DAILY BLHOHs
Evan M. London, User Group Ambassador of the Hastings-on-Hudson Macintosh User Group

06.20.05 0030
H-E-Double Hockey Sticks Has Frozen Ovah Dept.

In an effort designed to give the rest of us another dose of "Apple Love", this on the heels of all the L. Ron Hubbard/Tom Cruise-like love we are feeling for Tiger these days (not), well it is with a bewilderment bordering on hallucinogenic that I have to report that The Wizard of Jobs has fallen out of love with IBM and IN LOVE with Andy Grove and Intel. What this means is that we are all going to be subjected to the cloyingly annoying Intel Inside chimes at the end of every Apple commercial. It also means that just about everything we currently have is essentially worthless once this thing gets going. Every dollar I invest in software from here to I-Day will be followed by countless more dollars flushed down the drain to get Macintel Compatible Software for the new processors. Please, do not bother to point out that Apple "promises" some sort of emulation to allow us to run our current software a la "Classic"--if you haven't noticed, Classic has been so mauled by Tiger as to be a mere footnote these days. Oy. Ouch. Omygawd. Perhaps all this "love" I've been feeling from Cupertino Steverino contributed to a bout of prostatetitis I am just getting over (love turning 40+). Look for Macworld Boston this summer to be more of a wake than a celebration. Even for all the fried haddock I can eat (and decent Cantonese-style Chinese food) I don't know that I can bring myself to attend my hometown's homage to all things Macintosh. We'll see.

Mac OS X 10.4.2 should be out any minute now for those of us struggling along in Tiger, although what good it is going to do is anyone's guess at this point. Frankly, if you have anything with less than two processors, be they G4s or G5s, I'd say forget about Tiger altogether. Even Apple has admitted as much by pulling the plug on the single-processor G5 1.8GHz. The "base" G5 Tower is now a Dual 2.0 GHz. I have had Tiger running on my iMac G4 800MHz since two weeks prior to its official debut and it has been one of my biggest regrets in all the years I've been upgrading my Macs--and you need to keep in mind that I have been migrating my files and systems since the days of 400k floppy disks (which is about where most of the PCs I work on these days are at). I have a copy on an external drive that is kind of peppy on my Dual G5, but on my everyday iMac it runs like a dog (sloooow). I simply wish I could undo the damage and go back to 10.3 Panther, but that would be well-nigh impossible. Oh well. On a brighter note, there was a lot of email from some of our favorite vendors--please see below.
Deals & Info Dept.
Apple User Group Bulletin June 15, 2005
APPLE eNEWS    http://www.apple.com/enews/currenteissue/      June 16, 2005    June 2, 2005
Apple Battery Exchange Program

Do you use a 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4, or 15-inch PowerBook G4? Apple is voluntarily recalling certain batteries used in these models, and you may be eligible to receive a free
replacement battery as part of our Battery Exchange Program. For more information and to check your battery, visit our website.

http://www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange
The MUG Store: Discounts and User Group Offers

Is there something the MUG store can do to help your group? Just let us know. Your group gets one percent back on everything your membership purchases. So, if you buy from the MUG Store, your group can get everything from software to new computers for the group for FREE.

The MUG Store has free freight to members, RAM rebates and aggressive pricing on new and reconditioned Macs, and one of the largest selection of pre-owned Macs on the planet.

The passwords to get into this exclusive User Group site are:

3/31/05 through 6/30/05
User ID: best
Password: deals

7/1/2005 through 10/31/05
User ID: Mug
Password: Store

http://www.applemugstore.com

This offer is available to members of U.S. user groups.
MacAddict User Group Offer

Oops.  We goofed and sent an incorrect URL for the great MacAddict user group offer.  Here are the details again along with the correct URL.

U.S. user group members can get MacAddict for only $20.95 (US), which is 78 percent off the basic rate and $3.05 (US) off of the lowest published rate. Worldwide members receive a discount too, although the
price is slightly higher.

Subscribe:

https://w1.buysub.com/servlet/OrdersGateway?cds_mag_code=MCD&cds_page_id=13588
iNews 1.0

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Eoin Norris and I am a chief executive officer at Pixelated Software.

I believe the members of HoHMUG may be interested in our product iNews 1.0, the first
version of a desktop feed reader for the Macintosh platforms. And I would be grateful if you
informed them about it. Please, find the press release below to learn more about iNews 1.0.

Best regards,
Eoin Norris
Chief Executive Officer at Pixelated Software

-------------------------------

For immediate release

June 9, 2005

Contact: Eoin Norris
Company: Pixelated Software
Title: Chief Executive Officer
E-mail:  mailto:info@pixelatedsoftware.com

iNews for OS X Will Get You Through the News In No Time!

Pixelated Software Announces Version 1.0

Pixelated Software is proud to announce today the launch of iNews, the first version of a desktop feed reader for the Macintosh platforms.

iNews is the first client aggregator in the world, on any platform, to make the addition of a new RSS or Atom feed as easy as a one click search. With the feeds database available within iNews, it's easy to find over 100,000 feeds at your fingertips. iNews allows you to search thousands of feeds at the click of a button, to refine the search by category, and to browse by genre and subgenre. Much in the same way you can browse or search by genre in iTunes. Combine this with a glorious intuituve UI, Smart Channels, Customizable HTML news, Embedded browsing, live searches, live and customizable Breaking News updates, and more: and it is clear that iNews is the best next generation RSS Atom reader on OS X, or on any platform.

Details:

iNews  is an RSS/Atom reader which allows you to organize, categorize and read thousands of RSS and Atom news feeds on your desktop from multiple different web sources. Feeds are automatically updated, so you can easily follow the latest news without having to check for the updates manually. And adding a new feed to iNews is a breeze. You can search and add a feed from the iNews database or simply drag and drop an RSS or Atom URL to iNews. iNews organizes news feeds into the fully customizable database where they are easy to browse and read. This database contain up to 100,000 news feeds at release and growing. When
subscribed to,  the user can group them into several Channels based on topic, for instance: World News, Music Blogs and Software Reviews. All Channels are located on a sidebar. And each Channel has a badge to indicate the number of the latest, unread news updates, so you can see what’s new at a glance. By clicking on a Channel, you can view the full list of its feeds which can be further narrowed to a specific feed or time range.

Also, iNews lets you be productive in searching for feeds. Unlike most feed readers, it has its own advanced search engine that can process thousands of feeds lightning fast. You need to only type a keyword or a phrase in the search field and click on the return button. iNews will search for all matching feeds without your interference. In addition to searching the entire iNews database, you can get the program search within the particular categories. Once the search is over, you can see the top ten news feeds with the graphic indication of their relevance to the keyword or phrase.

The iNews’ browsing and search capabilities are combined with a nice interface that makes browsing through feeds not only simple but also aesthetically pleasing. iNews eschews the Email three pane design common in most RSS readers for a two pane design which facilitates the easier reading of multiple news sources. You can start using iNews in seconds. All standard operations are available on the toolbar where they can be accessed in one click. For instance, by clicking on the Breaking News icon, you can see the complete list of the latest, unread news updates from all iNews Channels.

iNews Key Features
Browsing through 100,000+ RSS and Atom feeds;
A new feed can be added in one click;
Intuitive, well-designed interface;
Customizable automated updates.

Availability and Pricing
iNews is designed for Mac OS 10.3 and costs $25 (USD) for a single-user license. Registered customers are entitled to free updates and lifetime technical support. A fully functional evaluation version of the program is available as a free download at http://www.pixelatedsoftware.com/products/inews/download/iNews1.0.dmg.zip.

About Pixelated Software
Pixelated Software is an information technology company that specializes in OS X software
development. The company was founded in 2005 by software engineer Eoin Norris. We are
dedicated to the creation of innovative, excellent and cost effective software solutions
solely for the Macintosh platform. With an experienced team of former Apple employees,
Pixelated Software aims to become a major force in the OS X software world. For more
information, visit  http://www.pixelatedsoftware.com.

 # # #

AN EVALUATION COPY IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Product page link: http://www.pixelatedsoftware.com/products/inews
Download link: http://www.pixelatedsoftware.com/products/inews/download/iNews1.0.dmg.zip
E-mail: mailto:info@pixelatedsoftware.com
Web: http://www.pixelatedsoftware.com


Speck Products Introduces Portfolio Skin

A Rubberized Wallet-Style Case for your iPod



June 16th, 2005 - Palo Alto, CA - Speck Products announces the Portfolio Skin, a Rubberized wallet style case that offers great protection and modern fashion to your clickwheel or photo iPod. Portfolio skin features a super-soft, smooth rubberized body and 4 interchangeable straps to suit your mood or match your attire.

"We wanted to do something different than that traditional 'condom style' rubberized case," said Speck's General Manager Tim Hickman. "The Portfolio Skin features the same fun rubberized material as your basic skin, but it's molded to resemble a high-end leather wallet."

The Portfolio Skin features all-around protection when the case is closed, protecting the screen, clickwheel and body of the iPod with soft, shock absorbing Kraton material. The bottom port, headphone jack and hold switch are always accessible. The Portfolio is available in two color combinations- Pink (includes white, black, green and dark pink straps) and Clear (includes blue, black, green and orange straps).

The Portfolio is designed to fit all 4G (clickwheel) and Photo iPods, including 20, 30, 40 and 60 gig, and retails for $34.95. To purchase a Portfolio Skin online, visit www.speckproducts.com. Portfolio Skin will soon be available on retail shelves worldwide. For a complete list of Speck Products' resellers, visit http://www.speckproducts.com/wheretobuy.html.

ORDER NOW: 

Portfolio - $34.95
For reseller inquires contact your sales rep- call or email 650-463-8910 / mailto:sales@speckproducts.com

ABOUT SPECK PRODUCTS

Speck Products is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Speck Products designs, manufacturers, and sells technology accessories for iPods, SmartPhones and MP3 Players. Speck's iPod accessories are available at major retailers including Apple, CircuitCity, CompUSA, Frys, GoodGuys, Microcenter and more.

Copyright Speck Products 2005. All products are designed, engineered, and manufactured by Speck Products.

Speck Products - Makers of Smart Computer Accessories - Copyright 2002 Speck Products. Palo Alto, CA 650-463-8914. Send email inquires to mailto:info@speckproducts.com


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Upgrade to MacLinkPlus Deluxe 15
New Translators
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WordPerfect 12 for Windows
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Now convert additonal graphic formats such as Photoshop. Improved translation for gif, jpeg, bmp & more.
Convert PDF Files
Easily extract text from PDF files. No more re-typing.
Carry Your Docs On Your iPod
Convert your wordprocessing and even pdf files to text and send them to your iPod. (works with iPod mini and iPod's with a Dock Connector).
New Decompression for Stuffit X
Support for the latest version of StuffIt, making opening e-mail attachments a breeze.

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Currently the best selling 3rd party product in the DataViz Store!

Offers can expire at any time.
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(c)DataViz, Inc. All rights reserved. All product names, logos and icons are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

DataViz, Inc.
Merritt Corporate Woods, 612 Wheelers Farms Road, Milford, CT 06460 USA
Phone: 203.874.0085 Web: www.dataviz.com
Speck Products Introduces HandSkin

Rubberized Case for Active Lifestyles


   


June 6th, 2005 - Palo Alto, CA - Speck Products announces HandSkin, an iPod case for the active or athletic iPod user. Featuring an adjustable, removable hand strap and ribbed 'grippy' shape- the HandSkin is easy to hold on to and offers sporty protection for clickwheel and Photo iPods (20, 30, 40 and 60 gig).

"Holding your iPod in your hand might feel easier and more natural than strapping on an armband or a waistpack," said Tim Hickman, General Manager of Speck Products. "The HandSkin offers a comfortable and secure alternative to the sport cases already in stores."

HandSkin features screen and scroll wheel protection, removable hand strap, and a durable rubberized design.
It is available in two color combinations - Black/Grey and Blue/Grey - both featuring a contoured, ribbed shape. The adjustable strap fits a wide range of hands comfortably
and securely.

The HandSkin is designed to fit all 4G and Photo iPods, including 20, 30, 40 and 60 gig, and retails for $34.95. To purchase a HandSkin online, visit http://www.speckproducts.com. HandSkin will soon be available on retail shelves worldwide.
Speck Products Introduces iGuy, The First Toy for Your iPod

Both a Toy and Protective Case, iGuy Celebrates the Fun of the iPod


   



May 26th, 2005 - Palo Alto, CA - Speck Products, which offers the largest collection of iPod cases on the market, today announced its latest iPod accessory, iGuy. The first bendable, posable iPod 'friend', iGuy is also fully functional, featuring rubberized protection, docking capability and scratch-resistant screen for the iPod and iPod Photo.

"Our new iGuy can be your iPod's best friend," said Tim Hickman, general manager of Speck Products. "iPod owners are incredibly passionate about their iPod and the iGuy enables them to not only customize their iPod, but actually give it a personality. This is the perfect gift for the iPod fanatic in your life."

iGuy's white, rubberized case features arms that bend to pose, and legs that fold and stretch outright to sit on the dock and recharge. The case includes a tough, removable screen protector, and enables full access to the control, headphone plug and hold switch.

The iGuy is designed to fit all 4G and Photo iPods, including 20, 30, 40 and 60 gig, and retails for $34.95. To purchase an iGuy online, visit http://www.speckproducts.com. iGuy will soon be available on retail shelves worldwide as well. Mini iGuy will be available in June, and will retail for $34.95.

Also Download Dancing iGuy! (45mbs)
Boinx Software Apps fit for Tiger

Dear Mr. London,

Finally, it's there. We hope you already had a chance to take a look at Mac OS X "Tiger". If you already installed it, Boinx Software applications are ready for you. You might also want to give the latest FotoMagico 1.2.4beta version a try and let us know what you think.

For more information, read on.

Your Boinx Software Team.


P.S. We are expanding our team and are looking for a software engineer responsible for testing, debugging, performance optimisation and customer support. Read the details....

iStopMotion 1.8.1
The latest release of the award winning stop motion animation and time lapse capture application Boinx iStopMotion 1.8.1 fixes a few minor issues with Mac OS X Tiger and improves stability for all users. In addition, new default preview movie settings deliver much better quality playback when previewing your work. iStopMotion 1.8.1 is a free update to current license holders and is available immediately for download from http://boinx.com/download.

FotoMagico 1.2.3
The recently released update for the award winning slideshow application Boinx FotoMagico Version 1.2.3 is already ready for Tiger. Users can simply keep their current version installed when updating Mac OS X.

FotoMagico 1.2.4beta is ready for you to give a try. On certain machines, the animations have become much smoother. Visit the FotoMagico beta website for details.

iVeZeen 2.0
Still running strong and compatible with Tiger is the little gem Boinx iVeZeen, an elegant video recording application that turns your webcam into a digital camcorder. iVeZeen is for users who require more control over the recording device or want to trigger recording with AppleScript or Motion Detection.

MiracleSight 1.0
The free fun screensaver gets a new life with Mac OS X Tiger as Apple fixed a problem that was introduced with Mac OS X 10.3.5 and prevented MiracleSight from working since then. MiracleSight can be downloaded for free at http://boinx.com/miraclesight/

Mouseposé 1.2
Updated just this week to Version 1.2, the free tool that helps locate the mouse pointer on large screens or focuses the attention of a presentation's audience now works on Tiger and features a freely assignable Hot Key and a Menu Bar Icon for controlling the app so that the Dock Icon can now be switched off. The free tool which requires a registered license key for operation, is available from http://boinx.com/mousepose
Save more with AppleCare Direct - only at The Mac Support Store


Most people buy AppleCare that ships in a box. What's in the box? A registration postcard and a diagnostic CD.

But did you know you can buy the same coverage for less money when you buy AppleCare Direct from The Mac Support Store?

It's very simple -

Enter your name, address, and serial number
We'll confirm if your Mac is eligible for AppleCare
Buy AppleCare Direct
You're covered on order completion!
 

AppleCare Protection Plan extends your computer’s 90 days of complimentary support and one-year warranty to up to three years of world-class support — and provides you with long-term peace of mind.

AppleCare in a box
    Mac mini    $149
    iMac/eMac    $169
    iBook    $249
    Power Mac    $249
    PowerBook    $349
PLUS SHIPPING COSTS
DELAYED COVERAGE
CONFIRMATION BY MAIL

AppleCare Direct
    Mac mini    $138.17
    iMac/eMac    $157.11
    iBook    $219.32
    Power Mac    $219.04
    PowerBook    $321.11
NO SHIPPING COSTS
INSTANT COVERAGE
CONFIRMATION BY EMAIL AND MAIL

So what happens after you buy AppleCare Direct? We'll email you a store receipt and a seperate email with an enclosed PDF of your official confirmation with Apple Computer.

In 6-10 weeks, you'll also receive a mailed notice from Apple confirming the previous AppleCare enrollment date.

FAQ

Q: Ok - Direct is a better deal. But why buy AppleCare ?

A: The cost of one out-of-warranty repair may exceed what you would have paid for the plan. As Apple Service Providers, even we have our Macs covered under AppleCare! Never having to pay $750 to replace a logic board is true peace of mind.

Q: Don't I need the diagnostic CD that ships in the box?

A: Not really. The diagnostic CD has limited uses. You may fix a basic software problem, but if it's a hardware problem the CD won't help. Save time, use the coverage you've already paid for, and have it professionally repaired.

Q: My Mac is out of warranty. Can I still buy AppleCare?

A: No. AppleCare can only be purchased for Macs that are still within their original one-year warranty from Apple.

Q: How can I tell if my Mac is in or out of warranty?

A: We'll verify warranty status for you! Just click below.

CONTINUE