Saturday, January 3, 2004
Top Stories
iPod — Therefore I Am
It was the must-have Christmas gift of 2003: a gadget that stores your favourite 10,000 tunes and looks incredibly cool, too. So why do people become such bores when they get one?
News
Mac Maniacs Wait To Be Wowed
Rain or shine, dozens of die-hard Mac fans likely will camp overnight outside San Francisco's Moscone Center to snag seats for the opening keynote speech of the Macworld Conference & Expo, to be delivered by Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs on Tuesday morning.
Media Moguls Look To Apple Guru For Succour
In the long run, [Steve Jobs'] perfectionism may be better suited to the film theatre than the cut-throat world of technology.
Opinion
It's TIme To Rate Apple's Performance In 2003
We have high expectations for Apple, which is why I judge it so harshly on the areas it misses. It will have a chance to make good on its potential next week at Macworld Expo.
In Europe, Apple Threatens Linux
We'll see great strides from Linux in the high-end server space over the coming years, with good steps in 2004, but with stiff competition from Apple in certain server segments. Apple? Yes, this is not a misprint.
Three Steps To A Stronger Apple
After its bang-up 2003, better governance, increased quality control, and more product upgrades will make 2004 even better.
The Apple Cult Is Dead
I have seen a change in public perception towards Apple computers and other Apple products
Review
Canvas 9 Professional Edition
Canvas is a great value for a single-person shop, a student seeking a bit of everything in one box, or someone with highly specialized geographical or scientific imaging needs. Casual users can find cheaper alternatives piecemeal.
Neverwinter Nights
With unlimited adventures waiting for you to download them, Neverwinter Nights is a game you can play for months or even years.
Quicken 2004
Users of Quicken 2002 and earlier should appreciate the Aquafied 2004 upgrade. If you already use Quicken 2003 and aren't wowed by the new features, skip a year and check back in 2005.
Soundtrack
If you need sweet-sounding music for your multimedia work and don't happen to know any talented musicians, say hello to a virtual band even your mother could love — one that won't clean out the fridge after rehearsals.
Studio MX 2004
If you work the Web for a living, you'll find workarounds for Studio's quirks and buy this upgrade for its increased integration and the smattering of new features in FireWorks and Dreamweaver. The new Flash Professional makes Studio MX 2004 worth its upgrade price.
Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer
Microsoft's IntelliMouse Explorer has always been one of our favorite mice. It just feels right — and the newest wireless version is no different.
Wireless Optical Desktop
If you can use the extraneous keyboard buttons, this combo's quality mouse and integrated battery charger make it a solid choice.
Ending Remote Madness... The Harmony Internet Remote
What makes this device unique is the "Activity Centered" (or task oriented) approach it takes.
The Apple Of Our Eye
In spite of our minor gripes, the Power Mac G5 is a major advance over the G4. It's got enough power to make Wintel users green with envy, and when a full-blown 64-bit version of OS X arrives, this system will really fly.
When Things On Your Mac Do Cool Things You Didn't Expect Them To... Or Adventures In Mac-Based Audio
If you play an instrument, write songs, sing, or wish you could do any or all of the above, take a look at DigiDesign's amazing little Mbox, a complete audio production system with many uses.
Sidetrack
HEADLINESS POD? : Monitor sold separately.
RTFM : To transfer files from your old Mac to your brand new Mac requires one praragraph of description, which ended with the sentence "the process was effortless."
To do the same for your files on Windows XP requires a full article.