appleJAC Users Group

President’s Corner

 

by Sue Snell, aJ MUG President

Welcome to June. At least I think it’s June — if only the rain would go away! This “April Showers” thing has been going on long enough and is about to drown any “May Flowers” that I did manage to get growing. But enough complaining; it’s Missouri, so why should I expect the normal?

As we begin our summer hiatus away from the regular meeting place of Lewis and Clark Middle School, let’s look at the upcoming events. This month, we will meet at Capitol Eye Care to visit about Macs in Business. Drs. Luetkemeyer and Lewis have been gracious enough to allow us to visit and learn from them some very practical applications using Macs. We will hopefully get a bit of history of Macs in their business and information regarding benefits to patients.

The July meeting will be our annual Fix-It and Maintain-It opportunity held at Trinity Lutheran Cafeteria. This year we will also incorporate some further information on Leopard and using dotMac accounts. Look for further information in next month’s Digest, but be prepared to get some highly-useful information from some highly-qualified individuals.

August is the annual picnic which, like last year, will again be held at the North Jefferson City pavilion. Even though we can count on warm (hot?) weather, we all gather for a meal of burgers, brats, and dogs along with numerous selections of tasty treats provided by those in attendance. (But who knows, Missouri’s weather hasn’t exactly been running true to form. Maybe it will be one of those absolutely perfect summer days that do occasionally occur in our Great State!)

Last month’s meeting was informative for all, but particularly those interested in photography. Peggy Landwehr presented on iPhoto and George Kopp contrasted it with a presentation on Adobe’s Lightroom.

Winners of the door prizes at the meeting were as follows:
 - Geof Payne    Digital Photography Handbook
 - Tom Vaughn    Blending Modes Cookbook
 - Robert Williams    Photoshop Retouching Cookbook
 - Alice Kopp    Adobe Photoshop CS3 book
 - Bill Webb    Photoshop Lightroom Adventure book
 - Sister Josetta Eveler    Ream of Photo paper
 - Terry Larkin    Roxio Toast 9 software

Until June 3, stay dry and look for the silver lining.

June 2008 Meeting Agenda

  

My Marvelous MUG: More Than A Monthly Meeting

 a commentary by Tom Piper

Are we having fun yet??? That was the initial goal stated at the first meeting I called of the appleJAC Macintosh Users Group in December 1984 . . . and it is our first priority today!!! Education, training, new products, food, information, new gadgets, drink, giveaways, reviews, demonstrations, friends, philanthropy, assistance, new users, gurus, specialists, photos, Wi-Fi, iPods, iPhones, PowerBooks/iBooks/MacBooks (and Pros), PowerPC/G3/G4/G5/Intel, AirPorts, Time Capsule . . . these are only a few of random thoughts that come to my mind when I think of aJMUG . . . and mostly friends!

Our numbers grew for a long time, but now have shrunk to less than 50 members. Yet, the number of Apple products in mid-Missouri has virtually exploded into many hands, households, and businesses. Unlike our early days, much of what we want to know about Apple products can now be obtained from the Internet, BUT the warmth and congeniality of face-to-face contact can’t be replaced by iChat, Skype, QuickTime or Google. Our numerous friendships, contagious excitement and personal assistance have become a hallmark of our existence, and a strong motivation for why we need to help others join us.

Your participation is what makes our gatherings work. Even if you don’t want to be an officer or a presenter (we continue to seek both), but regular attendance by you, your friends and Apple product users you may encounter will enhance the experience. Come join us at Capitol Eye Care on June 3 . . . and YES, we are having fun!!!

SpaceNavigator for Notebooks: The Portable 3D Mouse

a review by Tom Piper

In the March 2008 Digest I reviewed the original SpaceNavigator 3D controller that was designed for desktop use. I was very pleased with that unit (even though I wish it were compatible with more Mac software). Yet, it seemed liked too much to take in my computer bag where every ounce stretches the strap (and my shoulder) a little more.

The folks at 3Dconnexion (a Logitech company) were listening, and they have produced a smaller unit designed for notebook use. This new 3D mouse is lighter and more compact at half the weight and a quarter less volume (comparison below).
The knob size is very similar with a very nice “palm fit” and even more comfortable than the earlier edition. With it small footprint, it is easy to use, even on airline trays and lapdesks. The included travel case makes transport effortless. It includes an advanced 6 degrees-of-freedom optical sensor, speed adjustable to preference, two programmable function keys, and a two-year warranty.

System requirements for the Macintosh are a Dual-Core or Core Duo processor based system, 1Ghz G4 or higher, 512MB RAM or more, 10 MB available hard disk space for driver and plug-in installation, USB 1.1 or 2.0, and Mac OS X 10.4.6 or later. Also compatible with most recent Windows and Linux systems.

My endorsement is even more enthusiastic for this 3D controller than its predecessor. This new notebook model has just been released for $129. Visit www.3dconnexion.com for more information about these and other 3Dconnexion products.

Rhinoskin Aluminum Hardcase: My MacBook Pro Vault

a review by Tom Piper

Laptop computers are a wonderful convenience due to their utility and portability. Protection of these valuable assets is also important, which is why having a computer case has been mandatory. Mine have always been canvas, leather or some other flexible material, which quickly becomes heavy and bulky with all the other accessories I tend to stuff into them. The concept of having one streamlined hard case was very attractive.

The Rhinoskin aluminum hardcase was my first choice for hard-shell protection. The first week of use was in my house as a shield against the ravages of my 15-year-old grandson who loves to eat, drink, pound, force-close, and otherwise terrorize my MacBook Pro 17” veteran of many travels. Indeed, it was not only protected from damage, but seemed like a lightweight vault which successfully defended my precious investment. Test #1 worked.

The second test was laptop functionality in my living room chair. I found it to be cool and comfortable across my knees without the need for a laptop desk, including when it was plugged into for recharging, a tradition time of greatly increased heat (the cooling grill across the bottom, and internal airspace around the computer seemed to work well). The case is overall a close fit, with a textured “fabric feel” inside . . . the lid almost grips the screen when upright, but slips away when tipped back (my fix was a plastic clip in the upper corner, but I wish they had included a built-in small lever in the design to would hold the lid in place). The side-sliding locks are very effective in securing the closed unit, while unobtrusive while in use. One surprise was that the front bottom lip of the case was barely the thickness of a CD too high, thus blocking the insert or extraction of a CD or DVD (the workaround was to put a pencil underneath it when slot access was needed).

The third test was the “trip to the office” which would subject my laptop to the rigors of travel, being thrown into the car, bounced around on my shoulder, and occasionally knocked into various objects along the way. It survived all of these things handily without a mark, although the occasional sound of metal against immovable object can be a little disconcerting. Thankfully, the hardcase is lightweight and very durable, not to mention feeling thin and very portable.

Unfortunately, this case apparently had a flawed connection loop on the case (designed to fit snugly against the case when not in use), because it broke when the swivel hook pulled it sideways sharply. I immediately emailed a description of this incident to the company, who said that would ship me another case while I returned theirs (two working days later the replacement arrived, with an assurance that their connectors had been retested). While this problem was initially startling, I have high hopes for the replacement unit, and at no point was my computer injured in any way.

All in all, this hardcase seems very well-suited for travel, particularly with its secure adjustable velcro-flapped strap-bag for power supply, a few cables and accessories. It would work easily into a backpack, a suitcase or larger bag, with removable straps, neoprene lining, easy access to ports, ventilated bottom, rubberized feet and anodized aluminum to be corrosion and abrasion resistant. It is available for 13, 15 and 17 inch MacBook Pros, and would work in many small spaces like on an airplane, desk or shelf (on a hard surface, the lid leans at a nice angle to frame the screen).

In looking at the company who makes these cases, I found that for over 60 years Saunders Manufacturing in Readfield, Maine has made top quality Form Holders and Clipboards for millions of customers worldwide. Now their new portable desktops and RhinoSkin products continue the tradition with brand premium cases for computers, PDAs, smartphones and music players. Their cases utilize top quality materials like aluminum, leather and synthetics to protect your investment.

Depending on your laptop size, the price will range from $130 to $150 for this sturdy hardcase. For a limited time, Saunders has agreed to offer a Mac user group special of 25% off their retail price (see below). I will say that my first hardcase experience was successful as I look forward to its continued use on the road (and at home for domestic protection).

Rhinoskin Aluminum Hardcases: 25% Discount

Rhinoskin's anodized aluminum cases are custom fit for MacBook and MacBook Pro. Durable yet lightweight, the sleek design slips easily into a backpack or carry-on. The neoprene lining cushions and prevents scratching, and each case is ventilated on the bottom with rubberized feet to prevent slipping. Add in the removable strap system with accessory pouch and access to power ports while closed, and Rhinoskin cases are perfect for road warriors.
See the full Rhinoskin product line: http://www.rhinoskin.com

This special user group offer provides a 25% discount and free shipping within the 48 contiguous states:
   - 13" MSRP $129.95 (US) -  User Group price $97.46 (US)
   - 15" MSRP $139.95 (US) -  User Group price $104.96 (US)
   - 17" MSRP $149.95 (US) -  User Group price $112.46 (US)

Enjoy the savings with this link: http://www.mfgdirect.com/static/?s=AD98E2C
This US only offer is valid through August 31, 2008.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 6: Cool Mac Photo Tool

a review by Tom Piper

I’m a great fan of iPhoto for storing and improving my photos, plus all the other great features from slideshows to the creation of photobooks. But, sometimes I need more . . . and more doesn’t always mean the king-of-the-road Adobe Photoshop. A wonderful middle ground that fits many of my needs is Adobe Photoshop Elements, the most recent version of which is Elements 6 for the Mac.

As their website emphasizes, you can go beyond the basics to tell great stories with your photos. Powerful yet easy-to-use Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 6 software for Macintosh helps you make your photos look their best, share them in creative ways in print and on the web, and quickly find and view them. Photoshop Elements also works great with iPhoto.

I’ve been a big fan of Elements for a number of years, and was just blown away by the new features that Terry White previews during Adobe’s breakfast at Macworld last January. For example, when he pointed how a common problem we all often face with group photos (you take a half dozen shots of the same group, but someone isn’t smiling or is looking away in each shot) could be resolved using Photomerge and other tools, I immediately pledged to get this product when it was released.

Indeed, there are many worthy upgrades as summarized in the following comparison to Elements 4:

System requirements include a PowerPC® G4 or G5 or multicore Intel® processor, Mac OS X v10.4.8 through 10.5.2, 512MB of RAM (1GB recommended), 64MB of video RAM, 1GB of available hard-disk space (additional free space required during installation), 1,024 x 768 monitor resolution with 16-bit video card, DVD-ROM drive, QuickTime 7 software required for multimedia features, and an Internet connection required for Internet-based services. It can be downloaded at time of purchase, but its big at 1.27 GB.

If you are on a budget (or just don’t need the high-end Photoshop), I highly recommend Adobe Photoshop Element 6 which functionally will probably do 80% of what you would need from the high-end units. Just take a minute to look at the features available to organize (store, browse, sort, label, hide, reject, more), edit (photomerge, crop, one-click fix, rotate, straighten, sharpen/blur, enhance, add text/graphics, composites), create (scrapbooks, cards, labels, step-by-step instructions, flexible layouts, add effects) and share (albums, online, quality prints/books/calendars/stamps/photos) . . . see how below.

This excellent software package retails for $89.99, but can be found for $79 or less at Amazon and other internet locations. If you have an earlier version, an upgrade is available from Adobe for $69.99. A complete description and free trial version is also available on Adobe's Web Site.

Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac: The Missing Manual

a review by Tom Piper

Author: Barbara Brundage
Publisher: O’Reilly Media
First Edition: March 2008  
Pages: 554 
Series: The Missing Manuals
ISBN 10: 0-596-51936-2 | ISBN 13: 9780596519360
Publisher’s brief description: After more than two years, Adobe has finally released a new version of Photoshop Elements for the Mac that packs a lot more editing firepower than iPhoto. It's perfect for scrapbooking, making fancy photo collages, creating your own Web galleries, and more -- but knowing what to do and when is tricky. Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac: The Missing Manual explains all the new features in a clear, easy-to-understand way, and gives you tips on when to use them.

The first thing I always do is to flip through the pages to see what catches my eye, then scan the volume to see how well its organized:

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Finding Your Way Around Elements
Chapter 2: Importing, Managing, and Saving Your Photos
Chapter 3: Rotating and Resizing Your Photos
Chapter 4: The Quick Fix
Chapter 5: Making Selections
Chapter 6: Layers: The Heart of Elements
Chapter 7: Basic Image Retouching
Chapter 8: Elements for Digital Photographers
Chapter 9: Retouching: Fine-Tuning Your Images
Chapter 10: Removing and Adding Color
Chapter 11: Photomerge: Creating Panoramas, Group Shots, and More
Chapter 12: Drawing with Brushes, Shapes, and Other Tools
Chapter 13: Filters, Effects, Layer Styles, and Gradients
Chapter 14: Type in Elements
Chapter 15: Creating Projects
Chapter 16: Printing Your Photos
Chapter 17: Elements and the Web
Chapter 18: Beyond the Basics
Appendix: Elements, Menu by Menu
Appendix: Installation and Troubleshooting
Appendix: Bridge CS3, Menu by Menu

For me this is a great quick reference for tasks I want to do without having to read the whole book. The extensive use of color makes it visually appealing and quickly understandable.

The “Missing Manual” tradition of step-by-step how-to detailed instructions has been continued in this publication. What immediately impressed me even further was the author’s ability to put this program in context, both in terms of what is different from earlier versions of Elements, as well as what is different from the PC version (which is substantial). Written in a straight-forward no-nonsense manner, it gently eases in the newcomer, while assisting veterans to get directly to their topic of interest with features like the Power Users’ Clinic.

The format is well-designed, and logical in its sequence, with excellent indexing and helpful notations. Due to the level of detail and complexity of content, it may at first seem daunting to the first-time reader. This book assumes that you want to learn what to do, and how to do it, so it requires a tight focus, after which the results will be very rewarding. Although the content is very meaningful, one distraction was the paper quality which, for a book about photographic manipulation, should have glossy pages, rather than matt finish. To their credit, comparative before and after color photos are displayed which show the effects of many tools, and these would be more distinctive with better paper (admittedly, this would probably also increase the cost to produce this book).

When David Pogue pioneered the Missing Manual series, he established an entertaining, yet informative pattern which is well-illustrated here. Whether you want to sit down for a whole weekend to really get into Photoshop Elements 6, or jump directly to a specific task (or fix), this publication will accommodate the needs of most users. Elements is a very powerful tool and this guide can help make you a real Power User!

This great book which retails for $44.99, but can be found for $29.69 or less at Amazon and other internet locations. A complete O’Reilly Media description, and purchasing details are also available from O'Riley.

Want to change your Macs Logon Name

One thing that has been a problem for a long time is finding a way to change an incorrectly typed short name for your user logon.  Here is a trick I saw in MacLife magazine......

The only works in MacOS 10.5.  Start by going to System Preferences: Accounts.  Click on the lock icon near the lower left and type your password to be able to make changes.   Next control-click on the user name and a selection opens called Advanced Options.  Select that option and see the dialog box below.




There are only two things you dare change and they must both match.  First, change the "Short Name" to the new name you want to use.  Then in the field "Home Directory", change the part of the name after "/Users/" to match the short name you used.

A couple of warnings.  Only do this if you have a complet backup of the user folder.  My recommendation would be to use a Short Name that contains no spaces.

Make your New Apple Mighty Mouse act like your old Mouse

So you have a new mac with one of those new fancy Mighty Mouse mice but as hard as you try, you just can't get used to all the button locations. If you feel more comfortable in using a standard type Apple Mouse, you can adjust the settings to make the Mighty Mouse not quite so mighty.  Just set the System Preferences for Mouse and Keyboard like the window shown here.

With those setting, your new mouse acts just like the old but you can still use the ball to scroll.

Lesa's Graphic Secrets for MUGs: How to resize images from digital cameras

This is the first in a series of tutorials on dealing with and editing digital images. This month Lesa explains how  resolution works and when you need to worry about it. Using the affordable, yet powerful, Adobe Photoshop Elements  6, she'll show you how to resize an image fresh from your digital camera for both print and email. Hope you enjoy the tutorial! 

Read the full article from Lesa.

Apple User Group Discount Offers

Softpress Freeway: 25% Discount

Freeway gives you all the legendary ease-of-use and features that launched the desktop publishing revolution. You can quickly and effortlessly lay out your website, embed images and content, then publish your work as standards-compliant HTML. Upload to your server, .Mac or to a folder. You supply the creativity, Freeway handles the code.

User Group members can buy Freeway Pro, regularly $249 (US) for $186.75 (US), and Freeway Express for $59.25 (US), a 25% discount.

Build your website now. http://www.softpress.com/store

Studio Publisher: Save $50 (US)

CFour is proud to introduce iStudio Publisher, the easy-to-use page layout program. Powerful and intuitive, iStudio Publisher lets you do everything from writing a letter or designing a report to creating a brochure or publishing a magazine. iStudio Publisher puts all the tools you need within easy reach to design great looking documents.

This special user group special offers is for $50 (US) off the regular price of $99 (US).

Use this address and the code above for ordering: http://www.cfour.net

This worldwide offer is valid through August 31, 2008.

Rhinoskin Aluminum Hardcases: 25% Discount

Rhinoskin's anodized aluminum cases are custom fit for MacBook and MacBook Pro. Durable yet lightweight, the sleek design slips easily into a backpack or carry-on. The neoprene lining cushions and prevents scratching, and each case is ventilated on the bottom with rubberized feet to prevent slipping. Add in the removable strap system with accessory pouch and access to power ports while closed, and Rhinoskin cases are perfect for road warriors. See the full Rhinoskin product line: http://www.rhinoskin.com

This special user group offer provides a 25% discount and free shipping within the 48 contiguous states:

- 13" MSRP $129.95 (US) - User Group price $97.46 (US)

- 15" MSRP $139.95 (US) - User Group price $104.96 (US)

- 17" MSRP $149.95 (US) - User Group price $112.46 (US)

Enjoy the savings with this link: http://www.mfgdirect.com/static/?s=AD98E2C

This US only offer is valid through August 31, 2008.

iData 3: 28% Discount (extended offer)

A memory upgrade for your brain, iData 3 is a flexible database for storing (and easily retrieving) freeform text, field-based text, images, links and more. It is highly user-configurable, but has well-chosen default settings, making it easy for anyone to begin using right away. iData 3 imports email, bookmarks and more: it lets you design and print envelopes and labels, and even dials the phone.

iData offers members a special user group price of $49.95 (US), well below the $69.95 (US) regular price.

Purchase iData3 or download a demo: http://www.idata3.com/id3mug.html

This worldwide offer is valid through August 31, 2008.

Omni Technologies Memory: Up to 30% Off

Omni Technologies is a US-based Apple Registered Developer and certified memory manufacturer. They offer OptiVal 100% original manufacturer spec certified RAM as well as HyperFormance Multimedia Optimized RAM memory, which runs faster and cooler while outperforming standard RAM.

This special pricing program for Apple user group members affords the lowest in industry volume pricing to the end-user for all Apple-related memory on the Omni Technologies website.

Choose your memory today: http://www.omnitechnologies.biz/cgi-bin/store/cp-app.cgi?&mp=AG&pg=cat&ref=A57

This worldwide offer is valid through August 31, 2008.

  Your Private Haven for Cool Apple Stuff

With offers like a factory refurbished Mac Pro/2.66 for only $1888 (US), the MUG Store is the place where user group members find great deals on everything Mac and iPod. From the latest brand new systems to a wide selection of blowouts and closeouts, the MUG store has something special every day.

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

Shop the MUG Store: http://www.applemugstore.com

This U.S. only offer is valid through July 31, 2008.

Managing Finances on your Mac for Beginners

A podcast from the April 2008 meeting of the Lawrence Apple Users Group. This month’s meeting revolved around using software to manage finances on your Macintosh.

This presentation from Dave Greenbuam is on how to utilize your Mac to keep track of your personal finances. The slides from the meeting are available in either PDF or Keynote formats.

Delete iCal calendars in Leopard without notification

This little app comes from a tip on the Tinkering With blog.

If you would like to delete a particular calendar in Leopard’s iCal, you get the dialog box that’s pictured above. If you choose the “Delete and Notify” option, Mail.app launches and starts sending messages to people who you have events scheduled with.

Why can’t I just delete a calendar without notifying the whole friggin’ world that I am deleting a calendar? Hello? Apple?

Well, with a simple hack you can: Using iCal Reply Checker from John Maisey. iCal Reply Checker is an iCal add-in that gives you options for how replies to meeting invites are dealt with. Just click Add to install, then select the Do not send reply emails option, as pictured below.

Go back to iCal and try to delete the calendar. It will pop up the same dialog box, but it will not send notifications when you click Delete and Notify.

If you wish iCal to return to default behavior, just click Remove on iCal Reply Checker.

Mac vs. PC: The Ultimate Lab Test for New Desktops & Laptops

This computer rivalry has been elevated to a cultural divide on par with Pepsi versus Coke. Taking it beyond personal taste, PM crunches the numbers—with some surprising results (and detailed benchmark scores).
Popular Mechanics does a very comprehensive benchmark test.

What has happened to Apple Support?

This evening I have been setting up a brand new MacBook Air with an Apple MacBook Air Superdrive.  The Macbook Air is a beautiful thing to behold.  Sleek, thin, and very fast.  It really makes you appreciate Apple's industrial design.  Unfortunately, while Apple has remained a leader in design, they seem to be letting their support go to hell.

I plugged in the superdrive to begin installing software and that is where I ran into a snag.  It seems the drive is DEAD OUT OF THE BOX!  Yes that is right, not going to work.  Well, I have no concerns as the machine was brand new and purchased with AppleCare.  Oh, but my odyssey only begins here.

So I call apple, wait 5 minutes on hold (not bad for a computer company) and get a nice tech support guy.  Now, I have been doing this for quite a while... I know when a drive is dead.... but it seems I know more than the tech support person.  We troubleshoot this drive for over an hour.  Try this, try that, reboot, check this, do that, reboot..... you all know the routine.  FInally, after I just tell him they need to replace it.  Simple, right?  Oh no, he tells me i need to take it to an Apple store to be tested.  But the nearest Apple store is 2 1/2 hrs from me..... and the drive is BRAND NEW!!  Just replace it......

No can do!  I get transfered back to apple sales that want me to ship them the drive before they send another one.  Not only that, but it may take 48 hours to generate the labels for me to ship it back. Then I need to call them to tell them the FedEx number and they will ship me the replacement merchandise for 3 to 5 day delivery. 

Ridiculous you say..... Amazon will cross ship for defective merchandise... but not Apple.  I think I just read that Apple was tops in customer satisfaction?  Well not with me.... not today!

Wake up Apple!  Is a defective $99 part worth making a long time customer so frustrated?  An Apple Advocate.  A User Group Leader?  An Apple User Group Regional Liaison?

So here I am, 2 1/2 hours on the phone..... A drive to FedEx tomorrow, a call back to Apple and a wait for a replacement all because they don't trust me to send the drive that does not work back. 

Somehow, apple, and the Apple on-line store needs to be told that this is absolutely unacceptable!  Told that people expect much more from them.  Told that were mad as hell and..... well you know the rest.

At least, I had time to right this post.... while waiting on hold.

Update:  Cooler heads at apple seem to work the day shift.  This morning I got the fedex labels, re-boxed the drive, and ran it out to fedex.  Called Apple back and they said 'we would be happy to overnight the replacement to you'.... huh.... last night it was 3 to 5 days?  Go figure

Perhaps Apple support is better in the mornings.....

Second Update:   Then again, maybe not..... got the shipping notice and they shipped it ground.... 7 day delivery! 

Final Update:  Drive arrived 7 days after I started this entire process.  Worked fine out of the box.  It should not have been this hard to get a DOA part replaces.... but it was.

End of the June Digest

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

Tom Piper, appleJAC Secretary/Editor