Where’s my Component Video Output?

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 7:27 PM PT by Scott Silverman

Category | Hardware

In all of Apple’s hype of releasing a Mac which finally puts Front Row onto a TV, they seem to have forgotten one thing: the component video connection! If Apple plans to have Mac Minis connected to TVs, and more specifically HDTVs, then the component video output is crucial, as this is the connection many HDTVs have. The newer (and more expensive) TVs have HDMI and some have DVI, but if you don’t have either of these, then you’re stuck with S-Video! I did a little research and looked into a DVI to Component converter and found that it doesn’t exist. A workaround is to convert the DVI from the Mac Mini to VGA (included in the Mac Mini box) and then the VGA to Component using this adapter. But at a price of $80, it would have been cheaper and simpler if Apple had some supported form of component video outputs, even if just through an external adapter, like they did for S-Video.

The Mac mini dilemma

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 6:55 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

I’ve been waiting, somewhat impatiently, for the Intel version of the Mac mini, which arrived today. Macworld’s Jason Snell has already shared his thoughts. I had been waiting for two reasons. One, I wanted a dedicated media center (well, not totally dedicated, I thought maybe it could also do all my Bittorrent heavy lifting). I was hoping for DVR functionality, which didn’t come. My aging EyeTV USB (original) can augment it and make up for that. Two, I wanted to get my hands on a Macintel. I wanted to see if I could be swayed by Rosetta.

I was disappointed by the new, slightly higher price points, but considering I would have wanted to add Airport Extreme and Bluetooth, I don’t see the new pricing as a huge issue. My problem now is deciding which model to get. We’re not talking about an incremental price difference between the low and high end models. It’s a gulf of difference between a single core 1.5 GHz Core Solo and a dual core 1.67 GHz Core Duo. Not only is the base processor speed greater, but there’s a second core. That puts me at an $800 price-point, which is more than I really wanted to spend (at one point, I was considering a $380 refurbished low end Mac mini).

Can I really restrain myself when I gain that much for a couple hundred more (don’t forget the dual layer Superdrive)? Is that high end Mac mini looking real good to any of you right now?

Wrap that script up to go

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 6:10 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

You know that great little shell script that a Mac wizard taught you in some obscure forum? You know how much you hate going to the Terminal to run it? Suffer no longer. You can turn it into a double clickable application with Platypus.

As an added bonus, the latest version (3.3) is capable of outputting Universal Binaries so you can use it full speed on that brand new Intel Mac mini.

BBEdit in the rough

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 5:54 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

BBEdit is one of those pieces of software that can be an almost religious experience. It’s not just because it’s a terrific example of Mac software (it just works). It’s not just because criticism can illicit an over the top response from one of its fans. It’s also because it’s one of those pieces of software that you just can’t live without. You may be able to tell I’m a fan.

That’s why I was shocked that it took so long for a site dedicated to BBEdit to arrive. BBEdit Gems’ tag line is “All BBEdit, all the time.” I think that sounds like a great idea.

Actually Using Smart Playlists

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 5:48 PM PT by Scott Silverman

Category | Software

You know those little playlists (and folders) Apple likes to brag about called Smart Playlists (and Smart Folders)? Well, to be honest with you, I never really use them. I just never saw the need. But the guys over at SmartPlaylists.com have all sorts of great ideas for making intelligent playlists. For example, there’s an idea to make a playlist called “Needs Rating” where you can tell iTunes to put all the songs with no rating into one playlist. Then you can go through, listen to those songs, and then rate them as you go! Check out the site, it rocks!

Some Fun New Products at Apple.com

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 12:13 PM PT by Aaron Freedman

Category | Apple » News

All of the products confirmed earlier here on MacUser are now available for purchasing or your viewing pleasure are on Apple.com. I can also add some more information about the products. The Mac Mini now has analog/optical input and output ports for connecting to a home theater system. The iPod Hi-Fi is a big white box with a Universal iPod mount on top that supports the iPod adapters made by Apple and has a big, black speaker on the front. The iPod Leather Case is also confirmed, with three models for the 30GB iPod, the 60GB iPod, and the iPod Nano. All of the products are available for purchasing today, so buy them while they’re still hot!

Apple Event at 10AM PT

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 9:36 AM PT by Dan Moren

Category | Apple » Events

The special Apple event is scheduled to start in just a few minutes, at 10AM Pacific. The excitement in the Town Hall in Cupertino is palpable. So I hear, anyway. I’m all the way on the other side of the country, so I really have no idea what’s going on.

Fortunately, our colleagues over at MacCentral eat this stuff as part of their complete breakfast. Rest assured, as soon as there’s something to report, it’ll be up there, so stay tuned. Our very own Cyrus Farivar will be podcasting from the event, so keep your eyes peeled for that later in the day.

Steve Chic

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 9:11 AM PT by Dan Moren

Category | Apple » People

We may not know what Steve has up his sleeve for today’s Apple event, but there is sure money on what Mr. Jobs’s attire will be. Up until now, you’ve been able to get Steve in paper doll form and Lego minifig form, but for the ultimate Steve fan that final frontier has remained elusive.

No more! Now, for the low low price of $458 (plus tax and shipping) you too can dress like His Steveness. Steve’s Outfit provides links for purchasing only the finest black turtlenecks, blue jeans, and sneakers. Perfect for Halloween, or wearing to your local Apple store and trying to score a discount.

[via Engadget]

The Microsoft iPod…Box

Posted on Feb. 28, ’06, 7:22 AM PT by Dan Moren

Category | Apple » Humor

We humans just love to ask “What if…?” Heck, Marvel comics made an entire franchise based on those two little words. A video over at YouTube poses the ultimate form of this question, the one that”s been on everyone”s mind: what if Microsoft had designed the iPod…packaging? The result may be predictable, but that’s because it’s spot on.

As Apple fans, our techno-lust extends even to the box in which our beloved equipment is enclosed (witness the ever-popular fetish for unboxing pictures). I think I still have the box for my PowerBook G3 in the basement, and the laptop bit the dust a couple of years ago.

How much empty Apple packaging do you have lying around?

[via Infinite Loop]

Pull out your crystal balls

Posted on Feb. 27, ’06, 7:44 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Apple » Events

It’s that time again boys and… based upon the the Frappr map, boys. With the impending Apple event, it’s time for all of you to put on your magician’s caps and become the master prognosticators that deep down you know you are.

Will it be an Airport Express with Video (perhaps using 802.11n)? A real video iPod? A media Intel Mac mini? (I want one!) Movies over iTMS? Who wants to brag tomorrow? Lay it down and put your reputation on the line.

Steve is the missing link

Posted on Feb. 27, ’06, 7:06 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Business

It’s no secret that the stock market baffles me. Apple reports record profits and the stock takes a dive. Isn’t making money a good thing? Anyway, Barron’s is suggesting that Apple will make an attempt to buy Disney.

I feel like they are now just picking names out of news stories and making stuff up. Ok, so Steve Jobs is CEO of Apple and now a majority shareholder in Disney. Does it really make any sense to buy Disney? No. How does Disney realistically fit into Apple’s business? Tenuously at best. Apple distributes content online but what about owning a content creator is attractive to them? Collecting any profit that Disney might create, but why Disney and not some other company? Just because Steve owns part of it, why would the rest of the Apple board go along with the decision. It seems to me that analysts are just looking to create drama rather than realistically analyzing the market.

Centering one’s data

Posted on Feb. 27, ’06, 6:31 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Apple

Over on Cult of Mac, they’ve pointed out a news story about a new Apple datacenter. Leander speculates whether this new facility is for movie distribution over iTunes.

It could be, but is that jumping the gun? Is it possible that Apple is just setting up a backup data center across the country?

Microsoft sez “We can announce stuff too!”

Posted on Feb. 27, ’06, 5:31 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Apple » Rivals

Why stand on your own when you can try to compete with Apple? That is the question that Microsoft is asking. Despite widespread industry attention and speculation about the Apple event tomorrow, Microsoft is going to try to announce something.

Supposedly it’s the much rumored Origami, but the timing is completely suspect. This must be Microsoft’s way of saying “Our stuff is fun too.” Sure it is.

[via Digg]

MacBook Pro Review

Posted on Feb. 27, ’06, 12:40 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Hardware

On Friday, Macworld finally finished our review process (in a blindingly fast 72 hour turnaround, I might add — well done to my co-workers!). Jason’s review of the MacBook Pro is here. But what did he leave out, and what goes into a review? That’s over here, in the Editors’ Notes blog.

MacUser on Frappr!

Posted on Feb. 27, ’06, 12:23 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Geekery

So in an effort to get to know the MacUser readership, I’ve instituted a Frappr map for MacUser readers! Add your pin to the map! (If you’re not seeing the map below, try this link.)

More trolling, but with an iTunes twist

Posted on Feb. 26, ’06, 5:56 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Music

Dvorak may be the absolute master when it comes to riling up Mac fans, but Thomas Hawk is pulling out all the stops to take center stage. With an article name “iTunes, One Billion Suckers Served”, I wonder if anyone else picked up on this being flamebait.

Let’s just ignore the fact that it’s one billion songs, not customers, because when you’re being a troll, reality isn’t something you pay attention to. You say whatever it takes to evoke a response. Hawk does have some good points, namely being lock-in. The music you’ve bought can’t be transferred natively to other devices and players. However, that’s always been an issue. This isn’t new. That’s why, like Hawk, I only buy CDs (unless I want the occasional single).

He ends the article with:

And….. let the Appleheaded fan boys flame comments begin…..5, 4, 3, 2, 1… now.

Geez, you call a large group of people suckers and they flame you? That’s a real shocker. Tune in next week when Thomas Hawk calls your mom names and then predicts you’ll get angry. That’s insightful.

Tweak that MDD to the max

Posted on Feb. 26, ’06, 5:33 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

Over at roobarb.dfpx.co.uk (say that five times fast), Andy Davison has seriously tricked out Power Mac MDD (Mirrored Double Doors). I can safely say my own MDD is nowhere near this cool.

He’s added liquid cooling, a ATI FireGL X3, a serial ATA card, 2 GB of RAM, and overclocked CPUs. The closest I get to this is having a serial ATA card. At any rate, he’s thoroughly photographed his work. Check it out.

[via xlr8yourmac.com]

More MacBook Pro benchmarking

Posted on Feb. 26, ’06, 5:05 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

Geek Patrol has done a benchmarking comparison between the Powerbook G4 and MacBook Pro using their own tool, Geekbench. The results are in line with Apple’s marketing numbers (3-4 times as fast), making me question the validity of the benchmark and how it’s written.

In particular, I have to wonder if the tests are particularly memory heavy, in which case the MacBook Pro would have a ridiculous advantage. Comparing 167 MHz to 667 MHz just isn’t fair and that was always my concern about PowerPCs until the G5s came out. It also makes me wonder how those kinds of comparisons would shake out. Like I always say, a benchmark is only as good as its reflection of actual usage.

Irritating potential customers 101

Posted on Feb. 25, ’06, 7:50 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Video

I was watching TV when I saw a commercial for Vongo. The commercial showed a guy laughing suddenly at a funeral. Now, I’m a fan of inappropriate humor, but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what they were selling me.

I went to their website to find out, like any normal person. At the very least, I should be able to determine the product. Not in this case. Instead, I got greeted with an “OS Failure”. Um, no, Mac OS X didn’t have a failure. Their service and entire website lack Mac OS X compatibility. I had to get a friend using Windows to take a look to find out it was “iTunes for movies” (their words, not mine).

Is this what it’s come to? Other services has no problem supporting alternate platform browsers to at least describe the service. Isn’t that common courtesy? Instead, we get reassured on the site that:

Vongo is currently PC based, but will soon be Mac compatible (really!).

Somehow, I don’t believe them considering they can’t even communicate their service in a compatible way.

Get to know your winner

Posted on Feb. 25, ’06, 7:02 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Apple

Sure, we all think we know Alex Ostrovsky from West Bloomfield, Michigan. He’s the guy that won the one billionth song contest at the iTunes Music Store. Do we know the real Alex though?

Now you can. The New York Times has interviewed him. I imagine getting all the attention at 16 for buying a song is a little overwhelming.

[via TUAW]

Happy Birthday Steve (Belated)

Posted on Feb. 25, ’06, 6:32 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Apple » People

iCEO, co-founder, savior. Whatever you want to call Steve Jobs, it was his birthday yesterday, putting him one year past the half-century mark (51). I hope he had some cake and is resting up for the big event on the 28th.

[via MacRumors]

More Google widgets

Posted on Feb. 25, ’06, 3:08 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

Google has added to the Google widget that got bundled with the 10.4.4 update. The new widgets are a blogging interface for Blogger, an inbox for your Gmail account, and a listing for your search history. They also have a page dedicated to Dashboard widgets.

I hope that this is another indicator that Google will be beefing up its Mac support. Google Desktop is actually a pretty neat piece of kit and I’d be interested to see how the Mac community would receive it, particularly as a competitor to Spotlight. There is a strongly vocal portion of the community that doesn’t like Apple’s metadata search and I wonder if a Mac Google Desktop would do exactly what they wanted.

Over a billion served

Posted on Feb. 23, ’06, 6:27 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Music

We all knew that it was only a matter of time, but the iTunes Music Store has reached 1 billion songs sold. That’s quite an accomplishment considering how popular copyright infringing peer-to-peer networks were at the time of launch. Just for some perspective, here’s the number written out in decimal.

1,000,000,000

That’s big. Congratulations to Apple and congratulations to Alex Ostrovsky from West Bloomfield, Michigan. I do have to say though, the fact that the 1 billionth song was by Coldplay is kind of depressing.

Get an iPod without firing up a web browser

Posted on Feb. 23, ’06, 6:18 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | iPod

Apple has added the ability for users to buy iPods through the iTunes Music Store. I know sometimes, I’m sitting there, browsing and buying music, and I think, “I know what I forgot to do, buy an iPod.” Seriously, having to open up Safari is just way too much of a hassle. (End tongue in cheek.)

On a more serious note, this at the very least makes it easier for consumers to get an iPod. It may actually pick up a few incremental sales from less tech savvy users. At any rate, it looks like Apple is trying to make the iTMS your one stop shop for music. Now I’m just waiting for iPod accessories.

Getting your message out for free

Posted on Feb. 23, ’06, 6:08 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

Defaultware has decided to make its multiple IM service client, Proteus, free. This is a nice change of pace considering how many terrific freeware tools are going the paid route. I’d assume that the difference here is that the multiple IM client market is crowded on Macs.

Not only is the market crowded, it’s crowded with great, free products like my favorite Adium and the venerable Fire (truth be told, one of the reasons I originally checked out Mac OS X). I wanted to fire up Proteus to check how it is now (it’s been a while) but the website seems to be down currently. Does anyone using one of these clients have an opinion on the client in its current version?

[via MacMinute]

MacBook Pros Have Arrived!

Posted on Feb. 23, ’06, 10:38 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Hardware

We’ve got three MacBook Pros in-house, and our own Jason Snell has taken ‘em for a test drive:

I realize we’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: these Intel-based Macs are most definitely still Macs. For the past day, I’ve been using the MacBook Pro exactly as I was using my previous PowerBook, and have not noticed a single instance where there’s been something I’ve been unable to do because I’m running on an Intel processor. After the Migration Assistant did its thing, I was up and running with no major hitches. My windows are all right where I left them; my non-Universal-binary applications run without complaint…it’s like I didn’t switch systems at all.

Deciding against Apple

Posted on Feb. 22, ’06, 6:26 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Apple

Even my immediate reaction was one of shock when I read that Cameron Moll turned down a job at Apple. It’s unthinkable! Choosing not to work at the beloved company doesn’t even seem like an option. I’ll be the first to admit it, my mouth waters at the thought of a new Apple product.

However, reading the full entry made me realize that sometimes, the best thing may actually be to do just what he did. Maintaining a certain quality of life can be more important than an incredible job. I’d love for Apple to make me an offer, but being in that position scares me.

[via Daring Fireball]

The Mac tablet has arrived

Posted on Feb. 22, ’06, 6:21 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

Over on Cult of Mac, Leander has found a company that’s refitting 100 iBooks as Mac tablets, aptly named iTab. The devices feature not only a touch screen (which won’t work with Inkwell unfortunately) but utilize the built-in sensors to play games among other things. The lack of Inkwell wouldn’t be quite so bad except the keyboard gets removed.

Get your Paypal accounts ready because these devices are going to be put on eBay at a starting bid of $1500.

Your choices just slimmed a little more

Posted on Feb. 22, ’06, 5:32 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

Very, very quietly, Apple dropped the 15” Powerbook. That leaves the 12” and 17” your only Power PC pro laptop options. The iBook is still Power PC, but with the resolution of both 12” and 14” models, neither are really anything like the 15” Powerbook.

This change is a little perplexing. The larger and smaller ends of the Powerbook spectrum are Power PC and the middle (MacBook Pro) is Intel only. The lineup is starting to get a little checkered. Does anyone else think that maybe this suggests that the event on the 28th might have something to do with laptops?

Fortune: Apple is Most Admired Company for Innovation

Posted on Feb. 22, ’06, 12:34 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Business

Fortune Magazine has named Apple Computer as the most admired company for innovation, as voted by business leaders and analysts. No surprise there. :-)

Unboxing the MacBook Pro 2.0 GHz

Posted on Feb. 21, ’06, 8:17 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

Some of the first pictures of a MacBook Pro are surfacing. This first round (of pictures) aren’t as sharp as I’d like, but considering they were taken on a Treo, they’re not terrible.

The author of the entry also comments on the MacBook Pro itself. In particular, the MagSafe power adapter won’t get accidentally dislodged, the battery life comparable with current Powerbooks, and finally, the thing is too hot to use for any amount of time on your lap. I’ll be wearing my fire resistant pants if I ever get one.

[via Digg]

When safe isn’t safe

Posted on Feb. 21, ’06, 8:06 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Security

Despite getting several black eyes over the “Safe” file opening preference before (with Dashboard Widgets and protocol trickery), this option is still a mine field. This time, Safari will execute files contained within a Zip archive without properly checking if the contents are safe.

In fact, one can rename a shell script to a picture extension to wreak all kinds of havoc. Until Apple releases an official fix, you have three options. First, don’t use Safari (a fairly silly solution, reminiscent of cutting off one’s nose to spite their face), opting instead for Camino, Opera, or Firefox. Second, disable “Open ‘safe’ files after downloading” in Safari’s preference. Finally, use the updated Paranoid Android. Unsanity has been all over this kind of stuff, and even has an alternate piece of software to do the same thing.

At any rate, I’m not turning this preference back on for a long time, despite any assurances by Apple.

Update: Rosyna of Unsanity has further fleshed out his blog entry on the problem. The problem is rooted in what he calls strong bindings and the fact that an alternatively chosen opening application for a document is not checked when making the “safe”. Bad. The use of strong bindings can also be used to trick a user in environments outside Safari and Mail.app, but the exploit basically degenerates to making a file look like something other than it really is (like the Word 2004 trojan floating around on P2P networks). It’s slightly more sophisticated but it still requires social engineering to properly work.

Apple Special Event on February 28

Posted on Feb. 21, ’06, 10:23 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Apple » News

Apple just announced a special event on the Apple campus in Cupertino a week from today. We’ll have all the coverage, including special podcast immediately following the event. MacCentral has more.

Flickr fun

Posted on Feb. 20, ’06, 8:26 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

There’s all kinds of fun stuff that you can find by browsing the various Mac related tags on Flickr (Mac, Apple, etc.). That’s how I found this latest picture. Despite b-may’s best efforts, he couldn’t destroy his Powerbook.

As we all got into the car, I turned it on and felt the tiny ‘74 Volkswagen roll over something. And I remember thinking, “What idiot left something on the ground in a parking lot. Then I rolled over it with my other wheel.

As I pulled away I looked in my rear-view mirror and recognized my own bag. I was the idiot.

Ouch.

In the Palm of my hand

Posted on Feb. 20, ’06, 8:09 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

I decided recently that I’d been using my Sony Clie T415 for a bit too long. Sure, it’s probably still the slimmest Palm device ever made, but the dated monochrome screen and ancient OS (Palm OS 4.1) really told me that it was time to move on. The original version of Missing Sync 5 didn’t even handle the device (though their excellent engineering staff did change that after I whined).

I finally set my sights on the Palm TX. While I got basic functionality of Missing Sync with the Clie, I was not prepared for the data syncing I got with this newer device when I finally broke down and bought one. Missing Sync really shined. Beyond that, the device itself has a built in 802.11b card, web browser, and email client. If you think you don’t need these things in your PDA, you are sorely mistaken and will realize the error of your ways as soon as they hit your hand.

I feel like I’ve been missing out on a lot. Despite PalmSource abandoning the Mac platform, it feels like support has blossomed. Are there any essential applications that I should put on the new TX? Are there any favorite cases I should check out? As someone jumping headfirst back into Palm goodness, I’d love any tips that’ll improve the experience.

iPods win medals

Posted on Feb. 20, ’06, 8:07 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | iPod

It was inevitable. Eventually the iPod generation would reach center stage, sporting the much loved music device in some major accomplishment. I’m not talking about its use in Firewall; I’m talking about Hannah Teter winning gold listening to hers.

But the biggest winner of all may have been Apple, maker of the tiny iPod that soared to glory along with Teter. This Olympics, U.S. snowboarders have competed while listening to the personal music device, and skiers, speed skaters and other Olympians from all over the world have been observed listening raptly during practice and before competing.

All of which makes for great press.

Heck yeah it does. Free too. Now if only those fancy jackets didn’t cost so much.

[via Digg]

The First Paid-Podcast?

Posted on Feb. 20, ’06, 5:09 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Music » Podcasting

So it appears that the innocent days of free podcasting are over. Starting next week, The Ricky Gervais Show will be charging money for admission. They’ll now cost $7 for four episodes per month. For now, the Macworld Podcast (hosted by yours truly) remains free — and we’ll be having a new episode this Wednesday.

Feeding the troll

Posted on Feb. 18, ’06, 12:15 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Business

Cyrus already mentioned Dvorak’s latest crazy mumblings. The fact is that this latest dreck is classic trolling. He wrote this piece with a singular purpose: get people riled up. There’s nothing interesting or insightful about the piece. He uses the supposed email from a psychology professor (odd, considering trolling is a psychological phenomenon, a lame attempt at getting attention) as a mechanism to avoid the natural conclusion that he’s only doing this for more attention. But I digress.

The sad thing is, he’s accomplished his goal. Sure, everyone sees that he’s full of bs, but they’re giving him the attention he wanted. That’s not to detract from great rebuttals like the one on Mac DevCenter) and the very funny one on the Apple Blog. While we’re speaking of humor, Nitrozac and Shaggy always fail to disappoint. Ultimately though, the only way to really deal with Dvorak is to ignore him. This is only fueling him.

(And yes, I see the irony of writing this and giving him yet more attention.)

[photo courtesy Wikipedia]

Surfin’ Safari gets revamped

Posted on Feb. 17, ’06, 9:48 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Apple

Thanks to some talented web designers, Surfin’ Safari and the rest of the WebKit site got a redesign. The new design gives a much better face to a browser that presents most pages in a much prettier way than most browsers. It’s even got a green tint instead of blue.

A free VirtualPC

Posted on Feb. 17, ’06, 9:27 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

I’ve been getting along without a PC or even Virtual PC for a number of years now. I know I’m lucky that way, but not everyone is. The situation is worse for Intel Mac owners as Microsoft’s Virtual PC doesn’t work on them.

That’s why the Q project is so compelling. Not only is it free, but current unstable builds are Universal Binaries, letting users run Windows on the Macintels in some form. I personally don’t have a Windows license to try it out and check the speed. Anyone here used it?

Another reason Safari is relevant

Posted on Feb. 17, ’06, 8:43 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Hardware

Using an open source rendering engine in Safari was a brilliant move for Apple for several reason. First, they got an established starting base, avoiding initial design and development costs. Second, they could recruit out of the large (and free) engineering base that is the open source community.

Finally, other products can and do use the engine. One such device is the FOMA NM850iG. It uses WebCore for its web browser component. As the technology spreads, it becomes more necessary for companies to verify compatibility with it. That’s a win for all of us that use Safari.

Apple vs. Digg.com

Posted on Feb. 17, ’06, 11:49 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Apple » Humor

Apple likes to poke fun at the new tech news site, Digg. Does Apple pay you to look at Digg?

Linux beats Windows to the punch

Posted on Feb. 16, ’06, 10:14 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Geekery

Despite a large reward to get Windows XP on the Intel Macs, Linux has crossed the finish line first. This could be another sign that Windows on Macs may not be a reality for some time to come.

I think this really underlines how truly flexible Linux is and how Windows, despite its supposed compatibility advantage, is really quite inflexible and slow to adapt.

Call me sometime

Posted on Feb. 16, ’06, 9:13 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

With Cyrus picking up the two big stories today, I’m going to pick out something that’s a little less Mac centric and just plain useful. The Gizmo Project, a Skype competitor that boasts Google Talk compatibility, has just added another very cool feature. Teaming up with CallWave, you can now get a free phone number for your account.

This phone number is interesting for a couple reasons. First, it’s 100% free. Second, it gives you free voicemail that will email the sound files to you. Third, it acts primarily as a call screener, requiring you to press “1” to stop the voicemail logic. Fourth, you can forward calls to other phone numbers as well as transfer the phone calls. The last thing costs a little money. This sounds like a great service for podcasters and consumers at large.

Not the first malware

Posted on Feb. 16, ’06, 9:10 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Security

While the FUD machine churns about OSX/Oomp-A, there are a couple things I’d like to address before we all get ragingly out of control. I’m no self proclaimed security expert, but I think I can add some insight.

First, the nomenclature. Everyone has a different concept of how this piece of malware should be classified. Certainly, this is a trojan at least. It looks like one thing when in fact, it is another and does something bad. Ok. Is this a virus? If by virus, you mean it hacks at applications, making them into copies of the malware, sure. However, it renders the application in question completely impotent. It no longer runs. So really, the application isn’t so much “infected” as replaced. That leaves worm, which basically means the malware can propagate itself between hosts.

The argument for worm is weak at best. This malware uses iChat to try to initiate transfers of itself to people on the buddy list of the infected Mac. However, in order to be effective, the person on the other end must both accept the transfer and then run the contents of the transfer. That’s two layers of the user initiating the program, which then puts it back firmly into trojan behavior. It falls all the way back to social engineering and to be blunt, you can’t really save users from themselves when they’re determined to undermine their own machine.

Finally, some are calling this OS X’s first malware. It’s not. There has been a trojan floating around on peer to peer (P2P) networks that gives itself the icon for a Microsoft Word for Mac and is in reality a simple program that deletes your home directory. After that came SH.Renepo.B, aka Opener, which was basically a data collection script. Neither attempted to spread, but they were both most definitely malware. As such Leander Kahney is dead wrong.

The only thing that concerns me about this whole thing is the way in which the InputManager bundle API is being leveraged to do the malware’s dirty work without requiring a user’s interaction (as soon as that’s necessary, the problem is the thing touching the keyboard and mouse). What about you readers, is there a really big problem here or a hell of a lot of hype?

Oh, John.

Posted on Feb. 16, ’06, 11:24 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Business

Our buddies at TUAW have found that apparently PC Magazine columnist John C. “I hate everything” Dvorak is off his handle again.

Dvorak thinks Apple is going to trash Mac OS X for Windows in what could be “the most phenomenal turnabout in the history of desktop computing,” whatever that’s supposed to mean (search for the article at PC Magazine, if you really want to read it). Most of his ‘evidence’ is based on claims that no one’s switching over to the Mac, despite all of Apple’s buzz over the last couple years and the (disputed) “iPod halo effect.”

Reports emerge of Mac OS X trojan horse or worm

Posted on Feb. 16, ’06, 10:26 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Security

When I woke up this morning, it seemed that the impossible had happened. Since 2001, when OS X was first released, there have been zero reports of virii, worms, or other malware for the Mac. Early this morning, it was reported on the Ambrosia Software discussion boards of the first reports of a worm/trojan horse for OS X, disguised as a package of screenshots for OS X 10.5 Leopard.

Macworld.com News Editor Peter Cohen is on the case:

Reports indicate that someone has let loose a “trojan horse” or worm for Mac OS X users. The program is hidden within a package that purportedly contains screenshots of Apple’s as-yet unannounced next major revision to Mac OS X. Whether it’s a trojan horse or worm seems to vary depending on the source of the information.

When unpacked, the archive includes an application that resembles a JPEG file. When it’s clicked on, the file executes and attempts to propagate itself via the buddy list of Apple’s instant messaging software iChat.

Check in at Macworld’s News Page for further information later in the day as the story develops.

RIAA Says Ripping CDs to Your iPod is NOT Fair Use

Posted on Feb. 16, ’06, 10:20 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Legal

And from our San Francisco neighbors, the Electronic Frontier Foundation says that apparently the RIAA doesn’t think that ripping to an iPod is legal:

As part of the on-going DMCA rule-making proceedings, the RIAA and other copyright industry associations submitted a filing that included this gem as part of their argument that space-shifting and format-shifting do not count as noninfringing uses, even when you are talking about making copies of your own CDs:

CreamMonkey brings GreaseMonkey to Safari… sort of

Posted on Feb. 15, ’06, 7:37 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

CreamMonkey attempts to bring the user enforced Javascripting framework, GreaseMonkey, to Safari. However, due to deficiencies in Safari’s Javascript as compared to Firefox, not all scripts will work. It’s a good start and I hope this becomes less of an issue.

Those that are interested in the functionality and have PithHelmet can actually use that to accomplish the same thing, but the same deficiencies will be an issue there too.

[via Pimp My Safari]

And now it’s iTunes turn to update

Posted on Feb. 15, ’06, 7:30 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

After the release of Mac OS X 10.4.5 yesterday, you knew there would be an iTunes update soon to follow. And there was. What’s changed since 6.0.2? According to Apple:

iTunes 6.0.3 includes stability and performance improvements over iTunes 6.0.2.

For those not already in the know, that’s code for “we changed the DRM to break another crack”.

Oh, and the rest of iLife ‘06 got an update bump.

Apple Seeks (Poetic) Justice

Posted on Feb. 15, ’06, 7:22 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Apple

Yes, I stole this wholesale from the post itself, but I couldn’t get it any better. The guy who cracked Mac OS X for Intel discovered yet another little tidbit. By using the decryption discovered during cracking.

Your karma check for today:
There once was a user that whined
his existing OS was so blind,
he’d do better to pirate
an OS that ran great
but found his hardware declined.
Please don’t steal Mac OS!
Really, that’s way uncool.
(C) Apple Computer, Inc.

Now, I think that’s pretty funny. However, the clever(?) rebuttal poem, is not.

Rime of the Ancient Hacker
There once was a hacker named Maxxuss
who Steve did not think was a genius.
But Steve pondered awhile,
grabbed the phone with a smile,
and said “Bill, there’s a thing to discuss…”

Certainly, cracking Mac OS X so it can run any machine, showing that licensing it for generic PC hardware will cause rampant software piracy that won’t be offset by hardware sales is a brilliant way to convince Apple to completely change its business model. Right…

[via Digg]

Finally getting around to it

Posted on Feb. 15, ’06, 6:23 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

Despite Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) being introduced over 8 months ago and knowing then that TiVo Desktop for Mac was incompatible (albeit fixable), they just now fixed it (download). And while they were at it, they didn’t add Intel compatibility. After all, why do today, what you can put off for 8 months?

Also, there is still a complete lack of TiVoToGo. I want to like TiVo, but they’re not making it easy. EyeTV is just looking better and better. Makes me glad I got my USB version when I did.

Sprint sells 1 mil songs in four months. Apple sold that much in a week.

Posted on Feb. 15, ’06, 4:05 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Music

Forbes.com ace reporter (and one of my best friends), Rachel Rosmarin, has the story about how Sprint is touting their “success” of having sold one million songs in four months. Yawn.

In the race to become the top mobile digital music store, Sprint Nextel’s latest milestone is a poor marker of success.

The audience for cell-phone songs is considerably smaller than that for computers and media players like the iPod from Apple Computer (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ), but Sprint’s service allows songs to be downloaded straight to a PC, putting it in competition with iTunes.

[Hat tip: Peter Cohen]

Want to design the next iPod?

Posted on Feb. 15, ’06, 12:06 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | iPod

Think you know how to design the next iPod? Apple is hiring.

iPods and Warranties

Posted on Feb. 15, ’06, 11:55 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar

Category | Music

Since I began my stint as a Macworld assistant editor six months ago, I’ve become the “go-to” guy about all things Apple, Mac and iPod for my friends and family.

A friend of mine had some pressure damage to the screen of his 4G iPod, and was hoping to have it replaced under warranty:

It’s a malfunction caused by pressure applied to the front of the unit, but I have no idea when this happened - I seriously plugged it in one night, woke up, went for a walk and it looked like this when I pulled it out to listen to it. Regardless of my super-convincing alibi, the iPod Genius who assisted me insisted that it was “damage” and sent me and my damaged goods on my way. Since then, it’s refused to turn on at all, so I’m going to press my luck again on Thursday.

Anyone else been turned away by legitimate damage that should be covered?

Camino 1.0 is finally here

Posted on Feb. 14, ’06, 7:00 PM PT by Derik DeLong

Category | Software

After a very long development phase, Camino finally reached full, final 1.0 status. Camino, back in its Chimera days, was one of the few usable browsers in the beginning of Mac OS X, back when Internet Explorer was a real dog (even more so than the final version) and Mozilla still had far too many interface quirks. It was fast and sported an Aqua interface that users craved.

The good news is that it’s still fast, it still has a superb Aqua interface, and it’s probably the most stable browser I’ve ever had the pleasure of browsing with. Because it features the same Gecko rendering engine as Firefox, I use it as my backup browser for cases when Safari doesn’t work. It’s worth a download, especially now at this all important milestone.