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After a much-needed holiday hibernation, we're back and ready for the busy week ahead of us at Macworld Expo (be sure to check the ExtraBITS Web page to stay current on what's announced!). While in San Francisco, we may wish that we had a Garmin iQue 3600 GPS device, which Travis Butler reviews in this issue. Also this week, Geoff Duncan eulogizes the late Microsoft Internet Explorer for the Mac, and we note the releases of History Hound 1.9 and two new AirPort firmware updates, as well as a program to exchange CDs for an iPod.
Macworld Expo is one of the biggest Apple events of the year, and last week's show didn't disappoint. Apple introduced the Intel-based iMac and MacBook Pro laptop much earlier than expected, along with iLife '06 and iWork '06; we've got details from the show floor, plus Adam's take on Apple's newfound confidence. Also in this issue, we note the releases of Mac OS X 10.4.4, iTunes 6.0.2, QuickTime 7.0.4, Skype 1.4, and the intriguing public beta of Adobe Lightroom. Lastly, we note new availability of Final Cut Studio, and launch into this year's Macworld Expo SF 2006 Superlatives, where we reveal the best, worst, and most interesting aspects of the show.
If it feels like your telephone company, cable company, cell phone provider, and ISP are all doing basically the same thing, you're right, and Glenn Fleishman explores the ever-increasing telecommunications convergence this week. Andrew Laurence finds his bliss in some solitary jazz played through the elegantly designed Sonos Digital Music System. And Apple announces record quarterly profits, 60 percent of which come from the iPod and other music-related efforts. In the news, Apple announces a Mac OS X Universal logo developers can use to identify universal binaries.
If you've just purchased a new Intel-powered iMac, be aware that you may not be able to boot it from an external drive; Jonathan Rentzsch explains why. Also in this issue, Matt Neuburg reviews DropCopy and the new information manager Yojimbo from Bare Bones Software, we note a new repair program for 15-inch PowerBook G4s, and Geoff Duncan looks at Disney's acquisition of Pixar and what it might mean for the Mac community. Win a copy of SmileOnMyMac's browseback in DealBITS this week!
Do you think the Finder could be better? So does Matt Neuburg, and his current solution to the Finder's annoyances is Cocoatech's Path Finder 4, which he reviews this week. Patrick Dennis joins us with detailed look at the combination of the BlackBerry 7100i cell phone/PDA and PocketMac for BlackBerry software, Glenn Fleishman ponders short URL services, and we pass on news of the PowerPC iMac price cut and a server problem that lost some DealBITS entries from last week.
Ever been frustrated when looking for a power outlet in an airport? Adam feels your frustration and adds some of his own. He also looks at TypeTester, a slick Web application for choosing typefaces. Matt Neuburg returns from an AppleScript-induced hiatus to tell us about his new AppleScript book (and other AppleScript-related projects) and to review OmniGraffle 4, a powerful diagramming tool from The Omni Group. In the news, Apple lowers prices on the iPod shuffle and introduces a new iPod nano, and we release "Take Control of .Mac" 1.1 to cover .Mac's new features and iLife '06.
It's been a busy Mac week. Apple updated most applications in iLife '06 and released Mac OS X 10.4.5, and then announced that the MacBook Pro has begun shipping - with faster processors than originally promised. However, two new Mac malware threats, Leap-A and Inqtana-A, hogged the spotlight. Although neither is particularly dangerous, Matt Neuburg looks at the weakness that Leap-A is exploiting. Also in this issue, we note the releases of iKey 2.2 and Camino 1.0.
Are the recent Mac OS X security vulnerabilities the work of genius crackers or mostly just shortcomings in Mac OS X's association of applications and documents? Geoff Duncan looks at the recent Safari exploit and Matt Neuburg explains how we've ended up in this situation. Also in this issue, Adam reviews iPhoto 6 in detail, checks in with the latest news from former Macintosh evangelist Guy Kawasaki, and looks briefly at Apple's announcement of the one-billionth song sold via iTunes.
Apple's media event last week didn't deliver the iJetpack we've been waiting for, but it did bring an improved, Intel-based Mac mini, as well as the iPod Hi-Fi, the company's first large-scale entry into the iPod accessory market. Joe Kissell has those details. Apple also released a couple of minor updates along with Security Update 2006-001, which deals with many of the security issues we've been grappling with in recent weeks. Later in this issue, Adam reviews Docktopus from Startly Technologies and announces the pre-sale and draft availability of "Take Control of iWeb," and Glenn Fleishman tells you why you're going to hear a lot about ultrawideband (UWB) wireless communications in the future.
Does the iPod halo effect exist, or is it just a Mac myth? In this week's issue, a Windows user returns to the Apple fold and describes how the design and ease of use of the iPod led him to purchase a MacBook Pro (with some reservations). Also in this issue, Glenn Fleishman follows up last week's article on ultrawideband data speeds, and we note the release of Bare Bones Software's Yojimbo 1.1 and an unexpectedly late date for the next Apple Worldwide Developer Conference. Finally, check out Joe Kissell's new ebook, "Take Control of Maintaining Your Mac".
Do you rely on Entourage for handling your email, calendar, and contacts? Matt Neuburg and Joe Kissell dig into the details of Microsoft's just-released Office 11.2.3 update, which brings major improvements to Entourage (and a few bug fixes for the rest of the package). Then Adam gets obsessed with burning discs that retain the Finder's window attributes when opened, and Glenn Fleishman looks at synchronizing RSS reading history in NetNewsWire. In the news, we officially welcome Joe to the staff, Ovolab ships Phlink 3, Apple releases Security Update 2006-002 v1.1, and we publish new editions of our Take Control ebooks about GarageBand and launch a Take Control podcast about podcasting.
Your Honor, I object! We certainly didn't intend this issue of TidBITS to focus on legal battles. It wasn't our idea for the French to propose a law that would require Apple to allow any music player to play music from the iTunes Music Store. Plus, we simply couldn't have predicted that the Apple Computer v. Apple Corps lawsuit would be scheduled for the same week that the Creative Commons license was upheld in Dutch court. And for the record, Your Honor, we also have a new DealBITS drawing, a great MacNotables podcast on email clients, and a slew of TidBITS Talk discussions. The defense rests.
Apple began shipping the Intel-based iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini computers months earlier than expected, and now they've done the same with the high-end Xserve - boasting processors from Intel rival AMD; Geoff Duncan has the specs and analysis. Also in this special issue, Jeff Carlson notes new marketing campaigns by FedEx and UPS, Glenn Fleishman reports on the miniPLUS super-accessory for the Mac mini along with a way to run Classic on Intel chips, Adam unearths details on the little-known AJRP, and Joe Kissell announces "Take Control of Your Daily Life." Lastly, this issue marks the start of a new delivery option as well as the premiere of the TidBITS Video Podcast, and we regretfully announce that Joe is moving on from TidBITS.
We're starting to work on internal systems here at TidBITS, prompting a comparison of business card design software from Senior Editor Joe Kissell and a call for suggestions on collaborative editing systems from Adam. Geoff briefly covers the iPod maximum volume update, and in other news, we look at Apple turning 30, the release of Interarchy 8, Final Cut Studio going universal, and a new collaboration with our friends at Macworld on their "Macworld Digital Photography Superguide" ebook.
Apple last week released a public beta of Boot Camp, which enables owners of Intel-based Macs to install Windows XP on a separate partition. Mac users and the press went crazy about the possibilities, which we cover in detail in this issue: Adam looks at Boot Camp and some of its implications, while Robert Movin returns to discuss virtualization, or running Windows within Mac OS X. Also in this issue, Matt Neuburg raises a sign for Pacifist, and we point you to several fun articles about Apple's 30th anniversary.
We follow up last week's articles about Boot Camp and virtualization with a collection of hard-won tips that will help you experiment with Windows XP safely and efficiently. Also this week, Matt Neuburg reviews the NovaMind mind-mapping application, and Adam extracts useful lessons from a week of hardware troubles. In the news, Apple released Aperture 1.1 and Apple Remote Desktop 3, and since TidBITS marks its 16th anniversary this week, we're taking off for vacation. Look for our next issue 01-May-06!
Rejuvenated after a week's vacation, we're back with an abundance of Mac news, along with a 50%-off sale on all Take Control ebooks! While we were away, Apple introduced the 17-inch MacBook Pro, announced a Q2 $410 million profit, and expanded its computer recycling program. For those thinking about installing Windows on their Macs, Glenn Fleishman clears up confusion surrounding Microsoft's licensing. Glenn also notes Adobe's timeline for universal binary versions of Acrobat and the Creative Suite, and he spots the first ExpressCard device. Finally, Jeff Carlson looks at the useful simplicity of John Haney's Backdrop, and we note the releases of LaunchBar 4.1, GarageBand 3.0.2, Pages 2.0.1, Keynote 3.0.1, and Apple's Keyboard Update for Intel Macs.
Apple Computer took several big steps forward on the long and winding road that is the lawsuit brought by Apple Corps with a legal victory over the use of the Apple logo in iTunes. Meanwhile, Jeff Porten reports from last week's Computer, Freedom, and Privacy 2006 conference, where government officials, privacy advocates, and geeks of all stripes spent four intense days of debate and discussion. Also in this issue, Apple releases Aperture 1.1.1 and Logic Pro 7.2.1; Akumen announces the first FireWire 800 ExpressCard for the MacBook Pro; and we release a draft version of Joe Kissell's new ebook "Take Control of Running Windows on a Mac."
Confused by the whole "net neutrality" debate? Geoff Duncan lays it all out this week, after which Adam shares his experiences with the Garmin StreetPilot 2720 GPS unit, which proved invaluable on a recent vacation. Apple has continued its burst of updates the releases of Security Update 2006-003, QuickTime 7.1, and Front Row 1.2.2, and updates to four iLife programs, but television fans may be more excited about the availability of several new Fox TV shows at the iTunes Music Store. We also note the release of NetNewsWire 2.1 and announce a DealBITS drawing for Open Door Networks' DoorStop X Security Suite.
Is your iBook on its last legs? Apple completed its notebook line last week with the MacBook, a 13-inch widescreen laptop with an Intel Core Duo processor. Mark Anbinder and Jeff Carlson bring you their hands-on report. Also this week, Apple's lawyers stay busy fending off a lawsuit from Creative Technology over iPod patents (and countersue in return). Plus, Apple released Final Cut Express HD 3.5, speed-bumped the MacBook Pro, and we note both the release-candidate status of Parallels Desktop and two new Take Control ebooks that explain how fonts work - and don't work - in Mac OS X.
This week brings a wide variety of articles, ranging from Sharon Zardetto Aker's explanation of the most common mistake Mac OS X users make with fonts to Matt Neuburg's look at the Web searching utility DEVONagent 2.0. Adam mourns MacHack by passing on some thoroughly useless Sudden Motion Sensor hacks, and Mark Anbinder reports on the upcoming Nike+iPod Sport Kit that turns an iPod nano into a training aid for runners. In the news, Apple loses its lawsuit against Mac news sites on appeal, iWeb 1.1.1 fixes some minor bugs, and Folklore.org's written stories return to the oral tradition.
How easily can rumor become news? GoLive and FreeHand appeared to be headed for the scrap heap until Glenn Fleishman did some multilingual digging. Also in this issue, Adam reviews J. D. Lasica's book "Darknet" and comes away with a better understanding of how people interact with copyright and intellectual property, while Joe Kissell looks to the future of Palm handhelds as reflected in FileMaker Mobile 8. Lastly, Apple patches some holes with QuickTime 7.1.1, and we announce "Take Control of iWeb" and the "Macworld iPod and iTunes Superguide," along with a DealBITS drawing for SmileOnMyMac's TextExpander.
It's become the holy grail of modern software: a good Web design program that anyone can use. Is Apple's iWeb the answer? Steve Sande, author of "Take Control of iWeb" looks at iWeb, RapidWeaver, and Sandvox. Also in this issue, Jeff Carlson revisits his experience on safari (the adventure, not the browser) with the Canon PowerShot S2 IS digital camera, and we note the open voting in the MacTech 25 most influential list, the release of Yojimbo 1.2, and a working-spouse edition of MacNotables.
The fast-moving world of running Windows on a Mac has solidified with the shipping of Parallels Desktop for Mac; Robert Movin rejoins us with a full review. Steve Sande is also back with additional information and responses to his comparison of iWeb, RapidWeaver, and Sandvox. Glenn Fleishman waxes lyrical about using OmniDazzle to improve presentations, and in the news, we look at Fetch 5.1, Microsoft Office 11.2.4, and a free font troubleshooting flier.
Recent news stories about stolen laptops filled with unsecured sensitive information spooked Derek Miller into applying an easy solution: he details how to create a secure disk image for your important data. Also in this issue, Brady Johnson uses a QuickerTek transceiver to boost his MacBook Pro wireless reception, Adam tracks down recalcitrant Photoshop files, and we note the releases of Interarchy 8.1, iPhoto 6.0.4, Shake 4.1, FlickrExport 2.0, Aperture 1.1.2, the Pro Application Update 2006-001, and WebCrossing Neighbors.
There's a reason Apple no longer calls its portable computers "laptops": they're too hot for laps! Adam's "private i" alter ego investigates the problem of toasty MacBook Pros. Meanwhile, Adam also examines Microsoft's purchase of iView Multimedia and Jeff Carlson looks at video timecode calculators. We also roll into July with a bunch of updates: Apple releases Mac OS X 10.4.7, iTunes 6.0.5, iPod Software Update 2006-06-28, and QuickTime 7.1.2, while Ergonis Software's PopChar X 3.0 makes its debut.
Our topics span the gamut this week, as Jeff Carlson leads off with news of Adam's #3 ranking in the latest MDJ Power 25 survey. Mark Anbinder looks at the new education-only iMac, Matt Neuburg examines how Dashboard phones home to Apple and covers the release of Style Master 4.5, and Adam looks at how Google has become a verb and lists some recent Take Control author and staff interviews. In the news, we welcome Mark/Space as a sponsor, cover the release of Opera 9 and SOHO Notes 5.5 (replacing StickyBrain), and point you toward a particularly hilarious week of posts at Crazy Apple Rumors.
Summer weather in the United States makes for good driving weather, and what better way to travel than with your favorite music? Adam takes a set of devices that let you play your iPod's tunes in the car for a test drive. Also in this issue, Matt Neuburg gives a written presentation of Mousepose 2, Adam and Tonya are honored by inclusion in the MacTech 25 list, Adam looks at the release of NoteBook 2.1, and we announce the release of a print-on-demand version of "Take Control of Running Windows on a Mac." Lastly, check out this week's DealBITS offer for BeLight Software's Image Tricks.
Do you feel like you're always behind on all the tasks you need to accomplish? Jeff Porten examines the Getting Things Done system with an eye toward using your Mac to help organize your life. Also this week, Adam and Jason Snell of Mac Publishing submit an RFP - request for proposal - to spur Macintosh developers to create a collaborative writing environment. Plus, Apple announced another banner quarter with a $472 million profit, Adam and Tonya talk about computer book publishing on the MacNotables podcast, and we announce upcoming changes to our back end systems.
Do you spend more time trying to stay organized than actually accomplishing what's on your list? Jeff Porten returns this week with some concrete steps for implementing the Getting Things Done organizational system. AppleCare owners can download a disk image to make a bootable CD that contains a universal binary of TechTool Deluxe. We also note the releases of a Bluetooth Mighty Mouse and Mark/Space's The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 5, along with news of a MacBook Pro battery recall and a new version of Audio Hijack Pro that simplifies recording voice over IP phone calls for podcasts.
Apple is hosting its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) this week, and kicked things off by previewing key features of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and completing its transition to Intel processors by retiring its PowerPC-based Power Mac and Xserve lines in favor of faster Intel-based Mac Pro and Xserve systems. Also this week, Adam announces new "Take Control of Syncing in Tiger" and "iPhoto 6: Visual QuickStart Guide" ebooks; Matt Neuburg keys into TypeIt4Me 3.0; Jeff Carlson looks at Apple's latest security update; and Glenn Fleishman covers AOL's conversion to a free Internet service, the announcement of VMWare for Mac OS X, and a possible Wi-Fi exploit which could affect Apple's Intel-based Macs.
Steve Jobs previewed Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard at last week's Worldwide Developer Conference, but his references to still-secret features piqued our curiosity. This week, we offer a wish list of fixes and features we'd like to see appear from behind the curtain when Leopard ships next year. Also in this issue, Matt Neuburg looks at Microsoft's discontinuation of Visual Basic in the next version of Microsoft Office for Macintosh, and Adam both provides more thoughts on a collaborative editing application and notices that the latest iPod software update causes his iPod nano to sk-sk-skip. Plus, we note the winners of this year's Apple Design Awards and announce a DealBITS drawing for lynda.com's Online Training Library.
Now that we've had a chance to absorb the preview of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, we can move on to other topics. Glenn Fleishman examines two secure file-transfer services that cleverly implement peer-to-peer technology. Matt Neuburg reflects on the quality of this year's Worldwide Developer Conference with suggestions on how Apple could improve the experience. Then we note that the IMAP email client Mulberry is now free, that Dell is recalling 4.1 million laptop batteries (and how that may affect Mac users), and that the print-on-demand version of "Take Control of Syncing in Tiger" is now available. On the Apple update front, we cover two that provide important fixes for the MacBook and MacBook Pro, along with updates for Logic Pro 7.2.2, Logic Express 7.2.2, and Boot Camp 1.1 beta.
After nearly 600 issues, Technical Editor Geoff Duncan is ceasing day-to-day work with TidBITS. In a farewell article, he looks back on his years with TidBITS and how computer technology has evolved while still failing to make the need for support and explanation obsolete. Also in this issue, we look at Apple's busy week recalling 1.8 million iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 batteries, paying $100 million to settle a lawsuit with Creative Technologies, and issuing a careful denial of a MacBook Wi-Fi security exploit. Plus, Adam notes Google's displeasure at being verbed, as well as the release of our latest ebook, "Take Control of Booking a Cheap Airline Ticket," and a new program to make Take Control titles extremely affordable for classroom use.
As students in the U.S. head back to school, college freshman Dan Pourhadi takes on a challenge: with $2,000 to spend, what computer gear would he recommend a new student buy for college? In other news, Glenn Fleishman looks at Amazon.com's new EC2 on-demand computing service, Google CEO Eric Schmidt joins the Apple Board of Directors, and Jeff Carlson offers a free downloadable chapter from his latest book on iMovie HD 6 and iDVD 6.
Apple widened its consumer offerings last week with updates to the iMac line, adding Intel Core 2 Duo processors and a 24-inch iMac model (and speed-bumping the Mac mini). Also in this issue, Adam details some of the behind-the-curtain changes we've been implementing and looks in detail at the new BBEdit 8.5; Glenn Fleishman praises the elegant coconutWiFi; and we cover the releases of OmniWeb 5.5, Interarchy 8.2, and a Mac Pro-compatible version of Parallels Desktop.
Apple and Adobe helped us fill this issue with big announcements. Adobe today announced Adobe Creative Suite 2.3, replacing GoLive CS2 with Dreamweaver 8 and upgrading Acrobat Professional to version 8.0. But the bigger news was that Apple last week introduced a new video-enabled iPod, iPod nano, and a much-smaller iPod shuffle before pulling back the curtain on iTunes 7 and the capability to purchase and download full-length movies from the iTunes Store. And then, in a rare pre-announcement, Steve Jobs demonstrated iTV, a set-top box to stream video content to your television. We have a rundown of all the news, plus a look at the HDMI video connections that may play a key role in the iTV. Lastly, Adam relates a truly wacky importing feature hidden deep within iPhoto 6.
You may be an inforg and not even know it. In this issue, we welcome back Professor Luciano Floridi for a forward-looking article on how we're adapting to the infosphere and what's in store as humans and technology continue to merge (and no, we're not talking cyborgs). In other news, Apple releases Security Update 2006-005 and AirPort Update 2006-001 to deal with potential AirPort exploits, the iTunes Store sells 125,000 movies during the first week of movie sales, Adobe attempts to clarify the future of GoLive, and Glenn Fleishman reviews Rogue Amoeba's Fission audio editor.
Apple turned on the update hose last week, spraying out updates to many of the company's software products. Jeff Carlson reports on Mac OS X 10.4.8, Aperture 1.5, iTunes 7.0.1, Final Cut Pro 5.1.2, Logic Express 7.2.3 and Logic Pro 7.2.3, plus lesser updates to Final Cut Studio and the programs in the iLife '06 and iWork '06 suites. For your reading pleasure while Apple's updates download, Jonathan Sousa provides a primer on getting started with MySQL, Adam looks at the release of StuffIt Deluxe 11 and explains how to keep tabs on your friends with iChat, and Glenn Fleishman notes the release of Microsoft Messenger for Mac 6.0.
An ever-increasing number of people are becoming adherents of the Getting Things Done system of managing to-do items, and this week Matt Neuburg reviews Thinking Rock, a free application that's one of the first to implement the GTD model directly. Also, Glenn Fleishman reports on Apple's stock option woes and passes on a tip to prevent laptop insomnia. Then we're joined by David Strom, who ponders the lessening difference between the real and the virtual worlds. In the news this week, we look at the releases of PocketMac for BlackBerry 4 and "Real World Mac OS X Fonts."
Just when you thought Eudora might never be updated, we have surprising news: the venerable email client is becoming an open-source project built on Mozilla's Thunderbird. Read on for details, staff commentary, and a MacNotables podcast with Adam Engst and Macworld's Jason Snell. Also in this issue, Apple releases a red iPod nano whose sales will contribute to global AIDS relief, Google buys YouTube for $1.65 billion, and 3D-XplorMath makes scientific fine art. Plus, Glenn Fleishman notes the first set of ExpressCards coming to the Mac, and Charles Maurer returns with a review of Photomatix.
This week we cover Apple's announcement of a strong fiscal Q4 for 2006, along with their admission that some iPods shipped with a Windows virus. In the software world, Parallels Desktop receives an official update, the outliner Acta is reborn as Opal, Skype 2.0 is released, and Matt Neuburg reviews the snippet keeper SlipBox. In Take Control News, we announce the release of "Real World Mac Maintenance and Backups" (based on two of our ebooks) and a print version of "Take Control of Thanksgiving Dinner." Plus, Glenn Fleishman looks at the lawsuit against the Spamhaus Project, and Adam is quoted in a New York Times article that also mentions Madonna and Bill Clinton. Really!
Most of the news this week revolves around Apple's portable Macs, as the company releases new Core 2 Duo-powered MacBook Pros and a firmware update for the MacBook that fixes sudden shutdowns. Plus, Glenn Fleishman looks at a new Bluetooth-related security exploit that's likely to affect only laptop users (if anyone at all). Also with an eye toward helping you improve your security, Joe Kissell contributes a look at the humble but essential login password; this is an excerpt from his just-released ebook, "Take Control of Passwords in Mac OS X." In other news, Adobe releases a beta audio tool called Soundbooth, we announce a new sponsor, .Mac's webmail interface receives a major makeover, and we release the second and third editions, respectively, of "Take Control of Buying a Mac" and "Take Control of Buying a Digital Camera."
It's hard to believe that it has been three years since the first Take Control ebook, but our current catalog of 44 titles doesn't lie. Adam looks at how this grand experiment is going (well!) and marks the occasion with a 50 percent-off sale. Also in this issue, Glenn Fleishman details the facts and FUD about a new AirPort Card security vulnerability. On the software front, Charles Maurer returns with a look at some alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, and we note the releases of SpamSieve 2.5, DVD Studio Pro 4.1.1, Final Cut Express HD 3.5.1, iTunes 7.0.2, Aperture 1.5.1, and an 8 GB version of the (PRODUCT RED) iPod nano. Finally, we note Windows Secrets, which Glenn sees as the closest thing to TidBITS for Windows users, and announce a new DealBITS drawing for PDFpen.
This week's big Apple news is... the launch of Microsoft's Zune music player? Although the new device doesn't even work with Macs, the Zune is likely to affect Apple's iPod business. Glenn Fleishman looks at the Zune's features and some early reactions from the press, and then editor-at-large Geoff Duncan discusses how Microsoft abandoned its own PlaysForSure model, as well as the significance of the company's deal to pay Universal Music a percentage of each Zune sale (and why artists probably won't see any of that money). In other news, we note the releases of new MacBooks containing the Core 2 Duo processor, an archive CD from MacTech, Yojimbo 1.3, The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 3.0, and 1Passwd 2.0. Lastly, Adam notes a change in how we use dates in TidBITS, and points out our borderline insane alter egos at Crazy Apple Rumors Site.
There's a lot to cover before our Thanksgiving hiatus. Jeff Carlson marvels at how much less his new MacBook Pro costs compared to his previous Apple laptops, and also runs into a dastardly Retrospect problem while upgrading. Matt Neuburg notes the release of PTHPasteboard 4.0 and looks at MindManager for the Mac. Glenn Fleishman ponders power and iPods on airplanes after a recent Apple announcement, and we also note the release of firmware updates for Intel-based Macs, Apple Remote Desktop 3.1, and an update of "Take Control of Digital TV." Our next issue will be 04-Dec-06, but please send your holiday gift suggestions to TidBITS Talk in the meantime!
We have a cornucopia of content this week, with Joe Kissell giving us the lowdown on the new and potentially drool-worthy beta of Parallels Desktop, Glenn Fleishman explaining Apple's latest Security Update, and Adam looking in detail at the Magellan RoadMate 3000T/6000T car navigation GPS devices. Plus, Adam passes along news of PopChar X 3.1's release and an entertaining MacNotables podcast he did with Andy Ihnatko about Microsoft's Zune music player. We also have a slew of Take Control news this week, including the second edition of "Macworld iPod and iTunes Superguide," an update to "Take Control of Podcasting on the Mac," and the announcement of our holiday sale.
December is well upon us, which means that the season of end-of-year holidays is underway. We're pleased to present you with our traditional collection of holiday gift ideas, as ably suggested by TidBITS readers just like you. So if you're still trying to think of that perfect something for that special someone, read on for a wide variety of ideas that are sure to astonish and delight your recipients as much as they did us. Happy Holidays!
While most of us were taking a break over the Thanksgiving vacation in the United States, Adam and Tonya caught up on their reading and videos. Adam looks at a DVD of Apple's early days in "In Search of the Valley," while Tonya takes a trip with Suzanne Stefanac's "Dispatches from Blogistan." Also in this issue, Glenn Fleishman muses on the presence of 802.11n wireless networking hardware in some current Macs, Adam both examines a privacy issue with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit and reviews the RollerMouse Pro, and we note the release of DiskWarrior 4.
Although this is our last issue of 2006, we've packed it with enough information to keep you busy until 2007. Glenn Fleishman notes the unusual release by Adobe of a public beta of Photoshop CS3 and peeks at the MacSanta promotion involving many key Mac software developers. Matt Neuburg examines a new version of Color It! (the mere appearance of which seems to necessitate the exclamation point in the name). Angus Wong interviews Ben Rudolph of Parallels about the company's virtualization software, and Tomoharu Nishino contributes an in-depth review of the Sony PRS ebook reader. We also note the passing of self-professed "color geek" Bruce Fraser and look ahead to events at Macworld Expo in January. See you next year!