Thursday, February 13, 2003
Top Stories
Apple Releases Mac OS X 10.2.4
The update addresses issues related to reliability for built-in applications and services, and more. It's available for download through the Software Update system preference pane.
News
TiVo Integrates With iLife
Apple and Tivo are working together to furnish complete integration between Macs and Tivo devices.
A Laptop Alights At Home On A Minimalist Perch
Griffin Technology hopes its curving, transparent plastic iCurve laptop stand will appeal to owners of iBooks, as the product's name suggests. The stand's design was inspired by recent Macintosh computers.
Final Cut Express Update Boosts Performance, More
Final Cut Express 1.0.1 features improved performance and stability, according to Apple. It also adds linked keyframe parameters to the Motion tab. NTSC and PAL non-controllable device presets have been added to the Easy Setup window, as well.
Opinion
Apple Of Whose Eye?
I was this close to ordering one of Apple Computer's new notebook computers.
Review
Apple's Big 12-Inch
It's not often Apple can claim to have the best value in computers, especially when one compares the price of an Apple to the price of a PC. But it seems that lately Apple has been working at jamming its laptops full of goodies, while at the same time decreasing the price — and weight — to make them less expensive than similarly equipped PCs. It's odd, but true.
Checking Out iLife
While Apple has added several nice features to each of the "iApps," by far the most valuable is the degree of integration.
Latest iPhoto Is Slicker And Faster
Apple's iPhoto software just got a lot better.
Logitech Internet Navigator Keyboard
Logitech's Internet Navigator Keyboard is a few features and two USB ports away from being a stand-out product. While I greatly appreciate the efforts of Logitech's Mac driver team, they could extend the functionality of all their supported products by giving users more customization options.
DayLite 1.2: Sales-Relationship-Management Program Delivers Power And Flexibility, But Also Administrative Difficulty
DayLite's Personal Edition and Business Edition are well-designed and amazingly customizable programs that give you all the tools you'll need to manage every aspect of your sales from start to finish. But at this point, the Business Edition lacks the necessary security and basic administration tools that most businesses require in a centralized application.
Sidetrack
WHEN TWO CEOs MEET : Found this exchange between the CEO of Apple and the CEO of Pixar on MacInTouch today...
Jobs: On behalf of Pixar, I say you should offer us a volume discount.
Jobs: On behalf of Apple, I must concede your obvious business genius, sir. (pause) And may I say ó that's a damn fine black sweater you're wearing.
TOO MANY DISTRIBUTORS AND RESELLERS? This is what Guy Kawasaki had to say, back in 1990.
"I believe that you cannot have too many silk blouses, too fast a car, or too much distribution. 'Controlled distribution' is an oxymoron. The right distribution is blasting out product and letting customers choose which distribution channel to patronize."
"Some customers will prefer the selection and social atmosphere of ComputerWare. Some will prefer the convenience of mail order from a company like MacConnection. Some will prefer the handholding of a developer or consultant."
"To be fair, if image or status are important to a company's product, it should be more selective. Mont Blanc pens in airport newstands, for example, would be depresing. In general, though, a company shouldn't worry about protecting anyone along the distribution pipe. The organizations and channels that fill a need will survive."
From the book, The Macintosh Way.
Wintel
Whoa! Intel's New - Slower - Chip?
The adoption of the Centrino brand could take a while, as Intel spreads its new, speed-isn't-everything gospel to computer makers and consumers — a message that rivals might actually welcome and help spread.
Microsoft Fights Sun's Java Injunction
Microsoft told an appeals court on Wednesday that a requirement forcing it to ship Sun Microsystems' version of Java is "unprecedented" and must be overturned.
Gates Lays Out Digital Vision
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on Tuesday said the software giant is "the most optimistic company" about advancing new technology innovations.
Microsoft Preps New Office 11 Beta
Microsoft is expected to release next month a second test version of a crucial upgrade to its Office desktop application software.