Apple opens the week with a sizzling new lineup of PowerBook G4 models, boosting processor speeds and adding a new Sudden Motion Sensor and a scrolling trackpad. Also in this issue, we note price reductions for Mac mini build-to-order components; a clever service for transferring large files via email; and the releases of Security Update 2005-001, iMovie HD 5.0.1, iStumbler 90, and a Take Control update and German translation. This issue also brings a new approach to DealBITS that could significantly increase your chances of receiving a prize – SmileOnMyMac’s photoprinto software this time. Lastly, we wish the Mac a happy 21st birthday!
First Apple Security Update of 2005 Patches Mac OS X -- On 25-Jan-05, Apple released Security Update 2005-001 to patch several reported vulnerabilities in both desktop and server versions of Mac OS X 10.2 and 10.3
iMovie HD 5.0.1 Addresses Audio Sync Issues -- Apple on 27-Jan-05 released iMovie HD 5.0.1, which fixes unspecified audio and video synchronization issues
Stumbling across Bluetooth (and Wi-Fi) -- Alf Watt has released iStumbler 90, a Mac OS X tool that scans for Wi-Fi (AirPort and AirPort Extreme) and now Bluetooth and Rendezvous networks
Happy 21, Macintosh! 24-Jan-05 marked the 21st birthday of our favorite smiling friend, Macintosh. If you have a BitTorrent client (I'm currently using Azureus), go to the last URL below and download the video (21 MB QuickTime) of the Mac's introduction
Before I introduce this week's DealBITS drawing, I want to tell you about a few changes to the way DealBITS works that will increase your chances of receiving a prize
Apple today pulled the wraps off an update to the PowerBook line that increases CPU speeds to 1.5 GHz and 1.67 GHz, bumps all hard drive speeds to 5400 rpm, adds an 8x SuperDrive, and introduces a pair of interesting new technologies - the scrolling trackpad and Sudden Motion Sensor - the latter of which you hope you'll never need.
Faster PowerBook! In a not unexpected move, Apple bumped up the clock speeds of the PowerPC G4 used in the current PowerBook line
Early complaints about the cost of built-to-order options for memory upgrades and wireless options on the Mac mini have apparently led Apple to slash those prices dramatically
It's a problem. You need to send a large file to a friend or colleague, but it's too large for email, you don't have access to an FTP server, or the recipient isn't sufficiently savvy about usernames and passwords or firewalls to log in to your server
It may seem as though little has been happening with Take Control of late, but in fact, that's mostly because we've been working on translations and updates, with two appearing this week and more coming soon.
"Take Control of Sharing Files in Panther" Turns 1.2 -- The 1.2 update of Glenn Fleishman's ebook about setting up (and using) file sharing services under Panther is hot off our virtual press
The second URL below each thread description points to the discussion on our Web Crossing server, which will be much faster.
Macworld Expo in decline? Although the number of vendors at Macworld Expo San Francisco 2005 was up, the increase is offset by the number of iPod-specific (non-Mac) booths