appleJAC Users Group

April 2008 appleJAC Digest

President’s Corner
by Sue Snell, aJ MUG President

Spring had sprung! At least I think it has. There are green leaves popping up in the garden —wish I remembered what I had planted— and the sun is still up after the dinner dishes are done. It will still be light when we arrive for the meeting Tuesday night,

Forget the snow flurries on Easter morning; it was just a little joke from Mother Nature.  What I love about April is the promise of new beginnings.

Let’s get excited about the promise of the April 1 appleJAC MUG meeting — no Fooling! We’re looking forward to an informative evening regarding Podcasts. Tom Piper and friends will let us in on them — from where to find them, how to enjoy them, and what to expect from them. They might even let us in on how to begin to develop one.

Then in May, we plan to learn about Lightroom and Aperture. Now I know it must be Spring because we have only these two meetings before our Summer “break” from the Lewis and Clark meeting spot.

Our last meeting was a demonstration by Mrs. Sue Haugen on using the Airliner in the classroom. If you recall, appleJAC purchased one of these for Lewis and Clark. It was a good presentation, even if everything did not go according to plan. Which of us has NOT had something go awry in even the best planned demonstration?. Mrs. Haugen demonstrated the different applications of the Airliner and showcased some of the software used in the math classes. She passed around the tablet for members to try. Just like a teacher — hands-on experience!

Winners of door prizes for the night were:
    - Mark Snell            Apple-logo Cup
    - Charlie Bland        Mac OS X Leopard Pocket Guide
    - Steve Archer         Adobe Clock
    - Bruce Heerboth     Printer paper (ream)
    - Ros Moulton          Photoshop Cookbook
    - Margie Stevenson   Adobe Photoshop One-on-One book

C. S. Lewis once said, “We need to know we’re not alone”. Join us for the April 1 meeting at Lewis and Clark Middle School to find the aJ connection to this sense of community in the Mac world. Advice on all subjects abounds to let you know you are not alone. Come get the advice you need and share the advice you have with others from the Mac community.

April 2008 Meeting Agenda

WD 320GB: Maximizing Laptop Storage

a review by Tom Piper

If you are a laptop owner, then you’ve enjoyed the portability, but probably complained that the hard drives are always about a third of the size of a comparable desktop computer. As I’ve migrated from mostly desktop units at home to mostly laptops for everyday use, this frustration has been very annoying because I want to take everything with me. I could acquire an external auxiliary USB drive, but its that much more to lug around.

Western Digital has recently produced a new WD Scorpio 2.5-inch SATA hard drive that was a major performance upgrade for my two-year old MacBook Pro 17”. Their promise became a reality on my laptop with 320 gigabytes of capacity, an 8 megabyte cache, 5400 rpm spin speed and 12 millisecond access time. The heat of my laptop now is only from recharging it, not from drive access . . . not even when I’m doing a 4-hour continuous backup!

This internal drive is truly a high-performance, low power consumption, ultra-cool and hush quiet. Other than an occasional mini-click, I cannot hear any disk whir or chatter (during installation, I actually had to hold the bare drive next to my ear to hear any activity). So far, it appears that my overall battery life and file access time have improved by 10-20% compared to the 200 GB Toshiba drive it replaced (which replaced the original 120 GB it came with). And, did I already say that it is unbelievably quiet and fast?

When Western Digital brags about this hard drive, they say things like:

• Massive capacity - Whether they are in an external drive or a notebook computer, WD’s 320 GB 2.5-inch drives offer the most available capacity for space-hungry operating systems, plus plenty of room left over for photos, music, and video.
• Quiet - In a notebook drive, silence is golden. WD’s exclusive WhisperDrive™ combines state-of-the-art seeking algorithms to yield one of the quietest 2.5-inch hard drives on the market. These algorithms also optimize the way a drive seeks for data, which significantly improves power consumption. So now silence (and longer battery life) is golden.
• Reliable and Rugged - WD's ShockGuard™ technology protects the drive mechanics and platter surfaces from shocks. WD's SecurePark™ parks the recording heads off the disk surface during spin up, spin down and when the drive is off. This ensures the recording head never touches the disk surface resulting in improved long-term reliability due to less head wear, and improved non- operational shock tolerance.

The bare drive (model WD3200BEVT) retails for $169.99 on the Western Digital website, but I’ve seen Internet prices under $150). Incidentally, if you do want this drive in an external USB 2.0 case (like another member of our user group), the WD Passport Portable can also be found for under $150. These hard drives are a tremendous value . . . I thoroughly endorse it to make your laptop faster, quieter, cooler and more resourceful, inside and outside!

You Asked For It: Custom Icons for Folders & Files

by Tom Piper

One of our user group members recently asked for assistance or a presentation about creating and mounting replacement icons to customize the look of their files:

“I've just switched over to Leopard, and I like it a lot, naturally.  But it occurs to me that I would like to have some customized icons for some of the folders of stuff I have in the dock: one for personal and medical, for instance; a nice red cross would do nicely.  Another for a diary icon; as simple as a large letter D.”

A great article is posted on MacApper by Alex Galonsky. It provides an excellent step-by-step recipe from creation (or discovery) through the finished product at this site.

If you have questions about how to do cool stuff, just drop the appleJAC MUG President a line (snellsbk@embarqmail.com), and she will try to find a Mac techie to find

Elgato eyeTV Hybrid: Analog/Digital TV on the Mac

a review by Tom Piper

Almost two years ago, I wrote about the TVMicro from Miglia which used Elgato Software (a great little analog TV-on-the-Mac unit). Last year I wrote about the Turbo.264 from Elgato (a video export speedster). In between those, George did a great feature on the newly introduced EyeTV Hybrid (reprinted below). This unit and the new EyeTV3 software released terrific improvements just two months ago, and Amazon pricing under $130.

EyeTV 3 includes a greatly improved electronic program guide, with support for tasks like scheduling "Season Pass" style recordings. You can now record an entire season of a TV program, a feature that many Windows and Linux PVR programs have. Here are just a few of the other updates:
    • Improvements in the Program Window make it easier to find and manage your media
    • Full-text search of the program guide
    • Save your guide search criteria
    • Create Smart Playlists
    • Share recorded programs over the home network
    • Improved on-screen menus
    • Stream videos over WiFi to your iPhone, iPod Touch, or other computer

The interface is much more like iTunes (see above), Another feature is a new iPod assistant modeled after Elgato's popular VHS Assistant. The feature will guide users through the steps needed to capture analog sources like VHS cassettes and camcorder tapes and prepare them for iPod use.

This has been major overhaul to Elgato’s Mac OS X software for recording, post-processing and export of television programs that has introduced a handful of new features, including a refined interface, smart program guides, and enhanced WiFi access. When you add this to all the features it had before, this is a great time to put TV on your Mac. For more information, visit http://www.elgato.com.

Also look at a post last fall on the same product.

PDF2Officev4: Recreating from a PDF Original

a review by Tom Piper

It is so easy in the Mac world to convert almost anything you can print into a Portable Document Format (PDF) . . . BUT, what about when you have a PDF from which you need the text and graphics, not to mention maintaining fonts and formatting? Fortunately, there is a wonderful solution that I started using last year, and was recently updated to version 4.

PDF2Office from Recosoft is reliable, powerful and ease to use, a perfect tool for your Mac if you do a lot of work with PDFs. I’m using the Professional version (Personal, Standard and InDesign versions also available). Fundamentally, this is a conversion tool from PDFs to Microsoft Office formats including fully editable Word, PowerPoint, and RTF, plus a bonus of AppleWorks, HTML and other files, which recreate the original construction and layout of the document. It has tremendous support from the company.

Their website (http://www.recosoft.com/products/pdf2office) summarizes PDF2Office Professional features very well. Operationally, PDF2Office forms paragraphs, applies styles, regroups independent graphics elements, extracts images, creates table, processes headers/footers, endnotes/footnotes and columns/sections, all automatically without any intervention by the user. It provides options for converting a range of pages in a PDF document into popular office format documents as well as image types such as JPEG, Photoshop, PNG and TIFF. Below is a sample  setup screen to manage output.

PDF2Office displays an easy-to-use interface that allows the user to set the target type on a file-by-file basis. To facilitate the conversion process, it even provides layout preview and navigation of a PDF document within the application itself enabling me to identify which pages to extract. I can even recover and reuse the contents stored in PDF documents making it available for use by the most popular software titles thus enhancing workflow automation and productivity. Using the Document Inspector (see below), I can view my PDF document’s meta-data and fonts.

If you are like me and wonder how it performs this recreation process, the following processes summarize what PDF2Office is doing during a conversion:

• Forms Paragraphs and applies indentations (justification is set to left or center),
• Applies text styles and retains font information (or font mapping is performed),
• Constructs Page properties such as Margins and Page breaks where appropriate,
• Interpolates Columns and Section breaks,
• Matches Headers and Footers where possible,
• Forms Endnotes/Footnotes,
• Identifies and Creates Tables,
• Regroups intersecting and overlapping Graphics,
• Processes all images (except JBIG format) and re-groups intersecting sliced images, and
• Exports images in many formatis including JPEG, JPEG 2000, TIFF, PNG, PICT, TGA, Photoshop, QuickTime Image, MacPaint, Silicon Graphics, and BMP.

As you can see, I’m very impressed with this programs features, and even more by its performance which is fast and smooth. That’s not all . . . you can also download a PowerPoint slide show for the latest PDF2Office Professional 4.0 which is a tutorial to describe its features and use . . . and, a very responsive Frequently Asked Questions section which is most helpful (which isn’t very often).

Because PDF2Office comes in a variety of forms, here is the Recosoft US price list:
• PDF2ID™ v1.1 for Mac OS X (for InDesign)    $249
• PDF2Office® Professional v4.0 for Mac OS X    $129
• (same as above) -Education Single User License      $89
• PDF2Office® Professional v4.0 for Mac OS X -Upgrade License      $59   
• PDF2Office® Personal v4.0 for Mac OS X      $59
• PDF2Office® Personal v4.0 for Mac OS X -Upgrade License      $29
There are Windows versions available, 7-day free trials from some vendors, and competitive pricing with a simple Google search.

The bottom line is that this program meets a real need, particularly in my business and personal uses. I would highly recommend it to help you get the most out of your PDF files.

Give Twitter a try

A lot of people have trouble explaining Twitter. Twitter is a micro blogging system.  The people at Common Craft, a series of short explanatory videos, do the job with Twitter in Plain English.  A number of applejAC members are playing with Twitter.  Some of these include:

Tom Piper - venwiz
Steve Mays - smaysdotcom
George Kopp - georgekopp

Even local businesses are getting into the act - Coffee Zone

Take a look at a new method to keep in touch.  And if you have a iPhone, try hahlo for an iPhone client.

Creating X-Axis Chart Labels in Excel 2008

Q:I must say the new version of Microsoft Office has suddenly made me less productive. I can't even make the most simple charts in Excel (Which was easy before).

Can you make a chart from this data that shows:
1. Number of images in columns
2. Number of images is the vertical axis
3. Year is the horizontal axis and labeled as such (not 1,2,3...)

I've ordered a book on Microsoft Office but it's not out yet.

A:  It's a bug in Excel 2008 but there is a work around......

Okay, here's how to do it (explanation courtesy of Bob Greenblatt — there's no way I could have figured this out on my own!):

To specify a range of cells as the labels on the X axis, click on one of the data series in the chart (for example, click on one of the colours in a bar chart).

When you do, you will see a range appear in the floating formula bar. In my case, the range in the formula bar was:

=SERIES(Summary!$A$5,,Summary!$B$5:$R$5,3)

The space between the two commas is where the X axis labels are specified. In my case, for whatever reason, Excel didn't pick up the labels when I created the chart. I added the range of cells containing the X axis labels (cells B3 through R3) like so:

=SERIES(Summary!$A$5,Summary!$B$3:$R$3,Summary!$B$5:$R$5,3)

iPhones Don't Float

by Greg Breuer

A day like any other day. It was Sunday. I had just gotten done going to church and was eating with friends at a local restaurant. Then it happened. A realization that was not a revelation, but made that Sunday a very bad day for me-iPhones don't float. If you have an iPhone, then you understand. My email was checked every day. I always had an idea about the weather. My daughter's weblog was checked daily. I bought the iPhone before Christmas. Other phone users could not believe an iPhone cost hundreds of dollars when you could get one free with your cell phone plan.

The iPhone is years before its time. Someday, the features seen in the iPhone will be available to everyone. Right now, only those that understand see its merit. Visual Voicemail is only on the iPhone. The applications on the iPhone are exactly what the person on the go needs to stay in touch. The decision was made not to buy another, just watch and wait. The iPhone enriched this IT guy's world for awhile. It was a purchase never second-guessed or questioned. It was money well spent. It was more than just a positive experience. The very reason Apple has always been considered the best was verified. My iPhone is going to be missed.

March User Group Offers


The MUG Store: Blowouts and More

Looking for a used iMac or a great deal on an internal hard drive? Just love sorting through discounts and closeouts? Then visit the Blowouts area of the Mug Store, where you will find  great deals on all sorts of
new, discontinued and used products.

Remember that everything you buy means points for your group to spend any way it wants!

See this month's Blowouts: http://www.applemugstore.com/mugstore/blowouts.php
Shop the MUG Store: http://www.applemugstore.com      
This U.S. only offer is valid through June 30, 2008.


H-Squared Products: 20-30% Discount

H-Squared produces a wide range of mounting solutions for Apple products like the AirPort Extreme, Mac mini and Apple TV. All mounts are precision designed and manufactured in the US to ensure a perfect fit
and a secure grip.

With this special offer, user group members can purchase the Air Mount for $24.47(US), a 30% discount from the regular price of $34.95 (US), and can receive 20% off everything else (prices vary).

View and purchase: http://www.h-sq.com/
This worldwide offer is valid through June 30, 2008. 


3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator SE: 25% Off

Like a three-dimensional mouse, 3Dconnexion has made 3D navigation accessible and affordable for Mac users who want to enjoy the 3D control experience and increase their productivity.

SpaceNavigator SE, 3Dconnexion's newest product, offers phone, web, email technical support and an expanding number of compatible Mac applications--all one needs to enjoy using this product.

Regularly $99 (US), user group members can buy a SpaceNavigator SE with extensive support for only $74 (US) using the discount code below.

See a complete list of supported applications: http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php
Purchase 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator SE: http://www.3dconnexion.com/buy/onlinestore.php
This US and Canada offer is valid through June 30, 2008.


Kerio Groupware and Email Service: Save 25%

InfTek's Hosted Kerio service is the Mac user's preferred groupware and email solution. This Hosted Kerio service allows users to synchronize events and To Do's in Apple iCal on Leopard with Kerio WebMail, or a smartphone through Kerio MailServer's CalDAV access. Hosted Kerio accounts support the native Microsoft Exchange features found in Apple Mail, iCal, Address Book and Entourage.

Regularly $5.95 (US) per month, user group members can subscribe for $4.49 (US) per month per mailbox using the promotional code below.

Learn more and subscribe today: http://www.inftekhosting.com/isharepro.html      
This worldwide offer is valid through June 30, 2008.


 ActionBacks: Huge Savings for Group Members

ActionBacks is a collection of royalty-free animated graphics for video and multimedia production. With over 1,500 professional animations, Suite Imagery, LLC offers a wide variety of themes, including high tech, wedding, sports, home video, church, globes and scenic animations. All are available in NTSC or PAL video formats.

ActionBacks videos normally cost $79 (US) for the first volume and $50 (US) for each additional volume purchased at the same time. However, Apple User Group members can now buy an exclusive one-year unlimited ActionBacks download membership for only $199 (US). This offer provides full access to all available animations, including any new animations released within the year.

Get started: http://www.ActionBacks.com/appleug2008
This worldwide offer is valid through June 30, 2008.

For the codes to use these offiers, check out the Members only section at the left.

Wireless Printing with Airport

All of Apple's airport products now have a USB port that can be used for sharing a printer.  The real problem is finding out if the printer you have (or are thinking about purchaseing) will work connected this way.  This is where iFelix comes in.

The website called iFelix has an exhaustive list of printers that have been tested with Apple's Airport technology built on Bonjour.  Not only are working printers listed, but they also list printers that they know for sure does not work. 

In my experience, sharing a printer this way is a great way to wirelessly print from a laptop.

Need a Premium Headset for the ipod.... check out the Zune

At MacWorld I had the opportunity to listen to many premium headsets for the iPod.  Many cost hundreds of dollars.  Any that had good low end response cost at least $100.  Well, this one was not at MacWorld.

The Zune Premium Headphones feature a noise-isolating design to drown out everything but your media collection. Music lovers seeking a premium listening experience will find superior sound quality. An in-ear fit means you'll block out most external sounds, leaving your ears with nothing but music to enjoy. With four sets of in-ear inserts for comfort, you will find the best fit for your ears. The headphones boast superior bass response, crisp highs, and great balance that will enhance your whole listening experience. For easy storage, you can wrap up your headphones with the magnetic buds that clip together to keep wires from tangling, and the headphone clip nicely wraps up your headphones for easy storage in the pouch. Small and lightweight, this pouch lets you store your headphones and keep them looking and sounding great for longer.

What's in the Box:
Premium earphones, premium earphone bag, cable clip, three sets of in-ear inserts, product quick start guide, product manual. All for just $39. 

These make a nice addition for the iPod but the real benefit is that if you wear these in public, no one will try to steal your music player.... heck, they think you have a Zune.

Apple Releases iPhone SDK... Late and not Complete

Today, Apple released the iPhone Software development kit.  What could be wrong with that?  Apple promised us this would be out in February, right?  They told us this at least 6 months ago.

Look at the date of this post..... looks like March to me.  Some of you might say, were only a week into March, what's the big deal of being a week late?  Lets look at the rest of the information.

First off, the SDK released today is a BETA.... not the final release.  Wow!  A week late and not even a final release... that's pathetic.  Come on Apple, tell us the truth.  If you can't do it, let others do it.  I have held off jailbreaking my phone for 9 months now to do apps the right way but it really is getting old.

So when will we really see applications on the phone?  Not soon, that's for sure!  June!  June!! An entire year after the phone has been released. 

Don't get me wrong, I still love the iPhone and believe it is the best phone I have ever used, but it could be so much better.  Apple, quit dolling it out in tiny pieces to keep us on the string.  This is getting ridiculous.  And don't even talk to me about the miserable EDGE network.  Where is my 3G iPhone? 

But most of all Apple, quit the spin control (or down right lying to us).  Tell us the truth and do a better job of anticipating what people want... or you will definitely not see those iPhone sales growing.

End of April Digest

That's the end of the April 2008 appleJAC MUG Digest . . . if you're not at member, please join us TODAY.

Tom Piper, appleJAC Secretary/Editor