Mac News Review

Apple to Preview Mac OS X 10.7 on October 20, New Macally iKeySlim USB 2.0 Keyboard, and More

This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2010.10.15

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

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News & Opinion

Products & Services

Software

Desktop Mac Deals

News & Opinion

Apple's October 20 Event: Back to the Mac

Back to the Mac invitation

Apple sent invitations to the media this week for an October 20 event that will provide a sneak peak at Mac OS X 10.7, which everyone is guessing will be named Lion based on the invitation image.

Everyone is guessing at what else Apple may introduce - an overdue update to the MacBook Air, a new revision of the MacBook and 13" MacBook Pro based on Intel's i3 CPU, and improved graphics processors from Nvidia are some of the most popular theories.

5 Features You'll Love as a Mac Switcher

AppStorm's Justin Stravarius says:

"I have long been thinking of getting a Mac, but since I am not a developer or designer, there wasn't really a compelling reason to do so. But when the AppStorm network called for writers a few weeks ago, I jumped ship and bought a MacBook Pro. And boy - am I loving it or what!

"...there are a lot of reasons why I consider this to be my best purchase of the decade."

Justin's five favorite Mac features:

  • Breezy Installation & Uninstallation
  • Preview Files With Quick Look
  • Awesome Bundled Software
  • Controls
  • Stability, Stability and More Stability

Link: Five OS X Features You'll Love as a Mac Switcher

Products & Services

Macally iKeySlim Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Keyboard

Macally iKeySlim Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Keyboard

PR: Macally iKeySlim is a stylish slim keyboard for Mac users - a redesign of the form's popular iceKey 'board that was one of the pioneers in migrating laptop-style scissors-action keyswitches to the freestanding desktop keyboard space. The iKeySlim's enhanced low profile keycaps reduce key stroke travel distance and reduce pressure on the user's finger tips. Two built-in USB 2.0 ports provide faster transfer rate.

Features:

  • 104 key slim USB keyboard
  • Thin keycaps with sensitive and responsive touch
  • 2 Built-in USB 2.0 ports
  • Works with both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports in the computer
  • CD Eject and volume control buttons
  • Ice white finish to harmonize with your Mac
  • Low profile for easy storage inside a keyboard drawer

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: (L) 18.5", (H) 1", (W) 7"
  • Maximum Cable Length: 5'
  • Net Weight: 2 lb.
  • 1 year warranty

System Requirements:

  • MacOS X 10.2.8 to 10.5.x and above
  • Any desktop or notebook computer with an available USB port

Price: $29.99

Publisher's note: Charles Moore reviewed the iceKey, the predecessor to the iKeySlim, in 2003, stating that it has "short-travel and (relatively) light touch keyboard action". We're excited to see a new USB 2.0 keyboard on the market, as they provide a very convenient place to plug in a flash drive, memory card reader, iPod sync cord, etc. that will benefit from the 40x higher speed of USB 2.0 vs. USB 1.1. We plan to review the iKeySlim in the near future. dk

Link: Macally iKeySlim (currently available from Amazon.com for $23.84 and eligible for Super Saver shipping in an order of $25 or more)

Razer Launches Wireless Version of Best-selling Razer Naga Gaming Mouse

PR: Razer, specialist in high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals brand, today announced the launch of an elite wireless MMO gaming mouse that's an upgrade from the original award-winning and best-selling gaming mouse - the Razer Naga Epic.

Designed by the highly-acclaimed Razer R&D labs, the Razer Naga Epic epitomizes that fine balance between keyboard and mouse with 17 MMO-optimized buttons, and takes it to a whole new level with three ergonomic interchangeable side panels for optimal fit, the choice to customize the backglow from over 16 million colors, and a dual mode wired/wireless functionality. Gamers can now enjoy a MMO gaming mouse with no strings attached - literally.

Razer Naga Epic"With the Naga Epic, Razer gives MMO gamers around the world more freedom than ever before," says Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, President, Razer. "We combined the MMO gaming capabilities of the original best-selling Razer Naga and took it to the next level by giving it a true gaming-grade wireless option utilizing the same technology that we developed for the ultra high-end Razer Mamba."

The final design of the Razer Naga Epic, from optimal button configuration to its form factor, was achieved through the scientific testing and screening of more than 80 different model iterations by Razer's ergonomics team.

"Every aspect of the Razer Naga Epic's design, from its ergonomic form factor to button sizes, placement and angles was rigorously tested both internally in our R&D labs in San Francisco and Singapore, and with seasoned pro-gamers," explains Min-Liang Tan, CEO and Creative Director, Razer. "The Naga Epic is also one of the most comfortable mice we've ever designed, with three interchangeable side panels that ensure an ideal fit for various hand sizes and grip styles."

The end result is a mouse intended to not only provide a personalized level of comfort, but with its dual wired/wireless functionality and unique MMO-optimized multibutton thumb grid it also lets gamers fully immerse in their favourite MMO games knowing they have the full range of character abilities at their fingertips.

The Razer Naga Epic MMO gaming mouse allows gamers to easily organize their character abilities for any game by enabling them to fully remap and assign programmed macros to all 17 buttons. With the three interchangeable side panels facilitating optimal fit for various hand sizes and grip styles, the Razer Naga Epic allows gamers to quest, raid, or PVP in comfort for hours on end. The true gaming-grade wireless connection on Razer says the epic mouse also allows gamers a greater variety of movement without any sacrifice of mouse control or accuracy, with zero downtime as the mouse charges while in wired mode.

Razer Naga Epic sells for $129.99/€129.99, and will be available from Razerzone.com and worldwide through gaming resellers in November 2010

Product Features:

  • 17 Fully-programmable MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb grid)
  • Wired/Wireless dual mode capability
  • Three interchangeable ergonomic side panels
  • Charging dock (also functions as a wireless receiver unit)
  • Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
  • Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
  • 16 million color backlight illumination
  • 5600 dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
  • 1000 Hz Ultrapolling / 1 ms response time
  • Approximate size: 116L x 77W x 41H (in mm)
  • Battery Life: 12 hr. (continuous use); 72 hours (normal gaming usage)

Link: Wireless Razer Naga Epic Gaming Mouse

Razer Unleashes Ultra-smooth Razer Ironclad Metal Mouse Mat

PR: Razer, specialist in high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, today announced the Razer Ironclad elite hard gaming mouse mat, the only metal mat in Razer's product range built to enhance and optimize the gliding capabilities of your mouse for unparalleled mousing comfort and control.

Razer Ironclad Metal Mouse MatEquipped with a finely sandblasted surface, the Razer Ironclad minimizes hand discomfort and feels smooth to the touch, allowing for effortless and natural mouse movements over its sleek top. It features just the right amount of friction to deliver the precise targeting you need to eradicate all competition with sharpshooting accuracy without abrasive results.

"The Razer Ironclad stands apart from the pack because it delivers the highest form of comfort and long-lasting performance with its ultra-smooth surface and sturdy metal body," says Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, president, Razer USA. "We understand the diversity of gamers out there, from ones who demand a large surface area to those who want superior tracking precision. We produced the Razer Ironclad to make winning feel easy, and give every type of gamer the feel, traction, and durability that they need to do so."

Made from anodized aluminium, the Razer Ironclad features a robust unibody construction for reinforced strength and extreme durability to withstand the test of time in any gaming environment. Its extra-large surface area caters for low-sensitivity settings and wide sweeping movements. Gamers can now have a premium combination of both precision and reliability for those kill-or-be-killed moments in gameplay.

The Razer Ironclad combines premium comfort, well-built resilience, and high precision tracking with its ultra-smooth sandblasted surface and extra-wide anodized aluminum body, providing gamers with the ultimate long-lasting hard gaming mouse mat. The non-slip rubber base ensures the mat stays put during the most intense of gaming sessions, and it comes with a carrying case for added mat protection and portability.

Product Features:

  • Ultra-smooth sandblasted surface for the best mouse glide comfort and control
  • Anodized aluminum body for reinforced strength and extended durability
  • Extra-large to cater to low-sensitivity gamers
  • Compatible with all mice
  • Non-slip rubber base that stays put
  • Protective carrying case for greater portability
  • Approximate size: 320 mm (length) x 270mm (width) x 2.5mm (height)

Razer Ironclad sells for $59.99 and will be available at Razerzone in October 2010 and worldwide in November 2010.

Link: Razer Ironclad Metal Mouse Mat

Kanex Expands Connectivity Solutions to Apple LED Cinema Displays

PR: Apogee Inc., makers of Kanex products including the award winning Kanex XD and iAdapt series have announced the new Kanex C Series, a new line of products to help people who are looking for alternative connectivity solutions to connect and enjoy Apple LED Cinema Displays.

Kanex C247m

Designed for previous generations of MacBook and Mac mini with mini-DVI video output, the C247m combines audio and video to Apple LED Cinema 24" and 27" displays. Now users with older models are not left behind and can take advantage of these larger displays. A blast for the past Macs.

Kanex C247d

Designed for PC or Macs with DVI video output, the C247d converts and combines audio and video to Apple LED Cinema 24" and 27" displays. PC users can now include these displays into their systems.

Key Features for C247m & C247d

  • Combines DVI + USB audio to Apple Cinema Displays 24" and 27"
  • Extend desktop as a secondary or mirror display to increase productivity
  • USB powered and audio pass-through to Mini DisplayPort and USB output
  • USB 2.0 pass-through for iSight camera and other USB functions

Simple Plug and Play Solution - Kanex C30

Designed for Apple Cinema Display 30" and other displays with Dual-Link DVI-D, the Kanex C30 converts Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI-D at a max resolution 2560 x 1600. The 30" displays require larger resolutions due to the size of the screen, and the Kanex C30 can easily support the maximum resolution of Dual-Link displays.

Link: Kanex C247m - MSRP: $129 - Available November 2010
Link: Kanex C247d - MSRP: $129 - Available November 2010
Link: Kanex C30 - MSRP: $99 - Available Now

Software

Freeware ToyViewer Image Utility for Snow Leopard and Leopard Updated to Version 5.10

PR: ToyViewer is an image viewer, resizer and format switching utility that can read and display image files in tiff, jpg, pdf, png, gif, bmp, pict, JPEG2000(jp2, jpc, j2k), and eps formats. ToyViewer can also deal with svg, jbig(bie), pcx, pcd, pnm(ppm, pbm, pgm), xbm, mag, SUN Rasterfile, and display Photoshop psd files. You can set ToyViewer to display any image format if there is a filter program to ppm format.

Displayed images can be saved as tiff, pdf, gif, bmp, png, jpg, JPEG2000(jp2, jpc, j2k), jbig(bie), pnm, or xbm files. Additionally, vector images such as PDF can be converted into bitmap images such as jpg or tiff.

While ToyViewer is no replacement for full-featured image editors like Photoshop Elements or Pixelmator, it can copy, crop, rotate, and flip images, enlarge or shrink images, adjust brightness, contrast, color tone, replace a specified color with other color or transparent color, images with palettes, enhancement, blur, mosaic, and so on. You can also make Aqua-button-like images, poster-like images, attach a custom icon to any file, and there are several printing options

New in version 5.10:

  • You can display each image file in a zipped archive file one by one in fullscreen. Besides, you can retrieve marked images from the archive. (You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and in other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.)
  • You can open the image file by specifying its URL. You can type the URL on the panel. Besides, if the string of the URL is copied in the pasteboard, then you can display the image.
  • If the full path of an image file is copied in the pasteboard, then you can display the image.

ToyViewer 5.10 has several limitations:

  • Can't display some TIFF images. (Mac OS X does not support TIFF images compressed by JPEG any more)
  • Can't display correctly some SVG images. (The current version of WebKit does not support all variations of SVG images)
  • Can't display some JPEG2000 images. (Mac OS X currently does not support some variations of JPEG2000 images)
  • Color profiles and transparent colors (alpha channel) aren't dealt as expected. (Frankly, it is difficult to handle properly any possible combinations of them)
  • You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and in other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.

New in version Ver. 5.05/5.10:

  • You can display each image file in a zipped archive file one by one in fullscreen. Besides, you can retrieve marked images from the archive. (You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and in other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.)
  • You can open the image file by specifying its URL. You can type the URL on the panel. Besides, if the string of the URL is copied in the pasteboard, then you can display the image.
  • If the full path of an image file is copied in the pasteboard, then you can display the image.

ToyViewer 5.10 can be downloaded in separate versions for OS X Snow Leopard and Leopard. Version 5.05 is still available for OS X 10.4 Tiger.

Link: ToyViewer

Dragon Dictate 2.0.1 Update Released

PR: Nuance Communications, Inc. has released the first incremental update for its Dragon Dictate for Mac version 2.0. Dragon Dictate for Mac is the successor to MacSpeech Dictate 1.5, following Nuance's acquisition of MacSpeech earlier this year, and leverages the new Dragon 11 engine, which also powers the recently-announced Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 for the PC. Dictate 2.0 offers a more streamlined setup, revamped Mac user interface, and dynamic new voice commands for dictation, editing, navigation and proofreading. Dragon Dictate for Mac also "learns" better than any previous version of Dictate, responds faster to spoken commands and supports Dragon Voice Shortcuts for searching the web, email and Mac desktop by voice.

New in version 2.0.1:

  • Corrected issues related to MouseGrid and multiple monitors
  • Preference update no longer causes crash
  • Corrected issues related to upgrade of certain Dictate 1.5 Profiles
  • Fixed issue with New Line and Tab Key not functioning in Spelling mode
  • Removed File/Page Setup to keep more in line with OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard standards)

Dictate sells for $199.99 with a bundled high-quality USB microphone for Mac. A Bluetooth microphone option is available. Download version is available, and requires the user provide a Nuance-approved USB microphone.

The version 2.0.1 update is free to registered users. Existing MacSpeech Dictate 1.5 customers and Dragon NaturallySpeaking customers can upgrade to Dragon Dictate for Mac starting at $49.99 and $99.99 respectively for a limited time.

Link: Dragon Dictate for Mac

October Giveaway: Free AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint for Mac

PR: AnyBizSoft have launched a new giveaway for everyone - AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint for Mac, normally priced at $49.95. From now to October 31, anyone who comes to AnyBizSoft's Facebook page can get a totally free license for the software.

Just visit the AnyBizSoft page on Facebook and click 'Like' to become a fan.

How Can AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint Converter for Mac Boost Your Productivity? You can fulfill the following tasks with ease with this tool:

  • Present PDF contents professionally in Microsoft PowerPoint on Mac
  • Recover text, images and graphics for reusing in other application
  • Modify or change text, images, tables, hyperlinks, etc.
  • Extract specific pages from PDF files to reorganize new PowerPoint presentations
  • View PDF files in Ms PowerPoint
  • Print restricted PDF files easily

As noted, fans of AnyBizSoft can click Maczone to access their giveaway zone exclusive for Mac users on the fan page. Grab a free license immediately after filling in your name and email.

New visitors only need to click 'Like' to become a fan, and thereafter enjoy the same privileges as other fans of AnyBizSoft.

Since June 6, 2010, AnyBizSoft has been running continuous giveaways on Facebook to benefit fans. "We won't stop." says Wondershare CEO Mr. Wu Taibing. "The giveaways are aimed to let more and more PC and Mac users enjoy efficiency gains free handy tools can bring about."

Note that the free license is for personal usage only.

Link: AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint for Mac
Link: AnyBizSoft's Facebook page

Desktop Mac Deals

For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4, iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.

We also track iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.

Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Google+, or subscribe to our RSS news feed

Links for the Day

Recent Content

About LEM Support Usage Privacy Contact

Low End Mac is an independent publication and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Opinions expressed are those of their authors and may not reflect the opinion of Cobweb Publishing. Advice is presented in good faith, but what works for one may not work for all.
  Entire Low End Mac website copyright ©1997-2016 by Cobweb Publishing, Inc. unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Low End Mac, LowEndMac, and lowendmac.com are trademarks of Cobweb Publishing Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, iPad, iPhone, iMac, iPod, MacBook, Mac Pro, and AirPort are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are hereby acknowledged.
  Please report errors to .
  LINKS: We allow and encourage links to any public page as long as the linked page does not appear within a frame that prevents bookmarking it.
  Email may be published at our discretion unless marked "not for publication"; email addresses will not be published without permission, and we will encrypt them in hopes of avoiding spammers. Letters may be edited for length, context, and to match house style.
  PRIVACY: We don't collect personal information unless you explicitly provide it, and we don't share the information we have with others. For more details, see our Terms of Use.

Follow Low End Mac on Twitter
Join Low End Mac on Facebook

Favorite Sites

MacSurfer
Cult of Mac
Shrine of Apple
MacInTouch
MyAppleMenu
InfoMac
The Mac Observer
Accelerate Your Mac
RetroMacCast
The Vintage Mac Museum
Deal Brothers
DealMac
Mac2Sell
Mac Driver Museum
JAG's House
System 6 Heaven
System 7 Today
the pickle's Low-End Mac FAQ

Affiliates

Amazon.com
The iTunes Store
PC Connection Express
Macgo Blu-ray Player
Parallels Desktop for Mac
eBay

Low End Mac's Amazon.com store

Advertise

All of our advertising is handled by BackBeat Media. For price quotes and advertising information, please contact at BackBeat Media (646-546-5194). This number is for advertising only.

Open Link

Apple to Preview Mac OS X 10.7 on October 20, New Macally iKeySlim USB 2.0 Keyboard, and More

Mac News Review

Apple to Preview Mac OS X 10.7 on October 20, New Macally iKeySlim USB 2.0 Keyboard, and More

This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2010.10.15

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

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News & Opinion

Products & Services

Software

Desktop Mac Deals

News & Opinion

Apple's October 20 Event: Back to the Mac

Back to the Mac invitation

Apple sent invitations to the media this week for an October 20 event that will provide a sneak peak at Mac OS X 10.7, which everyone is guessing will be named Lion based on the invitation image.

Everyone is guessing at what else Apple may introduce - an overdue update to the MacBook Air, a new revision of the MacBook and 13" MacBook Pro based on Intel's i3 CPU, and improved graphics processors from Nvidia are some of the most popular theories.

5 Features You'll Love as a Mac Switcher

AppStorm's Justin Stravarius says:

"I have long been thinking of getting a Mac, but since I am not a developer or designer, there wasn't really a compelling reason to do so. But when the AppStorm network called for writers a few weeks ago, I jumped ship and bought a MacBook Pro. And boy - am I loving it or what!

"...there are a lot of reasons why I consider this to be my best purchase of the decade."

Justin's five favorite Mac features:

  • Breezy Installation & Uninstallation
  • Preview Files With Quick Look
  • Awesome Bundled Software
  • Controls
  • Stability, Stability and More Stability

Link: Five OS X Features You'll Love as a Mac Switcher

Products & Services

Macally iKeySlim Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Keyboard

Macally iKeySlim Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Keyboard

PR: Macally iKeySlim is a stylish slim keyboard for Mac users - a redesign of the form's popular iceKey 'board that was one of the pioneers in migrating laptop-style scissors-action keyswitches to the freestanding desktop keyboard space. The iKeySlim's enhanced low profile keycaps reduce key stroke travel distance and reduce pressure on the user's finger tips. Two built-in USB 2.0 ports provide faster transfer rate.

Macally iKeySlim Hi-Speed USB 2.0 KeyboardFeatures:

  • 104 key slim USB keyboard
  • Thin keycaps with sensitive and responsive touch
  • 2 Built-in USB 2.0 ports
  • Works with both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports in the computer
  • CD Eject and volume control buttons
  • Ice white finish to harmonize with your Mac
  • Low profile for easy storage inside a keyboard drawer

Macally iKeySlim Hi-Speed USB 2.0 KeyboardSpecifications:

  • Dimensions: (L) 18.5", (H) 1", (W) 7"
  • Maximum Cable Length: 5'
  • Net Weight: 2 lb.
  • 1 year warranty

System Requirements:

  • MacOS X 10.2.8 to 10.5.x and above
  • Any desktop or notebook computer with an available USB port

Price: $29.99

Publisher's note: Charles Moore reviewed the iceKey, the predecessor to the iKeySlim, in 2003, stating that it has "short-travel and (relatively) light touch keyboard action". We're excited to see a new USB 2.0 keyboard on the market, as they provide a very convenient place to plug in a flash drive, memory card reader, iPod sync cord, etc. that will benefit from the 40x higher speed of USB 2.0 vs. USB 1.1. We plan to review the iKeySlim in the near future. dk

Link: Macally iKeySlim (currently available from Amazon.com for $23.84 and eligible for Super Saver shipping in an order of $25 or more)

Razer Launches Wireless Version of Best-selling Razer Naga Gaming Mouse

Razer Naga EpicPR: Razer, specialist in high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals brand, today announced the launch of an elite wireless MMO gaming mouse that's an upgrade from the original award-winning and best-selling gaming mouse - the Razer Naga Epic.

Designed by the highly-acclaimed Razer R&D labs, the Razer Naga Epic epitomizes that fine balance between keyboard and mouse with 17 MMO-optimized buttons, and takes it to a whole new level with three ergonomic interchangeable side panels for optimal fit, the choice to customize the backglow from over 16 million colors, and a dual mode wired/wireless functionality. Gamers can now enjoy a MMO gaming mouse with no strings attached - literally.

"With the Naga Epic, Razer gives MMO gamers around the world more freedom than ever before," says Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, President, Razer. "We combined the MMO gaming capabilities of the original best-selling Razer Naga and took it to the next level by giving it a true gaming-grade wireless option utilizing the same technology that we developed for the ultra high-end Razer Mamba."

The final design of the Razer Naga Epic, from optimal button configuration to its form factor, was achieved through the scientific testing and screening of more than 80 different model iterations by Razer's ergonomics team.

"Every aspect of the Razer Naga Epic's design, from its ergonomic form factor to button sizes, placement and angles was rigorously tested both internally in our R&D labs in San Francisco and Singapore, and with seasoned pro-gamers," explains Min-Liang Tan, CEO and Creative Director, Razer. "The Naga Epic is also one of the most comfortable mice we've ever designed, with three interchangeable side panels that ensure an ideal fit for various hand sizes and grip styles."

Razer Naga EpicThe end result is a mouse intended to not only provide a personalized level of comfort, but with its dual wired/wireless functionality and unique MMO-optimized multibutton thumb grid it also lets gamers fully immerse in their favourite MMO games knowing they have the full range of character abilities at their fingertips.

The Razer Naga Epic MMO gaming mouse allows gamers to easily organize their character abilities for any game by enabling them to fully remap and assign programmed macros to all 17 buttons. With the three interchangeable side panels facilitating optimal fit for various hand sizes and grip styles, the Razer Naga Epic allows gamers to quest, raid, or PVP in comfort for hours on end. The true gaming-grade wireless connection on Razer says the epic mouse also allows gamers a greater variety of movement without any sacrifice of mouse control or accuracy, with zero downtime as the mouse charges while in wired mode.

Razer Naga Epic sells for $129.99/€129.99, and will be available from Razerzone.com and worldwide through gaming resellers in November 2010

Product Features:

  • Razer Naga Epic17 Fully-programmable MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb grid)
  • Wired/Wireless dual mode capability
  • Three interchangeable ergonomic side panels
  • Charging dock (also functions as a wireless receiver unit)
  • Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
  • Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
  • 16 million color backlight illumination
  • 5600 dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
  • 1000 Hz Ultrapolling / 1 ms response time
  • Approximate size: 116L x 77W x 41H (in mm)
  • Battery Life: 12 hr. (continuous use); 72 hours (normal gaming usage)

Link: Wireless Razer Naga Epic Gaming Mouse

Razer Unleashes Ultra-smooth Razer Ironclad Metal Mouse Mat

PR: Razer, specialist in high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, today announced the Razer Ironclad elite hard gaming mouse mat, the only metal mat in Razer's product range built to enhance and optimize the gliding capabilities of your mouse for unparalleled mousing comfort and control.

Equipped with a finely sandblasted surface, the Razer Ironclad minimizes hand discomfort and feels smooth to the touch, allowing for effortless and natural mouse movements over its sleek top. It features just the right amount of friction to deliver the precise targeting you need to eradicate all competition with sharpshooting accuracy without abrasive results.

"The Razer Ironclad stands apart from the pack because it delivers the highest form of comfort and long-lasting performance with its ultra-smooth surface and sturdy metal body," says Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, president, Razer USA. "We understand the diversity of gamers out there, from ones who demand a large surface area to those who want superior tracking precision. We produced the Razer Ironclad to make winning feel easy, and give every type of gamer the feel, traction, and durability that they need to do so."

Made from anodized aluminium, the Razer Ironclad features a robust unibody construction for reinforced strength and extreme durability to withstand the test of time in any gaming environment. Its extra-large surface area caters for low-sensitivity settings and wide sweeping movements. Gamers can now have a premium combination of both precision and reliability for those kill-or-be-killed moments in gameplay.

The Razer Ironclad combines premium comfort, well-built resilience, and high precision tracking with its ultra-smooth sandblasted surface and extra-wide anodized aluminum body, providing gamers with the ultimate long-lasting hard gaming mouse mat. The non-slip rubber base ensures the mat stays put during the most intense of gaming sessions, and it comes with a carrying case for added mat protection and portability.

Product Features:

  • Ultra-smooth sandblasted surface for the best mouse glide comfort and control
  • Anodized aluminum body for reinforced strength and extended durability
  • Extra-large to cater to low-sensitivity gamers
  • Compatible with all mice
  • Non-slip rubber base that stays put
  • Protective carrying case for greater portability
  • Approximate size: 320 mm (length) x 270mm (width) x 2.5mm (height)

Razer Ironclad sells for $59.99 and will be available at Razerzone in October 2010 and worldwide in November 2010.

Link: Razer Ironclad Metal Mouse Mat

Kanex Expands Connectivity Solutions to Apple LED Cinema Displays

PR: Apogee Inc., makers of Kanex products including the award winning Kanex XD and iAdapt series have announced the new Kanex C Series, a new line of products to help people who are looking for alternative connectivity solutions to connect and enjoy Apple LED Cinema Displays.

Kanex C247m

Kanex C247m mini-DVI to mini DisplayPort adapterDesigned for previous generations of MacBook and Mac mini with mini-DVI video output, the C247m combines audio and video to Apple LED Cinema 24" and 27" displays. Now users with older models are not left behind and can take advantage of these larger displays. A blast for the past Macs.

Kanex C247d

Designed for PC or Macs with DVI video output, the C247d converts and combines audio and video to Apple LED Cinema 24" and 27" displays. PC users can now include these displays into their systems.

Key Features for C247m & C247d

  • Combines DVI + USB audio to Apple Cinema Displays 24" and 27"
  • Extend desktop as a secondary or mirror display to increase productivity
  • USB powered and audio pass-through to Mini DisplayPort and USB output
  • USB 2.0 pass-through for iSight camera and other USB functions

Simple Plug and Play Solution - Kanex C30

Designed for Apple Cinema Display 30" and other displays with Dual-Link DVI-D, the Kanex C30 converts Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI-D at a max resolution 2560 x 1600. The 30" displays require larger resolutions due to the size of the screen, and the Kanex C30 can easily support the maximum resolution of Dual-Link displays.

Link: Kanex C247m - MSRP: $129 - Available November 2010
Link: Kanex C247d - MSRP: $129 - Available November 2010
Link: Kanex C30 - MSRP: $99 - Available Now

Software

Freeware ToyViewer Image Utility for Snow Leopard and Leopard Updated to Version 5.10

ToyViewerPR: ToyViewer is an image viewer, resizer and format switching utility that can read and display image files in tiff, jpg, pdf, png, gif, bmp, pict, JPEG2000(jp2, jpc, j2k), and eps formats. ToyViewer can also deal with svg, jbig(bie), pcx, pcd, pnm(ppm, pbm, pgm), xbm, mag, SUN Rasterfile, and display Photoshop psd files. You can set ToyViewer to display any image format if there is a filter program to ppm format.

Displayed images can be saved as tiff, pdf, gif, bmp, png, jpg, JPEG2000(jp2, jpc, j2k), jbig(bie), pnm, or xbm files. Additionally, vector images such as PDF can be converted into bitmap images such as jpg or tiff.

While ToyViewer is no replacement for full-featured image editors like Photoshop Elements or Pixelmator, it can copy, crop, rotate, and flip images, enlarge or shrink images, adjust brightness, contrast, color tone, replace a specified color with other color or transparent color, images with palettes, enhancement, blur, mosaic, and so on. You can also make Aqua-button-like images, poster-like images, attach a custom icon to any file, and there are several printing options

New in version 5.10:

  • You can display each image file in a zipped archive file one by one in fullscreen. Besides, you can retrieve marked images from the archive. (You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and in other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.)
  • You can open the image file by specifying its URL. You can type the URL on the panel. Besides, if the string of the URL is copied in the pasteboard, then you can display the image.
  • If the full path of an image file is copied in the pasteboard, then you can display the image.

ToyViewer 5.10 has several limitations:

  • Can't display some TIFF images. (Mac OS X does not support TIFF images compressed by JPEG any more)
  • Can't display correctly some SVG images. (The current version of WebKit does not support all variations of SVG images)
  • Can't display some JPEG2000 images. (Mac OS X currently does not support some variations of JPEG2000 images)
  • Color profiles and transparent colors (alpha channel) aren't dealt as expected. (Frankly, it is difficult to handle properly any possible combinations of them)
  • You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and in other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.

New in version Ver. 5.05/5.10:

  • You can display each image file in a zipped archive file one by one in fullscreen. Besides, you can retrieve marked images from the archive. (You can't see archive files in zip-format with password, and in other formats such as rar, tgz, etc.)
  • You can open the image file by specifying its URL. You can type the URL on the panel. Besides, if the string of the URL is copied in the pasteboard, then you can display the image.
  • If the full path of an image file is copied in the pasteboard, then you can display the image.

ToyViewer 5.10 can be downloaded in separate versions for OS X Snow Leopard and Leopard. Version 5.05 is still available for OS X 10.4 Tiger.

Link: ToyViewer

Dragon Dictate 2.0.1 Update Released

PR: Nuance Communications, Inc. has released the first incremental update for its Dragon Dictate for Mac version 2.0. Dragon Dictate for Mac is the successor to MacSpeech Dictate 1.5, following Nuance's acquisition of MacSpeech earlier this year, and leverages the new Dragon 11 engine, which also powers the recently-announced Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 for the PC. Dictate 2.0 offers a more streamlined setup, revamped Mac user interface, and dynamic new voice commands for dictation, editing, navigation and proofreading. Dragon Dictate for Mac also "learns" better than any previous version of Dictate, responds faster to spoken commands and supports Dragon Voice Shortcuts for searching the web, email and Mac desktop by voice.

New in version 2.0.1:

  • Corrected issues related to MouseGrid and multiple monitors
  • Preference update no longer causes crash
  • Corrected issues related to upgrade of certain Dictate 1.5 Profiles
  • Fixed issue with New Line and Tab Key not functioning in Spelling mode
  • Removed File/Page Setup to keep more in line with OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard standards)

Dictate sells for $199.99 with a bundled high-quality USB microphone for Mac. A Bluetooth microphone option is available. Download version is available, and requires the user provide a Nuance-approved USB microphone.

The version 2.0.1 update is free to registered users. Existing MacSpeech Dictate 1.5 customers and Dragon NaturallySpeaking customers can upgrade to Dragon Dictate for Mac starting at $49.99 and $99.99 respectively for a limited time.

Link: Dragon Dictate for Mac

October Giveaway: Free AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint for Mac

PR: AnyBizSoft have launched a new giveaway for everyone - AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint for Mac, normally priced at $49.95. From now to October 31, anyone who comes to AnyBizSoft's Facebook page can get a totally free license for the software.

Just visit the AnyBizSoft page on Facebook and click 'Like' to become a fan.

How Can AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint Converter for Mac Boost Your Productivity? You can fulfill the following tasks with ease with this tool:

  • Present PDF contents professionally in Microsoft PowerPoint on Mac
  • Recover text, images and graphics for reusing in other application
  • Modify or change text, images, tables, hyperlinks, etc.
  • Extract specific pages from PDF files to reorganize new PowerPoint presentations
  • View PDF files in Ms PowerPoint
  • Print restricted PDF files easily

As noted, fans of AnyBizSoft can click Maczone to access their giveaway zone exclusive for Mac users on the fan page. Grab a free license immediately after filling in your name and email.

New visitors only need to click 'Like' to become a fan, and thereafter enjoy the same privileges as other fans of AnyBizSoft.

Since June 6, 2010, AnyBizSoft has been running continuous giveaways on Facebook to benefit fans. "We won't stop." says Wondershare CEO Mr. Wu Taibing. "The giveaways are aimed to let more and more PC and Mac users enjoy efficiency gains free handy tools can bring about."

Note that the free license is for personal usage only.

Link: AnyBizSoft PDF to PowerPoint for Mac
Link: AnyBizSoft's Facebook page

Desktop Mac Deals

For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4, iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.

We also track iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.

Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Google+, or subscribe to our RSS news feed

Links for the Day

Recent Content

About LEM Support Usage Privacy Contact

Low End Mac is an independent publication and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Opinions expressed are those of their authors and may not reflect the opinion of Cobweb Publishing. Advice is presented in good faith, but what works for one may not work for all.
  Entire Low End Mac website copyright ©1997-2016 by Cobweb Publishing, Inc. unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Low End Mac, LowEndMac, and lowendmac.com are trademarks of Cobweb Publishing Inc. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, iPad, iPhone, iMac, iPod, MacBook, Mac Pro, and AirPort are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are hereby acknowledged.
  Please report errors to .
  LINKS: We allow and encourage links to any public page as long as the linked page does not appear within a frame that prevents bookmarking it.
  Email may be published at our discretion unless marked "not for publication"; email addresses will not be published without permission, and we will encrypt them in hopes of avoiding spammers. Letters may be edited for length, context, and to match house style.
  PRIVACY: We don't collect personal information unless you explicitly provide it, and we don't share the information we have with others. For more details, see our Terms of Use.

Follow Low End Mac on Twitter
Join Low End Mac on Facebook

Favorite Sites

MacSurfer
Cult of Mac
Shrine of Apple
MacInTouch
MyAppleMenu
InfoMac
The Mac Observer
Accelerate Your Mac
RetroMacCast
The Vintage Mac Museum
Deal Brothers
DealMac
Mac2Sell
Mac Driver Museum
JAG's House
System 6 Heaven
System 7 Today
the pickle's Low-End Mac FAQ

Affiliates

Amazon.com
The iTunes Store
PC Connection Express
Macgo Blu-ray Player
Parallels Desktop for Mac
eBay

Low End Mac's Amazon.com store

Advertise

All of our advertising is handled by BackBeat Media. For price quotes and advertising information, please contact at BackBeat Media (646-546-5194). This number is for advertising only.

Open Link