Macworld articles from December 2008

Macworld archives from December 2008

Growing pains: Apple's still learning how to run the App Store.(FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK)(Editorial)
December 1, 2008... Apple's in uncharted territory these days. The iPhone is wildly popular and software for it is flying off the virtual shelves of the App Store. But in the company's rush to create this new marketplace, it let a lot of important details fall...

Loving and loathing Apple; Your iPhone 3G and MobileMe tales roll in.(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... All About the iPhone I feel a longing when I see articles about the iPhone, and I ruefully skip over them ("iPhone 2.0," September 2008). I drool when someone around me is using an iPhone and I know I can't have one. It's not that I'm poor...

Correction.(Correction notice)
December 1, 2008... In October's Mobile Mac column, we incorrectly stated that iChat doesn't allow encrypted file transfers. You can send encrypted files by iChat if you have a MobileMe account, even though it's not specifically mentioned in iChat's help...

Overheard on the forums X.(FEEDBACK)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Apple has shown signs of slowing down to rebuild; isn't that what Snow Leopard shows us, that it is willing to hunker down and rework all the things that really matter, rather than try to bolt on new, glitzier features? Mjtomlin ...

Caution pays off.(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I suppose if you tend to loiter out there on the bleeding edge, Jason Snell's cautionary approach to the new App Store (From the Editor's Desk, September 2008) might be warranted. As for me, I simply rely on the reviews of other people to...

Adobe Angst.(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... In your tiny blurb about the 10.5.4 Leopard update, which noted that the update fixed a server issue with Adobe Creative Suite 3, you glossed over a huge issue that has significance in the deteriorating relationship between Apple and Adobe ("OS...

A Guitar for Macs.(FEEDBACK)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... I was surprised that Jim Dalrymple didn't mention Brian Moore Guitars' iGuitar (www.iguitar.com) as one of the right guitars in "Choose the Right Guitar" (Recording Studio, September 2008), since it is so Mac compatible and is available with...

MobileMe disappointments.(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I have been a .Mac subscriber for three years, but I am starting to question why I continue with Apple and Mac as my experiences get worse. I have had significant e-mail issues at least once a week for the past couple months, and about once a...

Do you plan on buying an iphone 3G?(READER POLL)(Survey)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Do you plan on buying an iPhone 3G? 34% Yes, it will be my first iPhone 12% Yes, I already have one, but I want to upgrade 10% No, I already have an iPhone and don't want to upgrade 44% No, I've never had an iPhone, and I'm not...

What about Entourage?(FEEDBACK)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2008... I enjoyed your head-to-head calendar comparison but was very disappointed that you didn't include Entourage 2008 ("The iCal Challenge," September 2008). A direct comparison of its features with iCal's would have been helpful.

Apple updates MacBooks: models feature new design, Multi-Touch glass trackpad, and improved graphics.(LAPTOPS)
December 1, 2008... The invitation to Apple's October special event in Cupertino included the phrase "The spotlight turns to notebooks," and Steve Jobs and company didn't disappoint on fulfilling that promise. Apple has completely redesigned the MacBook and...

MySpace launches music service.(iPod News)
December 1, 2008... At least two years in the making, MySpace Music (music.myspace.com) is finally ready for its close-up. The skinny is that members can stream pretty much whatever they want--apparently millions of tracks are available from EMI, Warner Music,...

AC/DC hates iTunes in the name of artistic integrity.(iPod News)(Verizon Communications Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Last year, in an unprecedented move, the band AC/DC gave Verizon exclusive rights to sell its music online--which raised the question: why would AC/DC continue to spurn Apple, despite iTunes' vast success? Doesn't the group like making money?...

Napster gets sold.(iPod News)(Best Buy Company Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Best Buy has laid down $121 million to purchase music service Napster. The retail chain already owns part of the site, having shelled out $10 million back in 2004 for a joint marketing agreement. The Best Buy acquisition is just the latest move...

eGo Helium.(HARDWARE)
December 1, 2008... eGo Helium, from Iomega (www.iomega.com): 320GB portable hard drive weighs 7 ounces and is designed to complement the MacBook Air ($143).

Exilim EX-FH20.(HARDWARE)
December 1, 2008... Exilim EX-FH20, from Casio (www.casio.com): Point-and-shoot camera features a 9.1-megapixel sensor and a 20x optical zoom ($600).

Microsoft says good-bye to the Bill and Jerry show.(BUSINESS)(Bill Gates)(Jerry Seinfeld)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Remember how Microsoft paid Jerry Seinfeld $10 million to participate in its new ad campaign? Well, that turned out to be $5 million per commercial, as the collaboration with Bill Gates lasted only two spots. Microsoft has moved on from the...

Activity monitor.(briefs)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Google cofounder Sergey Brin launches a personal blog called Too too.blogspot.com CNet UK looks at the 50 most significant moments of Internet history macworld.com/4036 Time magazine compares Google Android to iPhone OS ...

iTrip Auto.(HARDWARE)(Griffin Technology Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... iTrip Auto, from Griffin Technology (www.griffintechnology.com): Charger and FM transmitter for iPod plugs into a cigarette lighter or 12-volt power outlet, and transmits iPod audio to a car's FM stereo receiver ($60).

Phaser 3300MFP.(HARDWARE)
December 1, 2008... Phaser 3300MFP, from Xerox (www.office.xerox.com): Multifunction laser printer outputs 30 pages per minute, can scan in color and black-and-white, and can send color faxes ($599).

One file that plays anywhere.(VIDEO)
December 1, 2008... Media companies have seen the future: one day there will be a way to disseminate digital video files that will play on any screen or device a user happens to own. The companies have teamed up with Microsoft, Sony, Intel, and a host of other...

Sell your own movies on iTunes.(iTUNES)(TuneCore)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... TuneCore (www.tunecore.com)--a film distribution service--has added iTunes to its list of distributors. Through the service, you can sell your full-length film, documentary, or live concert through iTunes with no back-end distribution fee. You...

By the numbers.
December 1, 2008... 10.6% Apple's U.S. laptop market share in the second quarter of 2008, according to NPD Group's DisplaySearch. 4GB Capacity of fourth-generation ipod nano made in limited quantities for international markets. $40 million Value of...

Apple finally patents OSX's dock.(LEGAL)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... It's taken nearly nine years, but the Dock is no longer "patent pending." Apple now has a patent on the application launcher so many people love to hate. The patent reads in part: "To provide greater access and consolidation to frequently used...

Checkpoint-friendly laptop bags explained.(ACCESSORIES)(United States. Transportation Security Administration)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... In early August, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced new rules covering "checkpoint-friendly" laptop bags. The goal of these regulations is to increase the speed and efficiency of airport security checkpoints by...

Adios, techspansion.(UTILITIES)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Say it ain't so! Techspansion, maker of the fine media conversion utilities VisualHub, AudialHub, and iSquint, has discontinued its applications and is shutting down for good. Wrote Techspansion founder Tyler Loch, "After much...

Who caved, Apple or NBC?(iTUNES)(National Broadcasting Company Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... By now you've probably heard that, along with announcing the release of new iPods and iTunes 8, Apple also stated that NBC television shows were returning to the iTunes Store. So which company blinked? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JB...

Reset App Store reviews, please.(iPHONE)(Apple Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... I was very happy to see Apple's recent change to the commenting system at the App Store, which now requires customers to download iPhone software before they review it. But I'd like to suggest that Apple take the logical next step: zap all...

Mac Pros releasing toxic gases?(HARDWARE)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... A report in French publication Liberation has suggested that pre-2008 Mac Pros might be releasing nasty fumes such as benzene--which can lead to a variety of illnesses after prolonged exposure. Said Apple: "We have not found anything that...

Mac streaming coming to Netflix.(INTERNET)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... It's been a year and a half since Netflix announced its intention to bring its currently PC-only Watch It Now movie-streaming feature to the Mac. Finally, the company has promised Mac users they will be able to enjoy the feature by the end of...

Gadget gifts.(Tech Trends)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Consumer electronics make some of the most popular holiday gifts these days. Last year's wish list for U.S. consumers shows that portable audio players and notebook computers were the most popular choices. If the numbers hold up this holiday...

F10 Launch Studio 2.0.(SOFTWARE)
December 1, 2008... F10 Launch Studio 2.0, from Chronos (www.chronosnet.com): Launch utility now automatically finds applications via a new Smart Search feature ($30; upgrade, $15).

NoteBook 3.0.(SOFTWARE)
December 1, 2008... NoteBook 3.0, from Circus Ponies (www.circusponies.com): Organizational software adds diagramming and sketching capabilities, and a PDF-annotation feature ($50; upgrade, $20).

PDFpen 4.0.(SOFTWARE)
December 1, 2008... PDFpen 4.0, from SmileOnMyMac (www.smileonmymac.com): PDF-editing software adds basic OCR support that recognizes text in many scanned documents ($50; PDFpenPro, $100.

QuickBooks Accounting 2009.(SOFTWARE)
December 1, 2008... QuickBooks Accounting 2009, from Intuit (quickbooks.intuit.com): Accounting program adds Customer, Vendor, Transaction, and Report centers that organize data into single-page views ($200).

If it ain't broke ...(GRAPHICS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... For his recent New Yorker cover (left), illustrator and author Bob Staake used Adobe Photoshop 3.0 (released in 1995) as his primary tool. "I am anything but a technophobe," says Staake. "I rarely ever upgrade because I'm usually inundated with...

The Newton lives.(HARDWARE)
December 1, 2008... The future is handheld, and Apple has developed one of the most exciting handheld platforms around, so it's only logical that aficionados of the device have organized a three-day conference starting July 31,2009, in Vancouver. Topics will...

More awards for Apple.(BUSINESS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Readers of gadget magazine T3 can't seem to get enough of Apple--they've chosen Apple products for four of 11 total prizes in the 2008 Garmin T3 Gadget Awards. Apple captured Gadget of the Year (iPod touch), Best Music Gadget (iPod touch),...

Crossover Chromium.(Hot Stuff)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Itching to try out Chrome, Google's new (and currently Windows-only) Web browser, but don't feel like leaving the confines of your Mac? You could install it on Boot Camp or via virtualization, but that's a lot of hassle just to use one...

UD-10.1 USB Audio Converter and TA-10 class-T stereo Audio Amplifier.(Hot Stuff)(Trends Audio)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Getting high-quality digital audio out of your Mac is challenging. Trends Audio's $149 UD-10.1 USB Audio Converter concurrently outputs audio via USB to five interfaces: optical, coax RCA, coax BNC, XLR AES/EBU, and 3.5mm stereo. Power to the...

G2 Personal Radio Player.(Hot Stuff)(Slacker)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Internet radio can be addictive, but it's not very portable. You can use an Internet radio application for the iPhone, but you'll be sapping precious power. If you don't mind carrying around yet another device, turn to Slacker's G2 Personal...

MercuryMover.(Hot Stuff)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... MercuryMover is a $24 preference pane that gives users the ability to resize and position windows via keyboard shortcuts, without having to resort to a mouse or trackpad. Version 2.0 adds a number of new features, including Shortcuts, which...

JamVox.(Hot Stuff)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Vox amps have been used on some of the most classic music recordings of all time; now you can get those tones on your computer with the $340 JamVox, Vox's new USB monitor and software system. JamVox gives you access to 19 guitar amps and 54...

Keyboards and mice at hand: vast array of input-device choices entice Mac users.(Reviews)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Want to add some zing to your desktop or traveling gear? Older accessories becomming sluggish or outdated? A new keyboard or mouse may liven up your act, get some wires out of the way, or help you work faster, more accurately, or more...

Keyboard-mouse sets: buying components together offers additional benefits.(Reviews)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... The beauty of buying a keyboard and mouse together is more than just aesthetic uniformity; most sets provide cordless convenience and significant improvements on your Mighty Mouse and standard keyboard. While some sets offer a bedazzling array...

The keyboard connection: you're not confined to the model that came with your Mac.(Keyboard and Mice)(Table)
December 1, 2008... Your keyboard is the most-used component of your computer system--after the display, of course--yet many people are still using the one that came with their Mac. That's a shame, because today's stand-alone keyboards have a lot to offer. We've...

Mightier mice: there's more to mousing than the mighty mouse and trackpads.(Keyboards and Mice)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... All hail the humble mouse, lowly foot soldier of the productivity wars, pint-size pointer-pushing pawn in service to mighty King Mac. Your mouse is the only peripheral you caress for hours a day, but you may have never thought of replacing the...

Software.(macworld.com/reviews)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... BusySync 2.1 RATING: VERY GOOD PRICE: $25 per computer COMPANY: BusyMac URL: www.busymac.com BusySync 2.1.6 makes calendar sharing for a family or small group as painless as it can be without the use of a dedicated calendar server....

Hardware.(macworld.com/reviews)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... Selphy CP770 RATING: GOOD 1/2 PRICE: $149 COMPANY: Canon URL: www.usa.canon.com Sporting a clever bucket design that makes it easy to pack cords and extra media, the Selphy CP770 is a portable dye-sublimation photo printer capable...

Drobo with FireWire 800.(SPEED BOOST)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... RATING: VERY GOOD PRICE: $499 COMPANY: Data Robotics URL: www.drobo.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Drobo drive array uses a simplified RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) technology to protect against drive failure. The device...

BeatMaker 1.0.2.(MUSIC)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... RATING: VERY GOOD PRICE: $20 COMPANY: Intua URL: macworld.com/3911 The music-creation tool BeatMaker is no stripped-down miniversion of a desktop program. With its multiple screens--including ones that offer 16 drum pads for triggering...

FileMagnet 1.0.1.(STORAGE)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... RATING:GOOD 1/2 PRICE: $5 COMPANY: Magnetism Studios URL: macworld.com/3905 Among the apps that let you store and view documents on your iPod touch or iPhone, FileMagnet excels in file-format compatibility, reading both Microsoft Office...

Sportacular 1.2.(SPORTS )(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... RATING: VERY GOOD 1/2 PRICE: free COMPANY: Jeff Hamilton URL: macworld.com/3909 Sportacular offers an at-a-glance view of the day's sporting scores, plus the ability to drill down into a wealth of stats and news. Find out who won by...

More reviews; See more iPhone and iPod touch apps we've tested at iPhone Central (macworld.com/3850).(App Store Selections)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... APPLICATION DESCRIPTION PRICE RATING FIND CODE (A) 1Password 1.3.2 password keeper free GOOD 1/2 3915 Ambiance 1.4 ...

Pennies 1.0.1.(PRODUCTIVITY)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... RATING: GOOD 1/2 PRICE: $3 COMPANY: Design by a Knife URL: macworld.com/3907 Think of Pennies as a handy way to keep track of expenses quickly and simply. The user sets a monthly budget and enters expenses; as the month progresses, the...

PCalc 1.0.2.(PRODUCTIVITY)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... RATING: VERY GOOD 1/2 PRICE: $10 COMPANY: TLA Systems URL: macworld.com/3903 PCalc is an appealing alternative to the iPhone's built-in calculator, offering a compelling combination of advanced functions and useful conversion and constant...

Mac gems: Get more and expanded reviews at macworld.com/macgems.(REVIEWS)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... UTILITIES Bean 1.3.3 RATING: VERY GOOD PRICE: free COMPANY: James Hoover URL: www.bean-osx.com If you need more text-editing goodness than OS X's own TextEdit serves up, consider Bean. Bean supports .rtf, .rtfd, .txt, .html, and...

The mac world gear guide: 51 cool add-ons and accessories for your Mac, iPod, and iPhone.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Your iPod has given you countless hours of entertainment. Your iPhone keeps you connected, no matter where you go. And your Mac--well, from work to play to preserving family memories, there's hardly any part of your life it doesn't touch. ...

Gear for your iPod; They call it "the iPod ecosystem"--that's the expanding universe of speakers, headphones, cases, and other player-related paraphernalia that now surrounds the iPod. Worried about finding the right gear to make your iPod sing? We're on the case.(FEATURES)(briefs)(Loud Enough)
December 1, 2008... Keep it Down in There Given how early and often kids listen to music these days, damage to young ears is a big concern. Ultimate Ears' LoudEnough headphones offer a unique solution: kid-friendly earbuds that restrict output to safe...

Gear for your iPhone; Apple amped up the iPhone's cool factor with a revamped version released this summer. Is it possible to make your phone any cooler? We've got the accessories and applications for the job.(RichardSolo)(Ten One Design)
December 1, 2008... Battery backup Maybe you're navigating around a strange city and relying heavily on the Web and Google Maps. Maybe you've just finished a long conference call. Or maybe you forgot to plug in your iPhone last night. Whatever the reason,...

Gear for the mobile: getting up and going can be complex in the digital age. When you hit the road, you're usually accompanied by a multitude of devices that demand your care and attention. But don't fret--we've got you covered with mobile gear that will keep you connected, organized, and powered up.(The Macworld Gear Guide)(briefs)(Kensington)(Other World Computing)
December 1, 2008... REUSABLE BAG Keen's Alameda 15 is a stylish messenger-like bag with the standard fixings: an internal pocket for 15-inch laptops, external and internal document pockets, two water-bottle pouches, a mobile-phone pouch, and a number of...

Gear for your desktop: a Mac on your desk gives you a pretty powerful workstation--but also a pretty barren one. These products can help spruce up your workspace while also helping you get more creative, store more data, and finish more work.(The Macworld Gear Guide)(briefs)
December 1, 2008... Power Mogul Surge protectors may lack the glamour of, say, Apple's latest iPhone release. But the Conserve Energy Saving 8-Outlet Surge Protector isn't any old power strip. This one has a wireless remote you can mount on the wall. Flip the...

We review the latest iPod Nano, iPod Touch, and iTunes 8.(Real GENIUS)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... In the seven years since its introduction, the iPod and iTunes have evolved to meet the media demands of their users. In its recent updates, Apple redesigned the iPod nano, pared down the iPod classic to a single 120GB model, and made changes...

4GiPod NANO.(Real Genius)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... The latest iPod nano isn't a dramatic upgrade from the previous model, but it offers some unique new features, more storage for the same price, and a new design--albeit one that looks quite familiar. In the process, the nano has officially...

2G iPod touch.(Real Genius)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... Attempting to describe the second-generation iPod touch succinctly, Apple simply declares it--to the chagrin of English teachers everywhere--"the funnest iPod ever." The new iPod touch ($229 to $399) could be considered an incremental...

iTunes 8.(Real Genius)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... With the last few major updates to iTunes, it seemed that all that could be done to Apple's media manager and player already had been done. But as it turns out, Apple still had some tricks up its sleeve, and iTunes 8 pulls them out. The latest...

OS X's most underused shortcut: services can help you work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.(Secrets)(Column)
December 1, 2008... As a Mac user, you're primed to look for time-savers that help you be more productive. But you may not be taking advantage of all that OS X has to offer. The Services menu is a case in point. This little known and even more rarely used feature...

Create a DVD gift: send your latest photos and videos to friends and family.(Digital Video)
December 1, 2008... Sometimes the best gifts are those you make. And fortunately, "handmade" can apply to the digital realm. You can save some money, avoid the mall, and give something more personal by using the iLife suite to create a custom DVD with videos and...

Learn to play an instrument: your Mac can help you pick up new skills.(Recording Studio)
December 1, 2008... If you want to record music, you have to know how to play it. With your Mac, some software, and access to the Internet, you can learn to play an instrument (or improve your playing). Guitar You may have the moves and clothes, but true...

Fun photo projects: brighten the holidays with photos and creativity.(Digital Photo)
December 1, 2008... Bring out the tinsel and spike the eggnog-the holidays are almost here. That means it's the perfect time to find uses for the photos you've been taking all year. Whether you're tacking up some holiday lights, making ornaments, or entertaining...

Write a novel in 30 days; Unlock your creativity during national novel writing month.(Create)
December 1, 2008... Ever thought you might want to write a novel someday? The task can seem so daunting that most people put it off indefinitely. So how about writing a novel in just 30 days? That challenge might seem nuts, but it has led thousands of people...

iPhone 3G tips; Readers' smart shortcuts for Apple's latest phone.(Mobile Mac)(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... Every month in our Mac OS X Hints column, we publish tips readers have submitted to our Mac OS X Hints Web site (www macosxhints com). Lately, a lot of those tips have been about the iPhone 3G. Hints editor Rob Griffiths usually avoids mention...

Network-attached storage; Once for business networks only, NAS can be handy in the home.(Connect)
December 1, 2008... As more homes get multiple computers, more homes need some type of network storage. With network storage, you can share music files, videos, and photos among machines; send files back and forth; and implement a backup strategy. A USB drive...

Mac OS X Hints: the insider tips you won't get from Apple.(Help Desk)
December 1, 2008... Set Missing iTunes 8 Preferences The recently released iTunes 8 contains a number of new features as well as some changes to the interface. Among those interface changes, the Preferences pane has been rearranged (which it needed) and...

Mac 911; Solutions to your most vexing Mac problems.(HELP DESK)
December 1, 2008... When Mail Can't Find Its Way Q: The Find function in my copy of Apple's Mail no longer works. It will find nothing--not even my name. How can I restore it? DougEddy A: It sounds as if the index for your messages is mucked up. I'd...

Bugs & fixes.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... CD-Mounting Glitch A bug that was present in Apple's iTunes 7.7 update seems to remain in 7.7.1. The symptom occurs when you insert a CD to import into iTunes. The disc mounts in the Finder, but it either never shows up in iTunes or appears...

Gear guide, the sequel: a few modest proposals for more tech gifts.(SPOTLIGHT)
December 1, 2008... Once again, the gift-giving season is upon us, with all its associated stress of trying to find something for the gal who has everything and the guy who likes nothing. (Thank God they found each other, because they were driving everyone else...