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Mac 101: System Preferences
This is another entry in our continuing Mac 101 series, aimed at new Mac users. These tips are old hat for veteran Mac users, but will save some people a lot of grief.I know several people who have switched from Windows to the Mac over the past year. While they're happy with their decision, they all tell me the same thing: "I don't know where to find anything." Typically, the topic arises when they're looking for the "control panel" to change a system setting. Since Apple's System Preference panel looks different that the Windows Control Panel, it isn't immediately helpful. Until they ask it what they're looking for.There's a small search box in the upper right-hand corner of the System Preferences window. Typing a keyword or two into that field reveals just where that function lives with a "spotlight" effect. For example, if I want to adjust my alert volume, typing "volume" highlights the Sound panel. This method also provides helpful text. For example, typing "email" produces this list Email faxes Email and chat restrictions (parental controls) Limiting email and instant messages Sending permission emails Each is accompanied by a link in the preference pane. The search results aren't flawless, of course, but they're better than staring at a field of unfamiliar icons, and have brightened the Mac experience for many a switcher.
TVOne busts out two new HDMI switchers, four distribution amplifiers
TVOne is fleshing out its HDMI equipment lineup with the addition of two new HDMI 1.3 switchers and four HDMI 1.3 distribution amplifiers. The new half dozen are being aimed at the "demanding professional market," which means that these pieces will feature front panel status indicators for input signal / HDCP presence. As for the switchers, the 1T-SX-632 ($145) flips back and forth between two inputs, while the 1T-SX-634 ($195) switches up to four inputs. The distribution amps beam out anywhere between two and four signals depending on model, and are set to range in price from $245 to $695. Check out the whole gang in the read link.
Mac 101: system-wide thesaurus at the touch of a hotkey
As a Mac switcher, my Mac's built-in spelling and grammar checking has been a huge productivity boon for me. I'm someone who often gets stuck on a word, and since nothing's ever good enough for me, I've often wished that Leopard also included a built-in thesaurus. While that's not currently in the cards, there is an alternative. How many ways are there to say "Whoops?" Of course, Leopard does include a built-in thesaurus via Dictionary.app. See the continuation of this post for a screenshot. Thanks to everyone in the comments for keeping me honest. If the Apple offering isn't to your liking, Nisus Thesaurus, a free app from Nisus Software, works as a standalone application and a system service. This means that it installs in the Services sub-menu of your Mac and is accessible from any program you use that is able to interact with the Services sub-menu. These applications include Mail, TextEdit, Safari, MacJournal, and countless others. Once installed, using your new thesaurus is as simple as highlighting a word that you would like to look up, and pressing the Nisus Thesaurus Services sub-menu hotkey (Command -<). This will pop up the Nisus Thesaurus window with your word options only a click away. Select the word you would like to use as a replacement, press Command->, and voila; your new choice has replaced the original word.
TVOne intros 1T-MX-3344 component Matrix Routing Switcher
Hot on the heels of its 1T-DA-631 HDMI Extender comes the rack-mountable 1T-MX-3344 component Matrix Routing Switcher from TVOne. Granted, component uses are slowly fading, but for those still relying on the ole green / red / blue, this here device provides four inputs and four outputs with stereo audio jacks accompanying them all. As you'd expect, it enables any of the four inputs to be "routed to a single output, multiple outputs or all outputs," and resolutions from 480i to 1080p are supported. Users can control the action via the front panel buttons, an IR remote or the RS-232 interface, but it'll cost you a stiff $595 for the privilege.
Marantz's 6-in / 2-out VS3002 HDMI 1.3a switcher now shipping
For most of you out there, we've all ideas Marantz sexy VS3002 HDMI switcher went in one ear and out the other when it first surfaced last December. Still, those of you waiting on pins and needles to hear more will be elated to know that the 6-in / 2-out device is finally shipping. The HDMI 1.3a switcher features an RS-232c control terminal, direct IR input jacks and a design that certainly trumps the competition. Regrettably, you'll be paying a penny under $350 to take one home, so make darn sure you're head over heels before pulling the trigger.
Marantz unveils 6-in, 2-out VS3002 HDMI switcher
A shiny new 1080p DLP projector isn't the only thing Marantz is rolling out to the HD crowd this week, as the firm's newest HDMI switch is sure to garner attention from those drowning in components. The VS3002 video selector boasts that totally simple, albeit incredibly sexy motif that we've come to expect from the outfit, and it also features a 6-in, 2-out design that enables owners to pipe high-definition content in from a whole heap of sources and out to two separate displays. We're also led to believe that this thing supports v1.3 considering its understanding of Deep Color, and there's also an RS-232 port 'round back should you need it. Unfortunately, the VS3002 won't be coming sans a premium, as it will purportedly demand a stiff ¥35,000 ($306) when it lands in February.[Via SlashGear]
WoW Moviewatch: Switcher
Ever think about switching sides? I can assure you that you're not the only one -- the entertaining folks at Crafting Worlds even have a stylish video campaign encouraging you to give up your pretty Alliance characters for Horde alternatives. And sometimes a little change is good, don't you think?Previously on Moviewatch...
Nearly 25% of iPhone buyers are AT&T newcomers
We'll admit, we aren't shocked by the fact that nearly one-quarter of those who have purchased Apple's iPhone thus far are brand new to AT&T, and honestly, we're a tad miffed that the figure isn't a bit higher. Of course, those pesky (not to mention pricey) early termination charges are the likely reason that some 75-percent of iPhone buyers had already hitched their wagon to AT&T before, but a recent study carried out by American Technology Research noted that "a fair amount of customers were willing to pay high early cancellation fees to get out of their existing service contracts for an iPhone." Interestingly, the last mobile to command such a substantial amount of ship-jumping was Motorola's legendary RAZR, and we all know how well that turned out. Still, only time will tell if Apple has a similar hit on its hands, but judging by early reports, things aren't looking too bad at all for Cupertino.[Image courtesy of Mobilissimo]
Engadget Mobile: our iSwitchers defend their decisions
There are iPhone owners lurking in our own ranks, and we've decided it was finally time to clear our consciences and come clean. That's right -- we're iSwitchers -- and we're ready to defend ourselves. Get into it over on Mobile, and don't forget to add your own harrowing stories!
Scot Finnie on Mac vs. PC pricing
Here at TUAW, we welcome all those yearning to breathe free of Windows, especially high-profile technology columnists like ComputerWorld's Scot Finnie. Longtime PC writer Finnie made a public switch to the Mac in February after a 3-month trial, and he's not looking back. This week, in an article posted on his site and adapted in ComputerWorld, he takes on the accepted wisdom that Macs are more expensive than PCs. Guess what he discovered? Feature for feature, if you match up Apple's constrained model selections with mainstream/premium vendors like Dell or Sony, the MacBook Pro and iMac come out ahead on pricing. In fact, getting a Dell laptop to match the 17" MBP config resulted in a laptop $650 more expensive and almost two pounds heavier. Finnie's original analysis came out before this week's revisions to the MBPs, so it's worth checking for yourself to see that it's hard to get laptops with the latest Intel chips anywhere near Apple's price/spec lineup.In light of Apple's record results over the past couple of quarters, it's worth reading Finnie's March 28 Computerworld essay, "Why Microsoft Should Fear Apple." Marketing mojo and technical sophistication aside, Finnie zeroes in on the real competitive advantage Apple is gaining: public buzz. (We're doing what we can to help. :-)[via Ars Technica]
MacApper announces "Switcher's Giveaway"
People like getting free stuff. People love getting lots of free stuff. Feel the love yourself by checking out MacApper's "Switcher's Giveaway." They're looking for the best story about switching from a PC to a Mac. You're free to type up the details as text if you like, but iMovies, DVD's and slideshows will be considered as well. So what are the prizes? Check out this lineup: MarsEdit iFlash Disco (The app some people love to hate) AppZapper (We love it) Xtorrent TextMate (We're big fans) Soulver Pzizz Awaken Parallels (Nice!) Overflow (A decent launcher) Flow CoverSutra iConquer OmniGraffle Pro Cha-Ching (Finally reached version 1.0) Macintosh Explorer Yojimbo (Another winner in our book) That's $650US worth of goodies. You have until 11:59 PM EDT on Monday, April 30 to submit your true switcher story (Or made up one. Really, how are they going to know?) Good luck!
Another way for switchers to make new files
Regarding Mat's post on a cool QuickSilver-based approach to creating new files at high speed, a fair number of commenters -- and, it turns out, the original poster at lipidity.com -- made mention of NuFile, a combination contextual menu plugin and preference pane. One quick (free) download later, I'm a believer. A right-click gets you a customizable list of blank file templates; throw in a .webloc document to open new pages or blog posts, or just about anything you want.For switchers looking to find a close match to the Windows "New File" contextual menu, NuFile is a pretty good solution.
9000 Switchers a Day?
I've never been one to fixate on the whole market-share question, but several reports are pointing to increasingly good results for Apple's core Mac business. From over at MacDailyNews comes word that the February numbers from Net Applications have the Mac up to a 6.38% share for February, a rise of 2.05 percentage points (i.e. an increase of around 47%) since just last August (the numbers are based on visits to a network of websites). Glen Fleishman at TidBITS repeats an analyst's speculation that the total number of Mac users will shortly hit 22 million. Finally, Tom Yager at InfoWorld suggests that by his calculations there are around 9,000 new switchers per day. So he's decided to set up a little experiment to see "what happens when you leave a professional Windows user alone with a Mac." He has set up a long-time Windows user with a MacBook and a copy of Parallels, and he's going to report how she reacts. "Will she resist? Or will she make the switch? Stay tuned." Personally, I'm just happy that the market is expanding because that can't help but benefit the long-term Mac user base as well. It's hard not to be optimistic and think that even more happy days are here for the Mac. And with Leopard just around the corner, it's only going to get better. So welcome to a new day you latest 9000, it's good to have you on board.[Via Digg]
MIT writer says Vista drove her to Mac
There's a tiny thrill when you hear about the "Macpiphany" moment from a long-time Windows user; that cognitive gear shift where suddenly, out of the blue, they get it. Erica Jonietz, writing for MIT's Technology Review magazine, had her moment while doing something that, for a self-confessed 20-year "Microsoft apologist... not just a fan, but a champion," should have been a big Windows shiver of delight: reviewing Windows Vista. Instead, the anticipation turned sour, and a light began to dawn... as she puts it:Ironically, playing around with Vista for more than a month has done what years of experience and exhortations from Mac-loving friends could not: it has converted me into a Mac fan.Ouch. Hey, if it's good enough for Jim Allchin... Although Jonietz was reviewing Vista RC1, most of her criticisms stick with the release, and her feelings for Mac OS X are undiluted. Check out the complete article for a sincere and thoughtful take on Redmond bloatware versus Cupertino cool.[via Apple Hot News]
Radiient offers up 4-port HDMI switch / hub
While we've taught you how to craft your own component video switch (not to mention your own cables), there will (probably) come a time in your 1080p-needing life where that sole HDMI port on the rear of your television just won't cut it. Enter Radiient's HDMI Switch Select-4, a 4-port HDMI hub that doesn't deviate too far from the other alternatives already out there, but cuts out the audio ports altogether while adding in an RS-232 control port. Also, this device features a bevy of colorful LEDs, sure to enthrall some users who want to control things with the lights out while enraging others who like things pitch black when catching a flick. Nevertheless, the Select-4 supports HDCP, DVI (via adapters), and all your standard HD resolutions right up to 1080p. Notably, this sucker doesn't seem to support the recently-unveiled 1.3 spec, which means you'll miss out on some of the extra niceties on that shiny PlayStation 3. Still, Radiiant apparently feels its HDMI switcher is worth its weight in gold, as this bad boy will run you a whopping ¥69,300 ($592). Update: These things have a $299 US asking price (at least as of right now). Thanks Jacobim.[Via Akihabara News]
Thomas Hawk Switches
San Francisco photo-geek and Zooomr evangelist Thomas Hawk has a secret. Two weeks ago, he walked into the Apple Store in Palo Alto and plopped down the cash for a brand-new MacBook Pro, which he says is "f**ing amazing!"For some reason I can't seem to fathom, Hawk felt so ashamed of this that he kept his new illicit love hidden from the world until he came to grips with his new OS orientation. Why the sudden change of heart? The standard PC user gripes apply; Windows is buggy, Dells are badly designed, and things tend not to work. More interesting to me than the simple fact of Thomas switching is this anti-Apple counter-culture which has become more prominent with the rise of the iPod. I know more than a few otherwise intelligent people whose only reason for not buying an iPod is that they don't want to be like everyone else. But my point to them is always that maybe everyone has an iPod because it's really the best out there! Why subject yourself to a sub-par audio player or computer simply because you want to be the "rebel." Now, I've only seen this philosophy present in people who are deeply involved in the circles in which I run; bloggers, designers, and as one called us, "The San Francisco Hippy Crowd." So I guess what I'm really observing is people trying to be the counter-culture to a counter-culture. Interesting, eh?
Leo Laporte might go 100% Mac: "So long Suckah"
Leo Laporte, podcaster extraordinare and the web's general tech-guru-on-steroids, has blogged that the Soundbooth beta Adobe announced today just might let him jump ship to the Mac entirely. Since the first days of his podcasting adventures, Leo's been using Adobe's Audition for all his podcast recording and editing, but it's Windows only. While Soundbooth isn't entirely a Mac counterpart (Leo's initial impressions are that it's an "Audition Elements"), his "So Long Suckah" post title sounds like he's optimistic.Still, I agree with Leo and I'm a little disappointed in the offering. Soundbooth's biggest ding right now is that it only does single track recording and editing. For Adobe's girth as a company, I'm a bit surprised this feature is missing. Here's hoping the term 'beta' is applied for every ounce it's worth right now.Either way, it's nice to hear Leo might be able to make the jump entirely. One less workflow intrusion is a good thing.
Gefen HDMI switcher reviewed
Jeremy Toeman reviews the Gefen 4x1 HDMI switcher on his LIVEdigitally site, and talks about its ease of use (it is HDMI after all), as well as his few minor complaints about the unit. It's good to see manufacturers getting in on HD componentry, as Gefen also makes some other switching and extending products, as we've mentioned before, and the reviews have all been pretty positive as well. This particular model takes up to four HDMI (or DVI with adapter) inputs and sends any one of them to a DVI output. Being that he works at Sling Media, Jeremy knows about marketing products, and he likes what he sees in this product. Gefen also makes an HDMI-output model with the same four inputs (and yes, it comes in black, too). So, good times for those of you who have that new-fangled digital cabling, now when are we going to see some component switching love from Gefen for us poor analog HDTV users?
Ellen Feiss to star in movie
Remember Ellen Feiss? I know, of course you do. If you've been missing the sweatshirt-clad switcher, here's some good news for you. She'll be starring in a short film called "Bed and Breakfast." It's a French film, but the corresponding website contains both French and English.It seems like only yesterday Ellen was making that weird beeping noise on TV. Now she's starring in a move. They grow up so fast (sniff).[Via The Cult of Mac]
Blogging the switch to Mac OS X
I found another one of those 'switcher blogs' and I thought it might make an interesting read for both Mac newbies and power users. I honestly can't find any information on the author, but My Journey to Macintosh provides up some interesting switcher experiences, such as loading up Firefox just because that's what the author used on Windows, then discovering that other browsers like Camino offer a far more Mac OS X-like experience, in part because Camino isn't butt-ugly and it uses the Keychain.One thing I like about this blog is that the author seems to be a power user, of sorts; while some posts are about discovering the wonders of working with PDFs on a Mac without the need for Adobe's (fat, bloated, clunky, slow and horrible) Reader, another post laments some hangups in getting PHP and MySQL working. In other words: there's something for everyone!There isn't a virtual library of posts yet, but I thought it might be an interesting switcher blog to watch because of both the variety of topics the author has touched on so far, and an About section that reads: "Microsoft Windows user since Windows 3.0 moves to a Mac and Mac OS/X Tiger. Watch the process, good and bad :)." See? Fair and balanced, too. Enjoy.
