Macs the Top 2008 PC Story, No Media Sharing with New Drive, Office 2008 Sneak Peak, and More

PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV news is covered in The iNews Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News & Opinion

• Mac Success the Dominant PC Story of 2008
• Kensington SlimType: The Best Alternative to Apple's Aluminum Keyboard
• Setting Up Desktop Printers in Leopard
• Western Digital's DRM-Crippled Network Drive: No Media Sharing for You
• Multimedia Sharing Off Limits with New Network Drive

Apple Updates

• Mac OS Versions Included with Intel-based Macs
• Mac OS Versions Included with PowerPC Macs Since 1998

Products

• Five Leopard Tips and Tricks from David Pogue
• Miglia TVMini2 Shipping
• Newertech Lowers Pricing on Guardian Maximus RAID 1 Storage
• MicroNet Announces Compatibility with Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard'

Software

• Office 2008 Sneak Peek

Desktop Mac Deals

News & Opinion

Mac Success the Dominant PC Story of 2008

ChangeWave's Jim Woods and Paul Carton report:

"It's often said that a leopard cannot change its spots, but is the new Leopard operating system helping Apple change the PC industry?

"Two recent ChangeWave surveys provide new insight on Leopard's industry impact, along with a close look at consumer and corporate PC demand for 1st Quarter 2008.

"Mac Sales Hit New All-Time High

"Apple computer sales continue to show extraordinary momentum for the holidays, according to our latest PC buying survey of 3,872 consumers (Oct 29 - Nov 5).

"Not only do new Mac buyers report sky high satisfaction with their desktops and laptops, but planned Apple purchases for the next 90 days also look exceptionally robust....

"Tellingly, one-in-four respondents (24%) say that the release of Apple's new Leopard operating system has made them more likely to buy a Mac in the future."

Link: Apple Macs: Dominant PC Story of 2008

Kensington SlimType: The Best Alternative to Apple's Aluminum Keyboard

GadgetsPage's Michael Moncur says:

"Apple's latest keyboard is the sleek aluminum number shown here. While this is a beautiful keyboard and will no doubt win some design awards, I was underwhelmed when I tried one at the Apple Store. I prefer a keyboard with a bit of feedback - a 'click' that I can feel as I press each key. Maybe even a noise. While Apple's new keyboard looks great and works fine, it provides no feedback at all, and I was unable to accurately touch-type.

"For those like me who prefer a less 'flat' typing experience, there are alternatives - although they aren't always easy to find. Here are some suggestions for keyboards with a more tactile feel....

"Searching every local computer store for a keyboard that looked and worked as good as my old Apple keyboard, I found one that is 95% of the way there. The Kensington Slimtype is a nice low-profile keyboard that still has a satisfying click to its keystrokes. It's available both in a PC version and in the white Mac-style version.

"I highly recommend the Kensington SlimType, which seems hard to beat for $30 and is available just about everywhere."

Editor's note: I'll go even farther than Michael and declare that the Kensington Slimtype is the best freestanding computer keyboard I've ever used (and do use - it's been my main workstation keyboard for the last three years or so). It's the most like a good laptop keyboard (the old PowerBook WalStreet's 'board remains the gold standard for keyboards in my estimation), and although it is not specifically marketed as an 'ergonomic' 'board, my fibromyalgia and neuritis afflicted anterior limbs find it more comfortable to type on than any ergonomic keyboard I've tried. I like the older Apple USB 'boards too, but the Slimtype has even them beat. cwm

Link: Alternatives to Apple's Aluminum Keyboard

Setting Up Desktop Printers in Leopard

Hardmac's Lionel reports:

"Leopard no longer offers a menu allowing the creation of desktop printers. Pascal has informed us about this method to easily create one:

"There is a hidden solution...."

Link: Desktop Printers in Leopard

Western Digital's DRM-Crippled Network Drive: No Media Sharing for You

The Register's Austin Modine reports:

"Western Digital's 1 TB My Book World Edition external hard drive has been crippled by DRM for your safety.

"A kindly Reg reader tipped us off that the remote-access HDD won't share media files over network connections. Which is, as you can see here, the entire stinking point of it.

"It's a scary world full of potentially unlicensed media. We're fortunate there's a hard drive vendor willing to step forward and do some indiscriminate policing for us.

"From the WD site:

"'Due to unverifiable media license authentication, the most common audio and video file types cannot be shared with different users using WD Anywhere Access.'

"You have 20 seconds to comply...."

Link: Western Digital Drive Is DRM-Crippled for Your Safety Because You Are a Dirty Criminal Scumbag

Multimedia Sharing Off Limits with New Network Drive

IDG News Service's Agam Shah reports:

"Concerned about piracy of multimedia files, Western Digital has disallowed the sharing of multimedia files on its 1T-byte network-attached storage drive, the WD My Book World Edition.

"Due to 'unverifiable media license authentication,' the remote desktop software embedded on the NAS device does not share audio and video files, including MP3, MPEG, AVI and DivX files, according to WD's customer support site ."

Link: Multimedia Sharing Off Limits on NAS Drive

Apple Updates

Mac OS Versions Included with Intel-based Macs

A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"Learn which versions of Mac OS X come with Intel-based Macs. Important: Do not use a Mac OS version earlier than the one included with the computer.

"If you have a PowerPC-based Mac, see below."

Link: Mac OS Versions, Builds Included with Intel-based Macs

Mac OS Versions Included with PowerPC Macs Since 1998

An Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"Learn the version(s) of Mac OS included with PowerPC Macs produced since 01 Jan 1998. If you're looking for information about Intel Macs produced since 2006, see this article.

"Important: You cannot normally use a Mac OS version earlier than the one included with the computer....

"Some computers may include a slightly newer build (but same numbered version) of Mac OS X on the Install or Restore discs than was preinstalled on the hard drive. This is normal.

"Some versions of computer-specific software can only be used for NetBoot or System Images for the computer model with which they were bundled. This includes these Power Mac G5 computer-specific builds: 6S74, 6S75, 6S80, 6S90."

Link: Mac OS: Versions, Builds Included with PowerPC Macs (since 1998)

Products

Five Leopard Tips and Tricks from David Pogue

Missing Manuals founder and author David Pogue says:

"With this new Missing Manual, you can count on learning how to use all of Leopard's new features including the Time Machine, Boot Camp, and File Stacks. And here, as a bonus, David gives you six of his favorite Leopard tips...."

Editor's note: You can preorder Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual from Amazon.com for $24.95 with free Super Saver shipping. dk

Link: Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual Sneak Preview: Five Tips and Tricks from David Pogue

Miglia TVMini2 Shipping

PR: The TVMini2 from Miglia is now available from its online store, Apple Premium Resellers, and all good resellers Europe wide. In fact, purchasing a new iMac this Christmas could get you a TVMini2 for as little as ¤1/£1 (see miglia.com for details).

The TVMini2 is a digital tuning device especially made for Mac users. The stylish ultra-slim design makes the TVMini2 the smallest and sexiest USB device available. It slots neatly into a USB 2.0 port, without blocking any other ports/outlets, including the MagSafe on your MacBook Pro.

Despite, its incredibly small size the TVMini2 is powered by a high performance Tuner and Demodulator, which creates a much higher performance when it comes to signal reception. You can then watch TV and surf channels with the remote as easily as ABC

The TVMini2 can transfer your favourite TV shows onto your iPod®, PSP™ or Apple TV™ allowing you to set your own TV programme schedules. It's a great way to enjoy last night's show on the way to work!

The TVMini2 is priced at £59.99 or ¤78.99.

Link: Miglia TVMini2

Newertech Lowers Pricing on Guardian Maximus RAID 1 Storage

PR: Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) has announced new lower pricing on its award-winning Guardian MAXimus, the first low-cost FireWire and USB2 External RAID 1 storage solution for consumers and professional users alike.

Guardian MAXimus received a Five Star Rating in the December 2007 issue of Photoshop User magazine. "Easy to use, incredibly fast, and offers a lot of space for the price . . . the perfect space-to-speed ratio that's so important to graphics professionals, digital photographers, and designers," said PhotoShop User magazine. Introduced May 2007, Guardian MAXimus has also earned accolades from The Mac Observer, MyMac.com, and American Photo.

NewerTech Guardian MAXimus is available in seven configurations:

• 250GB Mirror (250 + 250) 7200RPM w/32MB total buffer was $329.99, now $319.99
• 320GB Mirror (320 + 320) 7200RPM w/32MB total buffer was $339.99, now $329.99
• 400GB Mirror (400 + 400) 7200RPM w/32MB total buffer was $369.99, now $349.99
• 500GB Mirror (500 + 500) 7200RPM w/32MB total buffer was $419.99, now $399.99
• 750GB Mirror (750 + 750) 7200RPM w/32MB total buffer was $649.99, now $599.00
• 1.0TB Mirror (1.0TB + 1.0TB) 7200RPM w/64MB total buffer was $1,099.99, now $879.99
• 150GB "Power User" Mirror (150 + 150) 10,000RPM w/32MB total buffer was $689.99, now $599.99

Guardian MAXimus RAID-1 mirror storage solution is a Plug 'N Play "Live Activity" backup solution for creative professionals. Always guarding against data loss and costly system downtime, Guardian MAXimus writes the same information in real-time to two separate drives for a "mirrored" copy. With up to 1.0TB dual SATA drives, data transfer rates up to 100MB/s, OS X "Leopard" Time Machine readiness, and FireWire 800/400 and USB 2.0 ports, Guardian MAXimus offers performance, flexibility, and reliability for critical data backup.

Guardian MAXimus Features:

• Up to 1.0TB Dual-Drive Solution
• Up to 64MB of drive cache (32MB per drive)
• Custom Oxford 924 Based Bridge Solution
• 2 FireWire 800 9 pin ports
• 1 FireWire 400 6 pin port
• 1 USB 2.0 "B" port - backwards compatible with USB 1.1
• Front panel drive status LEDs
• Quiet operation
• 9.3" x 2.8" x 5.6" size, shock-resistant for maximum portability
• US/International 90~240V 4.2A UL- Listed power supply
• 36" FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0/1.1 double shielded connecting cables included
• Compatible with Apple OS 8.6 to 9.2.2, OS X 10.1.x and later (10.2 or later required for FW800 and USB 2.0), and Windows ME and later operating systems. * Includes ProSoft Engineering Data Backup 3, NovaStor NovaBACKUP, and Intech SpeedTools Utilities software (a $200 retail value)

Guardian MAXimus is available immediately from NewerTech's exclusive distributor, Other World Computing.

Link: Guardian MAXimus

MicroNet Announces Compatibility with Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard'

PR: MicroNet Technology has certified the compatibility of MicroNet/Fantom Drives products with Apple's , Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard." The following products are fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.5:

• Fantom Drives Titanium II family
• Fantom Drives G-Force Megadisk USB, Triple Interface, eSATA+USB
• Fantom Drives G-Force SCSI and FCAL RAID Arrays
• Fantom Drives Titanium Mini
• MicroNet SR4
• MicroNet PlatinumRAID (All models)

Behzad Esghieh, CEO of MicroNet Technology said, "This is just a part of our ongoing commitment to the Mac community." MicroNet Technology, the first manufacturer of disk arrays for the Mac Platform, opened its doors in 1988. Today MicroNet remains a leader in storage technology for the Mac Platform, with customers working in graphic design, digital pre-press, audio and video professions.

As part of the support for the OS, all of the above Fantom Drives and MicroNet USB, Firewire & eSATA drives are compatible with Time Machine, the exciting new backup suite coming with Mac OS X 10.5. Joe Trupiano, Director of Marketing for MicroNet Technology, spoke candidly on the subject of Time Machine, "Backup is the most important role of a storage product; there's no warranty in the world that will cover your memories."

For customers looking for continuous backup functionality over the network Fantom Drives also offers the Award-winning NTI Shadow software, which allows real-time, continuous backup in addition to scheduled backup to virtually any storage device, and is fully compatible with Leopard as well.

About MicroNet Technology and Fantom Drives Based in Torrance, California, MicroNet and Fantom Drives manufacture a full range of data storage solutions for a wide range of customers. From the affordable Titanium line of desktop products to high-performance RAID and NAS solutions. MicroNet and Fantom Drives continue to lead the industry in quality, performance and value. Their award-winning storage solutions include Titanium disk drives, SANcube FireWire Storage Area Networks, the miniMate and the Platinum family of personal storage. For product and reseller information, contact MicroNet Technology and Fantom Drives, at phone: 310-320-7272, fax: 310-328-0202, or on the Web.

Link: MicroNet

Software

Office 2008 Sneak Peek

PR: On the eve of Release to Manufacturing (RTM), the Mac BU is giving you a final peek into the new Office 2008 for Mac before it officially launches at Macworld. This last sneak preview provides a look at the Excel 2008 improvements that cater to spreadsheet novices and experts alike with helpful new formula tools and a significantly increased grid workspace.

Excel 2008

• Formula Builder: Another great tool to help all Excel users tap into the power of this application is Formula Builder. Found in the updated Excel 2008 Toolbox, Formula Builder walks users through the steps needed to create the perfect formula for any occasion.
• Formula AutoComplete: And for those who are a little further along on the Excel proficiency continuum, Formula AutoComplete is on the scene. Simply start by typing the first part of a formula in the Formula Bar, and a dynamic drop-down menu of functions and names appears -- with the most recent ones at the top. Select an item to insert from the list and let the computations begin.
• Increased Rows and Columns: As part of Mac BU's ongoing efforts to satisfy power users while enhancing the everyday user experience, Excel 2008 introduces increased rows and columns. This expansion matches the Windows Office System 2007, so all Excel spreadsheet users on Macs and PCs will have access to up to 16,000 columns and more than 1 million rows which is truly a "Big Grid"!

Please let me know if you have any questions and to review the features above visit the Sneak Peek site.

Link: Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Sneak Peek

Desktop Mac Deals

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

• Best Mac mini deals
• Best iMac Core Duo deals
• Best Mac Pro deals

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

• Best iMac G5 deals
• Best iMac G4 deals
• Best eMac deals
• Best Power Mac G5 deals
• Best Power Mac G4 deals

Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every month:

• Best iMac G3 deals
• Best Power Mac G3 deals

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.