MacSwitching.com - The Mac Switcher resource

Need a Mac mini for a few weeks, or just want to give Apple’s smallest desktop computer a try?

Apple is now offering a Mac mini test-drive program via its online store, allowing prospective customers to purchase a mini and then return it for a full refund within thirty days if they don’t like it.

Apple isn’t charging a restocking fee, though you still have t:o pay for shipping if you send back the mini, and the offer only applies to stock minis, not custom jobs (Apple’s standard refund policy allows 14-day returns and adds a 10% restocking fee).

Read here here the full article

A pretty in-depth Q&A with Bruce Chizen, Adobe CEO, on Macromedia acquisition by Adobe, the near future, some life-cycle for Photoshop running under Mac OS X – Intel-based.

Read the full article on News.com here and check the full interview here.

Google has announced Google Talk, a new service that will allow existing Gmail accounts use its Instant Messaging AND Voice Calling service, for free!

Google site says that its released client is for Windows 2000/XP users, but Linux and Mac OS X users may be in business too.

How? Just using one of the many Jabber-compatible IM client.

We tried two of them, one that is listed on the Google Mac page, namely iChat, that comes for free with Mac OS X, and you may already know; the other is Fire, a multi-IM client that is pretty good with ICQ, MSN, Yahoo IM AND, from now, with Google Talk.

– iChat configuration is fully described on Google’s page,
– Fire configuration it’s even simpler.

In both cases, remember to set the server as talk.google.com and port 5223.

Now I’m stuck in a dilemma:
– I’m a long time Skype user (both on Windows AND Mac OS X),
– I’m a long time GMail user,
– I’m a long time Fire user (by far the best under Mac OS X),
– I’m a satisfied user for all of the above…

What am I going to do?

Right now, I’m going to test Google Talk for a while, and time (and bugs) will tell…

For your reference:
– Google Talk: http://www.google.com/talk/
– Google Talk Mac OS X reference: http://www.google.com/talk/otherclients.html
– Google Talk iChat setup and configuration guide: http://www.google.com/support/talk/bin/answer.py?answer=24076
– Mac OS X Fire: http://fire.sourceforge.net/

Apple Computer is believed to be prepping one final update to its PowerPC-based PowerBook G4 product line that could be unveiled at the end of next month, AppleInsider reports

Two new models are expected to be announced for the September (3rd week) Apple Expo in Paris.

They will sport minor CPU upgrade but major enhancement for displays and graphic cards.

The 17″ model will (rumors say) sport a 1920 x 1200 pixel display, first ever on a notebook computer.

Read here more and Steve Jobs’ keynote speech announcement in Paris

Apple releases (again…) a major Security update for Mac OS X 10.4.2, just as reported here on MacSwitching.com, Apple released a security update a few days ago.

Now, you should update the update!

Yes, read here more details about the Security update v. 1.1, which is strongly recommended to all users who have applied the previous patch…

Seems graphics chip maker is hedging its bets with the new card, which is the first to support both Mac OS X and Windows XP platforms.

The Markham, Ontario-based company said the $199 card can drive ultra high-resolution monitors like the Apple 30-inch Cinema Display with up to 2560×1600 resolution or better thanks to the card’s dual-link DVI display support. That means that you can buy a cheap Dell but make it look really nice in landscape or portrait mode for $2,999. Oh my, what Steve Jobs must be thinking about that.

Eventually, PC users will be able to better crossover to the quality of Apple display products with the transition to x86 chips, so the Radeon 9600 Pro may have a short shelf life.

Read more here.

On Aug. 15th, Apple released a major Security Update, 2005-007, affecting all latest Mac OS X versions: 10.3.9, both Server and Client, and Tiger 10.4.2, again both Server and Client.

Some early analysis reports that only few corrected flaws are critical and most should not affect most users.

Check here Apple Downloads and here the detailed information on this update.

Read here an article from News.com

Not only it shocks the world by introducing a two-button mouse (after some 22 years+ of single button mice), but comes with added features like wheel and side scrolling, programmable features too!

Retails for US$ 49

Sorry, Mac OS X Tiger only!

Griffin Technology Inc. announces iFM, a device which will allow iPods to be used in new and unique ways.

iFM integrates FM radio tuning, recording and remote control functionality to the iPod, all in a tiny aluminum enclosure.

With the flip of a switch users can now switch seamlessly between controlling their music library and listening to their favorite FM radio programming.

Use the iFM as an inline remote to control the iPod’s transport controls, great for workouts, biking or hiking.

iFM is also a recording device, with a built in microphone to record voice, or change modes to capture live FM radio directly to the iPod!

The integrated white backlit LCD shows the operating mode of the iFM at a glance.

Features:

Radio:

In fact you can run all Widgets not only (as before) under Safari, but fully stand-alone on the desktop and enjoy the same behaviour of the Tiger Mac OS X 10.4.

Click here here to go Amnesty web site!

Other reviews on this site

Logitech Wireless Headphones for iPod: one of the coolest iPod accessory ever! At US$ 149 seems the ultimate iPod headphone you’ll ever need!

Check here a review and go to logitech web page.

Ok, you’ve been using Mac OS X Tiger for a while, maybe you’ve been writing Dashboard widgets for a while or, at least, you’ve been playing with that code…

Some widgets, you may have realized, simply output HTML + CSS stuff just like any other web page, but many other are starting heavy use of low-level functions, command-line instruction and full access to local resources.

Is that correct? Are we facing some trojan-horse widget-related threat?

Read thouroghly this article, and more will follow.

Read here the full story!