VMware Fusion 3 Software
Product Review
Contact: +1 949-362-5800
Price: 79.99 USD
Pros: Drag and drop files between operating systems convenient, not having to shut down and restart as in Mac BootCamp. Allows true multi-tasking.
Cons: Price (Hard to beat FREE with Mac BootCamp). Documentation.
Product Rating
Impressive
by Paul Vaona, AAUG Member
Disclaimer: SmithMicro provided a free copy of VMWare Fusion 3 to me for the purpose of this review.
My return to Mac a few years back had remained incomplete until just recently and never more happily until now. Growing up with an Apple II, like so many others, I crossed over to Dark Side, I mean Windows, as a matter of convenience and though I was never completely happy with the operating system, I always found something lacking, the prevalence of the operating system made the shortcomings a bit bearable.
Finally reaching a point of utter frustration I, like Darth Vader, realized there was still good within and returned to Mac. This return has been difficult at times as so few realize that Mac users might want to use their product. As difficult as it was, I had to maintain a separate Windows platform for work and my GPS.
Having personally used, and through research, “Parallel”s never seemed a good option. Too slow, not functional and too draining on system resources the BootCamp software seemed a more viable route. Never one to test the waters once I made a decision to dive in, I replaced the Windows platform and dove head first into BootCamp.
As is the case in life, convenience comes at a cost and having one platform for both operating systems can be a costly convenience. Switching back and forth between operating systems required shutting down one and restarting in the other, drastically reducing ability to truly multi-task and ability to share files between operating systems never seem to work very well. In the end it came down to being able to maintain one platform was the winner. (more…)
Take Control of Passwords in Mac OS X v2.0
Product Review
Publisher: TidBITS Publishing, Inc.
Price: $10 ebook, $20.99 print
Pros: Clear examples, logical presentation, personal how-to stories and opinions. Seems to cover all password situations for OS X users.
Cons: Daunting, but necessary, mnemonic devices and complex technical instructions.
Product Rating
Excellent
by Kay Vreeland, AAUG Member
Disclaimer: TidBITS Publishing Inc. provided a free copy of Take Control of Passwords in Mac OS X v2.0 to me for the purpose of this review.
My New Year’s resolution to organize the plastic bag full of paper scraps with passwords written on them will be a success because of Joe Kissell’s clear and logical explanation of how to manage passwords. Scanning the book is scary for someone who is poor at rocket science, since a major goal here is to teach us how to remember passwords and some of the mnemonic formulas look a lot like advanced brain games. The key to user accessibility for truly secure password protection is Kissell’s system for matching your personality type, risk level and the two types of passwords, security and identity, to a password-generating system that works for you. Then, once you decide to rely (mostly) on technology or (mostly) on your brain, you can begin with the Mac OS X eight passwords and go on to the hundreds you have for all the sites you access securely. If you are looking at a plastic bag overflowing with paper scraps of existing passwords, go immediately to p. 110 for hints on how to Update Old Passwords.
I learned about things I never imagined existed, like not using special characters generated with the Option key or spaces or quotes for OS X login passwords. Also, the need for an emergency password plan and how to recover forgotten passwords called loudly to me. By starting with assessing password needs from pp. 10-12 and then spending time with the first two chapters, Password Basics and Password Strategy, and finally skipping to chapter 9 on keeping passwords secure, I could get a good overview of the world of passwords in 25 pages. Only then was I able to put my study hat on (more…)
Focal Digital Camera Guides – Nikon D60
Product Review
Publisher: Focal Press
Price: $9.99 from Amazon.com
Pros: Nice visual aids. Perfect for novice and advanced users.
Cons: None apparent.
Product Rating
Excellent
by Chris Tofteberg, AAUG Member
Conflict of interest disclosure: Focal Press provided a free copy of this book for the purpose of the review.
I’ve read quite a few digital photography books over the past couple of years, but nothing compares to having a book that is specific to the model of camera you own. Since I own a Nikon D60, the Focal Digital Camera Guide for the Nikon D60 from Focal Press seemed a natural fit. And I have to say, I learned things that I can do with my camera that I never knew. Even after owning it for almost two years.
As of this writing, the D60 is Nikon’s entry level SLR camera. But even with an entry level camera, there are tons of features crammed into them, many of which the user may not even be aware of. User guides almost never tell the whole picture (pun intended), and that’s why books such as this exist. I found the flow of the book very logical, starting with the basic features used to take pictures all the way to advanced uses. Instructions for electronics seldom transfer well to words, and fortunately this book provides images and photos for each topic it covers.
What’s nice about this book is that anyone from a novice to an expert photographer will find something useful in it. Beginners, you start on page one. Intermediate users, start somewhere in the middle. Advanced users, you can go ahead and skip to the last third of the book. As one example, I had purchased a remote control for my D60 a year or so ago but could never get it to work. I assumed it was faulty. This book told me exactly how to use it and my remote is just fine; operator error. (more…)
AppZapper v 2.0.1
Product Review
Contact: Email
Price: $12.95 or $18.00 for Family Pack (3), or 10 pack $ 79.95, also free trial version.
Pros: new for SnowLeopard, OS 10.6 with
Cons: none
Product Rating
Excellent
by Gary Miller, AAUG Member
Conflict of interest disclosure: AppZapper provided a free copy of AppZapper 2.0 to me for the purposes of the review.
AppZapper is the ultimate waste removal system. If you are like me, download some funky apps, don’t remember all the extensions, preference files, application assistant files, etc, and then wonder why our Mac’s are slow, then read on….
AppZapper 2.0 is a new version designed for Apple’s latest OS, Snow Leopard 10.6. It quickly and easily allows total removal of applications you no longer want, and all associated files just by dragging the application onto it. That’s it, and it works consistently every time.
Also in the new version are features Hit List, that allows you to browse all of your apps on your computer, search, scroll, and filter, select one you want to delete, and hit Zap. done. Also Meet My Apps is a feature that stores license and registration information for your apps. It worked so easy too! I just dragged an app into My Apps (that’s part of AppZapper), and it creates a card showing all your purchase details.
I go through times of wanting to clean up my applications, and know that if I launch AppZapper, all I have to do is just drag/drop the not wanted App onto it, it then shows all the associated files, and you click it, done. End of story.
As they say, it’s as simple as – Drag, Drop, Zap!
Get it, best money you’ve spent in a long time! and yes, a free trial is available on their site. (more…)
Magellan Premium Car Kit for iPhone
Product Review
Contact: 800 707 9971
Price: $129.99
Pros: holds & charges iPhone, swivels for vertical or sideways viewing, bluetooth, GPS sensor built in, handsfree mic with noise canceling, bigger speaker
Cons: expensive, no AUX cord for car’s audio system
Product Rating
Satisfactory
by Gary Miller, AAUG Member
Conflict of interest disclosure: Magellan provided a free copy of Premium Car Kit for iPhone to me for the purposes of the review.
We’re in a new age for GPS devices, and Magellan’s RoadMate App for iPhone with it’s companion, Premium Car Kit for using in your car really handles day to day GPS needs, allowing the user to swivel from portrait to landscape mode for ease of use. So if I was using the iPhone to look up something with it’s internet capability, I used it up and down mode, but when I turned on the RoadMate App by clicking on it( takes about 15 seconds to start up), then I used it in landscape mode with easy touch screen capability. See by complete review of this well thought out and created App on our website here.
The box includes Premium GPS Car Kit, Vehicle Mount, Adhesive Disc, Vehicle Power Adapter, Getting Started Guide
I took the Premium Car Kit on the road to Hawaii to test how it would work in unfamiliar areas. Since the unit charges my iPhone at the same time, it was helpful. Bluetooth worked well, so even if I didn’t have the phone in it’s cradle, I could still take advantage of it’s bigger speaker that is built in. But when friends called me, and I answered via the cradles speaker, they said the noise canceling wasn’t too good, finding it hard to understand me. (more…)
Spyder3Studio SR
Product Review
Contact: Email
Price: $599, with discounts at various sites
Pros: Very easy to use, excellent documentation; generates excellent profiles and calibration; tech support is by email but is excellent.
Cons: Note that this is actually an issue with Apple’s hardware design: can only be used effectively with the very latest iMacs, otherwise the display can not be dimmed enough to avoid prints appearing too dark; strip reading method works only with new color patch target which requires more paper.
Product Rating
Excellent
by Bruce Herman, AAUG Member
Conflict of interest disclosure: Datacolor, Inc provided a free copy of Spyder3Studio SR for the purposes of the review.
Computers used in testing: Mac Pro with dual quad core processors and a MacBook Pro. Both computers run Mac OS X version 10.5.8
I don’t recall when I first began using the Spyder to calibrate my computer display, but I do know that lot has changed since then. Then, everyone used film cameras and made their prints with photographic paper. More likely, someone else developed their film and made their prints. Today, most people make photographs with digital cameras and print their photographs on inkjet printers. That gives the average photographer an unprecedented control and responsibility. The quality of what we see on our computer displays and what we print depends in no small part to our skill in digitally manipulating color and brightness in our computers. This can be a frustrating process unless our actions in software yield predicable results on the computer display and with our prints. Given our reliance on our hardware and software, I continue to be surprised that more people do not calibrate and profile their computer display and their printer/paper combinations. This is a critical issue for getting the results that you intend. I think that one of the reasons that people do not calibrate and profile their displays and printers is that many are intimidated by the process. The cost of the tools is a second reason.
Datacolor has certainly addressed the process side of the equation with Spyder3Studio SR because it is the easiest package to understand and use that I have tested. The display calibration software (calibrates both computer displays and digital projectors) and the printer profiling software install from the same DVD and from the same menu although you still have to install them separately (two clicks instead of one). The installation into Mac OS X 10.5.8 (Leopard) went without a hitch. (more…)
Multimedia Wireless Mic Kit
Product Review
Contact: 866-558-4465
Price: $49.99 US
Pros: A very versatile case of high quality design that will keep you creative by keeping your gear working for you.
Cons: Belt systems were in short supply, this con became a pro because they redesigned the belts with more size flexibilities and are now widely available.
Product Rating
Excellent
by Mike Baranowski, AAUG Member
Conflict of interest disclosure: ThinkTank Photo provided at no charge Multimedia Wireless Mic Kit to me for the purposes of the review.
Think Tank gets it! They have been making modular photography cases since January 2005, and they now offer a multimedia collection. This modular case is one in a large array of interchangeable modular cases that allows you to wire up your gear and take your workflow to the field to capture the event right the first time (limiting time spent in post production). Being modular is important to carry only what you will need (especially important when commuting in private planes or boats) as well as comfort on your back. Think Tank assists you in separating your gear into what is the best way to store, transport, and facilitate capturing. It prepares you for “mission design” – configuring your gear in the workflow you feel will authentically capture the event. The case has a low profile and stays snug to your body so you can walk thru crowds or brush easily, or pull it to the front to insure its security, or to the back to protect your posture. Being able to slide the case around on the belt allows you to sit and kneel without difficulty. Think Tank also allows the ability to “lock” all the Think Tank cases in their position on the photo belt system. I had difficulty getting a Think Tank Belt; they were sold out everywhere (local, web, etc.). In late September I found out with their new website that Think Tank redesigned the Belt systems to offer more flexibility by adding in a 4th size. They were just running the product out to change over. I put my order in for both a Pro and Steroid in the new size. Think Tank contacted me to inform me they were available – that’s service that goes way beyond other vendors! (more…)
Multimedia Mic Drop In
Product Review
Contact: 866-558-4465
Price: $39.95 US
Pros: A very versatile case of high quality design that will keep you creative by keeping your gear working for you.
Cons: Belt systems were in short supply, this con became a pro because they redesigned the belts with more size flexibilities and are now widely available.
Product Rating
Excellent
by Mike Baranowski, AAUG Member
Conflict of interest disclosure: ThinkTank Photo provided at no charge Multimedia Mic Drop In to me for the purposes of the review.
“Content is king BUT Audio is queen.” Put another way, people will put up with a lot, if you have GREAT content, BUT if your audio is poor, your time with your audience is limited. The audio quality captured from most video cam’s and DSLR’s (that shoot video) is usually poor so you need an additional means of capturing that high quality audio. Enter: professional microphones (i.e. XLR shotgun style) and portable audio recording device (i.e. Marantz PMD-660).
Think Tank gets it! They have been making modular photography cases since January 2005, and they now offer a multimedia collection. This modular case is one in a large array of interchangeable modular cases that allows you to wire up your gear and take your workflow to the field to capture the audio right the first time (limiting time spent in post production). As one moves toward Photo/Media Journalist, the need is greater to get it right in the camera/recorder on capture, because you are limited to what you can do in post-production. Being modular is important to carry only what you will need (especially important when commuting in small planes (i.e. Cessna, Beaver) or boats) as well as comfort on your back. Think Tank assists you in separating your gear into what is the best way to store, transport, and facilitate capturing. It prepares you for “mission design” – configuring your gear in the workflow you feel will authentically capture the event.
When Think Tank’s cases are in your hands you will be flooded with confirming thoughts like: amazing design, thorough construction, and superior craftsmanship. This Multimedia Mic Drop In case is no exception! For those familiar with Think Tanks Lens Drop In cases the Mic Drop In has some similar design concepts.
Here are two ways to improve your audio quality during the event given the short comings of the cameras functionality. You can upgrade your audio capturing device (i.e. Rode VideoMic with a dead cat windshield) and send the signal to your camera laying down the audio and video tracks in sync to the cameras recording device (i.e. tape, hard drive or solid state device). A second method is to capture a separate signal concurrently, like a shotgun mic (i.e. Rode NTG-1 with a dead cat windshield) to a field recorded (i.e. Marantz PMD-660 which supports XLR jacks and provides phantom power) and gain access to higher quality recordings. This gives you more flexibility to correct things in post-production while you recombine the audio and video to the final product. This Multimedia Mic Drop In case is made to facilitate both of these workflows so you can choose either of these solutions to improve your audio capture.
The case has a low profile and stays snug to your body so you can walk thru crowds or brush easily, or pull it to the front to insure its security, or to the back to protect your posture. Being able to slide the case around on the belt allows you to sit and kneel without difficulty. Think Tank also allows the ability to “lock” all the Think Tank cases in their position on the photo belt system. I had difficulty getting a Think Tank Belt; they were sold out everywhere (local, web, etc.). I found one Think Tank Skin Belt at Calumet Photo and just in time for an upcoming event. After working with the system I will be getting both a Pro Speed Belt and Steroid Speed Belt in a few sizes to wear over parkas. This Multimedia Mic Drop In case would wire up perfectly on a belt system with the Multimedia Big Audio case to handle the Marantz PMD-660 or you could slip it directly on the Multimedia Wired up 20 to carry it all (DSLR, Audio Recorder, Video Camera and gear) to the site.
The main compartment is 3.5” in diameter and 7” to 11” deep, this can accommodate various mic sizes with windshields. “Pop-Down,” unique zipper design, allows the case to expand that additional 4” allowing the case to hold a 16” shotgun mic. “Quick Tab” loop holds coiled mic cable on the side. A cable management system is cut through out the case providing a multitude of routing options. Every cable port is marked with a blue accent material so you do not miss any of your routing options. Cable routing is well evolved; from main compartment both out back bottom of the case and into the front stretch pocket. A small pocket with Velcro closure at bottom of bag holds the standard Think Tanks seam sealed rain cover. Because it is just a matter of time when you are going to get caught in the elements.
Think Tank has helped me clean up my workflow and I stay more creative in the field production and have much less to do in post. Great job Think Tank I am reassessing my other multimedia workflow with your products in mind!
Multimedia Big Audio
Product Review
Contact: 866-558-4465
Price: $49.99 US
Pros: Superior design, quality and craftsmanship. The only product available to incorporate workflow in your field production that grows as your needs grow.
Cons: Belt systems were in short supply, this con became a pro because they redesigned the belts with more size flexibilities and are now widely available.
Product Rating
Excellent
by Mike Baranowski, AAUG Member
Conflict of interest disclosure: SThink Tank Photo provided at no charge
Multimedia Big Audio to me for the purposes of the review.
Content is king BUT Audio is queen. Put another way, people will put up with a lot, if you have GREAT content, BUT if your audio is poor, your time with your audience is limited. The audio quality captured from most video cams and DSLRs (that shoot video) is usually poor so you need an additional means of capturing that high quality audio in the field. Enter: the portable audio recording device (i.e. Marantz PMD-660).
Think Tank gets it! They have been making modular photography cases since January 2005, and they now offer a multimedia collection. This modular case is one in a large array of interchangeable modular cases that allows you to wire up your gear and take your workflow to the field to capture the audio right the first time (limiting time spent in post production). As one moves toward Photo/Media Journalist, the need is greater to get it right in the camera/recorder on capture, because you are limited to what you can do in post-production. Being modular is important to carry only what you will need (especially important when commuting in small planes (i.e. Cessna, Beaver) or boats) as well as comfort on your back. Think Tank assists you in separating your gear into what is the best way to store, transport, and facilitate capturing. It prepares you for mission design configuring your gear in the workflow you feel will authentically capture the event. (more…)
Multimedia Audio Recorder
Product Review
Contact: 866-558-4465
Price: $39.99 US
Pros: Superior design, quality and craftsmanship. Very versatile case that incorporates your workflow in field production and the system grows as your needs grow.
Cons: Belt systems were in short supply, this con became a pro because they redesigned the belts with more size flexibilities and are now widely available.
Product Rating
Excellent
by Mike Baranowski, AAUG Member
Conflict of interest disclosure: Think Tank Photo provided Multimedia Audio Recorder to me at no charge for the purposes of the review.
“Content is king BUT Audio is queen.” Put another way, people will put up with a lot, if you have GREAT content, BUT if your audio is poor, your time with your audience is limited. The audio quality captured from most video cam’s and DSLR’s (that shoot video) is usually poor so you need an additional means of capturing that high quality audio. Enter: the portable audio recording device.
Think Tank gets it! They have been making modular photography cases since January 2005, and they now offer a multimedia collection that mixes and matches with their whole collection. This modular case is one in a large array of interchangeable modular cases that allows you to wire up your gear and take your workflow to the field to capture the audio right the first time (limiting time spent in post production). As one moves toward Photo/Media Journalist, the need is greater to get it right in the camera/recorder on capture, because you are limited to what you can do in post-production. Being modular is important to carry only what you will need (especially important when commuting in small planes (i.e. Cessna, Beaver) or boats) as well as comfort on your back. Think Tank assists you in separating your gear into what is the best way to store, transport, and facilitate capturing. It prepares you for “mission design” – configuring your gear in the workflow you feel will authentically capture the event.
The Multimedia Audio Recorder case is the smaller version of Think Tank Photo’s Audio Recording cases. It easily accommodates an audio recorder the size of a Edirol R-09. (more…)