Low End Mac Editorial Archive

March 2006

Thanks for 30 strange years: Bumper snickers, rumor generators, the Dell Dude, and more, Jeff Adkins, The Lite Side, 03.31. Waxing nostalgic for the Apple II, dot matrix printers, Road Apple Macs, and other events in Apple's 30-year history.
Class action madness: Applying common sense to the iPod battery and volume level cases, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 03.31. Class-action lawsuits make lawyers rich regardless of how many members of the class actually benefit, and settlements usually cost companies a lot less than they should. Here's how to fix that.
MacBook beefs, Vodafone supports Mac with 3G wireless, one keyboard and mouse to rule them all, and more, The 'Book Review, 03.31. Lots more positive MacBook press, how not to lose your job if you lose your laptop, software to warn you when you AC adapter is unplugged, bargain 'Books from $100 to $2,199 (first refurb MacBooks), and more.
Apple tops BusinessWeek 50, many G3 Macs now considered vintage, a tiny 6 GB pocket drive, and more, Mac News Review, 03.31. Also touchscreen-enabled iMacs, an AirPort amplifier for iMacs, and new 17" and 19" monitors from Westinghouse Digital.
Blue and White Power Mac G3 helps salvage Mac jukebox project, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 03.30. "Onboard FireWire, USB, and 10/100 ethernet, a 100 MHz bus speed, and a boldly attractive case design combine to make for a solid upgrade from a Beige G3 or earlier G3-upgraded Power Mac."
Apple add volume limit to newest iPods, iPod etiquette, iBikeMount for iPod nano, and more, iPod News Review, 03.30. Also Quanta to make next-gen video iPod, 2007 Dodge Caliber to include iPod support, iPod/iTunes Missing Manual, World Cup iPod case, Intervalz for musicians, and more.
Windows on Macintel a nightmare or blessing?, Adobe's transition challenge, quad-core Intel CPUs in 2007, and more, The Macintel Report, 03.30. Also, it's easy to get OS X for Intel running on a Dell, WinXP benchmarked on Macintel, Intel's new 3.73 GHz Dual-core Pentium, and more.
6 extensions to make Firefox even better, Leaman Crews, Plays Well with Others, 03.29. Improve Firefox with everything from web developer tools to nuking unwanted ads, from faster page loads to knowing the weather.
How to disable Blogger's sometimes problematic 'next blog' button, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 03.28. Blogger provides a "next blog" button as a convenience, but sometimes it may send visitors to entirely inappropriate sites. Here's how to disable it.
Safe and secure file backup and off site storage, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 03.28. How to create an encrypted disk image with your important files and store it somewhere safe from theft and computer damage.
What to buy when the old Beige G3 is just too sluggish, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 03.27. When your old Power Mac G3 just can't keep up with your needs under OS X, it's time to look at the used Power Mac G4 market. The difference in speed can be astounding.
'The Ball' wireless trackball meets high expectations, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 03.27. This Bluetooth trackball is solidly built, precise, and very compfortable to use, quickly becoming an intuitive alternative to the mouse.
Happy 5th birthday OS X from a Jaguar user, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 03.24. Apple's transition to OS X, officially begun five years ago today, has been a real success. So much so that the author hasn't seen any need to go beyond 10.2.x.
System 7.6.1 is perfect for many older Macs, John Martorana, That Old Mac Magic, 03.24. Want the best speed from your old Mac? System 7.6.1 can give you that with a fairly small memory footprint - also helpful on older Macs.
Vista delay, WinXP on Macintel gives Apple an edge in 2006, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 03.24. With Microsoft Vista delayed until early 2007 and Windows XP now running on Intel Macs, Windows users have a viable alternative to buying a new Windows computer. And they'll get OS X in the bargain.
MagSafe up in flames, MacBook love, turn iBook into desktop, USB 2.0 faster on Macintel, and more, The 'Book Review, 03.24. Lots of positive MacBook press, Apple sells 36,000 iBooks to Maine, DayStar's 1.92 GHz PowerBook G4 upgrade, 32 GB flash drive for 'books, bargain 'Books from $230 to $1,999, and more.
$699 Mac mini G4 blowout, Intel graphics substandard for gaming, Mac mini Core Solo lags, and more, Mac News Review, 03.24. Also BusinessWeek wants feedback from Mac mini users, Mac mini Core Duo benchmarked against iMac Core Duo, a new research tool for students, and more.
Intel Mac mini confounds market with higher price, Leaman Crews, Plays Well with Others, 03.23. After the raging success of the $499 Mac mini, why did Apple feel a need to move away from the entry-level market by making the Intel Mac mini more expensive?
Windows XP on Macintel a reality, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 03.23. It took a while, but it's now possible to boot Windows XP on the new Intel-based Macs.
Managing tasks with iCal's to-do feature, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 03.23. iCal has all the important features you need in a to-do list, and some add-ons can make using it even easier.
8 clever iPod tricks, new tin and aluminum iPod cases, 4 GB flash memory chips from Samsung, and more, iPod News Review, 03.23. Also iPod and PSP accessories top China export list, a longer life battery for the video iPod, several software updates, and more.
WinXP boots on Macintel, real world thinking about Rosetta performance, and Intel's impact on future Macs, The Macintel Report, 03.23. If you want to run Windows XP on Macintel hardware, it's now possible. Also, common sense thinking about Rosetta speed and how Intel's future CPU plans will shape the Mac.
Picking a Power Mac G4: How much Mac do you need?, Charles Webb, PowerBook Beat, 03.22. Today's laptop computers can be great primary computers, but sometimes you need things only a desktop model can offer. A used Power Mac G4 can be a good choice.
France and the end of DRM as we know it, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 03.22. The French are requiring interoperability between Apple's and Microsoft's DRM schemes. The best solution is a public open source DRM scheme everyone can use.
Astronomy podcasts and videocasts for the classroom, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 03.22. There are several interesting podcasts and some good video material available for free download and use on your iPod or in iTunes.
How to rip your DVDs so you can watch them on your video iPod, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 03.21. Step-by-step instructions for converting the content on your DVDs to a format the iPod can use, importing them into iTunes, and getting them on your iPod.
NuBus RAID slower than single drives? Say it isn't so!, Tyler Sable, Classic Restorations, 03.21. Everyone knows RAID, especially hardware RAID, is faster than a single drive. But that isn't always the case when using modern SCSI drives with older NuBus Macs.
With WinXP hacked for Macintel, Apple announces 3 new competitions, Jeff Adkins, The Lite Side, 03.20. Apple has thrown down the gauntlet with the PodPortPro, extreme iPod, and MacGyver competitions.
Copyright bullies, fair use, fear of change, free culture, ballistic laws, opting out, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 03.20. Readers weigh in on attacks on fair use, the RIAA's fear of new technology, the way copyright law no longer serves the public interest, and more.
Yonah, Merom, and Conroe: Confused by Intel's code names?, Ed Hurtley, Online Tech Journal, 03.17. You've hear the terms bandied about - Yonah, Merom, Conroe, Woodcrest, and more. What are they, and where does Intel come up with these names?
Ego's clamshell notebook, MacBook praise, battery update for 15" AlBook, FlashDiscs, and more, The 'Book Review, 03.17. New Windows laptop looks a lot like old clamshell iBook, MacBook Pro not compatible with some wireless services, lots of MacBook Pro reports, battery calibration tips, bargain 'Books from $399 to $1,699, and more.
Mac mini vs. $159 Linspire PC and Microsoft Media Center, OS X through Linux eyes, and more, Mac News Review, 03.17. Also the Intel-based Mac mini may make you switch, 20" iMac G5 discontinued, Apple's growing storage business, Logitech's left-handed laser mouse, and more.
Capture stills from DVDs with a simple hack, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 03.16. Although Mac OS X doesn't support screen captures from Apple's DVD Player, this hack adds a screenshot menu item, making it easy to create your own stills.
1,000 Intel native apps, Intel unleashes OS X, the ultramobile future, flash RAM for notebooks, and more, The Macintel Report, 03.16. Also another project to get Linux and WinXP running on Intel Macs and lots of developments on the Intel CPU front.
Rivals can't match closed iPod system, but Samsung comes close; HomeDock Deluxe puts playlist on TV; and more, iPod News Review, 03.16. Also creative and strategic iPod use as a Georgia college, Chrysler iPod integration, recommended FireWire and USB cards, a flashlight for your iPod, share your iPod over a network, and more.
What's the better value at the same price, a 2.7 GHz dual CPU or 2.3 GHz dual core?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 03.15. The Apple Store has refurbished 2.7 GHz dual processor Power Macs and 2.3 GHz dual-core Power Macs at the same price. Which is the better choice?
MySQL and PostgreSQL: Two free relational databases for OS X users, Leaman Crews, Plays Well with Others, 03.15. FileMaker Pro is nice, user friendly, and pretty powerful, but these free SQL implementations will give you plenty of power for free.
The solution to piracy is quality content at fair prices, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 03.14. Apple has demonstrated that people will pay a fair price for digital music and video. Offering a carrot instead of a stick is the solution to piracy.
MpegDec: Play MP3s and streaming audio on 680x0 and old PowerPC Macs, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 03.14. 680x0 Macs can play anything short of 128kbps stereo MP3s, and even the oldest PowerPC Macs have no trouble at all with those recordings.
Macs a big presence at Computer Using Educator's conference, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 03.13. Apple had a booth, more vendors than ever seem to be supporting the Mac, and the author received an Outstanding Educator of the Year award.
Copyright bullies may win some battles but must lose their war, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 03.13. Traditional copyright law is obsolete, and modern copyright law is hopelessly broken, sold out to vested commercial interests at the expense of personal rights.
SiteShuffle turns your browser into a website launcher, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 03.10. The new SiteShuffle service lets you create a personalized page with launch buttons for all of your favorite websites. There is some room for improvement.
2 GHz MacBook Pro vs. upgraded PowerBook G4, MacBook reviews, 'Simpson-proof' MagSafe, and more, The 'Book Review, 03.10. Lots of new reviews and benchmarks of the MacBook Pro, a tiny USB 2.0 flash drive, 3 new PC Cards for OS X, bargain 'Books from $50 to $1,699, and more.
Mac mini CPU transplant, Core Solo mini not so good?, how good is new graphics hardware?, and more, Mac News Review, 03.10. Also the new mini compared to the old, upgrading RAM in the Intel Mac mini, Mac TCO half that of Windows, WINE version 0.9.9, and more.
Unleashing the power of iCal, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 03.09. Apple's free iCal app is very flexible, very powerful, very extensible, and very ready to help you move away from Entourage.
2.16 GHz Mac mini upgrade, benchmarks, inside the Intel mini, a slew of new Intel CPUs, and more, The Macintel Report, 03.09. Dropping a 2.16 GHz CPU into a Core Solo Mac mini, Macs Only benchmarks the 1.83 GHz Mac mini Core Duo, half of Apple's line is now Intel, and new CPU announcements from Intel.
Pope receives iPod nano, how much stuff fits on my iPod?, remote with tune display, and more, iPod News Review, 03.09. Also how the video iPod will change workplace training, TransPod FM transmitter and iPod charger, new software, and more.
Free MP3 and Ogg Vorbis software for old Macs and the classic Mac OS, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 03.08. Yes, you can play MP3s on 68030 Macs with System 7 - and even listen to Ogg Vorbis files using 68040-based Macs.
Pismo and Panther, Pismo on last legs, and Lombard vs. PowerBook G4, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 03.08. More on OS X 10.3.9 as the best for Pismo, Pismo plagued with kernel panics, and whether to upgrade a Lombard or replace it with a PowerBook G4.
The great old PowerBook 100 and the death of the PowerBook name, Joe Rivera, Mac Fallout Shelter, 03.07. Apple introduced the first PowerBooks nearly 15 years ago, including the tiny PB 100. Now they're killing off the PowerBook name in favor of MacBook.
Apple's next 3 world changing things: iHubbub, iSticker, and iRide for free, Jeff Adkins, The Lite Side, 03.06. For those who think last week's leather, mini, and hi-fi announcements weren't going to change the world, Steve Jobs has three more tricks up his sleeve.
Upgrade for compatibility, SeaMonkey fastest Mozilla, LimeWire, and journalistic credibility, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 03.06. Upgrades may be fore compatibility and ease of use, not just speed. Also SeaMonkey the fastest Mozilla browser, LimeWire for sharing files, and the credibility of new media vs. old media journalism.
7 iPod speaker systems for less than Apple's $350 iPod Hi-Fi, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 03.03. Whether you're hoping to save money, want something smaller, or need features Apple doesn't offer, here are 7 popular speaker choices for your iPod.
Positive MacBook Pro press, sticking with a PowerBook, super capacity batteries for Lombard and Pismo, and more, The 'Book Review, 03.03. Also troubleshooting a MacBook Pro that won't turn on, higher capacity 12" PowerBook battery, wireless drivers adds speed and range, bargain 'Books from $320 to $1,849, and more.
12 months with a Mac mini, HD boycott begins, wireless driver increases speed and range, and more, Mac News Review, 03.03. Also memory price hikes ahead, PC that looks like a giant iPod, RamJet has RAM for Intel Mac mini, McAfee protection for Mac, and more.
Replacing your iPod's battery: A bit of work, a big money saver, Jeff Adkins, Mac Lab Report, 03.02. If you iPod's battery isn't holding much of a charge, you can easily replace it yourself for a lot less than Apple charges.
The Low End Mac Media Center, Nathan Thompson, Embracing Obsolescence, 03.02. The most important step in picking a media center Mac is choosing a computer that will do everything you need.
iPod takes Japan by storm, California wants greener iPods, Apple intros iPod Hi-Fi, an iPod necktie, and more, iPod News Review, 03.02. Also Microsoft prepares Origami, Qualcomm CEO says wireless iPod makes sense, connecting color iPods to TVs, and more.
Mac mini gets Intel Core, Windows XP on Macintel, and OS X 10.4.5 cracked for generic Intel, The Macintel Report, 03.02. The new Intel-based Mac mini changes more than just the CPU, VMware lets Intel Macs run Windows XP very comfortably, and the latest version of OS X for Intel has already been hacked.
The Intel Mac mini value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 06.03.01. For the difference in price, the Mac mini Core Duo has it all over the Core Solo model for anyone who uses their Mac heavily.
Installing OS X on a WallStreet using an external CD-ROM, Charles W Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 03.01. You'll need a Mac OS 9.1 install CD, XPostFacto, a bootable SCSI CD-ROM, and OS X - preferably 10.3 "Panther".