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Sony to end Clie line of PDAs
Sony Corp. is calling an end to its Clie line of PDAs (personal digital assistants) in Japan, the company said Tuesday. The move comes eight months after the company said it would no longer sell new models of PDAs overseas and puts the cap on a product line first announced by the Tokyo company in mid-2000.News
iStumbler Release 91 improves overall usage
iStumbler, the free utility for locating AirPort networks, Bluetooth devices and mDNS (Multicast-DNS, or Rendezvous) services, has received an overall face-lift with Release 91, which was scheduled to be issued on Friday. This edition displays icons for various items in the Airport, Bluetooth and mDNS plug-ins, improves the menus and enhances stability, memory and processor usage. Mac OS X v10.3 is required. For US$10, you can receive the next 10 updates to iStumbler a week before they're posted on the Web. The developer's Web site had not been updated with the new version as MacCentral posted this article.News
Mac Security: Fact and Fiction
Are you worrying too much about security—or not enough? Our panel of Mac security experts examines several commonly held assumptions about viruses, spyware, wireless networking, and Web privacy and reveals which ones are true and which ones are false.News
New transceiver extends AirPort Base Station range
QuickerTek Inc. on Monday announced its 27db Transceiver for AirPort Base Station. The transceiver extends the effective line-of-sight signal range of Apple's AirPort and AirPort Extreme Base Stations up to one-half mile, according to QuickerTek. The transceiver combines a more powerful signal with a low-noise amplifier to help increase the receiver sensitivity.News
SAS to add in-flight Internet to all long-haul routes
Broadband Internet access will soon be available across all Scandinavian Airline System long-haul flights, the airline said Monday.News
Missing Sync 4.0.3 for Palm boosts sync speed, more
Mark/Space Inc. has released The Missing Sync for Palm OS v4.0.3, a new version of their data synchronization product for Palm OS-based PDAs. New to this release is improved synchronization speed, better iPhoto integration now with photo scaling and image quality controls, the Mark/Space Conduit for AvantGo, support for Fossil's new Wrist PDA, improved MemoPad functionality, a new Sort feature and other changes. It's a free update for Missing Sync 4 users.News
RoadWired launches Skooba series of laptop bags
On Thursday, Rochester, New York-based RoadWired launched a new series of laptop bags and sleeves dubbed the Skooba collection. The main product is the Skooba Satchel, a laptop bag featuring more than a dozen compartments and pockets and an inner lining made of Air Square, a heavy-duty, bubble wrap-like material designed to cushion the computer. It also includes panels compatible with RoadWired's Rivert clip system, for attaching portable devices to the bag. The US$99.95 Skooba Satchel is made of ballistic nylon and comes in four color combinations: black with blue trim, gray with orange trim, olive with red trim and tan with black trim.News
SMS Mac sends text to any mobile number
URL Manager Pro developer Alco Blom has released the first public beta version of SMS Mac, a plug-in for Apple's Address Book utility that lets users send a Short Message Service (SMS) message to any cell phone number in the world over the Internet. You do not need a mobile number yourself in order for SMS Mac to work.News
PocketMac HoldIt! pauses Mac for phone calls
Information Appliance Associates on Friday released PocketMac HoldIt!, a utility that senses an incoming phone call and stops or pauses iTunes, DVD Player or El Gato's eyeTV, or simply mutes the computer's sound, runs an AppleScript or displays a warning. It can also run some or all of those actions simultaneously when the phone rings. Users plug a phone line into their Mac's modem port and run the US$12.95 application to get started. Mac OS X v10.3 is required.Editors’ Notes
Thanks for the Memory
How-To
Dialing for Less
Feeling the need to phone home without breaking the bank? You can turn your Mac into a telephone and place long-distance calls—even calls overseas—for a fraction of what you’re currently paying.News
PhoneValet enhances call screening, recording
Parliant Corp. on Thursday updated its PhoneValet Message Center (PVMC) software to version 2.1.6. The free update for registered users allows you to select the audio output device when screening messages as they are being received. Performance has also been improved when processing long (hour or more) call recordings.News
AlphaSmart, Renaissance Learning to merge
Dana maker AlphaSmart Inc. and K-12 learning information system developer Renaissance Learning Inc. have announced plans to merge. Under the terms of the agreement, valued at about US$57 million, AlphaSmart stockholders will receive $3.75 per share. The plan is subject to customary regulatory approval and still has to be approved by AlphaSmart stockholders. Renaissance Learning said that it plans to operate AlphaSmart as a wholly-owned subsidiary, retaining the AlphaSmart brand.News
iStumbler adds mDNS plug-in
Alf Watt has released a new version of iStumbler, the Mac OS X utility that helps you find wireless networks and Bluetooth devices. iStumbler release 90 adds the mDNS plug-in, which lets you browse published services on the local network and connect to them. The Bluetooth plug-in enables "Pair" and "Browse" features. And preferences have been updated for all plug-ins. iStumbler is offered for free as an open source tool, but users can buy "subscriptions" for $1 per release to help spur further development.News
Mac mini Frequently Asked Questions… Answered!
Got a question about the Mac mini? We've got answers, including info about installing RAM and wireless options, using it as a server, and more.News
MWSF: RadTech intros new mini Bluetooth mouse, more
RadTech on Tuesday announced three new products on display at its Macworld Conference & Expo San Francisco booth: the Silver Edition BT500 mini Bluetooth mouse, ScreensavRz protection and cleaning cloths for G5 iMacs and Tekstyl soft cases for laptops. The mouse, which sells for US$54.95, features three buttons, 800dpi resolution and a power switch for conserving its batteries when not in use. The ScreensavRz cloth fits snugly over the G5 iMac and can be used to clean its LCD screen; RadTech will ship it on Feb. 1 but hasn't disclosed the cost. Tekstyl, which is not listed on the RadTech Web site yet and has no price available, features full access to ports and drives while the laptop is still in the case and includes an integrated fold-out stand.News
MWSF: Mac Boingo accesses over 12K Wi-Fi hot spots
Santa Monica, Calif.-based Boingo Wireless on Monday released Mac Boingo, the Mac OS X version of its software that enables users to join one of more than 12,000 Wi-Fi hot spots with a single user name and password. The company's Boingo Roaming System works with such partners as Wayport, STSN, Surf & Sip and others to aggregate all of their access points into one network. Mac Boingo integrates with Apple's AirPort software to "sniff out" wireless hot spots; the software also includes a built-in directory of all of them, automatically updating itself when the developer adds new ones. While the download is free, user subscriptions are US$7.95 per day or $21.95 per month. Mac OS X v10.2.8 is required, although earlier versions are supported for Safari users.News
MWSF: Griffin intros AirPort Express stand, SmartDeck
Griffin Technology Inc. on Monday introduced its new Xpress Stand accessory for Apple's AirPort Express. On display during Macworld Conference & Expo San Francisco, Xpress Stand props up the wireless device to give it better range and offers a cable management solution in addition to a status light checking your wireless connection at a glance. Pricing is US$24.99 and pre-orders are being accepted now; Xpress Stand will ship during the first quarter.News
MWSF: Ovolab Phlink 2.0 adds call log, features
Ovolab on Tuesday released Phlink 2.0, a new version of its telephony software for the Macintosh. With Phlink, the Mac can become an answering machine and what Ovolab calls "a telephone answering center," greeting callers with personalized messages, playing caller-specific ringtones, sending you voice messages by e-mail and more.News
The Year in Macs, Part One
An army of iPods, a redesigned iMac, and a Tiger looming on the horizon—2004 proved to be quite a year for Apple. MacCentral.com Editor Jim Dalrymple takes a look back at the last 12 months in a two-part review of Apple’s busy year. Today’s installment looks at significant hardware releases and updates. Part two will examine software news, Apple’s financial performance, and assorted legal wranglings involving the company.Editors’ Notes
Sound Off, Mobile Mac Users
News
Apple updates AirPort Express, Extreme firmware
Apple on Monday updated the firmware used by its AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme base stations. The new firmware is available for download from Apple's Web site, and is available in various forms for Mac OS X and Windows users — as well as a "raw firmware" version for users trying to update from Mac OS X v10.2.8.News
OWC, Newertech offer high-capacity iBook batteries
Other World Computing and Newer Technology Inc. on Friday announced the availability of NuPower replacement batteries for Apple Computer Inc.'s iBook laptop computers — both the white-clad "Dual USB models" and the original "Clamshell" models.How-To
Extend Your Wireless Reach
As great as it is for connecting wirelessly to the Internet, Apple’s AirPort technology has range issues. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to extend the range of your AirPort network—we’ll show you how.News
Mobile High Speed 3G expands cell phone support
German developer Nova Media on Thursday released Mobile High Speed 3G 4.10, a new version of the utility that automatically configures Mac OS X to connect to the Internet through a cell phone or PC Data card using the UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, HSCSD or GSM protocols. This update adds support for over 18 devices, including Nokia 6630, 6220, 6260 and 9500, Motorola V3, V180, V547, V550, V980, A1000 and E1000 and Sony Ericsson v800, s700, s700i, P910 and P910i. In addition, Novatel Merlin U630 and Sierra Wireless AC750 and AC775 PC Data cards are now supported too. This is a free update for existing users; the full software is €75 (US$99.26).How-To
Portable Protection
Keep your portable Mac products spotless with a few of these protective products.News
MacWireless releases WiFinder
MacWireless has released the WiFinder, a keychain-sized device used to locate Wi-Fi wireless network hotspots. The device features a four-bar signal strength indicator, and contains circuitry that can differentiate between Wi-Fi networks and devices that operate on similar signal frequencies, such as cordless phones and microwave ovens. The WiFinder costs US$34.98.News
QuickerTek offers iBook carry handles
Wichita, Kan.-based QuickerTek on Monday introduced iBook carry handles. When installed, the devices enable 12- and 14-inch iBooks to be carried without needing an external carrying case. Made of aluminum, the handles are fitted for either 12-inch or 14-inch iBooks, and double as a lift stand when the iBook is being used, which QuickerTek claims helps circulate air and improve cooling beneath the iBook, and provide users with a more optimal typing angle. The new handles are expected to be available in January 2005 for US$50.News
Verizon deal lets Philadelphia move with wireless plan
The city of Philadelphia has reached an agreement with Verizon Communications Inc. that will let the municipal government deploy a citywide Wi-Fi network, but a carrier-backed bill that would let incumbent carriers block such projects has been signed into law by Pennsylvania's governor.News
New file system constrains Treo 650 storage capacity
The change to flash memory from DRAM (dynamic RAM) for PalmOne Inc.'s new Treo 650 smart phone appears to have had the unintended consequence of reducing the amount of memory that is actually available to users. As a result, PalmOne plans to offer a free 128MB expansion card to Treo 650 purchasers to get around the problem, the company said Monday.News
Nokia Collector syncs files between cell phone, Mac
Nokia has released Nokia Collector 1.0, a utility that transfers images, videos and other files between a cell phone and your Mac, with the ability to keep specific items synchronized. The company's Web site indicates that the application is aimed at owners of Nokia 7280 phones, but the materials that come with Nokia Collector state that "it can also be used with many other Bluetooth-enabled devices." The free software requires Mac OS X v10.2.8 and works with both internal, factory-installed Bluetooth modules and external USB Bluetooth adapters.News
Missing Sync adds Treo 650 support, more
Mark/Space Inc. has released a maintenance update to The Missing Sync for Palm OS v4.0.2. The new release to the synchronization software for Mac OS X adds support for palmOne's new Treo 650 and Tungsten T5 handhelds. Synchronization performance has been improved. Support has been improved for a number of conduits, including Now Up-To-Date, Photos/Media Conduit, NotePad and airline schedule conduits. Integration with iTunes is improved, and conduit conflict detection has also been improved. Mark/Space recommends that all Missing Sync for Palm OS v4 users update to this new version. The full version costs US$39.95.News
Law may snag Philadelphia Wi-Fi rollout
A proposed Pennsylvania law now on its way to the governor's desk could pose a hurdle for the city of Philadelphia's ambitious plan to provide broadband service throughout the city via Wi-Fi. One provision of House Bill 30 (HB30), a wide-ranging telecommunications regulation bill that earned final approval by the state House and Senate on Friday, would prohibit a government or any entity it creates from offering broadband for a fee.News
ABDialer 2 dials Address Book contacts
Macron Software on Monday released the final version of ABDialer 2, an updated version of the software phone dialer for Mac OS X's Address Book application. With ABDialer installed, you can use your Mac to dial calls with Bluetooth phones, through the Mac's modem port, or even through the Mac's speaker. Improvements in this release include a new interface, a global menu, dial scheduling with iCal and Short Message Service (SMS) support through iChat and AIM. ABDialer is US$12 shareware. A 30-day trial version is available for download.News
Phlink supports Caller ID in more countries
Torino, Italy-based Ovolab on Monday announced the release of Phlink 1.6, a new version of the software that accompanies its telephony hardware interface for the Mac. Phlink turns your Mac into an answering machine and call center. The new software release adds Caller ID support for users in Sweden, The Netherlands, Denmark, Iceland and other countries. It's a free update for registered users. Phlink costs US$149.95 or €129.95. It requires Mac OS X v10.2 or later.News
OWC, NewerTech intro 15-inch Al PB battery
Newer Technology Inc. and Other World Computing on Thursday made a joint announcement that the NuPower AL15 replacement battery for 15-inch Aluminum G4 PowerBooks is now widely available, after being constrained by tight supplies for three months after it first started shipping. Priced at US$129.99, the Lithium-Ion battery offers 53.3 watt-hour capacity, which is 11 percent more than the stock batteries provided by Apple. It's compatible with Aluminum G4 PowerBooks running at 1GHz, 1.25GHz, 1.33GHz and 1.5Ghz speeds.News
Five Across introduces server, adds RSS to IM client
Five Across Inc. has upgraded its workgroup instant messaging client by adding RSS support and developed its first workgroup instant messaging server, the Palo Alto, California company announced Wednesday. Five Across customers will now have the option of bringing instant messaging (IM) traffic in house behind the firewall by purchasing the new Five Across Workgroup Server. The server is for companies that want to have a tighter handle on their IM communications' security and performance than is possible using Five Across' IM network. The server also has features for logging and auditing IM sessions.How-To
Cool Geek Tricks
Add to your geek wizardry with three tricks—resurrecting lost print jobs, preventing server-log wipeout, and creating an iChat autoreplier—guaranteed to impress your friends and get you out of sticky situations.News
MacWireless offers USB ‘Stick,’ broadband router
Mac networking hardware maker MacWireless on Wednesday introduced a wireless USB interface it calls the USB Stick and, in something of a departure for the company, a wired broadband router. Both are available now.News
Apple releases AirPort 4.1
Apple on Monday released AirPort 4.1, an update to the drivers for its wireless networking hardware running under Mac OS X v10.3. AirPort 4.1 is available for download from the Software Update system preference pane, and more information is available online.News
PocketMac Lite syncs Macs, Pocket PCs
Information Appliance Associates on Tuesday introduced PocketMac Lite Edition, a new version of their software to synchronize data between a Mac and a Pocket PC handheld that costs US$14.95. The software synchronizes data between the device and Mac OS X's Address Book and iCal software, offers support for Bluetooth wireless data communication, integrates with iSync, can mount Pocket PC memory and storage cards on the Mac's desktop and more. System requirements call for Mac OS X v1.03 or higher, 4MB of available disk space, and a compatible Pocket PC. Information Appliance Associates continues to develop PocketMac Pro, which offers further synchronization abilities including e-mail, Word and Excel documents, MP3s and photos.Reviews
Missing Sync for Palm OS 4.0
Missing Sync for Palm OS 4.0 offers more features, a better user interface, and faster syncing than PalmSource's offering.News
Griffin offers Xpress Digital Audio Cable
Griffin Technology Inc. on Friday introduced the Xpress Digital Audio Cable, a nine-foot long digital optical cable that sports Toslink-based connectors, and comes with two Toslink-to-mini adapters. You can use the cable to connect your AirPort Express hub or an iMac G5 to a home stereo digitally. The cable costs US$19.99 and is shipping now.News
DataPilot extends cell phone Mac connection
Susteen Inc. on Thursday announced the release of DataPilot for Mac OS X. The software enables Macs to exchange contact information with cell phones via USB. DataPilot supports 69 different cell phone models to start, but Susteen plans to expand this number with upcoming software updates. DataPilot also sports the ability to import your contacts from Apple's Address Book database. You can selectively export contacts in your cell phone contact list back to Address Book, merge both lists into a "master list," password-protect your contacts and more.Editors’ Notes
To Be or Not to Be—That’s PalmSource’s Question
Will Apple alumnus Jean-Louis Gassée’s appointment as PalmSource’s Chairman of the Board help or hinder the struggling company?News
PhoneValet adds real-time screening, more
Parliant Corp. on Tuesday announced the release of PhoneValet Message Center (PVMC) 2.1, an updated version of their software and hardware combination that turns the Mac into a telephony center. The new version of PVMC adds real-time call screening capability and information center capabilities.News
PalmOne updates the Treo smart phone
PalmOne Inc.'s long-awaited update to the Treo 600 will come with a new processor, sharper display and flash memory, as the company continues to improve its flagship product. The company is set to unveil the device, called the Treo 650, Monday at the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association's (CTIA's) Wireless IT and Entertainment conference.News