Posted July 2nd, 2009
by admin
If you’re someone who likes complete customization with everything they own, then Make Ringtones on your Mac might be a program for you to check out. It allows you to create your own ringtones, and also provides 300 pre-packaged ringtone you can choose from.
System Requirements:
- Mac computer with an Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor
- iTunes
- GarageBand v 4.0 or later, that’s iLife ‘08 version or later, Some content requires v 5.0 the iLife ‘09 version so that is preferable
- iPhone
- 1 gig of spare disk space
Features:
- Professionally created loops so you can create your own ringtones.
- Hundreds of interactive songs you can use as ringtones. Edit, extend, overdub, and other options to create your own custom ringtones.
- Easy-to-follow user guide.
What I Like: The options for creating, or just utilizing the 300 pre-established ringtones provides a good amount of options. A nice variety of edits make for a fun, and deep experience.
What I didn’t like: While there’s a good amount of options, there isn’t really anything overly advance for those who really want to take it to the next level. Although making ringtones isool, I would have liked to see options for exporting and relating your creations to something other than a cell phone ringtone.
Bottom Line: If you really think you need software to create a ringtone, then this has everything you need. If the program was a bit cheaper, I might be able to recommend it. As it stands, $40 should allow me with more options than what is given. Maybe a Make Ringtones on your Mac ‘PLUS’ is needed sometime down the line.
Posted in Software
Posted June 18th, 2009
by admin
It seems like Apple releases different versions of the iPhone faster than people can upgrade. The newest model coming from Apple is of course the iPhone 3G S. If you’re just now coming around to purchasing an iPhone, then the 3G S is a no-brainer. However, if you already own an iPhone 3G is it worth upgrading to the S model?
The most significant upgrade you’ll find with iPhone 3G S is the overall performance. Everything on the iPhone 3G S works faster than the prior model. The kicker is that it’s a marginal increase. So, if you’re a stickler for speed then it’s worth upgrading. If the speed you currently have with your iPhone 3G pleases you, then there’s no need to upgrade.
Overall speed might not be a reason to upgrade, but one of the new extra features with the S might be. With the iPhone 3G S the ability to shoot, edit, and share video has been added. The handset uses VGA and can be shot in portrait or landscape. When you’ve shot your video, you can edit it by trimming your footage. Once you’re finished you can send your video via: email, MobileMe Gallery, YouTube, or sync it to your PC or Mac. This upgrade might actually be a selling point for many iPhone 3G users. If the ability to shoot video is a must, then the S is worth an upgrade.
To coincide with the addition of video, the camera has seen an upgrade as well. The lens is now 3-megapixel, so if you’re a quality junky when taking photos then upgrading might be for you.
A feature that will leave traveling iPhone users with a smile is voice control. I can tell you that having a voice control handset while you’re driving is a godsend. With the iPhone 3G S, your contacts and music are all voice activated. Again, if you are on the road a lot for business, an upgrade might be something to look into.
Overall, there isn’t one feature that universally warrants an upgrade to the iPhone 3G S. There are certain features that depending on how you use your phone, or want to use your phone that make a S upgrade look really attractive though.
Posted in iPhone
Posted May 13th, 2009
by admin
Features
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 1.97 x 0.59 x 4.06 in./50 x 15 x 103 mm
- Projects images on nearly any surface
- Ultra-light at 4 oz./113 g including battery
- Enlarge images up to 60 in./152 cm
- LED light source lasts over 20,000 hours
Items in Box
Optoma Pico PK-101 projector
Power adapter
USB cable
Tripod adapter
iPod kit with dock connector
What I Like: I should change that to say ‘What’s Not to like’ about the Optoma Pic PK Projector. This is honestly something you’d see in a sci-fi movie. I’m just amazed that it exists.
What I Didn’t Like: Price Tag. Requires external speakers to receive good sound quality
Bottom Line: This is a gadget that if you have the money to spend, I highly recommend. In terms of ‘need’, you probably need it as much as a hole in the head. If you give a lot of presentations and are constantly traveling there could be a need for it. Otherwise it’s a cool $300 you probably don’t need.
Tags: dimension, LED, movie, Optoma, Pic, PK, projector, review Posted in Hardware, Testing
Posted April 9th, 2009
by admin
So yea, you can view videos and movies on your iPod Touch or iPhone. The screen can sometimes leave a little to be desired. How can I enjoy Braveheart with a 3.5 inch screen? MyVu Crystal Media Viewer is your answer.
Features
- Full VGA Quality
- 4 Hour Battery Life
- USB Mini cable for battery recharge
- Resolution: 640 x 480 (VGA
- 24 bit color depth
Items in the box
The MyVu Headset
In ear headphones
2 extra pairs of ear buds
Microfiber sleever, also can be used as cloth
Cable for connecting to iPhone or iPod Touch
What I Like: My favorite thing about the media viewer is that it does what it claims. When you plug the glasses in, you’ll see a bright and vibrant screen to view. The display resolution is crisp, and the colors are vibrant. The USB connector for charging is really handy.
The body of the glasses aren’t too bulky either, and transfer from place to place really well.
What I didn’t Like: The technology is fantastic, but like many great things is expensive. If you have $300 you’re looking to burn then fine, but for most that’s quite a steep price tag. If you don’t like ear buds then you don’t have any other choice for your audio output.
Depending on your head size, and nose structure the glasses can be quite uncomfortable. There’s very little adjustment. The glasses can emit a glare if you’re sitting somewhere in direct sunlight.
Bottom Line: With the MyVu Crystal Media Viewer, I recommend you pick some up if you are in with some money. It does everything that it claims to do, and was definitely impressive. There are a couple of negatives that could keep you from using the glasses. I would recommend finding them somewhere that you can try them on.
MyVu Crystal Media Viewer Page
Tags: apple, Crystal, glasses, Media, movie, MyVu, product, review, Viewer Posted in iPhone
Posted April 3rd, 2009
by admin
AppleInsider reports that the release schedule for Mac OS X has leaked, culminating in a final release sometime in August. Citing “people familiar with the matter,” the cite claims Apple will follow a three-part release schedule synchronized with the Worldwide Developers Conference this summer.
A preliminary developer build, timed for release between now and the WWDC in June, will include major updates to the operating system core and functionality. A second build will be released at the start of the conference on June 8.
What does this mean for those of us who aren’t developers? The build released at WWDC will probably be “feature complete” Ñ that is, every major update will be in place. Apple will probably throw in a couple of new features that have been kept secret until now. That means this build may contain the rumored “Marble” interface style Ñ Apple’s effort to completely refresh the visual look of OS X. All that will remain for Apple’s engineers to do after WWDC is tweak the software and fix as many bugs as can be found.
A final developer build will be released sometime between the end of the conference and the actual release of the software. This will be the last developer build released, as Apple will be preparing to manufacture the consumer version of Snow Leopard.
So keep an eye out for WWDC in June Ñ that’s when Snow Leopard will be fully unveiled to the world. We’ll just have to wait until Apple’s usual fall product refresh to buy a new Mac with it installed.
Posted in Software
Posted April 2nd, 2009
by admin
It’s been longer than a month since we last did an iPhone app post, so figured we’d look back on some of the great apps in March. There were some great ones to choose from. Here are the ones you should atleast try out…
Human Weather: This little app might not be a marvel in technical sense, but it provides a bit of fun to weather forecasts. Instead of listening to weathermen, fire this app up with provides forecasts from its users. It’s Twitter, meets weather. The community aspect of the app might not be for some, but trust me it can come in handy.
Slideshow Builder: Don’t be fooled by the name, this app is more than just grouping photos together and watching it go. You add effects as you see it, and take control of your slideshow with many other options. You can add in music, or even captions to accompany certain pictures. There are numerous effects, the most important being the Ken Burns effect.
iPhorest: If you’re down with the environment, and who isn’t these days? Then check out iPhorest. The app itself isn’t all that great, you get to virtually create a tree and watch it grow. The great thing is every time the app is downloaded, a tree is planted by the EcoLife, and iPhorest groups.
Tags: apps, builder, downloads, iPhorest, March, photo, slideshow, top, try, weather Posted in iPhone
Posted March 26th, 2009
by admin
I never understood the reasoning behind people that bought iPod Shuffles. Yes, they’re cheap but for just spending a bit more you get so much more with the standard iPod. Plus, 1GB is a ‘decent’ amount of songs but if you’re downloading good quality then that space can run up quick.
With the new iPod Shuffle, I think Apple has provided consumers with a little more reason to invest in the Shuffle.
Features -
4GB Flash Drive
USB 2.0 port
Playback time: Up to 10 hours when fully charged
Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV
Up to 1,000 songs in 128-Kbps
What’s In The Box:
iPod shuffle
Apple Earphones with Remote (no mic)
iPod shuffle USB cable
Quick Start Guide
What I Like: One of the best deals that Apple has offered. A 4GB shuffle for $79.99. Controls for the iPod Shuffle are on the earbud cord. The new voiceover system might not replace a screen, and menu but it’s better than nothing.
What I Didn’t Like: Some might like the smaller size, but to me there’s such a thing as ‘too small’. Just make sure you always know where it is, because it’s probably easy to lose. The Shuffle is still the same device at heart. There’s been improvements but the lack of features compared to the other iPods doesn’t quite make up for it.
Bottom Line: I do like the improvements that have been made with the latest iPod. I still wouldn’t recommend it over the other lines of iPods though. Yes, you might be spending more money but to me it’s worth it compared to the lack of features on the Shuffle.
If you’re deadset on the Shuffle then I can tell you that the improvements are wonderful, and I hope you enjoy your iPod lite.
Tags: 4GB, iPod, MP3, music, player, review, Shuffle, songs Posted in Testing
Posted March 19th, 2009
by admin
A few months ago we looked at some iPhone apps that you should download, if you didn’t already have them. Now, here’s a list of iPhone games that you should take a look at. As the popularity of the App Store rises, so does the amount and quality of the games that are being released.
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FieldRunners: With the release of FieldRunners, Subatomic Studios proved that you could release a game on the iPhone with some stellar graphics. When you load up FieldRunners, the first thing you’ll notice is a very well stylized game that sports some impressive technical graphics as well.
The gameplay is very simple, and if you’ve ever played a tower defense game before you’ll know what you’re getting into with FieldRunners. Basically, you build defensive structures to keep enemy soldiers, tanks, helicopters from entering your base.
FieldRunners App Page - $2.99
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iDracula: Like FieldRunners, iDracula sticks to a formula that you’ve probably seen before. Specifically if you’ve ever play old school arcade shooters. iDracula takes that formula and adds a nice polish of shine to it. The idea behind iDracula is survival. You’ll be using both thumbs, your left one to navigate, and your right to fire in whatever direction you’re pressing. It’s painfully addictive, as you’ll keep wanting to see how far you can get.
iDracula App Page - $2.99
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Oregon Trail: Ok, if you’re reading this and never played the original Oregon Trail back on Mac/PC then definitely download this game. If you enjoyed Oregon Trail back in the early days, when it was the one game you got to play at school…then still download this game. The charm, and fun that was found all those years ago in the original Oregon Trail have made their way to the iPhone.
You’ll battle your way through all the hardships that settlers moving west did. You’ll battle dysentary, bandits, road hazards all the while trying to pave your way west. There are 8 mini games that you’ll utilize the iPhone for, hunting, fishing, rafting and so on. The game is chock full of all kinds of elements to lose yourself in.
Oregon Trail App Page - $5.99
Tags: app, cost, download, feature, game, gameplay, graphic, list, need, Oregon Trail Posted in iPhone
Posted February 26th, 2009
by admin
For audiophiles out there, today might be your dream read. Because today I’m featuring what could be some of the most high quality computer speakers I’ve ever seen. Which is mostly good, but provides some negative reactions as well.
Features
- Integrated USB connectivity
- Dock for listening to and recharging iPod
- iPod sync with iTunes via built-in dock
- Active amplifier for speakers and subwoofer
- Full-function remote control
- Auxiliary jack for connecting other audio sources
- Support stands for optimal positioning
- Speaker type: 2-way shielded multimedia
- Drivers: 3 in./8 cm paper cone midbass; 0.75 in./1.9 cm mylar dome tweeter; 6.5 in/16.5 cm paper cone
- Frequency response (+/-3dB): 39Hz – 20kHz
- Nominal power: 2 x 30W + 1 x 70W
- Max. sound pressure level: 104dB SPL/1
What’s In The Box
- Focal XS Satellite Speakers
- Active subwoofer
- Remote control
- USB cable
- Aux-in cable
- Power cord
What I Like: I already mentioned before, that these are easily the best sounding computer speakers I’ve ever listened to. If you’re shopping around for pure sound quality, I almost gurantee you won’t find a better set of speakers than these.
The USB connectivity, and the iPod-iTunes sync dock is a nice touch. Also has optional auxilliary jacks for listening to other devices.
What I Didn’t Like: The old expression ‘you pay for what you get’ definitely rings true here. The Focal XS Satellite Speakers run a whopping $599.99. So you’re looking at a major investment if you are truly interested in these speakers.
For something that costs $600, it has a very simple, and dull design. The subwoofer is plain black, and sits on four pegs. There’s not electronic interface, or readouts. The speakers are black as well, and sit on silver stands. Again, nothing sleek or fancy about them.
Bottom Line: If you have an extravagant amount of money, or work with a lot of audio for your job then I could easily recommend these speakers. Again, the quality will send shivers up your spine. However that’s just about all the system has going for it. Which is why I really can’t recommend these for the average consumer, or someone who isn’t going to get a lot of use out of them.
Focal XS Satellite Speakers Page
Tags: expensive, Focal, review, Satellite Speakers, system, XS Posted in Hardware
Posted February 12th, 2009
by admin
One of the great things about having a Mac, is the great software that supports it. Of course, your best quality programs, and apps will cost you money. However, there are some free apps out there that definitely worth your time. Here is a list of them, and why they can be so useful.
StreamBaby
The StreamBaby app is useful if you have quite a bit of video on your Mac, that wish could be viewed in other places. It acts as a portal for streaming onto TiVo, and can doesn’t disappoint.
You can rewind, and fastforward past the buffer point, allowing for a great navigation of your videos. It has great compatibility with TiVo. If what you’re watching passed the streaming limit, it will cut off what you’ve already watched to allow TiVo to keep playing the file.
Download
Bullet
The Bullet app isn’t necessarily a very useful app. What it lacks in functionality, it definitely makes up for in pure simple fun. You can set this app to create a bullet hole on your screen every time you click it, and a gunshot sound will follow.
It can be just to use on your own, but the true joy comes from setting it up on someone and watching them click on their screen for the first time.
Download
Celestia
It’s hard to imagine, but with Celestia you can travel throughout the known universe for free. You can stick to the solar system which houses over 100,000 stars or you can go out beyond that.
Along with the main program, there are some fun and helpful add-ons to go along with it.
Download
WakeUp
WakeUp allows you to remotely wake up a machine asleep. WakeUp lets you store name and Ethernet addresses of your machines, and wake them up when needed, i.e. when you need to access a file on a distant machine whose File Sharing is on, without having to physically access the machine to wake it up.
Download
Tags: apps, Bullet, Celestia, downloads, fun, mac, OS X, portal, sleep, solar system, stars, StreamBaby, Tivo, WakeUp Posted in Software
