Just released, an iPhone firmware update via iTunes.
Get it while it’s hot!
Info Link here: iPhone Firmware Update
by patrick
by patrick
The news from Apple is that they’re now shipping the new glossy-screened, 2.0GHz or 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and the 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme processor iMacs. These are impressive machines at a good price. The 20″ models are $1,999 (2.0GHz) and $1,499 (2.4GHz), and the 24″ models are $1,799 (2.4GHz) and $2,299 (2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme). Take a look at these puppies at Apple’s Site.
Also shipping are iLife ‘08 and iWork ‘08. Apple has a great video overview of the new features of both of these software packages, and I recommend viewing them to see the full impact of this major software upgrade.
For iLife’08, the new features and performance enhancements of iPhoto (e.g., “Events” organization, power new editing tools) and re-designed interface for iMovie alone are worth the upgrade price ($79 retail, $39 educational). The new features of iWeb are also impressive.
In iWork’08, Pages sports a new layout mode, some new graphics tools, and some well-designed new templates. Keynote has some great new text effects and transitions, some new image-handling tools, action builds, and more. Also with iWork’08 comes a new software package called Numbers’08, Apple’s Excel killer.
by patrick
I’m a huge fan of video tutorials as an effective means for learning new concepts and help for developing new skills. I’ve created video tutorials for the learning center at the university where I work, so I know how much time and effort goes into producing even the simplest of tutorials. I even have a subscription and make frequent use of Lynda.com for their excellent series of video tutorials and help files. However, Lynda.com is not inexpensive.
I have recently discovered another excellent source for video tutorials which seem to cater primarily to Mac users. ScreenCastsOnline.com has a large selection of video tutorials. The best part is that most of these are absolutely free. They do have a subscription plan which let’s you in on some great extra tutorials and information.
I’m still going through their large collection, but I recommend it to those who find video tutorials a fast, effective way to get up to speed on Mac-related technologies. It’s like having your own Mac consultant on hand.
Check it out: ScreenCastsOnline.com
by patrick
Finally, someone has figured out a way to use the USB connection on an Apple TV to connect to an external hard drive. This is good news for folks wanting to greatly increase their download capacity.
The hack is not for beginners, and requires an Intel-Mac or Intel-based *nix to run the script.
For information and tutorial help on making use of this new hack without needing your own Mac expert, see the details here: Apple TV Hack
Check out this article on hacking Apple TV to enable the SSH.
by patrick
This is a great lightweight web app (web 2.0) for creating chat windows on your web pages. It’s a barebones chat environment, but it gets the job done for simple and easy in-browser communication. And, the best part is that it’s free — as in lunch.
The 3-step process is really quite simple and fast.
First, create the look and feel of your chat window.
Second, you enter simple login, password and email information.
Third, you copy and paste the generated code into your web page.
The resulting window looks like this:
This is a great way to create a chat window on your web page that doesn’t require the user to install software or create a login account. I’m seeing more and more organizations use this for customer support and help points on their sites. It’s useful for sharing information, and giving quick advice and assistance on both hardware and software issues.
Check it out: Meebo
