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Today's Macworld Expo keynote arrived on a wave of hype that was high even by Apple's standards, cresting with the introduction of a 15-inch LCD iMac, iPhoto, and an iBook with a 14.1-inch screen. Did reality measure up? Jeff and Adam report from the scene. Also, we note the releases of Mac OS X 10.1.2, BBEdit 6.5.1, Nisus Writer 6.5, a Classic-only Internet Explorer 5.1, plus the availability of Combo drives in PowerBook G4s and the Microsoft Office X Test Drive.
The new iMac and iPhoto dominated last week's Macworld Expo, but those weren't the only interesting things at the show. In this issue we offer an overview of the show, plus our superlatives for products and companies that caught our attention. Also, Adam peers into his crystal ball (well, actually, the liquid crystal display of his iBook) to prognosticate on what 2002 will likely bring. Finally, Judge Motz rejects the proposed Microsoft civil settlement.
Still unclear on the difference between Classic, Carbon, and Cocoa applications? If so, Chris Pepper's look at the different breeds of Mac OS X programs should help. Geoff Duncan covers the recent revival of interest in a pair of venerable Macintosh email servers. In the news, we look at Apple's $38 million profit, the release of Adobe InDesign 2.0, and a slew of updates from Apple for AirPort users and for the multilingual capabilities of Mac OS X.
Last week brought some of the weirdest news in a long time from companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Palm. Read on to get Adam's take on these and other stories, along his look at the utility of keeping old Mac hardware around. Product releases are coming fast and furious as well, with speed-bumped Power Macs, the wireless Palm i705, Opera 5.0, Now Up-to-Date & Contact 4.1.1, iView MediaPro 1.4, QuarkXPress 5.0, and drivers for Griffin's PowerMate controller.
Thinking about voice recognition in Mac OS X? Tempted by digital video? Confused about how to run Unix programs in Mac OS X? Dip into this issue for Matt Neuburg's review of IBM's ViaVoice for Mac OS X, Jeff Carlson's introduction to digital video, and the second installment of Chris Pepper's look at the different types of programs that can run in Mac OS X. In the news, we cover minor upgrades to Snapz Pro X 1.0.2 and BBEdit 6.5.2.
Digital cameras rock, but many of us have always wondered about the best way to get prints. Wonder no more, as Alex Hoffman compares online photo printing services. If you want moving pictures, turn to Jeff Carlson's advice on shooting video and editing it in iMovie. In the news, Microsoft releases a security patch for Office X, Apple both wins a technical Grammy and pulls out of Circuit City, and CS Odessa hosts a ConceptDraw conference in the Ukraine.
Which of the online photo services offers the best quality prints from digital pictures? Read on for the conclusion of Alex Hoffman's comparison of a number of online photo labs. Taking a break from the intensely practical, Adam looks at some cool concepts, including a free license generator, a research project into number associations, and a test of online advertising's efficacy. In the news, we cover the release of Default Folder X and PayPal's IPO.
Challenges to the intellectual property establishment are coming fast and furious; read on for Adam's take on the shenanigans. Plus, Chris Pepper closes out his coverage of breeds of programs in Mac OS X with a look at Java. In the news, along with a free ebook offer for TidBITS readers, we cover a slew of releases, including Mac OS X 10.1.3, Adobe GoLive 6, Adobe LiveMotion 2, ConceptDraw 1.7.5, IPNetTuner 1.5, and the announcement of Photoshop 7.
Want to use a FireWire webcam in Mac OS X? Adam scans the topic, focusing on the FireWire WebCam Driver from IOXperts and glancing at the available video camera software. Switching gears, he also looks at managing DNS information with easyDNS, something anyone who wants their own domain can use. Updates this week include Palm m515 and m130 handhelds, Mac OS X's Java implementation, WebSTAR 5.1, Synchronize Pro X, and the PowerMate 1.0 driver.
Confused by fonts in Mac OS X? Us too, but thanks to Matt Neuburg's review of DiamondSoft's Font Reserve 3.0 for Mac OS X, we now know where to turn to eliminate font duplication and confusion. Matt Slot of Ambrosia Software then joins us with a revealing look at how Ambrosia recently dealt with the problem of casual software piracy. Important new releases this week include Virtual PC 5.0.2, EIMS Server 3.1.1, and Lasso Professional 5.
Adam has finally gone too far - at least with magnification levels! With Bodelin's ProScope USB microscope, no hair is too fine (or gray) to escape his 50X-magnified vision. Also this week, Derek Miller walks through how to edit digital video without expensive hardware and software. In the news, EIMS Light appears at half the price of EIMS, and check out the charity auction for a TidBITS t-shirt signed by Adam - all proceeds go to the Mac-A-Wish Foundation.
Missing Mac OS 9 functionality in Mac OS X? Check out Adam's roundup of Mac OS X utilities that replace that Mac OS 9 look-and-feel. Mark Anbinder covers Apple's Macworld Tokyo announcements of a 23" LCD display, a 10 GB iPod, Bluetooth support, and iMac price increases. Then Gideon Greenspan joins us with an overview of how computers are used in biology. Finally, two important Mac OS X releases fill out the issue: Retrospect 5.0 and Mailsmith 1.5.
The top news this week is the proposed settlement in the Microsoft antitrust case - will it meet your needs? Adam also looks at a new service from Internet payment service Kagi that's aimed at helping fans support their favorite artists. John Moltz joins us with some opinions on iPod-enabled piracy, Tonya previews a new utility from Microsoft, and we examine Apple's new support options. In the news, we pass on video evidence of Apple's next iDevice (think TiVo), and tell you of a new email filtering service from the SpamCop folks.
When was the last time you backed up your Mac OS X machine? The solution for many people is Retrospect 5.0 - Adam looks in depth at the new release in this week's issue. Also, Matt Neuburg starts a two-part examination of Unicode and what it means to you. In the news, KeyStrokes for Mac OS X provides helpful adaptive technology for disabled Mac users wanting to use the new operating system. (And no, we're not making any of this up!)
Adam has Mac OS X utilities on the brain, and this week's installment in his overview of utilities for Mac OS X lists out some of the most essential tools for serious Mac users. Matt Neuburg returns with the second part of his in-depth look at Unicode, focusing on how you can use it in Mac OS X. In the news, we cover the latest Mac OS X security update from Apple, the release of DVD Studio Pro 1.5, and how to get free exhibit passes to Macworld Expo NY.
TidBITS is 12! After a dozen years of writing about the Mac and the Internet, what do we have up our sleeves? Read on for more details in this anniversary issue. Adam also shares news of his latest book, iPhoto for Mac OS X: Visual QuickStart Guide, and the unique circumstances surrounding its publication. In the news, Dantz updates Retrospect 5.0, Now Up-to-Date & Contact 4.2 gains Mac OS X Palm synchronization, and CE Software releases QuicKeys X 1.5.
If you use Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, or Outlook Express you need the security patches Mark Anbinder covers this week. Other important releases include Mac OS X 10.1.4 and Adobe Photoshop 7. Also this week, Matt Neuburg reviews Suitcase 10 and Charles Wu joins us with a tutorial on how to make professional looking slide shows using iMovie - a boon to Mac OS 9 users unable to run iPhoto. Finally, Apple reports a Q2 profit of $40 million!
Not enamored with Mac OS X's Dock? Adam looks at some Mac OS X utilities that give you more launching options than ever before. You could even run these utilities on Apple's just-released update to the Titanium PowerBook G4 or the new education-only eMac. Then Matt Deatherage joins us with a look at Bill Gates's testimony in the most recent phase of the Microsoft antitrust case. In the news: another Retrospect 5.0 update and WebSTAR 4.5 for Mac OS 9.
At Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference today, Steve Jobs previewed Jaguar, the next major revision to Mac OS X. It might make you want to pounce on Apple's new OS, as we've done with our reporting in TidBITS. Also, we pass on some potentially useful opportunities for small companies at Macworld Expo 2002 in New York. In the news, we cover Default Folder 1.5, ConceptDraw Presenter, icWord 2.1, and how international users can get Adam's iPhoto book.
iPhoto 1.1.1 is out, so if you're a user, make sure to read on for Adam's detailed examination of the major changes in Apple's popular photo management software. Then he and Jeff Carlson report on their experiences with a number of Kensington goodies, including mice, trackballs, and other Mac and Palm accessories. In the news this week, we cover the Apple Design Awards and look at the results of last week's poll on Mac OS X use among TidBITS readers.
Think twice before playing a new audio CD in your Mac. Adam looks at how music labels are treating consumers like criminals by deliberately creating corrupt audio discs that can gum up your Mac. Also in this issue, Matt Neuburg positions Layout Master as a worthy addition to a webmaster's toolbox. We also drool over Apple's upcoming Xserve rack-mounted server, and note the releases of speed-bumped iBooks, PopChar X, and Now Up-to-Date & Contact 4.2.1.
Have you ever wanted to pilot NASA's Mars Rover from the comfort of your Mac? Matt Neuburg comes close with Plantraco's Desktop Rover and Telecommander software. Back on Earth, Microsoft today released Microsoft Office X Service Release 1 - Tonya Engst has the details of what's new (and what's not included). We also note the releases of Virtual PC 5.0.3, Eudora 5.1.1 (now running under Mac OS X), ConceptDraw 1.8, and Spring Cleaning 5.0.
Scared by the big jump to Mac OS X? We were too, but we've assembled a guide to upgrading from Mac OS 9 that will eliminate many of the common problems people experience. Also, Adam reports on the first MacMania Geek Cruise - read on if you've ever wondered what it would be like to cruise to Alaska with nearly 200 other Mac geeks. In the news, Apple started selling the eMac to the general market, and we cover Mac OS X 10.1.5 and Mailsmith 1.5.3.
You've uploaded your digital photos and movies to your iDisk for the world to see, but are your visitors being turned away? That's what happened to Adam following the recent MacMania Geek Cruise, prompting a look at Apple's newly (and quietly) introduced iTools bandwidth restrictions. We also have part 2 of our guide to upgrading to Mac OS X, and note the release of Internet Explorer 5.2 for Mac OS X and Kensington's MouseWorks for Mac OS X 2.0.
Want ubiquitous wireless access to your email and the Web from a svelte handheld computer? Us too, and Jeff Carlson explains why the new Palm i705 is at least a step in the right direction. Adam returns from the 17th annual MacHack developers conference with a look at the future of the Mac world, and Matt Neuburg offers a short review of the powerful bookmark utility URL Manager Pro.
Bloodshot eyes, shaky hands, and Clarus the dogcow everywhere - where else could you find this combination except at MacHack, from which Adam shares the winners of the MacHax Best Hack Contest. Also in this issue, Chris Barylick examines how public schools and user groups can aid one another, Jeff chases down Apple's frenzy of software updates from last week, and Adam's iPhoto Visual QuickStart Guide becomes available in paperback.
Have you missed a few TidBITS issues here and there? Geoff Duncan explains how overly aggressive filters on your email server could be bouncing TidBITS issues (and other email) into the ether. Also in this issue, Eolake Stobblehouse sings the praises of the flat-panel iMac, Adam looks ahead to events at next week's Macworld Expo New York, eBay buys PayPal for $1.5 billion, and Microsoft releases Internet Explorer 5.2.1.
Do you cringe when email arrives with garish colors and graphics? Wish you could use grep pattern matching when searching your email? Follow along with William Porter as he reviews Mailsmith, Bare Bones Software's powerful email client. Also on the email front, Adam continues to focus on the issue of overzealous server-side content filtering. We also note the releases of a Mac OS X security update and FileMaker Pro 6, and ask how much spam you receive.
At Macworld Expo in New York, Steve Jobs excited Mac users with things they can't yet have and services for which they now need to pay. Adam has the scoop on the new 17-inch flat-screen iMac, iTunes 3, new iPods, plus a preview of iCal, iSync, and the rest of Mac OS X 10.2 - but the biggest buzz is .Mac's $100 annual fee. We also note Entourage X's disappearing Palm conduit, Apple's financials, Adam's Mac influence ranking, and last week's spam poll results.
Attending Macworld Expo isn't just a job, it's a passion - rounding out our Expo coverage, Adam invites you to tag along during his week at the show and at a pair of Apple Stores. We also share our Macworld Expo superlatives, those products that made the biggest impression on us as we walked the show floor. Finally, if Apple's conversion of iTools to the fee-based .Mac has you down, the results of last week's poll show that you're by no means alone.
Does mousing cause you pain? Read on for Adam's review of the Contour Design RollerMouse Station, an unusual pointing device that could help. Plus, Matt Deatherage casts a cynical eye on Intuit's announcement of QuickBooks 5 for Mac OS X, and Kirk McElhearn examines two books on Mac OS X. In the news, we cover PowerMail 4.0, a security update for Mac OS X, and PopChar X 1.2, plus the MacHax Best Hack Contest CD and a digital photography cruise conference.
Is the digital hub doomed? If the Hollywood-driven legislation surrounding digital television becomes law, Apple's freedom to create innovative products that blur the line between computers and entertainment devices could be shut down. Plus, Simon Spence starts a look at branding, something Apple has excelled at over the years. In the news, we note the iPod 1.2 update, AOL for Mac OS X, and a Mac OS X version of CMS's ABSplus backup solution.
Interested in the future of content in a digital world? Join us in an experiment into the direct valuation of information. Adam also offers techniques for circumventing areas in which iPhoto's simplicity makes it clumsy. Then we look at the new Power Mac G4s and minor eMac changes, plus an update to Retrospect Client. Finally, we have an update on last week's article on the fate of the digital hub concept in the wake of Hollywood protectionism.
Is Apple's "Switch" ad campaign helping PC users think different or blurring the carefully defined brand that the company has spent years developing? Simon Spence returns with more insight into the Apple brand. Also in this issue, Adam reports on the first week of PayBITS results and generates envy among TidBITS staffers by upgrading his TiVo. We also note the releases of Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar, two Mac OS X security updates, and Default Folder X 1.6.
Many people were dubious about the Apple Stores, but Apple has continued opening new ones at a brisk pace. According to Simon Spence, Apple's on the right track, because the Apple Stores give the Apple brand tangible form. Also this week, we look at welcome changes in Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar and note the releases of Suitcase 10.1.3, Netscape 7, and the return of the Palm Conduit for Entourage X. Note that next week's issue will be published a day late.
Frustrated by task-management tools? Matt Neuburg reviews Sciral's Consistency, which brings a new approach to managing tasks that lack specific schedules or strict deadlines. Also this week, anyone thinking about marketing software should read Mike Diegel's behind-the-scenes look at what's necessary. Jeff Carlson compares four iPod cases, and we note the releases of iCal, Watson 1.5.5, Font Reserve 3.1, BBEdit 6.5.3, and QuicKeys X 1.5.3.
Having trouble marketing software, or frustrated that your favorite developer isn't doing it well? Read the second part of Mike Diegel's look at marketing software for tips on getting the message out and converting prospects into customers. Also, Matt Neuburg reviews WorkStrip X, an interesting application launcher that groups related documents and applications into workspaces. Finally, some advice for anyone owning or using .Mac accounts.
Drowning in email? You need filters, and according to William Porter, you need Mailsmith, thanks to its innovative distributed filtering approach. Matt Neuburg offers a quick look at the new StuffIt Deluxe 7 and its new StuffIt X file format, we announce our sessions at the upcoming O'Reilly Mac OS X Conference, and we glance at a trio of updates from Apple, a new version of the PowerMate software, and an 8-inch Godzilla-shaped FireWire hub.
QuarkXPress may not yet be Mac OS X-native, but those who rely on it will appreciate guru David Blatner's favorite tips. For people nostalgic for Mac OS 9, Adam examines Jaguar capabilities that simulate tabbed windows. William Porter closes his look at Mailsmith's distributed filtering, and we cover Apple's extension of .Mac trial accounts, plus the iSync public beta, Now Up-to-Date & Contact 4.2.5, and new versions of Internet Explorer.
What happens when you put a few hundred Mac and Unix users together in the same room? Read on for Adam's report from last week's O'Reilly Mac OS X Conference. Along with his description of the event, Adam also grades Mac OS X in a variety of categories. Do you agree? Take this week's poll to register your own grade! Finally, people who have bought Adam's iPhoto Visual QuickStart Guide can now download the entire book in PDF format for free.
Longing to trade your Palm and cell phone in for a single svelte device? Jeff Carlson passes on the results of his tests of the Handspring Treo 180, perhaps the most successful of these hybrid devices. Also this week, Matt Neuburg returns to tell us about Tinderbox, an innovative text snippet keeper from hypertext pioneer Eastgate Systems. We also have our reader grade of Mac OS X, and ask that you vote for TidBITS in the 4th Best of the Mac Web survey.
Macworld Expo is returning to Boston - but is Apple? We look at the brouhaha so far to see what all the keyboard rattling could mean for future Mac trade shows. Also in this issue, Mark Anbinder examines Palm's new Zire handheld, Adam analyzes the steps required to solve any troubleshooting problem, and we note the release of important Microsoft Office updates, Apple's X for Teachers deal to get Jaguar for free, and Apple's fourth quarter $45 million loss.
Got troubles? We can help, particularly if you're an iMac user, since installing Jaguar is rendering some iMacs unusable. Then there are the problems with SuperDrives and new DVD media, and a security flaw in StuffIt Expander 6.5.2. Along with solutions to these problems, Adam finishes off his Troubleshooting Primer, Kirk McElhearn offers suggestions for using the PowerMate, and we glance at the Palm Tungsten-T and MacTiVo Blesser.
The Microsoft antitrust case has finally drawn to a close, and Adam explains the settlement. Derek Miller joins us with a look at how a PowerBook and a slew of Mac software helped him single-handedly publish a daily conference newsletter, a task that had taken previously taken three people. In news, TidBITS won the latest Best of the Mac Web survey (yay!), Stairways Software released Interarchy 6.0, and we offer another solution for blacked-out iMacs.
Looking for a new handheld? Palm's Tungsten T packs a lot of features into a tiny package, as you can read in Jeff Carlson's review. Plus, Adam reports on how our PayBITS experiment has fared so far. In the news, Apple published an important update for Power Macs with SuperDrives, released new PowerBook G4s with a SuperDrive and 1 GHz CPUs, and lowered prices on slightly enhanced iBooks. This week also marks the releases of Eudora 5.2 and ListSTAR 2.3.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is widely regarded as terrible legislation, but how far will its influence extend? Adam weighs in on the DMCA's impending damage to culture and innovation. Also in this issue, Kevin Savetz provides an update on the state of V.92 modems, we note the releases of BBEdit 7.0 and SpamSieve 1.2, and Microsoft surprises us with a familiar face amid its Ms. M.o.X.i.e. contest semifinalists. Lastly, Adam turns 35 today!
TidBITS turns practical this week, with the first installment in Kirk McElhearn's guide to the Unix command line for Mac users. Adam also explains how to speed up searching on the Internet with simple JavaScript-powered bookmarks in your Web browser. In the news, we report on the resounding success of PayBITS for raising funds for the EFF and call for your holiday gift suggestions. Finally, no issue next week: Happy Thanksgiving!
Want a free pass to Macworld Expo San Francisco? Read on, but you can cross the just-cancelled Macworld Tokyo off your calendar. Recent product releases include PGP 8.0, Default Folder X 1.6.4, and a slew of updates from Apple. But the bulk of this week's issue goes to product comparisons with Dan Frakes's look at 30 different worthwhile headphone models and Adam's review of three elegant laptop stands that improve ergonomics and save valuable desk space.
Happy Holidays! We're pleased to continue our tradition of offering end-of-year gift suggestions from the TidBITS community. If you're still on the hunt for that perfect gift for your Macintosh-using friends and relatives, read on for hardware, software, and a host of miscellaneous ideas, some of which are appropriate for anyone, whether or not they use a Mac. (Of course, feel free to tack a few items onto your own list, too!)
We're wrapping up 2002 with an extra-large issue! If you're still looking for gift ideas, Arthur Bleich offers digital camera-related suggestions, and fans of wireless networking can now buy Adam's new book, The Wireless Networking Starter Kit. We also note the releases of Fetch 4.0.3 and QuicKeys 1.5.4, and look at Apple's backtracking on Macs that can boot Mac OS 9. Lastly, as your thoughts turn to Macworld Expo, take note of TidBITS-related events. See you in 2003!
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Last updated on Saturday, January 11, 2003