labels are expected to follow suit in the near future. "EMI struck a deal that puts all of us at a disadvantage," said an anonymous music executive. EMI defends its position, saying that consumers were frustrated with DRM protection. "We believe removing it will boost digital music overall," an EMI spokeswoman said.

NewerTech ships Mac Pro eSATA extender...

Newer Technology (NewerTech) has unveiled its new eSATA Extender Cable for Mac Pro 8-core and quad-core systems. The cable is the first extender available that enables Mac Pro owners to utilize the two unused internal SATA ports on the motherboard, according to the company, supporting up to two external eSATA devices to run up to six hard drives or other devices. The cable is designed to route neatly inside the Mac Pro case, and includes a step-by-step illustrated installation manual. The new cable is available from NewerTech for $25.

Griffin ships 2G iPod shuffle dock adapter...

Griffin Technology has unveiled a new accessory that makes Apple's second-generation iPod shuffle work with any device that features a Universal Dock. The new Dock Adapter enables iPod shuffle owners to use speaker systems as well as other devices that were previously accessible only to full-size docking iPods, serving as a low profile device that fits in most travel accessory cases. The adapter features a slider switch that toggles between charge/sync and audio play modes, allowing the docked Shuffle to transfer data and sync with iTunes while charging the battery. In play mode the iPod shuffle outputs its audio to any connected speaker system. Griffin's Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle is available for $20, and works with Apple's second-generation iPod shuffle models.