Macworld articles from January 2007

Macworld archives from January 2007

Fearless nonpredictions.
January 1, 2007... For some reason, as the world marks the end of one year and the beginning of another, otherwise intelligent people start thinking they can predict the future. While everyone else is munching on turkey and overdosing on eggnog, pundits read tea...

The next X.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... In a year that has been chockablock with big announcements from Apple (the MacBook and MacBook Pro, Intel versions of the iMac and the Mac mini, the Mac Pro tower, and a bunch of new iPods--and that's just the hardware), one announcement...

Leopard spotted.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... CHRISTIAN BELENA # Time Machine looks like a great feature in OS X 10.5 ("10 Things You Need to Know about Leopard," October 2006), but I don't know how good it will be for laptop users. You'll need a dedicated internal hard drive, or an...

Secret sharers.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... IAN WALLBRECH # About the "Surf Smarter" section of "Your Mac's Secrets Revealed" (October 2006): I'm surprised you didn't mention AcidSearch (macworld.com/2227). It's an essential tool for me, allowing me to search different sites from...

The family Mac.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... TED SLAWSKI # I think you really missed the mark when you included the Mac Pro in your list of Macs for the family ("Get Smart," October 2006). The Mac Pro is clearly aimed at professional customers who need gobs of power, lots of storage...

Geeky extensions.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... KENN MARKS # I'm really disappointed in the "Private Surfing" sidebar that appeared in the October 2006 Geek Factor ("Firefox Extensions for Geeks"). Configuring your Web browser to hide your identity from Web sites might be fine if you're...

Which camcorders?(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... TRACY MALLORY # I'm greatly disappointed that you didn't choose to compare apples with apples in your review of MiniDV camcorders (September 2006). Why, for instance, did you choose to review a cheap Canon camcorder (the Elura 100)...

Corrections.(Correction notice)
January 1, 2007... In the October 2006 Mac 911, we mistakenly reported that Wire Tap Pro is a Universal app. It is PowerPC-only. In our November 2006 story about the Mac Pro, we neglected to credit and thank OWC for providing us with the FB-DIMMs we used in...

Live at five: 5 reasons for the iPod's runaway success.
January 1, 2007... The iPod hasn't been a part of Apple's product line for that long--after all, the Mac is already into its third decade as the centerpiece of Apple's offerings. But that just makes what the portable music player has accomplished since its...

Apple updates Pro laptop line: new chips for MacBook Pros.
January 1, 2007... With its Intel transition now complete, Apple has begun updating its initial round of Intel-based hardware releases. Now it's the MacBook Pro's turn for a processor upgrade. And according to our tests, the performance gains for the MacBook Pro...

World of Warcraft expansion pack on the way; First look: the Burning Crusade.(Blizzard Entertainment launching multiplayer online role-playing games)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... If things had gone according to Blizzard Entertainment's (www.blizzard.com) plan, you'd already be playing The Burning Crusade, an expansion pack for the very popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft. Instead,...

Adobe releases beta aimed at audio pros.(Adobe Systems Inc., Adobe Soundbooth audio software)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Adobe is targeting audio professionals with its Soundbooth, a new audio application now available as a public beta. Soundbooth users can record, edit, and create audio without having any training in sound production. The application, which runs...

Logitech to buy Slim Devices.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Slim Devices' CEO Sean Adams announced on the company's community forum that it will be purchased by accessory-maker Logitech. Slim Devices is best known for producing the Squeezebox, a wirelessly networked hardware device that lets you listen...

MacBook joins Core 2 Duo parade.(Apple Inc. upgrading the processor in its MacBook Pro laptop computers)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Two weeks after upgrading the processor in its MacBook Pro line (see "New Chips for MacBook Pros" on page 23), Apple followed suit with its consumer MacBook laptops. The MacBooks now run on Core 2 Duo processors, which promise improved...

Piclens brings slide shows to image searches: a new light for pictures.(CoolIris)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... One of my favorite things about the Web is how it has revolutionized the sharing of images. For instance, I use a Flickr account to regularly post images on the Web to share with friends and family. And a quick trip to Google Image Search can...

On the iPod's fifth birthday, author talks about his new book; Interview: Steven Levy.(The Perfect Thing: How the IPod Shuffles Commerce, Culture and Coolness)(Interview)
January 1, 2007... As part of our coverage of the iPod's fifth anniversary, Macworld Editorial Director Jason Snell spoke with author Steven Levy, a former Macworld columnist and currently the chief technology writer at Newsweek magazine, about his new book on...

Mac keyboards and mice at your fingertips: advanced input devices fashioned for every hand.(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... Aside from a display, no computer accessories get more use than a keyboard and mouse. Yet few people give much thought to the differences between the numerous available input devices--or to why they might want to depart from the ones that came...

New shuffle is the tiniest iPod ever: second-generation player offers few new features.(Apple iPod shuffle 2G, mp3 players)(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... Smaller than a matchbook and no thicker than a AAA battery, the second-generation (2G) iPod shuffle comes in a single 1GB capacity, with a silver aluminum finish and a metal spring clip for securing the iPod to yourself. Its audio quality isn't...

More reviews.(Reviews)(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... For complete reviews of the products listed here, visit www.macworld.com/reviews. GOOD 1/2 Aperture 1.5 ($299; free upgrade), from Apple Computer (www.apple.com): Aperture is designed to handle every phase of the digital photography...

Television tuners: tune it in.(Elgato EyeTV Hybrid)(Miglia TVMicro)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 EyeTV Hybrid ($150), from Elgato (www.elgato.com): Elgato knocks one out of the park with its newest offering: the very versatile EyeTV Hybrid, a USB stick TV tuner capable of bringing both digital over-the-air broadcasts...

Power accessories.(mp3 player accessories)(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... GOOD 1/2 i603 and i604 ($65), from iLuv (www.i-luv.com): Heading out for a long trip but have sketchy AC access? iLuv's i603 (for 30GB video iPods) or i604 (for 60GB video iPods) battery boosters will give you more quality time with your...

iPods.(MP3 players)(Product/service evaluation)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Product Capacity Rating Price Display iPod 30GB VERY GOOD 1/2 $249 2.5-inch color iPod 80GB VERY GOOD 1/2 $349 2.5-inch color iPod nano 2GB VERY GOOD 1/2 $149 1.5-inch color...

Jamo i300.(computer speakers)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 i300 ($400), from Jamo (jamo.com): Jamo's i300 is a sub-woofer and satellite system that provides home-stereo--quality sound, but its components are small enough to be hidden in most rooms. Its iPod-matching white or black...

Wi-Gear iMuffs MB210.(bluetooth wireless headphones)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... GOOD 1/2 iMuffs MB210 ($180), from Wi-Gear (www.wi-gear.com): The iMuffs MB210 is an updated version of the company's original iMuffs Bluetooth wireless headphones. Weighing in at only 2.3 ounces, the earpieces sit loosely over the ears and are...

Pull-i.(mp3 player case)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... GOOD Pull-i ($19 to $21), from Pull-i (www.pull-i.com): Pull-i's eponymous case for the iPod nano looks like a shrunken version of an eyeglass case--basically a wool felt pouch that comes in five colors and six designs. Once you insert the nano...

Homework tracker: Assignment Planner 2.3.4.(personal information management software)(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... A vital but mundane task for students is keeping track of homework and other assignments. Any good calendar program--such as iCal--can help, but I recently came across Logan Design's Assignment Planner 2.3.4 (GOOD 1/2; $5; macworld.com/2267), a...

File-encryption utility: Knox 1.1.1.(encryption software)(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... OS X's FileVault feature can store your entire user folder as an encrypted disk image. Although doing that adds a layer of security to your work, it can also adversely affect your Mac's performance, can make backing up your computer more of a...

Photo-management utility: iPhoto Library Manager 3.2.3.(file management software)(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... iPhoto has become the shoebox of the Mac digital-photo generation. But iPhoto has two significant shortcomings: poor performance with large photo libraries and limited support for multiple libraries. Brian Webster's iPhoto Library Manager 3.2.3...

Promising prospect.(Apple's new desktop video software, Perian 0.5)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Over the years, Apple's QuickTime software has become more versatile, supporting an ever-increasing number of formats. And thanks to Telestream's free Flip4Mac Windows Media Components, you can even view most Windows Media files in QuickTime....

iPhoto add-on: Keyword Assistant 1.9.3.(peripheral support software)(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... One of iPhoto's most useful features is keywords. Unfortunately, too few people use keywords regularly. Some people simply don't know about the feature, but even those who do don't seem to regard it as useful. Perhaps one reason for that is...

Oki C6100dn.(color laser printers)(Konica Magicolor 2430 DL)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 C6100dn ($1,102), from Oki Data (www.okidata.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Oki C6100dn produces great-looking prints, and it has built-in duplexing, easy network connectivity, and quick printing speeds...

Epson Stylus Photo R340.(ink jet photo printers)(Canon Pixma iP6600D)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 Stylus Photo R340 ($200), from Epson (www.epson.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Epson Stylus Photo R340 prints the best color photos in its class, and it reproduces shadow detail extremely well. Its black-and-white...

Macs.(desktop computers, laptop computers)(Product/service evaluation)(Table)
January 1, 2007... DESKTOP Product Processor Display Rating More Information iMac Intel Core 2 17 inches VERY GOOD macworld.com/1727 Duo/1.83GHz Intel Core 2 17 inches VERY GOOD 1/2...

Desktop drives.(G-Technology G-Drive Q 500GB)(LaCie d2 Extreme)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... OUTSTANDING G-Drive Q 500GB ($559), from G-Technology (www.g-technology.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The G-Drive Q SATA hard drive has nearly every type of connection you could want. The Q stands for quad--referring to the four...

Portable drive.(Rocsecure Rocbit 2B)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... OUTSTANDING Rocbit 2B ($230), from Roc-secure (www.rocsecure.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Rocbit 2B, which has 40-bit encryption, is priced a bit higher than similar portable drives that lack encryption, but it's well worth the...

Panasonic PV-GS500.(camcorders)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD PV-GS500 ($1,000), from Panasonic (www.panasonic.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The PV-GS500 is a fine piece of equipment: It offers great control, excellent video quality, and broad operational flexibility. Although it's at...

Canon CanoScan 9950F.(flatbed scanners)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 CanoScan 9950F ($399), from Canon (www.canon.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CanoScan 9950F offers improved scan quality and more-intuitive software controls. This model tops its predecessor, the 9900F, in almost every...

23-inch display.(Liquid crystal display monitors)(HP L2335)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 L2335 ($1,599), from Hewlett-Packard (www.hp.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Along with its outstanding value, analog and digital connectors, ability to pivot to portrait mode, and adjustable height, the L2335 provides...

20-inch display.(NEC MultiSync LCD2070NX, liquid crystal displays)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 MultiSync LCD2070NX ($799), from NEC (www.necdisplay.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MultiSync LCD2070NX is great for people who want a moderately priced 20-inch monitor that can display bright, accurate colors. It...

17-inch display.(Dell UltraSharp 1707FP, liquid crystal displays)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD UltraSharp 1707FP ($279), from Dell (www.dell.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Budget-conscious display shoppers won't be disappointed by this highly flexible 17-inch monitor that has a built-in USB hub. Its display of text is...

8-megapixel digital SLR.(Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, digital camera)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 EOS Digital Rebel XT ($899; with lens, $999), from Canon (www.canon.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Canon defined this market with the original Digital Rebel, and the company keeps its lead with the EOS Digital Rebel XT. The...

Advanced digital camera.(Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30K)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30K ($700), from Panasonic (www.panasonic.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30K is a sizable beast: at 1.5 pounds and just over five inches long, it feels more like an SLR than an...

d2 DVD[+ or -]RW with LightScribe.(DVD recordable drives)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD 1/2 d2 DVD[+ or -]RW with LightScribe ($189), from LaCie (www.lacie.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whether you're looking to add DVD-burning capability to your system, looking for an easier way to copy optical discs, or just...

Desktop FireWire hard drive.(Seagate Pushbutton Backup 750 GB)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... GOOD 1/2 Pushbutton Backup External Hard Drive 750GB ($460), from Seagate (www.seagate.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For people who suffer from a bloated music or video library, this drive offers relief: it provides a hefty amount of...

Portable hard drive.(Rugged All-Terrain 100 GB)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD Rugged All-Terrain Hard Drive 100GB ($360), from LaCie (www.lacie.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This drive is all about size, speed, and, of course, style. Its bright orange exterior makes it a standout, and its performance...

Portable hard drive.(Trans International miniXpress 825 160GB)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD miniXpress 825 160GB ($328), from Trans International (www.transintl.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you're looking for a sleek and speedy drive for toting your files from home to office, the miniXpress 825 is a good choice...

Color laser printer.(HP LaserJet 2605dtn)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... VERY GOOD LaserJet 2605dtn ($700), from Hewlett-Packard (www.hp.com): [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 2605dtn has features not generally found in budget printers, including PostScript 3 emulation, a second 250-sheet paper tray, Ethernet...

What's next: 10 tech trends that will shape what you buy this year.(Buyers guide)
January 1, 2007... We don't usually talk about the future in Macworld. Our main concern is about buying and using Mac stuff in the here and now. Given Apple's penchant for secrecy, speculating on the company's future releases is best left to the breathless ether...

Get in sync: the best ways to connect your smart phone to the Mac.
January 1, 2007... Cell phones have certainly evolved. Once massive bricks that, with a bit of luck, allowed you to talk to distant people, they're now intelligent devices that keep track of your contacts and calendars, display photos, play music, and work as...

Macworld's 2006 Game Hall of Fame: 10 of the year's best Mac games and coolest accessories.(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... If you're a pessimist, 2006 probably looked like a bleak year for Mac gaming. There were few major releases, because key game makers cut back on their offerings. But from an optimist's point of view, 2006 set the stage for great things to come....

Launch your productivity.(QuickSilver, web authoring software)(Objective Development LaunchBar, desktop accessory software)(Butler, desktop accessory software)(Product/service evaluation)
January 1, 2007... Mac OS X gives you many ways to open applications. You can click on their icons in the Dock, sidebar, or toolbar; double-click on their icons in the Finder; or use Spotlight to find and launch them. But all of these methods have one thing in...

Clean and protect your iPod.(mp3 players)
January 1, 2007... Much of the iPod's aesthetic allure can be attributed to its shiny chrome back and smooth acrylic or polycarbonate front. Unfortunately, these materials--however attractive--are prone to scratches. But filing a lawsuit isn't your only recourse...

Create stunning slide shows.(DIGITAL PHOTO)
January 1, 2007... As the year winds down, why not gather your favorite photos for a retrospective slide show of the year's most momentous events--that vacation of a lifetime, your child's first day of school, the family reunion that got a little too wild. iPhoto...

Troubleshooting MacBooks.(laptop computers)
January 1, 2007... Apple's latest laptops, the MacBook and the MacBook Pro, are among the company's more controversial hardware releases. When Apple put them on the market, both were justly lauded for their superb performance but just as loudly criticized for...

3 amazing AppleScripts.(GEEK FACTOR)
January 1, 2007... For simple automation, it's hard to beat Automator. But if you want to build truly powerful workflows that can do everything from coloring your iCal calendars to converting your e-mail messages for easy reading on your iPod, AppleScript is...

Mac OS X Hints: the insiders' tips you won't get from Apple.(HELP DESK)(Column)
January 1, 2007... Use a Stand-Alone URL Downloader Have you ever wished for a quick way to download something without waiting for your Web browser to launch first? For instance, perhaps you, like me, receive a lot of e-mail messages that include URLs for...

Mac 911: solutions to your most vexing Mac problems.
January 1, 2007... Smarter Mail Filters I get a lot of e-mail from marketers and PR firms. Because these messages come from both new senders as well as usual suspects, there's no way to build an Apple Mail rule that's based on senders that will automatically...

Macworld Conference & Expo[R]: Imagine. Inspire. Ignite.(Calendar)
January 1, 2007... Conference: January 8-12, 2007 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Expo: January 9-12, 2007 The Moscone Center San Francisco [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SHOW Preview Register Today! Special Registration Offer Inside ...

Seethru.(Speck Product's new laptop computer case)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Apple's aluminum-cased MacBook Pro is a handsome machine. It's also easy to scratch. If you want protection, Speck Products' $40 See Thru fits the bill--and your laptop. This two-piece polycarbonate shell--available in clear or in translucent...

College via podcast.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... I'll always regret not having taken an astronomy class in college (cursed comprehensive general-education requirements!). Fortunately, scientists are among the most cutting-edge of technologists. Ohio State University professor Richard Pogge...

Angie's List.
January 1, 2007... Hiring someone for home repairs can be stressful. So when I discovered that my roof was leaking, I turned to Angie's List. This subscription-based Web site hosts reviews of contractors, repairers, and numerous other professionals, written by...

Tangerine 0.9.7.
January 1, 2007... Every song has its own rhythm and tempo, but what's the best way to measure them? Potion Factory's Tangerine (currently a free beta--the final version should be available by the time you read this, for an estimated $20 to $30) scans your iTunes...

SonicLiving.(social-networking web site)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... I've spent far too many hours rifling through the pages of my local papers to figure out when my favorite bands are coming to town. I'd rather spend less time looking and more time rocking. Someone has finally made finding performances a whole...