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This looks like the could be the place to go for Mac mini information. (They are just getting started, after all, the mini isn't even 3 months old.) What brought it to my attention, was a listing for how to open a Mac mini without using a putty knife as most places recommend. Here they have pictures that show you how to use wires to pull back the plastic that holds the case in place. See that article. Or start at the front by going to ... macminihacks.org
There is a good discussion on MacInTouch about turning the Mac mini into a media center. There has been a lot of talk in the press about Apple planning on making it into a personal video recorder. But some of the people commenting here don't want to wait for Apple. See the discussion at: macintouch.com
The position User Group Program Manager has been eliminated. Most user groups contact with this entity was through the Adobe User Group Breakfasts at Macworld Expos. The User Group Program Manager was Rye Livingston, long time user group promoter and friend. Rye was in Apple's original User Group program and began building a strong relationship as far back as 1986. He was an integral part of the program through the early NAUG and NAUGSAW conferences, then moved on to Adobe when Apple discontinued their User Group program. Rye was singularly responsible for Adobe's close relationship with user groups through the mid-nineties until now. The program provided thousands of dollars worth of software throughout the years to user groups for review as well as raffles and fund raisers. Although the program will continue, Rye's cheerful wit and calm manner will be missed by everyone, like myself, who looked forward to seeing Rye each year at Macworld.
I've sent him an email, but he's probably inundated with email since the announcement. We'll miss you Rye! I only hope Adobe keeps the User Group and Professional Association active to the level it has been -- but it's hard to believe they will without Rye. We have no idea what Rye's plans are, but I'm sure they'll be good. [Fred] www.adobe.com
With the flurry of new items announced by Apple in January, by March we've seen dozens of updates. Now Apple is updating their updates in attempts to get the software working right, and calm irate users. One such situation involves Apple's new iWork package. You can follow that discussion
There have also been a number of iPhoto problems reported and supposedly the update fixes at least some of the bugs.
Apple has also updated its Keynote presentation software and Pages word processor. Both updates are available through the Mac OS X Software Update. They're all at ... www.apple.com/support/downloads/
According to this Associate Press story, the European Union has decided that Microsoft is dragging its feet on following the antitrust ruling. It has threaten Microsoft with new fines if they don't make it easier for competitors to see the code to its server software and make it less expensive for them to use it. Surely by now, it is obvious that Microsoft puts off these things as long as possible thinking that things will be better when a new administration takes over, as it it did in the U.S. Read more...
This week's Shareware Manager includes fun add-on apps for iLife including: a Recorder that saves iChats, Sound Bytes, Simple captions for iMovie, a PDA for your iPod, iSpeak It makes iPod talk, Synergy puts iTunes in your Menu, MusicMagic Mixer and more. Have fun with these!
According to the Register, quoting rumors, Apple is in talks to purchase a digital music startup called HipSolve Media. This company owns iHoola, a Windows-based music distribution system the company has so far pitched toward labels as a low-cost means of selling DRM-protected music direct to customers. This could help Apple provide a subscription based system. Read more...
The Unofficial Apple Weblog has an article about how to use Mac OS X's Terminal program to find all those invisible iTunes songs. ... see the full story...
Jon Johansen, also known as 'DVD Jon,', for developing software that removes digital rights management from DVDs has developed a new program that deletes similar restrictions from iTunes downloads. The software currently is only available for Windows and Linux. Bet this won't last long. ... see the full story...
Version 2.0 of iPodder software has been released. iPodder continues to be free and cross-platform, playing on Windows (2000/XP), Macintosh (10.3) and Linux (Beta) platforms. Some of the new features are:
* New GUI
* New streamlined subscription process with an ability to check and uncheck items for download
* Maintains a history of downloads and click to play abilities
* Threaded scans/downloads and resumable downloads
* Import and Export OPML to enable easy transport of data between other apps
iPodder continue to be free, multi-language support, has a public license (GPL) and is fast, even with a lot of subscriptions. Download it
If you buy a General Motors automobile next year you'll be able to order it with iPod connectivity. The audio systems include an auxiliary channel and front mounted auxiliary input jack, so that an iPod or other audio source can be easily plugged in and played through the vehicle sound system. 2006 models of the Chevy HHR, Impala and Monte Carlo; Saturn VUE and ION; Pontiac Solstice; Buick Lucerne; and Cadillac DTS. www.gm.com
David Lazarus, San Francisco Chronicle, takes a careful look at the latest scams to hit online: "free iPod" offers. Tons and tons of spam hawking free iPods and all kinds of other products -- but then you sadly discover you've signed a contract that is anything but free. Read the article and -- BEWARE!
Here is a dongle that is added to the iPod so that it can broadcast to Bluetooth devices. Specifically ther stereo headset. The site doesn't say it will work with other Bluetooth devices, but they do have a picture showing it in contact with a notebook and a cell phone. So some devices must work. ... see the full story...
It is now possible to run Linux on the first three generations of iPods. (Still working on the fourth, mini and photo.) It is possible to run Linux version of Tetris, Pong, Asteroids and other programs on the iPod. Read more...
Life as an intergalactic vagabond was a blast: warping from universe to universe, surfing the Milky Way Wave... that is until one wrong turn at Alpha Centauri slams you into an asteroid belt, forcing a crash landing in the desert on a little out of the way planet called "Earth." It's Ambrosia's latest game... GooBall
DreamCard and Revolution are two cross-platform programs that carry HyperCard into the realm of OS X. Although HyperCard still runs under Classic, these programs are for the serious HyperCard user. And, SoSmart Software has a whole collection of great plug-ins ready to go ...
A recent computer poll has found that a majority of consumers say that the volume of spam in their inboxes has lessened and that the e-mail they get from companies they do business with has become more targeted and relevant over the past year. In my mind, the survey is suspect since it was sponsered by a company that does e-mail campaigns. What do you think? ... see the full story...
Yahoo 360 provides blogging within a broader service whose main aim is to serve as a communications tool between users and friends. It is reported similar to Microsoft's Space and Lycos' Circles. It will lets users publish blogs, share content, and post pictures. They are taking names for beta testers at: 360.yahoo.com
Last week, AOL set off a fire storm by putting out a Terms of Service that said all postings on AIM would be come property of AOL. That later clarified and even changed their statement. Now they are saying it doesn't apply to instant messaging. Read more...
An upscale shopping center in Southlake, (Town Square) is adding a major new area that includes an Apple Computer Store. It really is quite a nice project, and it will put a store at least 20 miles closer to where I live. Read about it via Google cache
"The most satisfying thing in life is to have been able to give a large part of one's self to others."
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
"The nice thing about teamwork is that you always have others on your side."
- Margaret Carty
Have a great week... (See last week)
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