Cory Bohon
Articles by Cory Bohon
Terminal Tip: Enable half-star ratings in iTunes
Do you like giving ratings to songs in iTunes? If so, then you've probably noticed that you are only able to rate songs on a full-star basis, not enough granularity for some music fans... there's a longstanding AppleScript hack to enable half-stars, but now there's an easier way around this issue. Macworld's Rob Griffiths found a work around, involving a simple Terminal tip to enable half-star ratings. To enable half-star ratings, close iTunes, and open Terminal (/Applications/Utilities). Once you have Terminal opened, type the following command and press enter: defaults write com.apple.iTunes allow-half-stars -bool TRUE When you reopen iTunes and rate a song, you will be able to give half-stars. That simple. If you wish to make things normal again, open Terminal and type the same command, replacing "TRUE" with "FALSE."
Mac 101: Enter directory paths when in open/save dialogs
Last week I told you about easily switching directories (folders) while in an open/save dialog. This was great when you knew where a folder was located in a specific place, and you could drag + drop it on the dialog. But what if you want to type in a directory path (i.e. ~/Desktop)?While in an open/save dialog, pressing Command + Shift + G will allow you to type in a directory path. For instance, if I wanted to open my Documents directory for my user, I would type ~/Documents. The tilde (~) tells the computer to look in the current user's home directory.Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW's Mac 101 section.
Rumors abound, Apple working on media server?
Just when we thought we were done with rumors for the day, another one pops up. 9to5 Mac is reporting that Apple could be working on a media server that might rival HP's MediaSmart Server. They suggest the server will be similar to a Time Capsule, only with more functionality. According to 9to5, the new product will include a Dynamic DNS system to tie in with MobileMe; this will provide username.me.com domains for easier access across the Internet. In addition, the device will include AFP filesharing and Time Machine backup stores. The device will not run off of Mac OS X Server, as you might suspect; rather, it would run the same system and processor that the Time Capsule does. You can read more about this rumor, and read more details about the rumor on the 9to5 Mac website. Do you think Apple is about to jump further into the NAS market with a supercharged Time Capsule?[via MacRumors]
AT&T sells $99 refurb iPhones until end of December
Just last week we mention that AT&T would start selling the iPhone 3G through its website. AT&T took that idea a bit further, and is now offering an iPhone 3G at a really good deal. Currently being offered is a refurbished 8GB iPhone 3G for only $99US (with a 2-year contract). You heard right, you can get an iPhone 3G for only $99. So the rumors about the $99 iPhone were semi-true, except this isn't Walmart, and it's only a limited deal. You can get $50 off all refurbed iPhones until December 31.Here's how the prices break down for the refurbs: iPhone 3G 8GB Black - $99US iPhone 3G 16GB Black - $199US iPhone 3G 16GB White - $199US Thanks for the tip, Binja!
Get VMWare Fusion 2.0 at a steal, after rebates, free upgrade
If you have been waiting to get your hands on VMWare's Fusion, then now is the perfect time. Fusion is the software that allows you to run Windows, Linux, and now Mac OS X Server in a virtual machine right inside of Mac OS X! And you don't have to pay the regular $79.99US for it either. MacMall is currently offering VMWare Fusion 1.0 for $14.99US after a $20US mail-in rebate. Fusion 1.0 can be upgraded to the newest version (2.0) via a free upgrade available from VMWare. You can grab this after-holiday sale item from the MacMall website. Know of more holiday sale items online? Tell us about them in the comments! Thanks to Karl for the tip!
So you just got an iPod nano -- now what?
All day on December 25, TUAW presents "Now What?" We've got first steps and recommendations for all the Apple gifts you (hopefully!) found under the tree today. Happy holidays! If you're a iPod veteran, send a link to this post to the switcher on your holiday list. Congrats on your new iPod nano! We hope the color matches your wardrobe. Setting Up If you do not already have iTunes (available for Mac and Windows) installed, then you will need to get that taken care of. The latest version is available for free from the Apple website. Depending on your Internet connection, this download could take a few minutes, but remember that you shouldn't connect your iPod until you know that iTunes is installed. If you have a Mac, then iTunes probably came installed on your machine, so check your "Applications" directory for iTunes.app. Once you have iTunes installed, plug your iPod nano into a USB port on your computer using the included USB Dock connector. By default, iTunes will launch and ask you to set up your iPod nano for the first time. You will start by entering a descriptive name for your iPod -- you can choose anything you wish. You will then be able to sync your music from your iTunes library. If you don't have much in your library, you can download some tunes from the iTunes Store (perhaps you received an iTunes Gift Card), or you can rip music from CDs directly to your library. Of course, you aren't limited to the iTunes store for your music shopping: any online music store that delivers MP3 files (eMusic and Amazon, for example) will work just fine with your iPod. iTunes also lets you subscribe to and download your favorites from thousands of free audio and video podcasts (we can suggest a few winners) and listen to online radio stations. You can't copy those streaming programs to your iPod, though, without a separate tool like RadioLover or RadioShift; if you really crave radio and your local stations don't broadcast online, you can check out Griffin's RadioShark peripheral for off-the-air recording. Continue reading for more tips, tricks, accessories, and more!
So you just got a MacBook Pro -- now what?
All day on December 25, TUAW presents "Now What?" We've got first steps and recommendations for all the Apple gifts you (hopefully!) found under the tree today. Happy holidays! Congratulations on your new MacBook Pro! For the Desk While you are on the go, the MacBook Pro allows you to have the best mobile Mac experience; however, when you get home, you might want to have a more complete desktop config. The first place to start is by purchasing a display. Apple's 24" LED Cinema Display is the ultimate MacBook Pro accessory that combines a huge 24" glossy screen with additional speakers, iSight camera, and power for your MacBook via a MagSafe adapter. While the Cinema display is gorgeous, it is also expensive -- if you don't mind how your external display looks, then you can go with a Dell display. It's true, Dell displays can give you more "bang for the buck" with bigger screens for less money. If you plan on using your MacBook Pro in desktop mode some of the time, then you might want to consider getting an external mouse and keyboard. I would recommend the Apple Bluetooth keyboard because of its portability and cool design. I would also recommend the MightyMouse, but have a warning for you: It may break sometime within the first year of owning it. The Mighty Mouse most commonly has a problem with the scroll ball failing to scroll after some use; however, a good cleaning can normally free up the scroll ball. Other Desktop accessories that go great with a MacBook Pro: Griffin Technology's Simplifi is a clean, simple solution to docking your iPhone/iPod, accessing photos/other media on media cards, and it does triple duty as a USB Hub. The Rain Design, Inc. mStand (or Griffin Elevator) is a great way to get your notebook up to eye level for better ergonomics. Read on for more applications, cases, and software for your new MacBook Pro.
Mac 101: Quickly change directory in save/open dialogs
More Mac 101, our series of tips for new Mac OS X users. Have you ever tried to open or save a file, and you want to quickly change from the directory (folder) you are browsing to another directory? It might be simpler than you think, and it doesn't require you to go searching for the directory from the dialog box! When in an open/save dialog, drag a folder from any Finder window (including the Desktop) to the dialog. The open/save dialog will instantly show that directory. You can then type in a file name to save as, or locate the file to open. Using this method to change directories can often save time; it's also one of the Mac OS X features that can be confusing for switchers, as the Windows XP & Vista behavior is quite different (dragging items to a dialog will copy them to the displayed directory, instead of changing the target).Want more tips and tricks like this? Visit TUAW's Mac 101 section!
Apple issues Mail update for users experiencing problems
If you were one of the many users who upgraded to Mac OS X 10.5.6 soon after it came out, then you might have experienced some major problems on your Mac. Fortunately, Apple has admitted there were issues with the update. Now there are more updates to fix the problems. Last night, Apple released a Mail update for users experiencing problems with Mail unexpectedly quitting. "This can be caused by using a copy of Mail that wasn't updated properly (you may need to install the Mail Update)," the update page states.If you have been experiencing problems with Mail.app post-10.5.6, then you can install the update by visiting the Support Downloads website and download the installer package.Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Mac Giving Tree now gives more than Mac apps
We told you about the Mac Giving Tree over the weekend. It is a project from the guys over at MacHeist, and gives Mac users free applications just by creating a MacHeist account and referring friends. They have already given away copies of Enigmo 2 and Synergy, and now they are at it again. If you have been watching the tree, then you know something has been up. The Giving Tree now has iPhone application icons sprouting up around it -- what does it all mean? When the icons grow and start wiggling you are able to click them and join a drawing for the application. If you are a winner you will receive a promo code for the app specified. Wurdle, Fieldrunners, Flick Fishing, Moto Chaser, WeightBot, and Frenzic are just some of the apps being offered. If you wish to try your hand finger at winning some promo codes, then head on over to the Mac Giving Tree website. And don't forget to unwrap all of your presents under the tree on Christmas Day! Please note that the promo codes are US only at this time -- so you must redeem them inside of the US App Store.
TV Show King gives you a game show experience on your iPhone
Are you tired to standing in long lines at malls this holiday season? Next time, bring along your iPhone so you can play a game to pass the time. TV Show King [iTunes link] is a trivia game centered around nearly 3,000 questions ranging in topic from music to history to pop culture, and it has a fun side that is sure to keep you entertained while your wife/husband shops. If "TV Show King" sounds familiar, that's probably because the game is based on a WiiWare title by the same name. You can create an avatar that looks like you and compete with up to four other players. These players can either be computers, or real people over the Internet. In addition, you can host or join a game over a WiFi connection -- this game really has multi-player functionality covered. TV Show King definitely gives you the feeling that you are on a game show; it even has a host that occasionally interrupts the game to give stats. There are two things that I wish could be improved, however. I would like to see better graphics, and I would also like to see harder questions with different categories. If you're looking for an application for kids, or any trivia fans, check out TV Show King. It's sure to give you hours worth of fun game play. You can purchase TV Show King from the iTunes App Store for $4.99US. %Gallery-39507%
iPhone 3G now available for online purchase
Since the introduction of the iPhone 3G, neither Apple nor AT&T has sold the device online. That is, until now. AT&T is now allowing customers the option of ordering an iPhone 3G on their store website. You can now pick up an iPhone 3G in either 8GB or 16GB black/white configurations. The 8GB iPhone is being sold for $199US, and the 16GB for $299. If new isn't your thing, AT&T is also offering refurbished iPhones starting at $149 for an 8GB model. You can visit the AT&T online store for more information. %Poll-24177% Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Mac Giving Tree rewards you with free applications
As the holidays quickly move through it would seem that everyone is in the spirit of giving (unless you're a scrooge, but that's a different story entirely). MacHeist, a site that has mainly been known to sell application bundles, is offering something very special this holiday season. The Mac Giving Tree is a place where people with a MacHeist account can go to get free applications. If you don't have MacHeist credentials, you can sign up for free. When you sign up, you are able to join the Mac Giving Tree -- this gives you a few free applications upon sign up. I got Synergy and Enigmo 2 absolutely free. On Christmas Day, you are able to visit the site, sign in, and "unwrap" other presents that show up below the tree. When you refer your friends, you are able to get additional presents to unwrap. Visit the Mac Giving Tree to get your free applications, and while you're there take a look at the page design. If you Twitter a message starting with @macheist, your tweet will automatically show up on the page ... that's just pretty nifty. Thanks, Phil!
New iMacs and Mac minis to use NVIDIA chips?
AppleInsider is reporting that the speculated refresh for the iMac and Mac minis lines might include NVIDIA graphics chips. This information was discovered while an InsanelyMac forum poster found some extension files included with the new MacBooks/MacBook Pros. The exentions were named, "iMac9,1" and "Macmini3,1."Currently shipping iMacs and Mac minis have the model numbers of "iMac 8,1" and "Macmini2,1," respectively. The kernel extension .plist file is part of the SMC (System Management Controller) and ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface), and made reference to "CFG_MCP79." The MCP79 is a graphcis chipset offered by NVIDIA that is found on the current line MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. For more information, you can read the forum posting at InsanelyMac.[via AppleInsider]
Digital Camera RAW Compatibility 2.4 update released
In Apple's ongoing effort to add camera support for RAW formats, it has just released a new update. In update 2.4, Apple added support (for both Aperture 2 and iPhoto '08) for the following Digital Cameras that shoot in RAW format: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Canon PowerShot G10 Pentax K2000/K-m Leaf AFi-II 6 Leaf AFi-II 7 Leaf Aptus-II 6 Leaf Aptus-II 7 Leica M8.2 In addition, Apple notes that this update "...also addresses issues related to specific cameras and overall stability." You can download this update via Software Update or by downloading the installer package from Apple's Support Download website.Thanks for the tip, Miguel!
Multi-Touch Trackpad Update for Windows & Vista
Last night, Apple released a Windows update for MacBook machines running Boot Camp. It's not clear yet whether you can or should install this on all MacBook/MacBook Pro models, or just the newest (unibody) versions. If you've been running Windows on these new MacBooks, then you know how fickle the Multi-Touch trackpads are. This update will hopefully help matters, as we've received quite a few tips about trackpad problems in Windows (not to mention the numerous postings on the Apple discussion boards). Apple tell us that the update "Improves the performance of the Apple Multi-Touch trackpad when running Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista on a Mac computer using Boot Camp." You can download this update from the Apple Support Downloads website. It is a Windows executable, so you will need to be running Windows to install it. It is available for both Windows XP & Vista. On a side note, the download page for the update shows an... interesting, and previously unknown version of Vista, at least to anyone browsing right now (it will probably be fixed shortly). We can only imagine that "Widows Vista" is coming soon to a computer near you. Thanks to Ryan, and others who sent this in!
Memento developer offers free holiday greeting card app
A while back we told you about Memento, a quick way to send e-cards right from your iPhone. The developer of that application is back at it again with a Holiday card application. Memento Xmas [iTunes link] is a free application that allows you to send holiday-themed greeting cards to your friends and family, just in time for the holidays. The application acts just like its older brother, Memento, but it is limited to only 4 greeting cards. With each of the greeting cards you have the ability to snap a photo (or use one from your library), and you can also edit the included text. You can download and try out Memento Xmas from the iTunes App Store. In a pinch, this application could save you from writing out all of those holiday greeting cards (unless you still want to have friends and family). %Gallery-39560%Thanks, Duncan!
Target releases 'Gift Globe' iPhone app
Target has decided to release released its own iPhone application a couple of weeks ago, possibly to encourage holiday shopping online. Stepping beyond the basic web application that Walmart released, the Target application [iTunes link] offers an interesting concept -- like an Urbanspoon for gift ideas. The idea is to generate gift ideas quickly. First, select the gender and age of your recipient. Then shake the iPhone and the snow globe will display a potential gift. Don't like the recommendation? Shake the iPhone again, and another item will be displayed. You can tap the item to access actions: add it to your favorites, purchase online, or start your selection over. With the favorites list, you have the ability to create a personalized holiday shopping list that you can carry with you. You can mark off items on the list as you purchase them. The application also allows you to find the nearest Target store. The Target Gift Globe application can be found in the iTunes App Store for free. %Gallery-39504%
Start iChat (or Adium) without logging into services
Have you ever wanted to open iChat or Adium to check a chat log, account setting, or other information, but didn't want to connect to your instant messaging services? Rob Griffiths at Macworld offers a great tip on how you can easily do this, and it won't annoy your online buddies with incessant signing on/off. Before clicking on iChat or Adium, hold down the shift key and continue holding it until the application launches. When the app opens, none of your accounts will be logged in. You can then manually login to individual accounts as necessary. Try it and see!
Perian 1.1.3 now available, provides lots of fixes
On Monday, Perian 1.1.3 was released. Perian is a Preference Pane that provides QuickTime with a ton of extra codec support, including: AVI, DivX, and FLV. Version 1.1.3 updates the following aspects of Perian: Enabled Indeo 2/3 decodecs Added external idx/sub (VobSub) support Added support for H.264 and H.263 in FLV containers Apple's decoder now handles Baseline/Main Profile H.264 Fix inconsistent importing for multi-channel audio Reduced memory usage for packed streams Added sanity checks on all preferences Enabled hack to show subtitles in Front Row Fixed negative values in SSA \frz tag Fixed VSFilter bug-compatibility for \an You can learn more about Perian, and download the new update, by visiting the Perian.org website.