Coke Goes Apple Flavored
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 10:01 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Apple » Advertising
No, it’s not what you probably think. Coke has not started adding artificial apple flavoring to its soda, yet. But they have apple-infused something else—their advertising—and not with a popular red fruit, but with the more technical form of Apple. That’s right, Coca-Cola is now making a case study of Apple’s print and outdoor advertising. Esther Lee, Coke’s chief creative officer, commented on the “clarity” of Apple’s silhouetted iPod ads. Something to look for in the coming weeks from Coke: “the image of the Coke bottle with the splash of color from the bottle spilling all over the facade of the building it is mounted on.” Meanwhile, I’m with these guys waiting to find some real Apple Flavored Coke.
[via ipodnn]
The Heroes and Villains of Apple Computer
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 5:07 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Apple » People
As with any company, Apple has it’s heroes and it’s villains, those who have done the company well and those who haven’t. Now at it’s 30 year mark, it’s the perfect time to see who those people are. Lucky for us, a Wired News Blog post has categorized 27 different suspects. The page is complete with descriptions, events, photos, and titles for every suspect. Be sure to check it out before Apple enters it’s 31st year!
Apple 30th Anniversary Fake Product Releases
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 2:11 PM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | Apple » Humor
Well, unfortunately it looks like Apple won’t be holding a 30th anniversary event. Too bad, but on the bright side, you can still pretend like there will be one. Mac Geekery has released a series of products that could have been released at an Apple birthday event. Some of the products seem logical (a Wireless Mighty Mouse), but others are just plain strange (iPod Hi-Fi socks?). But either way, it’s just nice to be able to sit back and imagine what if all of these new Apple products are real.
[via digg]
Apple’s Leak Cases on Appeal
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 1:05 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar
Category | Legal
Reports the Electronic Frontier Foundation:
On April 20, a California Court of Appeal will hear arguments in Apple v. Does, a case with broad implications for all journalists. EFF is fighting to ensure that bloggers and other online writers get the same rights as offline journalists and can protect the confidentiality of their sources.As you may recall, Apple is suing several unnamed individuals, called “Does,” who allegedly leaked information about an upcoming product code-named “Asteroid.” Apple has subpoenaed Nfox, the ISP for PowerPage publisher Jason O’Grady, demanding that the ISP turn over the communications and unpublished materials O’Grady obtained while he was gathering information for his articles about “Asteroid.” Apple has also been granted permission to issue subpoenas directly to EFF clients PowerPage and AppleInsider for similar information.
Wired’s Best of Apple
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 12:27 PM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | Apple
Wired News has just compiled a list of clips from Wired magazine articles on Apple. One of the best clips is from an interview with Woz describing his habit for collecting phone numbers:
“Among his other activities, Woz collects phone numbers, and his longtime goal has been to acquire a number with seven matching digits…. After more months of scheming and waiting, he had it: 888-8888. This was his new cell-phone number, and his greatest philonumerical triumph
[via digg]
More of Macworld’s 30th Anniversary Coverage
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 12:05 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar
Category | Music » Podcasting
I’m all over Macworld.com today. First, I assess Apple’s impact on the computer industry over the last 30 years. And what 30th anniversary coverage would be complete without a podcast? I’ve brought in the big guns this time — an interview with Owen Linzmayer, author of Apple Confidential 2.0: The Definitive History of the World’s Most Colorful Company, and a conversation between Macworld’s Editorial Director, Jason Snell, and Macworld’s President, Rick LePage.
Pop Quiz, Hotshot
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 8:08 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Geekery
Honestly, I hope that when I turn thirty I get as much recognition as Apple does. Otherwise it’s going to be a major letdown. Of course, I hope that by the time I’m thirty, I’ll have accomplished half as much as Apple has. In which case, I’d better hurry, cause I have about four years to go.
Crap.
Anyway, the celebrations continue today with two separate quizzes of your Apple knowledge, one from the BBC and one from the Sydney Morning Herald. Confident of my Apple trivia knowledge, I strode into the quizzes and proceeded to get utterly humiliated. Just goes to show you that pride does goeth before a fall…eth.
[via Infinite Loop]
Apple vs. Apple: Leaving It Up to Morons
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 7:28 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Legal
In London today, the heartwrenching custody battleridiculous legal wrangling continued over whether or not Apple Computer is infringing upon Apple Records trademark with the existence of the iTunes Music Store. Apple Computer attorney Anthony Grabiner colorfully suggested that “even a moron in a hurry could not be mistaken about” the distinction between Apple Records and Apple Computer.
Now I’m not a lawyer (I don’t even play one on TV), but it seems to me that he’s pulling out the time-honored “moron” clause a little early here. I mean, that’s the kind of quality legal defense that you really should save for your closing arguments, to drive the point home. Also, make sure you make eye contact with the judge while you’re delivering it. And toss in “am I right, your honor?”
That ought to make your case for you.
[via New York Times]
He’ll Do It, Too
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 5:58 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » Huh?
Ah, if only we had a category for “Non-Events.” So here’s the funny thing. Lots of people have assumed there’s going to be some sort of Apple special event to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary tomorrow. But what if it’s all a big April Fools? I mean, I don’t think Apple is necessarily trying to pull a fast one, but perhaps we’ve just entered some sort of mass shared hallucination.
Chris Stevens at CNet has it worse than most. He’s threatening to commit suicide (hopefully of the social variety) if Apple doesn’t hold some sort of media event tomorrow. Chris, man, take it easy. Just take it easy. There’s so much left to live for. I mean, someday Apple’s bound to come out with a touchscreen iP—okay, move over. There’s room on that ledge for two.
[via Slashdot; Picture from Joy of Tech]
Macs Go To Washington
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 5:00 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar
Category | Hardware
Alright, so it’s been well-documented that iPods are getting over to Washington, D.C. Laura Bush has one, Dick Cheney has one, and yes, our beloved president, George W. Bush, has one. Oh, and Sen Ted. Stevens (R-AK). (And the campaign to buy iPods for senators continues, with the current tally at 12.)
But what about Macs?
Pete Stark (D-CA), representing California’s 13th Congressional District in the Bay Area, is apparently an old acquaintance of Steve Jobs. He even bought nearly $2,000 worth of Apple gear in 2002.
Cliff Stearns (R-FL), representing Florida’s 6th Congressional District, is apparently the only other member of Congress to use Macs in their congressional offices.
I’ll check in with them later today to find out exactly what kind of Macs they are.
Update (1:20 pm PT) : This just in from Pete Stark’s office.
Krista Venecia, a congressional fellow, told me: “Most of them are G5s.”
I’m still waiting for Stearns office.
[Hat tip: Jason Snell, via The Technology Chronicles]
Old Apple Ads on Wired News
Posted on Mar. 31, ’06, 4:55 AM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | Apple » Advertising
It seems like Wired News is really excited about Apple’s 30th anniversary (hey, I don’t blame them). Only a few days after they unveiled the Apple OS Gallery, Wired News has put up a page online that shows old Apple ads. Cool! Like the OS Gallery, the ads run from the beginning of Apple’s history with an ad for the Apple I, to the dawn of the new millennium with an ad for the G4 Cube. One of the most interesting ads — Bill Gates with Steve Jobs on a Mac advertisement. Now that’s just weird.
Aperture Universal Binary delayed
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 9:10 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Software
Buried in its announcement that it is shipping Final Cut Studio 5.1 as a Universal Binary for Intel-based Macs, Apple also announced that its Universal Binary version of Aperture, v1.1, has been moved back to April. The company originally announced a March release.
Again, I’m not saying Apple isn’t putting in the effort to make this transition as painless as possible. I’m saying they vastly downplayed the real difficulties associated with this kind of architecture change. Apple can’t keep slipping with its own projected completion deadlines or else it’s just going to encourage Microsoft and Adobe to let theirs slip as well.
Daylight Savings Time wackiness
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 7:37 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Software
Remember boys and girls, “spring forward, fall back”. Naturally, your Mac should take care of this transparently without any intervention on your part. However, if you live in Indiana, things are slightly more complicated. It makes my head hurt.
Apple tries to fix that situation as well, but as SchwarzTech points out, you may need choose an alternate city if you use an older OS version.
We have been told that Apple, as of Mac OS X 10.4.5, has changed the settings so that your computer automatically adjusts if your city is “Indianapolis”. People with computers running anything older should just pick will just have to pick another city, such as Columbus, Philadelphia, or New York.
Even the refurbs have gone Intel
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 7:18 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Hardware
As of publication, a 20” version is available for a mere $1449. Now you know what to blow your tax refund money on.
A History of Apple Operating Systems
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 4:05 PM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | Software
Today, when most people think of an Apple OS, they think Mac OS X, with its easy-to-use GUI, cool features like Exposé and Dashboard, and a fast, stable UNIX-based core. But OS X is only Apple’s latest operating system. Have you ever wanted to check out any previous Apple operating system? Well, now you can thanks to the Wired News Apple OS Gallery. This awesome gallery features all of Apple’s operating systems, going as far back as to DOS 3.3, which was in the Apple II, and all the way up to OS X 10.0. Here’s to thirty years, and hopefully thirty more, of “insanely great” Apple operating systems.
[Hat tip: WCityMike]
Griffin Unveils iTalkPro for 5G iPod
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 2:00 PM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | iPod
When the 5G iPod was released, it was applauded for its great new size and features. But the new iPod did have a major downside — it lacked a remote control port. This meant that a lot of iPod accessories, including Apple’s own wired remote control, would not work with the 5G iPod. All iPod voice recorders have used the remote jack, until now. On Wednesday, Griffin Technology announced that it will soon start selling the iTalkPro, the 5G iPod-compatible version of their popular iTalk accessory. According to iLounge, the iTalkPro will be able to record WAV audio directly to the iPod’s hard drive, and will be able to continuously record for 3.5 hours on a fully charged 60GB iPod, or 1.5 hours on a 30GB one.
[via iLounge]
Little Known Secrets of the Apple Site
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 1:23 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Apple » News
Sometimes do you like to get your info straight from the source? You know, skip the middleman? Well, actually, Apple makes that possible, at least for official Apple-related news (that’s really all that matters anyways, right?).
I happened to stumble upon the Apple Press Info site, which contains links to all of the official press releases from Apple, as well as several other little goodies. Some of these goodies include things like (very) high-resolution images of all products, a list of upcoming Apple events, and bios/pictures of Apple’s important people.
Come Celebrate Apple’s 30th with Macworld!
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 11:37 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar
Category | Apple
Macworld’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of Apple continues today. We’re featuring a 30-year timeline, which includes such gems as the first issue of Macworld 20th Anniversary Macintosh, the debut of such mid-90s gems like former Apple CEO Gil Amelio and eWorld. Also don’t miss Owen Linzmayer’s 30 pivotal moments in Apple’s history!
I am Spartacus.
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 10:48 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar
Category | Geekery
So how will you celebrate Apple’s 30th anniversary? Perhaps by buying a 10-year-old Mac on eBay? That’s right, the famed 20th Anniversary Macintosh (code-named “Spartacus”), released in 1997 for the low low price of $7500 (that’s $8800 in 2004 dollars), can now be had for an opening bid of $500 (in today’s dollars). This screamer features a blazing 500 MHz G3 chip, and even an extra external SCSI CD-RW drive! Of course, if you’re including shipping to that opening bid, you could almost buy a new Intel Mac Mini. But where’s the fun in that?
The First Thing We Do, Let’s Kill All the Lawyers
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 6:06 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Legal
Nobody sums it up like my man Billy Shakes. With the release of the iPod volume limiting update yesterday, Playlist is reporting that the lawyers involved in the class action lawsuit about iPod-caused hearing loss are smelling blood in the water, claiming that release of the update “acknowledges a product flaw.” Furthermore, given that the update only applies to the fifth generation and nano versions of the iPod, one lawyer called it “a jack-legged workaround,” prompting the rest of the lawyers to vote that lawyer off of the island.
The lawyers went on to explain that “since 2002, Apple has been required by French law to limit the audio output of iPods sold in that country to 100 decibels.” Okay, you know what France? We’ve had just about enough out of you. The anti-DRM thing, okay, that I can get behind. But saving people’s hearing? Shame on you. How dare you put consumers’ best interests at heart. I’m not sure I can tolerate such patently un-American behavior.
[image from estadao.com.br]
Is Loyalty the Best Policy?
Posted on Mar. 30, ’06, 5:43 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Business
Sure, we know Apple users are loyal. But what does that mean for the company’s brand overall? Does it attract people from outside the herd? Or do they merely dismiss us as crazed zealots?
I’m sure the answers to this question are somewhere within this latest study from Forrester Research, but I can’t find the full piece, so I’m left with Joystiq’s breakdown, which focuses on the big three in gaming: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. According to the graph though (give it a click for a bigger version), Apple’s place is an interesting one; only Bose has a higher ranking in “Brand trust among regular users.” However, Forrester seems to suggest that both Dell and Intel outweigh Cupertino in “brand potential,” a claim of which I find myself skeptical.
The page on Forrester’s website seems to suggest “the past two years saw most device manufacturers’ brand trust fall; only Apple and TiVo saw their brand trust rise.” (It also suggests that, at $775 for a copy of the thirteen page report, research is a gig I need to get into). Meanwhile, Microsoft gets the worst ranking in both categories, so the survey can’t be completely bunk, right?
[via Joystiq]
“New software is available for your computer.”
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 11:45 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | iPod
Sound familiar? That was the message I was greeted by tonight when I got home to my desktop computer. Like always, I was immediately excited by this fact (what a geek) and quickly looked down the list of check boxes to see what needed to be downloaded and updated. It was a new iPod Updater! Version 1.1.1 of iPod Software is now available for the iPod and the iPod nano. The two major features of this update are the volume limiter, which Dan already posted about, and some generic ‘bug fixes.’ I’m so glad that the hotly anticipated Volume Limiter has finally been released for the iPod!! I thought it would never come! [/sarcasm]
Apple Execs Sell off Some Goods
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 11:29 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Money
It’s tax season, and the people in charge at Apple are certainly aware of this fact. As their six and seven figure salaries are taxed by, well, taxes, they are subsidizing their tax dues by selling stock. Eight key players in Apple, including Tim Cook, COO; Peter Oppenheimer, CFO; Phil Schiller, VP Worldwide Product Marketing; and none other than his Steveness himself, have sold off a total of over 5.2 million shares netting roughly 300 million before taxes. It should be said, however, as Aaron mentioned before, that 4.5 million of those shares sold were Steve’s alone. Don’t you just feel so bad for all these Apple executives who are forced to sell their shares when the stock is at a 3 month low?
[via Think Secret]
EyeTV 250 coming soon
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 9:10 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Video
As a stop gap measure to fill in the need for DVR functionality in Macs until the iTMS can be considered an adequate solution, El Gato’s EyeTV does quite nicely. Apple has outed a new version of the product, the EyeTV 250.
The new version is USB 2.0 and shares the same form factor as their EyeTV EZ capture device. However, unlike the EZ, it includes hardware encoding. In fact, it looks to be a replacement for the EyeTV 250, with a lower price point of $200. I’m still torn as to whether I’d get this or the Plextor ConvertX.
New Mac Skype blog
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 8:27 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Software
A blog is a conversation, so we are looking forward to your comments, and we will try to keep the site updated. Since we are responsible for the actual product for Skype for Mac as well, it might take sometime for us to answer… We will do our best.
This is me btw, seen through the lens of Photo Booth. I’m the product manager for Mac.
They also reaffirm their commitment to adding video to Skype for Mac’s feature list.
The Man with the Golden Tongue
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 7:49 PM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » People
Say what you will about Apple’s reality distorting CEO, but the man is smooth. He could sell shoes to a snake. Annually. So it’s no surprise that Owen Linzmayer at Wired News has compiled an article full of some of Steve’s most memorable sayings. They run the gamut from the irreverent:
“The subscription model of buying music is bankrupt. I think you could make available the Second Coming in a subscription model and it might not be successful.”to the prescient:
— Rolling Stone, Dec. 3, 2003
“Why would I ever want to run Disney? Wouldn’t it make more sense just to sell them Pixar and retire?”Sadly absent is my favorite Stevie J. quote, from this past year’s Macworld Expo keynote. Demonstrating the latest version of iPhoto, our fearless CEO confidently asserted that the program “scrolls like butter.”
— Fortune, Feb. 23, 2004
Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to OS X 10.5 (codenamed Leopard), which will reputedly “spread like cream cheese.”
[via Infinite Loop]
Silent birth in your pocket
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 7:20 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | iPod
Imagine this scenario. You’re Tom Cruise. You’re having a baby with Katie Holmes. You’re both scientologists. Because of this belief, Katie can’t take any drugs when she gives birth. Also, she can’t make a sound because it will damage the baby psychologically (or so your beliefs say). I know it’s all very outlandish and unbelievable, but stick with it.
What do you do to make it easier for the woman you love (I know, I know, Tom Cruise loving a woman, stick with it) to get through this ordeal? An iPod of soothing music of course. Naturally that’s enough to ease the pain of childbirth. Right.
Final Countdown
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 5:27 PM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Software
While Photoshop and Office may still not be Intel-compatible, the transition is well underway for other critical Mac apps. Apple promised to deliver Universal Binaries of its own professional level applications in March, and they’re as good as their shiny words. Final Cut Studio has gone Universal (or UB, as we like to call it in the biz) and is now available from the Apple store for the low low price of my-god-I-sold-a-kidney-and-I’m-still-three-hundred-short. The company announced in February that they would no longer break Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack, Motion and DVD Studio Pro into separate apps, instead only making them available as the single Final Cut Studio. An upgrade from Final Cut 1, 2, or 3 is also available, as is a “crossgrade” promotion from the PowerPC version of Final Cut Studio.
[via Digg]
Touchscreen-enabled Intel iMacs
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 1:38 PM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | Hardware
Remember the February Apple press event? Remember the disappointment that followed it due to the lack of certain new products being released, such as a touchscreen Intel iBook? You probably do, as do most Mac fans who were very much looking forward to a touchscreen iBook announcement. Well, now there’s reason to be happy. Troll Touch, a company that adds touchscreens to computer monitors and laptops, is now selling 17” and 20” Intel iMacs with built-in touchscreens. This is pretty cool, being that it’s the first touchscreen-enabled Intel Mac that I’ve heard of. Troll Touch also adds touchscreens to iMac G4s, eMacs, and 30” Cinema Displays. With Intel iMacs now having touchscreens, we’ve gotten one step closer to a touchscreen Intel iBook.
[via MacNN]
Update: Apple vs. Apple
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 12:36 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Legal
A few days ago Cyrus reported on the case of Apple Corps vs. Apple Computer, where the former was alleged to be suing the latter over music distribution via the iTunes Music Store. However, new information from the case has risen directly from the mouth of Apple Corps’s (the Beatles’) lawyer, Geoffrey Vos. He has claimed the following in his opening argument:
Apple Computer can go into the recorded music business in any way they want. What they cannot do is use Apple [trade]marks to do it.The case no longer seems to be about music distribution, as was thought before. Instead, Apple Corps is suing over the use of their apple logo, which they claim Apple Computer has used in violation of past agreements. As a demonstration of this violation, Vos showed an iTunes ad featuring the well-known, black and white, bitten Apple logo. The case will continue to unfold in London in the coming weeks.
Ballmer Household is iPod, Google, and Love Free
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 9:31 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » Rivals
Look, we already knew Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was crazy. So let’s not pretend his latest revelations are exactly shocking. According to an interview with CNNMoney, Stevie B. has said that his kids neither use Google nor have iPods.
These are the kids of the CEO of the richest software company in the world. You’re telling me that they’re not hanging out with the rest of their buddies behind the Apple Store after school? One can only imagine the scene that ensues when Mrs. Ballmer catches sight of a telltale pair of white earbuds in her teenage son’s backpack and tearfully presents them to her husband. “It’s Steve Jr…he’s been shuffling.” Let’s not even get started on the illict Google bookmarks on his daughter’s Dell laptop.
Remember, dear readers, branding starts at home. And nothing says “loving” like enforced behavior and social isolation. No, wait, sorry, nothing says petty like enforced behavior and social isolation.
[via MacDailyNews]
Apple Warms BAPCo’s Benches
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 8:42 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » News
If you’ve ever engaged in the old Mac vs. PC battle (and, let’s face it, you’re reading MacUser, so it’s not exactly a shot in the dark), then the subject of benchmarks has probably reared its slimy, multi-eyed, gruesome metaphorical head. Traditionally it involves the party of the first part quoting a benchmark statistic that “proves” their platform’s superiority, the party of the second part dismissing the accuracy of benchmarks between platforms, and the parties of the third through ninth parts rolling their eyes and leaving the room.
Which makes it interesting that Apple has joined the BAPCo consortium, a group of tech industry heavyweights (splendiferously represented above right) dedicated to standardizing Windows-based benchmarks. Huh. There are certainly questions about what Apple’s involvement entails, but I think it’s safe to say that benchmarks will be an integral part. But some issues are yet to be answered: could it mean that benchmarks might actually become meaningful in the endless Mac vs. PC debates and? Does Apple have their eye on running Windows applications natively? And most importantly, will my friends finally let me hang out with them again?
[via Slashdot]
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
Posted on Mar. 29, ’06, 7:43 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | iPod
In recent months, there’s been a lot of talk about whether or not listening to music on your iPod can cause or contribute to hearing loss. It seems like kind of a silly discussion to me: of course it can contribute to hearing loss. So, for that matter, can standing next to a jet during takeoff, which is why we don’t do that. Hopefully most people are smart enough not to crank the volume on their iPod/CD player/Walkman to the max, but I guess you never know.
For those who’d like to keep their hearing, but can’t really see getting rid of their iPod, Playlist is reporting this morning that Apple has issued an update for the music player, enabling users to set their own “maximum volume.” It’s a thoughtful addition (as long as you ignore the sneaky hand of Apple Legal in the background), but it still requires an effort on users’ parts. Parents can lock their children’s maximum volume with a combination code, though this does require parents understand how to work their children’s electronics.
As for those of you still going out and standing on the airport runway, we have no fix for you yet.
Getting rescued
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 9:37 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Hardware
In what’s turning out to be a bad year for my Macs (I’m in the middle of getting a Radeon video card serviced), my Powerbook G4 12” has decided that my LCD just isn’t good enough anymore. A few months back, I woke the Powerbook only to see the screen blink off seconds later. The brightness controls had no effect. When connected to an external display, the external worked, but System Profiler told me the built-in LCD was no where to be found.
I didn’t get AppleCare and was well beyond the first year warranty, but I decided to hit the genius bar at a nearby Apple Store to see what they could do. After re-seating the Airport card, resetting the power manager, and then starting into Open Firmware, the display revived itself. It was a little embarrassing, but I was happy to have a working laptop again.
Since then, the issue has resurfaced several times. After much fiddling (aforementioned troubleshooting steps plus PRAM reset), I managed to revive the display. A couple days ago, when it happened again, no amount of fiddling could bring it back. I decided to try out MacResQ’s PowerBookResQ service ($49 to send in the Powerbook as well as get a diagnosis). I’ll be reporting back how they handle the problem. Have any of you experienced something similar or used this service?
Hex Fiend debuts
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 9:22 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Geekery
Ridiculous Fish, a particularly geeky, technical blog, has released a brand new hex editor, Hex Fiend. It’s cool to see an Apple developer’s thought process written out. It’s doubly cool when they release free useful applications.
A hex editor allows one to edit binary files in an alternate representation. Some may remember some similar functionality in a little program called ResEdit. I recommend against playing with this powerful tool unless you know what you’re doing, or else you may kill your favorite executable.
Making a point sans maturity
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 9:06 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Security
I like to read DrunkenBlog. Notice I didn’t link it. That’s because in a particularly childish stunt, DrunkenBatman embedded an image into the page that will crash any WebKit browser, or any of a class of applications that use ImageIO (the Finder and Preview are included). Please note that my warning before linking his blog is more warning than he is giving his readers in his latest post.
This is similar to the earlier crashing image he discovered, that he deemed the Safari Image of Doom™. In that case, he had the good sense to simply link to the crashing image file rather than embed it. It became a bugaboo for him, threatening to embed the image, but realizing, again, that it wasn’t the best idea.
If it’s not in 10.4.3 or something else soon, then I’ll start tagging it onto posts, but will be sure to give a warning first and links to alternative browsers while apologizing to those viewing the full feed via a webkit-based RSS reader — it’s just a little early for that.
Well, apparently that logic no longer holds and he hastily put it into a post. To make matters worse, the target audience (Safari users) is unlikely to ever get to read about the problem itself. That’s irony at its finest.
This whole episode is childish and the entirely wrong way to go about this. There are plenty of things that can crash any web browser (I crash Firefox on a daily basis), but finding one reduced case doesn’t give you free license to unleash that ill will on your audience. Poor form.
The Old Apple Web Server Directory
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 4:55 PM PT by Cyrus Farivar
Category | Geekery
Today I stumbled across The Old Apple Web Server Directory. Firstly, great job to the guy who created it, for preserving the old Mac interface on the webpage. Nice touch.
But seriously though, who is running a web server off of a Lisa? I figured that people were running servers on old PPCs, and I even knew about the Newton server. But a Lisa? That’s way old school. Who knew that those things could even run Mac OS 7.5.5 !
Advanced Digital Imaging for Beginners
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 3:29 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Software
The recently released Photoshop Elements 4.0 seems to be Adobe’s most substantial update to the software since it was released in 2001. The highly acclaimed Macworld “mouse rating” increased from 4 mice in version three to 4.5 mice in version four—a good sign for all cat…err Mac…users. Some of the coolest new/improved features I noted in the Macworld review include the addition of Adobe Bridge and a Magic Selection Brush in combination with the Magic Extractor allows for easy selection/removal of objects. The software is geared towards the newcomer with “descriptive icons sprinkled throughout the menu system.” Yet at the same time the article points out that Elements 4.0 puts many users need for Photoshop CS2 into question. Plus, at a price of only $60 to upgrade or $80 to buy the full version, this is an offer you can’t refuse (as long as you don’t need Universal software)!
The Best Display Just Got Bester
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 12:33 PM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Hardware
Aaron mentioned CNet’s display shootout between Apple and Dell’s 30” monitors last week. While Apple took the crown in the end, their monitor did lag behind Dell’s in a couple of spaces: namely contrast ratio and brightness.
But Apple ain’t about to settle for second best, especially to nemesis Dell. In a move almost certainly planned well before the comparision the Cuperinto boys have very quietly bumped up the specs on the 30” Apple Cinema Display to match Dell’s monitor, increasing the brightness to 400 cd/m2, and the contrast ratio to 700:1. If this means nothing to you, don’t sweat it—I just got it from Apple’s website, so it’s not as if I’m some sort of expert displayologist who just has this sort of info at his fingertips. Sorry to shatter the illusion.
Now, if only they’d knock the $400 off the pricetag that Dell still has on ‘em, we can chat.
[via Infinite Loop]
Consumers Prefer Radio to iPod, Says Radio Marketing Group
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 10:20 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | iPod
It was British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli—not, as most people think, American humorist Mark Twain—who declared there were thee types of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics. It was someone decidedly less famous who said 43% of statistics are made up on the spot.
So it should come as no surprise that a survey conducted by a radio marketing group would conclude that more consumers would prefer a new HD radio to a new iPod, assuming they were the same price. In retaliation, The Consumerist has responded by posting their own deliberately misleading survey (at the bottom of the link above).
I might argue that the radio is simpler than the iPod, and that there is certainly a substantial population who prefers it. I bought my dad an XM radio for Christmas last year because he’s really enjoyed the one in his car, but he’s happy listening to classical, jazz, NPR, and Red Sox games and he doesn’t really need to take his music everywhere. Then again, I don’t necessarily see the radio and iPod as competitors; it’s like comparing chocolate and steak. They’re both delicious, but they each have a place in your diet. Mmmm, chocolate steak…
[via The Consumerist]
Avie: Adieu to Apple
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 7:38 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » People
One thing’s for sure: with the departure of Avie Tevanian, the names of Apple’s top brass will certainly be a lot less interesting.
Tevanian, Apple’s Chief Software Technology Officer, came to the company from NeXT in 1997, at the side of the victoriously returning Steve Jobs. He was one of the key architects of OS X, and continues to be critical in its development today and, um, until the end of the week. As of March 31st, Tevanian is leaving Apple to “pursue other interests.”
Time to start the pool on Apple’s new Chief Software Technology Officer. Any takers on Bud Tribble at 2 to 1?
[via The Mac Observer]
New Videos and Changes in iTunes
Posted on Mar. 28, ’06, 4:32 AM PT by Aaron Freedman
Category | Video
If you’re a fan of Comedy Central, you’ll be happy to know that The Showbiz Show with David Spade is now on iTunes. Also, Disney fans can rejoice with arrival of the new Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana, which has one episode and one music video. Also, there’s a new episode of That’s So Raven on iTunes. And, there’s even more new changes with a free episode of Sci Fi’s Ghost Hunters, video highlights from Olympus Fashion Week, and the new season pass feature now available on Lost and Desperate Housewives. Wow, Apple must have been busy the past few days.
[via TUAW]
Act like a corporation
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 7:30 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Software
Over on Digg, someone has dug up the link to Adobe Reader Enterprise Edition. There’s a couple advantages to this version. There’s no bundled software and no downloading installer.
Downloading installers are so mid 1990s. You know, back when you were trying to download the monstrously big Netscape Gold 3.0 on a 14.4 modem. In this day of broadband, do these installers have any place? At any rate, here’s the link to avoid the hassle.
Ballmer to Linux: Fear me
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 7:14 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Apple » Rivals
Everybody’s favorite sweaty Microsoft executive, Steve Ballmer has stated that lawsuits are an avenue they’re willing to explore to deal with Linux. If there are intellectual property lawsuits to initiate, they will be.
Fans of the popular Linux software program have long fretted that software giant Microsoft will attack Linux by claiming the free program violates Microsoft’s patents.
So far nothing has happened. But in an interview with Forbes.com, Microsoft (nasdaq: MSFT - news - people ) Chief Executive Steve Ballmer wouldn’t rule out such a showdown.
Scary. I’m sure they’re quaking in their open source boots.
[via Slashdot]
Executing the OS
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 7:04 PM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | Geekery
Ever wonder how, in excruciating detail, Mac OS X runs its programs? If so, 0xFE has you covered. It’s a nice overview from the perspective of a longtime Unix user.
Being a long-time UNIX user, I generally have a common set of tools that I work with while trying to troubleshoot system problems. More recently, I have been developing software that adds Apple’s OS X to the list of supported operating systems; and unlike traditional UNIX variants, OS X does not support many of the tools that relate to loading, linking and executing programs.
What Happened to the Power Mac G5?
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 4:21 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Hardware
With all this talk about Macs running XP, a new media Mac Mini, the Intel-laden MacBook Pro, video iPods, Apple turning 30, and so much more, it seems someone has been forgotten—the trusty Power Mac G5. If you remember correctly, Apple added dual-core G5 processors into the Power Macs, and two of them into the Quad, giving that machine a total of four cores. Sadly, the Power Mac G5 has probably seen the last of its exciting days. While it is still a great computer (as this Macworld review confirms) and professionals will continue to buy them for their professional processing needs, the Power Mac G5 will be in the back of everyone’s mind. Hopefully the end of 2006 will bring an Intel upgrade and a smaller form-factor for the Power Mac.
I’ll Take “Bummed Out” For $1000, Alex
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 2:24 PM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Internet
Macworld editor Philip Michaels laments the fact that the producers of Jeopardy! have demoted Macs to second-class citizens in the online test for new game-show candidates. Jeopardy! is perhaps more “with it” than MTV (though, let’s face it, so is paragon of unhipness Al Gore); instead of flat out denying Mac users the attempt to compete for the pleasure of staring a stage with Alex Trebek, the new online test’s FAQ merely states “[a]lthough we do not encourage you to take the test on a Mac, the test is compatible with the Mac OX operating system.”
Like Monsieur Michaels, I’ve been honing my knowledge of the patently useless for years now. Perhaps he and I shall meet in a climatic deathmatch, the likes of which has only been accurately portrayed by the great cinematic classic of our time.
Oh, I’ll play your game, you rogue.
People Who Design Glass Staircases…
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 12:25 PM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Apple » Huh?
Late last week, when I mentioned the question of Steve Jobs’s successor, I hadn’t even stopped to consider Steve’s involvement in critical issues such as glass staircase design for Apple Stores. Anybody see Phil Schiller or Tim Cook taking an interest in this sort of thing? Cook probably would have suggested an escalator (glass optional), while Phil in all likelihood would have pushed for some sort of rope ladder (he’s playful). Meantime, my money’s still on Jonathan Ive, who I can only assume would have arranged for each and every customer to be gently lifted from floor to floor by a cadre of sparkling fairy-elves.
Anyway, all Steve’s really trying to say is: eat your heart out, I.M. Pei.
[via Digg]
Apple’s History
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 12:25 PM PT by Scott Silverman
Category | Apple
As you’re well aware, Apple’s 30th birthday is this coming Saturday. These 30 long years certainly have marked some dark days, as well as some triumphant ones. For a brief look at what has passed since that foolish day in April, 1976, take a look at the Milestones in Apple’s History. It’s definitely worth the three or four minutes it will take you to read.
Apple Rotten in the State of Denmark?
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 12:00 PM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Legal
The country that brought us Niels Bohr, offensive cartoons, and, uh, the cheese danish, has stepped to the plate once more. Two major corporations in Denmark, Maersk and TDC, have spoken out in favor of the country following in the footsteps of France’s proposed anti-DRM law. But look, behind the tapestry! It turns out that the Polonius hiding there is that both companies have—gasp!—online music ventures.
While some might see this as a mere attempt to steal a piece of Apple’s oh-so-tasty digital pie, I think there’s merit to the argument of DRM interoperability. As much as we might like Apple, take a moment to look at it from the other perspective: what if it were Microsoft controlling 80% of the music download market? Would you be as happy then? Perhaps the fault, if you’ll permit me to inject a bit of Caesar, lies not in our stars, but in ourselves.
[via Ars Technica]
How-To: Run a Mac-Formatted Drive on Windows
Posted on Mar. 27, ’06, 11:30 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar
Category | Windows
Our friends at TUAW mentioned MacDrive in a post from yesterday. However, they said they hadn’t tested it. It just so happens that I ran into this problem on Saturday. I was taking an external hard drive over to my friends’ apartment on Saturday night to settle in for the night to watch some episodes of Star Trek: Voyager that I have in DivX format. Problem was, he had a PC. After a few minutes, we installed the free trial, and it worked completely seamlessly and we were in geek heaven. It works seamlessly and beautifully.
As a side note, Mediafour claims on its website that in June 2000, Macworld gave MacDrive a four-and-a-half mouse rating, saying “We give the nod to MacDrive.” While the Macworld archives don’t turn up anything from 2000, nor that exact quote, they do turn up a four-a-and-a-half mouse rating for this article from October 1999.