Dvorak Goes Mac, Disappointment with Vista, Most Zune Owners Plan to Switch, GE Digicams, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2007.07.27

This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News

PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News & Opinion

• John C. Dvorak Using a Mac - and Liking It
• Switching from Windows to Mac: The ROI Case
• Vista Use Grows as Mac OS X Stays Flat
• PC Industry 'Disappointed' with Vista
• Create an Inexpensive iPhone Car Connector

iPod News

• 70% of Zune Owners Expect to Switch to iPod, iPhone
• iPod Deals

Products

• Stylish GE Digicams Return to Home Shopping Network
• SanDisk's Ducati Flash Drive
• FireWire 800 Compact Flash Reader
• OWC NASPerform Network Attached Storage for Home or Business
• LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ 2 TB Hard Drive with Shortcut Button
• Kanguru Solutions' Power Saving Eco Drive
• zPrint Keyboard Skin for Adobe InDesign

Software

• CUPS-PDF 2.4.6 Prints to PDF Files

Desktop Mac Deals

News & Opinion

John C. Dvorak Using a Mac - and Liking It

PC Magazine's John C. Dvorak says:

"Not too long ago, while beginning work on some projects for a company, I was asked whether I wanted a PC or a Mac - laptop or desktop - to use while in the office. Since the place was essentially a Macintosh shop, I requested an iMac (with a second screen so I didn't look like a complete schlub).

"Oh horrors. Dvorak is using a Mac.

"Hey, I figured since I'm known for ragging on the Mac all the time, I may as well speak from some experience, right? It's been a couple of months now, so I thought I'd report what I think about the platform from a user's perspective - specifically, from a PC user's perspective.

"So here's what I think.

"First of all, the machine is not half bad...."

Link: Me and My Mac

Switching from Windows to Mac: The ROI Case

ZDNet blogger Larry Dignan says:

"Auto Warehousing Co. CIO Dale Frantz says his decision to go from a Windows shop to one powered by Apple is based on time and labor spent maintaining Windows.

"A week ago, I noted that Auto Warehousing Co. was switching to the Mac platform. The move, first chronicled by Computerworld, left a few loose ends on Frantz's business case. The biggest loose end: I looked like Frantz was adding costs with an unclear return.

"I emailed Frantz to get some more color on his decision. Without offering specific return targets he did tie up a the loose ends. Instead of interpreting his remarks and paraphrasing I thought it was best to let him tell it. Here's his reply to my question about his business case for switching to the Mac on the front end of his infrastructure."

Link: Switching from Windows to Mac: The ROI Case

Vista Use Grows as Mac OS X Stays Flat

Computerworld's Gregg Keizer reports:

"Windows Vista's share of online users has increased every month this year, while rival Mac OS X - to which Vista has often been compared - has shown little, if any, growth, a metrics company reports.

"According to Net Applications, in June Windows Vista accounted for 4.52 percent of all systems that browsed the Web, up from January's 0.18 percent. Vista has grown its usage share each month since its release to consumers Jan. 30, hitting 0.93 percent in February, 2.04 percent in March, 3.02 percent in April and 3.74 percent in May. Apple Inc.'s Mac OS X, meanwhile, accounted for 6.22 percent in January and hit its high point of 6.46 percent in May, but it slipped back to 6 percent in June.

"If Vista's uptake trend continues, it should pass Mac OS X in Web usage share by the end of August."

Editor's note: Ummmm . . . okay, but what's being downplayed in this story (although its in the third paragraph down) is that Vista's increase is largely compensated by a decrease in Windows XP usage and that "Windows overall total has remained flat" though the first six months of 2007, so it would appear that OS X is holding its own nicely, especially given the purchase deferral factor that has to be dampening OS X sales as prospective buyers wait for the release of Leopard in October. cm

Editor's note: Vista users account for 9.7% of all Windows visits to Low End Mac, while Windows XP has 81.9% of the Windows installed base. Third place? Windows 2000 with 5.5%. dk

Link: Vista Use Grows as Mac OS X Stays Flat

PC Industry 'Disappointed' with Vista

digitalartsonline.co.uk reports:

"Acer president Gianfranco Lanci became the first major PC manufacturer to openly attack Microsoft over the Windows Vista operating system in the Financial Times Deutschland on Monday.

"Lanci said the operating system was riddled with problems and gave users and businesses no reason to buy a new PC, according to the report. Taiwan-based Acer is the world's fourth-largest PC manufacturer, after HP, Dell and Lenovo.

"'The whole industry is disappointed with Windows Vista,' Lanci said."

Link: PC Industry 'Disappointed' with Vista

Create an Inexpensive iPhone Car Connector

MacOSHints' ricardob says:

"So you had an iPod that would nicely plug into your car. You get the iPhone and because the iPhone's headphone connector is recessed, your cable does not exactly fit. You can't hear the music through your car stereo.

"Instead of hacking your $20 Monster cable, buy a couple of cheap parts from Radio Shack and create an adapter for the existing cable in your car...."

Link: Create an Inexpensive iPhone Car Connector

iPod News

70% of Zune Owners Expect to Switch to iPod, iPhone

Macworld UK says:

"Microsoft recently confirmed it has sold just over a million Zunes - but recent research says most Zune owners rue the day they ever dipped into their pocket to pick one up, with 70 per cent of Zune owners planning to ditch the device in favour of an iPod or iPhone just as soon as they can.

"Survey research from the Eagle Research Group shows most Zune owners are displeased, meaning the player has acquired little brand loyalty."

Link: 70% of Zune Owners Will Switch to iPod, iPhone

Products

Stylish GE Digicams Return to Home Shopping Network

PR: The stylish new line of GE digital cameras make a return appearance on multichannel retailer HSN with the world launch of its 10-megapixel E1040. General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, announced today that HSN will offer the E1040 in black, silver, and an eye-catching, HSN-exclusive hot metallic pink.

Besides the 10-megapixel resolution, the E1040 boasts 4x zoom and a 3-inch LCD screen. As with all GE cameras, it also offers such advanced features as face detection, redeye removal, panoramic stitching, and image stabilization. The E1040 also provides ISO 3200 sensitivity. These features are all embedded in the camera, meaning no additional software is needed.

All GE cameras offer movie mode, continuous-shot mode, and a variety of special scene modes - all at prices far less than many of their competitors.

The line of eight cameras represents the first time General Electric has bestowed its highly regarded and trusted brand on a consumer camera line. General Imaging, led by Chairman & CEO Hiroshi "Hugh" Komiya, is the exclusive worldwide licensee for the GE cameras.

General Imaging, based in Torrance, Calif., lifted the wraps on eight cameras in all, from the entry level to the "prosumer" level.

All of the GE cameras offer popular advanced features as standard at every price point, including face tracking, image stabilization, redeye removal, high ISO sensitivity, and panoramic stitching.

The GE line sets a new benchmark for point-and-shoot digital cameras with a strong product identity that combines both ease of operation and a handsome consistency in look and feel across all models. "Consumers are demanding not just advanced features but stylish designs," Komiya said. "And General Imaging is meeting that demand with cameras that are a statement of style while offering all the latest technology."

Here are more specifics about the entries in the new GE camera line:

A Series

The most affordable, entry-level GE digital cameras. Remarkably feature-rich cameras for first-time buyers or those upgrading from first-generation digital cameras. Both include a generous 2.5-inch LCD screen. Powered by two AA alkaline batteries.

• The A730 features a 3x optical zoom and 7 megapixels of resolution.
• The A830 offers 3x optical zoom and 8 megapixels.

E Series

The intermediate level of the GE models offers features found on other brands' top-of-the-line models. The E1030 features a 2.7-inch LCD; all others in this series offer a spacious 3-inch screen. All are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

• The E850 includes a 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, a 5x optical zoom and 8 megapixels.
• The E1030 offers a 3x optical zoom and 10 megapixels.
• The E1040 includes a 4x optical zoom and 10 megapixels.
• The E1240 features a 4x optical zoom and 12 megapixels.

G Series (The G1)

The signature GE camera is its most compact model (3? inches wide x 21Ú2 inches high), yet it's big on performance. Perfect for soccer moms or anyone else on the go who wants a superb, snazzy point-and-shoot camera. Includes a 3x optical zoom, a vibrant 2.5-inch LCD screen, 7 megapixels, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

X Series (The X1)

A high-performance camera for the more serious photographer. Boasts state-of-the-art optical image stabilization, 12x optical zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 8 megapixels, and a handgrip. Powered by four AA batteries.

Komiya said his goal is to be among the top three camera brands in the world within five years. "We believe digital cameras are still in a growth market," he said. "With the replacement cycle now down to three years, many consumers are buying their second or third digital camera, while others have been waiting for just the right camera to come along to make their first purchase. With our excellent quality, advanced features, strong value proposition and the great GE name, we are in a position to lift the entire category."

GE digital cameras are also available at Sears and K-mart.

Link: GE Digital Cameras

SanDisk's Ducati Flash Drive

PR: SanDisk Corporation today rolled out the sleek SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive. A tribute to Ducati's distinctive Italian design and engineering, the new drive has the same glossy red chassis and black trim as the Ducati Corse team motorcycles now racking up victories on the MotoGP circuit.

The true "Ducatisti," as aficionados of Ducati motorcycles call themselves, will appreciate the attention to detail in the SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive, including the Ducati Corse logo on top of the drive and the red tail light that illuminates whenever the drive is inserted into the USB port of a computer.

On the inside, the drive offers a generous 4 gigabytes1 (GB) of capacity and front-of-the-pack read and write speeds of 20 megabytes per second2 - the fastest of the SanDisk portfolio of consumer USB drives. In other words, there isn't a long wait to fill the drive's big fuel tank with documents, photos, music and other digital data.

"Ducati and SanDisk share a passion for bringing together performance and design," said Alessandro Cicognani, Ducati Corse marketing and licensing manager. "That's why Ducati was proud to welcome SanDisk as a sponsor of our MotoGP team back in January, and why we're delighted today that SanDisk has created a product so closely mirroring our commitment to excellence."

"There has never been a USB flash drive that looked like this," said Greg Rhine, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Products Division at SanDisk. "The SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive is fast and functional, but it's also a way for everyone to share the excitement of Ducati motorcycles and Ducati's long history as a racing champion."

The SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition USB Flash Drive comes with a custom lanyard, as well as SanDisk's RescuePRO Deluxe software for recovering data that is accidentally deleted. The drive is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and versions 10.1.2 or better of the Mac operating system.

The drive has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $124.99 in the United States. It is expected to be available in North America and Europe in August, and worldwide in September. The drive will be sold through high-end niche retailers, high-end department stores, Ducati network shops and other outlets, including on-line. It will also be available for pre-order on the SanDisk website.

Today, SanDisk also announced SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition Compact Flash cards, in 4 GB and 8 GB capacities, and a SanDisk Extreme Ducati Edition 4 GB SD™ Plus card. These cards have the fastest performance that SanDisk has ever offered in their formats. (See separate press release.)

"These new Ducati Extreme Edition products are the beginning of what we believe will be an important partnership, leveraging Ducati's reputation in MotoGP to support a worldwide merchandising and marketing campaign for SanDisk," said Tanya Chuang, director of worldwide retail product marketing for the high performance imaging market at SanDisk. "Our Ducati Edition products also clearly show SanDisk's capabilities in performance and design, which we feel put us far ahead of the competition."

Ducati, founded in 1926, is one of the world's best-known names in performance motorcycles. Emphasizing unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence, Ducati motorcycles have won 14 of the last 16 World Superbike Championship titles - more individual victories than the competition put together. Since 2003, Ducati also has been a leader in the MotoGP World Championship circuit.

SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world's largest supplier of flash data storage card products, using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Milpitas, California, and has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the U.S.

1. 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes.
2. Based on SanDisk internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes.

Link: SanDisk Ducati Team

FireWire 800 Compact Flash Reader

PR: Synchrotech's CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to Compact Flash Drive Read-Writer is a must for pro photographers and other demanding users of high speed Compact Flash memory cards. Capable of exploiting the high speeds of the latest generation of Compact Flash memory cards, the CFFire800 FireWire 800 boasts incredible read speeds of up to 43 MBs with Lexar's new UDMA 300X and 39 MBs with SanDisk's Extreme IV Compact Flash cards.

The CFFire800 FireWire 800 to Compact Flash Drive reader supports all the latest high-speed Compact Flash standards including PIO Modes 1-4, DMA Modes 0-2, and UDMA Modes 0-6. CFFire800 features a single Compact Flash slot for Compact Flash Type I and II including Hitachi Microdrives and other CFII+ rotating media. It supports FireWire 800 (400?) connectivity on both Macintosh and Windows Operating Systems. The FireWire to Compact Flash uses FireWire bus power, so the CFFire800 reader plugs and plays with no external AC power. CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to Compact Flash Drive requires no drivers and comes with a one year limited warranty.

Features

• FireWire bus powered, no power adapter required
• Supports media hot swapping and FireWire plug and play
• Compact and portable design with low power consumption
• Supports PIO Modes 1-4, DMA Modes 0-2, and UDMA Modes 0-6
• High speeds of over to 45 Mbps (Megabytes) interface access to UDMA Mode 6 (Ultra ATA/133) storage cards
• 1 Year Limited Warranty
• Easy Installation
• CE Approved

Select Benchmarks

• Mac OS X 10.4.9 (Read / Write) 1394b
  • Lexar 8 GB UDMA 300X: 43.0 / 38.0 MB/s
  • SanDisk 8 GB Extreme IV: 39.0 / 33.0 MB/s
  • Transcend 4 GB CF 120X: 14.2 / 11.2 MB/s
  • SanDisk 1 GB Ultra II: 11.2 / 11.0 MB/s
• Windows XP (Read / Write) 1394b
  • Lexar 8 GB UDMA 300X: 42.6 / 23.2 MB/s
  • SanDisk 8 GB Extreme IV: 38.1 / 23.4 MB/s
  • Transcend 4 GB CF 120X: 13.9 / 7.0 MB/s
  • SanDisk 1 GB Ultra II: 10.6 / 9.1 MB/s

PCMCIA Media Support

• Compact Flash Memory Cards
• High Speed Compact Flash Memory Cards including PIO4, DMA 2 and UDMA6 based cards like Lexar's UDMA 300X and SanDisk's Extreme IV
• Microdrives and other CFII+ rotating media

Transfer Rates

• FireWire 800: 800 Mbps (Megabits)

Standards

• PC Card Version 2.1/JEIDA 4.1
• IEEE 1394a/b (FireWire)

System Requirements

• PC or Macintosh with free nine pin FireWire 800 port
• Mac OS X 10.1x or later
• Windows 2000/XP and The Vista
• Unsupported, but known to work with FireWire capable Mac OS Classic 9.X
• Unsupported, but known to work with FireWire capable BSD and Linux distributions

Electrical Characteristics

• Bus Powered: 12V ±10% @ < 1.0A

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions: 70.0 X 70.0 X 25.0mm (LWH ± .5mm)
• Cable Length: 0.95m
• Weight: 92g

PCM-CR-FW81ECF-02 CFFire800 Pro FireWire 800 to Compact Flash Drive Read-Writer

Requires powered FireWire port (9-pin port)

$59

Optional Accessories

• ADP-ATA-CF Compact Flash Type I to 16-bit PC Card Type I/II Adapter for ATA Flash

Only supported for use with ATA Flash Memory PC Cards. $26.00

Link: CFFire800 Pro

OWC NASPerform Network Attached Storage for Home or Business

PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the NASPerform fast 10/100 Base-T Ethernet/USB 2.0 Network Attached Storage Solution for home or business networks. With a data storage capacity of up to 750 GB, NASPerform effortlessly connects to wired or wireless networks for easy file storage and sharing among multiple network users.

Store & Share Photos, Music, Movies with Your Whole Family or Small Office

Available for Mac and Windows, NASPerform stores and shares photos, music, movies, and other data with up to 20 other network users. NASPerform works just like an internal hard drive. Users just simply point and click, and drag and drop files they wish to access. With its built-in USB 2.0 port, NASPerform can also be used as a portable external hard drive for personal file storage.

Plug N'Play Easy Installation

NASPerform connects directly to any wired or wireless Ethernet network switch or router and comes complete with Ethernet and USB 2.0 connecting cables for Plug N' Play easy installation. It eliminates the need for complicated TCP/IP settings or a costly server. In addition, NASPerform provides the ability to assign read/write privileges to each network user to prevent unwanted deletion or modification of valuable data. NASPerform's innovative technology also protects data from external Internet security intrusions.

NASPerform is ideal for:

• Multimedia storage (MP3s, digital photos, digital video). Home networking storage (storing and sharing files, backing up, and archiving). Network storage for small business.
• Data archives, disclosed data, backups, and data conservation storage for public institutions/facilities. Multiplatform network storage (simultaneous Macintosh and Windows use).

NASPerform Technical Highlights:

• Up to 750 GB of bootable disk capacity
• 16 MB of data cache
• Ximeta NDAS 2011 chipset
• One RJ-45 100 Base-TX Auto MDI/MDI-X port
• One USB 2.0/1.1 5-pin port
• Up to 20 simultaneous connections
• Front panel LED status light: blue when powered on, red & flashing with read/write activity
• Dimensions of 5.2" x 8.7" x 1.8", 3 lb. weight
• External auto-switching 100-240V 50-60 Hz 3 amp UL listed power supply included
• 36" double shielded USB 2.0/1.1 and 36" Ethernet RJ-45 connecting cables included
• $200 retail value utility software bundle of ProSoft Engineering® Data Backup 3, NovaStor NovaBACKUP®, and Intech® SpeedTools Utilities included with preconfigured solutions
• 1 year OWC warranty

System requirements:

NASPerform is compatible with Macintosh computers running OS 8.6 and later with an available USB port or OS 10.3 and later via Ethernet for network operation. NASPerform is also compatible with Windows computers running Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows 2000 (Home or Professional), Windows Vista with an available USB port or a via Ethernet for network operation.

Priced starting at $127.99

NASPerform is available in five preconfigured 7200 RPM solutions, from 250 GB to 750 GB, priced starting at $127.99 MSRP. A 0 GB "add your own drive" enclosure is also available priced at $59.99 MSRP.

Available immediately from Other World Computing.

Link: NASPerform

LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ 2 TB Hard Drive with Shortcut Button

PR: Huge capacity, great speed, connects everywhere

• FireWire 800, FireWire 400 & Hi-Speed USB 2.0
• LaCie Shortcut Button launches any application
• EMC Retrospect backup and recovery software

LaCie has unveiled the triple-interface Big Disk Extreme+ with LaCie Shortcut Button and included EMC Retrospect backup and recovery software for Windows/Mac OS. This versatile storage solution is equipped with FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 interfaces, as well as a utility that allows users to back up files or launch any application by pushing the front blue button. The LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ is available today in 1 TB, 1.5 TB, and 2 TB capacities.

"LaCie is excited to introduce this high-capacity solution for professional users," said Olivier Mirloup, LaCie Hard Disk Drive Business Unit Manager. "The Big Disk Extreme+ is a triple threat with high-performance storage, high capacity and a user-friendly quick backup feature for data safety and recovery. Professional users working with very large, resource intensive files can take advantage of the high throughput of the FireWire 800, or the universal compatibility of USB, with the reassuring convenience of EMC Retrospect Express backup software and the LaCie Shortcut Button."

Three interfaces in a single solution gives professionals the versatility needed to work in almost any environment. With burst transfer rates close to 90 MB/s*, the LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ takes full advantage of the great bandwidth of FireWire 800 connectivity. This makes the LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ especially convenient for video editors working in SD/HD or for quick individual workstation storage in a small business setting.

People can utilize the LaCie Shortcut Button - the blue button in front of the drive - as a one-push backup or application-launching utility . It can be configured to launch any document or application, or initiate included EMC Retrospect Express software that offers automated backups on the LaCie Big Disk Extreme+.

LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ features the quintessential d2 design - a stylish, metallic housing crafted from sturdy aluminum alloy for portability and protection. It offers excellent natural heat dissipation which is combined with an ultra-quiet thermo-regulated "smart" fan system to prolong performance and drive reliability. A 3-position switch allows for customized power management. LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ can stand vertically to save desktop space, be laid horizontally to stack multiple drives, or be rack-mounted to fit into an audio/video setup. Several Big Disks can even be daisy-chained to the same computer and combined together to further increase capacity, speed or security via FireWire.

Availability

The LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ 1 TB, 1.5 TB, and 2 TB are available immediately online and will be widely available through LaCie's specialized dealer network later this month starting at the suggested retail price of $350. Drives ship with EMC Retrospect Express HD 2.0 for Windows, Retrospect Express 6.1 for Mac OS, all interface cables, and a power supply. LaCie separately offers FireWire PCI cards.

(*) Burst transfer rates vary from one computer to another and may vary slightly from one drive to another. Average speed is usually lower, depending on host configuration.

Link: Big Disk Extreme+

Kanguru Solutions' Power Saving Eco Drive

PR: Kanguru Solutions has announced the release of the Kanguru Eco Drive, the most environmentally friendly and energy efficient external hard drive on the market.

With its three built in Power Saving modes, the Kanguru Eco Drive automatically gauges hard drive usage to reduce power consumption by up to 75% and extends the life of the hard drive itself. The three modes include Idle mode (drive operates at 80% of normal consumption after 3 seconds of inactivity), Standby mode (drive operates at 10-20% of normal consumption after 3 minutes of inactivity) and Power Down (drive operates at 5-10% of normal consumption after 5 minutes of inactivity). The power modes are configurable through included software for Windows platforms (Windows 2000, XP and Vista only).

The Kanguru Eco Drive is also RoHS compliant. RoHS, or the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, is an international directive to restrict the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of certain types of electrical equipment. These materials are lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE flame retardants.

The high-speed (480 Mbps) USB 2.0 hard drives are available in capacities of up to 750 GB. The Kanguru Eco Drive is compatible with Windows (98 and above), including Windows Vista, and with Mac OS X and above. SATA support will be available soon.

"With energy costs and environmental concerns on the rise Kanguru is setting the standard for environmentally concerned manufacturers. We are proud to be able to offer a high quality and cost effective storage solution that is environmentally friendly." said Nate Cote, VP of Product Management at Kanguru Solutions

A division of Interactive Media Corporation, Kanguru Solutions manufactures high quality, secure and portable computer storage and security peripherals that have provided consumers with secure back-up solutions for more than a decade. Interactive Media Corp. was established in Massachusetts in 1992.

Link: Kanguru Eco Drive

zPrint Keyboard Skin for Adobe InDesign

PR: Preprinted and Molded for Apple Keyboard with Program short cut key compatible with Adobe InDesign® version 1, 1.5, 2, CS, CS2 and CS3.

• Washable
• Durable
• Dustproof

zPrinted

• It is compatible with the new Apple Keyboard.
• All G5/Intel iMacs and G5 PowerMacs are packaged with this new Apple keyboard.
• It is also compatible with the Apple Bluetooth Wireless keyboard.
• NOTE: It is not compatible with the older Apple Pro Keyboard and Apple USB Keyboard.
• Unique in having preprinted program icons on the cover
• Turn your normal keyboard into a fully functional program editing keyboard
• Not peel off or fade off
• Snugly fitted to your keyboard
• zCover silicone skin are crafted from nontoxic, durable high-grade silicone rubber. It is safe.
• Ultra thin (0.6mm) skin touch feeling, durable,
• Multicolor and glow-in-dark fashionable design,
• Full shock-absorbing, tear-resistant protection,
• Molded to specifically fit every point,
• Removable easy on and off for cleaning,
• Stays in place and does not shift around,
• Washable - you can wash zCover silicone typeOn skin by hand. Make sure it's dried out before put it on your keyboard.

Price: $49.99

Link: zCover TypeOn Adobe InDesign zPrint Program Keyboard Skin

Software

CUPS-PDF 2.4.6 Prints to PDF Files

PR: CUPS-PDF is a backend module for CUPS (Mac OS X's printing system) by Volker C. Behr that, rather than printing to a device, prints straight to PDF files.

Why use this rather than a simple "Save as PDF" in the print dialog?

• Pressing return is faster.
• Batch-print through the writer to convert documents to PDF.
• Common save location for all generated PDFs.

Due to the nature of the program, the title of the document you print is the name of the file, so printing a document twice will overwrite the file. Be aware of this.

New in version 2.4.6:

• optimized default options for GS to produce PDFs
• enclosing parentheses () are removed from title
• set a more comprehensive identification string
• DOS-style path separators '\' are now recognized
• replaced 'setenv' by 'putenv' to increase compatibility
• several code optimizations
• PostScript PPD now uncompressed and rev4 only
• added a new revision of the PostscriptColor PPD file
• Mac OS X: Updated cups-pdf.conf to create unique filenames by default (Label)

This version is a universal binary and runs on PPC and Intel Macs.

System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

System Support: PPC/Intel

Free

Link: CUPS-PDF

Desktop Mac Deals

Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two weeks:

• Best Mac mini deals
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Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every three weeks:

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Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every month:

• Best iMac G3 deals
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For more deals on current and discontinued notebook models, see our best MacBook deals, MacBook Air deals, 15" MacBook Pro deals, 17" MacBook Pro deals, 12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" PowerBook G4 deals, 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.