MacNotables &#187; Productivity

Emoji Icons – Smiley, Emoticon Keyboard ~ iEmoticons

Ted Landau on Twitter
Apple’s Lingering iPhone 4 Problem on Ted Landau’s Slanted Viewpoint blog

iPhone 4 case roundup: Part one by David Chartier on Macworld

iPhone 4 Bumper Bumps USB-Dock Cables on Ted Landau’s Slanted Viewpoint blog

Bugs & Fixes: Apple TV troubleshooting tool needs improvement by Ted Landau on Macworld

Full Circle: The Return of the Mainframe? by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Ten Things to Know About the iPhone 4 Camera by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #1025: Bob LeVitus on iOS 4, Incredible iPad and iPhone Apps and More

Chuck — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus has been holed up in his office authoring not one but two new books. Bob first discusses the upcoming, iPhone for Dummies, 4th edition, which covers the iPhone and iOS 4. Bob talks about what the book will offer both new and veteran iPhone users, and highlights two of his favorite features: fast user switching and folders. The second book will be Incredible iPad Apps for Dummies, a follow up to his very successful Incredible iPhone Apps For Dummies. Bob celebrates by sharing some of his current iPad and iPhone app favorites, comments on Apple’s iAds, developer support and more.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links

Pandora Radio

iStat

Bob’s Home Screen

IMDb for iPhone

iMDb for iPad

USA Today for iPad

Incredible iPhone Apps For Dummies

RedLaser

iTeleport for iPad

iTeleport: Jaadu VNC for iPhone / iPad

Pocket Legends – iPhone

Pocket Legends – iPad

Angry Birds

Angry Birds HD

Friendsheep HD: The Insanely Popular Party Game

Friendsheep: The Insanely Popular Party Game

Air Video – Watch your videos anywhere!

Air Video Free – Watch your videos anywhere!

MacNotables #1024: Dan Frakes on Apple’s iDevice Software Updates, iPhone 4, Microsoft’s Execution of Kin, Kindle Price Drops and More

Chuck — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Dan Frakes of Macworld makes his return to MacNotables to talk about a wide variety of topics. Dan discusses the speed of Apple’s updating of their own software and apps for the iDevices, brings us up to date with some balanced perspective on the iPhone 4 reception issues and offers some work-arounds while Apple addresses the issue. Dan also comments on the death of the Microsoft Kin after only six weeks, the Amazon Kindle price drop and the effect on the ebook market, and why the iPad as a “tweener” device is a good thing. Some hot iPad and iPhone app picks wrap up the show.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

The Real Story on iPhone 4’s Antenna on AnandTech

iPhone 4 Bumpers

Jawbone Icon Bluetooth Earpiece

Kindle Wireless Reading Device

Reeder for iPad

NetNewsWire by NewsGator

Instapaper for iPhone/iPod touch

Instapaper for iPad

MacVoices #1070: Developer Marco Arment Discusses The Instapaper Family of Solutions for Mac, iPhone and iPad

MacNotables #1023: Living the iPhone 4 Life with Ted Landau

Chuck — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:15:00 +0000

Like more than 1.7 million people, Ted Landau got an iPhone 4 last week. Unlike the rest of us, however, Ted has been busy testing, evaluating and digging through the new phone as well as iOS 4. Ted addresses the three problems that have been making the news, why none of them should affect your buying decision, and what some of the solutions are or will be. Ted also talks about the feature set of iOS 4, including the different aspects and adequacy of multitasking. Ted also looks ahead to what he thinks will be Apple’s next product update, and discusses the future of the iPod.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View: iOS 4: Looking a Gift Horse in the Mouth? on The Mac Observer

News: Apple Releases iOS 4 for iPhone, iPod touch by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #1022: Ted Landau Reviews the Frantic Pace of Apple, Getting an iPhone 4, What the Mac mini Means, and More

Chuck — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Ted Landau is getting an iPhone 4.0, and talks about why the decision was easy for him, his acquisition strategy, and the implications of the online pre-order meltdown. That’s just the beginning. Ted addresses the rapid-fire rate of Apple product and update announcements, the “Mac is dead” discussions and why they are wrong, and why the iPad will replace some, but not all currently Mac-oriented tasks. The new Mac mini, the future of Apple TV, and whether it might include an Apple TV (you know, the kind with a screen), and Steve Jobs’ performance at D8 are all included in the discussion.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

TiVo HD Digital Video Recorder

Subscribe to MacNotables in iTunes Ted Landau’s User Friendly View: The Mac Lives! by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View: Get DiskAid 4 for iOS File Sharing by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Apple TV with 160GB Hard Drive

The Mac mini

Steve Jobs at D8: The Full, Uncut Interview

MacNotables #1020: Dennis Sellers on the Intersection of a Post-PC World and Apple’s WWDC Announcements

Chuck — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Dennis Sellers provides his thoughts on the announcements at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), with an eye toward what a post-PC world might look like. Dennis and host Chuck Joiner hit the high points of Steve Jobs’ keynote, including the new iPhone design, the clear shots at Google, and how the biggest surprise announcement was software-based. The iPhone 4 and the newly renamed iOS 4.0 addressed many of the criticisms that have been leveled at the iPhone in recent months; Dennis and Chuck look at those, and more.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Dennis Sellers on Twitter

Macsimum News

MacNews

Steve Jobs at D8: The Full, Uncut Interview

Notes from Steve Jobs’ WWDC keynote (updated every few seconds) by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

Say hi to the iPhone 4 by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

Steve Jobs’ WWDC Keynote (video)

iPhone 4 Video

FaceTime Video

MacNotables #1019: Ted Landau on the Stability of the Mac OS, WWDC Predictions, New Security Concerns, and Gaming on the iPad

Chuck — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Ted Landau looks forward to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) with an evaluation of the very stable state of the Macintosh operating system, and why it is so hard to envision what enhancements may come our way in the future. What can we expect to see next week? Ted offers some thoughts in light of the delinquency and sometimes outright lack of announcements about WWDC. Ted also discusses two new security concerns you should be aware of, including the new possibility of “tabnapping” in your favorite browser, and his latest adventures in the world of iPad gaming.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacVoices #1074: Niclas Bahn of Gravity Applications Discusses Getting Organized with Tags

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View: The Stable State of Mac OS X by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Path Finder by Cocoatech

ScreenCastsOnline SCO0250 – Mac Montage 15 – includes demo of TotalFinder

Total Finder by BinaryAge

Intego Reports Spyware Found in Some Free Mac Apps by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Protect your browser from “tabnabbing” by TJ Luoma on The Unofficial Apple Web Log

1Password by Agile Web Solutions

Peggle in the iTunes App Store

Angry Birds in the iTunes Store

Labyrinth Deluxe in the iTunes Store

Prince of Persia Retro for the iPad in the iTunes Store

Real Racking HD in the iTunes Store

Fieldrunners in the iTunes Store

Doodle Jump in the iTunes Store

MacNotables #1015: Jim Dalrymple Reviews One Million iPads, WWDC, His Review Philosophy and Anti-Trust Action Against Apple

Chuck — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:10:00 +0000

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop provides his analysis on the impact of 1 million iPads sold and its impact on his way of doing things personal and professional. Jim also examines the issues (or are they?) around Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), how he fearlessly approaches product reviews, and all the questions surrounding the Flash/no-Flash debate from both the user and the anti-trust perspectives.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Chorus review app????

Memo Connect

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Twitterrific for iPad in the iTunes Store

Need for Speed Shift for iPad in the iTunes Store

Real Racing for iPad in the iTunes Store

Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies for iPad in the iTunes Store

WSJ – Wall Street Journal for the iPad in the iTunes Store

New York Times Editors Choice for the iPad in the iTunes Store

MacNotables #1014: Ted Landau On Airport Networks, WWDC, Flash, Palm, the iPad 3G, Jailbreaking and More

Chuck — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Mac expert Ted Landau and host Chuck Joiner catch up on a wide variety of tech stories and happenings in a broad discussion of the Apple universe. From Ted’s sophisticated Airport network arrangement and an analysis of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to the battle between Apple and Adobe over Flash and the fall of Palm, the two cover a lot of ground in this edition. Apple’s dominance in so many personal technology categories, the iPad 3G, the latest in jailbreaking and more are all examined.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Spirit jailbreak application

Apple Announces WWDC Dates: June 7 – 11 by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

News: Apple Facing Possible Government Probe Over iPhone Developer Restrictions by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

News: HP Buying Palm for $1.2 Billion by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog: It’s Time to Get an HD Radio by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

News: iPad Jailbreak Hits the Web by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Review: iPad Wi-Fi + 3G by Dan Moren on Macworld

MacNotables #1013: Jim Dalrymple on the iPad as a Musician’s Tool, The Wall Street Journal Pricing Model, the Microsoft Kin and More

Chuck — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop is back to update us on the status of his album project before discuss a wide variety of Mac news stories. Jim provides his thoughts on Avid’s discontinuance of the Digidesign brand, the iPad as a musician’s device, and Apple’s requirement of native coding for the iPad. Jim also talks about one of the worst iPad apps, along with some of his favorites, the Wall Street Journal iPad app pricing model, Apple’s iPad feature set choices, the Microsoft Kin, and what appears the be the end of Palm.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Dalrymple’s Beard on Twitter

MacVoicesTV #906: Macworld Expo: Adam Engst and Jim Dalrymple Unleash on Keynote Announcements in the PodLoft

Gruber on why Apple changed the iPhone Developer Program License Agreement by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

Ultimate in the iTunes Store

Real Racing for iPad in the iTunes Store

Pages for the iPad in the iTunes Store

Keynote for the iPad in the iTunes Store

Numbers for the iPad in the iTunes Store

WSJ – Wall Street Journal for the iPad in the iTunes Store

MacNotables #1012: Ted Landau Discusses His iPad Experiences (So Far)

Chuck — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Mac and iPhone expert Ted Landau is well on his way to becoming an iPad expert, delivering a series of articles on his blog on The Mac Observer. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ted discusses why Apple will release iPhone 4.0 so soon after the iPad launch, his thoughts on pre-iPad-launch curmudgeonliness, the iPad “want vs. need” scenario, the iPad vs. netbook debate, iPad app prices, jailbreaking the iPad, and more. Ted also names some favorite iPad apps (of course) and wraps up by helping the hold-outs decide whether they should buy an iPad.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

The Deep Pinball on the iTunes Store

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog: Which Keyboard for the iPad? on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View: File Sharing with an iPad: Ugh! on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View: The Present and Future of the iPad on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog: How to Know If You Should Buy an iPad on The Mac Observer

Pandora Radio for iPad on the iTunes Store

ABC Player in the iTunes Store

Magic Piano for the iPad in the iTunes Store

Fieldrunners for the iPad in the iTunes Store

WeatherBug Elite for iPad in the iTunes Store

NetFlix for iPad in the iTunes Store

New York Times Editors Choice for the iPad in the iTunes Store

USA Today for iPad in the iTunes Store

Pages for the iPad in the iTunes Store

Keynote for the iPad in the iTunes Store

Numbers for the iPad in the iTunes Store

Reuters News Pro for the iPad in the iTunes Store

Pandora Radio for iPad on the iTunes Store

Clear Cal for iPad from RadTech

MacNotables #1011: Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus Delivers A Hands-On First Look at the iPad

Chuck — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus is one of the privileged very few who received an iPad for early review, and provides his thoughts on the hottest Apple product to appear in a long time. Bob discusses what made the biggest impression on him out of the box, what he’s already discovered about casual usability, and his positive experiences with the iPad’s on-screen keyboard. What came with his iPad, and what didn’t, his app experiences, games, books…even the quality of Apple’s iPad case are all covered in the first look at a production iPad.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Bob LeVitus Consulting

Dr. Mac: Apple’s iPad is better than expected by Bob LeVitus on The Houston Chronicle

Incredible iPhone Apps For Dummies by Bob LeVitus

iTeleport (formerly Jaadu)

MacNotables #1010: Ted Landau on Apple Device Tethering, Google Voice vs. Visual Voicemail, and Augmented Reality Apps

Chuck — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Like most of us, Mac expert Ted Landau is looking forward to ordering an iPad, but in the meantime, has been looking at the questions of what configuration to order, especially when it comes to connectivity. Ted discusses the issues surrounding tethering of your Apple devices (and AT&T data plans), why the options are what they are, and what may make sense for you. Ted also discusses his experiences in comparing Google Voice with the iPhone’s Visual Voicemail, and why the latter works better for him, the uses, now and in the future of augmented reality apps, and some of the effects of a maturing iPhone platform.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen, The Mac Media Group

Daemon by Daniel Suarez

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View: iPhone Internet Tethering and the iPad by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #1008: Ted Landau’s Evaluation of The iPad

Chuck — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:30:00 +0000

Mac expert Ted Landau has been sorting through all the information on the iPad launch, and evaluates what he’s learned. Ted discusses the very smart things Apple included in the feature and software set, examines what wasn’t included and some things we can expect to see in the near future. The iPad is not a tablet Mac; Ted discusses why this is a good thing, why you really don’t want videoconferencing on an iPad, even if you think you do, and examines the ebook aspects of the device. Which iPad to buy? Find out what he recommends (it may surprise you) and why, if it will replace or supplement your current Apple devices, and learn how you might be able to (eventually) own a Ted Landau-autographed iPad. Ted also reveals why he’s looking forward to next week’s Macworld 2010.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen, The Mac Media Group

MacNotables #1006: Adam and Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko Review the Amazon/Macmillan Skirmish and Discuss the iPad (Part 1)

The iPad’s Brave New World by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

iPad Asks: Can I Squeeze In Here? by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

The iPad: An Inside-the-Park Home Run by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #1007: Adam and Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko Examine the iPad In Depth (Part 2)

MacNotables #1007: Adam and Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko Examine the iPad In Depth

Chuck — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:29:41 +0000

In the second of a two-part discussion with Adam Engst, Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko, the panel cover how the Kindle has helped the publishing industry, and why the iPad may represent an opportunity to fix the mistakes of the past. The compelling price points of the iPad, to 3G or not to 3G, how the AT&T connectivity plan stacks up against the MiFi, and who the iPad is appropriate for are all put under the microscope. The panel also discusses their Macworld 2010 sessions and activities. Find out who will be wearing the purple sneakers in San Francisco.

Adam
Engst

Tonya
Engst

Andy
Ihnatko

Chuck
Joiner

MacNotables #1006: Adam and Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko Review the Amazon/Macmillan Skirmish and Discuss the iPad (Part 1)

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen – The Mac Media Group

Andy Ihnatko’s column at The Chicago Sun-Times

Take Control books

DropBox

He Wants To Kill Your Newspaper: An Interview With Webcomics Magnate Scott Kurtz – Andy Ihnatko’s session at Macworld 2010

The Year with No Media – Andy Ihnatko’s session at Macworld 2010

Email Client Showdown – Adam Engst’s session at Macworld 2010

Photo Tour of Apple’s iPad Introduction by Jeff Carlson and Glenn Fleishman on TidBITS

Netter’s Dinner at Macworld 2010

MacNotables #1006: Adam and Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko Review the Amazon/Macmillan Skirmish and Discuss the iPad

Chuck — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:00:00 +0000

In the first of a two-part conversation with Adam Engst, Tonya Engst and Andy Ihnatko, the panel examines the short-lived battle between Macmillan Publishing and Amazon. Who won, who lost and the obvious, “what were they thinking???” are all discussed. Find out why the battle was fought and what it may mean for the future of the ebook market. The panel then turns their attention to Apple’s impending iPad and how it figures into the ebook market, what it is likely to do right, and some of the questions that still remain.

Adam
Engst

Tonya
Engst

Andy
Ihnatko

Chuck
Joiner

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen – The Mac Media Group

Andy Ihnatko’s column at The Chicago Sun-Times

Take Control books

Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone

Amazon and Macmillan fence over e-book pricing by Dan Moren on Macworld

News: Macmillan Pushes Amazon into Higher Ebook Prices by Jeff Gamet on Macworld

MacVoices Group Update – January 12, 2010

Chuck — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:40:35 +0000

In this MacVoices Group update:

New web site design

The new MacVoices iPhone App

MacVoices t-shirts and sweatshirts

MacVoices Group on the Macworld 2010 community

MacNotables #954: Ted Landau Talks about Plane WiFi, TiVo Control from the iPhone, and the Big Picture on Connectivity and Media

Chuck — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Mac expert Ted Landau has been doing some holiday traveling, and shares his experiences with WiFi on a plane and what you need to do to take full advantage and programming his TiVo from his iPhone so his wife didn’t miss Oprah’s holiday special (or so he says). Then, taking in the bigger picture, Ted discusses his belief that we are in a transition period for widely available, affordable internet access, the trends, options and opportunities swirling around television content and how it can be obtained, and more.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen, The Mac Media Group

EyeTV iPhone app in the iTunes Store

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog: End of the Year Blog Bits: Wi-Fi on a Plane to TV on an iPhone by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Virgin Mobile offers Mobile Broadband for Mac users by Peter Cohen on The Loop

A not-so-brief chat with Randall Stephenson of AT&T on the Fake Steve Jobs blog

i.TV in the iTunes Store

TiVo Web App

News: CBS, Disney Consider Apple-based Internet TV Subscriptions by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #952: Adam Engst and Andy Ihnatko Discuss iPhone GPS Apps, the CrunchPad and Twitter vs. Facebook

Chuck — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Adam Engst, Andy Ihnatko and Chuck Joiner start with a discussion on the changes on Twitter and the evils of Facebook, then turn to the death of the CrunchPad. What would it have brought to the world of tablet computing? Was it a good idea, or just a crazy one? The panel contemplates the possibilities and more, including the future of open source hardware, then debate their experiences with iPhone GPS apps. What’s the best option out there? Which should you avoid? We answer both questions, and tell you why.

Adam Engst	Andy Ihnatko	Chuck Joiner

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen – The Mac Media Group

Andy Ihnatko’s column at The Chicago Sun-Times

Andy Ihnatko’s Celestial Waste of Bandwidth
iPhone Fully Loaded (Iphone Fully Loaded: If You’ve Got It, You Can Iphone It) by Andy Ihnatko

Twitter Stops Asking What You’re Doing by Adam Engst on TidBITS

TweetDeck

The End Of The CrunchPad by Michael Arrington on TechCrunch

8 Innovative Dual-Display Devices by Adam Engst on TidBITS

Not all iPhone turn-by-turn navigation apps are created equal by Andy Ihnatko on The Chicago Sun-Times

AT&T Navigator in the iTunes App Store

Navigon MobileNavigator by Navigon AG in the iTunes Store

MotionX GS Drive in the iTunes Store

CoPilot Live North America by ALK Technologies, Ltd. in the iTunes Store

CoPilot Live UK & Ireland by SLK Technologies, Ltd. in the iTunes Store

CoPilot Live Europe

Ndrive United States of America by NDrive Navication Systems S.A in the iTunes Store

NDrive Mexico by NDrive Navication Systems S.A in the iTunes Store

Ndrive Germany + Austria by NDrive Navication Systems S.A in the iTunes Store

MacNotables #951: Ted Landau on the Future of the Mac Pro, Holiday Product Picks and More

Chuck — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:00:03 +0000

A recent article by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer lit a fire of discussion on Twitter and elsewhere about the future of the Mac Pro…and whether it has a future. Ted discusses the article, his reasoning, and why some of the reader responses caused him to re-consider his position. Equally important is the issue of how the reaction was communicated, both in the TMO forums as well as on Twitter, how the denizens of each conduct themselves, and why Twitter isn’t well suited to debate such things with a 140-character limit. Ted also discusses the latest iPhone worm and why you don’t have to worry, the Target Display Mode in the latest iMac that would have kept him from buying a Mac Pro,and also offers some of the products he would be looking at as you venture out (or in) on the biggest holiday shopping weekend of the year.

Links:

MacLevelTen, The Mac Media Group

Apple iMac/A 27-Inch Desktop

Mac Pro: R.I.P. by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Mac Pro: R.I.P.?: Readers Respond by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #950: Dan Frakes On Getting The Most Out of the Mac mini, and Why Apple Is Sometimes Right

MacVoices #9118: Paul Kafasis Talks About Why Rogue Amoeba Is Discontinuing Their iPhone App Development

Canon PIXMA MP990 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-In-One Printer

Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (Simultaneous Dual-Band)

Apple Magic Mouse

LG BD 390 Network Blu-ray Disc Player

Breville The Smart Oven 1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven with Element IQ

MacJury #917: The MacJury Deliberates Holiday Gift Picks (Session 1)

MacJury #918: The MacJury Deliberates Holiday Gift Picks (Session 2)

The Deal Brothers

dealmac

MacNotables #950: Dan Frakes On Getting The Most Out of the Mac mini, and Why Apple Is Sometimes Right

Chuck — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Macworld Senior Editor Dan Frakes recently upgraded his Mac mini in six minutes…or did he? Dan takes us behind the scenes of his upgrade project to talk about why accomplishing the task isn’t as bad as it looks, but why you might want to buy the Mac mini with the RAM already installed. Dan also discusses a superior option to a Mac mini hard drive upgrade, how the mini has evolved into a very viable option for most Mac users, and why there may no longer be a need for the “mythical Mac mini-tower.” Dan and host Chuck Joiner also offer some thoughts on Apple’s vision, and why they are sometimes right.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen, The Mac Media Group

Dan Frakes on Twitter

Upgrade the Mac mini in six minutes by Dan Frakes on Macworld

MacNotables #947: Ted Landau Delivers More on iPhone Jailbreaking and Apple Hardware for the Holidays

Chuck — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

iPhone expert Ted Landau tackles, yet again, the subject of jailbreaking your iPhone. Why again? Because the situation keeps changing. Ted explains why you may or may not be able to jailbreak your iPhone 3GS, especially if you just bought it, two apps that Ted especially likes that require jailbreaking, and just how much risk is involved in the process…at the moment. Ted talks about Apple’s holiday line-up of hardware, iMac screen sizes, and why he still wants a mini-tower.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen , The Mac Media Group

(Listen to Part 1 of Adam and Tonya’s interview)

Jailbreaking iPhones: Going, Going, Gone? by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog – iPhone Jailbreaking: The Landscape Shifts Again by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View – An iPhone Killer App May Be Left to Die by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

ScreenSplitr

DemoGod

Cydia

MacNotables #946: Adam and Tonya Engst Celebrate TidBITS #1000 with a Look Back and Behind-the-Scenes (Part 2)

Chuck — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:15:00 +0000

In Part 2 of our interview with Adam and Tonya Engst, we continue our look at the 1,000th issue of TidBITS. Adam and Tonya discuss the benefits of their new web site architecture for both their readers and their contributors, and how it fits into their expansion of all manner of distribution methods, including their very own version of podcasting. Why email is still cool, their interaction with their readers, their style of defensive writing, and why they’re still tweaking their writing style even after 1000 issues, and the challenges of grammar and idioms in a global environment are all part of the conversation.

Tonya Engst	Adam Engst

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Take Control Books on Twitter

TidBITS on Twitter

(Listen to Part 2 of Adam and Tonya’s interview)

MacNotables #945: Adam and Tonya Engst Celebrate TidBITS #1000 with a Look Back and Behind-the-Scenes (Part 1)

Chuck — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Adam and Tonya Engst reached an impressive milestone this week: 1,000 issues of their online publication, TidBITS. To help celebrate, the premier Mac power couple provided an unprecedented look at the history of TidBITS, as well as a look behind the scenes at the longest running web tech publication. Adam and Tonya reveal the origins of TidBITS, how it got started in a pre-internet world, and why it was first published as a HyperCard stack. The style of writing in TidBITS has always been distinctive. Find out why and how it started, learn about how it survived the challenges of online publishing in the early days through the kindness of friends and fans, and how their formula of benefiting readers and sponsors alike came from. There is also another anniversary Adam and Tonya are celebrating, and they talk about the success of the Take Control Books and how it has helped fuel the enhancement of TidBITS. All this and more in Part One of a two-part discussion.

Tonya Engst	Adam Engst

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Take Control Books on Twitter

TidBITS on Twitter

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

1,000 Issues of TidBITS: It’s All about Our Readers by Adam Engst on TidBITS

MacNotables #944: Jim Dalrymple on Apple’s Financial Results, New iMacs, New mini, New MacBook and More

Chuck — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Apple made big news this week, first with a record-setting quarterly result, and then with the release of new Mac hardware. Jim Dalrymple helps us make sense of it all, starting with the best Mac sales quarter ever, and how that reflects on the strategies Apple has been pursuing. Jim names his favorite new product out of the mix (not what you might think), reviews the changes to the iMac, Mac mini and MacBook, and discusses his recent conversation with Apple’s Phil Schiller about Apple’s product philosophy. Jim also talks about the rapid development of his web site, The Loop, including some of his new team members and how current technology is making it possible.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacVoices #703 – The Road to Macworld: Jay Menna Discusses macminicolo.net’s Unique Approach to Web Hosting

Apple posts $1.67 billion fourth quarter profit by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

Apple earnings conference call — live update by Peter Cohen on The Loop

Apple’s new “Magic Mouse” features multi-touch technology by Peter Cohen on The Loop

Schiller: Apple designs Macs for the future by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

New iMacs sport 21.5, 27-inch displays, quad-core option by Peter Cohen on The Loop

Snow Leopard Server-equipped Mac mini debuts by Peter Cohen on The Loop

New MacBook features LED display, 7-hour battery by Peter Cohen on The Loop

macminicolo

MacNotables #943: Ted Landau on The Dangers of the Guest Account Bug, The Return of Typestyler, and iPhone Jailbreaking

Chuck — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Mac expert Ted Landau has been watching the Guest Account Bug situation with great interest, and shares his insight into what’s going on and how you can keep from being bitten. Ted also discusses the return of TypeStyler, the venerable Mac graphics program that has been out of action for years, and the challenges it faces in today’s software market. Also known as the MacNotables resident iPhone expert, Ted provides us with an update on the jailbreaking community and why it just may not matter any more.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

MacLevelTen

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View: The Return of TypeStyler by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

MacFixIt

Snow Leopard Guest Account Wiping Some Home Directories by Bryan Chaffin on The Mac Observer

Microsoft’s Cloud Computing Fail Loses Sidekick Data by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Jailbreaking iPhones: Going, Going, Gone? by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

blackra1n Jailbreaks 3.1.2 Upgraded iPhone, iPod touch by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #942: Dennis Sellers Reviews SuperSync and Explains Why You’re Not As Connected As You Think

Chuck — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:00:37 +0000

Dennis Sellers recently posted a message on Macsimum News asking for readers help in finding a missing staffer. Dennis updates us on some of the challenges that have been going on behind the scenes at Macsimum News, what he’s learned from the experience, and some things you should be aware of as you live your digital life. Think you’re fully connected? Dennis discusses why that may not be the case. Then, Dennis talks about how to go beyond iTunes 9’s new Home Sharing capabilities with SuperSync. Streaming is fine, but Dennis explains why there are times it makes sense to move media files from one device to another and why SuperSync is a top choice to accomplish the task.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Dennis Sellers on Twitter

MacLevelTen

I need your help in locating Dave Merten by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

The Video Sandbox podcast in The iTunes Store

Macsimum review: SuperSync a great tool for managing iTunes libraries by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

MacNotables #941: Ted Landau on iPod nano Video, Ringtones, the iPhone Closed Platform and More

Chuck — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:31:57 +0000

Ted Landau and host Chuck Joiner start out by debating the burning question, “Is a video camera a compelling addition to the iPod nano,” covering uses both serious and frivilous. Then the new ringtone options take center stage for a discussion of the inconsistencies and challenges over the way this all works in iTunes 9. If you’re a ringtone fan, you need to hear about Ted’s adventures with what works and what doesn’t. Ted tells a story about “old” iPod options, covers the video camera you already have (but might not think about), compares the iPhone vs. the Mac as open platforms, and clarifies that his last column at MacFixIt was not his obituary.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Take Control of Your iPhone

MacLevelTen

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog: Apple Adds Confusion to Ringtone Purchases by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

mac.column.ted: The Demise of Troubleshooters? by Ted Landau on MacFixIt (Ted’s last column for MacFixIt)

MacNotables #938: Bob LeVitus Says Snow Leopard is for Dummies (and The Rest of Us), and It’s Only Rock and Roll, But…

Chuck — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus starts by talking about his newest book, Mac OS X Snow Leopard For Dummies, and some of the less-recognized, but most useful, features that Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard brings to the table. Bob and host Chuck Joiner then shift to a few issues they are experiencing, including iCal publishing, DVD burning and the odd hardware driver update, before taking on the Flash upgrade that is needed to bring users up to the current version. Bob also provides his thoughts on who shouldn’t upgrade to Snow Leopard, sheds some light on the 32-bit vs. 64-bit question. Too good not to talk about, Bob also advances his theories on the meaning of the tag line for Apple’s 9/9/09 event.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Mac OS X Snow Leopard For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Bob LeVitus Consulting

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard

MacNotables #937: The MacNotables Examine Snow Leopard Issues Large and Small

Nambu

Timbuktu Remote Control Softwre

The Mac Observer’s Mac Geek Gab with Dave Hamilton and John Braun

Spell Catcher from Rainmaker Inc.

TextExpander by SmileOnMyMac

TypeIt4Me by Etore Software

Snapz Pro by Ambrosia Software

snowleopard.wisnowleopard.wikidot.comkidot.com

MacVoices #994: Matt Neuburg Takes Control of Exploring and Customizing Snow Leopard

Inside Mac OS X Snow Leopard: 64-bits by Daniel Eran Dilger on Roughly Drafted

DR. MAC: Why pounce on OS upgrade? by Bob LeVitus on The Houston Chronicle

MyAlltop – LEVITUS (with links to all of the sites Bob mentioned)

MacNotables #937: The MacNotables Examine Snow Leopard Issues Large and Small

Chuck — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:30:00 +0000

You would expect The MacNotables to deliver some unique perspectives on the release of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard…and you would be right. Adam Engst, Andy Ihnatko and Ted Landau join Chuck Joiner to discuss why Apple let Snow Leopard loose so much earlier than expected, and the implications for your decision on when to upgrade. The crew also dig into the installation and question some of the default options, explain why Apple’s list of incompatible software isn’t as long as you might expect, unveil their favorite changes, and cast an eye to the future of the Mac OS.


Adam Engst	Andy Ihnatko	Ted Landau	Chuck Joiner

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Fujitsu ScanSnap S300 Color Mobile Scanner

Take Control of Upgrading to Snow Leopard by Joe Kissell

MenuMeters by Raging Menace Software

Forget those stupid Apple tablet rumors – this OS 10.6-fueled one is true by Andy Ihnatko on the Chicago Sun-Times

Gutenprint printer drivers

WindowShade X by Unsanity

MacNotables #933: Bryan Chaffin on “Laptop Hunter,” Apple v. Psystar, the TMO Redesign and His Band’s New CD

Chuck — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:25:00 +0000

The Mac Observer’s Bryan Chaffin and MacNotables host Chuck Joiner have way too much fun talking about the new design of TMO and the release of Bryan’s band’s new CD, but then get down to business to discuss Microsoft’s actions in the “Laptop Hunter” ads controversy…the response to a call from Apple legal, the quiet editing of the ad, and commentary by “The Voice.” The conclusions reached aren’t what you might expect. Bryan also covers the Apple v. Psystar case, why it should be taken seriously in spite of the comedic aspects of the proceedings, and why it could pose a very real threat to Apple. All this and Bryan sings too!

Links:

The Apple Context Machine

Bryan Chaffin on Twitter

The MacObserver

Atomic Love Bombs on Twitter

Atomic Love Bombs web site

Atomic Love Bombs on MySpace

The Atomic Love Bombs – Let It Burn on Amazon

The Atomic Love Bombs – Let It Burn in iTunes

News: Apple, Psystar Settlement Conference Pushed to October by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Psystar Ready to Take On Apple with “Guns Blazin” by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Psystar Files Bankruptcy, Stalls Apple’s Case by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Judge Lays Out New Apple v Psystar Roadmap by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Microsoft: Apple Wants Laptop Hunter Ads Nixed by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

Microsoft Edits Ad After Call from Apple Legal by Jeff Gamet on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #932: Jim Dalrymple and His Beard on Logic 9, Apple’s Board, Google, a Mac App Store and More

Chuck — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop and his alter ego, The Beard, light up MacNotables with a first look at Apple’s Logic 9, commentary on Eric Schmidt’s departure from Apple’s Board, Google Voice app rejections and the implications for the iTunes Store and an FCC investigation, thoughts on a new Mac (no, not iPhone, Mac) app store and his heartfelt feelings on Microsoft’s most recent announcements.

Links:

Logic Express 9

Beta Monkey Music

Eleven by digidesign

Drumagog by WaveMachineLabs

NetNewsWire by NewsGator

Native Instruments

Universal Audio

Google Voice

Google’s Eric Schmidt quits Apple’s Board by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

Skype for iPhone on the iTunes App Store

App Store comes to the Mac by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

Bodega

VoiceCentral iPhone developer frustrated with Apple by Jim Dalrymple on CNET

Apple wins case against consumers claiming iPhone TV ads were misleading by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

13 alternatives to a Microsoft Guru by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

Microsoft retail: Like putting a junkyard next to a Mercedes dealer by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

NewsFire

Microsoft’s MacBU to hold special press conference next week by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

MacNotables #931: Ted Landau on Palm Pre-Breaking, iPhone Jailbreaking, Calendar Syncing and iPhone Backups

Chuck — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:15:00 +0000

iPhone expert (yes, that’s a new title) Ted Landau talks about the two sides of Apple’s Pre-breaking version of iTunes, discusses whether iTunes and the iPod constitute an Apple monopoly, and helps make sense of the iPhone/iPod/iCal calendar syncing. Then, Ted goes geek and dives into iPhone backup composition and why you may want to know about it.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Apple To Palm: It’s On. The Pre Is Locked Out Of iTunes on BusinessWeek (via Daring Fireball)

Apple’s iPhone and iPod Monopolies Must Go by David Coursey on PC World

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog: Untangle Calendar Syncing on Your iPhone on The Mac Observer

Take Control of Your iPhone by Ted Landau

MacNotables #930: Jim Dalrymple on One Year of iPhone Apps, an iPhone App Business and Hot iPhones

Chuck — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:20:00 +0000

Jim Dalrymple talks about how far the iPhone App Store has come, and how far they have to go, on its first birthday. Apple has done lots of things right, but has also backed itself into a corner on app approval. Jim explains how it happened and the questions that need to be answered for the future. An iPhone app that is the basis for a brick-and-mortar business, the reporting on overheating (or not) iPhones, and a Bento success story, and the rapid evolution of his web site are also part of a feisty conversation with the creator of The Loop.

Links:

Apple celebrates App Store’s first birthday by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

MacNotables #627: Jim Dalrymple: Rock and Roll Guitar God? (Jim discusses his Blackberry preferences at the time)

Developer turns iPhone app into a brick and mortar business by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

Apple’s heat warning, not really a warning by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

FileMaker: Bento Template Exchange takes off by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

MacNotables #928: Ted Landau Talks iPhone Not Deleted Mail and Spotlight, AT&T’s Policies, Tethering and More

Chuck — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:15:00 +0000

iPhone enthusiast Ted Landau has been busy evaluating the new iPhone 3GS as part of updating his book, Take Control of Your iPhone, and shares some thoughts on Voice Control and what has to happen before it will work with your Bluetooth headset, what he wants for his Home screen, and his experiences with the new camera and video functions. Ted also reveals why your Mail messages may not have been deleted even if you think they were, and how to find out using Spotlight, and won’t let AT&T off the hook on tethering function and costs, text message costs and data transfer options.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Public Radio Tuner – NEW! by Public Radio Exchange in the iTunes Store

Take Control of Your iPhone by Ted Landau

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog: iPhone OS 3.0 and 3GS: So Close…Now Even Closer on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog: iPhone OS 3.0: Spotlight, Voice Memos, Notes on The Mac Observer

Bugs & Fixes: iPhone 3GS signal strength oddities by Ted Landau on Macworld

Bugs & Fixes: iPhones that are too hot to handle by Ted Landau on Macworld

MacNotables #926: Bob LeVitus Delivers A-List Opinions on the iPhone 3GS

Chuck — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:15:47 +0000

Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus talks about how his adventures with the new iPhone 3GS required some expedited work on his iPhone For Dummies book. In a broad-ranging look at the new device, Bob comments on the camera and video capabilities, what is good and what is missing in Voice Control, and reveals how you can have more than 180 apps on your iPhone. Bob also discusses Apple’s hesitancy to include features that aren’t up to their standards, delivers some bluetooth headphone recommendations, and discusses the brilliance of the $99 iPhone.

Links:

MacVoices #981: Andrew Stone of Stone Design on The Power of Twittelator Pro and More

Bob LeVitus Consulting

iPhone For Dummies by Bob LeVitus

Bob’s video tweet

Twittelator Pro

Flip UltraHD Camcorder

Funny Money

ReQall on the iTunes Store

Jott by Jott Networks on the iTunes Store

Chickenfoot

Fastball

Cardo S-2 Bluetooth Stereo MP3 Headphones S2 Mobile Cell Phone Headset

iSkin Cerulean F1 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

MacNotables #925: Jim Dalrymple On His New Web Site, iPhone 3.0, AT&T’s Reversal On iPhone Pricing and the Palm Pre’s iTunes Challenges

Chuck — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Jim Dalrymple is back in action with a new web site, The Loop, and contributing to CNET. Jim discusses his objectives for the new site, how he plans to achieve them, and some of the challenges he is dealing with. Jim also provides his take on the AT&T’s change of position on iPhone 3G S pricing, covers the iPhone 3.0 software and how it delivers amazing value even for first generation iPhones, and wraps up with some thoughts on the shot across the Palm Pre’s bow that Apple delivered regarding iTunes syncing.

Links:

MacNotables #920: Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner Discuss WWDC Announcements with the Cowtown Mac User Group (Part 1)

Jim Dalrymple Fans on FaceBook
(you must be logged in to visit the page)

Apple coverage on CNET

Apple begins sending iPhone 3G S rebate emails by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

Apple note warns Pre, RIM customers about iTunes sync by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

iPhone OS 3.0: An update I’d pay to have by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

Is AT&T afraid of iPhone users, MMS and tethering? by Jim Dalrymple on The Loop

MacNotables #922: Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner Discuss WWDC Announcements with the Cowtown Mac User Group (Part 3)

Chuck — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 +0000

In a video chat with the Cowtown Mac User Group at their June meeting, Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner examine the announcements from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The discussion concludes with a WWDC keynote Keynote question, Apple’s advertising campaigns, Take Control books, Mac User Groups and a showing of Mac rarities from Adam’s desk.

Adam Engst	Chuck Joiner

MacNotables #920: Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner Discuss WWDC Announcements with the Cowtown Mac User Group (Part 2)

MacNotables #920: Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner Discuss WWDC Announcements with the Cowtown Mac User Group (Part 3)

Links:

MacNotables #920: Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner Discuss WWDC Announcements with the Cowtown Mac User Group (Part 1)

Take Control of Maintaining Your Mac by Joe Kissell

Take Control of Troubleshooting Your Mac by Joe Kissell

Take Control of the Mac Command Line with Terminal by Joe Kissell

MacNotables #921: Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner Discuss WWDC Announcements with the Cowtown Mac User Group (Part 2)

Chuck — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0000

In a video chat with the Cowtown Mac User Group at their June meeting, Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner examine the announcements from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). In Part 2, the conversation continues with a discussion of Snow Leopard’s pricing and refinements, iPhone 3.0 and iPhone 3G S capabilities, Safari 4 and more.

Adam Engst	Chuck Joiner

MacNotables #920: Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner Discuss WWDC Announcements with the Cowtown Mac User Group (Part 2)

MacNotables #920: Adam Engst and Chuck Joiner Discuss WWDC Announcements with the Cowtown Mac User Group (Part 3)

Links:

Apple Previews Snow Leopard for September Release on TidBITS

New iPhone 3GS Boosts Power, Performance, and More on TidBITS

MacNotables #919: Dennis Sellers Wraps Up the WWDC Announcements

Chuck — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:44 +0000

Dennis Sellers takes a few minutes off from updating Macsimum News with WWDC information to discuss the the announcements of the new iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3.0 software, Mac OS X 10. Snow Leopard, a newly revamped MacBook Pro line and more. The discussion includes a review of why AT&T may have been the bad guy in the announcements and why Steve Jobs’ absence may have been a good thing.

Links:

Dennis Sellers on Twitter

WWDC: Apple announces the iPhone 3G S—and a $99 iPhone by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

‘MacTech’ launches ‘Shame on You, AT&T’ poll by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

WWDC: Apple introduces Mac OS X Server Snow Leopard by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

WWDC: Apple uncages Snow Leopard, which is due in September by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

WWDC: Apple overhauls laptop line-up, introduces 13-inch MacBook Pro by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

Sonnet FireWire 400 to 800 Adapter

MacNotables #917: Tonya Engst Discusses the Kindle DX, the iPhone and the Changing Landscape of eBooks

Chuck — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:20:00 +0000

As the head honcho at Take Control books, Tonya Engst is closely watcing the changes in the eBook market, and delivers her take on how it has developed and exploded. Tonya comments on the Kindle and Kindle DX, their effect on textbook and newspaper publishing, and more. She also covers why users love the iPhone as an ebook reader, explains some challenges to ebook publishing you haven’t thought about, and how they affect you, and why size may trump function in selecting your ebook reader.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Free Kindle content from Cook’s Illustrated

Take Control books

Amazon Kindle

Kindle DX

Links for Kindle reading:
TidBITS on the Kindle

Bruce Tognazinni on the iPhone vs. the Kindle as an ebook reader

Briefcase Lite (recommended app for transferring/reading PDFs on a
Kindle)

Project Gutenberg

Apps to check out if you want to explore ebook reading on the iPhone:

Eucalyptus (nice attention to visual details, accesses titles in the Project Gutenberg library)

Kindle app (iTunes Store link)

Bookworm

Stanza

Summary of eBook formats

MacNotables #913: Dennis Sellers On Broken-Handed Computing, A Different Take on Apple Market, Share 1 Billion Downloads and More

Chuck — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:15:00 +0000

After yet another sports-related injury, Dennis Sellers celebrates his birthday by talking about how he was forced to rely on MacSpeech Dictate to keep Macsimum News up and running, and how it worked out for him. Dennis and Chuck also discuss Dennis’ new way to look at Apple market share, the implications of 1 billion app downloads and how the iTunes Store has evolved as a software distribution platform, the Apple quarterly results, and more.

Links:

Blue Microphones Snowflake USB Microphone

MacSpeech Dictate

MacNotables #819: Adam Engst on 18 Years of TidBITS, Apple’s Quarterly Results and the Blue Snowflake Microphone

The Irony of Failure: Apple, Microsoft … and Google? by Rob Enderle

Apple has changed the world—at least from a technology standpoint by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

Photogene photo editing software featured in the Apple TV commercial

Dual Level by Geometry in the iTunes Store

Tweetie by atebits in the iTunes Store

By my new way of calculating it, Apple is the number one computer vendor in the US by Dennis Sellers on Macsimum News

MacVoices #965: Paul Kafasis Introduces Rogue Amoeba’s Airfoil Speakers Touch

Macs do well in latest ‘Consumer Reports’ survey by Dennis Sellers on MacsimumNews

MacNotables #912: Jim Dalrymple Announces A Change of Status, Reviews His Album Progress and More

Chuck — Fri, 01 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A wide-ranging conversation with Jim Dalrymple covers a change in his status, his album project and how it has evolved, and what’s coming next from Apple. Jim provides his thoughts on the latest wave of Apple commercials, the netbook market and where the MacBook Air fits into the mix, and more.

Links:

Norton Internet Security Dual Protection 4.0 by Symantec

Jim Dalrymple Fans on FaceBook
(you must be logged in to visit the page)

jdalrymple at gmail.com (correct the format before using)

Too many Mics, not enough pre-amps by Jim Dalrymple on Macworld

Recording accoustic, electric guitars into your Mac by Jim Dalrymple on Macworld

Recording my first music album by Jim Dalrymple on Macworld

Songwriting with GarageBand by Jim Dalrymple on Macworld

Adding some magic to GarageBand songwriting by Jim Dalrymple on Macworld

Resolving preamp problems by Jim Dalrymple on Macworld

Apple MacBook Air

MacNotables #911: Ted Landau Discusses Online Backup Services and Analyzes Apple and Microsoft Advertising

Chuck — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Mac troubleshooting legend Ted Landau and host Chuck Joiner engage in an admittedly gratuitous discussion of the sparring going on in Apple and Microsoft advertising before moving on to their personal experiences, good and not always good, with online backup services. If you don’t have an off-site backup as part of your strategy, you need to hear about their experiences and what to look for and look out for when making your choice.

Links:

Say It Ain’t So: Microsoft Launching Its Own Version Of Twitter on CNN

Take Control of Your iPhone, Second Edition from Take Control ebooks

Apple rolls out another clever banner ad on Macworld

Backblaze to the Rescue! by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

TedLandau.com

Ted Landau’s User Friendly Blog on The Mac Observer

Mac 911 blog on Macworld

mac.column.ted: The non-Terminal users guide to not using Terminal by Ted Landau on MacFixIt

MacNotables #910: Adam Engst Discusses Apple’s Quarterly Earnings, Netbooks and Why Apple’s Products Are A “Necessity”

Chuck — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Adam Engst discusses Apple’s once-again favorable quarterly results, how they happened, and how Carl Sagan figures in the conversation. (Hint: “billions and billions”) Along the way, Adam and Chuck discuss the relevance of netbooks, the Apple Stores, and how Apple products just may have moved from being a luxury to a necessity.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac.

Links:

Apple Posts $1.21 Billion Profit for Q2-09 by Jeff Carlson on TidBITS

Why Snow Leopard Should Be (Almost) Free by Adam Engst on TidBITS

MacNotables #909: Ted Landau’s Not-So-Secret Gaming Life, Apple Coverage and the iPhone As Mac or Smartphone

Chuck — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:30:03 +0000

Known for being the MacNotables’ resident troubleshooting expert, Ted Landau also has some serious game cred. Ted talks about his world-class standing in a classic board game, and what he took away from spending the day at the iGames Summit. Games are an important part of the Apple landscape, and Ted provides insight into that world from his vantage point. Apple media coverage and how snarkiness may be added value, more on the iPhone 3.0 software announcements, whether the iPhone is more Mac or more smartphone, and Ted’s favorite 3.0 feature are all part of the conversation.

Links:

Attending The iGames Summit by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Fieldrunners in the iTunes Store

MacJury #903: Evidence is Heard and Judgement is Passed on the iPhone 3.0 Announcements (including Ted Landau)

So Close and Yet… by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #908: Adam Engst on How iPhone 3.0 Advances the Platform, His New Production Enhancements

Chuck — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:00:56 +0000

Adam Engst is back after some time off for repairs and upgrades, and fills in the blanks on his personal productivity setup, including two monitor placement, his pointer choice (it isn’t a mouse) and why Apple’s new thin keyboard doesn’t fit. Then, hitting stride, Adam discusses the new iPhone 3.0 software announcements and how they further the iPhone-as-platform position, the integration of third-party hardware with the iPhone, and how the iTunes Store and its selection of apps is the most important factor for the longevity of iPhone loyalty.

Links:

RollerMouse Pro by Contour Design

USB Overdrive

24-inch Widescreen Black Flat Panel LCD Monitor

Apple Mac Pro

MacJury #903: Evidence is Heard and Judgement is Passed on the iPhone 3.0 Announcements

High App Spending Points to iPhone Lock-in by Adam Engst on TidBITS

Weatherbug on the iTunes Store

Google Mobile App in the iTunes Store

Evernote

Evernote app in the iTunes Store

MacNotables #907: Tonya Engst Talks Group Calendaring and the Kindle eBook Experience

Chuck — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +0000

In the second of a two-part conversation, Tonya Engst of Take Control Books and TidBITS discusses her adventures with group calendaring and how she has settled (for now) on Google Calendar as the best way to manage a host of participants and deadlines. Tonya talks about the flexibility of Google Calendar, how it integrates with web sites, iCal and the iPhone, and why that is important for users of all descriptions. With the release of the new Kindle 2 and the Kindle for iPhone app, Tonya shares her perspective on the changing landscape of eBook publishing and use, and why it isn’t as simple as you might think.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac. Enjoy a 20% discount on their products by using the special MacNotables/MacVoices Listener discount link through March 31, 2009.

Links:

Stanza on the iTunes Store

Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device
Kindle for iPhone in the iTunes Store

Take Control books

MacNotables #906: Tonya Engst Updates The TidBITS’ Mac Selection Decisions and the Consequences

Chuck — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Tonya Engst of Take Control Books has been keeping us informed on the selection of Macs she and Adam have made to keep the TidBITS publishing empire humming along smoothly, and some changes have occurred have changed since her last update. In the first of a two-part conversation, Tonya discusses their adventures with new MacBooks, Mac Pros, 30-inch monitors and ergonomics. Because Adam and Tonya spend so much time at the keyboard, they pay more attention than most of us to their work environment. Find out why their choices are so different, and how you can learn from their thinking.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac. Enjoy a 20% discount on their products by using the special MacNotables/MacVoices Listener discount link through March 31, 2009.

Links:

Apple LED Cinema Display 24-Inch

Take Control books

Apple MacBook

Apple MacBook Pro

Matrox D2G-A2D-IF DualHead2Go Digital Edition

MacNotables #905: Ted Landau on Apple’s New Airport, Reading eBooks and Downgrading Your iPhone

Chuck — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:00:46 +0000

Ted Landau has been spending plenty of time with his iPhone, making it do things Apple would prefer he didn’t, reading eBooks and more. Ted talks about the new Amazon Kindle app for the iPhone and why the experience has been surprisingly positive and why you might want or need to downgrade your iPhone apps. Ted also gives us a first look at the latest iteration of Apple’s Airport Extreme, the ease of set-up and some of the issues that you may run into when trying to access some of its new features.

UPDATE: This message thread on Apple’s site addresses the WDS issue Ted discussed.

MacNotables is sponsored by SmileOnMyMac. Enjoy a 20% discount on their products by using the special MacNotables/MacVoices Listener discount link through March 31, 2009.

Links:

Spell Number in the iTunes Store

Emoji and Downgrading iPhone Apps by Ted Landau on The iPod Observer

“Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions” (Dan Ariely)

AirPort Extreme, Time Capsule: Like Two Base Stations in One by Glenn Fleishman on TidBITS

Hands on with a Dual Network AirPort Extreme Base Station by Glenn Fleishman on TidBITS

AirPort Utility 5.4.1 Update May Be Problematic by Joe Kissell on TidBITS

Answers to Questions about Updated Apple Base Stations by Glenn Fleishman on TidBITS

UPDATE: This message thread on Apple’s site addresses the WDS option

MacNotables #904: Ted Landau Takes on Twitter and the Future of Newspapers

Chuck — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:16:06 +0000

If you haven’t joined Twitter yet, then you need to hear what prompted Ted Landau to get involved. Ted and Chuck Joiner talk about why Ted decided to give Twitter a try and what he gets out of it. Ted explains the methods and benefits of participating, some of the things you need to keep in mind to get the most out of Twitter, and why it is different from other social network options. If you think you’ve heard it all before, you haven’t. Ted then turns his attention to the future of the newspaper industry, how online publications have turned things upside down, and some of the variables that will determine the outcome.

Links:

Twittering Your Life Away by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Twitterific by The Iconfactory

twhirl

TweetDeck

Newspapers and iTunes by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #902: The MacNotables Fill the Macworld PodLoft with Opinions, Observations and Show Picks

Chuck — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:00:44 +0000

Taped live in the PodLoft at Macworld Expo, the panel of Bryan Chaffin, Tonya Engst, Andy Ihnatko and Bob “Dr. Mac” LeVitus join Chuck Joiner to discuss this year’s show, what might happen at next year’s show and what it has to do with the Great London Fire, deliver some show picks, and comment on the nomination of Andy for NASA Administrator.

Bryan
Chaffin

Tonya
Engst

Andy
Ihnatko

Bob
LeVitus

Chuck
Joiner

The video version of this session is available as MacVoicesTV #917.
Links:

MacVoices at Macworld Expo 2009 Photo Set on Flickr

Bryan Chaffin on Twitter

Altec Lansing iM-237 Orbit Ultraportable Speaker

The Next NASA Administrator – vote for Andy!

Ocarina by Smule

iLife ‘09 including iMovie ‘09

BoinxTV by Boinx Software

IntelliScanner mini

Microvision projector

Windows Training

iFrogz

Brenthaven

Dr. Bott

Things by Cultured Code

Fluid Mask 3 by Vertus Tech
EverNote

MacNotables #901: Adam Engst and Jim Dalrymple Unleash on Keynote Announcements

Chuck — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0000

From the Macworld PodLoft high above the Macworld Conference & Expo show floor, Adam Engst and Jim Dalrymple join Chuck Joiner to discuss Apple’s keynote announcements. In a freewheeling, out-of-control discussion (so what’s new?), the panel argue about the value of geotagging in iPhoto, beat up on Pages, provide some thoughts on the updates to iLife and iWork, and why the battery is the big story in the MacBook Pro 17″.


Adam Engst	Jim Dalrymple	Chuck Joiner

Links:

Eye-Fi Explore Wireless 2 GB Secure Digital Card (EYE-FI-2EX)

MacNotables #841: The MacNotables iChat with the Northeast Ohio Apple Corps

Chuck — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:40:38 +0000

They had so much fun the first time, they did it again. Adam and Tonya Engst and Chuck Joiner were the guest speakers at the November meeting of the Northeast Ohio Apple Corps via iChat, and recorded the visit for MacNotables. The panel discuss Adam and Tonya’s new MacBooks, why you should not overlook the clock battery when troubleshooting anything, the effects of the influx of Windows users on the Mac community, recent updates to the Take Control eBooks and more.

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MacNotables #840: A Virtual Video Visit with the Huntsville Macintosh Users Group

Chuck — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The MacNotables team of Adam and Tonya Engst and Chuck Joiner hit the road, virtually, to visit the Huntsville Macintosh Users Group. What’s new is that this was a video session, and even better, we captured it for you to enjoy. Adam and Tonya Engst answer questions about their attempts to make the Take Control books available to the visually challenged, why to upgrade (or not) to Leopard on older Macs, some server challenges, their pair of brand new MacBooks, and more.

(Due to a technical issue, the video goes into watercolor mode later in the show, but the audio is unaffected.)

Tonya Engst	Adam Engst	Chuck Joiner

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Mac OS X Version 10.5.4 Leopard

RollerMouse by Contour Design

teleport by abyssoft

CrashPlan

Carbon Copy Cloner by Bombich Software

SuperDuper by Shirt Pocket Software

“Apple MacBook

Apple 24-inch LED Cinema Display

Screen Recycler

MercuryMover by Heliumfoot Software

MercuryMover 2.0 Puts Windows Where You Want Them by Tonya Engst on TidBITS

MacNotables #837: Ted Landau’s Traveling Tech Adventures, Apple Store Experiences and Macworld Expo Predictions

Chuck — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Ted Landau is back and describes his experiences traveling with the iPhone and MacBook Pro in Japan. Ted discusses the realities of the high price of phone calls, the higher prices of data usage (unless you play AT&T’s game), an amazing lack of WiFi access and more. Tech myths, cheap electronics, $100 cantelopes and more are all part of Ted’s tech adventures, along with some Apple Store experiences and Macworld Expo predictions.

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MacJury #825: Deliberations on the New MacBook, MacBook Pro and Cinema Display

Traveling with my iPhone (and MacBook Pro) in Japan by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

A pleasant (and surprising) visit to my local Apple Store by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

Ted Landau’s User Friendly View – Gazing into My Macworld Expo Crystal Ball by Ted Landau on The Mac Observer

MacNotables #836: Tonya Engst Discusses Take Control Changes on the Horizon and Her Plans for a New MacBook

Chuck — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Tonya Engst discusses some new changes and enhancements that are in store for Take Control ebook owners and customers. The pace of change in the Apple product and software world is increasing, and even the regularly updated Take Control books can’t always keep up. Tonya talks about how they will be delivering online supplements to Take Control titles that go beyond their current update, updating the production process to address their current and future plans to make Take Control books available on many different mobile platforms and more.

Tonya then turns her attention to Apple’s announcement of new MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops, the feature sets of each model, and why she will soon be the owner of a new MacBook.

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