appleJAC Users Group

President's Place (and map)

How to fix battery life problems for iOS 5 and iPhone 4S

by Georgia -- TiPb (The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch blog)

A great article on how to get control of your iOS devices' battery use . . . its titled to address iOS 5 and iPhone 4S users, yet it applies to earlier systems and devices.

"According to our polls, quite a lot of you say your battery life taken a hit with iOS 5, or that your new iPhone 4S battery life simply isn’t up to snuff. Anytime a new software version is released or a new devices comes to market, it seems battery life becomes an issue. Luckily, that also means we’re getting better at troubleshooting it! Here are some things you can try to make sure your iOS 5 or iPhone 4S battery is lasting as long as it should, and some tweaks you can make to get it to last as long as possible."

For the rest of the story, go to http://www.tipb.com/.

Parting iThoughts on a Legend . . .

Steve's Work Never Ends . . .

TechTool Protogo: Incredible Utility and Versatility

a review by Tom Piper

In our current world of complex and hefty operating systems like Lion, combined with the huge file capacity and speed of the latest hard drives, it is important to have contemporary computer utilities that can fix things when they malfunction. My toolbox contains several powerful and reliable tools to address prevent or address computer problems.

TechTool Protogo from Micromat is an important part of my Lion compatible defense strategy. Using the TechTool Protogo DVD, which downloads as a dmg file, I easily turned my USB flashdrive into a bootable troubleshooting device for Mac (I could have done the same with a FireWire device like an old iPod, or an SD card).

Now, I can take TechTool Pro To Go with me. With a few clicks add it to a handy device. I can now boot, run diagnostics and perform drive repair on multiple Macs, both Intel and PPC, from a single device. This is the power and flexibility I've always wished for, and now I can just drop it into my pocket, and take it anywhere.

With TechTool Protogo, from the most basic bootable profile to full installs for any Mac (depending on the device size), I can add my own custom profiles. Protogo profiles include TechTool Pro to diagnose hardware issues, repair drives, fix disk permissions, clone volumes, backup my Lion Recovery HD to another Lion device, and a lot more. I can add other utilities, like anti-virus, to complement these profiles and help prevent costly repairs in the future.

System requirements include G4, G5 Macs, 867 MHz or faster; all Intel-based Macs; Mac OS X 10.4.9 or greater, including Mac OS 10.7 (Lion); a USB or FireWire device, such as a flash drive, SD Card, iPod or hard drive; and at least 512 megabytes of RAM.

To give your toolkit more power, greater versatility, and faster performance, go to www.micromat.com/protogo for a new version of Protogo at $129.99 (upgrade is $59.99 for users of TechTool Pro 5 and older, or $39.99 for users of TechTool Pro 6, and earlier versions of Protogo or Protege -- previous users will need their serial numbers for upgrade validation). Are you ready to add one of the best Mac tools on the market?

Parallels 7: Best Windows on a Mac

a review by Tom Piper

So, you are a Switcher, but still need some Windows functionality? You can’t see the sense in maintaining two different computers? You still occasionally need to use Windows? I have the perfect solution for you.
Parallels Desktop for Mac is a terrific product, and the new version 7 has made it even better. I have used Parallels since its early editions, and watched it get stronger and better. It is now the most tested, trusted and talked-about solution for running Windows applications on your Mac.

With Parallels Desktop for Mac, you can seamlessly run both Windows and Mac OS X Lion applications side-by-side with speed, control and confidence. The setup of Parallels Desktop for Mac is easy where in you can bring all your PC programs, documents, photos, music and browser bookmarks to your Mac, then run them all like they were made for your Mac. It’s the best of both worlds on one desktop — without rebooting. Drag and drop files between Windows and Mac applications, launch Windows applications from your Mac dock, and do much more with speed, control and confidence.

It doesn’t matter whether you use an iMac, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, with Parallels, you simply download the software from our website, enter your key, and you’re up and running. Then you can enjoy any of the Windows programs you need including Microsoft Office 2010, right on your Mac. Experience as much or as little of Windows as you want. Multiple view modes make it possible for you to customize the level of integration between Mac and Windows without compromising performance. 

To get started right away, go to www.parallels.com/products/desktop/ and buy the downloadable version now for only $79.99 (add $6.99 for extended download service), or upgrade your older version for $49.99. In addition, to easily get the latest Windows software to install into Parallels, you can also get the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium edition for $199.99 (add $14.95 to also get a backup disc).

BUT, that’s not all. A new Parallels Mobile app was recently announced with My Parallels service for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch (www.parallels.com/mobile). This is designed to give users complete anytime/anywhere control of their Mac, including OS X Lion and Windows, plus all of their applications, files and data. Parallels Mobile also works with Parallels Desktop 7 to make Flash video and audio available from Windows on your Mac anywhere via an iPad and Apple mobile devices for the most productive and immersive mobile experience.

The new Parallels Mobile is a premium app that provides Parallels Desktop 7 users a fast, fully immersive mobile experience including complete access to and control of the Mac, Windows and other desktops, plus their applications, programs and files – anything you might need is available no matter where you are. It also provides full audio support and enhanced video streaming. Amazingly, you can also copy, cut and paste between Windows programs and Apple mobile devices for maximum productivity on the go.

Parallels Mobile app is available now in the Apple iTunes App Store. Parallels Mobile has launched with a $4.99 introductory price (its standard retail price is $19.99). Setup and linkage to your Parallels Desktop is simple and straight-forward by going to the Preferences panel on your Mac.

 

iPad For Senior For Dummies: Finally, a Sensible Book

a review by Tom Piper

Author: Nancy C. Muir
Published: June, 2011, 2nd Edition by Wiley
ISBN: 978-1-1180-3827-7
Pages: 320, paperback
Book Price: $24.99 ($15.37 at Amazon and other locations)

Here is the fun and easy way to make the most of your iPad or iPad 2. This book is versatile, portable, and lightweight, the iPad is an ideal device for today's seniors. 

This basic guide sports a senior-friendly larger font size and plenty of illustrations that make learning to use the iPad and iPad 2 easy. You'll first learn to set up your iPad, get familiar with the touchscreen interface, and explore accessibility features. Then you'll learn to browse the Internet with mobile Safari, use maps, set up and manage your e-mail, buy and read e-books, download and play music and movies, work with photos, make FaceTime video calls, and discover how to extend the iPad's capability even more with apps.

This publication covers iPad and iPad 2. With its ability to function as an e-reader, a music and movie player, a photo viewer, and a mini-computer, the iPad offers everything seniors need in a lightweight and portable device. This senior-friendly book explains what to look for when shopping for an iPad, how to set one up, and how to use the touchscreen interface. It covers accessing the Internet, using FaceTime for video chat, sending and receiving e-mail, buying and reading e-books, downloading music and movies, purchasing apps, taking and sharing photos, recording HD video, getting directions and using maps, and much more. 

Also included are safety and troubleshooting tips and advice on keeping your iPad happy. The Table of Contents illustrated the well-defined progression of knowledge:

• Introduction
• Part I: Making the iPad Your Pad
  • Chapter 1: Buying Your iPad
  • Chapter 2: Looking Over the Home Screen
  • Chapter 3: Getting Going
  • Chapter 4: Taking Advantage of Accessibility Features
• Part II: Taking the Leap Online
  • Chapter 5: Browsing the Internet with Safari
  • Chapter 6: Working with E-Mail in Mail
  • Chapter 7: Face to Face with the Grandkids Using FaceTime
  • Chapter 8: Shopping the iTunes Store
  • Chapter 9: Expanding Your iPad Horizons with Apps
• Part III: Having Fun and Consuming Media
  • Chapter 10: Using Your iPad As an E-Reader
  • Chapter 11: Playing with Music on iPad
  • Chapter 12: Playing with Photos
  • Chapter 13: Getting the Most Out of Video Features
  • Chapter 14: Playing Games
  • Chapter 15: Finding Your Way with Maps
• Part IV: Managing Your Life and Your iPad
  • Chapter 16: Keeping On Schedule with Calendar
  • Chapter 17: Managing Contacts
  • Chapter 18: Making Notes
  • Chapter 19: Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your iPad
• Index

I reviewed the ebook version which was very difficult to initially download. Due to the DRM copy protection, I had to download and install Adobe Digital Editions on my computer, then download the ePub file, and actually read it on my iPad with Bluefire Reader (not iBooks). Wiley representatives assure me that they are working toward a much easier installation method, but now I would recommend getting the hardcopy version. That considered, the final product is well worth it. 

The iPad is an ideal device for seniors, and this book is a terrific learning tool to get the most out of this investment. For more information, and to acquire your own book, go to www.wiley.com. This is an investment well worth your money.

Prosoft Drive Genius 3: Superior Mac Utility

a review by Tom Piper

Is your Mac running slower? Is your hard drive filling up and you don't know why? Are you seeing the beach ball more or having other issues with your hard drive? Do you have other problems that are creating a lot of suspicion about the health of your hard drive?

To help set aside your fears and solve potential problems, look at Drive Genius 3, which is probably the best hard drive utility on the Mac platform. It includes DrivePulse, Enhanced Defrag, DriveSlim, and Enhanced Repartition as only a few of the award-winning features of this dynamite program. Even Apple uses it at their Genius Bar as part of the ProCare Yearly Tune Up.

Prosoft continues to develop and evolve Drive Genius by improving and adding new features with the latest release, Drive Genius 3. It 3 is built upon the same award-winning foundation of the original Drive Genius, and now runs as a 64-bit application on Mac OS 10.6 or later with a compatible 64-bit processor. Drive Genius 3 also now offers email notifications to alert you when long-running tasks are completed. 

The new DrivePulse feature helps you monitor the overall health of your drive, alerting you to possible issues before they become major problems. It monitors hardware (via SMART and bad-block testing), volume consistency (via verifying volume structures) and volume fragmentation (via examining volume structures). DrivePulse even automates everything so the user never has to remember to run these tests manually.

The most popular feature in Drive Genius is Defrag. Prosoft has improved Defrag which now provides even better defragmentation by combining all the empty free space together into one contiguous block, which in turn improves the overall speed and performance of the drive. Enhanced repartition has also been improved and gives you the ability to add, delete, hide, expand or shrink OS X partitions so you can organize your drive more efficiently.

DriveSlim is another popular feature which helps you get the most out of your Macintosh by identifying unnecessary files that are clogging and filling up your hard drive. It allows you to reclaim space on your hard drive for files that you really need and use. Drive Genius 3 also features a wide array of other features including directory repair, device/volume cloning, integrity testing, benchmarking, secure erase and several other tools to help maintain your hard drive.

Drive Genius 3 ships on a bootable DVD from Prosoft Engineering, Inc. The regular price is $99.00 at www.prosofteng.com/products (a free demo is available at www.prosofteng.com/downloads). This utility is a fundamental and essential part of my toolbox of important software; it would look good in yours too!

iKlip MINI iPhone Holder: Incredible Utility and Versatility

a review by Tom Piper

In the world of music, the iPhone and iPad are becoming more integrated into performances and recordings. A demand emerged for a convenient and reliable way to mount and display these handheld devices for the performers, and iK has repeatedly responded with just the right holders at the right times.

The iKlip MINI is a universal microphone stand adapter for the iPhone and iPod touch to support your iOS device on stage, in the studio, at school, on the road or in the office. iKlip MINI securely supports your iPhone/iPod touch on any standard mic stand, pole or tripod (with diameters ranging from 0.43” - 0.79”) placed on the floor or tabletop. It will even clamp securely onto the handlebars of many bicycles and motorcycles.

Made of sturdy, durable thermoplastic, iKlip MINI is compatible with every existing iPhone and iPod touch, from the original models to the latest generation devices. It firmly holds the device in place in both horizontal and vertical positions, and its multi-angle adjustable design allows optimal viewing and accessibility with all controls, buttons, connection ports and camera kept free from obstruction. It can also be easily rotated from portrait to landscape position by simply loosing or tightening a knob with no need for additional tools. 

An included detachable bracket supports iK’s popular iRig guitar interface adapter together with iKlip MINI in both horizontal and vertical mounting positions so you can have immediate access to your iOS device multi-touch controls during live performances with the AmpliTube range of apps or any other guitar effects app.iKlip MINI is also the perfect companion to IK’s iRig Mic, the handheld microphone for iOS devices, that allows vocalists and speakers alike to conveniently hold and operate the device at a close distance on the same mic stand with IK’s VocaLive or any other vocal processing app.

There are a variety of apps for iPhone/iPod touch that benefit from the iKlip MINI’s floor or tabletop mic stand support including karaoke, score and tablature, DJ, recording, mixing, video, photography, teleprompting and many more. Everything you use on your iPhone or iPod is now right within your reach. It measures 3.74” x 5.51” x 3.15” and weighs 5.29 oz.

For only $39.99, this rugged, reliable and versatile holder at www.ikmultimedia.com/. All of the other devices and apps mentioned in this review are also available at this website. I can’t say enough good things about the quality of this product, other than to also refer back to my prior review of the rest of the lineup at applejac.typepad.com/.

Mac OS X Lion: Peachpit Learning Series

a review by Tom Piper

Authors: Robin Williams, John Tollett
Published: July 20, 2011, by Peachpit Press
ISBN-10: 0-321-77701-8
Pages: 480
Book Price: $31.99, eBook Price: $11.20, Book + eBook Bundle: $43.19

The latest update of Robin Williams’ bestselling guide will have you up and runnin in no time with Mac OS X Lion. You can learn in your own way, whether it's working through the lessons from start to finish, jumping straight to step-by-step exercises about new features, or looking up just what you need to know at that moment. There are hundreds of exciting tools and hidden gems in your Mac. And with the gentle, yet expert, hand of Robin Williams guiding you along the way, you will learn to take full advantage of all that OS X Lion has to offer. The Table of Contents (outlined below) is very detailed in the original:

• Lesson 1.  Introduction to the Mac OS X Lion Desktop
• Lesson 2.  A Bit Beyond the Basics
• Lesson 3.  Introduction to OS X 
• Lesson 4.  Applications
• Lesson 5.  Mail for Email and Notes
• Lesson 6.  Address Book for Contact Info
• Lesson 7.  Safari for Web Browsing and News
• Lesson 8.  iCal for Organizing Your Life
• Lesson 9.  iChat and FaceTime for Text, Audio, and Video Messaging
• Lesson 10.  iTunes for Your Listening Pleasure
• Lesson 11.  Preview for Viewing Images, PDFs, and more
• Lesson 12.  Miscellaneous Tools on Your Mac
• Lesson 13.  Common Tools in OS X Applications
• Lesson 14.  Working between OS X Applications
• Lesson 15.  Personalize Your Mac to Meet Your Needs
• Lesson 16.  Mission Control to Organize Your Space
• Lesson 17.  Set Up Printing and Scanning
• Lesson 18.  Share One Mac with Multiple Users
• Lesson 19.  Find What You Want, Fast—with Spotlight
• Lesson 20.  Time Machine Backup
• Lesson 21.  Get Connected and Share Files
• Lesson 22.  Basic Troubleshooting
• Lesson 23.  Secure Your Mac and its Files
• Lesson 24.  Upgrade Your Mac and Migrate Your Files
• The End Matters
• Mini-Glossary
• Index

If you are new to Mac OS X, you'll learn to use your Mac with help from a world-renowned teacher. From there, you can move on to customize it to suit the way you work. And if you've been using Mac OS X already, you'll learn to use all of the new features in OS X Lion including Multi-Touch Gestures, Launchpad, Mission Control, the App Store, Mail, and much more. 

The readability of this book is wonderful. The standards set long ago by Robin Williams is still pervasive (remember “The Mac is Not a Typewriter”?). The illustrations are colorful, descriptive and easy to follow. I’m reading it as a ebook in iBooks, and am very pleased.

I highly recommend this publication for anyone, novice or expert. You can buy/download your copy at www.peachpit.com/. This is another fine publication from Peachpit.

Casauri iPad Case: Protection with Style

a review by Tom Piper

It seems today that everyone has something to hold the iPad and iPhone, but are they good protection, utilitarian and stylish? I found one that is!

The iPad Case/Netbook case from Casauri (Style No. LB1185) is a trim fully-padded carrying case designed to fashionably protect your iPad, (or 10” netbook, DVD player, or other small tech device). I have enough room in my big zippered pocket to carry many essentials like adapters, an extra drive, a camera, a Mi-Fi unit, and more, yet it is compact and discrete. On the other side, my front zippered pocket is a great place for my keys, pens, USB memory stick, or even my iPhone. And, that is all on the outside.

The partitioned interior is well-cushioned to protect my iPad 2 (including its case and cover), plus even more space on the other side of the flexible panel folded paper, spiral notepad, or other larger items. The zippers, loopers and shoulder strap are all made of durable high-quality materials that will last and look good. The exterior is a water resistant polyester with removable shoulder strap, and a pair of strap handles. It measures 11” x 8.5” x 1.5” (28cm x 21.16cm x 3.8cm), and the lining color is orange (more colors and patterns are expected in the near future).

This nifty case can be acquired for $40 at www.casauri.com/. Many other cases, sleeves, and envelopes are also available at this location for our precious devices. I’ve got my eye on several others.

Compellingly Interesting Stories about Steve

Time Magazine . . . The Inventor Of the Future: www.time.com

Plizy Tribute to Steve Jobs: plizy.com

iPhoneLife Tribute Messages: www.rememberingsteve

RIP Steve Jobs. Your work was an exercise in grace: www.perivision.net/

Steve Jobs quote on death: www.iphonelife.com

Jobs's Death Draws Outpouring of Grief and Tributes: www.nytimes.com

Why We Mourn Steve Jobs: www.theatlantic.com

(more will be added as we receive suggestions)

The Passing of a Legend . . . Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

We have all lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being.

Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know about Steve have lost a great innovator and an inspiring mentor.

Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built,and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

For early and comprehensive press coverage, visit abcnews.go.com and online.wsj.com.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

 

Oct. 4 appleJAC MUG Meeting Follow-up

We learned a great deal at our Cloud Computing meeting. Here is a free ebook on cloud computing found by George Kopp that you might want to link to on the website . . . www.ingrammicro.com/.

Marian Petrides, M.D. also sent a note reminding us that the cool new software for the iPod nanos (large icons, multiple clocks, etc.) works on last year's models just fine (to my delight, I tried it, and it makes my cute little nano even cuter).

Be sure to check out the pictures of the evening captured by Greg Breuer . . . with 45 people present, and lots of new information, it was a fun and educational evening. Be sure to bring your friends to "30 Tools in 60 Minutes" next month.

By the way, DropCopy (a free utility to transfer files from device to device) is available not just for Macs, but also for iPhones (and it works on my iPad too) . . . www.dropcopy.com.

 

President's Place