AAUG Reviews

by Dave Patterson ,AAUG Member

The Mac Tune Up package is a simple multipurpose utility suite that is straightforward and simple to use. Many of the utilities in the suite are also available as shareware or freeware. Considering the amount of time and trial and error it took me to compile the ones I already had, the price of this package is very attractive as a time saver alone. The tool bar is well laid out to quickly guide you to the function you want. Having all of the settings in one location is a great time saver.

The maintenance utility is nicely divided up to allow easy selection of specific functions for any or all maintenance sessions. The optimizer seemed to duplicate something I had found within the system, but a complete understanding of its function eluded me. I would have been better informed if the directions had told me why I would want to modify the default settings, in “layman’s terms”. The sharing utility expanded on what is in the system but was no less confusing and I moved past that section with the feeling that I could really mess things up if I did something wrong. This section seemed to call for assistance from tech support to walk me through.

The backup section duplicated what I already had in the system or that came with my stand-alone backup drive. The browser utility seemed to duplicate what I already was familiar with doing in finder but provided a different way to find all of the files and folders. Managing files from this location, i.e. File-Trash seemed like it might be helpful as long as you weren’t in someone else’s shared file.

I really liked the Info utility, which has an excellent overview of all of the system in one place on one screen. (more…)

by Mark Lovegreen, AAUG Member

The book overall is well laid out. Chapters and their sections are labeled clearly and accurately. I’ve worked with books that used cutsie chapter names that are great for those in the know, but can mislead or confound the novice. When a command or display for a Mac is different than for a Windows machine, both are covered. As is common in instruction manuals for computers and software, there are margin symbols for tips, warnings, and the like. These are always nice to have. This book goes an extra step and repeats some warnings multiple times in different sections in recognition of how the book is likely to be used: as a reference manual. Equally nice is the fact the every time a particular warning shows up, the wording is the same so one can quickly determine that the information is not new and can skip on. For a given procedure, what to do in each step is in bold type followed by a simplified explanation for the reader who isn’t as experienced and may not understand how to execute the step. The experienced operator can stick to the bold type, and the rest of us can read the regular text to be sure we’re doing the right thing.

I’m in awe of the complexity of the iPod and so am necessarily impressed with a manual that gives me the confidence to try to do things I wasn’t even aware I could do with the device. One level of complexity for the authors is the number of iPod models that Apple has produced. Slightly different procedures or screen displays have to be, and are, covered. The book is current through the iPhone and iPod Touch. (more…)

by Randy Brandon, AAUG Member

I can hear it now…”Oh no, not another laptop stand??

Well, to that I would say..YES, another laptop stand, and a fairly unique one at that.

The Kensingston Notebook stand with USB Hub is a great stand.

This stand takes a little different tilt on the standard laptop stands that are so prevalent in today’s marketplace.

This stand incorporates several features that puts it above several of its competitors.

One of the great features with this model is the built in(yet removable) is a four port self powered(A/C) USB 2 hub. The hub is located on the back of the stand, and can be removed and placed on the desk in a different location if the user prefers. And since this is a powered hub(A/C power block included), it can serve to charge USB powered devices like phones, and Ipods even when your laptop is turned off.

The stand accommodates all laptops from 12 to 17 inches, and has a “Smartfit” adjustment system which allows for an easy, fast, and secure way to adjust computer angles to suit anyone’s needs. The user basically takes the stand out of the box, sets it on a desktop, and slips their open laptop into it, connects up a keyboard, and mouse, and they are working. (more…)

by Gary Miller, AAUG Member

The just released Belkin Messenger bag for a portable computer up to 15.4″ is well thought out design. Seems many cases don’t have a good strap that will actually go over your shoulder,no matter your size - this one fits all sizes easily is adjustable and padded, too few pockets or ones with zippers - this one has endless choices, sizes, both inside and out, often you see an ugly color design- this Messenger has multiple choices, all nice for either sex, such as the jet ( black ) with cabernet (red) on the back on the exterior strap and interior spaces I’m reviewing here. I’ve tested and used leather that often scratches easily, versus a hardy canvas like material, the Belkin design for the Messenger is polyester, easily washable with soap and water.

When we open the case from the twin handles for ease of carrying, or the padded strap, we find a nicely padded area for your computer. Also a carrying pouch is included for extras. Compartments for your power supply, pens, etc are there. On the exterior is a larger sized compartment for holding files, and one with a zipper too, with interior compartments so things don’t slide around. I think the designers actually used this case, for it shows high quality design with matching functionality. (more…)

by Kay Vreeland, AAUG Member

The perfect book for someone needing a boost in using Leopard’s new features while still not confident about basic Mac usage, this illustrated manual is a fun and fast way to master the Mac by seeing how it works. The book uses pictures and short text to explain how OS X works now, from the simple first step of navigating the desktop to using Leopard’s top new goodies: Spaces, Cover Flow, Stacks, Time Machine, Screen Sharing, improved iCal and Mail, and Parental Controls for kids’ (or employees’) computer use.

The new and improved iCal functions are thoroughly covered along with myriad other ways of organizing life with Leopard. Even something that should be simple, like using Mail, had long been opaque to me, but the 14 pages on this new Leopard Mail demystified it at last. The too-short and too-promising step-by-step tutorial on using iDisk was still not enough for me, though, since I have failed utterly in backing up to my .Mac iDisk, alas.

Explaining Automator is brilliant, and unexpected since this is a very basic manual. Automator was too daunting to use with the other manuals I have, but this one shows it’s easy! Workflows make sense at last, and none too soon, as I had found other manuals made using Automator sound like programming. The book also shows how to use the Apple Remote, but sticks with using it with Front Row and Apple hardware–a tip that using it with Keynote for presentations, for example, would point the way to other useful remote help. The explanation of installing/uninstalling programs also gives confidence to the newbie.
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by Zachary Zaletel, AAUG Member

One of the rituals that predates my entry into the workforce by many years is the exchange of the business card. Born well before the days of ubiquitous computers, iPhones, blackberries and email made carrying an entire address book in your pocket easy if not convenient, they have endured and continue to serve their purpose well. Of course, now that we do have the ability to digitally store all the details included in a business card for quick retreival or emailing, it can be a chore at times to sit down and log some quality data entry time. With this problem in mind, IRIS has a software and hardware solution to make life a little easier, IRIS Card Pro4.

The IRIS Card Pro4 system is comprised of a diminuitive scanner and accompanying Cardiris software. The scanner is roughly the size of two Butterfinger candy bars, with a card feeding slot and two buttons on top. It connects to your computer via an included USB cable to a powered USB port - no additional power cord is necessary. Once plugged in, all you have to do is install the software and you are ready to go; the software installs quickly and relatively painlessly.

Once you open the Cardiris software, all you have to do is set a card at the scanner and the machine takes care of things from there. Within a few seconds, (more…)

by Susan Veatch Golds, AAUG Member

I was very interested in finding an easy solution in avoiding a “hot lap”. The PocketTop sounded like it would be helpful. My Mac Book Pro 17 inch barely fit inside the case. The plug in for the Mac is on the left side and it is impossible to leave it attached when zipping the case. The case has to be zipped before putting the power supply into the front pouch, or I can’t get it zipped. It is unfortunately more difficult than I would like to zip the case up. The size restriction was NOT printed on the product itself.

The website states that the PocketTop works with 15.4″ wide screens or smaller. Since the trend is for larger screens on laptops, I believe the PocketTop should be larger to be more versatile.

My husband has a Dell Inspiron 1521 has a 15.4 ” wide screen with an extra deluxe battery. The zipper did not fit over the corner on the side where the battery took up too much room in the back to fit squarely in the case. Because of the tight fit, even though the Dell has the power outlet in the back of the laptop, it was not practical to leave it plugged in and zip the computer up.

He also found that the support to aerate the computer actually blocked the vent holes.

His mouse was too large to fit into the accessory pouch. (more…)

by Zachary Zaletel (With input from iPhone owner Chris Schutte), AAUG Member

The Griffin SmartShare + Adapter package is labeled as the “must-have connections for your iPhone,” though I think the more accurate description would be the “nice to have connections for your iPhone in two or three specific situations.” The package contains two separate devices: first is the Headphone Adapter that lets you use any 1/8″ (3.5mm) stereo-mini plug headphones with your iPhone. Though Griffin says “without our Adapter, most available headphones won’t fit,” that simply is not the case. All of the headphones I own except for one pair fit into the iPhone headphone jack, and the one pair that didn’t fit was my studio reference Sony MDR-V900s. Those cans are way too large to lug around with me all the time anyway, not to mention way to overpowered for the less than high-fidelity sound quality of the iPhone/iPod. But more importantly, if you really want to upgrade your headphones for the iPhone, why not just buy a pair that have the microphone already built-in? I love my V-Moda earbuds and bet that the V-Moda Vibe Duo iPhone-compatible headphones/headset are a much smarter investment.

The second item in the package is the SmartShare adapter that lets you plug two sets of headphones into one headphone jack, so each listener can each set their own volume level. Of the two items in the package, this is the more useful – though in very specific situations. (more…)

by Rob LeFebvre, AAUG Member

iLife 08 contains iMovie, GarageBand, iPhoto, iWeb and iDVD. For the most part, iDVD, iWeb and iPhoto have been upgraded with some new features. GarageBand has one significant new feature, and iMovie has been redesigned from the ground up. If you’re unsure about upgrading, just know that iMovie is a different beast altogether, while the other iApps will feel familiar and comfortable.

iPhoto - Powerful and Familiar
iPhoto has a new organization scheme, called Events. It automatically organizes new imported photos into date-based “events,” which you can then customize and re-organize. It takes all your old “rolls” and creates new events based on the dates on the photos themselves. If you have a lot of photos from previous versions of iPhoto, like I do, you’ll need to wait while iPhoto upgrades its database, and then go in and title the newly created events with appropriate titles. There are new editing tools, an easier way to create online galleries (.Mac required), new calendar and book options, and a new theme-based home printing option, where you can create your own layouts and print right on your own printer at home. If you’ve used iPhoto before, you’ll feel right at home with this newer, more powerful version.

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by Wayne Watson, AAUG Member

This sport armband measures 3″ x 5″ and has an elastic velcro band that accommodates my skinny 13-year-old son’s arms (biceps) as well as my adult biceps. I selected this sport armband for my wife along with an iPod Touch as a Christmas present. She works out three times a week and has enjoyed taking her new iPod to the gym with her–in the sport armband. The armband can be used with either the iPhone or iPod Touch. The neoprene backing allows for easy washing. The iPod can be carried rather roughly as you are getting ready to work out without fear that it will fall out of the armband pouch.

My wife’s iPod Touch fit snugly inside the rubber housing that features a clear plastic face. There was no problem pressing the iPod’s feature through the plastic sheet. The plastic cover sheet feels very sturdy but not so thick that the finger pressure does not register on the iPod’s face “desktop”.

The iPod Touch slides inside the band’s pocket from the top, allowing a slit on the bottom if you want to charge or sync the iPod while it is in the armband. The only drawback I found was accessing the headphone jack (plug-in hole) through the factory slit on the bottom. This does not appear to be a problem because the material/cloth stretches back to allow access to the hole. (I wonder if this could be remedied on future iPod Touches by moving the jack hole closer to the synch connector.

The armband protects the iPod Touch or iPhone and looks good at the same time.