X
Business

Mac Product Watch

Nov. 13, 2000 - Nov. 22, 2000
Written by Daniel Turner, Contributor
Power On Software has released Rewind 1.0, a recovery utility that makes a bold claim -- that it can "rewind" your Mac to a previous state in case of a crash or other trouble. It will even be able to boot into an emergency mode if you've trashed your System Folder, the company claims. It costs $89.95.

Graphing Calculator 3.0 is the latest commercial version of the, well, graphing calculator application. A limited, earlier version is included with every Power Mac. Version 3.0 features the ability to add text comments to documents; to print; to have multiple document windows; to "Save for Web" as HTML files with PNG images; and more. A demo of the $59.95 program is available; upgrades from Version 2.7 are $20 and from Versions 2.0 to 2.2 are $40.

Aladdin Systems has released InstallerMaker 7.0, adding Mac OS X installer support, better scripting support, and more to the application for creating application installation packages.

Stephane Madrau's SwitchRes 2.4.3 adds video mirroring capabilities and fixes bugs in the $15 utility for enabling more screen resolutions.

APS Tech has updated its PowerTools 6.3.2 drive utility.

Peter O'Gorman's free SpaceAliensCM 1.0 doesn't do what I thought it might -- enable you to play Space Invaders in a Contextual Menu -- but it does allow the changing of type and creator codes of files and folders with one click.

FireWireDirect is offering a line of SlimLine DX external FireWire hard drives. They range in size and price from 20GB and $269 to 80GB and $399.

Adobe Systems Inc. (adbe) has released Illustrator 9.0.1. The update improves performance with Velocity Engine optimizations; minimizes scratch disk use; speeds exporting to SVG; fixes issues with window shading, grouped images saved as PDFs, and scaled text exported to SVG; and eliminates incorrect out-of-memory warnings and other problems.

3dfx Interactive Inc. (tdfx) has released 3dfx MacTools 1.1.2 for the Mac versions of the Voodoo4 and Voodoo5 3-D accelerator cards, both PCU and AGP versions. The new drivers offer support for 4-bit color lookup tables, exponential fog, more resolutions, and bug fixes.

MacLinkPlus 12.002 is the latest version of the $89.95 file translation utility, fixing various crash bugs.

Overland Data Inc. has announced its Linear Tap Open (LTO) Ultrium LoaderXpress and MinilibraryXpress tape backup drives. Based on the LTO Ultrium format (so that hideous name isn't entirely Overland's fault), the LoaderXpress offers up to 2.2 terabytes of storage and 1.1 terabytes of native capacity with a throughput of up to 16 MB per sec. The MinilibraryXpress has 1.6 terabytes of native capacity and can store at a rate of up to 115.5 GB per hour. No pricing information was available.

Simon Wigzell's Plus for X 1.0 is a freeware utility that can umm, change (who said "fix"?) the appearance of the Mac OS X Public Beta's appearance, making the trash visible on the desktop, along with other features.

Palm Synch-n-Quit 2.0 from Joseph C. Slater and Arno Wouters is a utility that runs and quits the Palm Serial Port Monitor after the Conduit Manager quits so you don't have to. Version 2.0 can find the Serial Port Monitor even if it has been moved.

Metrowerks Inc., an independently operating subsidy of Motorola Inc., has announced CodeWarrior for Java 6.0, the latest version of the integrated development environment for Sun Microsystems' Java 2 Platform Micro Edition, Personal Java, and Java 2 Platform Standard Edition. It also supports previous Java Development Kits including the latest for the Mac OS X public beta and the current Mac OS. It will be $399 when delivered Nov. 30.

Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and kill it: Aspyr Media has shipped Star Trek: Voyager Elite Force, a $49.95 first-person shooter set in the lost-in-space world of the remaining Star Trek series. For the less phaser-happy, Aspyr has also delivered The Sims Livin' Large!, a $30 expansion pack for the popular "people simulator" game The Sims.

Intech Software Corp. has released Intech CD/DVD SpeedTools 5.5, an update to the company's $39.95 driver optimization software for CD and DVD drives. This update adds support for CD Digital Audio playback.

Corel Technology has released Corel KnockOut 1.5.1, which fixes a few outstanding problems with the $295 utility for creating complex masks.

FullBack 2.5, from Highwinds Trading Company, is a $25 encryption and backup utility that, in the new version, gains speed improvements, bug fixes, and support for compression.

Greg's Shareware, hero to interface customizers everywhere, has shipped SmoothType 2.2.2. This update to the screen text anti-aliasing utility fixes bugs and improves the look of bold text in fonts without a bold variant.

SonicWall Inc. has updated SonicWall 5.1.1. The new firmware for the network firewall device adds support for the new SonicWall SOHO2, TELE2, and XPRS2 models for better performance.

Some people have a lot of nerve. As does Steven Massey, who has released the latest version of his Aqua-themed word processor and media viewer, StevePerfect 4.6.1. This version fixes a printing bug and adds text-to-speech capabilities.

MYOB US Inc. has released MYOB AccountEdge, a $249 small business accounting and money-management application. The company says that AccountEdge is ready to go for Mac OS X, complete with a new interface, a new Card File, and improved workflow.

Brian Clark's Ptah 1.0 is a multifaceted $10 utility that can open and display most every media format open to mankind, including (through the use of QuickTime 4) MP3s. It's $15 shareware. For the same price, Clark also offers Rosetta 1.0, which can decode files compressed with almost any encoding scheme.

Holiday Lights, Tiger Technologies' utility for adding holiday-themed widgets to your desktop, gets a seasonal update; it's $19.95.

WebEvent has released WebEvent 3.4, the latest update to the interactive online calendar. This version adds a new print-view mode, more view modes, and more. Pricing begins at $150 for a single-user license and goes up to $1,600 for 100 users.

Heavy-duty code geeks take note: Apple has updated Darwin 1.2.1, the open-source basis of the core of Mac OS X. This release adds support for Apple's latest multiprocessor products; the compiled binary also supports Intel machines, although there is no installer for them. Go figure. For developers, there's also the latest CarbonLib SDK 1.2a2 for developing Carbon-based applications. No, it's not final yet. And you wonder why Office 2001 isn't a Carbon app?

Blue World Communications Inc. has been busy. The company has released Lasso Studio for Adobe GoLive 1.7, a new version of the Web development tool that expedites building database-driven Web sites via integration with Adobe's Web site application. The Studio features configuration wizards, Lasso-specific tags, and more. The price is $350; a $50 discount is available for those downloading the software as well as a $100 cut for upgrading from Lasso Studio 1.5 for Dreamweaver 3. The company has also introduced the Lasso Web Data Engine 3.6.6, an update to the cross-platform Web application server software.

Adaptec Inc. has released Toast 4.1.2 Deluxe and Toast Standard (OEM) 4.1.2, updates to the CD-ROM burning software. These versions include support for Ricoh's JustLink technology as well as bug fixes.

Alco Blom's URL Manager Pro 2.7 adds support for the most-recent versions of popular Web browsers and Sherlock, bug fixes, and more to the $25 bookmark manager.

VSE Online has released Web Site Turbo 4.0. This version of the $50 Web site optimizer includes a new interface, improved performance, bug fixes, and better compatibility with Netscape Navigator.

FileTopia 1.0 from Pine Hill Products is a $12, "multi-use" file utility for searching and manipulating files. A demo is available.

Apple has released WebObjects 4.5 Update 3 for Mac OS X Server, if anybody still has that operating system. This update includes a slew of stability and performance improvements, the company said.

And as today's candidate for worst product name (or at least one most likely to annoy copy editors) we have eZedia Inc.'s eZediaMX 2.0, a $199 application that hopes to offer easy-to-use creation, editing, and presentation tools for still and moving digital images, digital audio, text and more. It supports QuickTime and QuickTime VR; a free demo version is available.

Marty Pfeiffer has released the latest in his series of excellent screen fonts, the $8 NuSans Monospaced 3.0. It includes a Euro symbol and is optimized for screen display.

Rage Software's Macintosh Explorer 1.7 adds performance increases, support for 32-bit icons, the choice between an Aqua or Platinum appearance and more to the $15 file browser.

Accessus 1.0 from Half-Light is a new, $12 utility that allows you to launch or open applications or files via keyboard shortcuts. Just don't let the cat on the keyboard.

Mountain Ridge Dataworks has released vScan 1.5, formerly known as BugScan, a $20 shareware utility for locating and deleting the SevenDust virus and various worms. This remix adds Mac OS 9.0.4 compatibility and other updates.

It's here, its interface is partially clear, but do you need to get used to Netscape 6? This long-incubating version of the non-dominant Web browser may or may not be a preview, but it includes a new interface, new Cookie Management and more. However, some parties are reporting conflicts and other difficulties.

For all you cell-phone toting PDA freaks, the Handspring Visor 1.1 (the Palm OS for the Platinum and Prism handhelds) and Palm OS 3.5 updates are available.

Imation Corp. has shipped its Travan FireWire 20GB drive, a $499 unit that uses 20GB Travan storage cartridges, which cost $33.99 each. The company said it's aiming this device at multimedia professionals who will appreciate its 120MB-per-minute (compressed) transfer rate.

Also on the storage front, QPS Inc. has announced its Que! M2 QuadSlim external hard drives. These compact drives ship with FireWire connectivity and are easily stackable. Configurations range from 6GB for $279 to 30GB for $579.

Dazzle Multimedia Inc. has introduced its Hollywood DV-Bridge, a $299 converter that allows users to capture analog video and audio and mix it with digital content. It will be available in December.

Can I interest in you some propane or propane accessories? How about Fox Interactive's new "King of the Hill" video game. Shipping now for $19.99, this game follows Fourth of July activities in the Arlen, Texas, neighborhood of the popular animated TV show. No mention if the bonus round involves standing in the alley, drinking beer and saying "yup."

Progress marches on, and Macromedia Inc. has announced both Dreamweaver 4 and Fireworks 4, major updates to the Web page builder and Web animation tool. Both feature Macromedia's new tabbed interface, the subject of a pending suit filed by competitor Adobe Systems Inc. Dreamweaver 4 also adds new code and layout views, a JavaScript debugger and more for a $130 upgrade price (new: $299), while Fireworks 4 ($100 upgrade, $299 new) gains drag-and-drop rollover building, batch processing, a pop-up menu tool, and more. But wait -- there's more: Dreamweaver UltraDev 4 is the concomitant update to the $699 tool for the rapid building of database-driven Web sites.

The battle of storage formats for digital cameras is far from over. SmartDisk Corp. introduced its USB-basedVector and Dual Media readers. The first, due by the end of the year, are single-slot items that work with either CompactFlash or SmartMedia cards and cost $49.95; the second can read both formats, costs $69.95 and is available now. Microtech International Inc. has also expanded its storage-reading family with the dual-slot CompactFlash/Memory Stick reader, which is also USB-based. Expected to ship by the end of the year for $89, this device is designed to work with Sony's proprietary format, which is also used in the company's CyberShot cameras and VAIO computers.

Beatnik Inc. has released Mixman StudioPro 4.0, a new version of the consumer "DJ remixing software" (does it really remix DJs?). The $89.95 application includes Remixing Studio, FX Studio and Recording Studio for, well, remixing, adding effects, and recording music. The Mac version also features controls for MIDI keyboards.

Epson America Inc. has showed off its PowerLite 7700p portable projector. Weighing in at 15.2 pounds, the 3,000-lumen projector will support resolutions up to 1,600 by 1,200 pixels and will be HDTV-ready when it is released later this year. The price? A cool $11,999.

Plantronics Inc. has released a new line of digitally enhanced USB headsets ranging from the $89.95 DSP-100 to the $139.95 DSP-500; all include the PerSono audio control application and third-party software such as Net2Phone and VoicePilot.

ADS Technologies has shipped its Pyro 1394 WebCam, a $150 FireWire-based Web video camera. The company said the high-speed interface will permit resolutions of 640 by 480 pixels at up to 30 frames per second.

Koingo Software's Contact Keeper 3.0.1 is a completely rewritten version of the $5 address book. This version supports multiple lists, improves import speed, and adds other new features.

IconCleaner 1.0 from Angelo Scicolone is a free utility for deleting custom icons from folders and files.

Insider Software Inc. has updated SpaceAgent 2.5 to improves the utility's ability to compress XML, ASP, and JavaScript code. The update to the $249.95 application for minimizing HTML code is free.

Power On Software has released Rewind 1.0, a recovery utility that makes a bold claim -- that it can "rewind" your Mac to a previous state in case of a crash or other trouble. It will even be able to boot into an emergency mode if you've trashed your System Folder, the company claims. It costs $89.95.

Graphing Calculator 3.0 is the latest commercial version of the, well, graphing calculator application. A limited, earlier version is included with every Power Mac. Version 3.0 features the ability to add text comments to documents; to print; to have multiple document windows; to "Save for Web" as HTML files with PNG images; and more. A demo of the $59.95 program is available; upgrades from Version 2.7 are $20 and from Versions 2.0 to 2.2 are $40.

Aladdin Systems has released InstallerMaker 7.0, adding Mac OS X installer support, better scripting support, and more to the application for creating application installation packages.

Stephane Madrau's SwitchRes 2.4.3 adds video mirroring capabilities and fixes bugs in the $15 utility for enabling more screen resolutions.

APS Tech has updated its PowerTools 6.3.2 drive utility.

Peter O'Gorman's free SpaceAliensCM 1.0 doesn't do what I thought it might -- enable you to play Space Invaders in a Contextual Menu -- but it does allow the changing of type and creator codes of files and folders with one click.

FireWireDirect is offering a line of SlimLine DX external FireWire hard drives. They range in size and price from 20GB and $269 to 80GB and $399.

Adobe Systems Inc. (adbe) has released Illustrator 9.0.1. The update improves performance with Velocity Engine optimizations; minimizes scratch disk use; speeds exporting to SVG; fixes issues with window shading, grouped images saved as PDFs, and scaled text exported to SVG; and eliminates incorrect out-of-memory warnings and other problems.

3dfx Interactive Inc. (tdfx) has released 3dfx MacTools 1.1.2 for the Mac versions of the Voodoo4 and Voodoo5 3-D accelerator cards, both PCU and AGP versions. The new drivers offer support for 4-bit color lookup tables, exponential fog, more resolutions, and bug fixes.

MacLinkPlus 12.002 is the latest version of the $89.95 file translation utility, fixing various crash bugs.

Overland Data Inc. has announced its Linear Tap Open (LTO) Ultrium LoaderXpress and MinilibraryXpress tape backup drives. Based on the LTO Ultrium format (so that hideous name isn't entirely Overland's fault), the LoaderXpress offers up to 2.2 terabytes of storage and 1.1 terabytes of native capacity with a throughput of up to 16 MB per sec. The MinilibraryXpress has 1.6 terabytes of native capacity and can store at a rate of up to 115.5 GB per hour. No pricing information was available.

Simon Wigzell's Plus for X 1.0 is a freeware utility that can umm, change (who said "fix"?) the appearance of the Mac OS X Public Beta's appearance, making the trash visible on the desktop, along with other features.

Palm Synch-n-Quit 2.0 from Joseph C. Slater and Arno Wouters is a utility that runs and quits the Palm Serial Port Monitor after the Conduit Manager quits so you don't have to. Version 2.0 can find the Serial Port Monitor even if it has been moved.

Metrowerks Inc., an independently operating subsidy of Motorola Inc., has announced CodeWarrior for Java 6.0, the latest version of the integrated development environment for Sun Microsystems' Java 2 Platform Micro Edition, Personal Java, and Java 2 Platform Standard Edition. It also supports previous Java Development Kits including the latest for the Mac OS X public beta and the current Mac OS. It will be $399 when delivered Nov. 30.

Explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and kill it: Aspyr Media has shipped Star Trek: Voyager Elite Force, a $49.95 first-person shooter set in the lost-in-space world of the remaining Star Trek series. For the less phaser-happy, Aspyr has also delivered The Sims Livin' Large!, a $30 expansion pack for the popular "people simulator" game The Sims.

Intech Software Corp. has released Intech CD/DVD SpeedTools 5.5, an update to the company's $39.95 driver optimization software for CD and DVD drives. This update adds support for CD Digital Audio playback.

Corel Technology has released Corel KnockOut 1.5.1, which fixes a few outstanding problems with the $295 utility for creating complex masks.

FullBack 2.5, from Highwinds Trading Company, is a $25 encryption and backup utility that, in the new version, gains speed improvements, bug fixes, and support for compression.

Greg's Shareware, hero to interface customizers everywhere, has shipped SmoothType 2.2.2. This update to the screen text anti-aliasing utility fixes bugs and improves the look of bold text in fonts without a bold variant.

SonicWall Inc. has updated SonicWall 5.1.1. The new firmware for the network firewall device adds support for the new SonicWall SOHO2, TELE2, and XPRS2 models for better performance.

Some people have a lot of nerve. As does Steven Massey, who has released the latest version of his Aqua-themed word processor and media viewer, StevePerfect 4.6.1. This version fixes a printing bug and adds text-to-speech capabilities.

MYOB US Inc. has released MYOB AccountEdge, a $249 small business accounting and money-management application. The company says that AccountEdge is ready to go for Mac OS X, complete with a new interface, a new Card File, and improved workflow.

Brian Clark's Ptah 1.0 is a multifaceted $10 utility that can open and display most every media format open to mankind, including (through the use of QuickTime 4) MP3s. It's $15 shareware. For the same price, Clark also offers Rosetta 1.0, which can decode files compressed with almost any encoding scheme.

Holiday Lights, Tiger Technologies' utility for adding holiday-themed widgets to your desktop, gets a seasonal update; it's $19.95.

WebEvent has released WebEvent 3.4, the latest update to the interactive online calendar. This version adds a new print-view mode, more view modes, and more. Pricing begins at $150 for a single-user license and goes up to $1,600 for 100 users.

Heavy-duty code geeks take note: Apple has updated Darwin 1.2.1, the open-source basis of the core of Mac OS X. This release adds support for Apple's latest multiprocessor products; the compiled binary also supports Intel machines, although there is no installer for them. Go figure. For developers, there's also the latest CarbonLib SDK 1.2a2 for developing Carbon-based applications. No, it's not final yet. And you wonder why Office 2001 isn't a Carbon app?

Blue World Communications Inc. has been busy. The company has released Lasso Studio for Adobe GoLive 1.7, a new version of the Web development tool that expedites building database-driven Web sites via integration with Adobe's Web site application. The Studio features configuration wizards, Lasso-specific tags, and more. The price is $350; a $50 discount is available for those downloading the software as well as a $100 cut for upgrading from Lasso Studio 1.5 for Dreamweaver 3. The company has also introduced the Lasso Web Data Engine 3.6.6, an update to the cross-platform Web application server software.

Adaptec Inc. has released Toast 4.1.2 Deluxe and Toast Standard (OEM) 4.1.2, updates to the CD-ROM burning software. These versions include support for Ricoh's JustLink technology as well as bug fixes.

Alco Blom's URL Manager Pro 2.7 adds support for the most-recent versions of popular Web browsers and Sherlock, bug fixes, and more to the $25 bookmark manager.

VSE Online has released Web Site Turbo 4.0. This version of the $50 Web site optimizer includes a new interface, improved performance, bug fixes, and better compatibility with Netscape Navigator.

FileTopia 1.0 from Pine Hill Products is a $12, "multi-use" file utility for searching and manipulating files. A demo is available.

Apple has released WebObjects 4.5 Update 3 for Mac OS X Server, if anybody still has that operating system. This update includes a slew of stability and performance improvements, the company said.

And as today's candidate for worst product name (or at least one most likely to annoy copy editors) we have eZedia Inc.'s eZediaMX 2.0, a $199 application that hopes to offer easy-to-use creation, editing, and presentation tools for still and moving digital images, digital audio, text and more. It supports QuickTime and QuickTime VR; a free demo version is available.

Marty Pfeiffer has released the latest in his series of excellent screen fonts, the $8 NuSans Monospaced 3.0. It includes a Euro symbol and is optimized for screen display.

Rage Software's Macintosh Explorer 1.7 adds performance increases, support for 32-bit icons, the choice between an Aqua or Platinum appearance and more to the $15 file browser.

Accessus 1.0 from Half-Light is a new, $12 utility that allows you to launch or open applications or files via keyboard shortcuts. Just don't let the cat on the keyboard.

Mountain Ridge Dataworks has released vScan 1.5, formerly known as BugScan, a $20 shareware utility for locating and deleting the SevenDust virus and various worms. This remix adds Mac OS 9.0.4 compatibility and other updates.

It's here, its interface is partially clear, but do you need to get used to Netscape 6? This long-incubating version of the non-dominant Web browser may or may not be a preview, but it includes a new interface, new Cookie Management and more. However, some parties are reporting conflicts and other difficulties.

For all you cell-phone toting PDA freaks, the Handspring Visor 1.1 (the Palm OS for the Platinum and Prism handhelds) and Palm OS 3.5 updates are available.

Imation Corp. has shipped its Travan FireWire 20GB drive, a $499 unit that uses 20GB Travan storage cartridges, which cost $33.99 each. The company said it's aiming this device at multimedia professionals who will appreciate its 120MB-per-minute (compressed) transfer rate.

Also on the storage front, QPS Inc. has announced its Que! M2 QuadSlim external hard drives. These compact drives ship with FireWire connectivity and are easily stackable. Configurations range from 6GB for $279 to 30GB for $579.

Dazzle Multimedia Inc. has introduced its Hollywood DV-Bridge, a $299 converter that allows users to capture analog video and audio and mix it with digital content. It will be available in December.

Can I interest in you some propane or propane accessories? How about Fox Interactive's new "King of the Hill" video game. Shipping now for $19.99, this game follows Fourth of July activities in the Arlen, Texas, neighborhood of the popular animated TV show. No mention if the bonus round involves standing in the alley, drinking beer and saying "yup."

Progress marches on, and Macromedia Inc. has announced both Dreamweaver 4 and Fireworks 4, major updates to the Web page builder and Web animation tool. Both feature Macromedia's new tabbed interface, the subject of a pending suit filed by competitor Adobe Systems Inc. Dreamweaver 4 also adds new code and layout views, a JavaScript debugger and more for a $130 upgrade price (new: $299), while Fireworks 4 ($100 upgrade, $299 new) gains drag-and-drop rollover building, batch processing, a pop-up menu tool, and more. But wait -- there's more: Dreamweaver UltraDev 4 is the concomitant update to the $699 tool for the rapid building of database-driven Web sites.

The battle of storage formats for digital cameras is far from over. SmartDisk Corp. introduced its USB-basedVector and Dual Media readers. The first, due by the end of the year, are single-slot items that work with either CompactFlash or SmartMedia cards and cost $49.95; the second can read both formats, costs $69.95 and is available now. Microtech International Inc. has also expanded its storage-reading family with the dual-slot CompactFlash/Memory Stick reader, which is also USB-based. Expected to ship by the end of the year for $89, this device is designed to work with Sony's proprietary format, which is also used in the company's CyberShot cameras and VAIO computers.

Beatnik Inc. has released Mixman StudioPro 4.0, a new version of the consumer "DJ remixing software" (does it really remix DJs?). The $89.95 application includes Remixing Studio, FX Studio and Recording Studio for, well, remixing, adding effects, and recording music. The Mac version also features controls for MIDI keyboards.

Epson America Inc. has showed off its PowerLite 7700p portable projector. Weighing in at 15.2 pounds, the 3,000-lumen projector will support resolutions up to 1,600 by 1,200 pixels and will be HDTV-ready when it is released later this year. The price? A cool $11,999.

Plantronics Inc. has released a new line of digitally enhanced USB headsets ranging from the $89.95 DSP-100 to the $139.95 DSP-500; all include the PerSono audio control application and third-party software such as Net2Phone and VoicePilot.

ADS Technologies has shipped its Pyro 1394 WebCam, a $150 FireWire-based Web video camera. The company said the high-speed interface will permit resolutions of 640 by 480 pixels at up to 30 frames per second.

Koingo Software's Contact Keeper 3.0.1 is a completely rewritten version of the $5 address book. This version supports multiple lists, improves import speed, and adds other new features.

IconCleaner 1.0 from Angelo Scicolone is a free utility for deleting custom icons from folders and files.

Insider Software Inc. has updated SpaceAgent 2.5 to improves the utility's ability to compress XML, ASP, and JavaScript code. The update to the $249.95 application for minimizing HTML code is free.

Editorial standards