gadgetsonthego.net
home
If getting organized at home or work tops your list of good intentions for the New Year, think digital this year. I have three easy-to-use solutions to help simplify the process - for home, business and your mobile life
1) Organize on the go. Bento for iPhone and iPod Touch ($4.99) consistently ranks as one of the most popular portable productivity apps on Apple's App Store. Managing To Do Lists, Schedules, Projects - even your Diet Log and Recipes - has never been easier.
2) There's a template for that! Mac owners have even more organizing options with Bento 3, the personal database for the Mac. To get started fast, this stylish personal database comes loaded with 35 templates. Add Bento Template Exchange, a free template-swapping online resource, and there are hundreds more to choose from. (See examples below and online: http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/ )
3) Add some digital muscle to your small business. Windows and Mac users will find FileMaker Pro 10 an ideal solution for organizing and managing people, projects, assets and more. Create a powerful database in minutes and choose from 30 starter solutions to get productive - instantly.
Just a few of the many Bento Templates for Organizing your life and work in 2010:
Vehicle Logbook. Track mileage and expenses or distance traveled. Even automatically calculates fuel economy and reimbursement details.
http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/detail.jsp?serial=2549827
Equipment Inventory. Managing boat equipment (or home, garage, etc.), including serial numbers, warranty, maintenance and replacement part information.
http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/detail.jsp?serial=2550965
Receipt Manager. Log important purchases all year long, including a digital copy of each receipt.
http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/detail.jsp?serial=2550953
Medical Records - Keep all your appointments in one place, with addresses, pharmacies, medical notes and expenses accessible anytime, anywhere. (Template available for pet records too!)
http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/detail.jsp?serial=2550681
Car Shopping. Make the right choice by comparing multiple cars in grid view. Track make, model and history, store interior and exterior shots, rate the condition of each and include a location map to the dealership.
http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/detail.jsp?serial=2550569
Home Media Collection - Manage your home media collection, including DVDs, Movies, and VHS tapes.
a href="http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/detail.jsp?serial=2550846"> http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/detail.jsp?serial=2550846
Wine Cellar. Track important details about your wine collection, from vineyard, vintage and varietal names to price and tasting notes. Rate each wine and store an image of its label for easy selection.
http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/detail.jsp?serial=2549845
Labels: app store, os x, software
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 12/30/2009 04:59:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
• compatibility with some Sierra Wireless 3G modems
• an issue that might cause DVD playback to stop unexpectedly
• some printer compatibility drivers not appearing properly in the add printer browser
• an issue that might make it difficult to remove an item from the Dock
• instances where automatic account setup in Mail might not work
• an issue where pressing cmd-opt-t in Mail brings up the special characters menu instead of moving a message
• Motion 4 becoming unresponsive
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/10/2009 05:04:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"I tested Snow Leopard on two different machines: a new MacBook Pro that came with the OS preinstalled, and a Mac mini I upgraded from Leopard. The new version looks almost identical to the previous one—there's no new interface to learn. New features are tucked in unobtrusively on the old interface, so experienced users will find some pleasant surprises in better-organized pop-up menus, as well as some networking options such as built-in support for Cisco VPN," Mendelson reports. "Snow Leopard was also noticeably faster in my testing. I couldn't run formal benchmarks in the short time I had my hands on the code, however, but we're running them in the lab right now and will update this story when we've got the numbers crunched."
Mendelson reports, "The OS isn't perfect, but it's pretty close... Compared to Windows 7, Snow Leopard feels more coherent and consistent, and smoother and faster in most operations that I tried... Snow Leopard looks much cleaner and more appealing... Snow Leopard gets more things right than any other operating system, and it throws in striking good looks as a bonus."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 8/27/2009 10:15:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Consequently, Snow Leopard has got a price to match: just $29/£25 for a single-user upgrade from 10.5," Orlowski reports.
"I've been using a release candidate cut of the OS, and found plenty to like. Whizz-bang features are thin on the ground, but it's undoubtedly faster and more responsive than its predecessor," Orlowski reports. "And despite radical under-the-hood changes, such as the move to 64-bit and a new scheduler, it provides excellent compatibility."
"I like Snow Leopard, and found moving back to Leopard quite surprisingly painful," Orlowski reports. "Was it really so slow? It didn't feel so a week ago."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 8/25/2009 10:12:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
In a few days Mac fans will get the latest and greatest OS from the folks in Cupertion. Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard will be released on Friday. Some lucky people have been able to score advanced copies ;) and it looks like Apple has built antivirus/malware protection inside the operating system as seen in the picture above.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 8/25/2009 10:00:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Snow Leopard is an upgrade for Leopard users and requires a Mac with an Intel processor. You can pre order from the Apple Store and receive it on August 28th for $29.00
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 8/24/2009 12:28:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
“Last June, we gave developers an early look at the powerful new technologies that form the underpinnings of Mac OS X Snow Leopard,” said Bertrand Serlet, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “At WWDC, we will be giving our developers a final Developer Preview release so they can see the incredible progress we’ve made on Snow Leopard and work with us as we move toward its final release.”
Snow Leopard and Mac technical sessions will showcase hundreds of refinements to the operating system and dive deep into its new technologies including a 64-bit architecture, QuickTime® X, next-generation multicore and GPU processor support, and amazing new accessibility technologies. iPhone OS 3.0 technical sessions will cover introductory and advanced concepts to help developers get the most out of the iPhone OS 3.0 SDK and over 1,000 new APIs available for iPhone OS 3.0.
Labels: apple, iphone os, os x
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/13/2009 11:12:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Labels: apple, iphone, mac, os x
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 3/26/2009 03:48:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Labels: apple, mac, os x, software
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/06/2009 02:35:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
iWork '09 has made an appearance on Apple's download page . When you click the link you are taken to a trial download of iWork '08, so it looks like that will change this afternoon.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/06/2009 09:37:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box.
Via Gizmodo
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 12/03/2008 08:06:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
I've tried his new software, and -- for the most part -- I agree it's pretty good. But during our meeting, I couldn't ignore the fact he was using an Apple MacBook Pro. For all his hyperbole about how incredibly safe Norton keeps Windows PCs, it appeared Trollope was ducking the virus threat completely -- by using a Mac.
You've got to wonder why. Is it because he doesn't trust Norton enough to keep a Windows PC safe? Or is he so tired of anti-virus applications intruding on his daily computing activities that he's switched to a platform where he doesn't need AV software? What's wrong with a Dell?
Trollope politely explained that he'd chosen a Mac because he prefers the platform's "ease of use" and "elegance". I'm assuming he's referring to OS X's spangly graphical user interface, and not the Mac's innate ability to dodge malware." Via CNET .
Labels: mac, macbook pro, os x
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/29/2008 12:16:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
What's included?
General
* Includes recent Apple security updates.
* Addresses stability issues with video playback, processor core idling, and remote disc sharing for MacBook Air.
* Addresses an issue in which some Macs could unexpectedly power on at the same time each day.
* Resolves a stability issue in TextEdit that could be found when accessing the color palette.
* Improves Spotlight indexing performance.
* Fixes an issue in which contacts might not sync properly with PalmOS-based devices.
* Improves iPhone sync reliability with iCal and Address Book. * Includes improvements to Active Directory (see this article for more information).
* Improves Speech Dictionary.
* Fixes Kerberos authentication issues for Mac OS X 10.5 clients that connect to certain Samba servers, such as Mac OS X Server version 10.4.
* Includes extensive graphics enhancements.
Address Book
* Addresses stability issues that may occur when creating a Smart Group.
* Resolves a printing issue with address cards containing information that spans more than one page.
Disk Utility and Directory Utility
* Improves reliability when rebuilding a software mirror RAID volume in Disk Utility.
* Improves reliability of server status displayed in Directory Utility.
iCal
* Updates iCal to more accurately handle repeating events.
* Improves performance when choosing meeting attendees. * Resolves an issue in which the "Refresh All" option may be dimmed ("grayed out") in the contextual menu for certain calendars.
* Fixes issues with read-only calendars.
* Addresses an issue that prevents an invitee from moving an event to a different calendar.
* Resolves an issue with syncing published calendars.
* Addresses performance issues related to displaying IMAP messages.
* Resolves an issue with SMTP settings for AIM, Compuserve, Hanmail, Yahoo!, and Time Warner Road Runner email accounts.
* Addresses stability issues that may occur when dragging a file to the Mail icon in the Dock.
* Addresses an issue with the "Organized by Thread" view in which the date does not appear when the thread is collapsed.
* Resolves an issue in which RSS feeds could temporarily disappear from the sidebar.
* Improves Mail robustness when sending messages.
* Improves reliability when saving drafts that have attachments.
MobileMe
* Improves overall sync reliability.
* Improves Back to My Mac reliability.
Time Machine
* Improves Time Machine reliability with Time Capsule.
* Addresses performance issues that may affect initial and in-progress backups.
* Fixes an issue in which an incorrect alert message could appear stating that a backup volume does not have enough free space.
* Time Machine can now back up iPhone backups that are on your Mac, as well as other items in (~/Library/Application Support).
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/15/2008 07:02:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Microsoft has posted the above on their PhotoSynth website . Pretty uncharacteristically of Microsoft, don't ya think?
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 8/23/2008 01:15:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
CrunchGear has posted the first images of the banners being hung for the WWDC 08 at the Moscone Theater.
"The Leopard banner reads: “The world’s most advanced Operating System.” The iPhone banner reads: “The world’s most advanced mobile platform.” The iPhone banner also shows "The Future Calling" on the iPhone's screen.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/05/2008 08:09:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Snow Leopard is currently on track to come out during next January's Macworld, and it will not contain major OS changes. Instead, the release is heavily focused on performance and nailing down speed and stability. With Apple's current (and future) focus on smaller, thinner, and more mobile devices, this move makes perfect sense. Things like the MacBook Air, iPhone, iPod touch, and other mysterious devices that have yet to be announced need better performance for better battery life, and that's definitely something Apple wants to excel at in the years to come."
Apple is also expected to announce OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" will only support Intel based Macs (Power PC based Mac support will be coming to an end).
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/04/2008 08:06:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"People familiar with the listing say the Waterloo, Canada-based smartphone designer is distributing the notice only within the company and is keeping most details hidden even to those aware of the posting.
"As part of a newly-created team, you’ll influence the development and design of BlackBerry software," the listing reads. "This is a very confidential brand new team and a senior position within RIM so I can't provide too many details. I guess you can figure out what it might be about though."
Among the requirements are a very strong emphasis on existing experience with Mac development, including programming in both Cocoa and Objective C as well as user interface design.
Web experience with Javascript, XML, and other functions is also essential. Experiences with developing for the Mac's Sync Services feature and interfacing with Bluetooth and USB devices are both considered assets, according to the company." Via AppleInsider .
Labels: blackberry, iphone, os x
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/29/2008 07:19:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
SplashData has released a Universal Binary version of SplashID 4 for Mac OS X. The announcement on the SplashData blog reads:
If you are running the beta version of SplashID 4, you will need to do some clean up work before you install the release version. Directions for removing the beta can be found on the SplashData blog."We are very proud to be finally releasing the SplashID 4 upgrade for Mac OS. Thanks to all those Mac users who were patient and waited for this release - it was well worth it I think.
Here is a list of enhancements:
- New desktop views - Panel View and Tree View
- Tree View on the handheld application
- Enhanced security - auto lock-out after 10 failed attempts, password strength meter, and password hint option
- Web Auto-Fill - one click to open a website in Safari and login automatically
- Synchronize multiple SplashID databases (with other version 4 database files only)
- Enhanced Lookup feature instantly displays relevant results as you type
- Email securely encrypted SplashID files to other users (from the handheld application too!)
- Add additional standalone desktop users
- Change the database and auto-backup file locations
- Toolbars give you button features where they are needed the most
- Updated icon set with enhanced high resolution graphics
- Fully Leopard compatible
- Universal Binary
- Note: Requires 10.4 or later"
SplashID 4 for Mac OS X costs $19.95 for new customers. Existing SplashID users can upgrade to the new version for $9.95. For more details, and how to purchase an full or upgrade license, visit the SplashData website.
¶ posted by Alan Grassia, Editor @ 3/26/2008 09:01:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
I just noticed that CDW is offering a Mac OS X Leopard, Parallels for Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows Vista Business Edition bundle for $279. For those folks running Intel Mac boxes, that is an amazing offer. Windows alone is worth the $279 price.
For more information, visit the CDW website.
Labels: mac, os x, parallels, vista
¶ posted by Alan Grassia, Editor @ 2/22/2008 09:34:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
The Mac OS X 10.5.2 Update is recommended for all users running Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.5.1 Leopard. It includes general operating system improvements that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.
For more information and a list of features included in this update click here .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/11/2008 05:12:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Labels: apple, macbook air, os x
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/31/2008 09:14:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"According to the seed-note, the update 'focuses' (if we may call this focusing) on, Active Directory/Directory Services, AirPort, AppKit, Application, Firewall, Audio, Automator, Back To My Mac, Chinese Input Methods, CoreData, CoreFoundation, Dashboard Widgets, Data Detectors, Directory Services, Dock, Finder, Foundation, Grammar Checking, Graphics Drivers, High Level Toolbox, iCal, iChat, iDisk, Keyboard Layouts, Mail, Networking, Parental Controls, Podcast Producer, Printing/CUPS, Quick Look, Rosetta, Safari, SMB, Spotlight, SQLite, Terminal, Time Machine, X11," MacScoop reports.
"This clearly represents by far the most significant revision update Apple has ever made on any of its operating systems with nearly 40 Applications involved and 100 bugs fixed. The only bad news is that the update weights as much as, hold your breathe... over 400MB, a record size which could even grow further in the final build," MacScoop reports."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/20/2008 09:30:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
One of the Palm OS software packages that I use every day is Passwords Plus from DataViz. Earlier this month, DataViz released a Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard update for Passwords Plus 1.006 customers.
The latest update to Passwords Plus is compatible with both Palm Desktop 4.2.1 and Mark/Space The Missing Sync (you'll need version 6.0.2).
The Passwords Plus patch download link and full installation directions can be found on the DataViz website.
I'm happy to see that DataViz is still actively supporting their software on both the Palm OS and Macintosh platforms. It shows that DataViz is still committed to their customers who are part of the Palm and Apple user communities. By making this upgrade available, DataViz has helped make my transition back to the Macintosh (from Windows XP) a little bit easier.
Labels: apple. mac, dataviz, os x, palm
¶ posted by Alan Grassia, Editor @ 1/13/2008 11:42:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
While this isn't a tablet from Apple, it is a tablet running OS X. It's a modified Macbook converted into a tablet.
The One and Only Tablet Mac
Designed in California by Axiotron’s team of German and American engineers, the ModBook™ is at its core an after-market hardware modification to standard off-the-shelf Apple® MacBook™ systems, converting them into high-end slate-style tablet computers. With its condensed form factor and integrated pen-based user experience the Axiotron ModBook is the ultimate companion for applications and situations where a keyboard only gets in the way.
Built for mobile users, artists, students and professionals, the ModBook enables its user to draw and write directly on the screen, while the handwriting recognition built into Mac OS® X Tiger not only turns hand scribbles into text in every application, but also provides extended control of the system through gesture recognition. The ModBook comes standard with a built-in iSight™ camera and an integrated CD/DVD combo drive that can be upgraded to a 8.5 GB DVD burner, and it is the only portable Mac solution that also features an optional built-in Global Positioning System (GPS). Pricing starts at $2,290, more information can be found here .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/02/2008 11:28:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Coming in at number two, right behind Google Gears, was the iPhone.
"Apple made navigating via a touch screen -- sure to be a staple in future PDA phones and other small devices -- intuitive and fun," PC World said. "iPhone's Safari browser makes the handset a great mobile Web device. And, sure, many phones play music, but Cover Flow cranks the iPhone up to 11 as a music player."
Fourth place went to Time Machine, the drop-dead simple backup feature in Mac OS X 10.5. The feature makes backing up your important files as simple as plugging a hard drive into your computer and removes the old excuse that backups are too complicated. PC World asked "One question: Why doesn't Windows Vista have anything this simple and useful?" Via Mac Observer .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 12/28/2007 03:30:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Mark/Space The Missing Sync for Palm OS version 6.0.2 is now available. The Missing Sync is a total replacement for Palm Desktop and HotSync Manager for Palm customers using Mac OS X.
The Missing Sync 6.0.2 is a big deal for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard users because this version is fully compatibly with Leopard. Some of the other cool features the Missing Sync brings to Mac OS X users include:
- PIM sync with iSync and Microsoft Entourage
- iPhoto and iTunes sync (DRM content can't be synchronized)
- Wi-Fi network synchronization
- Mac OS X folder to SD card folder synchronization
The Missing Sync 6.0.2 is a free upgrade to Mark/Space customers already running an earlier version of 6.0. Mark/Space customers running versions prior to 6.0 are eligible for special upgrade pricing.
Look for a review later this week on my 1SRC.com Palm-Powered podcast, show 161.
¶ posted by Alan Grassia, Editor @ 12/24/2007 12:44:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
In addition, upon sign-up people will immediately receive over $50 in Mac software including Ambrosia Softwares popular audio capturing application WireTap Pro, holiday shopping list application Santas Gizmo, and secure encryption application BitClamp.
The Mac Giving Tree offer will run until midnight on Christmas Eve EST, when the presents will be unwrapped.
More info: http://www.macgivingtree.com ." Via MacDailyNews .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 12/20/2007 08:09:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Apple has released the first update to Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. There are a lot of fixes packed into this update. Included in the 10.5.1 update are things like:
- Password protected AirPort Disk to show up in the Finder Sidebar
- Resolves an issue with password protected wireless networks
- Improves Back to My Mac support
- Addresses issues with the Disk Utility application
- iCal alarm support over email has been added
- Various fixes and enhancements to the Apple Mail application
- Addresses issues with the Apple Time Machine application
You can read the full list of fixes and enhancements on the Apple website. You can download the Mac OS X 10.5.1 update using the Software Update control panel.
¶ posted by Alan Grassia, Editor @ 11/18/2007 10:07:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
“Early indications are that Leopard will be a huge hit with customers,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Leopard’s innovative features are getting great reviews and making more people than ever think about switching to the Mac.”
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/30/2007 05:12:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Apple has released an update for which is being recommended for all customers running Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. The 4.8MB update addresses the following issues:
- Logging in with accounts originally created in Mac OS X 10.1 and earlier with more than 8 characters.
- Connecting to some 802.11b/g wireless networks.
- Changing the password of a FileVault-protected account.
Customers can download the update using the Apple Software Update control panel.
After about an hour I finally completed my Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard installation on my MacBook. The upgrade was seamless! For all the years I've been in IT, Apple's upgrades, by far, have been nothing but smooth sailing. (I do want to point out my ridiculously outdated version of Photoshop no longer works. I guess I'll have to upgrade.)
I do like the new menu bar despite the fact that it is translucent and can get lost if you have a dark wallpaper. The new iChat application seems to work much better and I'm not losing my connection to GTalk (for IM'ing) as I did under Tiger.
Another cool thing is that Leopard found my Windows XP machine on my network and prompted to connect me to my sharepoint. Very nice.
Another encouraging thing is that while I did upgrade Mac OS X to version 10.5, I'm still using iLife '06 and all of the applications are playing well with the new version of Mac OS. (I did download three updates after the Mac OS X installer finished the upgrade.)
I'm looking forward to delving into some of the other new features of Leopard in the coming days. I'm most interested in playing with Time Machine, Apple's new "set it and forget it" back up application. To use it, you need to have an external hard drive connected to the computer or be able to connect to another Mac on your network running Leopard. (While I'd like to have a new 24" iMac, I think my wife would prefer I get the hard drive.)
¶ posted by Alan Grassia, Editor @ 10/27/2007 11:42:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Jimmie isn't the only web-head with Mac OS X OCD. I recently picked up my copy of OS X Leopard and I'm looking forward to putting the new features through their paces on my MacBook. I'm about 30 minutes into my upgrade install (Mac OS X 10.4.10 > 10.5) and all is going well.
¶ posted by Alan Grassia, Editor @ 10/26/2007 11:14:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
No need to wait until 6:00 pm tonight, Apple shipped Leopard early to customers who ordered it online. Fed Ex delivered my copy around 11:30 this morning:)
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/26/2007 02:18:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Upgrade of Apple's OS Isn't Revolutionary, But It Beats Microsoft'
"The Mac is on a roll. Apple Inc.'s perennially praised but slow-selling Macintosh computers have surged in popularity in the past few years, with sales growing much faster than the overall PC market, especially in the U.S. By some measures, Mac laptops are now approaching a 20% share of U.S. noncorporate sales, up from the low single digits where they once seemed stuck.
Personal Technology columnist Walt Mossberg says the new operating system keeps Apple ahead of Microsoft, but it's not revolutionary, with only a handful of core novelties. (Oct. 25) There are several reasons for this, including the security problems in the dominant Windows platform from Microsoft; spillover from Apple's blistering success with its iPod music players; the fact that Macs can now run Windows programs; and Apple's highly successful chain of company-owned retail stores.
But another key factor has been the Mac operating system, called OS X, which came out in 2001. It has proved to be as powerful and versatile for mainstream consumers as Windows, yet easier to use and more secure. And Apple has upgraded OS X far more rapidly than Microsoft Inc. has upgraded Windows, bringing out major new releases roughly every 18 months, while Microsoft struggled for more than five years to produce the latest Windows iteration, Vista, which came out in January.
On Friday evening, Apple will release yet another new version of OS X, called Leopard, to replace the current version, known as Tiger. I've been testing Leopard, and while it is an evolutionary, not a revolutionary, release, I believe it builds on Apple's quality advantage over Windows. In my view, Leopard is better and faster than Vista, with a set of new features that make Macs even easier to use." To read the whole review click here .
So far all the reviews are looking very good for Leopard. I just checked my order status and my copy of Leopard has just been bumped up to "prepared for shipment" Delivery on October 26th.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/25/2007 07:10:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
"If you’re a computer company, what on earth do you add to the sixth annual version of your operating system?
It’s not as though there are any glaring holes left. Nobody is still crying out for a better way to organize photos.
That’s the challenge that Apple faced in developing Mac OS X 10.5, code-named Leopard, which goes on sale tomorrow after a four-month delay. Price: $110 online, $190 for a family pack, or free on a new Mac. As Steve Jobs points out, for that money, “everyone gets the Ultimate version.” (That’s a swipe at Microsoft, which sells Windows Vista in at least five versions costing as much as $330 for the Ultimate).
Microsoft had it a little easier with Vista, because everybody knew what Windows needed: better security. Maybe Mac OS X is harder to hack, or maybe the virus writers consider the Mac’s 8 percent market share too piddling to bother with. But in its six years, Mac OS X hasn’t experienced a single virus outbreak or spyware infestation.
So Apple’s mission in Leopard was to make us aware of needs we never knew we had — something Apple is usually good at.
Leopard maintains all the goodies of previous Mac OS X versions. To the amazement of many Windows refugees, Mac OS X requires no serial number and no “activation”; it’s not copy-protected. It doesn’t clutter the desktop with crippled bits of free-trial software from other companies. There are no nagging balloons or come-ons.
Leopard does well with backward compatibility, too. Thanks to modest minimum requirements (512 megabytes of memory, 867 megahertz), Apple says Leopard runs on three-year-old Macs and even high-end six-year-old machines.
Leopard is powerful, polished and carefully conceived. Happy surprises, and very few disappointments, lie around every corner. This Leopard has more than 300 new spots — and most of them are bright ones." Check out the whole review here
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/25/2007 06:54:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
USA Today has posted one of the first reviews of Mac OS X Leopard, which will be available to the public in less than 2 days. USA Today is very impresed with Leopard
"When Steve Jobs unleashes Mac OS X Leopard on Friday, Mac fans and others considering an Apple computer for the first time will have questions. Is the new Leopard operating system worth the $129 upgrade price? Is it the reason to splurge for a new Mac?
Long before Leopard pounced onto the scene, I rated OS X superior to Windows for most consumers. With Leopard, Apple's operating system widens its lead aesthetically and technologically. Whether the sixth major release of OS X in as many years puts a dent in Microsoft's dominant market share is another matter entirely." Read the full review here .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/24/2007 08:33:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"notes syncing of some sort is finally coming to the iPhone. This feature will be integrated into the new Mail.app, and the notes folder will basically be handled like a email mailbox, "so you can retrieve notes from any Mac or PC or access them from your iPhone."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/16/2007 12:57:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Leopard, the sixth major release of Mac OS X, is the best upgrade we've ever released," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, in the press release. "And everyone gets the 'Ultimate' version, packed with all the new innovative features, for just $129."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/16/2007 08:37:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Apple as early as Tuesday is expected to make a Leopard-related announcement to both customers and members of the media, AppleInsider has learned.
After cutting it close near the tail-end of the software's development cycle, the stars appear to have finally fallen into alignment after a Gold Master candidate build surfaced internally this past weekend.
Obviously, an impending announcement would concern availability, as much else about Leopard has been out in the open for quite some time. AppleInsider had previously pinned Leopard's launch for 6:00 p.m. on Friday Oct. 26."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/15/2007 10:13:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
We are receiving additional tips from industry sources who indicate that October 26 is currently the estimated ship date for Mac OS X Leopard." Via AppleInsider .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/04/2007 05:05:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Apple "had long stated in developer documentation that the software would require 'an Intel processor or a PowerPC G4 (800MHz or faster) or G5 processor,'" McLean reports.
But, "engineers for the company recently determined that Leopard installs on 800MHz PowerPC G4 systems ran 'too slow,'" McLean reports. "Leopard will now require Macs with 'an Intel processor or a PowerPC G4 (867 MHz or faster) or G5 processor." Via MacDailyNews .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/24/2007 02:32:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
The new beta includes a host of new usability features, including:
- Coherence is now compatible with Expose, including drop-shadow effects! You'll also be able to "stack" Windows and Mac apps however you'd like.
- An improved Explorer tool that now works with suspended, as well as shut-down, virtual machines.
- A complete, snapshot-compatible Image Tool to convert, enlarge, convert, or split/unsplit virtual drives.
- iPhone support in Windows XP and Vista.
More detail on the beta and a download link is available at: http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/beta
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 8/02/2007 03:58:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Apple just released Mac OS X 10.4.10. Hit software update to get the latest and greatest OS from Apple. For a list of the fixes click here .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/20/2007 05:46:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Apple has posted Steve Jobs' WWDC Keynote. He's quite the showman. They're always fun to watch if you're a Mac Fanboy. Watch it here .
Labels: apple, iphone, os x, safari
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/11/2007 09:31:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Parallels Server for Mac will represent the first virtualization solution that lets users run Windows and Linux in virtual servers on an Intel-powered Apple Xserve while simultaneously running Mac OS X Server.
The Renton, Wash.-based software developer will be hosting demonstrations of the alpha software at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Calif. this week.
Parallels will also be showing off the latest release of Parallels Desktop for Mac -- version 3.0 -- which delivers 3D hardware support and tighter integration between Windows and the Mac OS X operating systems.
The update to the $80 virtualization solution also introduces cross OS application and file integration with Parallels SmartSelect, coherence 2.0 with shared folders and UI enhancements, expanded support for USB 2.0 devices, and significant improvements to audio quality."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/11/2007 05:36:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Apple added a cool effect to Leopard's iChat, you can appear as a hologram. All you Star Wars fanboys can feel a little closer ( or a bit more nerdy) to your favorite movie thanks to Apple;)
Via Gizmodo .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/11/2007 02:49:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"The multitouch pad will look like a standard mousepad, but it'll be finger sensitive, like the touchpads on most notebooks. But instead of one finger, it'll be sensitive to multi-finger gestures and commands, like the iPhone," Kahney predicts.
"The pad will completely replace the mouse, allowing users to control the Mac with their fingers -- moving the cursor, selecting files and double clicking with a quick double tap of the index finger," Kahney explains.
"The pad will also respond to a whole new vocabulary of gestures, like Mouse Gestures in Firefox, which execute common commands (backwards, forwards, reload) with a sweep of the mouse. Using your fingers, you'll open files by twisting to the left, as though turning an imaginary dial. Twist your fingers to the right to close the file," Kahney writes." Via MacDailyNews .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/11/2007 12:08:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Pogue's post ends with a reminder of how the platform equation is changing; he writes, "Whether you're a Mac person or a Windows person, the point is that you can now run 100 percent of the world's computer software on a single machine, faster and more easily than ever." It's no longer a matter of justifying answers to "Why would you buy a Mac?" but simply responding "Why wouldn't you buy a computer that can run all your applications, whichever platform you need?" Via TUAW .
I've been using Parallels 3 for almost 2 weeks now and it's amazing.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/08/2007 02:31:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Renton, WA - June 7th, 2007 - Parallels, Inc. announced today its release of Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac, a completely new version of its award-winning software that enables Mac users to run Windows, Linux, and any other operating system at the same time as OS X on a single Mac desktop, without rebooting.
The release of Parallels Desktop 3.0, which is the first major update of Desktop for Mac since the launch of the Parallels Desktop for Mac in June 2006, introduces over 50 new features, enhancements and improvements that make running Windows and Mac software at the same time on a single Intel-based Mac easier and more seamless than ever before. As with all earlier versions, this release fully and automatically utilizes Intel ® Virtualization Technology to deliver superior stability and performance while running multiple operating systems simultaneously.
The release is anchored by SmartSelect, a powerful new feature that lets users use any OS X or Windows application to open any file type, regardless of whether that file is on the Mac or Windows desktop. Users can select the right application to open a file each time via right click, or can set a default application association to ensure that a given class of file always opens in a specific application.
For example, if a user sets Word for Windows to be the default application to work with .doc, .rtf and .txt files, he or she could simply double click a file with that extension in either OS - even if it is an email attachment in Apple Mail or Entourage - and instantly open the file in Word for Windows. A user could also configure SmartSelect to open all hyperlinks clicked in either OS to open in a Mac web browser, such as Safari or Camino.
SmartSelect is also automatically configured to mount and open Mac .dmg installer files in OS X, even if they were downloaded in Windows via Internet Explorer or Outlook, and to automatically open .exe files in Windows, even if they reside in Mac OS X.
Other major Parallels Desktop 3.0 performance, usability and security features include:
* Snapshots: An important new security and backup tool that makes Parallels virtual machines "bulletproof". Snapshots instantly save the state of a virtual machine's memory, settings and hard disk, and revert back to that instant at any time. This gives users the freedom to make changes, try beta software, and explore the internet without the risk of corrupting their virtual machine. If a mishap occurs, the user can revert back to a VM snapshot with a single click, erasing all changes - including major system errors - that happened after the snapshot was taken. A built-in, map-inspired Snapshot Manager helps users manage multiple snapshots.
* Security Manager: A built in management tool that helps users customize the level of interaction between Windows and OS X, including how and when files can be shared between OSes, if "drag and drop" is enabled or disabled, and when hard disks and devices are mounted and accessible.
* Hardware-Accelerated 3D Graphics: Strong support for OpenGL and DirectX brings Windows' vast library of 3D-intensive applications to the Mac. Without leaving their Mac desktop, users can play popular Windows-only 3D games such as Quake, Half-Life 2, and World of Warcraft, as well as work with complex Windows-only 3D CAD programs.
* Parallels Explorer: Without launching Windows, users can view and modify the contents of their Windows virtual hard drive using Parallels Explorer, which is included as a free, stand-alone tool with every copy of Parallels Desktop 3.0. Users can drag files to and from the virtual hard drive, move or re-name existing files and create new folders.
* Vista Boot Camp Support: Existing Windows Vista Boot Camp partitions, as well as Windows XP Boot Camp partitions can be run in a Parallels virtual machine. Users can switch between running Windows in Parallels Desktop and Boot Camp as often as they would like.
In-depth information on Parallels Desktop 3.0's new features and major improvements, as well as videos and screenshots of key features in action, is available at http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop.
"This new version is an important milestone for us helping computer users get the best of all operating systems on a single, seamless desktop," said Nick Dobrovolskiy, CEO of Parallels, Inc. "With new features that deliver more flexibility, increased security and peace-of-mind, working with multiple operating systems has never been easier, safer, or more fun."
"Parallel Desktop 3.0 for Mac on Intel-based Macs is enabling a new era in virtualization," said Doug Fisher, Intel Vice President of System Software Division. "Users can now run multiple operating systems while enjoying blistering performance, energy efficiency and powerful resource management on desktop and mobile computers. This is made possible by Parallel's virtualization software that fully utilizes the capabilities of Intel® Virtualization Technology built into Intel® CoreT Microarchitecture processor technologies."
Continued Momentum for an Industry-Leading Desktop Virtualization Product Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is a significant upgrade to the award-winning desktop virtualization product that already powers more than half a million Macs worldwide. Since its launch one year ago, Parallels Desktop for Mac has been recognized with MacWorld Magazine's "Editor's Choice" Award (the "Eddy"), PC World Magazine's "Innovation of the Year" Award, and was the first non-Apple product to ever win the MacWorld Magazine Reader's Choice Award. Parallels Desktop for Mac was also named "Best in Show" at the 2007 MacWorld Expo and in May 2007 was ranked #6 and a "Reader Favorite" on PC World Magazine's "100 Best Products of 2007" list.
Availability and Pricing
Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is available for online purchase at www.parallels.com/en/buyonline, and boxed copies are available at the Apple Store, Fry's Electronics, MicroCenter, CompUSA, Amazon.com, Staples, Office Depot, select Best Buy locations, and hundreds of other retailers nationwide. The standard retail price (SRP) of Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is $79.99. New users are welcome to test a free, fully-functional copy of Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac for 15 days.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/07/2007 04:23:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
We guess it's really a list of "The 100 Best Products of 2007, So Far." Therefore, products like Apple's iPhone are not on the list, but iPhone is #1 atop PC World's "Most Anticipated Products of the Year" list.
Numbers 1-3 are Google Apps Premier Edition, Intel Core 2 Duo, and Nintendo Wii respectively.
Apple hits the 2007 list six times:
9. Apple Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger" (released April 29, 2005!)
11. Apple TV
26. Apple iPod (80GB) (released September 12, 2006!)
45. Apple iPod Nano (8GB) (released September 12, 2006!)
61. Apple iTunes
82. Apple MacBook Pro (released January 10, 2006!)
Notably absent from PC World's list is Microsoft's critically panned Windows Vista." Via MacDailyNews .
Labels: apple, apple tv, ipod, itunes, os x
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/22/2007 09:03:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Gaffen reports, "The panic didn’t last: Around 12:15 p.m. EDT, Engadget... updated its post to say that Apple’s public-relations folks said iPhone was still on track and that an internal memo to which Engadget was privy had been 'redacted.'"
"'This communication is fake and did not come from Apple. Apple is on track to ship iPhone in late June and Mac OS X Leopard in October,' said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris," Gaffen reports.
"Update: Engadget’s post is evolving. They’ve now posted the text of the bogus email they received, and the legitimate Apple email that followed," Gaffen reports." Via MacDailyNews .
Causing Apple's stock to drop 3%?? Just goes to show ya, when Engadget speaks people listen;)
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/16/2007 03:37:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"While Apple cited a shift in resources to iPhone and more time for developers to beta test as reasons for the delay, our analysis indicates that if not for the 'secret' features, the core Leopard operating system would likely have shipped on time," American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu told clients on Friday. "We believe the extra time Apple is allocating is for developers to test secret features that will likely be revealed at its WWDC 2007 conference starting on June 11, 2007."
Gene Munster, a Sr. Analyst over at PiperJaffray, was similarly suspect of Apple's explanation, but chose to note the irony of the situation as it relates to rival Microsoft Corp. rather than point the finger at any one Apple initiative. "While we are not convinced the delay is entirely related to the iPhone, the important part is we believe Apple's product development remains robust, and the iPhone, Leopard, and other new products (announced in June) are coming," he wrote in a note to Apple investors. "Despite the PR black-eye Apple will get from delaying Leopard (given Apple routinely chastises Microsoft for product delays), the announcement included that Apple will release the iPhone on time in June."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/14/2007 12:58:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
"iPhone has already passed several of its required certification tests and is on schedule to ship in late June as planned. We can't wait until customers get their hands (and fingers) on it and experience what a revolutionary and magical product it is. However, iPhone contains the most sophisticated software ever shipped on a mobile device, and finishing it on time has not come without a price -- we had to borrow some key software engineering and QA resources from our Mac OS(R) X team, and as a result we will not be able to release Leopard at our Worldwide Developers Conference in early June as planned. While Leopard's features will be complete by then, we cannot deliver the quality release that we and our customers expect from us. We now plan to show our developers a near final version of Leopard at the conference, give them a beta copy to take home so they can do their final testing, and ship Leopard in October. We think it will be well worth the wait. Life often presents tradeoffs, and in this case we're sure we've made the right ones."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/12/2007 05:55:00 PM 1 comments links to this post
Cheng reports, "Like both Spotlight (built into OS X 10.4) and the third-party utility Quicksilver, Google Desktop offers users the ability perform an indexed search of their entire computer's contents, including applications, music, photos, chat logs, e-mail, and other documents."
"In addition to what's stored on the hard drive, however, Google Desktop also allows users to index their Gmail from Google's servers as well as the contents of their web search history, so that a copy is always accessible to them, even when the computer is no longer connected to the Internet," Cheng reports.
Cheng reports, "The beta period for Google Desktops for the Mac will likely last about three months in order to get user feedback. The Google team says that it plans to eventually bring all Google Desktop features to the Mac, which they estimate to happen sometime within the next six months."
Labels: google, mac, os x, software
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/04/2007 04:53:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Apple is currently planning to release Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard in June, mostly likely at or around its Worldwide Developers Conference, reliable sources report.
The release will come at the tail end of spring, which ends June 21, enabling Apple to meet its original shipping estimate.
As recently as January Apple had been targeting a ship date of end March—as noted by multiple Think Secret sources and other media reports—but the company elected in recent weeks to move the date back. Sources privy to the reasons behind the June ship date could tell Think Secret the details only off the record, however.
"Leopard is shaping up to be a more significant release than anyone expected, with much more to come than any of the developer builds have led on," one source said.
Also scheduled for a June release now are new versions of Apple's iLife and iWork suites, which will pack extensive Leopard-dependent features. Sources say Apple continues to toy with the idea of bundling one or both suites with the new operating system free of charge in an effort to further play up the extra value and features Mac OS X offers over Microsoft's new Windows Vista.
In addition, there is a reasonable chance that Apple will drop its yearly naming convention for the software suites entirely, sources report, suggesting "'07" could be replaced with "Leopard Edition", or a similar naming convention that would free Apple from being tied to date-specific versions that appear older in consumer's minds as the calendar rolls over."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/02/2007 11:52:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Contact Jimmie Geddes here: gadgetsonthego at gmail dot com.
