The Mac Observer

John Martellaro's Blog: Particle Debris (week ending 11/20) Stationery Pads Go Poof

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:26:29 -0500

Some odd behavior has cropped up in Snow Leopard regarding Stationery pads. And I can't pin it on a recent Snow Leopard update. Feedback is welcome.

Free on iTunes: Musée du Louvre, Art Lite, SketchBook Mobile X and More.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:59:23 -0500

If you're an art lover then this week's Free on iTunes is just for you. Vern Seward takes a look at Musée du Louvre, Art Lite, and SketchBook Mobile X.

Deal Brothers: Acer P215H bmid 21.5” Widescreen LCD Monitor: $139.99

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:50:30 -0500

The Deal Brothers found a deal on the Acer P215H bmid 21.5" Widescreen LCD Monitor for $139.99, with free delivery. It features 1920 x 1080 resolution and 50,000:1 contrast ratio.

TMO Appearances: Jeff Gamet Shares More Holiday Gift Ideas on MacJury

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:24:49 -0500

The Mac Observer's Jeff Gamet joined MacJury host Chuck Joiner to share some gift picks in Part 2 of a special two-part holiday gift ideas episode.

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Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:24:49 -0500

Product News: Cocktail 4.5 for Leopard Adds QuickLook Cache Clearing

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:43:55 -0500

Maintain announced the immediate availability of Cocktail 4.5 for Leopard users on Friday. The update for the system maintenance utility added the ability to clear QuickLook cache files and data detector caches.

News: Hack Enables Mac OS X 10.6.2 on Netbooks

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:06:29 -0500

Netbook owners waiting for a hack that lets them run Mac OS X 10.6.2 can breath a sigh of relief now that an industrious coder has come up with a patch. Apple's most recent Snow Leopard update isn't compatible with the Intel Atom processors used in many netbook computers, which left many in the "hackintosh" community wondering if they would be able to move beyond Mac OS X 10.6.1 on their third party PCs.

News: Ballmer: Microsoft Wants Back the Marketshare Apple is Taking

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:23:02 -0500

Microsoft's annual shareholder meeting put CEO Steve Ballmer in the hot seat answering questions about marketshare the company is losing to Apple. Mr. Ballmer was quick to point out that his company still controls the majority of the OS market, but that every percentage point counts -- even the points that belong to Apple.

News: Boot Camp Drivers 2.2 Adds Magic Mouse Support

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:41:15 -0500

Apple rolled out Boot Camp Drivers Update 2.2 for Windows on Thursday. The update for Boot Camp users running Windows on their Mac includes driver support for Apple's wireless keyboard new Magic Mouse.

News: Server Admin Tools 10.6.2 Fixes DHCP Status Reporting, More

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:09:39 -0500

Apple released Server Admin Tools 10.6.2 late on Thursday. The update for the Mac OS X Server administration utilities corrected a problem where DHCP status was incorrectly reported.

Games: iEntertainment to Extend WarBirds Franchise With Dogfights Game

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:42:34 -0500

iEntertainment Network on Thursday announced that in January it will ship Dogfights, the latest entry in its WarBirds aerial combat series, for Mac and PC. The single-player game will feature over 100 historically accurate aircraft for players to fly in more than 40 combat missions.

Product News: LiveScribe Launches (Beta) Application Store for Pulse Smartpen

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:40:53 -0500

LiveScribe announced Thursday the launch of a beta version of an online Application Store for the company's Pulse smartpen product line. The Application Store is launching with 30 apps from third party developers that extend the Pulse smartpen into new areas.

News: Windows 7 Selling Twice as Well as Any Other Version of Windows

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:32:09 -0500

Windows 7 has sold more than twice as many copies as any other version of the operating system during the same number of days of release, according to CEO Steve Ballmer, who made the comments at his company's annual shareholder meeting Thursday. Mr. Ballmer was mum on the specific numbers, but increased sales suggest that his company is on its way towards recovering from the Windows Vista debacle.

Deal Brothers: Refurbished iMac 24-inch 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo: $1279.00 Delivered

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:48:11 -0500

The Deal Brothers found a deal on the refurbished iMac 24-inch 2.93GHz Intel Core 2 Duo for $1279.00, which includes one year of AppleCare and free delivery.

Editorial: How AT&T Screwed up and Left an Opening for Verizon

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:47:42 -0500

I have little sympathy for AT&T's attempt to stop Verizon, in court, from running its "There's a Map For That" TV ads. Verizon got out front, out thought, out marketed, and outmaneuvered AT&T -- who was asleep at the wheel.

Editorial: The Mac Needs a Two Button Mouse—Oh Wait!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:42:41 -0500

Since the beginning of Macintosh time, the Mac has either had a single button mouse or a two button mouse with the default set to one button. That has to change.

Product News: Mailplane 2.1 Adds Offline Gmail Support

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:35:07 -0500

uncomplex announced the immediate availability of Mailpane 2.1 on Thursday. The update for the Gmail email reader application added support for Offline Gmail.

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Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:35:07 -0500

Product News: GelaSkins Intros Tim Burton, Bettie Page, WETA iPhone Skins

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:49:13 -0500

GelaSkins announced the immediate availability of a new series of iPhone and laptop skins based on artwork from Tim Burton, WETA and pinup model Bettie Page.

Hot Forum Topic: Apple Tablet Talk

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:12:07 -0500

The rumor mill just loves the Apple tablet stories, and today TMO readers are talking about what Apple may really have in store.

TMO Appearances: Jeff Gamet, Nancy Gravley Share Holiday Gift Ideas on MacJury

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:35:20 -0500

The Mac Observer's Jeff Gamet and Nancy Gravley joined MacJury host Chuck Joiner to share some gift picks in Part 1 of a special two-part holiday gift ideas episode.

Product News: 1Password 3 Ships with 1PasswordAnywhere

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:30 -0500

Agile Web Solutions announced the immediate availability of 1Password 3 on Thursday. The update for the secure password management application added a new feature dubbed 1PasswordAnywhere that lets users view their passwords online with a Web browser.

Rumor: No Apple Tablet Until Late 2010

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:43:50 -0500

The Apple rumor mill churned out some sad news for tablet fans on Thursday thanks to reports that the cherished device won't hit store shelves until later in 2010. Apparently Apple's tablet launch window has been moved from March to the second half of 2010 to account for a change in components.

News: Apple Firmware Update Addresses LED Cinema Display iSight Issues

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:07:00 -0500

Apple released LED Cinema Display iSight Firmware Update 1.0 late on Wednesday. The firmware update for Apple's 24-inch LED backlit display corrects a problem where the built-in iSight camera isn't recognized by some applications.

Product News: Camino 2 Improves Security, More

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:51:35 -0500

The Camino Project released Camino 2.0 on Wednesday afternoon with improved security features, enhanced tabbed browsing, and more.

Apple Stock Watch: Analyst: Apple to Sell 2.9M Macs in December Quarter

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:07 -0500

Apple looks to be on track to sell about 2.9 million Macs during the December quarter, according to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. The recent iMac updates are expected to help with boost sales of desktop Macs, too.

News: iPhone Gets the Green Light in South Korea

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:13:49 -0500

South Korean telecommunication regulators waived a restriction on Wednesday that was blocking sales of the iPhone in the country, clearing the way for cell carrier KTC to prepare for its official launch.

Product News: RWThemeMiner 2.5 Updates Interface, More

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:27:12 -0500

ToThePoint Software announced the immediate availability of RWThemeMiner 2.5 on Wednesday. The update for the RapidWeaver theme editing tool gained a redesigned user interface along with performance improvements, and code optimization.

News: Qualcomm Hopes to Get In On the iPhone Action

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:08:57 -0500

Communication chip maker Qualcomm is hoping to get the chance to supply chips for Apple's iPhone, and apparently the both companies have discussed the possibility. Paul Jacobs, Qualcomm's CEO, confirmed the the two companies have talked at least casually about whether or not there's a fit, but there isn't any indication that the discussions have been serious on any level.

Games: CodeWeavers’ CrossOver Games 8.1 Adds Left4Dead 2 Support

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:25:44 -0500

CodeWeavers on Wednesday released CrossOver Games 8.1, adding support for Left4Dead 2, the zombie-filled first-person shooter that launched this week for Windows and Xbox 360. CrossOver Games allows Mac and Linux users to play Windows games on their computers without the need for a Windows OS license.

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Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:25:44 -0500

Games: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Lands at App Store

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:12:15 -0500

Fox Mobile Entertainment on Wednesday introduced the iPhone game Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Based on the movie of the same name, the game stars the saber-toothed squirrel Scrat, who continues to pursue that elusive acorn. His antics in the first Ice Age film made him a popular member of the supporting cast for the sequels.

Product News: Layers 2 for iPhone Adds Smudge Tool, More

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:15:55 -0500

Gotow.net announced the immediate availability of Layers 2.0 on Wednesday. The update for the painting application for iPhone and iPod touch users added a new Smudge tool and live brush previews.

Rumor: Google Building Its Own Android Phone

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:36:37 -0500

Despite Google's insistance that it isn't building its own Android-based smartphone, TechCrunch is claiming that's exactly what the search engine giant is doing.

News: Greenwich CT Apple Store Opens on Nov 21

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:17:50 -0500

Apple will be opening its new Greenwich Avenue store in Greenwich, Connecticut on Saturday, November 21 at 10:00AM. The Greenwich Avenue location will sport the usual amenities including a Genius Bar and One to One shopping. It marks Apple's fourth store in Connecticut, and the company's second store openging for this weekend.

News: Apple Targets Windows 7 in Web Ad

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:42:28 -0500

Apple is targeting Windows users that are considering upgrading to Windows 7 in an online animated advertisement. The ad is appearing on Web sites such as CNN and features John Hodgman as PC and Justin Long as Mac.

Hot Forum Topic: Safari Bugs

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:10:03 -0500

Today TMO readers are discussing problems and bugs they're experiencing in Safari 4, including issues with Web pages failing to render properly.

News: Apple to Open New Hampshire Pheasant Lane Store on Nov 21

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:47:17 -0500

Apple will be opening its new Pheasant Lane store in Nashua, New Hampshire on Saturday, November 21 at 10:00AM. The Pheasant Lane location will sport the usual amenities including a Genius Bar and One to One shopping, and will mark Apple's second store in New Hampshire.

Computing with Bifocals: Mail, Address Book and iChat: Tips for Staying in Touch

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:15:44 -0500

Mac OS X includes a few applications that can help you stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers. Nancy Gravley culled her recently updated Mac tips book for some pointers for Mail, Address Book and iChat users.

Product News: Microsoft Kicks Off Office 2008 Holiday Discounts

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:43:57 -0500

Microsoft lowered the price of Office 2008 for the holiday season on Wednesday. Shoppers will get a US$20 discount off the retail price of the Home and Student Edition, $40 of the Business Edition upgrade, and $50 off the complete Business Edition.

Hidden Dimensions: iPhone Competitor Forecast: Stormy with a Chance of Fail

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:15:06 -0500

In the 1990s, when Apple was in trouble, bad press was a symptom of troubles for a company with the weakness of one product: Macs. These days, however, one must differentiate between negative press about Apple's iPhone and fundamentally bad forecasts for its competitors.

Product News: DiscLabel 6.2 Adds Holiday Templates

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:09:00 -0500

SmileOnMyMac announced the immediate availability of DiscLabel 6.2 on Wednesday with new holiday-themed templates.

Games: EA Launches First Sims 3 Expansion, World Adventures

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:57:45 -0500

Electronic Arts on Tuesday announced that World Adventures, the first expansion pack for The Sims 3, will be available in stores worldwide this week. The expansion takes players to Egypt, China, and France, where they meet new characters, learn new skills, obtain new objects, and explore puzzle-filled underground locations.

Presented By:

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:57:45 -0500

Games: New at App Store: Ravensword RPG, Zombies, AirBear, Santa’s Run

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:41:35 -0500

The latest games at the App Store include the role-playing game Ravensword: The Fallen King, the turn-based board game Zombies, and the arcade games AirBear and Santa’s Run.

News: China Unicom Expects iPhone to Become Best Selling Smartphone in China

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:22:44 -0500

Though China Unicom may have only sold about 5,000 iPhones in the first weekend of availability, the company's chairman, Chang Xiaobing, told reporters Tuesday the he expects the device to become the country's top-selling smartphone.

News: Apple & AT&T Hit With Another iPhone 3GS MMS Lawsuit

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:16:07 -0500

Apple and AT&T has been hit with another class-action lawsuit over the iPhone 3GS's initial inability to support MMS when it was released, despite the fact that Apple said it would not support MMS when it was released in the U.S.. Francis Monticelli is launching the suit, alleging that Apple and AT&T misled the public when it touted MMS as a feature of the new phone, according to Bloomberg.

Deal Brothers: Western Digital My Book Studio 2TB FireWire 800/400, USB 2.0 Hard Drive: $243.76

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:26:48 -0500

The Deal Brothers found a deal on the Western Digital WDBAAJ0020HSL-NESN My Book Studio 2 TB FireWire 800/400, USB 2.0 External Hard Drive for $243.76, with free delivery.

In-Depth Review: Atlona DP200 DVI to DisplayPort Converter

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:50:35 -0500

Connecting the Mini DisplayPort on a new Mac to an older DVI-based display is easy; a small adapter is all that's needed. However, connecting an older Mac or PC's DVI output to a modern, Apple DisplayPort monitor is harder. The Atlona DP200 interface makes the connection trivial.

Ted Landau's User Friendly Blog: Apple’s App Store Rejections

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:47:43 -0500

Apple's App Store approval process has been making news — again — in the last couple of weeks. I offer my perspective on what it all means.

Product News: iPhone Earrings: Home Buttons for Your Ears

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:24:56 -0500

Converting Apple computer parts into jewelry isn't a new idea, but extending that to include iPhone parts may be, and that's just what Powerbook Medic has done with it's new iPhone Home button earrings.

News: Microsoft Dances Its Way Into Shoppers’ Hearts

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:12:13 -0500

It looks like Microsoft may have a thing or two it can teach Apple about making an impression on customers through interpretive dance -- or at least the electric slide. The company's Mission Viejo store staff recently got its groove-thing on in attempted to ramp up its coolness factor with a choreographed dance routine for customers.

Games: Star Wars: Trench Run Hits the iPhone

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:39:16 -0500

Lucasfilm put the power of the Rebel Alliance in your hands with the release of Star Wars: Trench Run for the iPhone and iPod touch on on Tuesday. The game lets players take on the Death Star in an X-Wing fighter just as Luke Skywalker did in the original Star Wars movie.

Hot Forum Topic: Reader Questions: Selecting a Digital Camera

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:07:01 -0500

There are plenty of digital cameras on the market, and today TMO readers are talking about the models they like the best.