appleJAC Users Group

January 2009 appleJAC Digest

This is the beginning of the 25th year for the appleJAC Macintosh Users Group, and the start of my 15th year as it President (intermittently, of course). It is also the day before George, Mark and I leave for Macworld (Jan. 5-9) in San Francisco. As with many attendees, we have cut our trip to only 5 days, but it will be packed with great times and great friends.

As you can see from the agenda below, our next meeting will focus on the images, memories, hardware, software and experiences we will bring back to share with you. There will be new gadgets, updated applications, interesting people and lots to experience. Be sure to attend this meeting to see and hear all about it.

Last month, my son Jason presented a wide range of gaming opportunities on the Mac. He showed not only the advanced adventure games (World of Warcraft, etc.), but also Internet versions of more traditional games (card, Monopoly, etc.). Some were free, others were purchasable . . . all were fun. Since this was the last meeting of the year, officers were also elected for 2009 with the following members selected to serve:

    - President    Tom Piper              - Greg Breuer    Vice-President

    - Treasurer    Mark Snell             - Julie Smith    Secretary/Editor

    - Webmaster    George Kopp       - Librarian    Bruce Heerboth
    - Mbrs-at-Large    Joe Mertzlufft    Peggy Landwehr    Terry Larkin

Winners of the December door prizes were as follows:
Larry Garvin    Macs for Dummies (book)
Julie Koenigsfeld    Photoshop CS3 (book)
Janet Watson    Photoshop CS3 (book)
Winnie Krause    Mac OSX Leopard (book)
Aileen Garvin    Digital Photography Expert Titles (book)
Jane Szabados    Apple Mug
Bonnie Culley    Apple Mug
Peggy Landwehr    Apple Mug

Don’t forget to mark your January calendar for the aJ meeting on the SECOND TUESDAY, January 13, 2009. Also, as we enter Missouri’s winter season, remember that, if the Jefferson City Public Schools are canceled or dismissed early due to inclement weather on our meeting date, the meeting will also be canceled.

See you next Tuesday in room 600 at Lewis and Clark Middle School!

January 2009 Meeting Agenda

Energy On-the-Go: iPhone/iPod Backup Battery Plus

a review by Tom Piper

You have the terrific new 3G iPhone with all the bells and whistles . . . but, you quickly notice that fast Internet service, GPS and cool Apps also consume a lot of energy, often depleting your battery before you can return to a charger. The same can happen on a Touch or other iPod when watching movies and such. A great backup battery solution is now available that is really a handy carry-around device of home and office.

The new RichardSolo 1800 (that’s 1800 mAh, 50% more capacity than the iPhone) charges the iPhone to completely full, with more power left over for later charging. The box includes a 110-240v AC wall charger and dual-port USB car charger. I can even use my iPhone while charging it, or charge the RichardSolo 1800 and iPhone together at the same time--like getting two extra chargers for free!

I particularly enjoy the built-in laser pointer, and ultra-bright LED flashlight. And, this is the only snap-on battery available with a latching mechanism for iPhone, to keep the battery firmly attached. This polymerized lithium-ion battery is largest in its class, and lasts for years. It is certified for iPhone 2G/3G, and all iPod models (except the shuffle). To keep life simple, it has three color LEDs to indicate the charging status.

The earlier version (1200 mAh, no lights) was my first purchase, and I was very happy with it . . . it is not only a backup, but it actually recharges the iPhone or iPod. When the new 1800 came out, I immediately got it, and am even happier, particularly with more juice and great features, all in a small compact case . . . it goes with me everywhere! This is a tremendous value for $69.95 (shipping included, and 15% discount for two or more).

To learn more, visit http://richardsolo.com (you can also get the previous 1200 model for $49.95). Richard Thalheimer, founder of The Sharper Image, is the creator of RichardSolo.com. It's an online store that puts customer service and satisfaction as a first priority (I know, because my first unit had a crooked mount, and they immediately replaced it with a new unit). They are responsive, quick to resolve problems, and determined to do anything within reason to make their transactions as delightful as possible. “Satisfaction guaranteed” is a fact, not just a promise with these folks. I fully endorse their products.

iPhone: The Missing Manual (iPhone App): The Best is Now in a New Venue

a review by Tom Piper

Author: David Pogue
Publisher: O’Reilly
First Edition: August 2008
iPhone App: December 2008
Pages: 376
Series: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-596-52167-7

Publisher’s Brief Description: Read iPhone: The Missing Manual on your iPhone! The new iPhone 3G is here, and bestselling author David Pogue is back with this thoroughly updated edition. With its faster downloads, touch-screen iPod, and best-ever mobile Web browser, the new affordable iPhone is packed with possibilities. But without an objective guide like this one, you'll never unlock all it can do for you. Each custom designed page helps you accomplish specific tasks for everything from web browsing, to new apps, to watching videos. Now, you can have the best iPhone reference source conveniently available on the iPhone at your fingertips.

I reviewed this paper and PDF publication last October. 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: The Guided Tour
Chapter 2: Phone Calls
Chapter 3: Fancy Phone Tricks
Chapter 4: Music and Video
Chapter 5: Photos and Camera
Chapter 6: Getting Online
Chapter 7: The Web
Chapter 8: Email
Chapter 9: Maps and Apps
Chapter 10: Custom Ringtones
Chapter 11: The App Store
Chapter 12: iTunes for iPhoners
Chapter 13: Syncing the iPhone
Chapter 14: MobileMe
Chapter 15: The Corporate iPhone
Chapter 16: Settings
Appendix : Setup and Signup
Appendix : Accessories
Appendix : Troubleshooting and Maintenance

In the August 2007, I wrote about the “Delightful Details” that version 1 of this book included. My conclusion about version 2 re-emphasizes: “Even if you’ve had your iPhone for awhile and think you have mastered it, a trick here and a hint there is bound to save time. The book is definitely worth the read. I highly recommend it.” This edition goes the next step to thoroughly describe all of the aspects of the iPhone 3G that you see, and many that you didn’t even know were there. The detail and careful instructions are a delight to read, punctuated by descriptive photos, eye-catching notes and tips, and special attention to related products and accessories. If you buy only one iPhone book, this is the one to get!!!

Having it available on the iPhone is an added attraction. Click on the cover page, jump to the Table of Contents . . . tap on the right side of the screen to go to the next page . . . tap on the top or bottom of the screen, go into settings to adjust text, background, link or reverse colors, or font face and size, or alignment, hyphenation, line spacing and margin width, or toggle display styles and images, rotation lock, and toolbar hiding, or even change the way you turn pages, including automating the process. You can jump to a specific chapter, or search for a key word . . . topical links throughout the text allows the reader to jump to that interest with a single tap of the finger. All of the pictures and illustrations are clearly included here too.

But, this is the first version of this iPhone App, and its not perfect. As a friend of mine commented, “I love the idea but it is really a little difficult to read. I find the page turning counter intuitive . . . almost backward of the swipe I would expect. It will be a great lookup reference but really doesn't replace having the book in hand.” Being able to turn the iPhone sideways, and enlarge the font improves readability, and the ability to customize many settings makes the use very easy. The slider at the bottom allow the reader to quickly jump forward and back, but it can be a little disorienting.

This incredible book retails for $24.99, or a PDF version is $24.99 (or $32.49 for PDF and book combo). For a limited time, the iPhone version is available at a special introductory price of $4.99 (regular price will be $9.99). A complete O’Reilly description and purchasing details are available at: http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596521677/ and http://missingmanuals.com/iphone_app/. As the author says, “There’s something so satisfying abut reading about the iPhone ON the iPhone.” With enhancements, this could be the beginning of something very useful and rewarding.

December 2008 New Vendor Discount Offers

MacPadd mouse padd: 15% Off

MacPadd is a high-end mouse pad made of solid aluminum to provide superior mouse-to-screen tracking performance. Outstanding features of MacPadd include an antibacterial surface and reduced wrist fatigue with its ultra-smooth surface. MacPadd has an elegant luster to compliment the iMac and MacBook Pro, is extremely durable, acts as a shield in your laptop bag during travel, offers a reduced carbon footprint and recyclable construction, improved user/computer interface, industrial strength, easy to clean materials and a great price. Everyone will admire your great taste in computer accessories.

Apple user group members are being offered a limited-time price of $19.99 (US) on MacPadd, which is regularly priced at $24.99 (US).

Compliment your mouse: http://www.macpadd.com        
This worldwide offer is valid through March 31, 2009.

 Delmar Learning Publication: 25% Discount

"Digital Video Essentials: Apple Final Cut Pro 6" offers a concise, step-by-step guide to video editing. Relevant to both novice and professional, this comprehensive resource covers the important features that editors need to get the job done quickly. Rysinger uses a straight-forward approach and full-color visuals to guide editors through the software's features. This book also features Noise Industries' FxFactory Pro and includes a DVD packed with valuable features.

With a regular price of $46.95 (US), this exclusive user group price is $35.21 (US). For international orders, call 800-354-9706. Learn more: http://www.delmarlearning.com

Buy today: http://tinyurl.com/578o2h        
This worldwide offer is valid through March 31, 2009.

Elgato Products: 40% Off

Elgato has a variety of cutting-edge video products including the eyeTV 250 plus, eyeTV hybrid (2007 and 2008 editions), elgato Turbo.264 and EyeTV 3 Full Version available for a special holiday offer.

For a limited time, Elgato is offering very special pricing on its products to Apple user group members, which is the same as Apple employees. The offer is for a maximum of one per product. The products are not-for-resale (NFR) and are marked as such on the product/packaging.

Speed up your video life: http://www.elgato.com/appleemployees
This U.S./Canada-only offer valid until December 31, 2008.

"Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual": 40% Discount

"Photoshop CS4: The Missing Manual" by Lesa Snider King is now available for pre-order. Packed with 896 pages of tips, tricks, and lots of practical advice, this new Missing Manual teaches you everything you need to know to edit photos and create beautiful documents in Photoshop -- whether you're a beginner or a power user ready to try some advanced techniques.

This user group member price is $29.99 (US), compared to the regular price of $49.99 (US).

Learn about the latest in CS4: http://oreilly.com/catalog/9780596522964/?CMP=ILC-MMh0me  
This worldwide offer is valid through March 31, 2009.

 “Welcome to Macintosh” DVD: 20% Off

"Welcome to Macintosh - The documentary for the rest of us." is the first movie of its kind to explore the many ways Apple Inc. has changed the world. Topics include Apple's history, innovations, and community. The DVD is NTSC Region FREE (ALL).

You pay only $15.99 (US), compared to the retail price of $19.84 (US). Welcome to Macintosh is an independent motion picture, and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc.

See it now: http://www.welcometomacintosh.com           
This worldwide offer is valid through March 31, 2009.

The MUG Store: Great Prices, Great Incentives

At the MUG store, you can check out specials, blowouts, new Macs and special value Macs. Each category contains lists of products with prices set exclusively for user group members. Plus, you get points for your group every time one of your members buys! Better yet, there is no ID or password needed.

Shop the MUG Store: http://www.applemugstore.com          (no User ID or password needed)
This U.S.-only offer is ongoing.

End of January 2009 Digest