Briefly: Maxwell plug-in update; MBP upgrade

In brief: Next Limit Technologies has released an updated version of its Maxwell Render plug-in for SketchUp, and an online tutorial has surfaced on replacing the hard drive in a MacBook Pro. M-Audio has begun shipping the X-Session Pro MIDI controller with its Torq LE software, and PeachPit Press has introduced several new books related to Adobe's recently-released CS3 software. The updated version of Maxwell Render plug-in for SketchUp makes the camera, environment, and HDRI parameters easier to set for each scene. The update also assigns Maxwell material parameters to SketchUp materials, and users can specify basic Maxwell material parameters directly inside SketchUp dialogs without the need to use MXM files. The latest release of the plug-in also adds HTML-based panels for Maxwell Render parameters.

Replacing a MacBook Pro hard drive

A tutorial has surfaced on replacing the hard drive in a MacBook Pro portable system, detailing the process from start to finish. Users can simply remove the notebook's battery, followed by three screws, and pull on a special 'hard drive removal' tab to pull the drive out. Replacing the drive requires some 'minor surgery,' however, and voids the warranty on the device.

The step-by-step photo tour guides users through the process, ending with improved performance and increased storage capacity.

M-Audio ships X-Session Pro with Torq LE

M-Audio has begun shipping its X-Session Pro MIDI controller with the company's Torq LE DJ software. Torq LE includes many of the same features as the original Torq application, according to M-Audio, enabling users to mix digital audio files -- including MP3, AIFF, WAV, WMA, and AAC formats -- with easy access to files through a searchable database that interfaces with Apple's iTunes library.

The configuration and features of the Torq LE software are designed to parallel both traditional DJ setups and the controls on the X-Session Pro hardware controller. The application features two virtual decks for cueing and mixing, as well as complete control of speed and pitch.

Peachpit ships CS3 books

Peachpit is publishing several new titles related to Adobe CS3 software within its Adobe Press, Peachpit Press, and New Riders series'. New titles include Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book; Adobe InDesign CS3 Classroom in a Book; A Designer’s Guide to Adobe InDesign and XML; Adobe Illustrator CS3 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques; The Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers; How to Wow: Photoshop CS3 for Photography; Real World Adobe Illustrator CS3; Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS3; Nighttime Digital Photography with Adobe Photoshop CS3; The Designer's Apprentice: Automating Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign in Adobe Creative Suite 3; and Digital Photographer's Notebook: Practical Tips for Professional Photoshop CS3 Users.

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