appleJAC Macintosh Users

December Meeting Agenda Posted

Fastforward Software: Great Products from Across the Pond

by Tom Piper

Fastforward Software is an independent publisher, developer and distributor of high quality software products and games for Mac OS X. They are based in the United Kingdom with developers around the world. As their website professes: “We strive for excellent customer service and reliable products you can trust at home or in the office.” They have three great products being offered at a substantial discount only for Mac user group members for the next three months (see end of article):

Galder    New fast-paced puzzle board game (just out)    $19.99

QuickSnap    Easy to use screen capture utility, includes hot keys and more    $14.95

FinanceToGo    Personal finance manager based on double entry accounting    $44.95

I recently interviewed Joshua Coventry, Managing Director of Fastforward Software in Sheffield, England for my Apple User Group Market Podcast (http://web.mac.com/ugab/). In spite of a ragged Skype connection for that call, it was obvious that this company is very supportive of users of their broad product line. They have free downloadable versions of their software to try out, and interactive forums and blogs to exchange information between users and get assistance when needed. They are also working hard to support user groups, as demonstrated by their recent discount just for us.

Honestly, there hasn’t been time during the Thanksgiving Holiday Season to completely review the products listed here, but my previews of each left me wanting to do more. To their credit, all of these products are classed as 'Try before you buy'. Anyone can download their products free-of-charge (www.fastforward.com) and evaluate them before purchasing a license. In addition, Fastforward Software offers a 30 day money back guarantee where full refunds will be made within 30 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with the product you purchased.

This is an innovative company with effective reasonably-priced products who are willing to earn our business. I encourage you to give their products a try and judge for yourself how valuable they can be. We need more companies who stand behind their products like this.

December Meeting Features Genealogy by appleJAC member, Steve Archer

The December appleJAC Meeting will be at our normal meeting location of Lewis and Clark Middle School in Jefferson City. The meeting will be held on December 4th at 7:00pm in the 6th grade commons meeting room.  This month will be the long awaited presentation on Genealogy by appleJAC member, Steve Archer.

Here is how Steve describes his presentation;

"I'm planning a thirty-minute Keynote presentation in three parts,the first being how to obtain genealogical information with one's Mac, exemplifiedby using Ancestry.com.

The second will be the filing and storage of the data, using Reunion 9.   And finally I'll show how to share this information by establishing a Dreamweaver web site."

Also, don't forget that elections for 2008 officers will also be held.

iPhone Books: Getting the Most from the Best

by Tom Piper

After having had my iPhone for nearly five months, there is still more to learn about this delightful communications companion. I’ve devoured everything I could read about maximizing my knowledge, including iPhone The Missing Manual by David Pogue (early PDF version). The next generation of iPhone guides have now come out from leading authors in the field . . . more information available at www.peachpit.com.

In order to assist the early adopters, the technology embracers, and the next-version-waiters, I’ve acquired The iPhone PocketGuide and The iPhone Book. These books are reasonably-priced, immediately-available, extra-ordinarily useful, and particularly well-written. I’ve seen, heard and read presentations from these Apple experts, and this is some of their best work.

This review includes a combination of my observations and Internet summaries of these publications. Both books are filled with great information: The Guide is more conversational on B&W stock with green accents, often annotated with useful notes and tips, plentiful illustrations, and good advise; whereas The Book is physically larger, with full-color large illustrations, divided into “how-to” topics, punctuated with “iTips”, and described with overly-large text blocks.

The iPhone Pocket Guide
by Christopher Breen
Publisher: Peachpit Press          Pub Date: September 20, 2007
Print ISBN-10: 0-321-51008-9   Print ISBN-13: 978-0-321-51008-2
Pages: 272     Price:  $14.99 (discounted 2nd Edition, $8.99 with free shipping)

Here's your essential companion to Apple’s iPhone. This handy, low-priced book is packed with quick results so you can jump in and master the iPhone right away. Snappy writing, eye-catching graphics, and a fresh design  walks you through the most common iPhone tasks.

As the back cover summarizes, the iPhone Pocket Guide shows you how to:
    •    Set up and quickly start using your phone/iPod/Internet device.
    •    Make and receive calls and send text messages with your phone.
    •    Sync calendar and contacts between the iPhone and your Mac or Windows PC.
    •    Send email using AT&T’s wireless network or a Wi-Fi connection.
    •    Listen to songs and watch movies and TV shows (and YouTube!).
    •    Surf the Web using the built-in Safari browser.
    •    View photos and take pictures with the built-in camera.
    •    Get instant info using the built-in Stocks, Maps, Weather, and Clock applications.
    •    Run the numbers with Calculator and jot quick reminders with Notes.
    •    Fix common problems and learn what to do if you can’t fi x them yourself.

The iPhone Book: How to Do the Things You Want to Do with Your iPhone
by Scott Kelby; Terry White
Publisher: Peachpit Press           Pub Date: August 16, 2007
Print ISBN-10: 0-321-53410-7    Print ISBN-13: 978-0-321-53410-1
Pages: 240         Price: $24.99 (discounted to $22.49 free shipping, or $17.99 PDF version)

As the ad says: “This book is a "show-me-how-to-do-it" book, that skips all the confusing techno-jargon and just tells you, in plain simple English, exactly how to use the iPhone features you want to use most.”

The iPhone Book is from Scott Kelby, the award-winning author of the smash bestseller, The iPod Book, who takes that same highly-acclaimed, casual, straight-to-the-point concept and layout and brings it to learning Apple's amazing iPhone. Scott teams up once again with gadget guru, and leading iPhone authority, Terry White to put together a book that is an awful lot like the iPhone itself—simple to use and fun to learn. The book's layout is brilliant, with each page covering just one single topic, so finding the information you need is quick and easy, with a large full-color photo on each page so you can see exactly how it works

Inclinepro: Standing Up to Mac Quality

a review by Tom Piper

My MacBook Pro 17” is my constant companion, yet tabletop and laptop use need help. I’ve just discovered a wonderful solution that now accompanies my laptop everywhere: the Inclinepro stand from INDustrialized Nation in Salt Lake City, Utah. In additional to being lap cool and table functional, it is amazingly light and visually beautiful . . . truly appealing architectural esthetics and engineering craftsmanship.

Immediately after getting the Inclinepro, it went to conference with me in Washington DC. It was stuffed into my computer case, banged around airports, quickly setup on many tables, used every night in hotel rooms, and a relief to my legs during long lectures. Its weight is hardly noticeable, but its silver anodized finish on aerospace-grade aluminum make it incredibly durable, extremely stable, and professionally designed to integrate seamlessly with my Mac, both in function and in style. This is a real quality product, on a par with the manufacturing standards that Ive always expected with my computers and other devices.

I already have several lap desks at home, of both wood and plastic. Invariabley, these products became either too heavy, too unwieldy or too unsatisfactory for my frequent use. Two months ago when this product was released, the following was said: “The Inclinepro . . . has evolved over the last year,” said John O’Connor, head designer/owner of Industrialized Nation, “and what started out as a personal quest for comfort while using my 17” MacBookPro®, has turned into a low-profile, light-weight, contemporary laptop support system that can provide comfort and extra battery life anywhere.” John is a Mac user and engineer who designs and builds to very high standards. Here are some of the key features of his Inclinepro:

•    The Inclinepro raises the laptop screen and angles the keyboard reducing neck and wrist strain.
•    The angle of the Inclinepro facilitates heat transfer away from the computer for longer battery life, and enhances the comfort of the user.
•    At just 7oz., the Inclinepro is virtually weightless and collapses to a thin profile that easily fits in standard laptop computer bags making it a very low impact travel companion.
•    The Inclinepro is designed with the style and the attention to detail that Macintosh customers demand.
•    The Inclinepro is built with components CNC machined from aerospace-grade aluminum for durability.
•    The Inclinepro is custom fit for: iBook, PowerBook, MacBook and MacBookPro (15” and 17”).
•    Available with a silver anodized finish.

That’s not all, John believes in Apple user groups. For a limited period through the holiday season, he has agreed to reduce the price (see below) on this brand new product. This is a great product that I totally endorse . . . it is a fitting support for my expensive investment.

Inclinepro Laptop Support System: 20% Off

With the Inclinepro™, Mac aficionados now have a laptop support system that meets their needs for function and style. Laps and laptops stay cool resulting in comfort for the user and longer battery life. Set up your office anywhere and benefit from the Inclinepro's ergonomic design and ultra-light construction. A cooler computer and sexy low-profile design make the Inclinepro™ an essential accessory for every Mac owner.

Exclusive user group 20% discount off retail $75 US.
Great laptop support: www.inclinepro.com   

See the codes list in the appleJAC Member location. 

PCWorld Mag announces the Fastest Windows Laptop of 2007

What do you think.... a Dell....  a Gateway.... a HP......   Oh no!  a Apple MacBook Pro!

PC Week Says:

The fastest Windows Vista notebook we've tested this year is a Mac. Try that again: The fastest Windows Vista notebook we've tested this year--or for that matter, ever--is a Mac. Not a Dell, not a Toshiba, not even an Alienware. The $2419 (plus the price of a copy of Windows Vista, of course) MacBook Pro's PC WorldBench 6 Beta 2 score of 88 beats Gateway's E-265M by a single point, but the MacBook's score is far more impressive simply because Apple couldn't care less whether you run Windows.

Who would have thunk it?

BlackFriday Specials from Apple

Apple.... Give me more USB!

Dear Apple;

Everyone in the industry know that you have provided world changing technology that always leads the industry.  In many cases you wrote the book for technology inclusion in your products.  We all remember SCSI ports that allowed Mac users to have additional disk space long before PC users could take advantage of it.  We also know you invented firewire and after a few mis steps allowed the industry to join you in using this fast bus technology.  Unfortunately, we also know you at times show just hoe hard headed you are.

Apple, I am writing today to ask why you seem to be the only PC maker that believes users will not attach lots of stuff to your machines.  I have a MacPro and this machine has only 3 USB ports on the back.  Yes you give me two on the front but who would make such a beautiful machine look so ugly as to plug cables into the front of it?  Keep in mind, I love the front ports for using memory drives, plugging in cameras, and the occasional hard disk for copying but the issue is more the need for more ports on the back.

Learn from your competitors!  I am decommissioning a four year old Dell at work and noticed t had 6 USB ports on the back (and two on the front).  IF Dell can figure out the need, why can't you.  And don't tell me about the two on the keyboard.  Those don't have enough power for anything more than a memory key.  I don't consider those to count.  Anyway, who wants their printer connecting to their keyboard?

I would not complain if I could add those ports, but you make it nearly impossible these days.  In the days of my G4 tower, I plugged in a PCI card and added 5 ports.  With the PCI Express bus in a MacPro (and the tendency for PC vendors to provide lots of USB ports) it is nearly impossible to buy a card and make it work.  I know because I purchase two different ones and the Mac Drivers don't work correctly.

Apple, please, add these ports to the back of our machines!  Give us at least 6 ports on a desktop and 4 on a laptop.  One day, all peripherals may have ethernet ports but today is not the day.  Save me from USB Hub hell!  Spend the $2 and give me the ports.

Sincerely;

Port-less Mac User

Great Photo Seminar....

Last weekend, Mark Snell and I attended a great Photographic seminar in St Louis.  It was put on by Palm Beach Photographic Center.  The instructor, Fatima NeJame did a teriffic job describing the ins and outs of digital photography to a group of 60 or so attendees.  I recommend these seminars if they come back to town again.  Very worthwile refresher and I picked up a few new tricks to boot.

Every body needs to make time to Sharpen the Saw once in a while.

Here was the seminar content....

Digital Cameras Made Easy
Day One

After basic camera skills, such as proper camera handling, care lens selection and use, auto focus and exposure are covered, you will move on, learning how to use the instant feedback of the digital camera to improve your photography. Color balance and histogram use in the field and in the lab will be covered. We will wade through the swamp of color space and color depth. Should you use jpeg or RAW files? In this full-day lecture seminar, you will learn how to take your pictures from the camera to the computer. This class opens the door to all aspects of digital photography. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the pros.

Topics Include:
• Digital camera features & proper set-up
• Pixel resolution for different end uses
• File formats and compression
• Advantages of Raw files
• Getting the most from your digital camera
• Digital media, card readers & storage devices
• Image acquisition to the computer

The Digital Darkroom
Day Two

In this full-day digital darkroom seminar, you will learn to work with digital photographs or digital scans of existing film images to enhance, manage, color correct and print your images. This seminar covers in more depth, aspects of digital imaging that you will need to know to make the most of your photographs once they are in your computer.

Topics Include:
• Image acquisition to the computer from digital cameras and card readers
• Scanning film
• File size, formats, and resolution
• Enhancing digital and scanned images
• Using pressure sensitive tools
• Color balancing your monitor
• Color correction techniques in Photoshop™
• Using the basic tools of Adobe Photoshop™
• Selection and masking techniques
• Working with color correction layers and masks
• Digital retouching techniques
• Printing tips, tricks and techniques
• Fine art and archival printing

Looking for a Perfect Camera Case for your SLR?

The Velocity 6x is a compact sling pack designed for a compact digital or film SLR with a zoom lens attached up to 5" long, another small lens or flash and accessories. The sling pack design is versatile to carry like a backpack, but can be easily accessed by sliding the pack around to the front. 

The secure zippered Quick Flip Top opens away from the body for fast and convenient access to camera gear.  A well-padded sling strap comfortably distributes the weight, but need not be removed to quickly access photo equipment.  The front pocket has organizer pockets inside to keep a mobile phone, PDA or photo accessories within easy reach.  It also features Tamrac's U.S.-patented Memory & Battery Management System™ that uses red flags to identify available memory cards from ones that are used up. A pocket inside the lid stores filters and lens caps.  Add optional Tamrac accessories using the attachment slots for our Modular Accessory System™ (M.A.S.™) products to customize this sling pack.

I think Computerworld says it clearly.....

The verdict: Leopard spanks Vista, continues OS X's reign of excellence

Apple's return volley to Microsoft's Windows Vista is a more ambitious release than Tiger.  It is enough to win over Mac and Windows users alike.

Enough Said!

Read the Article

Do you Remember iRemember

Last year, Intriguing Development came to one of our meetings and showed their teriffic Scrapbook program called iRemember.  This week, they have released iRemember 2.1.1, an update to its digital scrapbooking software for Mac OS X that’s now compatible with Mac OS X v10.5 “Leopard.” A free update for registered 2.x users, iRemember costs $39.95. Upgrades from 1.x cost $9.95.

iRemember includes starter templates, backgrounds and a clip art browser used to search through over 20,000 pieces of clip art included with the software. It’s designed to help users create digital scrapbooks using their own digital photos, laying them out, framing them, and adding digital embellishments.

In addition to Mac OS X v10.5 compatibility, iRemember 2.1.1 adds bug fixes and performance enhancements. A free trial version is available for download.

You can get the update at their web site.

Want to Learn the new iLife 08?

Here is the best way to learn about iLife.  Take a look at the apple tutorials on the Apple web site.  These tutorials cover nearly all the major features of iLife 08 and assist you in learning how to really make them sing for you.  Take a look at them.

Appleworks in Leopard

Q: Does Appleworks work with OS X Leopard?  I just tried to launch it and it quits. . .

A: These symptoms are usually caused by the Recent Items folder, or less commonly, a full Auto Save folder. Follow these steps to empty the Recent Items folder or Auto Save folder.

1. Quit AppleWorks.

2. Locate the Recent Items and delete the aliases inside it.

If you're using Mac OS X the Recent Items folder can be found at:
<YourMacintoshHD/Users/YourName/Documents/AppleWorks User Data/Starting Points/Recent Items>.

3. Locate the Auto Save folder and delete the documents inside it.

If you're using Mac OS X the Auto Save folder can be found at:
<YourMacintoshHD/Users/YourName/Documents/AppleWorks User Data/AutoSave>.

4. You must then disable these features of AppleWorks from the AppleWorks Preferences.

To disable these preferences:

a. In Mac OS X, start AppleWorks and choose the AppleWorks > Preferences > General menu.
b. Set At Startup Show, to Nothing
c. Select the Files option in the Topic popup menu.
d. Uncheck the Auto-Save and Recent Items checkboxes.
e. Click the OK button.

Should then work fine.

.Mac Sync issues between Leopard and Tiger

I have been asked about .Mac syncing by a number of people who have upgraded one mac to Leopard but have another machine still in Tiger.  This is a common situation when your Mac at work is not as up to date as the one at home.  I have found that reseting the Tiger machine sync usually fixes the issue.  Here is how to do it.

First, sync the Leopard machine to .Mac.  It will be the master sync that you will then move to the Tiger machine.  With that complete, on the tiger machine, gp to System Preferences, .Mac and select the Advanced Tab.

Now select the tiger machine that you are working on from the list and press "Reset Sync Data".  Bear in mind that the address book, calendars, and anything else you are syncing will be reset on the Tiger machine to match the Leopard machine.

In the drop down that come up, be sure to select the sync as shown.

This may not be the only way to accomplish this but it seems to work well nearly all the time.

This will reset the data on the Tiger machine with whatever is on .Mac.  Since you just synced with the Leopard machine, that will be what you end up with on both.

After the sync is complete, both machines will match.  Then as you make updates from either and sync, both should stay up to date.

Creating a Slide Show for Windows Users

Q: I need help with is a slide show.  I have a batch of genealogy photos I want to put on a DVD so that other people to whom I give the DVD, Windows users included, will be able to see the slides, with them controlling the slides, that is, clicking to go to the next one.  Music would be nice.  I also want to put captions on each of the slides.

A: I have a couple of options for you.  One is low tech and the other is state of the art.

First Option

Create the presentation in whatever you are comfortable in.  Powerpoint, Keynote, iPhoto,.... whatever makes sense to you.  Then Print the document to a PDF file.  Acrobat is universal and plays exactly the same on Macs or PCs.  Version 7 or higher even lets you "play" the document as a presentation.  Low tech, but effective.

Second Option

Prepare the slides as an iPhoto Slideshow.  Select the images, add music, and then import this into iDVD and make a DVD of it.  The DVD gives the added benefit of being able to add music and make it look very professional.  It also allow it to be played on any DVD player, even without a computer.  If you want t make it even fancier, go from iPhoto to iMovie first and add captions, transitions, and music there, then take it to iDVD to burn it.

So your Scroll ball on your Mouse won't......

Although your Mighty Mouse never needs to be fed or watered, you may occasionally find that you need to clean it.

If your Mighty Mouse is covered in fingerprints or its surface has become soiled, it can be gently wiped with a clean lint-free cloth. If necessary, moisten the cloth using only water, making sure not to oversaturate it. Be aware that the mouse contains electronic components that may be damaged if water drips from the cloth into the mouse via the seam around the scroll ball or around its underside.

The same procedure can be used to clean the scroll ball on your Mighty Mouse if it has become discolored or dirty. Use a clean lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Wipe the ball and the surrounding area, making sure to rotate the ball itself to ensure complete coverage. If the scrolling feels rough or if the scroll ball isn't scrolling up, down, or side-to-side, hold the mouse upside-down and roll the ball vigorously while cleaning it to help dislodge any particles that may have collected on the internal hardware.

For a QuickTime movie demonstration, click here (the movie is approximately 600 KB).

iMovie 08: Ignore the complaints and just try it

I am sure you have seen people writing long discussions on how IMove 08 is inferior to iMovie 06.  I will admit there are a few (mighty few) features it doesn't include but the additions it includes and the easy of use in my opinion completely make up for this.

If you never tried iMovie 06, or tried it and were frustrated, iMovie 08 will be a breath of fresh air.  It provides an easy to use method to create truly stunning videos without needing to become a professional editor.  I contend, that those people writing of how iMovie 08 s not very good, were iMovie 06 users (or maybe even Final Cut users).   

You see, we were forced by iMovie in the past to learn a methodology called a Time Line to layout a video project.  That is how all the pro's do it and the previous belief was amateur needed to do it too.  But I contend that using the clips and the timeline really makes more sense.  People who want to make a video really want to just lay it out and the method of 'skimming' through the video makes it easy to see what point you are in.  In fact, they ability to put in the transitions and have them automatically render in real time allows to be be much more creative with the transitions.

In fact, iMovie 08 has really caused me to rethink video.  Where before, I fely that while video was cool, it was hard and tedious to work with.  With the changes in iMovie 08, I now have renewed interest in trying video again. 

So don't count iMovie 08 out yet.  Apple will (and already has) make additions to add back features.  Just try it and also try to forget the need for the timeline and I think you will like what comes out in the end.

But what might I not like in Leopard?

You have seen my top 5 and the discussion on those from Apple's website that have been posted in the last week or so.  But I am sure you may ask, with all these great things, what may I not like in Leopard.  Here are a few things to consider.

Classic - With Leopard, even if you have a PowerPC based Mac, Classic OS9 applications cease to exist.  That's right, OS9 is finally gone.  If you still have apps that only run in OS9, you better be thinking about your future plans.

Leopard requires more RAM - Apple says Leopard needs at least 512Mb but if the usually difference between required ram and what you really need exists, plan on 1GB to really make it usable.

Time Machine needs a separate disk - Yes you could partition your drive into two parts but what sense does it make to use a backup system that backups your valuable data to the same drive.  That defetes the purpose.  Purchase a $100 external drive and call it good.

Quick View is still a View - Sure, with quick view you can view word documents, excel spreadsheets, pages documents and many others but you will still not be able to edit them.  Don't expect more than really is there in this cool new feature.

Is my machine big enough - Leopard calls for an Intel Mac, Power PC G5 or a Power PC G4 with an 867MHz processor or higher but be careful here.  If your machine is on the fringe, perhaps you should be upgrading to Leopard in a new machine.....  and if you have a G3..... your are well over what Apple considers overdue.

Question on Time Machine

Q: With the new Leopard: does the backup feature require, as I had heard, a dedicated backup drive or can part of an existing external be divided and used?

A: Needs an entire partition at lease 1.5 times the size of your drive.  You can partition a drive and use one entire partition for Time Machine but with the prices of drives, it really doesn't make sense.  I just purchased a 320gb at staples for $99.