Perish the clickwheel?

Perish the clickwheel?: "Blog: Everybody loves the iPod clickwheel, but apparently the iPod of the future needs more buttons. Apple Computer has filed a patent..."

(Via CNET News.com.)

New Mac store to open in Beijing on October 31

New Mac store to open in Beijing on October 31: "A new store selling Macs and iPods will open in Beijing, according to reports from MacInChina, a site specializing in Apple in Greater China, part of the Beijing Macintosh Union..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Adobe Soundbooth public beta released

Adobe Soundbooth public beta released: "Adobe Systems today introduced the public beta of Adobe Soundbooth software, a new and intuitive audio software product for creating and editing audio and fixing common audio flaws using visually-oriented tools..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple announces updated MacBook Pro notebooks

Apple announces updated MacBook Pro notebooks: "Apple today announced that its entire MacBook Pro line of notebooks now includes the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor and delivers performance that is up to 39 percent faster than the previous generation, notes the company..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Firefox browser for web 2.0 age

BBC NEWS | Technology | Firefox browser for web 2.0 age:
A new version of the Firefox browser for the web 2.0 age is to make its debut on 24 October.
Built in to the updated software is anti-phishing technology, to prevent fraud, as well as built-in spell checking and a search engine manager.

It is released less than a week after Microsoft unveiled Internet Explorer 7

Skype for Mac 2.0 goes 'Gold'

Skype for Mac 2.0 goes 'Gold': "Skype today announced that Skype for Mac 2.0 has gone 'Gold' and is now available for download..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Firefox 2.0 To Debut Tuesday

Firefox 2.0 To Debut Tuesday: "An anonymous reader writes 'Firefox 2.0 for Tuesday, says the Seattle PI. They give a quick recap of some of the new features, and discuss the ongoing IE vs. Fox debate.' From the article: 'Version 2.0 also improves on the tabbed-windows interface that Mozilla innovated and that Microsoft introduced for the first time last week with IE7, its biggest upgrade since 2001. Analysts said IE7 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, but the big question is whether it will stem Firefox's growth at Microsoft's expense. Firefox's share of the browser market has grown to 9.8 percent of the U.S. market this month, from 2.9 percent in October 2004.'

"

(Via diggdot.us.)

iPod to turn five on Monday

Can you believe it's only been five years? I'm curious, when did you get your first iPod? -TG

iPod to turn five on Monday: "On Monday, Apple's revolutionary digital music player, iPod, will be five years old..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Apple Reports Preliminary Fourth Quarter Results

Apple Reports Preliminary Fourth Quarter Results: "Apple announced preliminary fourth quarter financial results, with revenue of $4.84 billion and a net profit of $546 million, or $.62 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $3.68 billion and a net profit of $430 million, or $.50 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 29.2%, up from 28.1% a year ago. International sales accounted for 40% of revenue. Live audio webcast."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

“Good for the Soul”

“Good for the Soul”: "‘Oct. 23 marks the fifth anniversary of Apple’s iPod,’ Steven Levy reports. ‘CEO Steve Jobs reflected with NEWSWEEK’s Steven Levy (author of ‘The Perfect Thing,’ a book about the iPod out this month) about the past, present and future of the device that changed Apple — and the world.’"

(Via Apple Hot News.)

Apple's Xserve Xeon: Built to fall apart | October 16, 2006 01:05 PM | By Tom Yager

A couple of weeks ago, Apple invited me to its campus to get a close-up look at Apple's Xserve Xeon. It is a marvel of physical design, so much so that I find that it implausible that Xserve Xeon and Xserve G5 could have been designed by the same company. Xserve G5 was pretty tight, but Xserve Xeon makes its predecessor, not to mention ever PC 1U rack server I've seen, look slapped together.

Enterprise Mac | InfoWorld | Apple's Xserve Xeon: Built to fall apart | October 16, 2006 01:05 PM | By Tom Yager:

Technorati Tags: Apple, OS X, Macintosh, Xserve

The Straight Dope on the IPod's Birth

Thanks to Apple Computer's penchant for CIA-like secrecy, there are several myths concerning the birth of the iPod.

One of these myths is that the iPod has a father -- one man who conceived and nurtured the iconic device. Steve Jobs, of course, is one candidate; but engineer Tony Fadell has also been named the father of the iPod, as has Jon Rubinstein, the former head of Apple's hardware division. While they all played key roles in the iPod's development, the iPod was truly a team effort.

Here's the story:

Some iPods Shipped With Windows Virus

Gear Factor:

It seems some video iPods were recently shipped with a Windows virus on board. According to a statement on Apple's Web site, a small number -- less than one percent -- shipped after Sept. 12 carry the RavMonE virus, a mass storage virus that only affects Windows computers. It reportedly was traced to a PC at the manufacturer where the iPods were made, and it can be detected and removed by up-to-date anti-virus software.

Apple has received less than 25 reports of infected iPods, but the statement makes it clear the company is none too happy about it:

"As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it."

The virus affects only Windows, not Macs or the iPod itself. Apple has posted instructions for removal of the virus on its site

iTunes Drops AirTunes Connection

I don't know if any of my readers have experienced dropped Airtunes connections since upgrading to iTunes 7.X but it is a most annoying problem. I did my usual (and thorough) trouble shooting routine and determined the behavior was not due to any of the machines on which iTunes is running regardless of age, configuration or processor. So, what was the problem? I blamed it on the upgrade to iTunes. Not so. Turns out to be an issue with the firmware on my Airport Express. You can find a link to the update on Apple's Support Site.

IE7 vs IE6: Toolbar Mayhem

A very interesting look at the future of Internet Explorer for Windows. Worth a look! -TG

IE7 vs IE6: Toolbar Mayhem: ""

(Via diggdot.us.)

Apple Announces iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition

Apple Announces iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition: "Apple today announced the iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition. U2 lead singer, Bono, and Bobby Shriver formed (RED) to engage business in the fight against AIDS in Africa by getting the world’s most iconic companies to make uniquely branded products. A portion of the profits from these products goes directly to fund programs for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa."

(Via Apple Hot News.)

2 Feet of Snow in Buffalo

I know, I know. This has NOTHING to do with Macintosh or Apple. I'm just thankful not to have to deal with this. -TG

2 feet of snow hits Great Lakes region (AP)

AP - A rare early October snowstorm left parts of the Great Lakes and Midwest blanketed with 2 feet of snow Friday morning, prompting widespread blackouts, closing schools and stranding travelers.

Office for Mac 2007 will be delayed

I'm curious. Does this matter to you? -TG

Office for Mac 2007 will be delayed: "A story on Macworld UK says that Microsoft has confirmed that Office 2007 for Mac will not ship until the second half of 2007..."

(Via MacMinute.)

PBS programs now available on the iTunes Store

I love this stuff! -TG

PBS programs now available on the iTunes Store: "PBS today announced the launch of PBS content on the iTunes Store, making it possible for users to now purchase and download documentary specials and episodes from popular PBS primetime and children's programming..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Messenger 6.0.1, Office 2004 11.3.0 Updates released

Messenger 6.0.1, Office 2004 11.3.0 Updates released: "Microsoft's Macintosh Business Unit today released Messenger 6.0.1 and Office 2004 11.3.0 updates..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Wirelessly Control iPod with the Belkin SportCommand

Wirelessly Control iPod with the Belkin SportCommand: "Belkin today announced the release of SportCommand Armband for iPod, a wireless fabric remote that straps to your arm and communicates wirelessly to your iPod..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Google launches Mac blog, download page

Google launches Mac blog, download page: "Google has launched a new Mac-specific blog and download page, reports Macworld UK..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Enable iPod Screen Saver

Here's a short tutorial for turning a video into an iPod screen saver. (Only works with 5th Gen. iPods) -TG

Enable iPod Screen Saver: "1) Create a new folder named Demo Mode on the iPod. 2) In iTunes, rename any video file as Demo. When your iPod is charging and left untouched for two minutes the movie you renamed 'demo' will play and repeate. Just like a screen saver."

(Via diggdot.us.)

MacbookPro with up to 10 monitors!!!!

MacbookPro with up to 10 monitors!!!!: "Ever wanted to have more than two additional displays on your notebook? While it turns out that expresscard /34 slot we have on our MacbookPros will allow us to use PCI cards, typically installed in a desktop computer on our MacbookPro's!"

(Via diggdot.us.)

XtremeMac's Tango speaker system for iPod shipping Nov. 1

XtremeMac's Tango speaker system for iPod shipping Nov. 1: "XtremeMac today announced that it is now accepting pre-orders for its Tango digital audio system for iPod (US$199.95)..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Starbucks 'Hear Music Now' on the iTunes Store

Starbucks 'Hear Music Now' on the iTunes Store: "Starbucks and Apple today announced the availability of the 'Starbucks Hear Music' catalog on the iTunes Store, giving iTunes users the ability to preview, buy and download a wide variety of Starbucks popular Hear Music titles. Hear Music produces a wide range of albums showcasing new and classic artists including the well-known Artist Choice series, Opus Collections, Debut Series releases by emerging artists, as well as new works from major artists..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Free utility converts Google Gadgets into Dashboard widgets

Free utility converts Google Gadgets into Dashboard widgets: "Mesa Dynamics today announced the public beta release of Amnesty Generator, a free utility for Mac OS X that converts any Google Web page Gadget into a Dashboard widget..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Cha-Ching personal accounting software updated

Aw, come on. You just have to love a company that uses a piggy bank icon for personal finance software! -TG

Cha-Ching personal accounting software updated: "Cha-Ching, a personal accounting/budgeting software package has been updated..."

(Via MacMinute.)

OWC lowers prices on Mercury FireWire/USB Elite-AL

OWC lowers prices on Mercury FireWire/USB Elite-AL: "Other World Computing (OWC) today announced lowered pricing on its line of Mercury Elite-AL Pro FireWire 800/400+USB2 portable, external hard drive storage solutions in up to 750GB capacity, with new prices starting at US$139.99..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Jobs apologizes over stock issues

A very rare public apology from Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Many of you have noticed the devaluation Apple has received by some financial institutions. Apple will have to restate earnings, but all current executives have been cleared of wrong-doing. -TG

Jobs apologizes over stock issues: "Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs apologized today for the company's past stock-option practices after a three-month internal investigation raised concerns over how some grants were handled between 1997 and 2002, reports AP..."

(Via MacMinute.)

Wireless Amplifier for MacBooks announced

Though I do not like the aesthetics of this product, for some it could be the difference between getting a wirelss signal or not. -TG

Wireless Amplifier for MacBooks announced: "QuickerTek today announced a new wireless amplifier for Apple MacBooks..."

(Via MacMinute.)