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September 30, 2005
September 29, 2005
Yahoo! Desktop Search
I actually went to the site to check if there's a Mac version! Anyway, for my Windows-user friends, check out Yahoo! Desktop Search, it's now out of beta.
Technorati Tags: yahoo
The "Ultimate" Pocket Notebook
In yet another version of the now classic Hipster PDA, Full Contact Geek brings us The Ultimate Pocket Notebook. This one has a nifty binder ring, and some "ultimate" enhancements.
Sometimes, it really is more fun to go analog.
That nano brand new look
What if you don't want to brush-metal your nano but can't live with the scratches? Read more at Todd Dailey's blog for the $4 answer ... and you'll also find out why he's using that bag for a nano case.
Technorati Tags: "ipod nano"
UNO theme for OS X
UNO is a theme that brings the sunken unified toolbar / titlebar look & feel to every single window on your system (metal or aqua, and already unified windows as well).
On an higher level, UNO's main goal is to enhance aqua interface consistence, by making all elements look and feel as one.
Fantastic looking theme! One look at the screenshot made me download and install UNO immediately. Interacto.net calls UNO as the "root of Unity." With UNO installed, OS X looks more unified than ever.
September 28, 2005
Apple addresses iPod nano screen complaints
[TUAW]
...Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing Phil Schiller responded to those complaints at macworld.com. Schiller addressed the issues of scratched and broken screens separately.
I haven't had any screen problems with my nano, in fact, I haven't had any other problems at all. It's good that Apple's responding to this but it makes me wonder what do the people who experience problems actually do with their iPods?
Five steps to your own photolog!
I came across a good, step-by-step, tutorial about creating your own photoblog with Movable Type today.
It's basically what I do here in Switchblog but this article is a good way to explore how you can photoblog on your own.
And that picture is from dpreview.com. It's a Canon 350D, my latest camera.
September 27, 2005
Brushed-metal nano 2
Almost perfect! There are still some imperfections in the brushed lines. I haven't used a Dremel because using the sanding sponge continues to be a challenge.
Technorati Tags: "ipod nano", ipod
September 23, 2005
Brushed metal nano
After doing the brushed metal iPod, I've decided to do the same for my iPod nano.
I was ready with an extra heavy duty ScotchBrite but it seemed to just bounce off the nano. So I hunted around for something tougher and found a 3M Sanding Sponge. The results are not perfect yet but I like how it's turning out. If I'm tempted, I just might use a Dremel.
Technorati Tags: "ipod nano", ipod
September 21, 2005
Strange events
Strange web event have been happening over the past few hours. First, 1src and BYODKM had a spam attack. Second, I received mail in my .mac account *from myself*, and last, flickr web pictures in several web pages I visit show the same pictures. Is there a massive web attack happening? Why isn't there any news about this?
.mac new features
.mac now features 1GB of storage (2GB for the Family Pack), ad free Groups, Backup 3.0 and is now available in French and German. Now that's the .mac I've been wanting to see!
September 20, 2005
Opera: now free!
Opera has removed the banners, found within our browser, and the licensing fee. Opera’s growth, due to tremendous worldwide customer support, has made today’s milestone an achievable goal. Premium support is available.
Congratulations to the Opera team for this release! If you still haven't tried Opera, there's no better time than now.
Technorati Tags: opera
What's with orange?
Shutterbook
Shutterbook probably has the cleanest, most well designed and planned out offering for a photo sharing site. An account is easy to setup while uploading pictures is a breeze thanks to their Windows and Mac uploading application -- just drag and drop your pics! The slideshow options are easy to use and I like how the control options "slide" in and out of the pictures window. Extra Preferences are available to further setup options.
The whole site is Flash-based and basically reminds me of an OS X application. While I was in Shutterbook, it's easy to forget that I was actually running everything from within my browser. Drop by Shutterbook and see why it's fast becoming my favorite.
Library Thing
Check out Library Thing. It's a site which offers you an online database of your books! I added three books just to test how everything works, and I'm impressed. The search box looks for the titles in the Library of Congress and Amazon.com. What's nice is any collection can be shared with others. I went through the Zeitgeist and was happy to note that the Harry Potter books are on the top of the list!
September 19, 2005
Dang red button!!!
I was really pissed when I accidentally clicked on the red close button of... Camino! Yup, I was testing Camino 1.0a1 and had about 10 tabs open for later viewing. Since Camino does not let you open those tabs again... I lost everything. Well, to cut a long story short, I'm back with Opera. So I say again, dang red button!!!
(oh I know that Firefox will popup a window asking about the open tabs. I don't use Firefox, it's one of the slowest browsers I've used in OS X!)
September 16, 2005
The nano IS selling well
[Engadget]
Damn, could you two just get a room already?
Yeah... I've stopped reading those two "publications" for quite a while now. Engadget has just given another reason why those two should be avoided. There are just so many other alternatives out there.
September 14, 2005
Microsoft Gadgets
Have you ever wondered how new technologies get developed in Microsoft? Wonder how a cool idea goes from incubation to release? Well, we’re excited to announce that we’ve started a blog designed to bring you closer to the process with the Gadgets blog and we’re kicking it off at the PDC.
Wow! Microsoft's introducing something new. It's called Gadgets which are mini-applications that run on your desktop. Amazing. So groundbreaking!
September 13, 2005
PDA Quick Rating
My quick rating for my recent three devices (1 being the best):
1. Sony Clie TH55/E (BT, WiFi, camera, size, battery life)
2. Palm LifeDrive (BT, WiFi, nice screen, but bulky)
3. Palm Treo 650 (it's a phone (duh!), BT, small but bright screen, nice keyboard, still quite expensive to have full feature support here in Guam)
All work great on OS X, by the way. I still say that if you can find a brand new Sony Clie TH55/E somewhere, buy it!
September 12, 2005
SwitchEasy PivotDock
SwitchEasy's PivotDock is probably the best accessory I have for my iPod shuffle. Coming in an attractive orange box, the PivotDock is simply a small, rotatable, USB connector. I just attach it to a USB port, plug in the shuffle, and rotate the shuffle down and therefore, out of the way. It's convenient to use because the shuffle is now parallel to the side of my Powerbook, instead of sticking out the side.
As a bonus, the PivotDock also works with any USB-based connector. I've tried it with the Super Tangent, the Mighty Mouse, and my USB cords. All connect without problems, still making the connected wire or device conveniently out of the way. In fact, the PivotDock is still connected, just for the Mighty Mouse. What's more, the PivotDock will work on any USB port.
I was lucky enough to get the PivotDock at a discount during its promo period. However, at the current price of $15.99, it's a small price to pay for the convenience (and peace of mind) it offers. Check it out at SwitchEasy.
Super Tangent, mobiBLU, and iPod shuffle
So what do I think about my other mobile players? Here's a quick review.
Introduction
Super Tangent
I went out on a limb and decided to bid on a Luxpro Super Tangent at eBay. I won one and was expecting to encounter a hoax but it turned out that the Super Tangent actually exists. The Super Tangent initially got my attention because it looked so much like an iPod shuffle. Actually, I believe its popularity can be attributed to the fact that it is a shuffle clone.
The Super Tangent came in a simple black box similar to that of the shuffle. In the box are silver tinted "necklace" earphones and a manual. I like the earphones primarily because I can wear it as a necklace which holds the Super Tangent at the end. The manual is needed to figure out how to use the buttons to access the radio and voice recording features.
mobiBLU
The OLED screen along with the cube form factor is what attracted me to get a mobiBLU. It's so small that one could probably mistake it as a keychain ornament. Everything came in a black cube-box, a good design for what it contains. The manual's layout is well thought off, and it really helps the newbie figure out what the mobiBLU could do.
Construction
Super Tangent
The Super Tangent is made out of a plastic outer shell. The plastic material is not of a cheap quality but it's not of a good quality either. Running my finger at the edges of the Super Tangent let me feel the hollowness of the device. It's hard to explain this feeling but compared to the iPod shuffle, the Super Tangent's body is not that solid. The green and red LEDs are not aligned inside the case. When both are lit, it gives a burst of light that bleeds to much through the thin plastic shell.
mobiBLU
The mobiBLU has a nice shiny and solid casing. The OLED screen is very bright and readable. However, the mirrored OLED cover was not properly glued in as some of the edges had some glue residue. As for the buttons, though they are easy to press, I found it a challenge to figure out a way to properly hold the mobiBLU while navigating and looking at the screen.
Voice Recording
Super Tangent
Voice Recording is surprisingly good. The mic is sensitive though so I made sure not to move the Super Tangent around my hands too much.
mobiBLU
No voice recording.
FM Radio
Super Tangent
There are 10 presents and 10 voice prompts that match the preset.
mobiBLU
20 presets
Music
Both players support MP3 and WMA formats. Of course, when both players were plugged in, iTunes did not see them. However, once the players are mounted onscreen, music can be dragged-and-dropped into their respective folders.
Rundown of features I like:
Luxpro Super Tangent
Necklace earphone
FM Radio
Voice Recording
mobiBLU
Necklace earphone
OLED screen
Silicone cube crate protective case
Six equalizer presets plus one user-set
Clock
Firmware upgradeable
What I like about the iPod shuffle
Solid construction
Easy-to-understand controls
iTunes for song management and support
Last Thoughts
What the iPod has done was to fuel creativity in the creation of mobile players. I like the design of the mobiBLU and the Super Tangent. However for ease of use, solid construction, and support, the iPod shuffle is still the choice for my portable music needs.
UPDATE: I wrote this mini review in early August and did not feel like expanding it. What I have here is not an exhaustive review but it's a good "first thoughts" collection. A few days ago, I ordered an iPod nano.
The release of the iPod nano is groundbreaking, because in my opinion, Apple has once again raised the bar in mobile player design. It's an uphill climb for these other mobile players... and the hill just keeps on getting steeper.
iTunes lyrics support
One of the new features of iTunes 5.0 is song lyrics support. I've just found two free applications that makes it easy to use this new feature.
Sing that iTune! is a dashboard widget that googles, grabs lyrics, and (optionally) attaches them to your iTunes songs.
pearLyrics offers more. It's available as an app and as a widget. It searches up to seven different servers for lyrics AND guitar chords. The app can conveniently pre-fetch lyrics for your entire Library or for selected playlists.
Now you can sing These Boots Are Made For Walking anywhere you are (with your iPod, of course).
Technorati Tags: "ipod nano", itunes, lyrics
September 10, 2005
Marias, Ghouls, and Crystallizeds
I haven't checked my Yahoo spam folder for quite some time and look at what I've discovered. It seems like the spammers have gotten hold of a name generating application. It's probably something they think would either generate curiosity (and hence, clicks) or something that would go through spam sieves. Well, it was successful at least in making me laugh.
"Umm... Mr. Maria, can I call you Neighborliness?"
iPod nano parody
(i-click para palakihin)
Just got bored this morning and whipped up this parody for my Filipino friends. (Apple, please don't sue me. I ordered a nano and my brother did too. My friend made 5 others buy nanos without breaking a sweat.)
Technorati Tags: "ipod nano"
September 09, 2005
PocketMod: A customizable mini-notebook
..."It's a great hack to create a little organizer just from a printed sheet of paper." Pop over to the PocketMod site to build an 8-page organizer out of a number of pre-built templates including daily, weekly and monthly calendars, to-do and shopping lists, lined sheets and grids.
PocketMod (Free)
It's for those times when you want to go analog. The flash-based PocketMod builder is a must to try out.
Technorati Tags: GTD
iPod nano inside and out
...just a collection of real world pics, some are normal while others, shocking. One set at Apple Insider, features the unpacking experience and the proprietary size comparison shots. The other one at PC Watch (J) features a disassembled (!) nano.
Technorati Tags: "ipod nano"
September 08, 2005
iPod nano
Simply incredible. Check it out at Apple.
Now Apple is offering something for most of the music listeners' preference out there. Let's see if I can put myself in those people's shoes.
If I hate the shuffle because I don't have a screen, then I'd get the 2GB nano at $199. If I find the nano too expensive and I don't care if I don't have a screen because I'm after portability (and surprise through random music), then I'd go for the shuffle. If I want bigger storage and don't care about the size, then the full-sized iPod is there. If I'm an early adopter then I'd try out the "iTunes phone."
What keeps every iPod survive? It's iTunes and the iTunes Music Store. Without the ease of use that the iTMS provides, the iPod would have been dead months after its release. This is what the other mobile music players keep on missing -- you just can't release an "mp3 player" without a soul.
Apple announces new products
Apple has announced some new products! I like how the iPod Nano looks, it's another very well designed product from Apple. I'm not too thrilled with the new phone (see I forgot what it's called again). I'm afraid, Apple made a wrong decision on this one and this might silently be discontinued. Meanwhile, there's a new iTunes update which features a new look (its design should be adapted system-wide). It's not yet available at Software Update but I grabbed it from the iTunes page.
September 07, 2005
Palm Desktop 4.2.1 Rev C Problems?
Just a warning from Art McGee at MacInTouch. What do you Mac users think? Personally I use Palm Desktop v4.2.1 and The Missing Sync and have not had any problems.
Technorati Tags: palmos
"Art McGee raised a red flag about more file-permission abuse by bad installers:
I have just examined the contents of the Palm Desktop 4.2.1 Revision C package installer, and I have come to the conclusion that either PalmOne is intentionally trying to damage our computers, or the software is a trojan horse that someone uploaded in place of the real software.
After the program files are installed, the installer runs a shell script called "postflight" that attempts to "fix" any permissions issues which may prevent the program from running properly. Unfortunately, the script violates the most basic programming principle in the universe - thou shalt not alter the files of programs other than thyself - and it does it so blatantly that I can only assume malicious intent. At the end of the script, it runs a final set of commands to change permissions (The "$2" variable is replaced at runtime by "/"):
sudo chmod 775 "$2"
sudo chown :admin "$2"
sudo chmod 775 "$2Applications"
sudo chown :admin "$2Applications"
sudo chmod -R 775 "$2Applications/Palm"
sudo chown -R :admin "$2Applications/Palm"
sudo chmod 775 "$2Library"
sudo chown :admin "$2Library"
sudo chmod -R 775 "$2Library/CFMSupport"
sudo chown -R :admin "$2Library/CFMSupport"
sudo chmod -R 775 "$2Library/Application Support"
sudo chown -R :admin "$2Library/Application Support"
While any bad changes to the "/", "/Applications", or "/Library" directories can be easily fixed by repairing permissions or issuing another single command, the most OUTRAGEOUS and potentially damaging change is the last one:
sudo chmod -R 775 "$2Library/Application Support"
sudo chown -R :admin "$2Library/Application Support"
The "/Library/Application Support" directory is where many programs place critical system-wide configuration and program files that are referenced on an as-needed basis. This is a directory whose permissions should NEVER be changed or altered, lest you end up breaking many of your installed apps. In particular, all sorts of system-level programs such as Anti-Virus and Disk Utilities place parts of themselves there, and any changes to their permissions will prevent them from loading at boot time. Even more dangerous, some programs place symbolic links from that directory to "/System/Library", and running a chmod command that recursively drills down that directory could end up completely trashing your entire system.
In short, this is the most irresponsible and potentially dangerous Mac OS X install program of all time. I have never seen anything this egregiously idiotic, and I have seen some pretty bad install programs. I am placing this in the category of a Trojan Horse, and warning anyone and everyone NOT to install it. "
September 06, 2005
Mighty Mouse: impressive!
I just got my Mighty Mouse and overall, I'm impressed.
Scroll Ball
I like it's responsiveness. Out of the box, its scrolling rate is faster than my Logitech mouses.
Left/Right buttons
This is an advantage for me because I've realized that, out of habit, I actually lift my left finger in order to right click! (Right clicking does not work if there's contact detected on the left side of the mouse).
Side buttons
Intuitively, I first pressed them with my thumb and ring finger. However, I've learned to squeeze them now with my thumb and pointer finger. I do it fast enough now so there's no hint of a delay.
I got my Mighty Mouse for $65. I initially thought it was expensive but factor in the fact that it's from Apple Singapore and the fact that our only Apple products store needs to survive, then the price is ok.
Of course, nothing beats testing the Mighty Mouse before you buy it. If you're lucky enough to be near an Apple Store, try it out and see if everything works for you.
September 05, 2005
palmInsider
Jose, of palmInsider, has linked to my review of QuickSync. How cool is that! Thanks Jose.
QuickSync remains to be the simplest solution to back up anything I want. Sure, iSync and Backup and there but using these involve several steps. I've tried other backup applications (at VersionTracker), but QuickSync is still the best for me.
Quicksilver shortcuts
Here's a way to quickly append text to an entry in MacJournal.
1. CMD+Space to activate Quicksilver
2. Type "." and the text you need to append
3. Tab
4. Type "MJA" (it should show the MacJournal/Append Selection To Entry)
5. Press Enter (to execute)
A window will appear showing a list of your MacJournal entries. Just pick one to where you want to append your text!
Be sure to use the latest beta.
Technorati Tags: macjournal, quicksilver
Red Cross buttons
September 01, 2005
Newsfire RSS "index cards"
(click to see actual size)
Inspired by 43 Folders' Hipster PDA, I have resized NewsFire's window into the size of an index card. I have tried doing this in the past but I usually ended up panicking because of the resulting small size. You see, I was used to the traditional way of reading feeds at almost fullscreen with NetNewsWire and lately, Safari.
Well, it's now more that week having the NewsFire window at index card size. All I can say is, my time spent sorting through news has decreased. There's really nothing else that can compare with what NewsFire can offer at this size. Developer David Watanabe has actually written about it from the start ... "...it snubs complexity for a minimalist interface that is intuitive, unobtrusive, and a total joy to use."
Technorati Tags: newsfire, netnewswire, rss