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Google plans desktop search tool for Macs:
Google plans to release a version of Google Desktop for Macs, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said on Friday...

@MacMinute

This is a perfect app to use until Tiger with Spotlight is released.

UPDATE: Apparently, Google CEO Eric Schmidt was miquoted. He said that Google could create Google Desktop for OS X but from the ground up because of OS architecture differences. They intend to do it but as of now there's no working on it.

So I believe, Tiger's Spotlight is on a spotlight of its own by next year.

Posted by Joel at 07:46 AM | Permalink

I've been experiencing this in two browsers: Firefox and Safari --- clicking on a link (or a bookmark item) would show a "<URL> could not be found" error. However, trying the link again opens up the page without problems.

This does not always happen but it's quite annoying. Has anyone experienced this and has found a solution?

It happens randomly with whatever internet connection, after sleeping or fully awake and connected. My hunch is a mouse pointer focusing bug.

UPDATE: MacFixIt has just reported on the problem. They're not sure yet but it seems to be a DNS-related issue tied with Security Update 2004-09-30.

Posted by Joel at 07:28 PM | Permalink

Google plans desktop search tool for Macs:
Google plans to release a version of Google Desktop for Macs, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said on Friday...

@MacMinute

This is a perfect app to use until Tiger with Spotlight is released.

Posted by Joel at 11:17 AM | Permalink

1001 is a desktop client to be used in conjunction with Flickr, the online photo-sharing website. 1001 not only uploads photos to your Flickr account, it notifies you anytime new photos from either your contacts, everyone, or your favorite tags are uploaded. 1001 allows you to step into the stream of photos passing through Flickr and to quickly see what's new at the moment. Just run the app in the background and if triggered, 1001 pops up a small unobtrusive window to notify you of new photos.

@kung-foo.tv

I still haven't played around with Flickr opting for two other galleries: .mac and coppermine. 1001 looks like a nice app. It's by the people who created ecto so that in itself is a good reason to try 1001.

Posted by Joel at 06:55 AM | Permalink

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—Apple Computer Inc. on Tuesday offered a crowd of developers, consultants and IT managers here a preview of Mac OS 10.4, the next version of the company's Macintosh operating system, code-named Tiger. The software is due in spring 2005, Apple managers said.

from eWeek via Anandtech.

I like seeing the screenshots for Automator, Dashboard, Spotlight and Safari RSS. Of note is Safari's private browsing and RSS features. Add date sort for all articles, plus NePHP support and I'll make Safari my ONLY browser.

I was hoping for a January release as I will be at the Macworld Conference by then... but whenever the release date would be, I would surely upgrade to Tiger.

Posted by Joel at 10:29 PM | Permalink

VersionTracker has announced the availability of Firefox 1.0rc1. It's available either at VersionTracker or in the Firefox FTP site. Also, here's the rough changelog.

Firefox is still my browser of choice. I've been regularly trying nightly builds (both official and powerbook's) just to see what's new or broken. So far, the experience has been great.

Just a note. This is a release candidate. There are bugs that still need to be reported. If you don't want to have anything to do with bug reporting or product testing then go with v1.0. It's still a good version.

Posted by Joel at 05:32 PM | Permalink

Three updates are already available: iTunes 4.7, QuickTime 6.5.2, and Apple Remote Desktop Admin 2.1.

Here are the details:

iTunes 4.7 includes support for copying photos to an iPod photo, the ability to show duplicate songs in your library, and other performance improvements.

QuickTime 6.5.2 is an important release which includes a security update and bug fixes. In addition, this release, includes enhancements in the Apple Lossless Encoder and AAC codecs, as well as improved support for iTunes and other QuickTime-based applications.

The Apple Remote Desktop Admin version 2.1 Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for Apple Remote Desktop 2 and is recommended for all users of Apple Remote Desktop.

Key enhancements include:

• Support for full screen mode when controlling and observing remote computers
• Support for controlling and observing remote computers with multiple monitors
• Support for mouse scroll wheel and right-click when controlling remote computers
• Support for computer restart for packages that require a restart
• Improved reporting of output for the Send UNIX command
• Improved printing of hardware and software reports
• Improved remote data collection
• Improved file copy for files on networked home directories
• Enhanced column sorting in Administration application

For detailed information on this Update, please visit this website: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n108086

Posted by Joel at 08:32 AM | Permalink

Sony will release PSP at 19,800 yen. The price was a surprise to most people as industry has been predicting that Sony will release this at around US$250-US$300 given the high specs of PSP as a mutlimedia device. Although the cost is not known to the public, it is quite safe to say that Sony will take a loss with every set sold at least at the beginning. As much as Nintendo wants to deny this, this will be a direct competition with Nintendo's GBA DS.

The full specs have also been announced most of which is already known except it is not confirmed that in addition Sony's ATRAC3 plus, PSP will support MP3 natively.

Details of the announcements:

Price: 19,800 yen.
Release Date: Dec-12-2005
Package includes: PSP, AC Adapter and battery pack

Sony will also sell bundled set called PSP Value Pack for 24,800 yen which includes the following:

* PSP
* AC Adapter
* Battery Pack
* MS Duo (32MB)
* Headphone (with remote control)
* Softcase and strap

The following accessories will go on sales on the same day:

* MS Duo (32MB) - 2,800 yen
* AC Adapter - 3,500 yen
* Battery Pack - 4,800 yen
* Headphone (with remote control) - 2,800 yen
* Softcase and carrying strap - 2,000 yen

Release details:
http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/041027a.pdf

Game Titles (list as of Oct-27):
http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/041027c.pdf

A link to ITMedia with some pictures of the packages:

The first one is the standard pack while the second picture is the PSP Value Pack:

http://www.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0410/27/news08.html

Thanks Eugene!

Posted by Joel at 08:33 PM | Permalink |

I'd rather mill around the infants section of our local department store and choose socks from there rather than get one of these. This is nothing new though, as there are tiny socks for cellphones.

Posted by Joel at 11:39 AM | Permalink

Now that we've seen the black iPod, I'm wondering which group will jump into the bandwagon next...

Wouldn't it be nice to have a special edition yellow iPod for the Beatles?

If the Beatles is the next band (of course after settling the lawsuits and stuff) then the iPod is assured of portable music player supremacy.

Posted by Joel at 07:57 AM | Permalink

With the announcement of the new iPod Photo comes the latest version of iTunes.

Wondering how you’re going to get all your digital photographs into iPod Photo? iTunes 4.7. The new version lets you import your images directly into iPod Photo from a folder on the hard drive of your Mac or PC. Spent time organizing your photos using iPhoto on a Mac or either Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 on a PC? iTunes 4.7 rewards your diligence by importing the albums you’ve created in iPhoto or collections created in Album or Elements. You’ll be able to choose them from the Photos menu on iPod Photo.

Posted by Joel at 06:44 AM | Permalink |

The iPod Photo has been announced. Rumors were true after all!

A delight for the ears. A feast for the eyes. Though it’s no bigger than a pack of playing cards and weighs in at just over 6 ounces, iPod Photo delivers a one-two sensory punch. Letting you carry an entire library of your favorite music — up to 15,000 songs — or enough photos — as many as 25,000 — to fill nearly 200 slide trays or cover nearly 5,000 square feet of wall space. Got a really big den?

The newest member of the iPod family, iPod Photo comes in two sizes: a 40GB model, available for $499, and a capacious 60GB model that sells for $599. Both feature a razor sharp LCD display that lets you see your photos in vivid color — 65,536 colors, to be exact. And with its built-in backlighting, you’ll be able to admire those photos indoors or out.

Posted by Joel at 06:37 AM | Permalink |

Apple has released a U2 special edition black iPod. Perfect for U2 fans.

Like no other, iPod U2 Special Edition stands out. Jet black, it bears a prominent red Apple Click Wheel and, on the flip side, the autographs of each U2 band member. Available for just $349, it comes with an exclusive U2 poster and, of course, the signature white iPod earbuds. As an extra special treat, it includes an iTunes Music Store coupon you can use to get $50 off your purchase of “The Complete U2.” As unique as the iPod itself, this digital boxed set brings together an amazing 400 U2 tracks. Songs span the band’s celebrated career. From “Boy” to “War” to “The Joshua Tree” to “Zooropa” to the soon-to-be-released “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb,” it includes every U2 album and brings us over 25 rare and unreleased tracks. Look for it on the iTunes Music Store at the end of November.

Posted by Joel at 06:32 AM | Permalink |

A special edition of the Engadget Podcast has been released. That surprised me. iTunes just started and there it was.

It features the current issue of Wired magazine which comes with a CD with 16 songs.

Posted by Joel at 07:24 PM | Permalink

v0.11.0.6 is out. Skype voice chat is clearer than iChat's but is not as stable (at least that's how I'm experiencing it). However, since Skype is also available for the PC, it's easier than ever to talk to more of my friends.

Here's what's new:

* feature: dialpad (new tab added)
* feature: set nickname (displayname) for contacts (double click on contact will allow to modify displayname - rename)
* feature: import contacts from Address Book
* feature: notification about missed calls in My Skype tab
* feature: new address field, which remembers previously submitted numbers
* feature: phone numbers are clickable (in contact view in drawer and in profile panel)
* feature: context menu in the call list
* feature: make calls by double-clicking an entry in the call list
* feature: delete calls from call history by using the context menu in the call list or the main menu
* feature: add a username or phone number from call list to your contact list
* feature: event preferences - either play a sound, bounce the dock icon or speak a text for various events
* feature: notification manager that carries out event notifications according to event preferences
* improvement: flashing call buttons introduced (optional)
* improvement: sliding contact view in the drawer introduced
* improvement: context menu of the contact list is validated
* improvement: no ringing on incoming calls when you are in "do not disturb" status
* improvement: Shift-Return (as well as option-Return) do not send the IM but insert CR in IM text
* improvement: Skype Me option in advanced search
* bugfix: call duration is more accurate and it doesn’t halt anymore when you open a menu
* bugfix: click on contact count in My Skype tab opens contact list
* bugfix: your Offline status will not change to Online at random times
* bugfix: name input field was not focused in add PSTN contact dialog
* bugfix: it’s not possible to make calls and receive calls, when you are offline
* bugfix: prompt for action, when trying to place a call to a blocked user
* bugfix: contact list will be updated immediately after blocking or unblocking users
* bugfix: TAB is working ok in advanced search
* bugfix: IM toolbar buttons were not properly validated when remote party initiated IM session
* bugfix: advanced search is handling birthdate/age range correctly
* bugfix: SkypeOut contact profile displayed wrong
* bugfix: menu items reviewed
* bugfix: when you select call list tab, then contact view in drawer will be closed
* bugfix: empty all contacts list in send contacts dialog

Posted by Joel at 10:10 AM | Permalink

I woke up with the podcast conveniently in iTunes. The strange thing is, iPodderX is not running at all. I'll investigate more on what app's causing the automatic download of the podcast. Not that I don't like it, it's just that I want to know what runs when I'm asleep. UPDATE: iPodderX has downloaded the podcast because it has an option to automatically download new content... even if it's not running.

Anyway, here's what's inside 07:

Host: Phillip Torrone.
Guest: Hadley Stern, author of iPod Hacks.
Format: 31 minutes, 10 MB, MP3.

We’ve added time codes in the following list and links to the stories or references.

Time & Topics
01:00- Show overview.
02:00- DVDs to movies, it’s up to us, not Hollywood to do this now.
05:00- TVCasting, PODtv, we’re thinking about doing a TV show.
06:30- Using the iTalk for portable recording, I said iTrip I meant iTalk.
07:00- XM offers up weather and traffic, by robots?
11:40- The new iPod may be more than a music player, our prediction.
13:30- Hadley Stern, author of iPod hacks.
30:00- Wrap up.

LISTEN

Posted by Joel at 08:16 AM | Permalink

I've been using a Firefox build by mozillaZine member, powerbook. These builds are optimized for the PowerPC 7450 processor (newer G4). I like the blue globe icon too. So far no problems except that I still cannot install TabBrowserExtensions. Actually I cannot install this in any Firefox version for the Mac.

Posted by Joel at 07:05 AM | Permalink

I found a list of OS X RSS readers at Pure Mac. I didn't know that there was already, a variety of RSS readers... from menubar resident ones to news tickers, each reader has something different to offer. I was able to test all of the available RSS readers... and needless to say, I was overwhelmed. In the end, I chose NewsFire. Quite simply, it's still the most elegant RSS reader out there.

Posted by Joel at 06:32 PM | Permalink

Not sure what's new but there's a new version out!

I also found a NewsFire forum.

Posted by Joel at 08:21 AM | Permalink

I left NewsFire running and was surprised to see a submit bug window when I returned. I tried Shrook 2 and it froze too. I guess there are some badly coded RSS feeds out there.

NewsFire is a great app as I've written before but when left on its own (and assuming there are no problems), the news feeds are pretty much overwhelming. Sure, the top news would be first on the list but you'd be left with other news at the bottom. I haven't figures out how to sort the news individually if there's an option to do that at all...

In the meantime, I went back to PulpFiction and spent some time designing a stylesheet. Besides finally having what I want in a stylesheet, the whole process let me brush up on the little I know of CSS too.

Posted by Joel at 08:16 AM | Permalink

The sixth Engadget Podcast is out. Topics include:

Host: Phillip Torrone.
Guest: Beth Goza.
Format: 50 minutes, 17MB, MP3.

We’ve added time codes in the following list and links to the stories or references.

Time & Topics
02:00- We <3 Richard Dean Anderson.
02:20- Primer the movie.
05:20- AllofMp3.com, we buy a song for 4 cents, as in $0.04, “live” on the podcast.
12:30- Wal-Mart blows.
16:30- XM portable and XM for free on your PC. Go jog now…
20:15- Pocket PCs are dying
23:10- Patents on PhotoMosaics?
26:30- New SPOT watch from Swatch.
36:30- Flash iPod. Flash, ahhhh, it’ll save every one of us.
38:10- Special Guest Beth Goza on Multi Player Online Games and romance. Lucas and Sony says no gay marriage allowed?

Shoutouts: Scoble, binrev, Gartenberg (get well soon!), Hugh and ResFest.

LISTEN

No iPod or iTunes? Just click on the LISTEN link above to download the MP3 podcast. Then you can listen to it within your browser or with your favorite MP3 player.

Posted by Joel at 07:45 AM | Permalink

An app that I'm excited about, and will surely get, is Delicious Library.

Run your very own library from your home or office using our impossibly simple interface. Delicious Library's digital shelves act as a visual card-catalog of your books, movies, music and video games. A scan of a barcode is all Delicious Library needs to add an item to your digital shelves, downloading tons of info from the internet like the author, release date, current value, description, and even a high-resolution picture of the cover. Import your entire library using our exclusive full-speed iSight video barcode scanner, our Flic® Wireless Laser Bar Code Scanner, or (the slow way) entering the titles by hand. Once you have all of your items in your Mac, you can browse though your digital shelves, check stuff out to friends using Apple's built-in Address Book and calendar, and find new items to read, watch, and play using Library's recommendations. Delicious Library is coming very soon, so bear with us. We promise it will be worth the wait!

Posted by Joel at 12:16 PM | Permalink |

ROCKET PUNCH!!!!!!!!:

Yeah right, as if you didn’t already know the Japanese are totally insane.

@Engadget

That's Mazinger Z's Rocket Punch. Any chance they'd do Aphrodite A's missiles?

Posted by Joel at 11:39 AM | Permalink |

BluePhoneElite, which basically allows you to manage your Bluetooth-enabled cellphone through your Mac, has been updated.

Here's what's new:

• Redesigned SMS Center
• Added Caller ID in menu bar
• Added support for newer types of concatinated messages
• Added new button and table graphics
• Added context menu button to call list
• Call durations are now exported to iCal as appointment durations
• Special characters will now export properly to iCal
• Removed blank menu item from call list context menu
• Battery/Signal meter can now go down to 0
• SMS Popup Reply button will now work if the SMS Center is not open
• Fixed bug where activating the screen saver would cause global hot-keys to break or screen to black out
• Fixed bug where some phones could cause crashes on connecting
• Fixed bug where menu icon battery/signal would not update if dock icon was turned off
• Fixed bug where phones folders in SMS Center would not re-activate after sleep
• Fixed bug where selecting a person from the drop-down menu would not default to their mobile number
• Fixed bug in call center where a person's image would appear when typing their name
• Fixed bug where devices removed from the system would still show up in the menu
• Fixed bug where some incoming SMS messages would not be reported
• Fixed address context menu bug in SMS Center

Posted by Joel at 10:53 AM | Permalink

iPod your car, even if you can't afford a BMW:

There are a lot of people out there, after all, who can’t afford a Beemer, so why shouldn’t they be able to iPod their car, too? Crazy custom mounts are all well and good, but if you want something a little less, er, intense, the iPod2car hooks into your aftermarket stereo system, regardless of car model (so long as the stereo’s compatible), and track (and fast) forward and back can be controlled from the head or the steering wheel controls. Not bad, but the price is a little steep ($200) yet; hopefully we’ll see more stuff like this coming out in the future on the cheap.

[Via Autoblog] @Engadget

Aha! An iPod to car alternative! $200 is quite expensive but I've emailed iPod2Car just to check if their product is compatible with my car system. It makes me wonder too if there are other cheaper alternatives in the Philippines... where they can do ANYTHING you'd like to customize on-board sound.

I currently use an iTrip. Though it does its job well, battery drain is high, and the sound quality is cassette-tape-like.

UPDATE: I just got an email saying that the iPod2Car is not compatible with my system.

Posted by Joel at 10:00 AM | Permalink |

A People's PC will be offered in the Philippines soon. The specs are as follows:

...Intel Celeron chip, 128.MB memory, 40 gigabytes hard disk, 15-inch color monitor, 56 Kbps modem, and CD-ROM, keyboard and speakers...

The OS is not included. Unavailable information are the brands of the motherboard, monitor, and hard disk, type of video card, and speed of the CPU. The price of the People's PC is PhP16,000 (about $290).

The People's PC program was launched by the Philippine government in partnership with Intel.

Posted by Joel at 10:00 AM | Permalink

Lycos 10GB email.:
Mmm, Lycos UK has introduced a 10GB premium email service. It's not free (and they haven't updated the Web site yet - tsk) but what makes it interesting and perhaps a real alternative to GMail is that it comes with a free Online File Storage Drive included as standard. That's ...

@The Red Ferret Journal

If Lycos can offer 10GB of space, why can't Apple offer more than 250MB of .mac space? 10GB... this should be something my friends Sammy and Shaun might want to consider.

Posted by Joel at 06:59 AM | Permalink

There are rumors about a flash-memory-based iPod. Will these be small capacity iPods, or bumped up iPod minis? Well, we won't have to wait long as they're supposed to be announced by the end of this year.

Posted by Joel at 06:55 AM | Permalink

A4 Tech Wireless BatteryFREE Optical Mouse consists of two parts: Wireless Optical Mouse & Magical Mouse Pad. Designed with A4 Tech’s Innovated Radio Frequency ID Identification Technology, the Wireless BatteryFREE Optical Mouse is absolutely Interfere-FREE from any wireless frequency; not only that, the Magical Mouse Pad directly power activated the mouse, saving its user(s) enormous money on battery. Most importantly, avoid unnecessary pollution caused by batteries. Due to today’s giant step in technology, the optical mouse is pin-point precision in positioning; on top of that, the comforting control allows the mouse and its user to be jointed into one, feels the mouse as a part of his or her hand. Best Choice, Bright Future, and Comforting Environment – all begins with A4 Tech Wireless BatteryFREE Optical Mouse.

@A4Tech

Now this looks like an interesting mouse. They got my attention for its unique recharging method which is similar to the SplashPower. I could not find the specs yet and there seems to be only PC drivers availabe.

Posted by Joel at 06:48 AM | Permalink

So I looked around the office and noticed that the server's monitor is really idle most of the time. I dug out my DV connector, wacom pad, and spare keyboard and got to work. What you see is the result... it's messy with all those wires snaking around the table, but it's a cool dual monitor setup. My RSS, IM, and Mail programs are running on the Studio Display, while my other work apps are on the Powerbook.

And Exposé works across the screens!

Posted by Joel at 03:44 PM | Permalink |

The fifth Engadget Podcast is out. Topics include:

02:15- U2 and black iPods...Bono said no to Microsoft but yes to Apple?
08:50-Sony WTF? RetroPod gets shutdown, Sony please support Ogg Vorbis.
14:25-Making Photo Mosaics.
16:45-Paul Griffin talks all things iPod
28:00-Control TVs with an iPod and other devices…
31:30-Hack your DVD player.
33:00-One way to record movies to your portable video player.

I've been podcasting and this is perfect for a busy schedule! I download my content using iPodderX, which sends the podcast directly to the iPod. If you''ve missed the other podcasts then just use iPodderX and it will automatically download all available podcasts.

Posted by Joel at 07:09 AM | Permalink |

Now available at VersionTracker, v3.01.3 offers:

* Updated wireless driver
* Supports hardware version 2.2 (cannot downgrade to previous versions)
* Resolves issue with VoIP adapters.
* Resolves issue with long domain names

Posted by Joel at 06:38 AM | Permalink

Splashpower ready to solve the charging issue

Splashpower are gearing up to finally release their SplashPad charging mat.  The mouse-sized pad allows users of cellphones, PDAs, and other portable, recharcheable devices to simply place them on the pad for recharding rather than plug them all in separately.  Great idea, right?  Only problem is that the SplashPad requires the use of SplashModules, thin little receiver modules that fit onto the portable devices to be recharged.  It would have been nice if the SplashPad worked on its own without having to put stickers all over our devices, but we’ll still give this thing a try. Could solve some serious wiring (and more serious electrical fire) issue we always seem to battle, what with about 800 adapters under the desk.

@Engadget

This is a great innovative way to charge our gadgets. I just hope there's an easy way for the consumers to attach the SplashModules on their own. It's also nice to imagine a cooling pad that doubles as a charging pad for our 'Books.

Posted by Joel at 06:18 AM | Permalink

I'm pretty much holed in our house because of the typhoon. So I fired up Photoshop and did a fake ad for those new iBooks. I guess if I see this in a newspaper, I'd be trigger-happy enough to use my credit card. Enjoy!

Posted by Joel at 12:06 PM | Permalink |

NewsFire is my new default RSS reader. The other readers have crashed on me and NewsFire has yet to disappoint me. So far it's doing its job well... simply and elegantly.

Here are the features I like (from the NewsFire site)...

-like a turbocharged bookmark menu for your news sites.

-animated just like iChat, so feeds swoop around as news is discovered.

-brimming with Aqua-beauty and a rich, dynamic user experience

-intensely focused on simplicity... snubs complexity for a minimalist interface that is intuitive, unobtrusive, and a total joy to use

-supports the two major feed formats - RSS and Atom

-imports and exports OPML, a standard bookmark-like file format for news feeds

And it's free too.

Posted by Joel at 10:30 AM | Permalink

New Targus ChillHub chills Apple Laptops:

Targus attempts to solve multiple Apple laptop issues with its new ChillHub released today, which includes two fans to keep the machine cool as well as a four-port USB 2.0 hub for all those extra devices you have (you do have thousands of USB devices, right?). It can run on its own AC adapter or be powered by the computer, so it’s travel-friendly (in the sense that you only have to lug around one extra large object, not to), and at $50, the price ain’t too bad either. On the other hand, Chillhub is a little overkill unless you’re a computer hypochondriac and think your laptop is going to melt without fans blowing at it every which way. Or if you run folding@home (which you should be). Anyway, it measures measures 11.75 x 9-inches, is shipping today, and is certain to ruin that whole stylie PowerBook aesthetic you’ve got going on on your desk.
@Engadget

This is fine if you don't mind the extra noise and bulk. I prefer a Koolsink. (Incidentall, the Koolsink XL, for Windows laptops, are now available.)

Posted by Joel at 10:02 AM | Permalink

Compact FM Transmitter/Charger charges and plays iPods using car radio and cigarette lighter plug. Transmits outside the car to FM radios within 15 feet. LED indicators signal plugged and charging states, and safety fuse protects against power spikes. or iPod or iPod mini with dock connector. 5-year limited warranty and free technical support.

Model number: 33159
Price: $59.99

@Kensington

I currently have an iTrip but with it, the iPod's battery drains fast. This could be a great solution (but Kensington didn't give it a fancy name or anything... just "iPod FM Transmitter/Auto Charger).

Posted by Joel at 09:00 AM | Permalink

For those who are going to switch to the Mac platform because of the new iBooks -- congratulations on the right decision.

Currently, what's going for the Powerbooks are screen resolution, Firewire 800, DV-out, S-Video out, faster video (NVIDIA Go5200, ATI Radeon 9700), and of course the aluminum case.

Weigh your needs carefully.

Posted by Joel at 08:38 AM | Permalink

If you must upgrade your hard drive - by yourself - then check out what MCE has just announced.

Personally, I'd rather get an external drive but I know that there are those who really must tinker with the innards of their computers be it a PC or a Mac.

Posted by Joel at 07:55 AM | Permalink

The new iBooks are out.

12" 1.2 GHz G4, 256MB, 30GB, Combo Drive + Airport Extreme - from $999
14" 1.33 GHz G4, 256MB, 60GB, Combo Drive + Airport Extreme - from $1299
14" 1.33 GHz G4, 256MB, 60GB, SuperDrive + Airport Extreme - from $1499

A new PowerMac G5 is out too.

1.8 GHz G5, 256MB, 80GB, 8x SuperDrive FX 5200 Ultra (64MB) - from $1499

Posted by Joel at 02:10 AM | Permalink |

Apple will answer the calls for a black iPod next month, though, but it’s not what you think. No, it’s not one of those iPod tattoos, but it might be just as bizarre; know those new iPod commercials featuring U2’s new single? Well the black iPods will be special U2 edition ones. In addition to the color change the iPods will come preloaded with U2’s new album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, as well as selected hits and other old tracks from the Irish rockers (and we use the term rocker loosely).

The U2 iPods are due out November 23, but should be announced October 26 at the San Jose shindig Apple just sent out the invites for.

@Engadget

Will it come in pure black? Or will it come in black and silver? If it's the latter, and if I'd get one, I wouldn't mind giving it a brushed-metal look again.

Posted by Joel at 10:16 PM | Permalink

Thanks to that RSS creator interviews, I've discovered Shrook and NewsFire.

NewsFire
NewsFire constantly checks for freshly published news from your list of news feeds and notifies you. NewsFire's list of news feeds is animated just like iChat, so feeds swoop around as news is discovered.

Shrook 2
Shrook 2 is a next-generation news reader that offers advanced features with a clean interface modeled after iTunes and the Address Book. It supports all versions of RSS, as well as the current draft of Atom.

The article also mentions PulpFiction, NewsMac, and NetNewsWire. I suggest that all five be tested and checked to see what best fits your needs.

For my needs, I've dropped PulpFiction in favor or Shrook 2. However, NewsFire is a very, very close alternative.

Posted by Joel at 08:14 PM | Permalink

Typhoon Nock-Ten is coming in and hopefully, it will miss Guam. Classes have been called off for Tuesday and most probably Wednesday. Our school is already secure against the typhoon. My computers in the lab have been covered by tarp while the voltage regulators, wires, and power extensions have been lifted off the floor. At home, we've already stocked up on food and water, batteries, and butane.

What's scary is that it's sunny and warm (in the 30's) during the whole day. That means the rain and wind will come all too suddenly by Wednesday. Nock-Ten is just moving at 6 MPH but its damaging winds (about 105 MPH) extend outward up to 170 miles from its center.

Posted by Joel at 07:56 PM | Permalink

RSS for Mac OS X Roundtable:
Thoro writes "There is an unusual interview with the authors of the five major RSS clients for OS X: NetNewsWire, NewsFire, NewsMac, PulpFiction and Shrook. Safari RSS, Apple, the hype around RSS and the role of the news aggregator in the future are discussed. It's also hinted that the performance problems of RSS may be overblown. It is a breath of fresh air to see so many competitors come together to talk civily and not to better gang up on another."

@Slashdot

Fantastic interviews!

Posted by Joel at 11:15 AM | Permalink

Adium X, the main IM app I use, has been updated. The contacts window alone is a very welcome change!

A lot has changed in this release, so be sure to take a few moments to explore the new options and adjust. The contact list has gained a ton of new features, including the ability to display user icons, service icons, away messages, group gradients, and more. We've also added a new style of list called "Group Bubbles" which we're very happy with. Because of the extent of the contact list changes, your current list layout & theme settings won't transfer over into the new version, and old theme files will no longer work. We look forward to seeing the cool layouts and themes our users will create with the new options in 0.7 :)

@AdiumX.com

Posted by Joel at 10:03 AM | Permalink

I've suddenly remembered that there was an online bookmarks site I was using regularly. I checked it out and the site's still up! It's at Linkshelf. It has a simple interface made up of categories (or shelves) that you can move around. It might not be for everyone but it's free.

I believe I eventually dropped Linkshelf in favor of my own HTML bookmarks list. I created a list and let Opera, Firefox, or Mozilla open it in the sidebar.

And I remembered something more... there was another site I used back when I was craving for a Bondi iMac but couldn't afford it. The site's already down but it's cached by the waybackmachine. Check out imacfloppy.com where they used to offer 3MB of free space.

Posted by Joel at 07:26 AM | Permalink