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It’s amazing how Scott has made it this far in life without being able to handle a simple time zone calculation. Sam Negri teaches us how to Throwback the headphones. John Nemo talks with Nathan of Seagate about a cool new product that will make you GoFlex your Satellite Wireless Storage. HP goes all Bernie by selling the corpses of their TouchPad for $99, and plans to make MORE to sell at a loss. And Suzé Gilbert brings back the joy of the Daily Journal.
SK Pro Throwback DJ
Skullcandy
$113.00
Probably the last thing anybody wants to know about a set of quality over-the-ear headphones is the color of the cord. But in the case of Skullcandy’s SK Pro Throwback DJ headphones, I guarantee the long mandarin orange cord snaking off the white ear cup will catch your eye long before you start poking around looking for ohms and impedance data.
Skullcandy earphones — I don’t care if they’re earbuds or the comfy earmuff style — are as much about fashion and whimsical design as they are about quality sound. When you’re cruising along on your inline skates with an iPod strapped to your bicep, a candy orange cord dangling across your chest and your ears encased in white plastic lined with soft tan leather, you are nothing if not the height of cool.
Adobe Photoshop CS5 One-on-One
Author: Deke McClelland
Company: O’reilly
ISBN: 978-0-596-80797-9, 460 pages
Price: $49.99
Abobe Photoshop CS5 One-on-One is a great book for Photoshop CS5 users. As with many tutorial books, it takes you from the basic chapters on cropping and resizing an image, to layers and more advanced features. The first chapter is dedicated to opening and organizing pictures with Bridge CS5, while the last one is on traditional printing and export to web functions of the software.
Many aspects of the tools in Photoshop CS5 are presented in the book. Making selections, an important part of the Photoshop workflow, takes an entire chapter. Almost at the end, a tutorial shows how to make a complex selection using the Channels from the picture. The author will teach you many fundamentals of Photoshop, namely retouching, healing and enhancing a picture as well as adjusting color and removing color cast. As you read and follow the book, the author also reaches some more advanced features of Photoshop CS5, such as Smart Objects and Smart Filters. It also covers features such as Free Transform, Adobe Camera Raw and masks. Some parts of the book teach you compositing and how to work with text layers.
The book is specifically named with the CS5 version of the software. But most of the chapters will be doable only with CS4 or even earlier versions of Photoshop. When a new feature of CS5 is mentioned, it is clearly stated and users of previous versions can skip this section easily if they want. There is no specific section on Photoshop CS5 new features only. But it is well integrated in the flow of the book. The book does not come with a CD-ROM, but online contents can be found from the provided link in the book. The content includes both the material used in the tutorials, as well as small video clips at the beginning of each chapter. According to the book cover, there are five hours of video.
The book Adobe Photoshop CS5 One-on-One is nice reading. It does not have a specific goal in mind, but can be seen as a typical introduction to Photoshop book. The book is written for both Mac and PC, telling you specific shortcuts for each platform. It is very comprehensive and includes lots of material for beginner to intermediate users.
MyMac Review Rating: 9 out of 10
Company: Waterfield Designs
Price: $69.00
Like the city in which all their products are designed and manufactured, Waterfield/SFBags of San Francisco has established a reputation for style, beauty, and quality. Would their iPad Travel Express, a folio mobile storage solution for the iPad or iPad 2, live up to the lofty reputation? Read on and the discover the answer.
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Choosing a Treadmill Desk
Guest article by occasional contributor Susan Klement
After a great deal of investigation, I recently purchased a treadmill desk for use with my computer. The decision-making process was more difficult than I expected for many reasons, especially the substantial cost of the equipment I eventually chose. I found a lot of information on the Internet, but much of it, though interesting, was not helpful. Articles discussed the health benefits of walking while computing, how long it took to adjust to walking while working, how to choose a treadmill for runners, how to build a stationary desk adapted to a runner’s treadmill, or how to convince a boss to allow a treadmill desk in the workplace. Nothing I found discussed the information I want to share with you, now that I have several weeks of experience with my equipment: how to decide what kind of treadmill and desk are right for your particular situation. My circumstances likely differ from yours, but the many factors I had to examine will give you clues as to what you need to take into consideration.
The motivation
From the day I was born, I’ve rarely moved a muscle unless forced to do so. Now that I’ve turned 70, aching joints make me all too aware of my sedentary past. My doctor recently gave me a stern warning: “Susan, your bone density numbers are going in the wrong direction.” She urged me to add strength and weight training to my weekly yoga, tai chi and Feldenkrais classes. Yes, I take calcium and vitamin D supplements and I reluctantly do a daily one-mile walk, but this regimen has proved insufficient to improve my osteopenia.
My response was to groan, “After doing all that and flossing my teeth, there will be no time left for anything else.” I want to spend my time in my jewelry studio or on my computer, not exercising. Knowing myself only too well, I decided that I must multitask—exercise while I do other things. Making jewelry doesn’t provide many chances for movement of the larger muscles but the several hours a day I spend on the computer do—if I walk while I read or write. I concluded that I must buy a treadmill desk.
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Steve Jobs steps down as CEO of Apple, and you know Tim and David have to talk about it. Are older video games still relevant today with the younger generation? And we return to our Technology in the Movies by looking at the 1998 mega-hit Armageddon.
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Drobo FS
Company: Drobo
Price: $699.00 MSRP (without any hard drive)
The Drobo FS is one of the latest hardware in the popular line of products from Drobo. It is a standalone NAS (Network-Attached Storage) that connects directly to the LAN network. This is the third Drobo I have bought and it fits well in the family of products. The particular interest in the Drobo FS is that it can operate almost as a standalone device once configured. In other words, it is a file server without a server. This device may be an ideal choice for home users or small businesses that need to share files within a group. In this review, we will explore the device together and see if that can meet some of your needs.
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A sad beginning to the show. After Gaz and Guy finished recording Tuesday, Steve Jobs resigned from Apple. This was too big a story to wait until next week so Tim Robertson (you MAY have heard of him) and Guy record their thoughts on the passing of the torch at our favorite tech company. It’s at the beginning of the show but was recorded later…mind explodes!
Meanwhile some time before that, a rare East Coast earthquake shakes things up for Guy and he seems a little more brain scattered than usual, but fortunately Gaz is there to keep him on the straight and narrow. The whole HP/WebOS thing whets some mention along with updates, Mac App Store pricing, oddly shaped German Tablets, and Orangoutangs. How is Version and Auto-Save different? We have to stop the show to find out and Gaz FINALLY gets a People’s Pick (or three). Guy cuts a bit of himself out of the show because he basically gave away Gaz’s Contest…BAD GUY!
Some Links:
Monkeys with iPads
Evernote’s a Little Skitchy
App Picks:
Mellel Word Processor from RedleX
TwistedWave Audio Editor for iOS
Contact info: Drop us a line and let us know you want to be on the show. Gaz and Guy on Twitter, guy@mymac.com and gaz@mymac.com, or our Skype direct number 703-436-9501. Also go into iTunes and leave some feedback. Also don’t forget our FaceBook Page!
Sad, yes, but not unexpected. Your family and health must, always, come first. We all wish you well, Mr. Jobs!
CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
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It’s App Catch Week at the old Nickel and Dime podcast. Suzé Gilbert joins me to help toss out app recommendations based on apps currently on our iOS devices.
Millie Was Here, Book 2: Millie & The Lost Key
Available On The iOS App Store
App Developer: Megapops
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Licence: US$3.99 – Compatible with iPad – Requires iOS 3.2 or later
Millie is back looking for the key that will access a treasure trove of limitless bacon.
As you may have gathered by the title, this app is an interactive book which makes up part two of a yet to be completed series. Children will get to know Millie and her superpowers better as they traverse sky, sea, and land all the time being wary of Pirates, Piranhas, and a devilish cat who is also on a adventure for the beloved bacon.
As with Book 1 the format and general procession of the book remains intact. This allows a continuity that children and parents alike will welcome. Book 1, Meet Millie, introduced the adorable little dog as a short story sample of what to expect. Book 2, Millie And The Lost Key, builds on that by telling the continuation of Millie’s incredible story across 22 lovely pages with exceptional interaction and storytelling. The story will throughly engross any child’s imagination. Whilst there are underlying links between Book 1 and Book 2 there is no exact link in the story line that requires parents to pick them up in chronological order.
InDesign CS 5.5
Adobe
Upgrade, single application, suite, and academic pricing available
I begin this review with a caveat. Adobe loves the word “professional.” I mean really! Their CS Suites are for professionals, and I can tell you right now, those people will leave me in the dust with their skills. But I am here to say that we ordinary people will love CS InDesign 5.5. This review is in two parts. The first will cover basic publications, PDFs, booklets, and the useful controls and workspaces that pertain to the print world. The second part will zero in on interactive publications, including the very lucrative and expanding field of ePub.
With InDesign 5.5, you too can design and publish your church newsletter. You too can design posters for your art group. You too can produce interesting interactive PDFs that can be used on the Internet. And yes, you too can publish your own ePub book as a tutorial, or for a family reunion or for pure vanity’s sake. I did, and I am not a professional by any stretch of the imagination.
VideoHunters available from the iOS App Store
App Developer: The App Company
Version Reviewed: 1.4
Licence: US$0.99 – Compatible with iPad – Requires iOS 4.0 or later
VideoHunters will change the way you consume, collate, and experience YouTube.
At first you may ask why do I need an app for the iPad which delivers YouTube content? Doesn’t Apple already have a built in YouTube app? You would be correct in this statement. You would also be mistaken to give this app a miss as there is a level of control for YouTube content that only this app can deliver.
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A crazy week in the tech world means a fun show for TechFan! First, Google buys Motorola’s mobile devision for HOW MUCH? Yikes. Then, HP kills off not only the new WebOS devises, but all their consumer PC business to boot. Double yikes! Finally, would you rather have forty iOS games, or one Nintendo 3DS game?
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Orbit Wireless Mobile Trackball
Company: Kensington
Price: $59.99 or lower online
Requires: Mac OSX 10.5.6 or higher
I’ve owned and used a laptop computer since late 2001. In that time I’ve always used the trackpad; I was happy with it. Recently I decided that I needed a little more control than I was getting with the trackpad, so I bought a wireless mouse. I love it, though I primarily use it when editing video. When the opportunity arose for me to review a wireless trackball, I jumped at the chance.
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Larry Grinnell (Guy’s brother) join the GMen in a spirited and long debate about Google’s purchase of Motorola’s Mobility branch and Gaz’s brother rides something called the “Flying Fish of Cowes”. Gaz isn’t happy there’s been no People’s Picks for Apps and he just might track each and every one of you down unless you comply. Also another chance for one of those oh so wonderful WOOTie Awards and is that a banana in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?
Review by Suzé Gilbert
iFlash LED Flashlight
Gadgets and Gear
$34.99 US
When Apple launched the iPhone 4 with an LED light, I was envious as that feature was lacking on my iPhone 3GS. Photographs on my iPhone 3GS were often dark and unsalvageable. That problem is no longer applicable thanks to a nifty LED device by Gadgets and Gear.
The iFlash is a small (.75″ W x 1.75″ L) LED light that can be used for a flashlight or as a flash for the iDevices. It is compatible with the iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, iPod Nano 3, 4, 5, iTouch 1, 2, 3, 4, and the iPad 1 and 2. The device does not require batteries as it derives its power from the iDevice. It did not drain my iPhone battery substantially. The iFlash contains a tiny, high efficiency capacitor to protect against a power overload.
Millie Was Here, Book 1: Meet Millie
Available On The iOS App Store
App Developer: Megapops
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Licence: Freeware, Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 3.2 or later.
Millie will capture the imagination of every child through her mystery, magical superpowers and amazing travels all over the world.
I’m sorry, I forgot to mention Millie is a dog! Not just any dog, as I was to discover when I introduced Millie and her incredible story to my children.
Dexim Visible Green Charger
Company: Dexim
Price: $34.90 USD
Charging cables are the most heavily used pieces of equipment that users of iOS devices take completely for granted. How exciting can chargers be, right? Dexim may change that perception with their new Visible Green Charging Cable — a system that is not only cool to use, but is also environmentally friendly.
The Dexim Visible Green Charger is designed to eliminate the “vampire” power draw that accounts for close to 10% of the energy consumption in the U.S. This is electricity that is being drawn from the grid by devices that are simply plugged in but are not being used. Maybe it’s a game console that’s turned off or a battery charging cable that’s simply plugged into a fully-charged device. Either way, there is a needless usage of electricity that not only adds to your monthly electrical bill, but also harms the environment with the extra power that’s forced to be generated.
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