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Mac Sale and MacBasket offer up Mac app bundles
The Mac App Store is set to change the way you download and use a lot of software on your Mac, but one thing I hope it doesn't change is the tradition of the Mac software bundle sale. Bundling up indie software and selling it for a relatively huge discount is something that, in my experience, tends to be Mac-specific. Despite the obvious benefits of a nice discount (as long as the software's developers are fairly compensated for their sales), it's also an excellent way to find new software that you might not have purchased separately. I know of a few apps that I would have never bought on my own, but now use every day after picking them up in a bundle sale. There are two bundles going on right now. First, the Mac Sale is up and running right now, offering 10 different Mac apps worth $400 separately for just 50 bucks. There are a few good creative tools in there like Mariner Write and iCollage, and the iPad video converter helps you prepare videos for viewing on your iPad. RuckSack is a useful Mac utility for dealing with archive files like .zips and .rars. The Mac Universe has a discount code for an extra 5% off your purchase, so that's a great deal if you're interested in even just a few of those apps. The MacBasket sale is also underway right now with 10 titles on sale for $49. Great apps like Pear Note, SpeedDownload, and Dropzone are included in the offer. An app like Delta Walker, which compares and syncs files and folders for you, might not sound too useful by itself, but once you have the functionality you'll find it very helpful indeed. I like these bundles a lot -- there's always the question of whether the software's creators are making the money that they deserve, but as long as everyone's in on the agreement, it's a win-win for all.
MacHeist II and Speed Download 5 resolution
We've commented on the MacHeist / Speed Download 5 saga before, and the entire episode clearly led to some heated passions. As a recap: Speed Download 4 was included in the MacHeist II bundle, and shortly thereafter Speed Download 5 was released. However, Yazsoft required MacHeist customers to pay an upgrade fee even though MacHeist II ran during a period where purchases of SD4 direct from Yazsoft were eligible for a free upgrade. Anyway, after much controversy back and forth it appears that the matter is headed towards an equitable resolution. MacHeist's John Casasanta has posted in the Macheist forums that Yazsoft is now willing to offer free SD5 upgrades to MacHeist II customers until March 27. You need only enter your MacHeist details at this webpage. Alternately, for $15 you can get two SD5 licenses plus a free upgrade to SD6. Finally, if you're already paid the $15 you can request a refund, or just keep your two SD5 licenses plus free upgrade to SD6. See Yazsoft for full details.In any case, it's good to see this matter resolved. Just remember that if you're a MacHeist II customer you have to act by March 27 to claim the free upgrade.Thanks Phill!
Speed Download 5 released
Before the recent Macheist bundle I had never used the download manager Speed Download, but once it made it onto my system I've found that I really like it. Particularly for somebody who is constantly downloading new software, etc. the way it collects together (and organizes) all my downloads has been quite handy.Well now it's clear why Yazsoft agreed to include Speed Download 4 in the bundle as the paid upgrade version 5 has been released. They're calling it the most substantial update ever and the list of new features is extensive. In addition to a new downloading engine behind the scenes, Speed Download 5 has a new customizable interface including a mini-iTunes like controller. Other additions focus on organizing and searching downloads.Speed Download 5 is $25 and a demo is available. Upgrades from version 4 (including Macheist) are $15. They are also running a "switchers" promotion at $15 for users of "another commercial Mac download manager or FTP program."
