I don’t know if it is true but it makes a lot of sense, especially in light of these server farm deals.
Continue readingMacRoundtable #71
Yesterday I joined in the recording of Mac Roundtable #71 along with Chuck Joiner, Steve Stanger, and Victor Cajiao. I wasn’t actually planning on participating in this episode but when I saw that cast, I couldn’t resist. They are some of my very favorite podcasters. The episode is heavy on rumor and speculation but also lots of fun. Check it out. Also, thanks to Chuck for editing and turning the show around in about 12 hours. Amazing.
Continue readingMicrosoft’s Courier Tablet
Gizmodo published some interesting pieces this week about Microsoft’s new tablet, the Courier. This product appears very much rooted in Microsoft’s traditional tablet computer space with a pen but also incorporates some interesting touch features. Frankly, some of them are so close to the iPhone gestures that I wonder if there won’t be a patent fight. Regardless, I’m glad to see Microsoft getting in the space. It looks like an innovative device but I’m not sure how well hinging two screens together is going to work in the long run. I suspect Apple’s eventual entry will be quite different. Frankly, if someone brought a hinged iBook tablet thingy in Steve Jobs’ office, he would probably leave with it lodged in certain unmentionable places. The good news is there appears to be a lot of innovation around computing lately and that can only be a good thing.
Continue readingBusyCal 1.0 Released
One of the most interesting applications I saw at Macworld in January was the beta for BusyCal, the beefed up iCal replacement created by the same team that did BusySync. I was so impressed, I gave it a Best in Show award. I’ve been using the beta for a few months and today the final 1.0 version released. I am not disappointed. This application cures most of iCal’s sins. You get recurring to-do’s, baked in (easy) google calendar syncing, compatibility with BusySync (and BusySync functionality built in). I also like the event editing window.
There are plenty of interesting features for a 1.0 release including built in weather support and the calendar displays sunrise and sunset in the weekly views. It took BusyMac just 6 months to get this right. What has Apple been doing with iCal for the last 6 years? There is a free demo. A license is $40 per computer but there is a discount for multiple licenses. If you already purchased BusySync, the upgrade is just $10.
Continue readingMac Power Users 11: Snow Leopard Services and Macworld
Today Mac Power Users episode 11 published where we talked in depth about Automator and Snow Leopard Services. We also interviewed Paul Kent, Macworld Expo’s General Manager about what is going to be new and exciting at Macworld 2010. Check it out.
Continue readingJason Snell on Applescript
Macworld editor Jason Snell wrote a nice piece in Macworld in defense of Applescript. I agree completely. It would be a shame for Applescript, a language designed Mac power users, get turned into a language designed for Mac programmers.
Continue readingPGP Talks Snow Leopard
PGP CEO Phil Dunkelberger explained the delay in getting PGP encryption to Snow Leopard. I like the post. It appears honest and straightforward. I still think PGP should give extensions to users for their subscriptions while they are sorting it out. It seems silly that my subscription is running (indeed I paid my renewal since Snow Leopard released) but I can’t use the application. I left a comment on the blog post. It probably wouldn’t be a bad idea if more of us did.
Continue readingMore on the Mission Viejo Brouhaha
I spoke with a friend “in the know” about the Mission Viejo Microsoft and Apple Store renovations. Apparently the Microsoft store was about 10 feet bigger than the Apple Store before renovation. After renovation, the Apple Store will be about 15 feet bigger than the Microsoft store. This only gets better.
Continue readingThe Looming Battle in Orange County
Apparently a shopping mall about 15 minutes from MacSparky headquarters, The Shops at Mission Viejo, is ground zero of the looming Apple vs. Microsoft retail battle. First Microsoft boosted the whole Apple Store concept (“Guru Bar?” That is the best they can do?) and started trying to poach Apple store employees for their big opening. Apple has now joined the fray by closing its store in the mall for renovation. Of course I will go down and take pictures when the new stores open but I can’t help think Microsoft’s retail chain will fizzle. People don’t get passionate about PC’s the way they do Macs. It just seems like Microsoft is playing the game on Apple’s terms which never seems to work out. Maybe I’m wrong but it will be interesting to be there at the beginning.
Continue readingMacworld Ning
The Macworld Expo has built a nice little community site. As we get closer to the event, this allows people to talk about interesting events and make plans. If you are planning on attending, or simply interested in Macworld goings ons, check it out. You can find my Macworld Ning website here.
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