Snow Leopard has come under some scrutiny lately for a bug which has the potential to delete user account data. The bug was first reported in Apple’s discussion boards, where more and more people started reporting the problem. Here’s a post from the discussion boards, highlighting the problem:
“I upgraded from Leopard to Snow Leopard last week. By accident I clicked on the ‘guest log-in’ icon on my MBP 30 minutes ago. After about 1 minute it automatically returned to the log-in screen, without showing up the guest desktop, so I decided to click on the ‘guest log-in’ again. This went pretty smooth and when I logged out the message appeared that all the ‘guest log-in data’ wouldn’t be saved, but returned to normal. When logging in to my regular account, everything was gone. I don’t use filevault. Nothing has been renamed to something else. My home-directory still exists under /Users/username but it is just empty.”
It appears that when users log in as guests, that there’s a chance when they log back into their regular accounts that all of the user data is missing. As of now, the only solution is to back up all of your files. If not then you could find yourself losing a massive amount of data.
One solution being presented is for users that upgraded from Leopard to Snow Leopard should disable guest accounts, then re-enable it. This creates a brand new guest account, and it has apparently been helping people with the bug.
Apple has officially addressed the bug, stating, “We are aware of the issue, which occurs only in extremely rare cases, and we are working on a fix”
If you haven’t downloaded iTunes 9 yet, then you’re missing out on one of the larger updates for the program. With the latest update, iTunes 9 adds features and a redesign that many of have welcome with open arms thus far.
Something that people have complained about in regards of music going online is the lack of album covers, as there have been classics through the years. With iTunes 9, album covers make a big return and in some interactive ways. With an iTunes album cover you can find animated lyrics, videos, check our band photos, and a slew of other bonus materials that bands can add to their interactive album case.
Another big feature implemented with iTunes 9 is the ability to ‘home share’. This addition allows you to have five computers sharing on a networking all the music that is on the separate computers. This goes for iTunes purchases as well.
Along with the interactive album covers, movie purchases will have some extra features included as well. When you buy a movie from the iTunes store you get special features much like a DVD. There are interviews, trailers, and other special features you’ve grown to know on DVD’s.
If you were a fan of the Commodore 64, you should know that an emulator has now been released on the iPhone. The emulator is completely legal, and comes shipped with 5 roms/games: Dragons Den, Le Mans, Jupiter Lander, Arctic Shipwreck, and Jack Attack. There will be additional games added periodically.
There were problems with the release because of code that allowed arbitrary code to be run using the program. Once that was cleaned up, Apple approved the emulator which has full licensing and is 100% legal.
Enjoy this video showing off some games that will be available soon from the app. The app is currently at $4.99, and you can find the app store link here.
Tomorrow marks the official release date of Snow Leopard, and now is as good a time to talk about what updates will becoming with the software. Then you can decide if all the new features are worth the $30 price tag.
Here’s a list of features that are provided by Snow Leopard:
- The ability to activate Expose’ from Dock
- Improvements in wake-up and shutdown functions
- Once installed, disk space will be provided back to you (around 7 GB)
- Newly enhanced 64-bit support. All of your system apps can take advantage of your Mac’s entire memory
- A new tool called Grand Central Dispatch which will provide better means to use multicore processors
- OpenCL which will utilize graphics processors in new and interesting ways.
- QuickTime X provides many new features to the video program. Including easier ways for uploading to YouTube
- New built-in technologies provide people with disabilities easier access to the Mac OS X.
Along with those features, Safari 4 will be included as well. The system improvements alone are worth the cost in this writer’s eyes. The other improvements are fluff, but depending on what you use your Mac for could be big improvements as well.
That time of year has hit again, everyone is heading back to school with a grumble and book in hand. Of course in this modern era, many of those books have been replaced with laptops. If you know what’s good for you, a Mac notebook
If you are in the market for a new notebook, you should know that Apple has an amazing deal going on. If you’re a college student, or on staff at a college you are eligible to receive a free iPod with the purchase of a Mac Notebook. Employees of K-12 institutions are eligible as well.
As with all great deals there are a couple of things going into it that you should know about. First, you have to purchase the Mac Notebook, and iPod during the same transaction. You have to go through the rebate process, so ‘no instant rebates’. Then you have to prove to Apple that you are in fact a student or employee, which you can get the process started here.
Also, there are key dates which you should keep up with. First, you have to purchase both of these items before September 8th. Then, you have until October 8th before you can make your claim for the rebate.
There are people who live and die by noise-cancellation when it regards speakers, or a microphone. In the business world, this is especially helpful because you want to make sure you hear everything the person on the other end is saying, and vice versa.
Today, we’re going to look at one of the high quality noise canceling devices — Aliph Jawbone Prime Earcandy. Is the promise of premium noise cancellation worth the price?
What’s in the Box
Aliph Jawbone PRIME EARCANDY Bluetooth headset
-Six earbuds
-One earloop
-Wall charger
-USB charging cable
-Quick start guide
Features
The Earcandy will eliminate more noise than any other handset on the market.
Doesn’t require your face to be touching to activate, but is required for utilizing all the noise canceling technology.
Wind reduction works up to speeds of 10mph
Can be paired with up to eight devices, and allows two simultaneous connections
Conducts a full charge in a hour
What I Like - Jawbone isn’t lying when they say they have one of the best noise canceling devices on the market. I’ve tried everything but the wind reduction and everything is crystal clear. For people who utilize a wide variety of devices, having the multipoint connection is a real treat. Provides it’s quick charge in the time it advertises.
What I Don’t Like - Some might be put off by the more artistic design of the earpiece. Another put off might also be the price point at $130.00. The price could have been lowered if they left some of the unneeded extras off or released two separate models with different prices. Either way, as it stands now you’ll have to drop a heft buck for this device.
Bottom Line - If you’re looking for the best, then you’ll find it here. The Jawbone has truly pushed the industry with the release of this product. The only question you have to ask yourself is — Is it worth the price tag?
Editing photos can be just about as fun as taking the photos themselves. The problem with photo editing software is that it can be a tad on the pricy side. There’s of course Photoshop which is about as expensive as it gets. Then at the other end of the spectrum are freeware programs like GIMP.
Pixelmator falls somewhere in betwee, at a price tag of $59.99. Also, it’s a much more simple program that a lot of other editing softwares out there.
What’s In The Box
Pixelmator Software
Manual
Features
Very precise precision
Large selection of tools
Retouching Tools
Selection of filters and effects
Support of more than 100 files formats
What I like - Pixelmator is a program that focuses on one single task. This is great for people who really want a photo editing program, for simply doing that. The fact that it’s $59.99 and can do many of things Photoshop can do is a huge plus. I especially like the interface, as it boasts a very clean look. There are less amount of steps for simple edits compared to the larger photo editors.
What I Didn’t Like - While it has many options, it isn’t quite as robust as Photoshop is. But to be honest, that’s all the negatives I have to say for it.
Bottom Line - This is one amazing deal for $59.99. With a slick interface, and a large amount of editing options it makes you wonder how Photoshop is able to get away with charging so much. Just be sure that there are certain edit options you won’t need from Photoshop.
If you’re someone who relies on mobile computing, from travelling a bit or just like the porability of a notebook then your speakers don’t provide what desktop units are capable of. There are options available to upgrade your sound experience, and the iHome iHM77 Mini Speakers is one of those options. The question remaining is; should you buy them?
What’s in the Box
iHome iHM77 Speaker Set
Charging Cable (used for listening as well)
Carrying Case
Features
iPhone/iPod and any device with a 3.5mm jack can be used with iHM77
Individual speakers are powered by rechargable battery
Speakers attach to each other magnetically for better portability
What I like: The sleak and elegant design mesh well with the idea of portability. The sound quality for speakers this size is top notch. If you’re looking for speakers to carry around without taking up space, then this is your best option.
What I Don’t Like: I could make a much better recommendation if the speakers were wireless. The wire configuration can really get in the way depending on how you have to set them up. This almost counters the greatness of the speaker design. I’ve read many places that there are some sound issues with certain devices.
Bottom Line: These speakers provide almost everything you could want out of a portable set of speakers. While dealing with no wires would be nice, they’re still the best option for having good quality sound on the go. The apparent compatibility issues might be something to watch as well. I can’t speak on them personally though, as I’ve had no problems with the devices I’ve used them with.
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.
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.
Snow Leopard has come under some scrutiny lately for a bug which has the potential to delete user account data. The bug was first reported in Apple’s discussion boards, where more and more people started reporting the problem. Here’s a post from the discussion boards, highlighting the problem:
