Forums: MacBook Air vs. Dell Mini 9, 2TB deal

Forum roundup: A hot topic in the MacNN forums today revolves around a discussion about the differences between the MacBook Air and the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 notebooks. One forum goer is looking for a novel writing application and finds some suggestions from others. Mac Elite, iomatic, is looking for an iPhone hiking application that would be able to provide proper navigation in generally uncharted areas. A deal on a 2TB AcomData external hard drive is the topic of conversation in this thread. Advice on where to find a new Ethernet card for a Power Mac G3 can be found here.

Apple deals: portable Macs and music ...

A brief selection of reconditioned portable Macs currently at the Apple store include the 13-inch MacBook in white with a 2.1GHz processor, 1GB of memory, 120GB hard drive and Combo drive for $899; the 15-inch MacBook Pro with 2.4GHz processor, 2GB of memory, 200GB hard drive and 8x Super Drive for $1,699; the 17-inch MacBook Pro with 2.5GHz processor, 2GB of memory, 250GB hard drive and 8x Super Drive for $2,299; and the the 1.6GHz MacBook Air with 2GB of memory and 80GB hard drive for $1,499.

DealNN: iPhone skins, free XM receiver...

DealNN deals for today include an array of products ranging from iPhone covers to MacBooks. Get a five pack of AV Lab iPhone skin covers for $15 from Buy.com. Parallels desktop 3.0 is available for $59.99 right now at Newegg.com. The Apple store is currently offering the refurbished 2.4GHz MacBook in white for $1,099. MacConnection has the 2.4GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro for $1,699 after mail in rebate with free VMware and Mobile Edge carry case. Get a FREE Delphi SkyFi3 mobile XM Satellite radio receiver with car kit from Crutchfield.com after mail in rebate.

StuffRadar 1.2 offers improved media handling...

Synium software has released StuffRadar 1.2, the latest version of its media organization utility for iPhone and iPod touch. The new update features improved media handling, better management of lent or borrowed items, address book integration, easier navigation through lists, and more. StuffRadar can be used to track and organize CDs, movies, books, or games. Items already in a personal library, or things intended to purchase, can all be entered into the app.

Original artwork from Swedish Mac SE ads for sale...

A buyer is being sought for the complete collection of artwork from the Swedish Mac SE ad campaign, according to myoldmac.net. The art was originally part of a poster campaign from 1987, painted by Swedish artist Erik Saxen, mostly in oil and some mixed media. The paintings reflect different artistic themes, all containing a Mac SE within the scene. The aim is to sell as much of the collection together as possible, but the site claims that if no buyer is found, the paintings will simply be auctioned off through houses like Christie's or Sotheby's.

MyWeather Mobile brings weather radar to iPhone...

MyWeather has published MyWeather Mobile for the iPhone, allowing users to access weather maps, conditions, forecasts and a full-screen interactive radar. The app combines Microsoft's Virtual Earth technology with animated radar, giving users a view of an area's weather patterns, along with points of interest like golf courses, stadiums and schools. With an iPhone in horizontal orientation, MyWeather enters full-screen mode, supporting pinch and flick gestures with the option of zooming down to street-level weather views.

ProteMac Meter monitors, logs network activity...

ProteMac has launched of ProteMac Meter 1.0, an application that allows users to monitor and log all network traffic. Real-time usage details can be displayed for each application running, including connections, timestamps, host availability, remote host names, the amount and speed of incoming/outgoing data, and more. If a session is logged, the average speed and total amount of data transferred is recorded along with individual actions.

iPhone to be offered by top three Russian carriers...

Russia's top cellular carrier, Mobile TeleSystems, today announced it has successfully negotiated with Apple and will soon be offering the iPhone, according to the Associated Press. This confirms speculation that Apple would be making deals with all three major Russian carriers, as the company signed deals with Vimpelcom and MegaFon earlier this week.

Microsoft to copy Apple Genius strategy...

Microsoft on Friday said that its $300 million marketing campaign will now involve in-store representatives to promote the brand, the company's general manager of corporate communications, Tom Pilla, says. Effectively mimicking Apple's Geniuses as well as their floor specialists, Microsoft will run a trial later this year that sees 155 trained experts in Windows, nicknamed Microsoft Gurus, answering questions at larger retail chains such as Best Buy and Circuit City.

Report: Business mobile app market to double by 2012...

This year US businesses are predicted to spend an estimated $4.9 billion on mobile applications, with that number expected to climb over $11 billion by 2012, says Compass Intelligence. The group's report claims that one driving force behind the expansion is the sheer number of new apps being created, increasing the mobile devices' value as a productivity resource. Companies including Apple and Google have been leaders in promoting mobile platforms which are open for developers to create free or fee-based applications, such as those on the App Store.

PhoneSaber to resurface in September?...

PhoneSaber -- an iPhone/iPod touch application that was pulled from the App Store nearly a month ago -- may be resurfacing in the next couple of weeks, according to reports. THQ Wireless owns the rights to Star Wars development on mobile devices, and asked TheMacBox to pull PhoneSaber voluntarily, with the intent to publish a rebranded version.

Texas PC recycling law takes effect...

Texas has begun enforcing a new law that requires all computer manufacturers in the state to offer a free recycling program for most of their systems. Called the Computer Equipment Recycling Program, the plan mandates that PC makers offering same-brand computers, displays, and input let customers easily ship out or take in computers to have them processed regardless of whether or not the bundle was made after the law took effect.

New fourth-gen Nano cases follow leaked blueprints...

A new line of fourth-generation iPod nano cases have become available, supporting alleged leaks pointing towards the concept of a taller Nano with a Zune-like screen. Wrapprz.com has added a new group of vinyl skins to its product line, specifically advertised as for the yet-unannounced player. The skins are in fact cut to fit a taller player with a larger screen, and additionally feature a choice of custom artwork.

Analysts 'underwhelmed' by Let's Rock event...

Shares of Apple stock have continued to drop for the past two weeks, ahead of Tuesday's "Let's Rock" iPod event. New Macs on the horizon may lift the stock in the months ahead however. Barron's reports that analysts are warning that the Sept. 9 event may be 'underwhelming', with a new iPod Nano and slightly redesigned iPod touch at a lower price-point. New Macs are not expected for the Sept. 9 event and investors have been unimpressed with the rumored iPod releases.

Master Lock ships iCage iPod lock...

Master Lock, a maker of locks and other security products, has released a style of combination lock designed specifically for iPods. The iCage is built of durable metal, and clips around the outside of an iPod's body. The lock allows users to set their own combination for convenience, and features a cable that secures an iPod to a fixed object. Each iCage also comes with three full-body thermoplastic iWRAPrs for scratch protection.

120GB Zune accidentally sold ahead of schedule...

Microsoft's new 120GB Zune players are already being sold earlier than the rumored Sept. 9th release date, according to a report from an Engadget reader. A customer was able to purchase one early at a Fry's location in Atlanta for $250, confirming the speculation that the new model would replace the 80GB version at the same price point. The device appears to have an only slightly different, glossy appearance versus the frequently matte finish of current black models.

Savant iPhone app allows control of home automation...

Savant Systems has announced the development of an iPhone or iPod touch app that will allow remote control over its ROSIE home automation system. The software offers the same graphic user interface found in the home controls. The user can 'pinch' to zoom in or out and double tap on elements to bring them into the foreground. Full control over the Savant home systems is enabled with the mobile app, including home theater, climate controls, security systems, lighting, or anything on the system depending on the user's setup. The Savant iPhone/iPod touch app will be available on iTunes for $200.

Aspyr ships Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Sept. 15...

Aspyr Media has announced it will ship Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare beginning September 15. The first-person shooter warfare game features new story lines with multiple plot twists, and the game's special effects stress photo-realism, using new depth-of-field and shading effects to heighten the visual immersion in the game.

Joost moving video from desktop to web?...

Joost will soon announce it will stop making its desktop client and focus instead on a browser-based player for delivering web videos, according to a Friday report from GigaOM. The move will not quite step down to the level of YouTube or Hulu, which are strictly web pages, as it will require a browser plug-in that promises to deliver better video quality through peer-to-peer technology than the competition's traditional approach. The current interface (pictured) was designed to provide a more TV-like experience to users, who so far haven't embraced the idea.

Jewel Quest II launched for iPhone/iPod touch...

I-play has released a new game at the App Store, Jewel Quest II. The title is a puzzle adventure based on the original Jewel Quest, and has players hunting for hidden jewels. Players follow Rupert as he picks up a new treasure trail in Africa, and guide him through over 50 different puzzles, a developing storyline, and iPhone/iPod touch-specific gameplay.

Secret of the Lost Cavern coming for Mac...

Coladia Games today announced Secret of the Lost Cavern for the Mac. Gamers take the role of Arok, adventuring in the Paleolithic era, circa 15,000 BCE. Players must survive in the wilderness, through activities such as hunting, fishing, gathering, shamanic ceremonies and battling wild animals. Arok also follows a mentor, and works to recreate the paintings of the Lascaux caves. Graphics recreate prehistoric rivers, caves and vegetation.

XChange adds four new XTensions for QuarkXPress...

XChange International has released four new XTensions for QuarkXPress: ProPack, FlexScale, Nametag and Crops XT have all been added as downloads for extending the capabilities of Quark's flagship design application. ProPack 8 contains 15 different XTensions that range in function from an eyedropper tool for Quarks tool pallet to a tool for creating boxes and text paths based on various shapes. This pack can be downloaded for $203.

TUNEWEAR launches two iPhone 3G leather cases...

TUNEWEAR has announced new leather cases for the iPhone 3G, the PRIE Ambassador for iPhone 3G and the LeatherShell for iPhone 3G. The PRIE Ambassador case is an around-the-body leather case with an attached metal clip. All ports, sensors and the iPhone's camera remain open and accessible, and the case features a cardholder on its back for IDs, business cards and more. The cases are available in black (with either red or white stitching), gold, gold and white and silver. They are available for $60 and include a TUNEFILM clear film for the iPhone's display.

Ambrosia introduces Mondo Top 5 Solitaire for iPhone ...

Ambrosia Software today announced its latest iPhone app, Mondo Top 5 Solitaire. Five popular solitaire variants are included: FreeCell, Golf, Klondike, Pyramid, and Spider. A magnifying glass and paper clip tool are offered to assist gameplay, and if a round gets interrupted, it can be picked up where it was left off simply by tapping the game icon. Mondo Top 5 Solitaire is available from iTunes for $3.

Motype FxPack allows post-production text effects ...

Noise Industries, in collaboration with Yanobox, has announced a new visual effects plug-in, Motype FxPack. Users working with After Effects CS3, Final Cut Express, or Final Cut Studio can implement Motype to create text or title animations. A Motion Mixer function allows the motion of the characters to be defined by geometric transformations or other properties, and random characters and symbols can be added as needed.

iTracer allows CAD modeling, 3D rendering on iPhone...

Fabio Policarpo has introduced iTracer, an iPhone app allowing 3D modeling and rendering, according to Architosh. Using many tools found in full-blown modeling software, designs are modeled in two dimensions with a curve editor, allowing tuning and addition of vertices. Extrusion and revolution surfaces can be used for 3D modeling. Scaling, panning, rotating, or translating adjustments are made with the multi-touch interface.

futureU SAT prep game teaches content, testing skills...

Aspyr Media has announced its new SAT prep video game, futureU. Co-developed with Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, futureU uses a combination of six games, split into math, reading, and writing categories to build students' knowledge of concepts and information they can expect to be tested on with the SATs. In addition to the core content, a special "Test Skills" section focuses on developing time management and other testing strategies.

First details of Intel's Atom sequel surface...

Early information for the successor to Intel's Atom processor has appeared today courtesy of roadmap information obtained by Impress. Codenamed "Pineview," the refresh will integrate a graphics engine and memory controller directly into the chip itself rather than leave them as discrete components. The alteration would significantly shrink the total size of the already-small Atom and would potentially improve performance by reducing the time it takes to transfer data from the processor to other parts of the system.

3 UK head expresses interest in iPhone...

British cellular carrier 3 UK may set its sights on selling the iPhone in the future, according to the company's CEO. Kevin Russell, who has only been in charge of the company for a year, says he is very interested in the iPhone, despite the company's recent rejection of a focus on media content, mainly video. "We are quite simple -- we provide communications-based services," says Russell. "I do not see us pushing to create a whole series of revolutionary behaviors -- what I do see is us helping people to do what they do today, when they are out and about."

Canon kicks off teaser EOS ad campaign...

Canon has started up a teaser ad campaign centered around an upcoming digital SLR camera from its EOS line, triggering speculation of a likely update at the Photokina expo this month. While some believe the update to involve the long-expected full-frame, 21.1-megapixel 5D Mark II, with an integrated battery grip, another teaser ad on Canon's Japanese site shows a silhouette of what is most likely a regular-bodied DSLR. There has been no official information from the Japanese camera maker other than a confirmation of a DSLR timed for the event.

Dell shuttering own PC factories?...

Dell is looking to sell off many of its self-run factories in a bid to remain competitive in the home market, sources have allegedly told the Wall Street Journal. The company currently assembles many of its PCs itself in factories around the world but is now considering offloading many of these in favor of contracting outside firms to do all its work. Many of the old plants would still produce Dell notebooks as part of the deal, though it's unclear whether these companies would be free to make other products at the plants.

Spore for iPhone due on Sunday...

The iPhone version of Spore is due on Sunday, says Electronic Arts Mobile. Called Spore Origins iPhone, the game will not be a port of the computer or clickwheel iPod versions of Spore, but a reworked title meant to take advantage of the iPhone's graphics, multi-touch interface and accelerometer. It will arrive on the same day the game officially launches on the Mac and PC. EA Producer Mike Pagano tells MacNN his team spent months working with iPhone SDK, and was "surprised at its capabilities."

LG Prada II specs leak hints US plans...

LG's rumored Prada II touchscreen phone is likely headed to the US, according to a detailed leak from BGR. Where the original Prada was limited to European and some Asian territories, the sequel is now set to allegedly include both 850MHz GSM calling as well as 3G data over the same frequency using HSDPA, greenlighting the device for full use in the US with AT&T as well as Canada for Rogers.

Analyst calls Sept. 9th event modest, no Macs?...

Apple's event scheduled for September 9th may be very narrowly focused, says analyst Shaw Wu of American Technology Research. Wu notes that aside from the invitation image, which clearly references iPods, supply chain checks suggest that the event will be almost exclusively iPod-focused, likely excluding the new Macs expected by other research groups such as Piper Jaffray.

Samsung ponders buying SanDisk...

Samsung is considering buying SanDisk in a deal that could reshape the storage industry, the former company said today. In acknowledging a government filing by Samsung that discusses the possibility of a deal, Samsung spokesman James Chung says the Korean firm had been considering "multiple" options for a deal with SanDisk but that hasn't committed to any particular course of action. SanDisk itself has admitted that it has talked to Samsung but claims that it regularly speaks with companies about possible agreements.

Revised Rogers iPhone plans on October 1st?...

Rogers Wireless will be changing its base iPhone bundles come October 1st, an anonymous source claims. Having agreed to extend its popular 6GB data plan to the end of September, the Canadian carrier has only so far made reference to changes in normal iPhone data plans for subsequent months. The rumored new bundles would include a $60 plan with 250 daytime minutes, 75 texts and 1GB of data, as well as Visual Voicemail, three months of unlimited local calling, and a permanent MY5 Local option. At present, an equivalent $60 plan grants just 150 minutes and 400MB of data, with no MY5 Local calling included.

Nokia: market share lowering due to iPhone...

Nokia today preemptively lowered its market share estimates for the summer quarter, warning that it expects to lose share compared to the spring. The company had previously predicted that its market share would remain largely flat but now claims that multiple concerns have forced it to change its view; the firm remains deliberately unspecific regarding which firms are taking that share but claims that its loss will come from its own "tactical decision" not to keep up with "aggressive pricing of some competitors," alluding to the heavily subsidized iPhone 3G launched during the same quarter.

Microsoft: first ad just an "icebreaker"...

The first Seinfeld ad that aired Thursday evening is just an "icebreaker" that will be backed by more substantive ads in the near future, Microsoft senior VP Bill Veghte has said in a company-wide e-mail leaked to TechCrunch. Indirectly addressing concerns that the spot doesn't immediately either promote Windows or criticize rivals, Veghte explains that the 1:30 spot is just part of a "first phase" meant to refamiliarize viewers with Microsoft rather than a direct promotion.

Canon may launch 5D Mark II at Photokina...

Canon is expected later this month to unveil an updated EOS 5D Mark II at Photokina, with insiders predicting a 21-megapixel sensor and HD movie capturing, like the recently unveiled Nikon D90. CNET reveals that Canon said it would replace a "long overdue model" of SLR, potentially indicating the three year-old 5D. Some think that the D90-style additions would stray too much from Canon's focus on quality, rather than loading down its camera with extraneous features.

First Look: iBiz 3, time billing, invoicing...

Many professionals need to track their time for billing purposes. You could manually write down the times you start and stop a project, but then you’d still have the headache of writing out an invoice as well. For a simpler, automated solution, consider iBiz 3 to track your time and print up your invoices.

Flexi 8 now available for Mac...

SA International has released a Mac OS X port of Flexi 8, which features much of the same functionality of the Windows version. Flexi 8 is a sign designing software suite that lets users easily put together signs. The Mac version has received a slightly modified appearance to work in the Mac OS X environment. The application features customizable shortcut keys, direct PDF export for customer proofing, smooth full preview and on screen spell checking. Specifically for the Mac environment Flexi 8 has been updated with drivers for the latest printers and cutters and easier preset management, Save, Save As, Rename and Delete have all been added as buttons beside the preset selection.

New Exchange sync option reaches beta stage...

A new solution for syncing Microsoft Exchange, Google and Apple contact and calendar information has surfaced, titled Sync'Em. Now available as a public beta Sync'Em, in its current state, can synchronize Exchange contacts with Apple's Address book or synchronize Exchange contacts across several Exchange accounts. The developer hopes to soon add functionality to allow users to sync Exchange calender events with iCal or across several Exchange accounts.

Sandvox 1.5 features new and enhanced paglets...

Karelia Software has announced the release of Sandvox 1.5, its website creation software for Mac OS X. For this new release, Karelia gathered feedback from its community and worked towards improving areas that users thought were insufficient. Some of the areas worked on include: media processing, blogging features, MobileMe compatibility and enhancing paglets. Several new designs have been added, and some older designs have been tweaked bringing the total of included designs to 50.

HSC Edit 1.4 adds MultiTones converter module...

HumanSoftware today announced an update to its Aperture effects plugin, HSC Edit 1.4. A new module has been added to the bundle, MultiTones, which allows users to create black and white or multi-tone images using color filtering with contrast, brightness, and detail adjustments. The new tool resaturates images, allowing the hue to be adjusted for a duotone effect. User edges can be added, or picked from a preset library, then adjusted for blending.

Microsoft airs first Seinfeld ad for Windows...

Microsoft tonight aired the first of its widely reported Jerry Seinfeld ads meant to restore awareness of Windows and improve Vista's poor reputation. The one minute, thirty-second segment conspicuously avoids any direct descriptions of Windows or attacks against rivals such as Apple; instead, it focuses on a chance meeting between Seinfeld and former Microsoft chief Bill Gates at a shoe store with a comedic conversation reminiscent of Seinfeld's own routines and TV show.

CamSpinner 2.0 adds presets, iPhone compatibility...

Optima System has announced the latest version of its web cam utility, CamSpinner 2.0. This release includes new presets for different settings, iPhone compatible display of webcam images in the phone browser, faster uploads, improved support for AppleScript functions, and more web page themes. Users can publish cam images on web pages, capture stills, and record movies with QuickTime cameras such as iSight.

PowerVR-maker signs deal with Apple?...

System-on-a-Chip manufacturer Imagination Technologies on Thursday unveiled it has signed a multi-year licensing deal with an anonymous "international electronics systems company" which could confirm earlier rumors regarding Apple. In April, Imagination was found to be exploring a secret licensing deal with Apple, a move that would let Apple have exclusive distribution rights to its PowerVR SGX chipset, and access to the Imagination's video IP cores.

AMD leak reveals 45nm Phenoms coming early in 2009...

A leaked document shows chipmaker AMD's future products and when they are likely to hit the market. Not saving the best for last, the document shows December should see the start of production of the new Phenom quad-core X4 chips with 45nm architecture, rated at 3.0GHz and 2.8GHz while using up 125W of power, though shipment is delayed until January 8. Meanwhile, the 15W AMD Athlon 2650e – expected to compete with the Intel Atom – will see release in November, with a clock speed reportedly rated at 1.5GHz. A dual-core X2 3250e is rated at 1.5GHz and will use up 22W of power, the sheet suggests. While both have higher usage ratings than the Atom, AMD anticipates that the chip's performance will outweigh the slightly increased power usage.

Sony A900 ad reveals 24.6MP sensor...

The upcoming A900 digital SLR camera from Sony will come with a 24.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, an ad leak from a Danish photography magazine has revealed. The details echo earlier reports, which indicated a 24.8-megapixel unit. The camera will be the flagship offering in the company's Alpha line of digital cameras, offering a full-frame Exmor sensor. The ad also indicates that the backside of the DSLR will house a 3-inch hybrid LCD with a 921,000 pixel resolution, capable of an Intelligent Preview function which may resemble Canon's LiveView.

Brin: Mac version of Chrome 'a matter of months'...

The Mac version of Google's Chrome web browser should arrive in "a matter of months," says Google co-founder Sergey Brin. The executive, interviewed by Wall Street Journal writer Kara Swisher, claims it is "embarassing" that a Mac version is not already out, since both he and Swisher use Macs. To cope with the situation, Brin says he is relying on virtualization software from VMware. At present Chrome runs only on Windows.

BlackBerry Storm delayed by weeks?...

Technical problems could keep the BlackBerry Storm from a crucial ship date with Verizon, a tip delivered to BGR says. Although multiple past leaks had penned RIM's first touchscreen BlackBerry for an October launch, software problems have meant the device is only now entering the technical acceptance stage that approves phones for use on Verizon's network and should spend between three to four weeks in testing before it can be sold, pushing it into mid-November.

OWC adds more drives to retro warranty extensions...

Other Word Computing today announced more warranty extensions, and retroactive coverage, for many of its FireWire and USB storage products. The company recently announced the addition of three year protection on its 80GB+ Mercury Elite-AL Pro, Pro 'Classic', and 40GB+ On-The-Go series, or two years on the 80GB+ Neptune 'Value Done Right' series. OWC has added the 80GB+ NewerTech miniStach v2, v2.5, v3, and GuardianMAXimus RAID-1 drives to its list of products with three year coverage. Customers that have purchased any of these drives earlier this year (back to January 1st) will be protected by the new warranty terms.

Syncro ships SVN Client 4.0...

Syncro Soft says it has released v4.0 of its SVN Client software, which enables collaborative programming via Subversion. The upgrade brings several changes, such as use of SVN 1.5, which remembers the revision at which a branch is merged. This is considered important for subsequent merges, which only integrate changes made since the last one.

First Look: Google Chrome, open-source browser...

The latest entry in the browser wars is Google’s Chrome, an open source project with a special emphasis on speeding up JavaScript performance. Although a beta of the browser is only available for Windows (Mac and Linux versions are coming soon), the browser already promises a handful of features to separate it from its competitors.

Comcast sues FCC to evade net neutrality...

Cable Internet provider Comcast on Thursday sued the US Federal Communications Commission to try and block the government body's net neutrality order, which requires that the company avoid discriminating against particular types of Internet traffic when managing its network. Comcast executive VP David Cohen describes the suit as an attempt to challenge what he claims is an "absence of pre-existing legally enforceable standards" that would require Comcast to obey the FCC's ruling.

AroundMe for iPhone shows close points of interest...

TweakerSoft today released AroundMe 1.0, an iPhone app that uses GPS to provide information about nearby businesses or points of interest, including banks, gas stations, hospitals, entertainment, bars, food and more. The user selects a category, picks a destination (ordered by proximity), and AroundMe plots the route to get there. To get friends to the same place, the information can be e-mailed. AroundMe is available from iTunes for $2.