Computer Connections

Computer Connections 3.04

BY LLOYD PREZANT

Mar | Apr 2004
Issue No.15

More Apple - More memory
Apple is in the midst of its "More memory for less" promotion. If you are a U.S. customer and you buy a PowerMac, iMac or Xserve G5, adding more RAM to your new computer will be less. With memory prices going up, this is a great chance for buyers to maximize their installed RAM. Typical savings range from $25 - $700 and depend on the amount of RAM purchased and the configuration of the Mac you are installing the RAM into. You must purchase the RAM at the same time you buy the computer. This promotion does not include Apple Memory Kit sales. The savings are included in the final purchase price - no need to fill out a rebate form. Go to: http//:hotdeals.apple.com/applestore/index.php.

LaCie fast DVD
LaCie is now shipping their new DVD+/-RW drive. It has: a FireWire interface, 8x write and 4x re-write, a full version of Toast by Roxio and an external AC adapter. The case is metal to allow for better heat dissipation. No fan is needed for this drive. A two hour movie can be burned in less than 10 minutes! List priced at $249, it can be bought at the Apple Store and other stores as well. More info. at: www.lacie.com.

Exilim excellent
Casio Inc. introduces their Exilim Zoom EX-Z40 digital camera. Some of its features are: 4-megapixel optics, 3x optical zoom lens, 360 photo battery life (rechargeable lithium-ion battery), 2.0 inch TFT LCD display (nice and big!) and 7 point multi-auto focus. This camera is so hip that it can generate HTML albums in the camera that can be viewed directly with a Web browser. There is support for Exif 2.2 metadata (imbedded information with each picture - such as speed, aperture, date, etc.). Inside the camera is 9.7 MB of flash memory. If you need more, there is a slot for an SD/MMC flash media card (no card is in the camera at time of purchase). Accessories supplied are: battery, AC adapter, USB cradle and cable, strap and software. All for a list price of $399.99. These cameras continue to be a great value. This Casio is feature laden - and you may be able to purchase it for less than its list price! www.casio.com.

Panther safer
Apple has a Security Update - 2004-02-23 for their OS X 10.3 (Panther) software. It is recommended for all users. The components that are updated are: IPSec, tcpdump, DiskArbitration and Point-to-Point-Protocol. As with many of these updates, understanding what each component is or does is not always important. What is important is that Apple has deemed these updates necessary for safe and stable operation of their operating system. This update can be downloaded using the Software Update System Preferences pane.

2 LCD's looking Sharp
Sharp Systems of America announces two new LCD monitors. The 20 inch UXGA LL-T2105 has 1600 x 1200 resolution, 8-bit gamma correction for more true color reproduction and 16ms response time giving clear and sharp images of data and motion without ghosting or latency. There are three display modes: Standard - the sRGB standard of LCD monitors, Vivid - gives photo-realistic images and Office - lowers brightness and power consumption. List priced at $1,299. The 19 inch SXGA LL-191A has 1280 x 1024 resolution, 16ms response time and three display modes. It also comes with two built-in stereo speakers. List priced at $699. If you are doing professional high-end work, I'd recommend the 20 inch LCD. The rest of us can get by, saving half of our hard earned dollars, with the 19 inch! www.sharpsystems.com.

FlashRestore recovers
SubRosaSoft.com LTD. released FlashRestore 1.0. This is a utility that allows digital photographers to recover pictures they deleted from their flash media. This software can be applied to most memory sticks, Compact Flash I and II, Smart Media and SD/XD cards. Some cameras with built-in memory as well as card readers can also use this software. The only exception is a card or built-in memory that has its data securely deleted. It's simple to use - identify the images you want to restore from your flash media, click the start button and recovery begins. FlashRestore then copies the deleted pictures to your hard drive in a folder of your choosing. System requirements are Mac OS X v 10.2 of higher. Money requirements are $24.95. A demo is available as is ordering at: www.subroassoft.com/thestore/product_info.php? products_ID427.

iSight iBetter
Apple has updated the software that runs their iSight video camera. iChat AV software, an audio and video conferencing version of iChat instant messaging software, was released in 2003. It is now built into Mac OS 10.3 (Panther). The iSight camera was released at the same time, allowing users to capture both audio and video from any FireWire-equipped Macintosh computer. This update improves auto white balance and auto exposure values. Also enhanced is compliance with Instrumentation & Industrial Digital Camera (IIDC) standards. Once the software is downloaded to the Mac, it automatically updates the software inside the iSight camera. All iSight users are urged to use the Software Update System preference pane to get this v. 1.0.2 update!

Small Dog bites batteries
Small Dog Electronics announces their iPod battery replacement program. It is available as a do-it-yourself kit (DIY), or a full-service installation package. Apple never intended to make the iPod's batteries user replaceable. Now, Small Dog can help. They offer two versions of their program. One is for the older iPods and the other is for the newer (3G) iPods. The DIY kit is $47.75 for either program. For $20 more ($67.75 total) you can send it to Small Dog and they will open it up and replace the batteries for you. Expect the same life as the iPod's factory installed batteries. www.smalldog.com.

Lloyd Prezant is a NYC computer consultant who buys and sells recent used Mac computers and their peripherals. Call him at (718) 548-1623.

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