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JANUARY 1999 £4.99 news cover feature: every Mac tested contents January 1999 in-depth stories incisiveness exclusive tests hile this year’s Apple Expo was W a damp tissue Mateworld of a show, with no Adobe, 16–19 Agfa or even Apple – and 6262 TopTop MacMac that’s just starting alpha- read me first ‘sabotaged’ betically – January’s Macworld Simon Jary, editor-in-chief test centre Expo held in San Francisco is going to be enormous. Roll QuickTime up, roll up for all the big gamesgames names, new products, and 20 Mac OS 8.6 details 75 Pay and display sneak peeks at tomorrow’s Mid-sized monitors are coming down in price – we technologies. 22 Digital Media World Apple’s iMac Almost guaranteed take a look at what’s out there. exposure is the 24 Streaming QuickTime 3.5 next-generation G3 Power has revitalized Mac, code-named Yosemite. 25 Apple Expo ’98 In our December 1998 issue we reported the latest hot 26 SNEAK PEEK: Director 7 the Mac games rumours on what these 400MHz-plus beasts would 28 Downward spiral for iMac sales? market. contain (FireWire, USB, flashing lights, and iMac-like translucent blue cases). After Macworld Expo, we’ll know for sure. 30-31 Final Cut ships? We are also likely to see demonstrations of the next revision Macworld of QuickTime – be it version 3.5 or 4.0. Again, our sources indicate 32 SNEAK PEEK: Dreamweaver 2 great things, including advanced streaming capabilities (see page 24). chooses 1998’s And, again, all should be revealed in San Francisco. But the most eagerly anticipated new treat we’re praying to see at Macworld Expo is the final piece in ’ product jigsaw best titles and – the consumer portable Mac. product news Apple’s laptop iMac is code-named P1, but, reportedly, will eventually be known as the WebMate. Apple, itself a big fan of DIY, the top classics what’s new and what’s hot joins Black-& Decker and Virgin in naming products ‘Mates’.I suppose it‘s meant to denote things being informal, friendly and a bit handy. 37 - 40 The latest hardware and still available. Odds are, that‘s just what we’ll encounter at Macworld Expo. What we know right now is that the translucent WebMate will run a full version of the Mac OS, likely OS 8.6 by the time it ships. And it will closely resemble its predecessor, the Newton OS-based eMate. Aside from the WebMate, Apple is now rumoured to be producing a successor to its old Newton MessagePad range of handheld computers. Even less is currently known about this super PDA, but reviews Competition triple! Macworld agents at the Patent Office report that it’ll be called the media secrets MacMate and run a sort of Mac OS Lite – pushing it several leagues ahead of any other handheld running either the Palm OS or Macworld has it covered Windows CE. 85 create graphics 101 secrets win win I’d love to catch sight of this at Macworld Expo, but I’d have so many 48 PAINTER 5.5 WEB EDITION A 4D Desktop V6 package A Neato CD labelling kit PLUS a copy fingers crossed that it didn’t suck like the Newton, that I’d struggle to Batch of the day Keep Office running pick it up, let alone carry it everywhere with me. An early prototype of worth £495 each - pg 82 of TextBridge Pro Mac 8.0 – pg 95 49 ImageStyler 1.0 Automating DeBabelizer: What to do when Office 98 misbehaves. the MacMate was spotted at a meeting of the Hong Kong Newton Users 50 PhotoTools 3.0.1 the ultimate image Group, and could be the origin of the £349 Mac promised by Oracle CEO manipulator. 8 How to contact Macworld and Apple board member Larry Ellison. 51 Norton Utilities for Mac 4.0 102-103 q&a Who’s who and how to get in touch Cheaper portable options for users are absolutely essential for Apple to really grow its market share.The iMac has shown 52 Agfa ePhoto 1680 89 create web Your questions answered Tips, tricks and shortcuts. 96 Reader Offers that there’s a potentially giant audience for simple, good-looking 53 SuperOffice 4.0 computers. And the portable market is one of the hottest for PCs Animating with buttons Discounted books and Apple goodies 54 CorelDraw 8 right now. Animate your rollovers with Actions The only real ‘must-have’ about the otherwise excellent G3 55 Vision DSP 4.1 and movie clips. Macworld subscriptions is “must have a lot of money” – the cheapest 14-inch Unbelievable value! Keep a free copy of model costs over £2,000 (including VAT). Macworld’s publisher will 56 EdgeWizard; Extensis Mask Pro 2.0; be taking his to San Francisco, but I’ll be packing pen and paper Poser 2 or Bryce 2 when you subscribe! Ultimatte KnockOut – yes, even editors of Mac magazines don‘t get the freebies everyone opinions (See pull-out card opposite page 98) imagines. Just imagine an inexpensive (maybe as low as £699) portable we lead, others follow iMac reviews special 122 Career Moves boasting all the features of the Mac OS, but much lighter for lack of Job vacancies. Don’t tell the boss… huge hard drive, acres of active-matrix screenage or slab-like batteries. 57 Epson Stylus Color 740 43 first contact Away from home or the office, I really don’t need to edit video in Adobe PowerPC G4 U 59 Golden Logres 123 Macworld Shopping Premiere or layout vector transparencies in Macromedia FreeHand. I do This month’s need to do a lot of word processing (I still call it writing, but what the 45 prochak Consumer advice and mail-order ads hell…), keep on top of my email, and have reasonably fast access to the 59 We’re all doomed! cover discs Internet.The WebMate seems to fit the bill (and my wallet) rather well. page 11 47 desktop critic 105 Star Ratings Buyers’ Guide The MacMate, like the Newton, I am less sure about. But its infra-red Mac fights back connectivity and Mac interface could feasibly combine nicely with the Mac system advice;Vision thing iMac and Yosemite’s IrDA ports and Mezzanine/Perch slots. 178 worlock Would people be able to do much with a cut-down Mac operating Apple Expo: blame & shame Plus a year’s review and top tips system? Well,Windows users seem to be pretty satisfied with one… Your Apple Expo blues might be more translucent than you think.

121 Advertising Index ENHANCED BY GRAHAME MURDOCH & JOHN DESIGN LTD/DIGITALLY LUND BY CORE RAIDER II CREATED TOMB FOR ART IMAGE:ORIGINAL COVER 1999 is upon us. Cometh the hour, cometh the Mac. MW

4 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 5 Who… @ Editor-in-Chief Simon Jary [email protected] Executive Editor/News Michael Burns [email protected] Macworld Executive Editor/Features David Fanning [email protected] Executive Editor/Reviews Lynn Dartnell [email protected] The ultimate reference guide and news Production Editor Sean Ashcroft [email protected] Reporter Louise Banbury [email protected] source for the Macintosh market. Staff Writer Andy Hinkinson [email protected] Art Director Mandie Johnson [email protected] Deputy Art Editor James Walker [email protected] Designer David Grant [email protected] Managing Editor/Online Gillian Robertson [email protected] CD Editor Vic Lennard US Editor Andrew Gore Contributing editors Peter Worlock, David Pogue, Deke McClelland, Lon Poole, Michael Prochak, Ian Winter, Subscribe Simon Eccles, Joseph Schorr, Franklin Tessler, Find out how you can get Bruce Fraser, Christopher Breen, David Biedny, either Poser 2 or Bryce 2 by Matthew Bath MetaCreations FREE when Group Ad Manager Anne Ridyard [email protected] you subscribe to Macworld Advertising Manager Mustafa Mustafa [email protected] Sales Executives Matthew Bennett, Dean Payn, James Poulson – see pages card opposite Sarah Maher page 98. Production Manager Sharon Bird [email protected] Deputy Production Manager Richard Bailey [email protected] Marketing/Circulation M’ger Sarah Bagnall [email protected] Circulation Co-ordinator Kelly Crowley [email protected] Marketing Executive Jo Brown [email protected]

Publisher Guy Eaton [email protected]

Congratulations Macworld readers: Miss C V Tuck of Walthamstow, London; Mrs S Thalkray of Aylmerton, Norwich; Mr M P Bower Macworld (UK) is an independent journal not affiliated with Apple Computer Inc. Isle of Wight; and Dr I M Andrews of Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks, of Apple Computer Inc. Dalry, Ayrshire. All contents © IDG 1998, except articles adapted from Macworld US © Macworld US After entering Macworld’s or from MacWEEK © Mac Publishing LLC. November 1998 competition, Macworld is a publication of IDG Communications, you’ve just each one an Iomega Jaz 99 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8UT. 2GB removable drive – N-i-i-i-ce! Telephone: (0171) 831 9252 Editorial fax: (0171) 405 5308 Sales fax: (0171) 405 0262 ISSN 0957-2341 Correction: In our December 1998 Colour Origination: Red Creative, 0171 242 2330 round-up of projectors, we mistakenly Printed by BPC (Carlisle). Macworld is printed on paper produced in sustainable forests. quoted the weight of Epson‘s EMP-5500 as 9.4kg. In fact, the EMP-5500 weighs Macworld editorial domestic Internet access courtesy of those nice people at Direct Connection (0800 072 0000, www.dircon.net) a featherlike 4.5kg.We have therefore upped its Star Rating accordingly to a MACWORLD SUBSCRIPTIONS: 01858 435 303 heartily recommended /8.0. £44.66 UK: 12 issues with 12 CDs, plus , see pages 146-147. • £52.99 Europe • £89.99 Rest of the world. Or 12 issues and CDs and Poser 2 For more details, contact Epson on or Bryce 2 for just £44.66 (UK) • £88.97 Europe • £113.98 Rest of the world 0800 289 622. Subscriptions are available from Tower Publishing, Tower House, Sovereign Park, Lathkill Street, Market Harborough LE16 9EF

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8 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld This month, there’s an exclusive business package, a variety of quality trial and demo versions of top Mac software – PLUS a full game on the second CD! Vic Lennard wanders through the folders...

SuperOffice FULL Single-User Version 4.0 FREE

SuperOffice is a database-driven “network-ready” business management software designed for daily use in the office. Using the ‘shared database’,SuperOffice allows you to store information about companies, set up to-do lists and keep track of your meetings. Macworld is giving away the FULL single-user licence version (normal price £325) that gives you access to all SuperOffice’s features.You have to buy more licences to make the most of the shared database features. See review page 53 ACI 4th Dimension 6.0.6 limited feature demo

4th Dimension is a graphical relational database designed for both casual users and expert programmers. Combining an intuitive, flexible interface and a industrial-strength programming language, 4th Dimension is an ideal development environment for all types of users and for companies of all sizes.The demo package includes the Macintosh installer, 4D Runtime and 4D ODBC.

WIN A COPY OF 4D DESKTOP VERSION 6! SEE COMPETITION, PAGE 82

Serious Demos

Deneba Software’s Canvas 6 is the newest version layering and Canvas 6 of the integrated vector-illustration, image- blending effects editing, page-layout, presentation and Web such as cutaways, design application.The latest version includes translucency, over 300 new features and enhancements and dissolves, and introduces Deneba’s revolutionary SpriteLayer vignettes. technology which makes it easy for everyone - The demo is fully-functional aside from being from the graphics enthusiast, to the corporate save and export-disabled and printing a Canvas engineer, to the seasoned designer - to create banner across each page.

Adobe PageMill 3.0 allows you to design, build, built-in Uploader. And PageMill’s integrated site Adobe PageMill 3 post, and manage your Web pages.There’s no management features enable you to keep your need to learn HTML or master complex site up-to-date almost automatically, with applications – with drag-&-drop simplicity, advanced link management and site-wide search PageMill integrates seamlessly with your current and replace.The trial version will timeout 30 days office and graphics applications. After your site after installation. is built, delivery to the Web is easy using the

Extensis’ Intellihance has taken a quantum leap forwards! You can now view Intellihance 4 up to 25 simultaneous enhancement comparisons and takes Photoshop’s Variations to the next level – adjust colour balance, brightness, saturation, sharpness, contrast and cast visually. The new menu allows you to apply all presets directly from Photoshop and presets can now be saved as either Intelligent or Fine Tune (manual) settings. There are new Dust & Scratch Removal and Paper & Ink Settings plus split image comparisons.The trial version will timeout 30 days after installation.

Macworld JANUARY 1999 11 Mac OS 8.5 Updaters Also on the CD

30MB of updaters and patches to get your apps APPLE (in the System NETWORK and utilities running properly under Mac OS 8.5, including: Utilities folder) 3 programs including: 6 updates including: • GroupWise 5.2.6 ALAP XPress XTensions Office 98 • AppleShare IP First Aid Conflict Catcher 8.0.3 RealPC 1.0.4 • Disk Copy 6.3.2 Hard Disk Toolkit 2.5.3 Soft Windows 1.0.4 • Drive Setup 1.6.1 MATH & SCIENCE • G3 CD Update 1.0 • Convert 1.2.2 Norton AntiVirus 5.0.3 TechToolPro 2.1.1 CrystalMaker 3.0.3 demo COMMS & INTERNET 15 applications New versions of Netscape including: SOUND & MUSIC • Anarchie Pro 3.0 Six applications This month we’ve included version 4.08 of Netscape • EIMS 1.3.1 including: Navigator for both PPC and 680x0 plus the brand-new • Mail Agent 1.0 • CyberMozart Communicator 4.5. EDUCATION 2 applications including: Serious Demos • Chime 2.0 • Master Spell • PushBtnBach The latest demos from Extensis, including: Preflight Pro 2.1.1 FONTS ANTI-VIRUS • TrueKeys 3.2 plus 4 Six items for your data’s new fonts continuing protection. Inspect and correct PDF files, and inspect and collect low and GRAPHICS UTILITIES high- resolution OPI images in an Portfolio 4.0.1 6 programs including: 9 categories comprising OPI server environment. • FeaturerGIF over 55 useful tools for • Kaleidoscope 2.1.1 your Mac including: PhotoTools 3.0.1 Portfolio 4.01 is a media asset- management solution for organizing The latest version of the effects tool for volumes of digital media. Allowing you Adobe Photoshop. Features include access to a searchable database from real-time previews, interactive the desktop or across the Web. controls, multiple undo/redo and • Tracer 1.6 • Address Book 4.0 background processing. • CopyPaste 4.2.2 Other serious demos: • DOCMaker 4.8.4 INFO • DragThing 2.6 6 items including: Mask Pro 2.0.1 Collect Pro(tm) 2.1.1 • FileBuddy 4.3.7 HandWriting Fonts •GoMac 1.6 Mask Pro 2 lets you mask images in Adobe Charts Pro 1.0.3 • IPandoCalender 4.0.1 • Play it Cool 3.11 Photoshop.The upgrade includes Dynamic OpenScript 1.1.2 • TexEdit + 2.4 Colour Matching, one-click tools, Intellibrush PowerMail Demo installer and IntelliWand for removing backgrounds Symbolic Composer 4.2 • 1984 OLM Issue 8 • Apple Wizards - UPDATERS and Edgeblender for removing unwanted Effects Pack #1 Demo This month's dedicated material from the edge pixels of masks. Synchronize! November 1998 • About This Particular updaters folder includes Mac 4.11 over 30MB of patches to • My Mac Magazine #43 bring many popular Games World • Plus 2 items for applications bang developers up-to-date, including: • Adobe Premiere 5.1 • Crescendo 1.2.6 Four great new demos! ICONS & PATTERNS • Internet Gateway 5.0.1 and World of • MacLinkPlus 10.003 If you’re into pinball then • Norton AntiVirus make a bee-line for Golden Copland icons from IconFactory plus three (5.0.2 & 11/98) Logres – probably the best utilities and more icons. • Norton Disk Doctor pinball game ever! Then have 4.01 a look at the manic side of • Speed Doubler 8.1.2 Crop Circles • Virex (to 11/98) alien life with Crop Circles. Adventure Creator will start you down the path to creating your own adventure games (check out the Shallow Grave example) while Wheels! is a 3D action Many programs on this CD are game specifically designed for people with disabilities. shareware, which means that if you keep them and use them for more than the allowed time (usually There’s this month’s Top 10 shareware games about 30 days) then you must pay for them.Treat (including Jewel of Arabia – Dreamers and SpaceDeubza) plus shareware as budget-priced commercial programs – over 20 add-on levels for and Shadow Warrior. support shareware authors so that they continue to provide high-quality programs for the Mac. Jewel of Arabia-Dreamer

Install Me Before you start working your way through the software on our CD, go to the System Utilities folder and make sure you install the following: ■ British Mac OS 8.1 updaters ■ Acrobat Reader 3.01 ■ QuickTime 3.0.2 If you have recently purchased a Mac system Install this version to be able to read many of Many of the demos need this installed. with Mac OS 8.0 then use these to upgrade to the on-screen manuals.This also installs Adobe It gives you new versions of QuickTime and the MPEG, later versions. Type Manager 4.0.2. VR, Musical Instruments and PowerPlug add-ons.

12 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Primed – and on target! Full commercial game Dynamic 3D-action with mystery and adventure!

A powerful senator is brutally murdered while Features working late in her Washington D.C. office. Now it’s up to you to find her killers in this 3D action thriller.Who would risk killing a U.S. senator? • 2-8 PLAYER NETWORK GAMES To find out, you will fight hordes of deadly killers • JUMP AND DUCK while assembling a variety of clues.Your search will take you to the centre of the USA’s power. In a furious rage of • MOVEABLE SCENERY OBJECTS intense 3D shoot-’em-up action, you’ll blast your way • TEXTURE-MAPPED OBJECTS through the awe-inspiring corridors of the capitol, • BULLET HOLES AND BLOOD STAINS ON WALLS museums and office buildings of Washington D.C.With • DOORS THAT SWING the right amount of skill and luck, you might even stop the killers’ insidious scheme! • NON-LINEAR Power Mac-only, Prime Target thrusts you into the • RETURN TO PREVIOUS LEVEL most dynamic world ever found in a Mac game. Blood • QUICKTIME VIDEO AND CD-QUALITY MUSIC splatters on the wall. Glass shatters in your face. And you • TONS OF NEW WEAPONS can jump, duck, swim, watch movies and much more. • INVENTORY ITEMS • SPECIALLY-DESIGNED NETWORK LEVELS

Getting started ✕✕✕✕✕✕ Drag the Prime Target folder to your hard disk and start up either Prime Target if you have 8MB of available RAM Macworld Game Hall of Fame or more, or Prime Target LM if you have less than 8MB of available RAM. Check Here you’ll find 18 of the best-ever games demos plus a couple of game movies. the How to install and Read Me First Read this issue’s feature for more information about each game. documents for more information. The CD Read Me file will help you to get started. Remember, the CD must be in your drive at all times while playing. From the main screen, click on TOMB RAIDER II REAL POOL Preferences and select Controls from the CIVILIZATION II SHANGHAI: DYNASTY drop-down menu. Set up the important DIABLO SHATTERED STEEL keyboard commands, exit, and you’re ESCAPE VELOCITY: OVERRIDE SIMCITY ready to work your way through 40 F/A - 18 KOREA 2000: SPECIAL EDITION levels of absolute mayhem! JOURNEYMAN 3 RIVEN LINKS LS X-WING MARATHON BOX SET YOU DON’T KNOW JACK: HUGE MYTH: THE FALLEN LORDS

Macworld CD catalogue Courtesy of Mark Pirri’s superb DiskTracker FAULTY COVER CD-ROM? program, Macworld brings you a searchable If your cover CD doesn’t seem to work as it should please catalogue of all our CDs from 1997 and ‘98 – almost check you have read all the instructions on the cover disc 90,000 files! This will grow month by month to pages carefully first. If it still doesn’t work then please email Gillian allow you to find any file you want, without Robertson at [email protected] wearing out your CD-ROM drive.The latest version If your cover disc is broken and you want a replacement CD, please of DiskTracker (1.1.4) is also included - don’t forget call Emiliegh Borrett on 0171 831 9252 or send an email to: to register if you find our library useful. [email protected]

14 Macworld JANUARY 1999 news Trial shatters Apple’s truce with Microsoft

he honeymoon seems to be over for critique of Microsoft. He claimed Microsoft must companies was resolved in Microsoft’s favour and SPECIAL COURT Apple and Microsoft. A relationship be subjected to “fundamental structural change” unless Netscape Navigator was removed from its that blossomed after a new détente before its dominance significantly curtails status as the Mac’s default browser. (Both REPORT: Gates between the traditional rivals – innovation in the computer industry. The browsers were loaded on new Macs, but announced in August 1997 – has been testimony alleges that Microsoft: Navigator was the automatic selection.) on trial as Apple Tundone in heated exchanges in the courtroom used its leverage as a monopoly, rather than The threat struck home with Apple. If programs during the Microsoft antitrust trial. technical excellence, to win favour for its products; such as Microsoft Word and Excel – both business exec alleges While the antitrust suit hinges on proving that successfully bullied Apple into making staples – were not available to Macintosh users, Microsoft competed unfairly with Netscape in the Internet Explorer (IE) the default Mac browser; Apple would be severely crippled. sabotage and Web-browser market, the company also stands unsuccessfully tried to get Apple to abandon “Withdrawal of Microsoft’s support for its accused of sabotaging Apple’s attempts to make the playback market for QuickTime; Office for Macintosh program would have a QuickTime a cross-platform multimedia standard. engineered IE 4.0 to not work with QuickTime; devastating effect on the Mac OS,” said Tevanian. threats The proceedings have revealed a host of threats, convinced Compaq and other companies to The threat “compelled Apple to resolve the coerced deals and strong-arm tactics, which, no favour Microsoft’s technology over QuickTime. dispute on terms that gave significant advantages matter the outcome of the trial, certainly signals a “Once Microsoft dominates the market for to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer,” he said. In the change for relations between the two companies. Internet browsers, it will use that power to extend resulting deal, Apple agreed to make IE the The US Department of Justice (DOJ) set this its control over not only the default Mac browser for five years. Apple could part of its case against Microsoft after receiving market, but also other emerging markets that rely bundle other browsers, but not promote any other

the written testimony of Apple’s vice president of on the Internet,” Tevanian testified. than IE, according to the testimony. GEORGINA WATSON software engineering, Avadis (‘Avie’) Tevanian, As an example of Microsoft’s willingness to In return, Microsoft invested $150 million in and after cross-examining Netscape CEO Jim bully competitors, the Apple executive testified Apple and entered various technology-sharing Barksdale (see previous issue, page 26). that Microsoft CEO Bill Gates threatened to stop agreements. Most important, Microsoft agreed to Tevanian’s testimony, released in the form of a developing applications for the Mac OS unless a continue making software for the Mac market. 53-page document, included a highly damaging $1.2billion patent dispute between the two “If Microsoft had not exercised its monopoly power in the office application market by threatening to stop supporting Office for Mac, Apple would not have resolved the disputes on the terms outlined above,” Tevanian testified. misleading error messages to appear that trick the SyQuest runs out of drive user into believing that QuickTime is part of the QuickTime ‘sabotaged’ problem actually caused by the Windows. Finally, yquest, the removable hard-disk In another area, Tevanian said Microsoft Microsoft has employed threats and exclusionary manufacturer, has closed its doors. On sabotaged Apple’s QuickTime multimedia practices against third parties, compelling them S November 2, the company suspended technology, which competes with Microsoft’s own to refuse to deal with QuickTime.” operations and on November 17, announced DirectX, Windows Media Player and NetShow Over a series of meetings from April through it had filed for bankruptcy. products. Other makers of so-called “streaming October 1997, Microsoft repeatedly pressured SyQuest, the company that pioneered the media” products, including market leader Apple to abandon the streaming, or “playback” removable-storage market, hadn’t turned a profit RealNetworks, made similar complaints before a market, in return offering Apple the much smaller since 1994, in which time it had lost $216.8 million. US congressional panel in the summer. Microsoft market for software tools used to create The company also saw its sales dip from $299.5 has steadfastly denied the allegations. multimedia content, he said. million in 1995 to $122.7 million in 1997. “Microsoft has written steps into its operating An August 1997 meeting was singled out as a “They were the first kids on the block,’’ said Jim system to ensure that a QuickTime file will not particular example of Microsoft’s intentions. The Porter, president of Disk/Trend.“But by financial operate reliably on Windows,” the Apple meeting was between Tevanian, with other Apple standards, they were never considered a high-flyer.” executive testified. “Microsoft has also caused executives including QuickTime engineer Peter During the past year, the company spent more Hoddie, and their Microsoft counterparts. money on promotional activities than was cost According to Tevanian, Hoddie wanted to make effective, Porter said. SyQuest tried to alleviate some ‘Withdrawing sure he understood what Microsoft was proposing of its financial troubles last August by letting go of Microsoft during the meeting, as QuickTime was a popular half of its employees. product, though at that time Apple was not 2-button mouse? “SyQuest had to cut back and didn’t cut back far making money off it. Office for the Leaked Mac OS X screenshots feature enough,” he said. SyQuest’s shut-down opens the “Are you really asking us to kill playback?” Mac would a 2-button mouse control panel door for its primary competitor, Iomega. According he said. “Do you want us to knife the baby?” (above). Apple sources report that to Porter however, Iomega has also suffered, have a Microsoft’s Christopher Phillips, business an optional two-button mouse, made spending far too much on elaborate advertising SyQuest had failed to secure a last-minute credit development manager for Microsoft multimedia of plastics, campaigns to push its Zip drives. deal before its cash reserves evaporated. Even after devastating APIs and DirectX, replied using Hoddie’s words: is in the works. Syquest said it has reached an agreement, with an issuing $120 million of stock to stay solvent, it fell “Yes, we’re talking about knifing the baby.” Windows mice already have this as yet unnamed buyer, to sell a portion of its assets, foul of loan agreements with its existing finance effect on the After Apple declined to abandon the market, capability, but Apple rejected it in namely SyQuest's patents and equipment used to provider, which drastically cut its borrowing powers. Microsoft offered to allow Apple to stay in the favour of one mouse/two clicks when manufacture disk drives and storage cartridges. A Porter said:“Its business plan was off target and it Mac OS.’ playback market in the Macintosh market if it designing the Mac in the infamous purchase price was not announced for the deal, thought the market was larger than it was. – Avie Tevanian, pulled out of the Windows arena. Apple refused. ‘Button War’ debate that raged when which also sees Syquest retain ownership of its “It spent too much money trying to develop this Apple software chief Tevanian said he was concerned the new mice first appeared. MW factory in Malaysia. market.” MW continues page 17

16 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk) updated five times a week Macworld JANUARY 1999 17 news

Loveless marriage finally hits rocks Apple-Microsoft trial fury icrosoft and Apple have long been tied in a marriage of convenience. And things M have been stormy since the companies first crossed paths nearly two decades ago.The troubles go back to 1984, when Apple introduced the first popular desktop Continued from page 17 Microsoft’s willingness to use its muscle, at the the DOJ’s investigation as a threat against computer, the Macintosh. Gates was impressed with the machine’s user-friendly arrangements with Microsoft would give the expense of innovation and choice. Microsoft. He used as evidence a slide series from graphical interface, and he decided to focus on the platform as a vehicle for selling company access to the inner workings of the “If competition is to be restored and fostered in an Apple meeting in August 1996, entitled “What his company’s software. Macintosh operating system “while, at the same critical markets, fundamental structural change is to do about Microsoft”. The presentation included Dazzled by the computer’s point-and-click features and easy-to-use commands, Gates time, Microsoft was seeking to exclude Apple’s necessary,” Tevanian said. “Such change must a category called, “Why Microsoft needs us.” And and some engineers took to calling the Apple machines “SAND,” an acronym for “Steve’s multimedia technology from Windows.” address Microsoft’s ability to move on many under that category were listed the initials DOJ. amazing new device,” according to Jim Carlton’s book Apple: The Inside Story. At the time, Even an email from Apple CEO Steve Jobs to fronts, to exploit its power in one of many Edelman asked Tevanian whether Apple Apple’s revenues were more than 10 times that of Microsoft.The company saw Microsoft Gates outlining Apple’s objections didn’t prevent markets in order to acquire or consolidate in intended to use the DOJ threat as way to obtain as a potential ally in its war against IBM, then the other major player in the desktop Microsoft executives from continuing their efforts others. As long as Microsoft can dominate new concessions from Microsoft. computer space (now Apple’s PowerPC ally). to pressure Apple out of the playback market. markets by leveraging its unchallenged control of Tevanian replied, that it had not, but added “If However, the relationship began to erode as Microsoft started adding graphical Later, Microsoft proposed that the two multimedia both the Windows operating system and essential someone is going to start bullying us then we features to its own MS-DOS program that looked, to Apple executives at least, technologies be merged – an offer Jobs rejected. application programs, competition – which has need to consider going to the DOJ”. suspiciously similar to Apple’s own Mac operating system. So similar, in fact, that in 1990 Tevanian said the actions demonstrate been the engine of innovation and growth in this Outside the courthouse, Justice Department a version of prompted Apple to file a lawsuit, alleging that Gates and industry – will be curtailed”. attorney David Boies defended Apple’s right to company stole Apple technology. contact the government with allegations of By then, Microsoft also had struck a deal with chip maker to push both Cross purposes wrongdoing on the part of Microsoft. companies products into the growing market for IBM-compatible machines. Microsoft ‘even threatened Intel ally’ Microsoft, in cross-examining Tevanian, referred “If somebody is robbing your house, you’re By the mid-1990s, Apple’s market share had slipped substantially while Microsoft had part from this latest chapter in the long- to videotapes of Steve Jobs, technical reports going to call the cops,” he said. become a powerhouse.When it made its $150 million investment to help bail out Apple A running Apple-Microsoft feud, the antitrust from third parties and called witnesses to Microsoft’s Edelman also attempted to last year, Microsoft owned more than 90 per cent of the OS market. trial has thrown up evidence that Microsoft discredit Apple and the DOJ’s accusations. demonstrate that Apple conducts some of the The big question now: What will become of this relationship in the wake of the attacks its friends just as viciously. Bill Gates is In reply to the charge of the ‘sabotage’ of the same practices the government is accusing potentially damaging testimony coming from Apple VP Avie Tevanian? accused of threatening his company’s close QuickTime media player in IE, Microsoft attorney Microsoft of doing. He presented Tevanian with a If Microsoft loses, a now resurgent Apple will almost certainly be able to mount a hardware ally, Intel.The software giant allegedly Theodore Edelman asked Tevanian if he had any press release of Mac OS 8.5, touting the software bigger challenge to Microsoft as a viable alternative to the Windows-Intel machines that made a “terrifying” threat to dissuade Intel from personal knowledge of a Microsoft strategy to as the world’s most Internet-savvy operating dominate the market. working on Internet-related and other software intentionally disable QuickTime in IE 4.0. system. Edelman pointed out that among the new On the other hand, no matter how abusive Microsoft has been – or continues to be – programs, according to testimony from Steven Tevanian stated in testimony that Microsoft features of the operating system was Sherlock, Apple will almost surely continue to be co-dependent.The reason: Apple needs McGeady, a vice president at the chip giant. “created misleading error messages and designed to let users search their disks, the Microsoft’s Office – the most popular business productivity software out there - to sell McGeady, who oversaw Intel’s work on introduced technical bypasses that deprived Internet and networks without using a browser. more of its own computers. development of Internet and Java software, QuickTime of the opportunity to process certain “Isn’t it true that Apple considers this feature to “Apple understands the tenuous relationship with Microsoft and won’t push it too backed up the government’s claims that Microsoft types of multimedia files”. be built into the OS,” Edelman asked. far,” said Dataquest analyst James Staten. used its dominance in the operating system Kiss Intel After pointing out that incompatibilities existed “No, I consider it to be bundled with the OS,” But it’s not all one-sided. No matter what happens in the trial, Microsoft needs Apple market to stop Intel from working on certain Intel’s plans for the Pentium MMX between QuickTime and earlier versions of IE, said Tevanian, who went on to say that he to remain afloat – as evidence that it isn’t the only OS maker in the desktop market. software projects. In court, Gates rejected processors nearly came unstuck because Edelman asked “Don’t you think the use of the considers “built in” to mean software that the – Lisa Bowman government claims that Microsoft attempted to of Microsoft’s Internet ‘threats’. word ‘sabotage’ is something of an exaggeration?” OS depends on to work, while something that’s press Intel to stick to hardware and stay away “It sounds fine to me,” replied Tevanian, adding “bundled” could be removed easily. from the software trade. He also denied – in a series of simple “No” answers that the error messages and lack of file-format Part of the DOJ’s case is that Microsoft bundles “Do we have a clear plan on what we want accompanied by long pauses and his characteristic rocking – that his company sought support bore out his theory. IE into Windows and forces manufacturers to take Apple to do to undermine Sun?,” Gates wrote. to keep Intel from aiding Microsoft’s rivals, Sun and Netscape. In his written testimony, Tevanian contrasted both products. The DOJ is claims this is an illegal Another damning email used to attack Gates But according to McGeady, not only was Microsoft well aware of Intel’s software plans, Microsoft’s Media Player, which he said did not “tying” of the browser to a monopoly product. was one from Ben Waldman, Microsoft’s chief Gates himself was present at one meeting when those plans were discussed. McGeady support the streaming of media, with QuickTime, Edelman attacked Apple’s claim that Compaq Macintosh product engineer. saw Gates’ reaction to Intel software plans at an August 1995 meeting between which does. Subsequently, Tevanian tested and other manufacturers had been pressured not Prior to the August agreement Waldman, Microsoft and Intel. Gates became “enraged” that Intel Architecture Laboratories (IAL) Microsoft’s technology only to discover it supports to bundle QuickTime 3.0 on their PCs. According emailled Gates, regarding the discontinuance engineers “in his view were competing with Microsoft,” McGeady said. file streaming, but not “live” streaming. to Compaq executive Steven Decker, Apple of Office for the Mac in the light that ir would McGeady added that Gates “felt that what we did in software directly competed with wanted Compaq to pay a royalty. “We would ship be a devastating blow to Apple: “The threat to Microsoft … and Bill made it very clear that Microsoft would not support our next Suits you, sir QuickTime if Apple gave it for free,” Decker said. cancel Mac Office 97 is certainly the strongest processor if we did not get alignment on other issues.” Turning the tables on Tevanian, Edelman next Microsoft posted further denials on its Web site, bargaining point we have, as doing so will do a “It was clear to us if those processors didn’t run Windows they’d be useless,” McGeady accused Apple of using the threat of the $1.2 claiming that programming errors in the software great deal of harm to Apple immediately.” said.“The threat was both credible and fairly terrifying.” billion lawsuit against Microsoft in order to settle were Apple’s fault. Tod Nielsen, general manager Under questioning, Gates said he did not recall A memo from McGeady, entitled “Sympathy for the devil,” said that Gates had told lengthy patent negotiations the two companies of Microsoft’s developer relations group says that receiving the email. He was evasive, claiming that Intel CEO Andy Grove earlier that month to shut down IAL.“Gates didn’t want IAL’s 750 had waged since September 1993. although it is not Microsoft’s responsibility to he didn’t know what was being discussed. That engineers interfering with his plans for domination of the PC industry,” McGeady wrote. Those negotiations eventually resulted in the provide fixes to QuickTime, the company has tack isn’t unusual – especially in antitrust trials – ‘Do we have a What this all meant, McGeady said in response to questioning, was that “if we kept agreement announced by Jobs a day later at his made a fix available to customers because “we according to George Cumming, a lawyer at pissing them (Microsoft) off they were not going to support MMX.” Macworld Expo keynote speech in Boston. feel they should not pay the price for Apple’s Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison in New York. plan on what McGeady was also questioned about a meeting with Paul Maritz, Microsoft group vice Tevanian, standing by his written testimony, programming mistakes, groundless allegations When a company is confronted with hurtful we want Apple president of the platforms and applications group, in November 1995, during which characterized the negotiations quite differently. and courtroom antics.” internal documents, it may adopt a “crazy Microsoft’s plans for the browser market and competing with Netscape were discussed. He said Apple told Microsoft that its portfolio of But videotaped testimony from Microsoft middle-management defence,” in which to do to At the meeting, McGeady said, Maritz said “it was Microsoft’s plan to ‘cut off Netscape’s patents was worth an estimated $1.2 billion, not chairman Bill Gates appeared to strengthen the underlings are said to do and say things that air supply’ – that one phrase sticks out.” that Apple would bring a suit for that amount. argument put forward by the DOJ and Tevanian, more responsible top executives would not. undermine McGeady quoted Maritz as saying Microsoft’s plan was to “embrace, extend and However, Edelman played a videotaped that Microsoft used bullying tactics on Apple. “The idea is to have the person at the top with Sun?’ extinguish … we are going to fight with both arms – OS and applications.” segment to the court of Jobs’ keynote address. After the August 6 1997 deal, Gates sent an ‘Godfather’-like deniability,” said Cumming, a One part of the plan was to extend HTML so it was not compatible with Netscape’s Jobs said in announcing the deal that it was to email to subordinates that referred to other former special trials lawyer at the Justice – Bill Gates, support of HTML, McGeady said. – Elizabeth Wasserman resolve multiple patent disputes. advantages arising from the deal, apart from Department. Microsoft boss Edelman also accused Apple of trying to use settling the patent dispute. The case continues MW

18 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week Macworld JANUARY 1999 19 news Theme swan song for Mac OS 8.6

n an exclusive one-to-one interview with Apple junks Macworld, Apple’s Mac OS product manager, I Peter Lowe, has outlined his plans for future customizable versions of the operating system. Lowe revealed that Mac OS 8.6, due early interface but 1999, would include only “modest” user- experience enhancements. In particular, Apple Chooser‘s days would not be expanding on Mac OS 8.5’s Appearance Themes. Many observers had are numbered expected Apple to follow up on the interface visual-appearance feature introduced in OS 8.5 that allows users to customize the Mac’s familiar interface. OS 8.5 shipped with nine Themes, including Bubbles and Roswell. But Lowe says Themes has “no big future”. Referring to the cult shareware interface Back to the Drawing Board adaptor, Lowe explained: “Kaleidoscope is very Apple Japan's rumoured Architect Theme for the Mac OS 8.5 very popular with a very few users, but Apple has Appearance Manager has surfaced – under the name "Drawing a responsibility to the majority of its users to keep Board".This theme sports several of the capabilities unused by the interface consistent.” the themes seeded during 8.5's development, including non- X-pected soon For the same reasons, Apple is not to square tabbed folders and application tabs, non-square Apple has reintroduce smart scrolls at the top of the scroll windows, and variable menubar widths.“It’s unlikely to see the confirmed that bar – an option dropped at the last minute from light of day,” says Mac OS manager, Peter Lowe. Mac OS X Server the official OS 8.5 release. Instead, OS 8.5 will ship in 1998. shipped with the capability to place both up and Network Browser feature tackling some of the “As Apple has down scroll arrows at the bottom of the scroll bar. Chooser’s duties in a far friendlier manner. Lowe said, Mac OS X Lowe said that the OS group considered the said that the Chooser’s responsibilities would be Server is on option “too cluttered”. “The Mac’s interface “knocked down one at a time”. Maybe as early as track to ship this should be easy-to-use but, simultaneously, must OS 8.6, the Chooser would remain only as a relic, year,” said Apple not overwhelm new users with too many with a configuration utility “always there spokeswoman options,” he explained. when you need it”. Staci Sheppard. “Significant” changes in “key” areas won’t take Until OS X all old-time interface elements will Apple CEO place before Mac OS X is released at the end of survive, even if overtaken by new features. Lowe Steve Jobs had previously said that 1999. This rules out new input/output laughed at Macworld’s suggestion that it was Mac OS X Server (formerly known as architectures and multiprocessing in OS 8.6 and high-time to wave goodbye to some of the Rhapsody and precursor to Mac OS X its successor, code-named Sonata. The transition Scrapbook’s longest-serving images – even the proper) would be available sometime to the more modern Mac OS X, would free Apple badly drawn, pastel party hat. “The teddy bear is in the autumn. to be “more aggressive” in its changes. safe with me,” Lowe boasted. But the long-term Third-party developers say they Lowe said that getting multiprocessing on aim is to “unify the OS as much as possible”. continued to receive builds of Mac OS X board the Mac was an important issue, and would Lowe hinted that the UK-English Wastebasket Server through September so they could “absolutely” be happening in OS X. might eventually take on the more appropriate build versions of their applications to One part of the Mac OS that will soon change Trash label. be bundled with Mac OS X Server when is the aged Chooser, which Lowe agreed was Apple will continue to strive to make the Mac it ships. unintuitive. OS 8.5 saw the introduction of a OS innovative and Internet-capable, Lowe told Macworld. But the company won’t go as far as Microsoft’s Windows 98, in which the operating system is browser-based. “Integrating OS and Imatec-Apple in legal impasse browser just isn’t that useful,” he observed. matec has failed to settle with Apple had no policy in place, prior to selling a The consumer portable (code-named P1) will I over a $1.1 billion patent infringement product, for verifying if the product ship next spring, bearing a full version of OS 8.6, suit against the company, and is heading infringed the patents of other companies. according to Lowe. He wouldn’t comment on any for a courtroom showdown. In the statement, Imatec said Apple plans for handwriting recognition or speech- Imatec filed the lawsuit in February of would be guilty of “willful infringement”if, activated features. this year, claiming that Apple had after knowing of the Imatec patents, it Lowe also revealed that Apple would be infringed three US patents relating to the failed to investigate the patents and form pushing hard in 1999’s marketing efforts on the company’s ColorSync colour-calibration a good-faith belief that they were invalid Mac’s resistance to the PC millennium bug. Apple technology.Imatec has released a copy of a or not infringed. A court hearing is has been rigorously testing its claims before July 27 pre-trial court deposition in which scheduled for next March. MW making the boasts in public. MW Apple acknowledged that the company Imatec, www.imatec.com – Simon Jary

20 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week news Strong showing for digital media

igital Media World, which took place at Digital Media London’s Wembley Conference Centre in D November, is fast becoming a landmark World now a event in the professional content-creation calendar. Running in tandem with the London Effects and Animation Festival (LEAF), the byword for exhibition brought together the cream of the world’s video, animation and effects industry. content creators Apple’s presence was sorely missed in the gathering, however, especially with so many vendors demonstrating products based on the effects-packed QuickTime 3.0. Puffin Designs (Bit UK, 01420 83811) was showing an updated version of Commotion, the real-time visual effects package with painting, rotoscoping, motion-tracking and video playback tools. The £1,695 Commotion 1.6 adds a cartoon fill feature for animations, a new Wiggle Brush, a Colours update revamped composite window and enhancements to Photoshop 5 to the rotospline tool. Animators can use the cartoon fill tool in Adobe has released an update conjunction with Commotion’s AutoPaint and to Photoshop 5.0 that focuses motion-tracking tools to fill several drawings or primarily on the areas of colour a whole sequence, instead of having to work with management and type. one frame at a time. Version 5.0.2 fixes the The redesigned composite window has new default working colour space transfer modes and can create miniature previews models,le, lx, xe, xs and xr, are priced at £4,495, that was previously sRGB.This of composites. And the enhanced Rotospline tool £7,495, £9,995, £11,995 and £14,995 setting will now default to can lock a rotospline and resize nodes, making respectively. The company also featured real-time “None” when dealing with it easier to grab small points on a detailed DV integration in the form of DV Option, a colour profiles. New to rotospline. The Wiggle Brush, new in version 1.6, £1,995 digital signal I/O device available for Photoshop 5.0.2 is the Color augments the AutoPaint tool set and adds a Media 100 models le, lx, xe, xs and xr, which Management Assistant which wiggle effect to recorded paint strokes, giving connects to IEEE 1394 (FireWire) devices. walks users through the handwritten text a cartoon-style look. Radius is fast catching up with the broadcast process of setting up colour A super-fast add-on for Commotion was DV market with its well-specified EditDV system. preferences and profiles based also demonstrated at the show by Integrated The company was showing version 1.5 of the upon the user’s work focus, Computing Engines (ICE). The £199 ICE’d Motion non-linear digital video editor, based on such as Web or multimedia Tracker for Commotion is based around the QuickTime and IEEE 1394 and designed content.The type tool now BlueICE PCI board, and speeds motion tracking in specifically for the DV camcorder owner. New automatically kerns and tracks the software. ICE (CVW, 0181 400 1265) has also features of the £699 package include batch text properly, the company released the £599 ICEblast software, a stand- capture, increased rendering speeds, streamlined said, correcting a bug in alone special effects editing application for video clip trimming and TimeCode support. Radius (CU, previous versions. and film clips that features full-resolution, real- 0181 358 5857) also announced that MotoDV, its Adobe said it has added an time software playback DV motion-capture solution, will now ship with improved anti-aliasing Media 100, (01344 411 000) was the PhotoDV still DV-image plug-in for Photoshop. algorithm that more accurately demonstrating Version 5.0 of its flagship Media Radius said MotoDV, which includes a Radius represents letter forms and 100 product line. The company said Media 100 1394 FireWire card and Adobe Photoshop LE, spacing at small type sizes. Version 5.0 provides a host of new features and will remain at its current price of £387. Version 5.0.2 also includes conforms to the latest broadcast standards Computer Audio Warehouse (0181 400 1234) native import and rasterization including ITU-R BT.601. It also features: 16:9 launched a unique bundle intended for musicians of Adobe Illustrator 8.0 files, frame-aspect ratio support for widescreen and film-makers at the show. The New Orleans better handling of scanner television; support for QuickTime 3.0 and codec solution includes a Power Mac G3 with Digidesign ICC profiles and speed sharing for QuickTime-based applications; anti- ProTools 24Mix audio recording solution, Adaptec improvements in various aliased fonts and graphics; 150 levels of undo and 8495 IEEE 1394 I/O and a Sony Digital Video filters.The update is available redo; cross-platform compatibility with Media Camera. The £10,000 solution was used to now from Adobe’s Web site 100’s Finish for Windows NT; support for Apple’s demonstrate a G3 playing 64 tracks of audio (www.adobe.com). navigation services extension; and increased while playing back synchronized broadcast- Adobe , 0181 606 4001 performance and project management quality video. MW enhancements. Version 5.0 of Media 100 – Michael Burns

22 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week news QT 3.5 New models lift streams for low-key Expo

his year’s Apple Expo/Total Design and Technology show, which took place in New products,stars boost GEORGINA WATSON T November, was notable for the difference ahead in atmosphere compared to previous years. The subdued double-event general consensus among exhibitors was that hile its chief technologist spent time in the absence of major players like Apple, Quark encountered problems with the authoring system, court describing Microsoft’s efforts to get and Adobe (see Macworld, November, page 16) mTropolis. It was decided that in order to stay W it to cede the multimedia playback meant the show was a somewhat subdued event. within time and budget, the company would market to Windows (see page 16), Apple The bondi-blue wall to separate the two shows, concentrate on delivering the PC version first. engineers worked on a new version of QuickTime which was proposed when Apple was still a major The £35 Starship Titanic (Zablac, 01626 iMac revs up that developers said will soon turn the popular draw, turned into a thin beige affair, patrolled by 332233) uses SpookiTalk, a specially-created multimedia technology into a cross-platform QuickTime set to become uniformed stewards. It was designed to “protect” language engine that allows players to converse Konoko set to pple has announced that audio- and video-authoring and playback system the Total Design and Technology exhibitors from with central characters. More than 16 hours of A will now ship with unmatched by rivals Microsoft and RealNetworks. the students and casual visitors categorized as pre-recorded dialogue were required, and photo- tackle Lara Croft the faster ATI RAGE Pro chipset The new version adds the live file-streaming cross-platform standard attendees of Apple Expo by organizer Emap. realistic graphics and interiors add to the Titanic and the maximum 6MB of technology without which QuickTime has been However, despite the disappointments and experience. tep aside Lara Croft, video RAM (The iMac originally prevented from becoming the de facto format for document,” said a source familiar with the the diminished size of the event, there were Microtek (Computers Unlimited, Shas you in its sights.The shipped with only 2MB of playback on the Web, said sources close to Apple. technology. “Anywhere a QuickTime movie still some new products and celebrity 0181 358 5857) announced maker of Marathon and Myth is SGRAM).The combination, While it built some file streaming into can exist, streaming video can exist.” appearances to cheer the punters up. the Phantom 336cx USB planning the launch of Oni, a Apple said, would deliver QuickTime 3.0, released in March, Apple’s Several third-party QuickTime Streaming Kai Krause, the chief design officer scanner for the iMac third-person better 3D game graphics.The FastStart streaming technology was a fast file- servers are reportedly in development for Mac for MetaCreations, demonstrated (below). The £65.95 centred around Konoko – “an increase in SGRAM will also download technology and not a solution for live OS, Windows and Unix. To create QuickTime Kai’s Power Tools 5 for the first time desktop scanner offers elite cop and one-woman SWAT allow iMacs to display millions streaming, said Apple spokesman Russell Brady. files that stream efficiently, third-party authoring in the UK. His latest version is a maximum team”. of colours at 1,024-x-768 pixels, QuickTime developers who have wanted to applications would add the hint tracks by calling shipping for £129, with upgrades interpolated resolution of Bungie says that Oni, the monitor’s maximum broadcast their content live on the Web turned an Apple movie export component. Apple is available for £69 (Computers Unlimited, 0181 9,600-x-9,600 dpi and an earmarked for a 1999 release, resolution. to proprietary streaming media file formats from reportedly encouraging developers to create 358 5857). optical resolution of 300-x-600 features seamless unification of “There’s a very noticeable Microsoft and RealNetworks. new codecs and optimized streaming modules. The new version dpi. The company also marked its martial arts and gunplay into increase in game That may change with the new QuickTime 3.5 Apple first revealed its plans for streaming features new tools such entry into the A3 scanner market with two what it calls “full contact action”. performance,” said Phil Schiller, software, which, sources said, is based on an media in 1996, when it joined Progressive as FraxFlame, which models – the ScanMaker 9600XL and 6400XL Bungie’s Doug Zartman Apple vice president of industry-standard streaming media protocol, the Networks (now RealNetworks) and Netscape creates an image made (above). The 9600XL costs £1,999 and has an explains:“When your gun runs worldwide product marketing. Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). This allows in proposing a real-time multimedia protocol up of millions of fiery optical resolution of 600-x-1200 dpi, while the out of ammo, drop it and take “If you were playing , QuickTime content to continue to be streamed to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). filaments, FraxPlorer, a £799 6400XL has a resolution of 400-x-800 dpi. out your opponents with flying you’d see increased frame rate, from standard Web servers rather than from the Apple demonstrated QuickTime Streaming at real-time fractal pattern Among the offerings at the Digital Toolbox kicks and neck-snapping and in games like Unreal you’ll type of proprietary streaming media servers that its Worldwide Developers Conference in May. generator and (0181 961 6622) stand was throws. Action fans will not be see some nice new graphics.” Microsoft and RealNetworks bank on. “If you [want] documented, open, IETF- FiberOptix, which PhotoSpray, a set of disappointed.”The 3D game Schiller added that the change standard, non-proprietary protocols, then QTS creates furry text, green Photoshop plug- features artwork was not aimed at addressing Live streaming revelation is the only choice you have,” a source said. shag carpet, silly string ins from from specialists in any shortcoming in the iMac’s Apple declined to comment on release plans but The company reportedly plans to demonstrate or creeping vines. Human anime – stylized gaming capabilities but simply said it is no secret that the company has been QuickTime Streaming in January at Macworld Another famous guest Software. Japanese to spruce up its performance working on adding live streaming capability as Expo in San Francisco. Apple said streaming at the show was author The sprays animation – and for the Christmas selling part of its plan to turn the QuickTime file format media is definitely part of a future version of Douglas Adams, who include technologies, such season. into a universal media format. QuickTime, but it declined to comment further. dropped in to talk about plants, as Radiosity, Apple also announced a “With the ability to do live file streaming, Among QuickTime’s major advantages is the the long-awaited Mac flowers, bushes, for natural few changes to the software QuickTime becomes a unique architecture maturity of QT development tools and the fact version of his game rocks and jelly lighting, and bundled with the iMac. All because it can be used for both creating and that its APIs are completely documented, leading Starship Titanic. Since babies, and can be interpolated iMacs now ship with Mac OS delivering multimedia content,” Brady said. to its widespread adoption among cross-platform its launch on the PC sprayed onto RGB images or layers. PhotoSpray, animation, for 8.5, Adobe PageMill 3.0, and QuickTime Streaming (QTS) extensions will be content developers. QuickTime is used by platform in April this which usually costs £79, smooth contin- EdView Internet Safety Kit, a closely integrated with QuickTime itself, sources more than 2,500 developers and is the basis year, Mac have is available as a limited offer for £55. uous parental Web-access control said, allowing data in any QT file format to be for 80 per cent of the Web’s multimedia content. questioned why Adams, Dutch company Techno-Design showcased movement. utility.The revised software transmitted across the Web. Users will be able to The QuickTime file format was also chosen as an Apple Master and various Quark Xtensions at the Alta Technology Bungie, will also include a link built in view content in any QuickTime-aware application the starting point for MPEG-4, the ISO’s proposed Mac enthusiast, didn’t stand (0171 622 6606), including the new £299 www.bungie.com to Disney’s Blast!, a Web site without using a special player, and they will be common digital media format for handling the launch the Mac version Speller XTension, which has a dictionary of designed especially for able to watch both unicast (one viewer per storage and distribution of broadcast-quality at the same time. He 800,000 items. children. iMacs will no longer stream) and multicast (multiple viewers per audio and video, as well as for streaming media explained that it was Hewlett-Packard (0990 474747) showed ship with MDK, an action stream) content from a client application. Special over the Web. Kai’s PowerTools 5.0 originally intended to off the £11,890 DesignJet 3500CP. The game available with the “hint tracks” will hold instructions for how best In return, Microsoft has proposed the Advanced photoshop filters be developed for both 54-inch wide printer has a resolution of first-generation systems. to transmit network packets, sources said. Streaming Format and expects some elements of FraxFlame (top) platforms, but the 600 dpi, Adobe PostScript Level 3, and Apple,0870 600 6010 “What’s really cool is that you can put a ASF to be included in MPEG-4. FraxPlorer (middle developer (London- ethernet and LocalTalk interfaces. MW streaming window anywhere, like inside a – Kelly Ryer and Connie Guglielmo MW and bottom) based Digital Village) – Louise Banbury

24 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week Macworld JANUARY 1999 25 news

BETA PREVIEW Product: Director 7 Publisher: Macromedia Pros: New, faster, smaller engine; more Internet-oriented; Go Director 7 graphics transparency. Cons: Confusing text and font handling; tough for beginners. SNEAK PEEK:Director 7 Shipping: Late December 1998. Price: £799; upgrade £199. Pre-sales: Computer Unlimited: mere six months after releasing the 6.5 0181 358 5857 upgrade – essentially some Xtras folded A into the main 6.0 package – Macromedia releases Director 7, with numerous changes to its interface, functionality and usability. The most obvious new feature is the Library palette – listing commonly used Behaviors, ready to be dropped onto the score for instant interactivity. Libraries make it easy for users to build up a collection of regular routines. Also prominent is a new media type, Vector Shape. This allows you to create elements using a simple set of vector tools, in the same way that addressed, especially relating to text handling the Paint window is a simplified bitmap editor. and fonts. Now you can make regular, anti-aliased This complements the existing capability to text editable, and embed any fonts used so that import Flash movies. Vector shapes can be any text will always appear exactly as you want controlled through Lingo, allowing it. However, in this beta none of the anti-aliasing smooth graphics at any size. features work, unless you import the font as a Reportedly the result of five years’ media type – a less-than-ideal process, that failed work, a new engine offers faster to work with spaces in the fonts we tried. playback and smaller file sizes. This Another feature that many users will find appears to be a major improvement invaluable is the ability to import Photoshop files, – 6.X projectors add a minimum with Alpha-channel effects, so enabling smooth, overhead of over 2MB, but a D7 anti-aliased overlaying of elements, and projector can be as small as 450K transparency effects. (and less if some of the Xtras are This is a feature only previously available with removed), making floppy-disk-based the Alphamania Xtra, and is essential if you want presentations a possibility again. animated or moveable sprites to appear smoothly Macromedia clearly sees the on a background. Internet as the dominant medium Colours within a movie can now be specified for distributing multimedia content using RGB values rather than just the index- made with Director. Movies are set colour palette. Director now works happily in Transparently better to stream by default, and there are several 16-bit colour on all platforms and features a The new ability to import Photoshop enhancements to make the creation of streaming number of colour pickers to choose from. PSD files means that transparency movies easier, including a dedicated behaviour According to Macromedia, sprite manipulation effects can be applied, as in this circular library, and using Lingo, the ability to get more has been made more powerful by the ability to lens, as well as neat anti-aliasing – information on the status of loading media. New skew and rotate on the stage, without having compare the top graphic imported from Shockwave features enable the creation of multi- to first create multiple cast members – however Photoshop file with the lower graphic, user environments over the network, for example this is another feature missing from the beta. imported as a standard PCT. multi-player games and chat rooms. While the sprite-tweening dialogue box has Most of the new lingo commands available options to tween the skew and rotation of a relate to these new Web commands, but changes sprite, there is currently no way of setting these to the scripting window are also promised. properties either on the stage or with the Sprite Colour-coded Lingo is useful, while a pull-down Inspector. list of Lingo categories makes it Though the beta is very stable, it’s worrying easier to pick the right handler for that at this late stage certain documented key the operation. features are missing entirely. The Vector-shape There are numerous additions and elements seem curiously underused, and there alterations to assist in the production are still aspects of the text handling that could of Web-oriented movies, including a be improved – for instance, anti-aliased fields, Web-safe palette option, the ability kerning and tracking. to preview in a Web browser, The biggest problem with Director 7 is still animated GIF support, the capability the inevitable learning curve, made only slightly to import HTML, and a number of less steep by the Behaviour library. But these are improvements to NetLingo, including minor points, and while not a revolutionary new XML and the secure https protocol. If version, this is a solid new release with major Sprite idea that wasn’t enough, the Help pages are now Web- steps taken in the creation of projects for the Sprite tweening can now theoretically based, and come with a Java-based search. Internet. MW include skew and rotate properties. Some of the most requested features have been – Martin Gittins

26 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week news iMac sales need shot-in-the-arm

o date, the iMac has been one of the most iMac-mania is on successful new consumer computers to hit T the market in a long time. Selling hundreds the wane,says of thousands of units in a few weeks is big news, even in today’s oversold high-tech markets. There DON CRABB are signs, however, that the public’s enchantment with the soul of the new machine is waning. Consider that US retail chain CompUSA reports that, for the first time since the iMac went on sale in August, it has “no backlog of orders.” Consider Apple hits back that scores of local Apple resellers now report at iMac doubters that they can get “all the iMacs” they want. Consider that Apple is finally pushing its pple vice president of revitalized Apple Loan program. And consider Aproduct marketing Phil that Apple now has a special £29.95-per-month Schiller said analysts like Don deal for those who want to buy an iMac. Crabb are merely speculating. Not that I am complaining about any of these “That’s their theory and developments, you understand. Apple should opinion, and they are welcome have a ton of iMacs in the channel (you can’t sell to it,” Schiller said referring to what your dealers don’t have). Apple should have reports of a slackening of an easy-to-get loan program. And Apple should interest for the Mac among the have a special iMac purchase program in time for buying public.“But we’ve got Christmas. our own theory and our own It’s just that its timing also coincides with opinion, and we think the iMac reports from retailers that the initial burst of iMac This new program promises to push iMacs back is doing great and will have a sales flurry has substantially eroded over the past to their late-summer selling frenzy. According to great Christmas season.” three weeks. And that is troubling, if for no other one Apple dealer, “we got more than 100 calls Schiller said Apple is just reason than the fact that Apple has “bet the farm” within an hour after Apple announced the new now completing its world-wide on the iMac – both to re-establish its consumer- program, all wanting to order iMacs over the rollout of the iMac. market presence and to generate cash flow and phone”. Impressive numbers indeed. He added: “Key markets that market share. Showing that the New Apple “gets it”, this new move slowly – business and Having said all that, however, I am more than iMac buyers program will be flogged by an education – are beginning to pleased with the new £29.95-per-month iMac intensive new advertising campaign on TV, radio, express interest in Apple’s most buyers special. This financing program, which is print and billboards, as well as in-store displays.” economical Mac. available from participating Apple retailers and In addition, Apple is juicing-up what you get “Those new markets, along from the online Apple Store, features “instant in- when you buy an iMac (See page 24). with additional retail outlets store credit approval, no payments for 120 days This is smart stuff. In classic fashion, Apple is and new incentives from Apple and one of the lowest interest rates available to paying attention to its customers and what they – including a reinvigorated consumers anywhere.” want and what else is available in the consumer loan program – As Steve Jobs noted, “For the price of three marketplace. While I still worry about the dip should give the iMac more pizzas a month, you can own an iMac. The reported in iMac sales, I also am pretty juiced to than enough staying power to world’s coolest consumer computer has just see Apple work like a company that both cares continue setting sales records.” become the most affordable.” and is far from clueless. Some of that enthusiasm Just don’t try to get it with extra cheese, That Think Different thing seems to be was fuelled by Apple’s sausage, or a floppy drive. (Sorry, I couldn’t working, again. MW announcement that it would resist.) – Don Crabb spend $100 million on iMac marketing and advertising through the end of the year. Apple, however, has Date to remember for calendar king consistently refused to release The 1999 Adobe calendar competition competition results were announced last sales figures. attracted 500 entries from photographers, month in London. “We’re going to be doing a designers and artists, all vying for the The overall winner was Paul Windridge, lot of marketing between now chance to grace the walls of whose “cactus cow” – the image for and the end of the year,” advertising agencies and creative January (left) – won him a trip on Schiller said.“We’re doing professionals. Concorde to New York. everything we can to ensure The twelve winning images were picked Windridge created the image using Adobe this will be a great success.” by a panel made up of four judges drawn Photoshop on a Power Mac.

ILLUSTRATION:JAMES WALKER/IMAGES COURTESY OF PHOTODISC COURTESY WALKER/IMAGES ILLUSTRATION:JAMES from the creative industry. The Adobe, 0181 606 4001

28 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week news Video tech makes the Final Cut

fter years of development, Apple’s (see Macworld, June 1998, Page 20). Sources said QuickTime AC extension that appears to be Apple finally betas Final Cut video-editing and video- that feature for feature, it looks very similar to specially designed for Final Cut, as well as a effects package is now in beta testing, Premiere. “It’s Premiere 5 with a different name,” multiprocessing API library. Sources noted that Macromedia’s sources close to the company report. one source said. Apple is being very secretive about the software But what the company plans to do Sources report that the Final Cut beta has a and its own plans. Described as a “Steve Jobs challenger to Awith it is still anyone’s guess. standard timeline interface, with floating tool skunkworks” project, Final Cut will be one of Originally developed by Macromedia, Final Cut palettes and editing windows. It supports all the Apple’s few stand-alone applications. Adobe Premiere was intended to be a high-end, all-in-one video major film and video formats, including the wide- Under Macromedia, Final Cut appeared to editing, compositing and effects package for Mac screen digital TV aspect ratio, as well as be targeting Avid’s MCXpress, sources said. In OS and Windows NT. The original designer of timecodes, FireWire and deck controls. The beta its present form, it would compete head on with Adobe Premiere, Randy Ubillos, authored it and has comprehensive controls for logging and Premiere, as well as with packages from Media an early version was previewed at the National capturing clips, can input and export edit-decision 100, Radius, Pinnacle Systems and Discreet Logic. Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in 1996. lists and has 99 levels of undo, sources said. “Apple has a tacit agreement not to compete However, its release was repeatedly delayed until The beta reportedly makes good use of with third-party vendors,” one source said. “This Apple acquired it in May. QuickTime’s built-in effects architecture. Sources is in direct competition with Adobe. They’re going At the time, industry insiders expected Apple praised the software’s extensive, keyframable to be stepping on some toes.” to kill the application, thinking the company controls for effects and transitions. The beta Macromedia had originally priced Final Cut was interested only in Final Cut’s engineers, supports After Effects plug-ins and features a wildly between £599 and £1,999 and there’s who moved to Apple. However, sources said a scripting component for mixing and matching nothing to stop Apple bundling it with high-end beta version of the software, called Apple Final custom effects. Its audio controls and filters, desktop machines. Apple is also expected shortly Cut Pro and last revised in late September, throws as well as its support for the Digital Video (DV) to release new desktop systems with built-in this analysis into doubt. “Everyone thought Final format, exceed that of Premiere, sources said. FireWire support; Final Cut could serve as Cut was dead, but here it is in beta,” one source Unlike Premiere, however, Final Cut does not a showcase for FireWire and QuickTime. said. “Whatever the reason, the upshot is no one feature three-point editing, according to sources, One source said, “While we’re all saying, ‘What knows what they’re going to do with it.” and it appears to lack the capability to preview is Apple thinking,’ they probably have a strategy The Final Cut beta appears to be a pared-down effects before they are rendered. no one else is smart enough to figure out.” version of the software shown at this year’s NAB Sources said the beta includes a new Apple declined to comment. MW ANDY BAKER

Waiting in the wings and on show was Yamaha’s DSP Factory DS2416 (Yamaha- Kemble, 01908 366 700).This is a half-length Mac MIDI pleased to bits at AES PCI card, based on its range of digital mixers. The Mac drivers should be available by the The Audio Engineering Society’ bi-annual, this is nothing unusual, the fact that you can time you read this, enabling Mac audio/MIDI full-blown AES trade show provides a forum daisy-chain up to eight units per sequencers to rely less on the processing for discussion and presentation of new concepts (1,024 MIDI channels each) certainly is. Most power of the computer for mixing tasks. and current developments – such as DVD and MIDI interfaces of this type can network only FireWire – in audio-recording technology. four devices. Factory records ROB DANIEL noses around the exhibits in Also climbing on the ASIO bandwagon, The DSP Factory has stereo analogue and Los Angeles, feeling pleased about the Mac’s Opcode (SCV, 0171 923 1892) unveiled Vision digital interfacing, but the heart of the system high profile in the recording industry. DSP 4.1, its audio/MIDI sequencer featuring is its built-in 24-channel digital mixer. Sixteen ASIO drivers and VST plug-ins. Sound manager of those channels can link up directly to audio s one of the 400 exhibitors at the According to Opcode’s vice-president Keith Vision DSP provides a four-band EQ for all tracks, using tracks on a sequencer. Each channel has a show, Steinberg (Arbiter Pro Audio, Borman, the company has spent over a million just the Sound Manager. four band EQ, dynamics effects (compressor, A 0181 202 1199), vendor of the Cubase dollars in developing USB MIDI support for noise gate etc), delay (echo) effects and VST audio/MIDI sequencing software, had the Macintosh. Consequently, MIDI on models Pro Tools systems did in their lumbering rack independent sends to the two separate every reason to feel smug as its ASIO driver such as the iMac will be delivered via OMS In control units. As a consequence Digidesign’s real-time digital-effects processors. system (for audio interface cards) and its VST (Open Music System), a MIDI routing Unitor8 enjoys on-screen control of all its parameters. plug-in system (TDM) has a new generation of The DSP Factory works along similar lines (Virtual Studio Technology) real-time plug-in environment that already has a widespread effects optimized for the Mix24. As it’s name to the professionally interfaced Lexicon Studio, architecture has now evolved into a Mac presence in music software and is embedded consumer digital-audio format. Currently, implies, the Mix 24 is 24-bit – but as it’s which was also on show on a Mac running standard. into QuickTime. Opcode is confident that, as Opcode await Apple’s release of USB revision effectively a digital signal processor, it needs to with ASIO drivers. Ultimately, this new Emagic (Sound Technology, 01462 480 000) the undisputed leader in Macintosh USB MIDI 1.1 so that the DATport and USB MIDI devices be combined with additional audio interfaces generation of audio interface cards may well announced that its sequencing flagship Logic and audio development, its software will be can be used with the iMac. such as Digidesign’s 888|24 or an Apogee AD- revive the fortunes of older of 603e and 604e Audio Platinum (already VST savvy) would the first to fully integrate Macs with USB Digidesign (01753 653 322), an early 8000 to realize its full potential (i.e. get sound Macs in the music world.These PCI-based support ASIO in version 3.6, which should be hardware. Consequently, all non-Opcode pioneer of Mac digital audio software and in and out of it). interfaces more or less turn the computer into available now. Emagic was also showing the software applications will need to subscribe hardware, was showing off its new Pro Tools Offering superior resolution, 24-bit a glorified LCD and hard-disk controller. As a Unitor8, a cross-platform MIDI interface and to OMS to perform on USB Macs. 24| MIX system.This multitrack digital-audio recording is fast becoming the new audio result, you too might”‘think different” when synchronizer that features pro-video VITC Also on the Opcode stand was the DATport. recording set-up has at its heart the Mix24 PCI standard and was very much in evidence at it comes to making music on a Mac. MW support.The Unitor8 has eight MIDI ports, This USB device enables audio to be ferried card that now delivers three times more the show. Supported by DVD, it’s set to oust Audio Engineering Society, 01628 663 725 providing a total of 128 MIDI channels.While to and from a computer using S/PDIF,the processing power in one card than previous the 16-bit standard for audio CDs. www.aes.org

30 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk) updated five times a week Macworld JANUARY 1999 31 news Dream ticket SNEAK PEEK:Macromedia Dreamweaver 2

acromedia has announced version 2 of BETA PREVIEW its professional Web-editing software, M Dreamweaver. Some of the many new Product: Dreamweaver 2 features include site-wide file and page design Publisher: Macromedia management using templates and fast, intelligent Pros: Extensible architecture, site-wide search-&-replace. XML support has been flexible template system, tracing broadened, as well adding integration with a image feature, greatly improved wide range of third-party products. Dreamweaver table-editing flexibility. is aimed at designers new to Web design, as well Cons: Interface could still be as experienced webmasters and developers more intuitive. Dreamweaver creates a clearly laid out map Shipping: Late December 1998 of your site that is also interactive. Helping to Price: £229; upgrade £99. navigate your site structure, the site map can be Pre-sales: Computer Unlimited: used to re-organize pages and links quickly and 0181 358 5857 easily. Users can drag-&-point from file to file to add links and check frame set structures. The search-&-replace facility has also been beefed up to include site-wide text and HTML Table manners tag-checking using regular expressions. The Flexible multiple cell selection and formatting, plus an Excel-like feature is also now HTML-aware, allowing you to sorting feature. change content and HTML separately. With this, you can check the validity of the HTML code in your pages and in imported HTML files. alphabetically, numerically or column by column. As well as Dreamweaver’s support for third- It can even cope with tables that contain row party databases and CSS (Cascading Style spans and column spans. Content in multiple Sheets), it now provides you with a template cells, rows or columns on your page can be system designed for use with your chosen server- changed with one action. A selection of side database application. Macromedia provides pre-defined and browser-safe table formats is a library of Dream Templates, speeding up the provided. It would be handy to be able to copy process of site creation and site-wide redesigns. and paste ready-made data tables from other You can also define non-editable areas in applications into a Dreamweaver table format. templates allowing others to update sections without affecting the overall design. Dream sequence Layers can be quickly converted to tables and The time-consuming problem of checking the vice versa for compatibility with earlier version 3 true look of your dynamically published pages browsers. You can use the libraries feature to set is overcome with the added ability to view a frequently repeated content like headers and rendering of database content in layout mode. footers in a single file for fast updating. Macromedia has added Roundtrip XML, XML JavaScript items can also be stored parser and a custom tag database to its HTML in libraries and Dreamweaver 2 comes with coding flexibility. You can now import XML into a collection of pre-coded JavaScript effects. templates and edit the source code and visual Rollover buttons can be instantly created, mode simultaneously. It also allows you to drag- requiring no JavaScript coding, &-drop JavaScript objects, Shockwave and Flash, by simply defining paths to relevant audio and video elements and preview them image files. playing in editing mode. Another new feature is the Tracing Ecommerce products, ICat, Cold Fusion and Image option. It allows you to embed Tango objects are included in the CD package as a transparent image of your required well as the HP Open Pix Image Igniter to create design in the background of your zoomable Web graphics. Macromedia has also layout page. You can work over an added a eyedropper for matching Web-page original layout design using it as a colours to graphics. guide to create table-based designs. Bare Bones’ HTML editor BBEdit 5.0 also Although only a limited selection of ships with the full commercial package, More formats will be supported either and an excellent collection of help pages, in the final shipping version or in viewable in your browser, is provided too. a later update. Dreamweaver 2 is a storming upgrade, Site returns The flexibility of the enhanced streamlining many tedious and time-consuming Define your site and use the interactive drag-&-drop table-editing features is unsurpassed. Web design processes. MW map to take control of site structure and links. You can choose to sort your tables – Gillian Robertson

32 Macworld JANUARY 1999 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk),updated five times a week product news

External drive goes USB SanDisk has introduced a USB version of the ImageMate CompactFlash reader/writer external drive.The G3Z ZIF cards give ImageMate will allow iMac owners to download images from CompactFlash digital film cards.The £53 ImageMate is an external, mouse-like device and the images on a 10MB CompactFlash Power Macs a lift card can be transferred to the desktop in around 20 seconds. LR8 has announced a new range of G3Z SanDisk CompactFlash cards sizes ZIF (zero insertion force) advanced range from 4MB to 48MB. X upgrade cards for G3 Macs. Peak Development, 01489 796 979 The MACh Speed G3Z family of processor upgrade cards includes three speeds: 333MHz, Verity makes CR-R debut 366MHz and 400MHz, priced at £799, £949 and Verity Systems has introduced its first £1,139 respectively. The standard 1MB backside CD-R duplicator, the VS6000, L2 cache on the respective cards runs for £6,996.The at ratios of 5:2, 2:1 and 3:1. duplicator can The company claims that the cards can reproduce 100 CD-Rs almost double computer speed and raise the unattended, and can performance of existing G3 Power Mac to higher be programmed to levels than any new G3 Mac model. MACh Speed duplicate in single Like all XLR8’s upgrade products, the new One of the MACh Speed G3Z upgrade cards. disc or batches. G3Z incorporates Multiple Variable Processing The duplicator (MVP) technology, which means that bus, CPU The cards are compatible with the Apple has a spindle to and cache speeds can be adjusted. As a result, Power Mac G3, Minitower, tower and desktop collect reject the processors will run faster, with the 400MHz models. The upgrade cards ship with two utility media. It has a 4GB running closer to 420MHz, the company claims. programs, the XLR8 Processor Info Utility, which hard drive, autoformat recognition, The upgrade cards are installed into the zero- allows interactive feedback of card settings, and byte-to-byte verification and insertion force socket on the G3 motherboard. MACh Speed G3 Control software, which controls simulation testing. XLR8 claims this process takes just a few the backside cache. Verity Systems, 01252 317 000 minutes. ProMedia, 01923 266 400 Sanyo thinks small Sanyo has launched the market’s smallest, lightest and brightest Printer hits portable projector.The £4,995 PLCSU15 weighs 3.9kg and measures 8.5-x-4.3-x-12.4 inches. It features full bleed 600 ANSI lumens, has a PCMCIA slot, and a SmartMedia adaptor for itsubishi has unveiled the CP800DW digital showing digital-camera images. M colour printer, which offers full-bleed, It also has a 120W lamp, powered 178-x-127mm dye-sub printing on roll media. zoom and focus, and a throw-distance The CP800DW produces photo-like full-bleed True blue of between 5.3 feet and 64 feet. images with full control on picture size, including an One of two new USB hubs from Entrega. Sanyo, 01923 246 363 edge-to-edge printing option. The printer has a palette capability of 16.7 million USB quartet joins Microtek scans market colours and 256 gradations of yellow, cyan and Microtek has introduced the magenta. The three-colour ink roll also delivers a UV ScanMaker X6, a 36-bit flatbed protective transparent layer. iMac revolution colour scanner costing £149. As well as its SCSI-2 interface, the £2,200 ntrega has announced a family of USB device The ScanMaker X6 has an optical CP800DW has an optional E solutions, comprising two external hubs, a resolution of 600-x-1,200dpi. It is interface that allows “direct USB-to-parallel printer converter and a USB PCI bundled with ScanWizard, Microtek’s printing” from a digital upgrade kit. Entrega’s iMac-coloured external driver software, and has camera. USB hubs provide either four or seven USB ports a descreening Two paper sizes, S and cost £52 and £84 respectively. The company feature for and L, are available for is also offering a range of cables, which conform removing the printer. S-size to USB physical layer specifications, with lengths moire paper images are full- varying from 0.5 metres to 5 metres. patterns. bleed up to 127-x-102mm. L-sized The P36 is a £33 USB-to-parallel printer It also ships full-bleed images, meanwhile, are 127-x-178mm. converter that transforms one of the iMac’s USB with Caere The resolutions are 1,040-x-1,280dpi and ports into a 36-pin Centronix parallel port for PC OmniPage, and MicroFrontier’s 1,768-x-1,280dpi respectively on S- and L-size paper. printers. The £45 PC1-4U USB is an add-in card ColorIt! Mitsubishi, 0115 979 1777 with a PCI-to-USB converter and four USB ports. Computers Unlimited, Entrega, 0118 951 9549 0181 358 5857

All prices exclude VAT Macworld JANUARY 1999 37 product product news news CDs and books Xerox Intellihance Pro 4 pricing update Photoshop CMYK guide PhotoVista 1.0 Professional Photoshop 5,by Dan Live Picture’s PhotoVista 1.0 has Margulis, priced at £38.95, is a guide dropped in price to £25, from £40. to working with CMYK colour using The software allows Web designers the latest version of trio in is image-conscious to add 360-degree panoramic Adobe Photoshop. images to Web sites. Features include The book addresses automatic warping, aligning and the needs of both ntellihance Pro 4.0, a major update of the blending, and support for popular professionals and image-enhancement tool from Extensis, is cameras. It can cope with standard novices. debut I shipping now for £129. image formats, so that popular John Wiley & Sons, Intellihance Pro is a plug-in for Adobe image-editing programs can be used 01243 779 777 erox has extended its DocuPrint printer Photoshop, Macromedia ImageReady and Corel to add special effects. range to include the black-&-white P12, Photo-Paint, and is used for comparing, adjusting, Principal Distribution, A whale-told tale X and the C20 colour ink-jet printer. selecting, colour correcting and enhancing 01756 704 4000 Ransom’s Whale of a Tale is a set of The £499 P12 offers 600-x-600dpi resolution Large print images. three educational CDs covering and features an expanded paper capacity for The P12 black-&-white printer from Xerox. Intellihance Pro 4.0 analyzes each image and QMS printer ranges maths, science and language. printing on a wide variety of media. determines the optimal setting for enhancing and QMS is offering lower prices on its Characters like Penny the Puffin, The standard paper input holds up to configurations. One, the C20, can be colour correction. Users can batch-process files of colour printer range.The Magicolor2 Sophia the Lobster and Old Tom the 330 sheets, while an optional feeder with upgraded to be networkable and costs £629. images, using Photoshop Actions. colour laser printer standard model, Turtle are on hand to make learning cassette increases the paper-handling capacity The network-ready NC20 costs £949 Its PowerVariations feature allows images to with a resolution of 600-x-600dpi is fun through games, exercises and to 830 sheets. and includes Xerox’s external ethernet adaptor, be split and repeated across user-defined down from £1,795 to £1,195.The trivia. It is available in two £25 sets. Other features include enhanced print a second 100-sheet paper tray and an extra preview windows. Up to 25 image and Multi-tasking Magicolor2 CX model, with Set one is for children aged four to formatting, bi-directional status monitor and 16MB to the C20’s 8MB. colour variations can be previewed Intellihance gives images a shot in the arm. a resolution of seven years, and set two is aimed at voice prompts to alert users to errors. Both configurations print 8ppm in simultaneously. Test strips of the 2,400-x-600dpi, 7-to-11 year-olds. The C20 has high-level PostScript emulations black-&-white and 4ppm in colour, and have comparisons can also be printed. Photoshop, using the Extensis menu. Other new is now £1,795, a Ransom, 01491 613 711 and an option for Xerox’ WorkSet network a resolution of 600-x-600dpi. Intellihance Pro presents dozens of imaging features include a Clipped Pixel Display, showing saving of £1,000. connectivity. The printer is offered in two Xerox, 0800 454 197 options in a single dialogue, including contrast, which pixels are too bright, too dark, or too Two QMS CD-R pitfalls bible brightness and automatic cast removal. A variety saturated; a feature for removing dust and ColorScript full- Given the rise in popularity and of image-enhancement presets are available but scratches without blurring or destroying detail; bleed dye-sub falling cost of CD-R machines, the users can create up to 50 of their own image- and the new Paper and Ink settings, which adjust printers have Recordable CD Bible by Mark adjustment presets. images for output to device types. also been reduced, by Chambers, priced at £36.95, should USB release all ADS up £1,000.The 310 A4 model is now Presets can also be applied directly from Computers Unlimited, 0181 358 5857 prove popular. It £2,495, while the ColorScript 330 explains how to avoid DS Technologies has announced three new A3 model is £4,495. the pitfalls and A USB products – a hub, a port for desktops Light on QMS, 01784 442 255 problems that can and a port for G3 PowerBooks. Graphics tablet The NEC ruin recordings. The hub has one Up port to connect to the MT1035 is Fast Starlet switch IDG Books, Mac and four Down ports to attach four extra is a real pen pal a power- Farallon’s Fast Starlet Switch 10/100 0181 231 6732 devices. It adheres to tiered star topology, friendly has been reduced to £485 from £969. allowing six tiers and 127 devices to be acom has announced the £75 PenPartner portable. It has eight auto-negotiating 10/100 Building on success connected. The hub automatically detects the W graphics tablet. It ships with a choice of two Mbps switched ports. Farallon has Princeton Architectural Press has speeds of devices and supports 12Mbps and software bundles – the first is MetaCreations’ Kai’s also cut the price of its Fast Starlet released Animate Form, a book and 1.5Mbps. It works with the iMac and costs £45. Hub capped Photo Soap SE and ArtDabbler SE, the second is Switch 10/100 16+2 – which is for CD of recent experimental The USB port for desktops costs £37. An The new USB hub. Disney’s Magic Artist. use with 10BaseT ethernet networks architectural projects developed by internal PCI card, the port will connect up to The PenPartner features an intuitive control – from £625 to £590. Greg Lynn. Priced at £28, Animate 127 USB-based peripherals. The notebook port, and supporting all USB-compliant devices. panel, allowing users to select one of five levels of Light lightweights Principal Distribution, Form documents the design costing £49, is a PC card providing two USB ports Partners in Europe, 0181 938 4671 pressure-sensitivity.The double click area can also be 01756 704 4000 processes through 3D renderings, adjusted to up to 20 pixels, instead of the user new range of lightweight LCD projectors animation sequences and hundreds having to click on the same pixel twice. A from NEC, the MultiSync MT830, MT1030 Kodak digital camera of colour images. The UltraPen provides 256 levels of pressure and MT1035, are the most power-economic yet, Kodak has announced price cuts on Biblios, 01403 710 971 Quite Imposing package in position and has a programmable side switch that can be set according to the company. its digital-camera range. As well as to simulate the mouse button or keyboard keys. Using a new 150W short-arc, high-pressure slashing £100 off the DC210 Plus, the PhotoDisc’s new titles uite Software has announced the UK booklet from any PDF file. Other features allows Computers Unlimited, 0181 358 5857 lamp, the projectors cost £3,900, £4,500 and DC220 and the DC260, Kodak is Digital stock images specialist Q availability of its imposition package, Quite users to trim and shift pages, shuffle pages for £8,103 respectively. The MT830 has a resolution offering a free £60 card- PhotoDisc has added Studio Imposing.The software imposes PDF files within imposition, shuffle even and odd pages and create Write on of 800-x-600 pixels and a brightness of reader with the Geometry 2 and Seasonal Adobe Acrobat Exchange. sample documents. The Wacom 1,000 ANSI lumens, while the MT1030 has 900 DC260. Both the Backgrounds to its Backgrounds Quite Imposing will impose any PDF file, or PDF Quite Imposing Plus can add numbers to pages, PenPartner ANSI lumens and the MT1035 has 1,300 ANSI DC220 and the library. Extending the Volume range files combined from a variety of sources. cover page items with masking tape, or add a page graphics lumens. Both the MT1030 and the MT1035 offer DC260 are USB- are Medicine Today and World Two versions are available – Quite Imposing, from a PDF file over any other page at any scale. tablet a resolution of 1,024-x-768 pixels. The new MT compatible and Landmarks and Travel. Background which retails at £199 and Quite Imposing Plus, It also has additional features, such as Step and software range also has remote control, featuring a laser ship with an iMac driver. CDs cost £139 and Volume CDs £229. which costs £399. Both versions feature an easy Repeat, Define bleeds, and Manual Imposition. bundle. pointer and a 360-degree infra-red system. Kodak, 01442 845 122 Photodisc, 0845 302 1212 booklet maker, which can produce a foldable Alta Technology, 0171 622 6606 NEC, 0181 993 8111

38 Macworld JANUARY 1999 All prices exclude VAT All prices exclude VAT Macworld JANUARY 1999 39 product news

Calluna’s PC card boost Calluna Technology is shipping the 1040MB Callunacard.The £439 Type III PC card provides an Laser blast from extra 1GB of storage space for PowerBooks, offering high-speed Hewlett-Packard back-up and data transfer.The credit-card sized ewlett-Packard is rolling out two new 600N print server. Callunacard is laser printers – the Colour LaserJet 8500 The LaserJet 8500 10.5mm thick. H and the 4500. has speeds of 6ppm It’s also suitable The LaserJet 4500 delivers 2,400dpi with colour and 24ppm for digital cameras and camcorders, speeds of four pages per minute (ppm) colour monochrome, with providing a total of 80 minutes of and 16ppm monochrome. It features automatic the same print recording time. colour calibration, ensuring the consistency of its quality as the Calluna, 01592 630 810 colour output. The LaserJet 4500 is available in 4500. three configurations. The basic 4500 costs £2,130 In addition, Addressing the issue and ships with 32MB of RAM, 150-sheet multi- it has automatic The Family Organizer has released purpose tray and 250-sheet paper tray. The duplexing, Version 2.0 of Fantastic Address Book. 4500N costs £2,500 and includes 64MB of RAM, advanced The address book and mailing and a 10/100 base compression software can be used to create lists, TX JetDirect 600N technology, and Format-Once and RIP-Once mail merges, invoices, quotations, internal print technology. labels and letters. It costs £20. server. Like the 4500, the 8500 comes in three The Family Organizer, The £3,230 configurations. The basic model has 32MB of 01608 985 066 4500DN printer, RAM, 100-sheet multi-purpose paper tray, a also with 64MB 500-sheet A4 paper tray and one for A4 or A3, 19-inch duo makes debut RAM, has an and ships for £5,150. The 8500N includes an EIO, Two 19-inch monitors from Maxdata additional 10/100base TX JetDirect 600N internal printer have made their market debuts.The 500-sheet paper server and 2GB hard disk for £5,900. £365 Belinea 10 60 70 has a dot-pitch tray, automatic The 8500DN has an additional 2,000-sheet of 0.25mm and a maximum resolution duplexer and the input tray and costs £6,990. of 1,600-x-1,200dpi.The £329 Belinea HP JetDirect HP, 0990 474 747 10 60 20 features a dot pitch of 0.26mm and top resolution of 1,600-x-1,200dpi. Maxdata, 0118 9 362900 Bone-up on new BBEdit Sony’s DVD-ROM move are Bones Software has released version 5.0 which means improved HTML syntax checking. Sony has unveiled its first DVD-ROM B of BBEdit, the text- and HTML-editing tool. BBEdit 5.0 has a new Set Menu Keys portable disc player, the PBD-D50. The upgrade features a completely redesigned command, for configuring keyboard equivalents Costing £660, the disc player is suite of HTML mark-up tools, new additions to for standard BBEdit menu items. Users can designed around the Sony Discman. It the core-editing capabilities, and refinements of choose how OSA scripts are organized, and a offers a top capacity of 4.7GB, and a the existing feature set. new floating window means scripts can be data-transfer rate Among the new tools are the context-sensitive invoked more easily. of 1,350Kbps. It Tag Maker, and its companion, the Edit Tag The glossary has been enhanced and the ships with a SCSI-2 command. These tools speed up the creation and multi-file searching feature improved, allowing PC card and cable, editing of HTML documents by providing valid users to filter files by label before remote controller, AC mark-up options. The new HTML mark-up tools searching. BBEdit 5.0 costs £86.50. adaptor and AV cable. are supported by an underlying SGML parser, Full Moon Software, 01628 660 242 Sony, 0990 424 424 The wrist is history Xenofex 1.0 can get under your skin POW! Distribution has launched WristGliders, ergonomic wrist pads lien Skin’s Xenofex 1.0 is a rippling surfaces (see picture, left). designed to reduce repetitive strain A collection of special-effects filters The Television filter adds a range of injury.They provide support for the for use with graphics packages that TV- and video-like distortions, and hand and wrist support the Adobe Photoshop plug-in natural phenomena can be created while the user specification. with Lightning, Electrify, works with a The £99 Xenofex includes 16 filters, Constellation, Stain and Cloud. keyboard or mouse.The such as Distress – a distortion filter for Xenofex is fully scriptable with WristGliders cost £6.50 each. creating ageing and crumbling – and Photoshop’s Actions feature. POW! Distribution, 01202 716 726 Flag, for realistic 3D rendering of Digital Toolbox, 0181 961 6622

40 Macworld JANUARY 1999 All prices exclude VAT first contact

David Fanning G4 processors are set to raise eyebrows in the hard-to-impress world of technology. G-force tooling up

o here we are, approaching the end of the simultaneously, something Macs are notoriously bad at. The decade, the end of the century – hey, it’s the end super-fast processing of AltiVec doesn’t hold up the general of the millennium. Five years ago, if somebody day-to-day processing of the main part of the G4 chip. It’s had told you that there would soon be processors like you have a top-notch processor to do your bidding – powering Macs at 100MHz, it would have seemed while in its spare time it can do things like speech or video likeS amazing news. Now, processors are in the pipeline that processing at ten time the rate. So, your next processor will power your Mac at 1,000MHz. These days, such news is could be running at 600MHz but doing stuff in the likely to be greeted with a nonchalant shrug. Maybe we’re background at ten times normal speed. That’s almost exiting getting technology fatigue – just as people become numb to ... isn’t it? When this becomes reality before the year-end, the carnage of war. Just what can technology offer to make the boffins designing processors are not just going to retire. us take a second glance? Well, here are a few things that There are more treats ahead. just might set your pulse racing. One is Project 2K – the generation after next. I guess they The new G4 processor is just around the corner; it’s could have called it G5, but opted for a millennium theme. likely to debut at the San Francisco Macworld Expo and be I’m assuming that the good people of the design group hit launched in late February. Eventually, it’ll be inside the long- on the name before some wiseguy named a bug after the anticipated Pro range of Macs and in the top secret and millennium. Anyhow, as the name suggests this project is super-funky El Capitan case. Initially, the G4 processor will supposed to come to fruition by the end of 1999. Its goal be a lower specification than anticipated, with only a 32-bit is to produce a 1,000MHz PowerPC processor before 2000. architecture. But before long, the G4 series will include a It’s a while since I spoke to anybody connected with the 64-bit processor with as many as 50 million transistors on project, but the last I heard was that it was actually ahead board. This may mean nothing to you but, comparison with of schedule. As far as I can tell, the original design didn’t earlier PowerPC processors puts it into perspective. include the AltiVec technology, but that may have been The original PowerPC 601 processor maximum speed was because it didn’t exist at the time. 120MHz and it had a total of 3 million transistors. Now How, you may ask, are they able to acheive such consider that the G4 will start at speeds of around 400MHz, wonders? It all stems from the ability to produce absurdly quickly reaching speeds of 600MHz and beyond. thin wires, if something a fraction of a micron across That’s fast. can be dubbed a wire. Both Motorola and IBM announced There is more to designing a processor than simply new techniques this year for building chips using copper. cramming a ton of transistors on to tiny chip of silicon. But, Copper’s excellent conducting qualities mean you can use of course, it is a good start. The way a processor handles thinner strands to carry a signal. The first PowerPC information is also crucial. One thing that will make a huge processors used wires as small as 0.50 microns, and the difference is the new AltiVec technology from Motorola. current crop of G3 processors have reached 0.25 microns. This new addition to the PowerPC processor is similar in The G4 chips will shave that down to 0.18 microns and, function to the FPU was in 680x0 processors. It adds to the before the end of 1999, this will be down to an incredible already-fast G4 processor, a small area where 128-bit 0.10 microns. calculations can be processed. This means that every clock By this time, the fruits of Project 2K will be carrying cycle that passes – and there are 400,000 per second at almost a billion transistors. The processor will also need least – it can do 16 calculations. This will add all manner of much less power, as a thin wire is more efficient and needs new abilities to the processor, speeding everything from less energy, and therefore will generate less heat. networking to graphics and audio processing. Any integer- By comparison, the cream of Intel’s crop – the Pentium II heavy application can be improved by up to ten-fold Xeon – is the size of a duty free slab of chocolate and compared with an equivalent processor without AltiVec. generates as much heat as a 40W light bulb. The trick of AltiVec is the ability to do many things Now that is amazing. MW

Macworld JANUARY 1999 43 Michael Prochak Apple’s claims to be millennium bug-proof shouldn’t lead us to rest on our laurels. Millennium doom

ounting Crows got it wrong. OK, they may have that ripples out from these failures could effect all of us. In been right about the long December, but from today’s inter-connected economy, every business and service where I sit, there’s no credible reason to believe is linked to every other business and service in some way or that this year will be better than the last. And another. You may be a supplier or you will have suppliers. don’t think all those dysfunctional New Year’s You may be a customer or you will have customers. And it Cresolutions you made are going to change anything. is through this supply chain that business and the economy Apple may be back in profit and Microsoft may have lost will be most seriously affected by the millennium bug. If its case to Sun, but that’s just part of the evil cosmic joke. your business depends on key components sourced from The clock, digital or otherwise, is still ticking and immunity other companies, what happens if their systems go down is no longer an option. The frost is on the pumpkin and and they can’t deliver? Your company is affected even if you from now on, turning over a new leaf will be just another use Macs or even if you’ve effectively sorted your own Y2K anodyne placebo against the revealed abundance of bugs problem. Any supply disruption could have wide-ranging and rot underneath. consequences, including the very survival of your business. When my son was growing up, he used to watch a Pundits now say that a whole cocktail of influences will cartoon called Visionaries. combine to boost economic growth this year but contribute The story-line was essentially about a highly advanced to a massive slowdown in 2000. The computer software technical society where one day, for no apparent reason, all industry – which has experienced exponential growth over technology simply died. Everything stopped...nothing the past few years – is predicted to suffer a massive collapse. worked and no one knew how to fix it. To sort out the And the UK’s largest bank now predicts that the chance of ensuing chaos, the powers that be decided to revert to a hard-core millennium recession is around 70 per cent. magic. You can get away with that sort of thing in cartoons. If you want to really scare yourself, check out some of the However, in the world of solids already plagued by global Y2K web sites. One of my favourites is warming, natural disasters and a wired global economy www.garynorth.com/y2k/results_.cfm/Domino_Effect. Some of the teetering on the brink of financial crisis, magic may not be a stuff on there makes you want to get a place in the country, viable option. And if the digital music our world dances to lay in a hoard of tinned food and water and sit in a rocking were to stop, we could find ourselves sitting in the dark chair on your front porch with a 12-bore and spit. Or, you tapping our feet to the strange rhythms in our heads. could continue to buy and use Macs and do whatever you In just under a year, the millennium bug will kick in. can to ensure that your business or organization has done That’s a fact. What we don’t know is just how much of our everything possible to ensure that everything around you is existence will be affected by it, nor do we know how much at least doing something about the millennium bug as well. of the problem we will have actually managed to solve. If you’re not sure where to start, contact the government’s As Macintosh users, we have a certain right to feel smug Action 2000 programme for a survival pack. But Mac or no about the whole Y2K problem. Our machines already know Mac, don’t be complacent. This is the flapping butterfly the difference between the years 2000 and 1900. We chose wing creating the hurricane that will affect all of us in some wisely when the rest of the world ran blindly down the way or another. blundering Windows cul de sac and we can all sit back In Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and laugh hysterically when they all smash head on into he remarks that the story of his life is exemplified not a cartoon-like brick wall. Or can we? “Es muss sein” (it must be so) but rather “Es konnte auch When the millennium bug strikes, any piece of technology anders sein” (it could just as well be otherwise). With the that relies on dates will probably crash. This means systems Y2K problem, we need to think along similar lines. No one in banks, lifts, air traffic control, life-support systems, power knows for sure that all technology will stop at midnight stations, satellites, alarms, and even fax machines could 2000. But then again, no one knows that it won’t. In the stop working or at least malfunction. And the domino effect mean time...does anyone know anything about magic? MW

Macworld JANUARY 1999 45 If the Mac is dead, Desktop critic we never got the memo

DAVID POGUE is the author of the Great Macintosh Easter Egg Hunt (Berkely Books 1998). He also wrote Macs for Dummies, fifth edition, newly updated for Mac OS 8, The Weird Wide Web and Macworld Mac Secrets, fifth edition (IDG Books Worldwide, 1997), and The Microsloth Joke Book (Berkeley, 1997). People power

he Wall Street Journal told us. Fortune told us. And Updegrove, who Lord knows, Time magazine told us: Apple “has no apparently had future.” These publications’ ability to draw negative visions of Intel T conclusions from any news, no matter how positive, equipment grants often bordered on the Monty Pythonesque. You get the idea dancing in his head (see that if Apple won a 90 per cent market share, bought out The Desktop Critic, March Microsoft, and hired Bill Gates to mop the bathrooms, 1998). But the reaction was Business Week would write: “Apple has all but ignored the overwhelming: outraged alumni, students, faculty, and Yale possibility of alien invasion – an event that would cut grad schools rushed to denounce the policy – one that made deeply into profit margins.” absolutely no sense in an environment where ethernet and Once the media seized upon the Death of Apple as their Web connections are all that matters. The university took favourite slow-news-day whipping boy, a cycle of anti-Mac matters out of Updegrove’s hands. “This year,” says Yale feeling took hold. One company after another announced spokesperson Tom Conroy, “Yale made no recommendation Mac phaseouts. We heard about banks, telecom services, to incoming students regarding what brand of computer and even Web pages withdrawing Mac support. to buy,” leaving students to make their own choices. Those announcements made further headlines. But the Johnson Space Center In 1996, John Garman, Apple-obsessed media are missing a story that’s ten times chief information officer of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, juicier: that many of the much-hyped US Mac phaseouts announced that the Center would be going all Windows. never happened. We’re talking about corporations, The ensuing controversy raged for two years on the Web, universities, and government departments completely via email, and in the nation’s newspapers. This one stung; reversing themselves, admitting bad judgement, and eating after all, NASA is government, with tax dollars at work. enough crow to make Thanksgiving look like a snack. But you don’t just tell the nation’s leading scientists that What brings about these amazing policy reversals? It’s you’re taking away their favourite tools. Today, Garman is the oldest and most reassuring story in the book: the people long gone, and NASA is buying more Macs. “There is no spoke. Every phaseout triggers a tidal wave of resistance. plan to standardize on one platform,” says Don Andreotta, Every Mac-bashing official gets a sharp, overwhelming NASA’s deputy CIO for operations. lesson in the consequences of taking away choice. That’s good news to people like Joe Williams, rendezvous You’ve probably already heard how Intuit’s Quicken guidance and procedures officer. “I was worried when the for the Mac was cancelled, and then uncancelled in the Wintel standard was established,” he says. “But I’m still face of pressure from the public (and Steve Jobs) and using Macs in everyday activities, [including] support of how the Disney Blast Web site was incompatible with shuttle flights. I’m the guy sitting in the front-centrer row Macs until Mac customers pounded down the door. of Mission Control, the one with the PowerBook 5300cs.” But those cases are only the tip of the iceberg. BellSouth ADSL Service In May 1998, BellSouth Wells Fargo In July 1998, Wells Fargo Bank wrote announced the availability of ADSL (for Internet to its customers: “Online banking through Quicken for connections up to 100 times faster than modems) in 30 Macintosh will be discontinued, since only a small number cities – for Windows only. Mac fan Nathan Tennies helped to of our customers use this service.” inspire BellSouth’s reversal with a sly tactic: he pointed out Or maybe not. Within five days, 700 customers wrote to the local paper’s technology columnist that his own, rival to complain. Mac fan Tom Chiara’s polite, no-nonsense firm (Road Runner cable modems) was Mac friendly. The letter was among them: “Many of us would rather switch pressure was on. When members of the Raleigh user group banks than use Windows to access our account,” he wrote. swamped BellSouth with calls, this story fell into its usual Wells Fargo was big enough to admit its mistake. “We pattern: BellSouth admitted that the response from goofed,” said the form letter Chiara received only 11 days Macintosh users had been enormous, way out of proportion later. “The service will not be discontinued as previously to the supposed market-share numbers. In July, BellSouth announced.” Put one way, Wells Fargo’s original decision and Apple published a joint press release. “By working wasn’t surprising; only 1 per cent of its online customers directly with Apple,” BellSouth said, “we are bringing use Macs. But 1 per cent is 7,000 Wells Fargo customers; the Mac version of FastAccess ADSL service to market.” for a bank, that’s quite a chunk of change. I’m aware that the Mac isn’t always victorious. But Yale University In June 1997, Yale wrote to every thanks to the polite but unbending pressure from those incoming freshman: “You are strongly encouraged to select of us who know a superior machine when we see one, a Windows PC. Owing to uncertainties about availability the Mac is unmistakably retaking lost ground all over of software … the University cannot guarantee support the world. I thought you’d want to know about these quiet, for beyond June 2000.” but significant, Macintosh victories. Because one thing’s

JAMES YANG This edict came from a tech director named Dan for sure: you won’t read about ’em in Business Week. MW

Macworld JANUARY 1999 47 MACWORLD RATING /9.0-10.0 = EXCELLENT /7.0-8.9 = VERY GOOD /5.0-6.9 = GOOD /3.0-4.9 = AVERAGE /0-2.9 = POOR MACWORLD POLICY At Macworld, we don’t think our readers should have to worry about whether ratings are based on a real product or a prototype.Therefore, we simply don’t rate products unless they are real, shipping reviews versions – the products we rate and review are the same products you end up buying.

Natural-art leader targets Web authors Macworld’s buying advice get to grips with even the simplest markets. If you’re looking for a fast, Painter may be the best art program on the operations without having to deal with straightforward and intelligent solution Mac, but that does not automatically make idiosyncratic and, frankly, baffling controls for creating Web-site interfaces, this isn’t it a good buy for creating Web graphics. on the way. it. But if you’re already a dab-hand with The program suffers from a major problem: Veteran Painter users will definitely Painter then 5.5 is definitely worth the it now has so many features, most of which appreciate the handful of new features in upgrade fee – if only for the Dynamic have been awkwardly bolted on during version 5.5, but there’s hardly anything Text plug-in alone. its long history, that it is very difficult to here that will sell the program into new Ian Winter Painter 5.5 Web Edition Fast and simple-to-use Web graphics tool Publisher: MetaCreations www.metacreations.com Distributor: Computers Unlimited (0181 358 5857) Pros: Image slicing, JavaScript rollover and image- map tools now handle the core Web-graphics tasks; excellent Web-oriented brush effects. Cons: Program’s complexity is a barrier for new Above: The slice of life users; all of the new features are afterthoughts The four buttons at the top of this Painter 5.5 dialogue are used to select the slice-lines in an image. Each ImageStyler 1.0 rather than part of Painter’s superstructure. Publisher: Adobe (0131 458 6842) segmented thus created can be set to have certain Price: £299; £49 upgrade from Painter 5, www.adobe.com JavaScript rollover effects and can also be exported £79 upgrade from Painter 4). All prices ex VAT. with tailored GIF or JPEG settings – although Painter Pros: Familiar interface; Web-specific; automated Star Rating: /7.0 doesn't give any useful previews to help you choose JavaScript rollover creation; batch HTML processing. these settings. Cons: Lacks free-hand drawing options; ere we go again: another long- no animated GIF utilities included. established art application has Price: £85 ex VAT H rebadged itself as a Web-graphics Star Rating: /7.8 solution, and the usual question is on our Left: Proper text for Painter mind. Has it genuinely metamorphosed Painter 5.5's Dynamic Text feature lets you adjust a dobe’s new product, ImageStyler wide variety of text settings, and all text is re-editable into a new Web-oriented tool, or have 1.0, is specifically designed for at any time. Although the small text area in the Above: Rollover buttons the publishers simply been spooked into the creation and management of dialogue box doesn't show the settings, the text in A ImageStyler offers the straight- jumping onto the Web bandwagon without the Painter image is updated live as you adjust settings Web-based graphics. This is the second forward creation of JavaScript making any real innovations? in the dialogue. Web-orientated graphics tool Adobe has rollover buttons. With Painter 5.5 Web Edition, the produced this year. The earlier ImageReady answer falls between the two: yes, there when the user’s mouse-pointer hovers over generates an appropriate chunk of HTML concentrates on the optimization of images are innovations that make the program a button and (in some browsers) when the along with map data. and animations, while ImageStyler offers genuinely Web-aware; but they’ve been button is clicked. Painter’s Image Slicer The Dynamic Text feature is useful for quick access to collections of pre-designed sprinkled around the application instead handles the generation of all the relevant more than Web interfaces; in fact it’s the textures, shapes and effects. of built into its heart, taking on the role JavaScript – you simply draw all of the first time that Painter has had a ‘proper’ ImageStyler has five core features of garnish rather than core ingredients. rollover areas in the appropriate two or text editor, supplementing the rather hope- with which you can create good-looking three states, drag the Image Slicer guides less letter-by-letter system in version 5.0. interactive Web graphics. These are the Left: Web safeguards Five steps towards the Web into place, and then leave the plug-in to do The Dynamic Editor lets you adjust all font ability to apply multiple layers of instantly You can check that your In terms of the number of new features, the rest – but it makes a poor job of select- settings for a text block on the fly, and you editable effects; create JavaScript rollover artwork will be viewed properly there’s not much difference between ing appropriate export formats for each can re-edit the text at any time. effects; automatically-generate HTML; on the Web at any point in the Painter 5.0 and 5.5. The additions break segmented image: you’re left to guess the Part four of the Web Edition toolset is export Web-optimized images, layout and creation process. down into just five areas. most appropriate JPEG or GIF setting, the Content Library, containing ready-to-use image maps, and the fast updating of site- The Image Slicer is a new plug-in with no previews to guide you. Web interface elements – arrows, buttons, wide graphics using ImageStyler’s unique is so similar to Photoshop that it makes increase a gradient fill or opacity setting. Painter ‘floater’ that helps you to segment The second new feature is the Image background patterns, and so on – in GIF batch-creation feature. learning how to use the tool more intuitive An Active Preview option lets you keep a large image into its constituent areas, so Map, which lets you set any Floater object and TIFF formats. for designers. Also your work area concen- track of file sizes and on-screen image that each area can be displayed in its own as a definition for an HTML image map Finally, the program now features Suitable for beginners trates specifically on the creation on Web quality that updates instantly as you work. HTML table cell using the most appropriate area, so that irregularly-shaped link areas several calligraphic and ‘Web-safe’ brushes Compared with Macromedia Fireworks, the images such as JPEGS and GIFS. As with Fireworks, you can preview exactly JPEG or GIF settings. Not only does this can be built into your Web interface. Each which use flatter colouring that will main competitor in the professional Web To create a simple graphic in how your images will appear in a browser bypass the need to use a single JPEG or floater can have its ‘clickable region’ option compress more efficiently in GIF and JPEG graphics arena, ImageStyler is aimed more ImageStyler, you select the shape, image or before committing them to export. GIF setting for the entire image, but it also selectively turned on or off, and it can also formats. This is the only true innovation towards the beginner and small business text and drag or type onto the re-sizeable ImageStyler comes with hundreds of allows you to define specific areas of the have an associated URL. When the image is in the program, giving interface designers end of the market. ImageStyler doesn’t have canvas. You can apply 3D embossing effects, brilliant ready-to-use effects and patterns, image where ‘rollover’ effects can take later saved as a GIF or JPEG image, you’re a tool with which they can build fast- as many features as Fireworks, but Adobe’s drop shadows, freely scale and transform such as embossing, bevelling, gradients, and place. In these segments, the Web browser given the option of exporting the server- downloading Web pages without sacrificing other Web-graphics product ImageReady your object and add layer upon layer. At water droplet-style backgrounds, as well as will be forced to display a different image side or client-side image map. Painter then a natural-media feel. fills those gaps. Also ImageStyler’s interface any point you can change your mind and continues page 50

48 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 49 reviews

shapes such as arrows, curves and lighten- way you like. This layer is the image seen tags on your site with images. This means can be previewed, saved, edited and PhotoGlow runs a glow around (or ing strikes. The built-in tools include when your mouse runs over the image in a you can quickly make site-wide alterations. merged. optionally fills) a selection with control ellipses and rounded-end rectangles for browser. Add text, a glow or invert your You can create a template for each tag you Fairly standard PhotoBevel (raised) over intensity, size, colour and so on. buttons and navigation bars. You can also original image. The possibilities are endless. want to replace, then set ImageStyler to and PhotoEmboss (depressed) effects put PhotoCastShadow is more sophisticated create your own effects and store them for You can then add another layer so your batch apply the templates. Once you’ve a 3D bevelled effect around selections. than Photoshop 5.0’s drop shadow effect. It future use in ImageStyler. All you have to image will return to its initial state, or show batch-replaced the text you can change PhotoGroove is a useful new variation that can optionally angle the shadow to ‘cast’ it do is select the style and click apply, if you something else entirely. You can hyperlink sets of buttons and banners created in lets you create your own bevel profiles behind the object. You can drag-distort the don’t like it just undo it or delete that layer. on the ‘mouse down’, or ‘onclick’, state to ImageStyler. via a cross-section drawing menu. shadow’s bounding box to simulate true Text can be entered and manipulated another Web page. This function is useful in many ways. PhotoButton is a powerful variation on perspective, while ‘perspective blur’ to specify font, style, alignment, size and For example, if you have advertising the bevel tool that can automatically create simulates 3D depth. Multiple interacting tracking. Although lacking freehand draw- Live objects banners on different pages throughout your from one to 64 raised buttons in one of 15 shadows can be created, with different ing tools, ImageStyler can handle imported ImageStyler keeps everything editable or Web site you can set ImageStyler to export shapes to fill a selected area. Version 3.0 angles, colours and intensities. images from digital cameras, CD scanners ‘live’ until the final export or saving as a a new banner to refresh on each and every PhotoTexture lets you edit shapes with new anchor and can drag-&-drop between Adobe GIF, JPEG or PNG file. A designer can create page that the advert appears. Anyone A powerful, full featured, yet very easy-to-use tool. points. The ‘background’ outside buttons Macworld’s buying advice Illustrator, Photoshop and ImageReady. graphic templates for frequently changing struggling with administering banner can be filled with a solid colour. Imported PhotoTools 3.0 shows that there’s still As they’re object-based anyway it’s no artwork such as advertising banners or advertising across multiple pages on a site effects (such as wave, twirl, skew), and JPEG files can be used as button textures, life for third-party plug-ins despite the problem to edit any layer of text at any headlines. When an image is replaced with- will be forever grateful for this feature. alter sharpness, contrast and density until and bump maps can be created from recordable Action scripts of Photoshop 5.0. time. A Web-safe colour palette makes in an already styled piece of work, the new you’ve achieve the desired effect. Textures alpha channels. Simon Eccles sure your designs will look good despite image automatically adopts the edits and Macworld’s buying advice monitor, browser or platform differences. styles applied to the original. An added It’s seems strange that Adobe hasn’t com- bonus is the use of aliases in a piece of work. bined the features from ImageStyler and Updated recovery package released too soon Face lift Rollovers You can group particular graphics together ImageReady into one big product like Norton Disk Doctor Writing JavaScript code by hand can be a using aliases then when a change is made Macromedia’s Fireworks. It may be that 4.0’s main window is time-consuming job, usually done by an to one, the rest are automatically updated. Adobe wants to cover all ends of the more colourful than experienced programmer. ImageStyler will Adobe has also made Actions object-based, market, from Web novices with ImageStyler its predecessor’s but produce the JavaScript source code neces- so you can alter your graphic after you’ve to the more professional designer with less easy to use. sary to let you swap images around when applied the JavaScript to it. ImageReady. the mouse rolls over them or clicks on the Image maps are also simple to create Overall, ImageStyler is great fun to object. It also automatically creates HTML because ImageStyler treats its integrated experiment with. It’s easy to create snazzy code into tables to position your image image-map creation as object based. The Web graphics even if you’re new to the Norton Utilities neatly in your browser. All you do is select same advantage of freely editing the graphics Web, although it does help to have some the object you want to work with, click on after the URLs are embedded also applies. knowledge of issues unique in Web design for Mac 4.0 the layer icon on the palette to create a A clever feature, found only in compared to print media. Publisher: Symantec (0171 616 5600) copy, then manipulate the new layer in any ImageStyler, is the ability to replace header Gillian Robertson www.symantec.com Pros: Updated for HFS+; improved Speed Disk performance; PowerPC native. Cons: Performance problems; interface has significant Multiple buttons Solid upgrade of Photoshop plug-ins rough spots; 680x0 Macs no longer supported. The PhotoButtons menu Price: £99 ex VAT; upgrade £42 ex VAT. lets you set up single or multiple buttons within Star Rating: /4.5 a selection area. ymantec’s Norton Utilities for which ones to leave alone. In the past, patch from Symantec’s Web site, but Macintosh (NUM) is the staple tool fixing such errors was an all-or-nothing including the patch on the NUM CD S kit for data search and rescue from proposition. However, NDD 4.0 didn’t go would have been a simple matter. deleted files or crashed disks. But version far enough with the enhancements. The PhotoTools 3.0.1 4.0 is a late arrival. It’s the first incarnation application can’t scan multiple volumes and Ounces of prevention Publisher: Extensis of NUM to support HFS+ (known as the deal with all the errors at the end. Instead, Another revamped part of NUM 4.0 is the www.extensis.com Mac OS Extended Format) disks, yet it was you’re confronted with individual volumes’ multifunction FileSaver extension, which Distributor: Computers Unlimited (0181 358 5857) released nearly a year after Mac OS 8.1 errors immediately after each one is tracks erased files for easier recovery, saves Pros: Configurable menus for Photoshop; good effects, A fully-functional, debuted HFS+. Despite its long gestation scanned. critical disk information at regular intervals, especially texture, button and shadow creation. 30-day trial version of period, NUM 4.0 shows clear signs of being When it comes to diagnosis and repair, and periodically scans drives for damage. In Cons: Lengthy preview processing on complex PhotoTools 3.0.1 hurried out the door. Norton Disk Doctor 4.0 seems to have addition, FileSaver 4.0 also introduces an is available on effects. While the NUM 4.0 collection provides shipped prematurely. Shortly after its initial excellent feature: the ability to scan disks this month’s Price: £99 ex VAT; upgrade price £49 ex VAT. several features, from crash protection to release, user complaints surfaced about quickly after an improper shutdown or crash. cover CD. Star Rating: /7.4 quicker file finding, the package’s core con- NDD’s reporting errors on disks formatted Unfortunately, FileSaver 4.0 has its prob- sists of Norton Disk Doctor (NDD) and its with many non-Apple drivers, and the fixes lems, too. For starters, performance seriously hotoTools 3.0 is a suite of sophisticated instant access to commands, menu items heavyweight processing, for the preview ability to diagnose and repair disk problems. resulted in inaccessible disks. NDD 4.0 also lags when deleting files. While it’s under- filters and mini-applications that and files or folders. You can customize refresh was slower than expected on my NDD 4.0 sports a new look compared had problems fixing a directory error that standable that FileSaver has to do some P operate within Adobe Photoshop. each bar/palette by adding or removing 120MHz 604 Mac, although the subsequent with version 3.5, but the shiny new facade Norton Anti-Virus (NAV) 5.0 can introduce bookkeeping when deleting files, users There are enhanced versions of old pre-defined buttons, or creating your own. application to the main image was fairly fast. eliminates several familiar shortcuts that when running under Mac OS 8.1. Symantec may find themselves waiting while their favourites such as bevels, buttons, drop The SmartBars floating palette automatically were in previous versions. For example, you has released an update, NDD 4.01, that Wastebasket empties, or while programs, shadows and glows, plus two newcomers: adds commonly chosen menus to the main Photoshop layers can no longer type a volume’s name from fixes the NAV error, as well as reporting like Netscape Navigator, remove cache files. PhotoTexture, one of the easiest seamless SmartBar menu. The new version has improved awareness the list of mounted volumes to select it, nor errors on disks formatted with FWB’s Hard In addition, FileSaver’s texture creators I’ve used, and PhotoGroove, Extensis uses a consistent user interface of Photoshop layers, and can optionally can you press the return or enter key to Disk ToolKit 2.5.X. However, it does not isn’t as configurable as it should be. It’s a customizable bevel creator. for all PhotoTools effects, plus its separate preview an effect in one layer while begin examining the disk. These may seem address reporting errors on media formatted impossible to enable the disk-directory- PhotoTools also comes with Extensis’ Intellihance and Mask Pro applications. displaying all the other layers. like trivial gripes, but anyone familiar with with other non-Apple drivers. update feature without also enabling delete new PhotoAnimator, a sophisticated stand- Each effect opens up a new window, with a PhotoTextures creates sophisticated older versions of the software will find this Symantec should also be faulted for not tracking. In many cases – for example, on alone animated GIF creator that’s also standardized large preview area, zoom, pan tiled (repeated) textures, which where a roadblock to performing frequent drive including the NAV 5.02 patch, which fixes servers – this all-or-nothing choice is bundled with BeyondPress 4.0. and navigation controls, plus specialized appropriate are completely seamless. You checkups. the bug that causes the directory error. The undesirable. FileSaver also updates its Probably just as important are the series control buttons and sliders for the can work with imported JPEG images, NDD 4.0 does have a notable usability patch doesn’t fix the error, but it will prevent directory information with every reboot and of dockable menu bars or floating palettes particular operation. freehand painting or pre-defined repeating improvement: for minor problems you can NAV from causing directory errors in the shutdown. Restart updates are unnecessary called PhotoBars, with icon buttons for PhotoTools 3.0 is evidently doing some shapes, and apply one or more distortion tell the program which files to fix and future. Sure, you can download the NAV continues page 52

50 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 51 reviews

in most cases, but there is no way to restrict those with a technical bent. Unfortunately, process is to back up, reinitialize, and restore Corporate information manager Left: Monthly calendar view In addition to the daily and the updating to shutdowns only. it has slight imperfections: its default a volume, which is far too time-consuming. weekly view, you can now also settings cause it to scan an entire disk for view a month at a time.This A question of speed problems before optimizing. You can also Macworld’s buying advice gives you a better overview of NDD may be the core of Norton Utilities, choose write verification, which is more NUM 4.0 suffers from two problems: it was all your scheduled activities but the package’s jewel is Speed Disk 4.0, efficient and guarantees that data is written released before it was ready, and many of and meetings.You can drag- which improves disk performance by back exactly the way it was before, but we its user-interface changes were for the &-drop activities between defragmenting files and rearranging data. think this should be the default. worse. While the latter is annoying, it isn’t days, weeks and months. The updated version now handles HFS+ One feature missing from Speed Disk nearly as grave as the loss of confidence Super Office 4.0 disks and is somewhat quicker than Speed is the ability to optimize the directory in caused by teething problems in such a Publisher: SuperOffice (01895 820 280) Below: User defined fields Disk 3.5. It also remains configurable for addition to all the files; the only comparable crucial product. Stephan Somogyi www.superoffice.com You can create a ‘second page’ Pros: Strongly featured information manager; to a company card. Here you contacts, diary and to-do lists; easy links to standard can add new fields and assign navigate the menus apps including Microsoft Office. specific data types. All the Feature-laden megapixel camera displayed on the Cons: Poorly executed in places; Windows-oriented fields can be imported into LCD screen. documentation; clumsy import features; lack of and searched on. The advanced customization. settings menus are Price: £325 ex VAT; prices for multi-user the true strengths of licences are available on request. this camera. Almost A full single-user version is available on everything can this month’s cover disc. be customized, Star Rating: /5.7 Agfa ePhoto 1680 from focal Manufacturer: Agfa (0181 231 4154) distance and he software industry has long been Within the company- www.agfa.co.uk aperture size engaged in the quest for The Killer oriented limitations Pros: Advanced settings; four resolutions; to flash strength T App, the next hot category of soft- noted above, comes with 4MB memory card; can be expanded. and white bal- ware, after word processing, spreadsheet, SuperOffice works well Cons: Learning curve is a little steep; self-timer needs ance. This lifts the database, communications and so on. A enough. The calendar, reset every time; image process times seem long. ePhoto 1680 above decade ago, the favourite candidate was the contact-management, Price: £599 ex VAT many of its competitors, PIM – the personal information manager. and to-do functions are Star Rating: /8.7 and brings it closer to a And although several strong products comprehensive. It’s also traditional professional SLR than emerged, the PIM never really achieved easy to discover client he ePhoto 1680 is Agfa’s latest entry any digital camera I have yet seen. widespread acceptance. histories such as contact calls, inbound and A more serious limitation is the lack of into the megapixel digital camera Preferences for these advanced settings can SuperOffice attempts to take the PIM outbound letters, sales histories and so on. printed output from the calendar. The T market, boasting an impressive be saved (apart for the self-timer, which concept to a higher level, and the company Rather than providing rudimentary word paperless office may be a worthwhile goal, battery of effects and features. the 1680 comfortably in the running for needs reset with every use), which is handy has coined the phrase ‘Business Information processing and other functions within but many of us still rely on paper-based The camera is a two-part model, which photo-quality awards. Pictures taken at this when the batteries run out. Manager’, or BIM, for its eponymous product, SuperOffice itself, the program lets you use diaries and time-managers. Yet I could find at first I found a bit awkward to use. A resolution are sharp, with good colour the PIM configured for corporate activities. your main applications such as Word, and no way of printing a diary, let alone printing meaty auto focus zoom lens and four-mode reproduction. Unfortunately, at this Third-party cables Within SuperOffice 4.0, you find many goes further in providing tools for creating in standard paper formats like filoFax. (automatic, fill-in, red-eye and off) flash resolution the 4MB memory card supplied Agfa has provided a battery charger, with of the same features as in the PIM: diary, your own templates for letters, faxes, etc. In general, the facilities for creating forms one part. The lens has a focal length with the camera can hold only six images. four rechargeable NICADs in the pack, as contacts manager, to-do lists, together with Unfortunately, SuperOffice (at least in custom reports and displays is extremely of 38-114mm and a 3x zoom, with a macro Extra cards are available however, as well well as four normal batteries to get you up hotlinks to standard business applications the Mac version) is marked by some major crude and overly complex compared to a distance of 10cm in wide mode. It can as a PCMCIA card adaptor and a FlashPath and running while the NICADs charge up such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and the flaws. Installation is from a CD that purports native Mac product like Now-Up-to-Date swivel through 280 degrees, independent floppy disk adaptor for easy cable-free for the first time. There’s no power cable Web browser of your choice. to be multilingual, yet even after selecting and Now Contact. of the camera body, which features an LCD download. however, which is a drag, but a third-party But SuperOffice goes further and tightly UK English, the installation dialogue boxes screen. This is of the usual preview/play- The next resolution setting down, 1,280- cable works fine, as can third-party lens focuses these applications and activities on produced buttons and alerts in German. Macworld’s buying advice back type, all of which seem to suffer x-960, allows 12 images at what Agfa refers filters and extra lenses – all of which add corporate customers. Everything within the A key feature for a product like SuperOffice is almost unique on the excessively from fingerprints, but the to as ‘CCD’ quality to be compressed onto to the traditional feel of this camera. program centres on other companies. When SuperOffice should be seamless importing Macintosh. For corporate contact- and time- ePhoto 1680 has the added bonus of a the card. In practice, this is adequate for The software bundle is another hidden you set up a new contact, or diary appoint- of database information from your existing management your only real alternatives low light preview feature to aid setting well-lit subjects, but images lack detail – bonus. The standard image-editing ment, SuperOffice insists on linking those system, yet the import process is needlessly are custom-developed applications in an up shots in poor light conditions. ruling out excessive enlarging. The third program, in this case Agfa’s own PhotoWise, activities to another company. The result is complex. You can’t, for example, simply environment like ACI’s 4th Dimension. resolution offered by the camera is the is very well specified, with a Quick Fix a product that is well-designed for the import any native database files: all imports It is, like 4th Dimension, that rarest of Take control standard 640-x-480 pixels, useful really function, JPEG Enhancer utility and TWAIN corporate environment but much less useful must be in delimited text files. Even worse, beasts: a European product taking on the To the right of the screen are the zoom only for posting images on the Web. At this import, as well as the usual cropping, for smaller organizations or the self- the documentation talks exclusively about world. Originally a Norwegian company, buttons. Logically enough these control resolution, 48 images can be stored on the rotation and album tools. Also included in employed. The latter might prefer an Windows- or DOS-delimited files. SuperOffice has succeeded in establishing zooming the lens in and out, but also can supplied card. the package is LivePicture’s PhotoVista VR information organizer that could be applied In fact, the PC-orientation of the docu- offices around the world, including the US, be used to step through images when in A fourth setting offers a monochrome and LivePix SE software, as well as a serial to all areas of life and not just sales and mentation is one of the major irritations and recently announced a major co-operative playback mode. The Info button, to the left ‘text’ mode, optimized for saving a maxi- cable and quick-start guide and manual. customer management activities. with SuperOffice: although the separate deal with Sharp in Japan. So, it would be of the LCD screen, provides information mum of 12 text-based documents. This is As you’d expect, SuperOffice is fully installation manual discusses the Mac in nice to give it a hearty recommendation. about the images and batteries. better than it sounds, as we found during Macworld’s buying advice networkable, and the base product includes enough detail, the general user guide is Unfortunately, that isn’t possible: too The body also features a hidden slot for testing. It provides high-quality, black-&- The Agfa ePhoto 1680 is a versatile and both server- and a single client-side applica- almost exclusively PC-based. The list of often its Windows heritage betrays it and memory cards (revealed when the lens white images at 1,280-x-960 pixels with well-equipped camera, with a good quality tion. It is also fully cross-platform, with a dozens of keyboard shortcuts, for example, the Mac version is flawed in too many swivels up) and serial, video out and power a good contrast range – ideal for those lens and fair range of resolutions. One Windows version available, and supports only gives CTRL-key commands – which respects. I’d guess that many of the limita- connectors. With the shutter button and moody, artistic shots that won’t require drawback is the time it takes the camera most networking systems. The Mac version do nothing on the Mac where ALT-key tions are missing, or less pronounced, in the power on/play/record switch also present post processing in an image editor. to process and compress images – only is limited to EtherTalk – presumably combinations are the rule. Windows version, and for large businesses on the body, Agfa has done a good job of The camera has a good range of about seven seconds, but it can seem like LocalTalk is deemed too slow. There are other numerous annoyances, with mixed platforms the ability to manage cramming everything on to such a small exposure settings, from 1/2 to 1/500 of a an age. Also at first glance, the camera The base product includes its own internal too. Many of the SuperOffice screens are and administer the system from Windows area. second, which can be adjusted through with its multitude of features seems quite database for holding all information, but you modal – you must complete a task or close may overcome those limitations. In common with most current digital the EasyPilot button. Situated on the side daunting to use, but once you’ve read can configure things to use any ODBC-com- them before accessing other parts of the But for a Mac-only organization, cameras, the ePhoto 1680 offers several of the camera, it provides a whole host of the well-written manual, your troubles pliant database such as SQL or Sybase, and program, but there’s no visual indication. SuperOffice demands a lot of compromises. resolutions options – in this case four. The advanced settings menus. The same button should be minimal. the company is also working towards links Clicking on buttons and other parts of the Peter Worlock top resolution of 1,600-x-1,200 pixels puts can be turned to scroll through and Michael Burns with other systems such as Lotus Notes. screen is simply ignored. Reviews continue page 54

52 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 53 reviews

New version targets Mac professionals supported. A zooming print preview win- by-step Wizard. JPEG compression ratios printing controls as CorelDraw 8. dow shows the effect of your separations, can be previewed in advance. Layouts can It’s at least as good as MicroGrafx Picture printers’ marks and trapping before output. be output as tables, layers (Netscape only), Publisher 8 and even gives Photoshop 5.0 ColorSync colour management is sup- or Cascading Style Sheets. Any object can a run for its money. The only minor ported, with a decent set of ICC 2.0 profiles be a hyperlink, allowing easy image-map drawback is that large file opening is provided – profiles embedded by Photoshop creation. HTML form objects can be added noticeably slower than Photoshop. 5.0 can also be detected. Separation options from a menu list. Java applets and embed- include CMYK, custom colours, Pantone Spot ded files can be added. A conflict analyzer Macworld’s buying advice CorelDraw 8 colours and Hexachrome six-colour process. reports on problems such as incompatible The CorelDraw 8 package is a big improve- Publisher: Corel (0800 581 028) A Prepare-for-Service-Bureau collection text, object intersections and other snags. ment on its predecessor, and bears out www.corel.com routine is included, with an on-screen Photo-Paint 8 deserves a review to itself. Corel’s claims for it to be a professional Pros: Improved user interface; AppleScript aware; Wizard guide, and an 85-page book that It’s a very good, fully-specified retoucher tool. The layout, Web and pre-press fea- support for ColorSync; comprehensive PostScript provides a useful introduction to print with all the usual brush and cloning tools, tures, scripting, bundled Photo-Paint and print menu; Web options; great bundled software. processes and working with service bureaus. plus a respectable range of 2D and 3D fonts combine to make it a very attractive Cons: Some type format bugs; slow print preview. Web graphics and HTML page output is transformation effects, layers, masking, starting package for anyone who needs to Price: £395 ex VAT; upgrade price £299 ex VAT also supported, with a well-designed step- channel working, and the same colour and take graphics seriously. Simon Eccles Star Rating: /7.5

he immense popularity of CorelDraw on the Windows platform wasn’t MIDI sequencer now includes audio features T reflected in the take-up of the first Macintosh version, introduced in 1996, possibly because it came so late, but also because its PostScript printing wasn’t reliable enough for professional design and publishing use. Interactive transparency tool With CorelDraw 8, Corel is trying hard Version 8’s transparency controls even apply to imported bitmaps. Here the interactive tool (the linked squares) is setting up the shading of the main image into the brown background. to win over the professional market. The Vision DSP 4.1 user interface is much more Mac-like than Publisher: Opcode Systems before, while retaining interchangeability suite have been dumped and replaced by 7.6.1 or later. Photo-Paint 8 and CorelTrace Distributor: SCV (0171 923 1892) with Windows files. There’s an option to a smaller number of decent bundled need a minimum of 10MB free each, and Pros: Robust – almost never known to crash; switch the menus to resemble Illustrator programs with direct relevance to graphics preferably a lot more. packed with high-end features; great price. or FreeHand if you prefer. professionals. Most impressive is the new Cons: Lacks a built-in sample editor – although As ever, CorelDraw 8 is a full-function Mac version of the formerly Windows-only New look BIAS Peak SE editing software is included as a vector drawing program, based on bézier Corel Photo-Paint 8, a competent paint/ The revised user interface makes CorelDraw separate application. Price: £299 inc VAT drawing tools for creating outline objects retouching program that’s also available 8 rather easier for experienced Macintosh Above: Check the pulse and filling or stroking them with colour. separately. Also bundled is CorelTrace 8, a users to pick up. It doesn’t always conform Star Rating: /8.7 Vision DSP’s new Pulse Version 8 sees new tools for creating bitmap-to-vector converter that works well, to common keyboard shortcuts, but these Edit Window lets you extrusions, bevels, and envelope distortions. and Font Reserve 1.02, a font manager can be customized to suit your preferences. he distinction between MIDI display and edit all drum On top of this are all the latest bells and utility. There’s also Cumulus Desktop 4.0, CorelDraw uses ‘lens’ menus that are sequencers and their ‘big brothers’, tracks within a sequence. whistles for editing outlines, incorporating the base version of Canto’s excellent media similar to those in FreeHand 8. They let you T the MIDI-plus-audio sequencers, is bitmaps, working with independent layers, management database program. set up special overlay effects on selected disappearing fast: the latest versions of the Left: MIDI Arpeggiator and exporting either Web graphics or com- Third-party plug-ins for Photo-Paint objects including transparency, fisheye lens, most popular MIDI sequencers now feature The new easy-to-use MIDI Arpeggiator locks plete HTML pages, as well as professional include Digimarc copyright watermarking, various blends, plus greyscale, ‘heatmap’ audio recording, editing and effects process- to grooves and sequence pre-press capable print files. The full-history AutoF/X Photo/Graphic Edges, Xaos Paint and inversion. Some of these work best ing. So, for example, instead of Cubase we tempo. multiple Undos still work after saves. A Alchemy and Cytopia PhotoLab. over photographs. now have Cubase Virtual Studio Technology wide range of import/export file formats Both Draw and Photo-Paint are Lens transparency applies uniformly to (VST). Opcode appears to be travelling the are supported, including Illustrator 7, which AppleScript-aware, with a starter library of the whole object, but there’s an interactive same route with the release of version 4.1 makes a good stab at preserving CorelDraw scripts for effects and templates. You can transparency tool too, which lets you of its popular Vision sequencer, now with the original audio. The MIDI-to-audio Time Stretch, Pitch Shift and Adjust Audio transparency. also record a list of actions and save drag an axis for a blend from opacity to renamed Vision DSP. feature lets you do the reverse – change a Tempo are incredibly powerful. To record The buggy, little shovelware accessory them as a new script that can be applied transparency. Similar interactive tools are Vision’s big brother, Studio Vision Pro, monophonic audio recording of a single audio onto your hard disk you can use programs from the outgoing version 6.0 individually, or to a batch of files. available for paintbucket fill colours, blends costs £649 including VAT and is currently at voice or instrument to match a MIDI either your Power Mac’s onboard audio or and drop shadows. version 4.xx but will be upgraded to 4.1 recording. Both of these powerful features any Steinberg ASIO compatible audio card Clip art Some bitmap-editing features are shortly. Previously, the main distinction are unique to Studio Vision Pro. such as the Lucid PCI 24, Korg 1212 and As usual with Corel products included, such as converting to greyscale, between these two packages was that Vision So what’s TDM? Well, the more expensive Sonorus STUDI/O. there’s a lot of clip art: 1,200 duotone or other colour models, plus filter was confined to MIDI sequencing while Pro Tools systems from Digidesign feature EPS bitmap drawings and effects such as pixellate, swirl, page curl, Studio Vision Pro combined these MIDI TDM time-division multiplexing as a method Plug-ins symbols, 100 photographs, a motion blur. For advanced editing though, features with a range of audio recording, of transferring channels of audio between Other features include a MIDI arpeggiator bunch of Animated GIFs, Web you’d use Photo-Paint 8. editing and processing options. multiple cards in the system. These TDM for techno effects, QuickTime video sup- backgrounds, floating bitmap Text tools include a decent multi-column cards support the use of the latest, sexiest port, Automated Mixing, four bands of EQ objects and tiling textures. layout facility, with a full typographical Muddying the waters signal processing plug-ins – which are on every channel with a graphic EQ curve There are also 1,600 TrueType menu. However, I couldn’t persuade the Now things are not so clear. Vision DSP has almost always released for TDM systems display, and 16 flexible buses to accommo- and PostScript fonts. leading (inter-line spacing) to work with all the features of Studio Vision Pro – apart first and often are not available on other date more complex mix sessions. You can All this takes up space: a any font, and text formatting in general from support for Digidesign’s TDM systems platforms. So, if you want the two editing use Steinberg VST or Adobe Premiere basic installation of Draw, seemed a little buggy – the only signs I and two particularly neat processing options features and TDM support you need to buy compatible plug-in audio effects, and three Photo-Paint, Trace and support found of Corel’s once notorious unreliability. – audio-to-MIDI and MIDI-to-audio. Studio Vision Pro. Otherwise, Vision DSP free VST plug-ins and a couple of free files takes up 164MB. Draw Helping to boost CorelDraw 8’s The first of these options lets you convert will do just fine. Premiere plug-ins from Arboretum software needs a minimum of 15MB credibility in the print market, its PostScript a monophonic audio recording of a single Vision DSP lets you record original are included to get you started. Photoshop rival RAM (with virtual memory printing has been completely revised with voice or instrument playing single notes music or remix songs using perhaps the Opcode also provides 11 of its own VST Photo-Paint 8 is a full-feature retouching tool with multiple layers. enabled), and 64MB is recom- help from Adobe, and is designed to create into a MIDI representation, which you can best graphical editor of any MIDI sequencer ‘fusion Effects’ plug-ins including reverb, Special effects can be applied locally by brush – here a motion blur is mended. The package is for DSC-compliant ‘clean PostScript’ output. easily assign to play on a synthesized or – along with the new Pulse Edit drum chorus, flange, delay, compressor, phaser applied to the door mirror. Power Macs only, with Mac OS OPI 1.0 and 2.0 image substitution is sampled instrument to double or harmonize groove window. The audio features such as continues page 56

54 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 55 reviews

and so forth. Also included is Opcode’s fitted and using an Atto SCSI card with a Macworld’s buying advice OMS and Galaxy software that lets you fast Quantum 9GB hard drive allowed me Vision DSP is much easier to use than catalogue and access any patch for any to play more than 24 tracks of audio with Cubase VST or Logic Audio – with a neater MIDI instrument in your studio. no problem. Before I upgraded, I could play user-interface, clearly laid-out menus and only about 16 tracks before the processor extremely-attractive price. Professional Give it some oomph and disk drive started to struggle. users, however, will probably still need So how was it in action? Well, running Otherwise, it was just like using Studio Vision Pro for its TDM support and Vision DSP on my Power Mac 9500 with a Opcode’s Studio Vision Pro – at less than audio-to-MIDI features. Crescendo G3 300MHz processor upgrade half the price! Mike Collins

Three useful masking utilities Hair today Ultimatte KnockOut lets you create complex masks by selecting inner and outer boundaries.

EdgeWizard Publisher: Chroma Graphics www.chromagraphics.com Distributor: Softline (0181 401 1234) Pros: Strong edge-refining tools; inexpensive. Cons: No built-in selection features. Price: £110 ex VAT Star Rating: /6.9 Extensis Mask Pro 2.0 Publisher: Extensis www.extensis.com range of masking tools. Similar to in areas where there’s little difference Distributor: Computers Unlimited (0181 358 5857) Photoshop’s QuickMask feature, it lets you between the foreground and background. Pros: Broad range of masking tools. select colours to keep and drop using two KnockOut’s results are impressive, but Cons: Creating complex masks takes time. special eyedroppers. When you paint with the program cannot soften mask edges, and Price: £215 ex VAT. A fully-functional, 30-day Mask Pro’s brushes, the plug-in analyzes the it lacks tools for manually refining the trial version is available on this month’s cover disc. colours beneath your brush, compares them mask. It’s also a memory hog – you need at Star Rating: /7.5 with your selected colours, and applies an least five times as much RAM as the maxi- appropriate level of transparency to the mask. mum image size – and it uses a dongle. A new IntelliBrush tool automatically Ultimatte KnockOut selects Keep and Drop colours by averaging Refining edges Publisher: Ultimatte the pixels beneath the brush. This makes it EdgeWizard’s edge-refining tools can auto- www.ultimatte.com easier to create complicated masks; without matically eliminate halos and transparency Distributor: Polar Graphics (0181 868 2479) it you would have to make many manual problems. After you create a mask, the Pros: Simplifies creation of difficult masks. colour selections. plug-in provides a preview of your image Cons: Memory-hungry; lacks manual refinement Mask Pro can automatically knock out and the selection. You can then modify the tools; requires hardware lock. image layer backgrounds, and its pen tool mask edge in three ways: QuickEdge Price: £280 ex VAT can now automatically detect edges and applies a two- or three-pixel blur, producing Star Rating: /7.2 set control points accordingly. A new, a result similar to feathering. Gaussian Edge separate EdgeBlender plug-in blends semi- applies a Gaussian blur, creating even reating masks can be one of the most transparent pixels with background pixels blends in images that have simple back- difficult parts of altering an image. to reduce halos. grounds. Variable Color Edge, for use with C Fortunately, several programs can complex selections, analyzes colours along help. Two, Extensis Mask Pro 2.0 and Magic KnockOuts the edge to determine the best way to blend Chroma Graphics’ EdgeWizard, are Adobe Mask Pro is powerful, but it still can take a with the background. All three effects can Photoshop plug-ins. The third, Ultimatte lot of time to mask wisps of hair or translu- be brushed in or applied globally. KnockOut, is a standalone program that cent objects. That’s where KnockOut comes works with Photoshop files. in. You create a mask in KnockOut by using Macworld’s buying advice Each program uses a different approach four lasso tools to trace outlines along the None of these programs is a comprehensive to masking. Mask Pro 2.0 is a general- boundaries of the area you want to select. solution, but all three are great complements purpose masking utility, offering a variety of The first traces inside the area to be to the masking tools in Photoshop. Mask Pro intelligent brushes and tools that let you masked; the second, around the outside is a good one-stop masking tool; it offers an paint masks into an image. KnockOut shines (see ‘Hair today’). Two similar tools let you impressive range of features. KnockOut is at creating difficult masks that involve create inner and outer boundaries for any missing a few functions and costs more wisps of hair, complex shadows, and shadows you want to mask. than Mask Pro, but it lets you create difficult translucent elements. EdgeWizard lacks its KnockOut’s Process Image feature then masks with a minimum amount of work. own masking tools, but it lets you refine the generates a mask, which you can refine EdgeWizard lacks built-in selection tools but edge of an existing selection created in using the Syringe or Edge Feather tools. does a great job of improving mask edges, Photoshop or another program (including Syringe tools let you inject colour into especially those composited against complex, Chroma Graphics’ MagicMask plug-in). pixels that are being rendered transparent; multicoloured backgrounds. Of the three, Mask Pro offers the widest the Edge Feather tool lets you define edges Ben Long

56 Macworld JANUARY 1999 reviews

iMACWORLD RATING /9.0-10.0 = EXCELLENT /7.0-8.9 = VERY GOOD /5.0-6.9 = GOOD /3.0-4.9 = AVERAGE /0-2.9 = POOR

New ink-jet is not all business look their best, be prepared to wait for them. The 740 uses two ink cartridges, one black and one colour (cyan, magenta, and yellow). Inks are formulated for quick-drying and smudge- free prints. Cartridges cost Epson Stylus Color 740 £17.50 each and will give you Manufacturer: Epson (0800 289 622) about 300 prints, unless you www.epson.com plan to print lots of high- Pros: High-quality output; built-in serial and USB resolution documents, which ports; easy-to-use software. use more ink. Cons: Slow. For the highest-quality Price: £209 ex VAT. prints, it’s a good idea to Star Rating: /8.9 invest in Epson’s ink-jet paper, which ranges from 6 pence per pson’s new four-colour ink-jet printer, QuarkXPress and Adobe Illustrator page for thin coated paper to 32 pence per the Stylus Color 740, may be its most documents printed from the Stylus Color page for glossy photo stock. E versatile. Aimed at the small-office/ 740 and its six-colour counterpart, the home-office market, the Stylus Color 740 Stylus Photo 700 (£190 ex VAT), looked Making the connection offers impressive photo-realistic output, almost identical. While the 700 edged out Setting up the 740 is simple: just pop in two making it a great low-cost alternative to the 740 in colour accuracy, the 740 excelled ink cartridges, connect the printer to your colour-laser and dye-sublimation printers. But in sharpness and detail rendering. serial or USB port, and install the drivers. this printer is not all business: its ease of use, Epson’s software driver for the Stylus No networking options are available, but reasonable price, and USB interface make it Color 740 offers three colour-management you can connect up to three computers – an ideal choice for iMac users. It also features options: ColorSync, PhotoEnhance3 (recom- a Mac, an iMac, and a PC – simultaneously a serial interface for use with other Macs. mended for digital camera prints), and to the 740’s serial, USB, and parallel ports, user-defined custom settings. These options respectively. The driver handles just one Not new, but improved are more than adequate for imaging novices. print job at a time, but it’s still a neat feature. Like the popular Stylus Color 600 and 800 However, professionals may be disappointed The Stylus Color 740’s built-in USB port ink-jet printers, the Stylus Color 740 uses with the lack of a PostScript option. is a first for ink-jets. This is a great option for Epson’s proprietary MicroPiezo printing During testing, we found that using iMac users, since compatible printers are technology. Unlike ink-jets that use thermal- Epson’s standard ColorSync profile yielded scarce, and most that do support USB use a printing technology, Epson’s ink-jets use the best results. The driver interface is somewhat costly parallel-to-USB adaptor electrical impulses rather than heat to force easily navigable and lends itself to experi- cable. ink through print nozzles onto a page. This mentation, so creating the best possible Although some iMac users experienced process minimizes splatter, thus creating print is not difficult. Also included is a compatibility problems with early versions cleaner, more consistent dots. With the user-friendly maintenance and diagnostic of USB drivers from Epson and Apple, the Stylus Color 740, Epson has modified the wizard that makes cleaning and adjusting 740 worked trouble-free during our testing, MicroPiezo print head to produce smaller the 740’s print heads a cinch. with no crashes in the applications we used. and variable-sized dots, resulting in better It’s a good idea to download and install the photo quality and finer detail. Speed and cost latest USB drivers for the Stylus Color 740 Documents printed with the Stylus Color Though ink-jet printers have improved in and iMac from Epson’s and Apple’s respec- 740’s default settings showed good colour speed, they still don’t compare to colour tive Web sites. reproduction except for minor oversaturation. lasers (about four to six pages per minute), This was evident in our Photoshop prints, and the Stylus Color 740 is no exception. Macworld’s buying advice where we noticed some loss of shadow At the highest resolution of 1,440dpi, Business professionals who want high-quality detail. However, when we experimented Photoshop prints averaged nearly 10 colour prints without spending thousands with the software settings and printed on minutes per page, and our QuarkXPress of pounds will find the Stylus Color 740 to high-quality photo paper, photographic document averaged 7.5 minutes per page. be a great solution – if they don’t mind images were truly exceptional, with realistic Printing a full-page Word 98 document sacrificing some speed. Home users will flesh tones and smooth colour transitions. averaged almost 7 minutes. appreciate the Stylus Color 740’s sharp The printer also did a good job when For everyday use, the Stylus Color 740’s output as well as its easy-to-use software. printing text on high-grade glossy paper, faster 720dpi setting may be more than Gil Loyola

SUZANNE ROADY but type was a bit fuzzy on plain paper. adequate, but if you need your documents to iMac reviews continue page 59

iMacworld JANUARY 1999 57 reviews

Heraldic pinball game flippers! Dropping the ball down the Accolade hole at Stonehenge then starts you on your mission. Once the first three missions have been completed, the next three knights have to be revived and “accoladed” before moving on to their missions – and the second table, Land’s End. Success here and it’s back to Golden Logres Camelot for the final six knights and then Publisher: LittleWing on to the final table, Fisher King. A full www.littlewing.com.jp game will take over an hour but there are Distributor: Software and PDF manual available various ways to get extra balls – essential Sheer class from Web site. for completion. With first-class graphics and an absorbing scenario, Pros: Fabulous graphics; immersive gameplay; Golden Logres will have you coming back for ‘just one good manual. more try’ time and time again. Macworld’s buying advice Cons: Poor quality sound in places. The 60-second demo on the cover CD does Price: approx £20. Demo and PDF manual is non-essential for gameplay, it makes for little justice to Golden Logres. There has on this month’s cover disc. good reading. With the kingdom in ruins, been some serious investigation into the Star Rating: /9.0 King Arthur lying at Avalon and Merlin characteristics of pinball table rubber bands under confinement, Sir Bedivere is the only resulting in a feel that will convince you ittleWing has been at the forefront of remaining knight. Through the course of that you’re playing on a real table, not a Mac pinball games since 1991, being the game, you have to complete ten computer. Flippers trap the ball authentically L responsible for Tristan, Eight Ball missions, spanning three different pinball and offer near-perfect response and the Deluxe, Crystal Caliburn and Loony tables, to revive the remaining knights tables are graphically superb, from the glass Labyrinth. The third of these, Crystal and reconstruct the kingdom. ramps through to the local reflections on Caliburn (1993), was the pick of the bunch Complete Sir Bedivere’s mission and the chrome ball. Add three-way tilt and – a graphically impressive, complex game then set about reviving and giving accolades multi-flipper design and you have the best based on the Knights of the Round Table. to one knight at a time by making nine pinball game ever seen on the Mac. Recent years have seen Sierra’s 3D Ultra drop targets fall (three each for Bravery, Priced at around £20, you can have Pinball series take centre stage in this genre Fortune and Loyalty) either by hitting them the keycode for the full game by email although these tend to have more of a video or dropping all three in a bank by using tomorrow. We’ve even included the PDF game feel. Now LittleWing is back with various ramps. The latter is crucial: aim at manual on the cover CD to save you the another heraldic masterpiece. the targets individually and you are guaran- download! Definitely one to have. While Golden Logres’ background story teed to lose balls down the gap between the Vic Lennard

1980’s-style shoot-’em-up scores big of bombs or bullets you fire per salvo. It’s possible to fly for a while without this assistance, but power- ups are essential to surviving later levels. Brightly coloured and vaguely cartoonish, Mars Rising’s graphics could have been lifted from a Mars Rising stand-up arcade machine. The busy, Publisher: constantly changing landscape and www.ambrosiasw.com tendency for enemy forces to explode Pros: Fast action; great graphics; finger-twitching fun. messily make it difficult to identify Cons: Occasionally difficult to see what live threats and incoming fire, but you’re shooting. that’s the price you pay for the Pay attention Price: $20 downloadable from Web site. game’s fast and furious pace. If the Martian Defence Forces catch you napping, Star Rating: /7.5 Ambrosia backs the carnage with they’ll eat you alive. thumping techno soundtracks and erhaps Ambrosia Software should using the advanced Terran Vac-Fighter plenty of sound effects to help you sort consider a name change – something to destroy the Martian Defence Forces out the action. P along the lines of Children of Galaga on the ground and in the air. Play Mars Rising solo or with a friend, or Old Skool Software. No other company With your conscience soothed (or with in which case you compete for points and has got so much mileage out of renovating dreams of conquest stoked), you are power-ups. Two-player action must take mid-1980s arcade hits. Mars Rising is the dropped into the cockpit of a fighter- place on a single machine, as Mars Rising latest installment in the series, and while it bomber winging over a two-dimensional has no provision for network play. You can riffs on a familiar theme, the entertaining landscape that scrolls at a constant rate control your vehicle with the keyboard or shoot-’em-up proves that sometimes it ain’t from the top to the bottom of the screen. mouse, but if you plan to spend much time the song; it’s the way you sing it. Your mission: as you fly, gun down incom- with Mars Rising, find a good joystick or Mars Rising needs a back story about as ing aerial enemies and drop bombs on game pad (see Reviews, December 1998). much as a Steven Seagal movie needs a plot. ground targets. Completely destroying a But for all you arcade rats moonlighting as squadron of airborne baddies nets you Macworld’s buying advice method actors, here’s an explanation for the either a star (which converts to points at Mars Rising is good, old-fashioned, finger- game’s mayhem: Martian rebels (or patriots) the end of the level) or a power-up. Power- cramping, put-your-brain-on-hold fun. have attacked and destroyed nearly all ups enhance your ship’s capabilities in Playing Mars Rising is like being back in the Terran military forces on Mars and in many ways, including increasing your arcade – except you’ve still got your money Martian airspace. You must counterattack, shield capacity and increasing the number when you’re done. Cameron Crotty

iMacworld JANUARY 1999 59 Game on The Macintosh tackles entertainment head on. By Cameron Crotty

ur obsession with the latest fads at the expense of golden oldies has got on the nerves of the Macworld Game Hall of Fame’s executive committee. “I love O new games as much as the next person,” opined a Hall curator as she gestured at the iMac running Tomb Raider II over in the corner. “But if we ignore the classics, what’s the point of having a Hall of Fame?” So this year when the editors of Macworld came knocking at the Hall’s front door, we decided to do more than simply induct seven worthy new games into the Hall. Instead, we compiled a list of 21 great Mac games, both new inductees and all-time classics. Because regardless of whether it was released this year

or five years ago, a classic is still a classic. continues page 92 GRAHAME MURDOCH

62 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 63 Tomb Raider II of ambushes, and Civilization II /9.2 the limitations of /8.8 t’s easy to get an army on patrol? /8.5 eople don’t use the term global conquest I lost in Tomb If so, then Myth is Riven P anymore unless referring to Microsoft. But if Raider II’s hype. your game. /8.0 you do, Civilization II provides the scope you need. We’ve been well Like an officer he Game Hall of Fame receives many visitors, generally avid Civilization is one of the few turn-based strategy games (in which inundated by the in the field, you’re T gamers and history buffs. But occasionally, a passer-by will poke each participant – human or computer – takes turns) that we stories about how given troops to a curious nose into the Hall’s virtual lobby and inquire about the recommend. But in this case, you’ll be thankful for the extra time to its star, the well- command, and the nature of the establishment. Is it truly devoted completely to contemplate your moves. Civilization II is immense, offering you the endowed,com- objectives you’re Macintosh games, and is there a section for someone who likes the chance to build an puter-generated required to accom- idea of computer games but isn’t interested in all that shooting, entire civilization Ms Lara Croft, is plish. After that, shouting, and general hullabaloo? up from almost either the death you’re out on your That’s when our doorman smiles warmly and ushers the visitor nothing. You knell of the feminist movement or a strong female role model in the own. Myth teaches the importance of reconnaissance, flanking into the newly completed Rand and Robyn Miller Atrium, to view the begin with some male-dominated world of games – or maybe both. What’s lost in this manoeuvres, and seizing the high ground – and does it all with a Miller brothers’ settlers and fertile storm of publicity and debate is that Tomb Raider is simply a great hellishly real 3D interface that two masterworks: land, and start to game. puts you smack in the middle of Myst and Riven. build cities. If In Tomb Raider – a huge seller for Windows and the Sony the battlefield. Less like computer you’re truly skilful, PlayStation, and now finally available for the Mac – you guide Lara Although Myth was the games than like you can “win” or Croft through an Indiana Jones–esque three-dimensional world of highlight of last year’s holiday wonderfully certainly triumph temples and caverns in search of priceless artifacts. The interface is season, it arrived too late to illustrated novels, at Civilization II similar to that of a first-person such as Unreal, Doom, meet the Hall’s strict eligibility both Myst and without even firing or Marathon, but your perspective is actually slightly above and requirements for 1997. But we Riven transport a shot. But after behind Lara herself, staring at her polygonal posterior. Lara’s heartily give it the nod this time you to a world thousands of years of pacifying your citizens and bluffing aggressive adventures involve a lot of gunplay, but exploration and problem around as we anxiously await where deciphering competing civilizations, you’ll still feel as if you’ve been through a solving are the real keys. You find hidden places to explore by this winter’s sequel, Myth II: where you are – war. And the Gold edition allows network gaming. swimming, climbing, and jumping, not to mention avoiding Soulblighter (see the sidebar and why you’re there – is all part of the fun. While both games lead Why it’s cool: Complexity that will keep even the hardest-core strategy diabolical traps such as giant rolling boulders and pits of spikes. The “Next Year’s Hall Hopefuls”). you toward a final goal, the true point of Myst and Riven is to explore gamers engrossed. graphics are impressive, especially if you’ve got a 3D–accelerator Why it’s cool: Amazing 3D the gorgeously rendered worlds and the characters that live in them. Who it’s for: Closet Napoleons who like the idea of taking over the card installed, and the images in landscapes and challenging, We heartily recommend both Myst and Riven to gamers and whole world. the Mac version are clearly realistic battle strategy. nongamers alike. From: MacSoft; Softline, 01372 726 333; www.wizworks.com/macsoft/; £39.99. superior to those in the Sony Who it’s for: Bravehearts-in- Why it’s cool: A stunning combination of story line, graphics, PlayStation version. training who want complete and sound pulls you into an amazing fictional world. Tomb Raider II is the first of control over their soldiers. Who it’s for: People who enjoy beautiful graphics, brain-teasing the Tomb Raider games to come From: Bungie Software; puzzles, and games that don’t induce too much stress. to the Mac, and it’s a definite Softline, 01372 726 333, From: Red Orb Entertainment; Softline, 01372 726 333, www.redorb.com; Marathon Trilogy Box Set improvement over the original www .bungie.com; £44.99. Myst, £24.99; Riven, £19.99. /8.8 game. In addition to walking aybe it’s the fluid, alien artwork. Perhaps it’s and running, Lara gets to ride a M the planet-hopping, psychological thriller of a motorcycle and a powerboat, SimCity 2000 Special Edition story line or the high-explosive fun of network death matches. and she fights villains that are Shanghai: Dynasty /8.2 Whatever it is, in today’s go-go, true–3D world of first-person much wilier and harder to kill /7.8 he Tamagotchi craze seems to have come and gunplay, the Marathon games collected in this omnibus edition than those in the original ar games and adventures come and go, but a T gone, thankfully, but we’ve all still got that urge remain a great value. Enamoured as the Hall’s staff is with the latest Tomb Raider. And there’s W well-designed puzzle game, seasoned with to nurture a living thing without the attendant and greatest, Marathon has retained a firm place in our roster of more Tomb Raider on the just a touch of random chance, can hold one’s mess. In SimCity 2000, your city itself is a living, breathing organism regular network- way – Aspyr Media will attention for years. with intricacies that put the Tamagotchi to shame. based multiplayer release Tomb Raider Gold, Classic Shanghai adds spatial manipulation and strategy to the From the initial groundbreaking through labour strikes, grudge matches. featuring the original Tomb simple pattern-matching of traditional solitaire. Tiles are randomly earthquakes, political upheaval, and traffic jams, SimCity 2000 puts The sheer Raider with four additional piled in a five-layered pyramid, and the object is to remove them by you in the hot seat scope of this huge levels in early 1999. pairing them off. You need a bit of luck to clear the board, but it’s as mayor, city Marathon box set But back to our original dilemma: does Lara your wits that make the difference in Shanghai. Once you’ve learned council, and (ha staggers the most Croft belong in the pantheon of women heroes right alongside the basic game, ha!) dictator-for- voracious ’s Wonder Woman and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or is she just a the challenge of life all rolled into imagination. pumped-up Spice Girl? The cooler heads at the Game Hall of Fame solving a puzzle one. Your job is Inside, Bungie has will leave that up to you. We’re just happy that Macintosh users where you can see simple: keep your packed the three finally have a chance to play this great action-adventure game. almost all the citizens happy. complete adven- Why it’s cool: Impressive graphics and game play lead to hours of pieces is nearly You can build the tures that make arcade-style action. irresistible. perfect Smallville, up the Marathon Who it’s for: Women tired of male-character–only adventure games For Shanghai: USA, or strive for Trilogy, as well as and men secure enough to admit that Indiana Jones has met his match. Dynasty, Activision a metropolis to the original pre- From: Aspyr Media; Softline, 01372 726 333, www.aspyr.com; £44.99. has added four rival even New Marathon adventure , and level and other top games. York. Yes, SimCity environment editors that open Marathon’s doors to anyone with a There’s a special 2000 takes the creative itch. This is a gift that smiles on those without the latest Mac Myth: The Fallen Lords child’s version of vision of the original SimCity and adds significant complexity. hardware. You can play the Marathon games on a modestly equipped /8.4 Shanghai as well Sure, SimCity 2000’s been around for years – and now it’s Power Mac 7100 without feeling as if you’re watching a slide show. eal-time strategy games cater to the armchair general, but some as three multi- available only from the Web. But it still keeps us coming back for Why it’s cool: Great network multiplayer games and an endless R people prefer the life of an armchair lieutenant. For them, there’s player games, including Mah-Jongg. Sadly, the company has not more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself leaving your Mac on at assortment of levels. And it’s four games in one bumper pack. Myth: The Fallen Lords, a war game of staggering realism that included network play with the Macintosh version this time. night and waking up early just to see how your city grew. Who it’s for: Offices that need to blow off ; gamers with slower focuses on individual soldiers fighting individual, mano a mano Why it’s cool: Beautiful graphics and lots of options, plus a classic Why it’s cool: Endless possibilities make it truly addictive. Power Macs. battles. puzzle that can’t be improved on. Who it’s for: Mayoral hopefuls – and would-be Godzillas. From: Bungie Software; Softline, 01372 726 333; www.bungie.com; £39.99. Want to live with the hellish uncertainty of the battlefield – to be Who it’s for: Those who prefer quieter pursuits to gunning and running. From: Maxis; www.simcity.com; £25. concerned with the advantages (and dangers) of terrain, the threat From: Activision; MacGold, 01723 582 100, www.activision.com; £23.95. continues page 66

64 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 65 Unreal game that you play from beginning to end than it is something you the sky while playing X-Wing vs. Tie Fighter over a network, disbelief … until you get smoked by a surface-to-air missile, of /7.8 play with. And like its parent company, it’s simply the best at what Macintosh users have to go it solo. course. Lesson learned: don’t ever take your hands off the control he curators at it does – on any platform. Why it’s cool: You get to fly a hot spaceship and pretend you’re Luke stick! T the Game Hall Why it’s cool: A near-perfect blend of action, strategy, space Skywalker (or that you’re shooting at him) – what could be cooler? The flight-simulator category is a hotly contested one at the Hall. of Fame have exploration, and pure adventure. Who it’s for: Joystick-equipped flying aces who can bull’s-eye womp Parsoft’s excellent A-10 Attack: Cuba (Camelot, 0171 383 2727; grown a little tired Who it’s for: Wannabe Han Solos – and Boba Fetts. rats at 50 meters. www.parsoft.com; £35) runs a close second to F/A-18 Hornet. of stalking through From: Ambrosia Software; 001 716 325 1910, www.ambrosiasw.com; From: LucasArts Entertainment; Softline, 01372 726 333; If you prefer to spend time moving mud on ground attacks, A-10 corridors, weapon via download, $25; with Ambrosia CD-ROM, $30. www.lucasarts.com; Tie Fighter, £27.95; X-Wing, £21.95. Attack puts you in the driver’s seat of the rough, tough Warthog. But bobbing, firing at whichever you prefer, take comfort: the Mac excels when it comes to beasties of flight simulators. questionable Actua Soccer Diablo Why it’s cool: Stunning graphics and impressive air combat will make origin for little /7.0 /8.4 you believe your life’s actually in danger. more purpose than espite Leicester City and George Graham, ole-playing Who it’s for: Amateur fliers for whom aviation means nothing without to watch them explode. Run, shoot … yawn. D football has never been more exciting than it R games can be a little dogfighting. At least, that’s what we thought before we launched Unreal. Mind is now, post Euro 96 and that World Cup thing last a lot of fun, but From: Graphic Simulations; Softline, 01372 726 333; www.graphsim.com; you, this is one of several games this year that absolutely require summer. The influx of superstar foreigners has transformed the usually require £39.99. 3D–acceleration hardware. That said, Premier leagues north and south of the border. Kids are playing in keen attention to Unreal took our breath away with fluid the streets again. Jumpers for goal posts. Marvellous. But Mac the numeric detail moves and scary monsters. gamers had to wait years for a compatible computer challenge, and reserved for top We don’t induct new games into the Actua Soccer lived accountants. If you Starcraft Hall if they’re simply eye candy. Unreal up most of our haven’t memorized /8.0 leaves room for atmosphere, expectations. exactly what that ne faction in exploration, and plot. Instead of You get a real- helmet will do to O the games facing hordes of easy-to-kill istic commentary your hero’s armour class, or how using a long-sword will affect his hall’s brain trust monsters, you’re up against enemies from TV’s Barry chances to hit a particular creature, you’ve already sealed your squawks that for that are smaller in number but Davies, a choice of doom. every truly original incredibly ferocious and devious, 40 international Diablo, on the other hand, retains all game on release, and the story line stays strong teams, cup and the stuff essential to a good fantasy role- there’s are dozens throughout the game. league play, and playing game but builds it into an of sequels and Why it’s cool: Brains are as some interesting interface that lets you concentrate on the imitations. important in this game as brawn. formation options adventure at hand. Furthermore, the But repetition Who it’s for: Gamers with – 4-0-6 anyone? game casts off the usual turn-based can often breed improvement. 3D–acceleration hardware who The many rich structure in favour of exciting, real-time There’s no better evidence than Starcraft. Just as with its want strategy with their action. rules of the beautuful game are strictly adhered to (including pass play. predecessor, Warcraft, you build up your resources and send legions From: MacSoft; www.wizworks.com/ backs and goal difference), there are amusing practice options and a The game’s painstakingly animated of troops into battle – but this isn’t just a rehash of Warcraft with macsoft/; Softline, 01372 726 333; £39.99. rather laughable ratings system. characters are also enchanting. Even better graphics. Starcraft’s three warring races (human, the buglike PlayStation offerings are leagues ahead by now, but Gremlin if you don’t generally like fantasy zerg, and the mechanical protoss) aren’t mirrors of one another – Interactive has scored a popular game that’s still a bestseller two games, you’ll be enthralled. their capabilities are radically different. years after its release to UK Mac game players. And it’s only £20 – Why it’s cool: Attractive graphics and Each species requires different less than the cheap (uncovered) seats at Chelsea. Now how about a usable interface get you into the strategies for victory. Escape Velocity: footabll-manager game for the Mac – please… game’s fantasy world. If you’re already a fan of real-time Override Why it’s cool: Effective realism, and it’s the only option on weekdays. Who it’s for: Anyone who’s wished strategy, Starcraft doesn’t disappoint; /8.5 Who it’s for: Football fans who spend more time on their Macs than Dungeons and Dragons had more if you haven’t yet succumbed to the scape Velocity: in the stands. Can we play it every week? adventure and less dice rolling. heady thrill of ordering troops into E Override is a From: Gremlin Interactive; 01142 799 020, www.gremlin.com; £19.95. From: ; battle – against a computer or against ringing triumph of Softline, 01372 726 333; www.blizzard.com; £29.99. real-life opponents in a rousing top sci-fi action- network game – here lies a highly adventure. The entertaining tour of duty. game puts you in a Tie Fighter X-Wing Why it’s cool: More-complex spaceship cockpit /8.6 /7.8 F/A-18 Korea characters put a challenging spin as a daring, swash- ore than one assistant curator at the Game /8.8 on a classic warfare game. buckling, Han Solo M Hall of Fame is a closet Star Wars fanatic. Yet ven the most dedicated Mac gamer can Who it’s for: Strategy-minded type. You start even those less devoted to the ways of the Force appreciate E sometimes glance enviously over at the warriors. with a lousy shuttlecraft, some seed money, an enormous galaxy to LucasArts’ masterly space-combat games, Tie Fighter and X-Wing. Windows world, awash as it is in a veritable sea of From: Blizzard Entertainment; explore – and nearly unlimited freedom to These games aren’t really light simulators – nothing even games. But when it comes to flight simulators, Mac gamers have no Softline, 01372 726 333; explore as you like, trying to make money and remotely related to the true laws of physics exists in this galaxy far, need to be envious. Graphic Simulations’ F/A-18 Korea is one of the www.blizzard.com; £39.99. improve your ship and your social standing. far away – so the result is World War II–style, check-six dogfighting. best, period. Sure, you can be an honourable merchant or But it’s a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy. From the first day that F/A-18 Hornet hit the streets, it offered a cozy up to one of the powerful interstellar The only thing spectacularly governments. But you can also chuck it all missing from these realistic flying Links LS and play evil space pirate. games is the experience, and /8.0 Escape Velocity: Override is also a little- ability to fly head- each subsequent e at the Game Hall of Fame rarely have time guy-makes-good story: Ambrosia Software to-head against a release has easily W for a round of golf, what with the critical life- builds world-class games for the Mac – and friend. managed to fur- or-death decisions we make on a daily basis. So when we need a only the Mac. From Maelstrom, a cheeky Sadly, Lucas- ther improve on break, we retreat to the sweet serenity of Links LS. Asteroids-for-the-nineties, to the addictive Arts’ hot-&-cold that first rush of Links LS’s gorgeous graphics make us feel as if we’re teeing off adrenaline rush of PegLeg, Ambrosia’s relationship with realism. With a into a postcard. The ingenious controls are simple enough to be games have continued to set a standard Macintosh gamers 3D-accelerator comprehended in a couple of holes, yet nearly impossible to master of quality for games on any platform. is now running card in place, even after hours of practice. For the latest version, Access Software Your friends with PCs don’t know what cold. So while PC F/A-18 Hornet is digitized Arnold Palmer; you can use his form as your alter ego or they’re missing. users can blast so realistic that play against him as one of four other characters. (Other golfers and Escape Velocity: Override is less a their friends out of you’ll stare in continues page 68

66 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 67 Next year’s Hall of Fame hopefuls

es, 1998 was a great year for Macintosh games, and it seems that in 1999 iMac makes a the hits will just keep on coming. If you couldn’t get enough of Civilization Y II, then you’ll look forward to Microsoft’s , due in early 1999. Build your civilization up from the early days in mud huts and conquer the world with your military, enslave it with economic superiority, or dazzle play for gamers it with your technological advances. A game about total conquest from the folks at Microsoft? We’re shocked! Even as Bungie Software accepts this year’s trophy for Myth: The Fallen Lords, the company is hard at work on a sequel, Myth II: Soulblighter, which should arrive just in time for the holidays. Myth II promises more tactical combat action and features more detailed maps, indoor combat, map-creation tools, and (thankfully) a simplified interface. In 1999, Bungie plans on staking out some new ground with Oni, a third-person game that fuses martial-arts fighting with gunplay. Fans of A-10 Attack know that when it comes to flight simulators, Parsoft means business. Fighter Squadron: The Screamin’ Demons over Europe simulates air combat over Europe during World War II. Players can fly a number of American, British, and German planes, from Mustangs to Messerschmitts. Parsoft will release the A Soul-blighter warrior (left) and Windows PC version (to dwarf (above) be published by Activision) near the end of 1998 and A screamin’ demon in flight. follow up with a Mac version. Multiple Hall The X-Files Game of Fame /8.4 inductee magine yourself running alongside agents Fox Mulder and Dana Blizzard I Scully, caught in the web of creepy conspiracies that make The X- Entertainment Files a smash TV hit. The X-Files Game, from Fox Interactive, puts you has promised right into a never-before-seen X-Files adventure as Craig Willmore, follow-up an FBI agent. hen Apple announced the low-cost iMac, the releases to both What’s impressive about this game is its incredible use of Game Hall of Fame executive committee Diablo and QuickTime video. The video’s high-quality production seems to threw a party.Why? In the eyes of the Hall, a Starcraft. Diablo II match that of the show itself – the dimly lit world on your computer W consumer Mac is a gaming Mac. And now that we’ve and the Starcraft: screen is consistent with the show’s dark and eerie ambience. And Brood War most of the show’s main players make had a chance to spend some quality time with an iMac, expansion pack are appearances as well, including agents we know that’s the truth. also both expected Mulder and Scully; their boss, Skinner; The iMac has everything the average Mac gamer in 1999. the wackily enigmatic Lone Gunmen; needs. It’s fast:The iMac’s 233MHz chip is the lowest on and the evilly enigmatic Cigarette the PowerPC 750 totem pole, but all the G3 chips are Smoking Man. The result is probably the most much faster than the older PowerPC CPU’s.Even better, authentic movie – or television – the iMac comes with 3D– acceleration hardware built courses are spin-off game I’ve ever played. in. It isn’t cutting-edge, but for most of the games available as add- What’s not impressive is the shipping through the next year, it’ll be fine. on packs.) game play itself. Too many Apple also packed plenty of fringe benefits. There’s Our favourite times I wanted to fast-forward part about Links, past tedious sections and get adequate RAM, a big hard drive, and a fast CD-ROM. though, is the way back to the action. X-Files The 15-inch display is sharp and bright, and the it mirrors the fans will wish this were less speakers kick out good sound.There’s built-in ethernet actual game of of an adventure game and for network play over a LAN, and a fast-as-it-gets golf. Both games more of an interactive 56Kbps modem for connecting to the Internet. The require a patient, movie. Still, the attention contemplative to detail makes The X-Files Universal Serial Bus,or USB,is also a boon.Joystick and approach. Use too Game an intriguing gift for the X-phile other game-input-device companies can now make a much force, and on your holiday gift list. Mac version simply by writing a software driver. the next sound Why it’s cool: Superb connection to TV original. The hard-core gamers will howl for faster you’ll hear is a ball crashing through the treetops. At least with Links Who it’s for: X-philes and wannabe feds. processors and zippier 3D hardware, but you’d be LS, you don’t have to go hunt for it. From: Fox Interactive, www.foxinteractive.com; $55. Why it’s cool: Eye-popping realism, from the graphics to the frustration hard-pressed to buy a significantly more capable of a flubbed putt. All games prices published here are inclsuive of VAT. system for even twice the iMac’s cost. Take it from the Who it’s for: Duffers upset that their local course doesn’t let them play Game Hall of Fame – the iMac rocks. after dark. There’s more! From: Access; MacGold, 01723 582 100; www.accesssoftware.com; £41.95. Network gaming report from page 70

68 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 69 Rules of engagement

Network gaming fter years of playing against unfeeling Quake Deathmatch or Myth battle, for someone of cheating, try talking to that computer opponents, it can be difficult example – player killing is a strict no-no. If person about it after the game. If that aming has always been a social affair. configure, there are a few tricks that will help lines, outfit your system with the fastest A for newbie network gamers to you and your friends have agreed on a co- doesn’t work and you think this rapscallion From Og, Gak, and Urd, who rolled you on your way to gaming glory. We can’t modem possible. For inter-office gaming, on remember that the pixelated creatures on operative Diablo exploration, it isn’t cool to may be a problem for other players (and G boulders at carefully arranged guarantee that you’ll become the Monarch of the other hand, chances are you’ll be using their Mac’s screen represent human beings – plant a few arrows in your buddy’s back. you’re playing a server-based game, such as mastodon bones by the local tar pit, to Lord Myth or the Queen of Quake, but we can help the existing ethernet network and won’t human beings with memories and the Don’t take your ball and go home. If Myth or Diablo), consider turning the rogue Fanfiral and Lady Margraine, engaged in a you take the first vital step: getting into the need to add any more networking capacity to hold a grudge. The days of you’re participating in a game and losing, it’s in to the proper authorities. If the cheater is trying evening of whist, gamers have game.Since you can’t play computer games equipment to your Mac. fragging your friends and gunning down definite poor form to break your network someone in your office – and you have other gathered in groups. Isn’t it odd, then, that without a computer, let’s begin there. Most Finally, you should have a pair of external your wingman for the sheer joy of it are over connection. reasons for wanting to see the last of the until recently, computer gaming was largely contemporary computer games simply speakers or a set of headphones and, if the if you expect your network-gaming career to Cheating is for losers; don’t do it. little sneak – anonymously report that a single-person pastime? require some variety of Power Mac, although game merits it, a joystick – buy one with be long and fruitful. Want to stay in the Regrettably, there are a lot of smart folks person to the boss for playing games on Thank heavens those lonely days are first-generation systems, such as the 6100, enough buttons to get the job done (see game? Then remember the following: who can figure out ways to cheat their way company time, and practice your best “Who gone. Now you can eschew drab, computer- 7100, and 8100, balk at processor-intensive Macworld’s reviews of kand gamepads, Unless it’s the point of the game – a through a network game. If you suspect me?!” look. controlled opponents and instead challenge games such as Bungie Software’s Myth and December 1998). unpredictable, flesh-and-blood adversaries. MacSoft’s Quake. Once you have the right gear, there are But how to go about it? Although most In order to get the most out of Internet several ways you can get in on the action, network games are relatively easy to and head-to-head games played over phone writes Christopher Breen.

Head-to head Mac Mac The simplest network connection pits you head-to-head against a Mac (with internal modem) single opponent. Head-to-head games are played over a two-way connection, via either a serial or modem-to-modem link. Joystick Although using a serial connection is the least-expensive way to Phone Company play network games, it requires that the two computers be in close proximity. To make the connection on two Macs, just plug a serial cable (sometimes known as an ImageWriter or StyleWriter cable) into the printer or modem port on each Mac. Turn on AppleTalk for Mac both machines, and the physical connection is complete. Once you’re in the game, you’ll need to establish a serial link via Apple’s Mac Communications Toolbox. In the Connection Settings dialogue box, Mac Modem choose Serial Tool as the connection method, select the port the Mac HOST is connected to (Printer or Modem), and set the baud rate to 57600. The baud rate for both Macs must match. Ethernet Hub You can also play head-to-head via modem with most modern networked games. Games that support modem play also employ the Joystick Communications Toolbox. When you select Modem under a game’s Mac networking options, the Connection Settings dialogue box appears. HOST Mac In this dialogue box, you select the variety of modem you’re using from the Modem pull-down menu; the baud rate of your modem; incoming call. Unlike serial connections, modems can negotiate and the port your modem is connected to. differing baud rates, so the two Macs’ baud rates need not match. Most modern network games that support modem play allow you Some older games, such as Bungie’s Marathon, don’t directly to choose whether you’ll initiate or receive a call. Initiators enter support modem play, but you can still make the connection using Joe their opponent’s phone number in the Dial Phone Number field and Kloss’s NetLink Remote, a network extension that allows you to use click on OK to make the connection. If you’re the receiver, enter your AppleTalk networking over a modem connection. You can find modem settings and click on OK, and your modem will wait for an NetLink Remote at www.macdownload.com. Network gaming tips Network only two Macs. You can find the schematic for such a cable Myth: The Fallen Lords There are lots of players who cheat on enough armour and health to survive the Head-to-head gaming is fine for two-person grudge matches, but at http://cafe.AmbrosiaSW.com/netgames/network101.html#chap. Games such as Steal the Bacon and battle.net. To avoid them, play with your explosion, you’ll be propelled far into the air. when you want to go up against the heartless harridans in Human To configure the Mac OS for networking, consult the step-by-step Territories favour those with the fastest friends and password-protect your games. Resources who denied your workers’ comp claim – and do so without instructions in Apple’s Help system. While configuring the OS can be troops. If playing on a large map, consider If you have two Macs, play a game via Other 3D shooters venturing onto the Web – network gaming is the means to that end. a little confusing, configuring most games for a network connection trading in your Thrall for speedier forces. AppleTalk to build up one character’s You’ll find that you’re more agile if you Although Mac games such as Blizzard Entertainment’s WarCraft II is simplicity itself. Remember that Ghôls can pick up and use attributes, inventory, and bank account. use a mouse in addition to the keyboard. can be played across a LocalTalk network, game performance is After each person has launched a copy of a network game, the items littering the landscape. Have your Unreal requires that you use the mouse for anything but perky. To get the most out of modern Mac games, you person who is designated the host selects the game’s Host option. Ghôls pick up Wight remains – they’ll use Quake many actions – you’ll grow to appreciate it. need a Fast Ethernet connection. If you’re playing in an office, you’re The other players then choose the game’s Join option, and the fun them to paralyze opposing troops and then As you run away from your enemy, find a Learn the levels before engaging in pretty much set – configure the game and play on, Macduff. If you’re begins. attack the unmoving enemy. 90° turn, and just before you make the turn, network play. Know where the hidden areas trying this at home or setting up a small office, listen up: Most Power If you’re working in an office, your business may have unwittingly Those who occupy higher ground have fire a couple of grenades at the wall in front are; where you can pick off your opponents Macs bear some variety of ethernet connector – either 10BaseT or provided you with one of the great network-gaming accessories – the advantage. of you.The grenades will bounce off the wall with impunity; and most important, where AAUI. If your Macintosh lacks on-board ethernet, you can add an speakerphones. Nothing adds to the thrill of the hunt like hearing and, with luck, put the hurt on your pursuer. the armor and health power-ups are located. ethernet card if you have a free NuBus, PCI, or – for PowerBook your victims howl with rage after you’ve administered Quake’s Diablo Learn to rocket jump. This is similar to Learn to circle strafe. To do so, keep your owners – CardBus slot. “missile massage” and scattered their virtual giblets from one side of Make a backup of your Diablo multiplayer Marathon’s grenade hop technique. Simply opponent in sight and simultaneously step Other than ethernet cables, the final link in the ethernet chain is the game to the other. It’s a damn shame that the big cheeses in most files before you log on to battle.net. If you’re run forward, and while facing down, launch a left and turn right. This makes you tough to a hub – a box that coordinates the packets of information that flow offices look askance at this type of innocent fun. killed you can restore your old character. rocket at your feet while jumping.If you have hit while you’re pouring on the damage. among the Macs connected to the network. Alternatively, you can bypass a hub and use an ethernet cable if you’re connecting continues page 72

70 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 71 Server Mac

PC HOST

PC

Mac

Mac

Modem/Internet Connection

Internet in a fragfest log on to that server to play the game. To configure Because the Great Overseers of most businesses frown on game play Quake on your Mac, select the Multiplayer option, choose Join during office hours, you may need to seek network-gaming Game, and enter the IP address of one of the many Quake servers challenges elsewhere. Thankfully, you need scattered among the continents. You look no further than the Internet. can find a list of Quake servers at Despite what you’ve heard, Internet gaming www.gameaholic.com/servers/quake/. The isn’t a recent phenomenon. For years, people For years, people have been playing Unreal CD-ROM includes an have been playing online versions of such board application called UnrealFinder, a games as chess, backgammon, and hearts. And online versions of such board games utility for locating Unreal games on the text-based Dungeon and Dragons–style fantasy Net. You can also play many games on games (known as Multiuser Dungeons, or as chess, backgammon, and hearts. Kali, a popular cross-- MUDs) have been around for nearly a decade. server system. Kali can be reached at What is new is the number of commercial And text-based Dungeon and www.kali.net. games that now include an Internet-based Another variety of server-based multiplayer component. Instead of throwing games are those hosted by the the gauntlet merely across the cubicle wall, you Dragons–style fantasy games companies that make them. Two such can now challenge players from across the services are bungie.net and battle.net. globe. Your weapons include such games as (known as Multiuser Dungeons, or Bungie.net is the home of the online Myth, Quake, Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo, version of Myth: The Fallen Lords and WarCraft II, Access Software’s Links LS, Graphic MUDs) have been around for Myth II: Soulblighter. Battle.net is Simulations’ F/A-18 Hornet, MacPlay’s Descent, Blizzard Entertainment’s host service and MacSoft’s and Master of nearly a decade. for Net-based Diablo and StarCraft Orion II. games. The advantage of having games There are a few different ways to play hosted on a central server is that you commercial games across the Internet. Games such as Links LS and can always find other people to play with. Additionally, because these MacSoft’s Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior allow you to enter servers are the source for online play for specific games, players can in the TCP/ IP address of your fellow players. Once you enter those be ranked. This allows combatants to carefully select opponents with addresses, the game makes the connection across the Net. Of course, similar skill levels and makes it possible to hold Champion of the if your TCP/IP address is assigned dynamically (meaning that you’re World competitions. Bungie.net can be found at www.bungie.net, and assigned a new address each time you connect to your ISP), you must battle.net resides at http://battle.net. first log on to the Internet and then provide your address to your Whether you prefer the intimacy of head-to-head exchanges or friends. Using chat software to exchange this information in a chat the kind of multiplayer melees found in a network and in Internet room can save you the trouble of placing long-distance phone calls to games, this much is clear: Mac gaming is no longer a lonely fellow players. enterprise. Join us – you’re just in time for the game. Online games of MacSoft’s Quake and Unreal are server-based – Contributing Editor Christopher Breen coauthored The Macintosh meaning that a fast server hosts the game and that players interested Bible Guide to Games (Peachpit Press, 1996).

72 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Pay and display

Mid-sized monitors have plummeted in price. By David Fanning

wo screens play a big part in most of our lives: the TV screen and the screen that sits on your Editors’ Choice desk. We probably spend more time staring at these than we Tdo sleeping. So, just as you wouldn’t plump La Cie electron 19 blue for a lilo as your bed of choice, it makes Macworld Rating /8.3 patent good sense to spend some time – and money – choosing a suitable desktop This is virtually identical to the pal. This month, we look at a selection of Misubishi Diamond Pro 900U,with mid-sized monitors – a category comprising its flat screen, but it has added 17-inch and 19-inch models. features that are well worth the Monitors smaller than 17 inches should extra £35. really be banished to server duty or perhaps act as support monitors to hold tool palettes for larger models. If you’re buying a new Mac – not an iMac, for obvious reasons – and you’re choosing a monitor, don’t consider anything less than 17 inches. The cost of a mid-size monitor is now roughly the same as a 15-inch monitor was a couple of years ago. The visible image on the new 19-inch models is just over 18 inches, and a fraction under 16 inches for the 17-inch models. Of course, the larger the monitor the more space you have to let your creative urges flow. Large monitors are also more likely to have high-end features, such as colour matching and hardware calibration. The mid-range monitors we’re looking at here, though, are a great half-way house: big enough to be used for most graphics applications yet small enough to be used tube) as the £349 Hansol Magellan 900P, at home without dominating the room. which makes the price tag difficult to If you’re used to using a 14- or 15-inch justify. Hansol has the least expensive monitor, the extra screen size will feel monitors in both categories. The 17-inch luxurious. Magellan won the Editors’ Choice award Prices for this range of monitors start two years ago, so it’s a good monitor, at just over £200 for a 17-inch model and although less than cutting edge now. £350 for the 19-inch models. This is great value for money, especially when you Tube test consider that just a year ago prices were All the monitors tested achieved high scores double that. It’s still possible to pay as in quality. The only models that suffered much as £645 for a 19-inch monitor – the problems were those using Sony Trinitron Cornerstone P1400 for example. This isn’t tubes. These models offer superior contrast a reflection of superior quality, just the but experience problems with convergence. company being slow to adjust prices in a This manifests itself as coloured shadows fast and competitive market. The P1400 and poorly-defined edges, particularly

PHOTOGRAPHY:MIKE LAYE/SCREEN IMAGES COURTESY OF PHOTODISC (SCREEN IMAGES ARE SUPERIMPOSED,SO PICTURE QUALITY). (SCREEN IMAGES DENOTE DO NOT OF PHOTODISC COURTESY IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY:MIKE LAYE/SCREEN seems to use the same CRT (cathode ray continues page 76

Macworld JANUARY 1999 75 towards the corners. can to monitor design. I expect to see You can use the flat-screen monitors appearing in other controls to minimize sizes – both bigger and smaller – in 1999. the effects of poor In testing the monitors we examined convergence and, a number of key points. First, and most when you’re dealing important, is image quality, which was with things like marked on contrast and colour quality. photographic images, To judge the contrast, we looked at a you won’t see it. But greyscale image that used the full range of for text or spreadsheet greys. In this image the difference between work it can be a the darkest and lightest areas should be as distraction. The big as possible. If a monitor has poor shadow-mask models contrast the blacks appear grey and, traditionally have at the other end of the scale, the whites less contrast than are not bright enough. The Trinitron and aperture-grille Diamondtron monitors are generally best monitors. However, when it comes to contrast. in our tests the This is because the thin wires used to difference, though mask the phosphor coating on the CRT do noticeable, was minor. not hold back much light. This means that The future of the glass used can be tinted more so that monitor technology the blacks appear very black. Shadow-mask is flatter and thinner monitors use a screen with holes rather screens. Already than wires to mask the phosphor, and Super Sonic? Mitsubishi has achieved the totally flat this cuts out more of the light. This means The ViewSonic PT775 gives good picture but is slightly screen seen, as seen with its Diamond that less tint can be used in the glass, expensive at £405. Pro 900U. It’s both vertically and and consequently less contrast is possible. horizontally flat, and offers greatly Colour quality is more difficult to assign, reduced reflection. The same tube can as it’s very much a matter of opinion as also be found in the La Cie electron 19 to what colours are truly correct. A few blue and the Iiyama Vision Master Pro 450. companies actually supply the means Screens can get no flatter, but can still to calibrate the monitor, and the Apple take up a lot of desk space. In the next monitor is even capable of calibrating itself. couple of years you’ll see many more LCD We also looked at aesthetics. Remember, flat-panel displays, which are both flat and you’ll have to stare at this box for hours just a few inches deep. Already there are on end, so you may as well have a 14- and 15-inch models flooding the market curvy number rather than the computer and prices are falling rapidly. equivalent of a Sixties tower block. As time goes on, larger models will become available and current teething In control troubles will be addressed. Problems Control is also an important consideration. Good looker include less-than-perfect text reproduction Controls should be simple to use but The NEC MultiSync E900+ is an attractive model.. and limited colour ranges. capable of all the adjustments necessary It’s rumoured that to get a perfect picture. Ideally, you should Apple is working on need to get involved with controls only the next generation when setting the monitor up. So, when of the curvy Studio buying a monitor you should not judge Display that may be as the controls too harshly. big as 18 inches. This The look of the monitor and features, would offer a work such as simple controls or a flat screen, area equivalent to a combine to make the overall score. The 19-inch CRT. Other combination of the scores for contrast, sources have colour and features is weighted against suggested that Apple price in deciding the star ratings. This may stop making is the best guide for deciding on what CRT-based monitors monitor to buy. altogether. Lets face it, Another figure I have included in the if Steve Jobs can take table is the dot/stripe-pitch. While this credit as the first guy information can be of some help, you to kill off floppy should understand the difference. The drives, maybe he also figure refers to the distance between the has plans to give dots on a shadow-mask screen or, in the old fashioned glass case of an aperture-grille screen, the screens the boot. distance between stripes. The smaller the Before that distance, the sharper the image should be. happens, I The problem with comparisons is that the expect monitor dot-pitch is generally a larger number manufacturers because the dots are spaced diagonally. to continue to Stripe-pitch may have a lower number, but bring whichever not necessarily a sharper image. enhancements they continues page 78

76 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Mid-sized monitors: view from the bridge

MANUFACTURER PRODUCT STAR RATING PRICE SIZE (INCHES) CRT TYPE DOT/STRIPE PITCH (MM) SCAN RATE* (Hz) CONTRAST COLOUR FEATURES DIMENSIONS (MM) COMMENTS DISTRIBUTOR TELE NO. Hansol 700P /8.2 £ 209 17 Shadow-mask 0.26 100 7.4 7.8 7.1 428-x-415-x-442 Old model but still a bargain. Hansol 01252 360 400 Samsung SyncMaster 700s Plus /8.1 £ 219 17 Shadow-mask 0.28 85 7.5 7.7 7.4 424-x-446-x-425 Cheap,but has low refresh rate. Samsung 0181 391 0168 Maxdata Belinea 10 70 50 /7.8 £ 259 17 Diamondtron 0.25 100 7.5 7.8 6.1 420-x-415-x-445 Cheapest Diamondtron model. Maxdata 0118 936 2900 Formac ProNitron 17/700 /7.5 £ 279 17 Trinitron 0.25 100 8.0 8.0 6.2 406-x-432-x-420 Great picture,ugly casing. Formac 0181 533 4040 Iiyama Visionmaster Pro 400 /7.6 £ 329 17 Diamondtron 0.25 100 8.0 7.6 7.0 412-x-424-x-420 Good contrast. Iiyama 01438 745 48 Nokia 447XPro /7.7 £ 349 17 Trinitron 0.25 100 7.7 7.8 7.4 428-x-424-x-445 Trinitron CRT with good controls. Nokia 01793 512 809 ViewSonic PT775 /7.5 £ 405 17 Diamondtron 0.25 100 7.7 7.8 6.4 415-x-427-x-457 Good picture,slightly expensive. ViewSonic 0800 833 648 Eizo FlexScan 56 /7.2 £ 409 17 Shadow-mask 0.26 100 6.8 7.4 6.0 410-x-413-x-439 Average performance,pricey. PDS 01483 719 500 Sony 200PS /7.3 £ 419 17 Trinitron 0.25 100 8.0 8.0 6.0 406-x-432-x-420 Great picture,basic controls. Sony 0990 111 999 CornerStone Color 40/95 /6.9 £ 425 17 Shadow-mask 0.27 100 7.8 8.0 6.1 410-x-416-x-441 Good picture,too pricey. CornerStone 01954 232 500 Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 700E /7.7 £ 425 17 Diamondtron 0.25 100 7.8 7.8 7.9 410-x-431-x-425 Great all-rounder,pricey. Mitsubishi 0800 731 1222 Apple Apple ColorSync Display /7.9 £ 530 17 Trinitron 0.26 75 8.1 8.4 9.0 425-x-410-x-455 Great performer,should be cheaper. Apple 0870 600 6010 Case in point The Formac ProNitron 17/700 – great picture, shame Hansol 900P /7.9 £ 349 19 Shadow-mask 0.26 100 7.4 7.6 7.0 468-x-499-x-483 Bargain. Hansol 01252 360 400 about the casing. Maxdata Belinea 10 60 70 /7.5 £ 409 19 Shadow-mask 0.25 100 7.9 8.0 6.5 448-x-454-x-415 Good-performing bargain. Maxdata 0118 936 2900 Samsung SyncMaster 900P /7.7 £ 429 19 Shadow-mask 0.25 100 8.0 7.9 7.0 468-x-499-x-483 Good deal,attractive case. Samsung 0181 391 01 Formac 19/500 /7.2 £ 449 19 Trinitron 0.25-0.27 100 8.2 7.4 6.0 444-x-467-x-453 Great picture,cheap. Formac 0181 533 4040 Iiyama Visionmaster Pro 450 /8.0 £ 449 19 Diamondtron 0.25-0.27 100 7.8 7.9 8.5 454-x-458-x-456 Cheapest flat screen. Iiyama 01438 745 482 Nokia 446XPro /7.8 £ 449 19 Shadow-mask 0.26 100 7.9 7.9 7.4 450-x-464-x-473 Good balance of quality and price. Nokia 01793 512 809 Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 900U /8.0 £ 475 19 Diamondtron 0.25-0.27 100 7.8 7.9 8.5 454-x-458-x-456 Flat and fab. Mitsubishi 0800 731 1222 La Cie electron 19 blue /8.3 £ 509 19 Diamondtron 0.25-0.27 100 7.8 7.9 8.9 454-x-458-x-456 Flat,blue and full of features. La Cie 0171 872 8000 ViewSonic PS790 /7.4 £ 525 19 Shadow-mask 0.25 100 8.0 7.8 6.4 448-x-454-x-415 Good picture. ViewSonic 0800 833 648 NEC MultiSync E900+ /7.8 £ 549 19 Shadow-mask 0.26 100 7.7 7.9 7.8 447-x-462-x-482 Good picture,attractive case. CAE 01923 210 923 Sony 400PS /7.2 £ 549 19 Trinitron 0.25-0.27 100 8.2 7.4 6.0 444-x-467-x-453 Great picture,pricey. Sony 0990 111 999 Eizo FlexScan F67 /7.3 £ 579 19 Shadow-mask 0.26 100 7.7 7.8 6.5 452-x-455-x-478 Too expensive. PDS 01483 719 500 CornerStone P1400 /7.5 £ 645 19 Shadow-mask 0.22 * horizontal 100 7.9 7.8 7.4 448-x-454-x-460 Way too expensive. CornerStone 01954 232 500 * Scan Rate at a resolution of 1,024-x-768 pixels

One way that shadow-mask monitor so seemingly similar monitors may be quite its flat screen, but it has added features. It ColorSync deserves a special mention for manufacturers tackle this problem is different. When you’re looking at monitors includes colorific colour-matching software being so loaded with features. Its self- by giving the distance between dots it’s fairly easy to get an idea who the CRT and a hood to reduce glare and reflection. calibrating software is pure genius, though horizontally. This lets them win the manufacturer is. If the screen is curved both It also comes in dark La Cie blue, a nice the monitor itself has been around for a numbers game – but these numbers are vertically and horizontally, even slightly, change from the normal grey. It does cost while. Its age shows, particularly when meaningless, as few manufacturers use this then that denotes a shadow-mask CRT. If £35 more than the £475 Mitsubishi version, you look at the maximum scan rate. At just measurement. Cornerstone has used this the monitor in question is a 19-inch model but I think it’s worth the extra. If you’re not 75Hz it shows a tendancy to flick slightly, method of measurement to achieve an the chances are that the CRT is Hitachi- convinced by the extras, then Iiyama has a especially compared with newer models All rounder amazing 0.22mm dot pitch, which may made. similar model to the Mitsubishi for £26 less. that handle 100Hz plus. This is currently The Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 700E is a great all-rounder. catch out some unwary punters. Be aware The curvature on this screen is slight, These flat-screen models are very the only Apple monitor available, except that the correct figure is quite different to the goldfish bowls of old. attractive and are by no means the most for the LCD Studio Display. around 0.26mm. If the screen is 17-inches and curved then expensive of the bunch. Other more The one monitor that stood out was Pay to view The monitor market is the manufacturer could be one of many. expensive models are available from Sony, the La Cie electron 19 blue. It has all the The Apple ColorSync performs well but is over-priced. incestuous, with only a If the screen is vertically flat but has a NEC, Eizo, ViewSonic and Cornerstone. features of the Misubishi model plus some handful of companies slight horizontal curve it’s an aperture-grille These are very good monitors but none extras. It is these extras that make it the producing CRTs. This CRT. Most likely it will be a Sony CRT, boast the features offered by the Misubishi Editors’ Choice, despite the extra £35 they means many of the though Mitsubishi produces the CRT. With this in mind, it’s difficult to cost. In fact, any of the Misubishi-based manufacturers use the DiamondTron CRT, which shares many of recommend the more expensive models. models make a good choice. If cash is a big same tube. This, though, the same characteristics. If the screen is flat It’s possible that the price we have been consideration both the Hansol models offer doesn’t necessarily mean both vertically and horizontally then the given may be higher than the street price great value. Of the monitors we tested there that the monitors are CRT is the new DiamondTron NF (Naturally available to careful shoppers. If you can were no duff models. Some are in need of identical. It’s not just the Flat) from Mitsubishi. get them cheaper they are still worth a price drop, but they all performed to a plastic casing that can considering. pretty high standard. They are so close that differ; the electronic Value of resellers At the lower end of the price scale you you can afford to get choosy about less components are likely to Just because the manufacturer may have will find that the cheapest models in both important things, like how they look. be different too. Even if all bought the CRT from somebody else doesn’t 17- and 19-inch categories are from Hansol. You may even wish to check on the these things are identical, mean that the manufacturer’s own model It’s difficult to find fault with such a good prices of LCD flat-panel displays. They the manufacturing process is the best. The point of using reseller deal. If you’re happier with a better known look great and the prices are still in freefall. can produce monitors with products is to give the product added value. name then Samsung offers a 17-inch model It’s only a matter of time before they different characteristics. This is best demonstrated with the La Cie for just a few extra pounds. I don’t think are as cheap as glass monitors. Perhaps Quality control and electron 19 blue. This is virtually identical you’re getting a better monitor though. next year I’ll be including them in the standard settings differ, to the Misubishi Diamond Pro 900U, with In the 17-inch category, the Apple same feature. MW

78 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 79 media

create graphics Batch of the day DeBabelizer is the ultimate image manipulator. By Jim Heid

oday’s designer wears more hats than a millinery model. In addition to producing printed materials, you might also be involved in Web-site and TCD-ROM projects. Where graphics and images are concerned, each medium has its own unique requirements – colour catalogues need high-resolution images, for instance, while Web sites need fast-downloading ones. These disparate requirements probably force you to spend more time than you’d like just converting files. Open a high- resolution TIFF file, shrink it down for the Web, save it as a JPEG; rinse and repeat. But there is a way to automate this grunt work. Designers and multimedia producers have long sworn by Equilibrium’s DeBabelizer, the ultimate graphics- manipulation and file-conversion utility (CU, 0181 358 5857; £375; v.3.0.1 reviewed Macworld, June 1998: /8.2). DeBabelizer can open and save every major graphics file format and most of the minor ones. It lets you apply quality- JENNIFER JESSEE optimized colour palettes, tweak brightness and contrast, crop and resize, and much Before swearing by DeBabelizer, many more. Best of all, you can automate these processes and apply them to designers find themselves swearing at it. an entire collection of images. But before swearing by DeBabelizer, many designers find themselves swearing better, the utility can examine a collection at it. It’s ironic that visually oriented people of images and create a single colour palette must rely on a program that can be ugly that best reflects their colours. You can then and awkward, has cluttered dialogue boxes, apply this SuperPalette to the images. and makes you use the Open command to DeBabelizer also excels at dithering, delete a file. the process of combining coloured dots in DeBabelizer’s beauty lies beneath its patterns to simulate other hues. Dithering rough exterior, and the best way to break is an essential part of the bit-depth- through that exterior is in small steps. What reduction process, and DeBabelizer follows is a road map for mastering the offers more control over dithering than product’s automation features, with a any image editor. sidebar (“Put your file conversion on What’s more, while the batch features autopilot” on the next page) showing how in image editors are limited to manipulating to tackle a common conversion scenario. the contents of a single folder, DeBabelizer’s autopilot can transcend a single folder and The DeBabelizer difference even a single computer. All image-editing programs can convert You can, for instance, set up a drop between file formats, resize images, and folder on a file server, and then tell reduce bit depth; many also have batch DeBabelizer to monitor that folder so that modes that let you automate these tasks. whenever anyone tosses an image into it, a So why grapple with a program as arcane batch process executes. This can be a boon as DeBabelizer? to large shops where several designers are For one, DeBabelizer’s ability to create working on their own sets of images. custom colour palettes is unmatched. Even Continues page 86

Macworld JANUARY 1999 85 media Put your file converson on AutoPilot

ere’s a common scenario that screams for You’ll also need to lighten the images slightly so they E Action arrow – drag it to the BatchList window’s Open button B Specifies the gamma correction you want to apply to the image. I to apply the script to the batch list, or drag to an open image’s used 1.2, but you’ll want to experiment to find the best value for H DeBabelizer’s batch-processing talents: You’ve just display well under Microsoft Windows, where images window to apply the script to the image. your images. finished producing a lavish four-colour catalogue. appear darker than on Macs. F Target button – drag an image’s icon to this button to apply C Saves the gamma-corrected images in JPEG format.When double- Now you need to adapt its images for use on the Web What’s more, you’ll want to create a thumbnail version the script to the image. clicking on this command, use the resulting Save dialogue box to G Turns WatchMe mode on and off. specify the JPEG format and the destination folder (in this and for your company’s sales force to plop into of any image whose horizontal dimension is wider than H Controls script playback. example, the folder named JPEG Files). presentations and word processing documents. For the 300 pixels; on the final Web site, you’ll link these I Deletes the currently selected script line(s). D Scales the image down if its horizontal dimension is greater Web, you’ll need to convert your original, high-resolution thumbnails to their larger counterparts. Finally, you’ll need J Allows you to rename the script. than 300 pixels. The indented commands within this IF-THEN statement execute only if the condition is true. TIFF images into JPEG format. colour PICT files. Here’s how to make it all happen.

4 Add some commands 1 Set up your folders 3 Create an automation script To insert the script’s commands, use the mini menu bar at the Create three folders to hold the final, converted images: The most complex part of any DeBabelizer automation chore top of the Script window. After inserting a command, you must JPEG Files,Thumbnail JPEG Files, and PICT Files. is deciding which approach to take and testing that approach. double-click on its name in the Script window to specify the For this project’s rather complex requirements, we’ll create a single script command’s settings. named Convert Files.Choose Script from the Window menu,then click on For example, after inserting the Gamma Control command, 2 Set up a batch list the New Script button (C) to clear the Script window’s contents and double-click on it to specify the gamma settings you want to apply. DeBabelizer’s BatchList window lets you set up lists of files to be create a new script.Name the new script Convert Files.(You can apply the Here’s a guide to each of the script’s key areas, along with some converted. There are several ways to add files to a batch list, but the Convert Files script to a single image by dragging the image’s icon from details on how to set them up. easiest is to open the folder containing the files, select the files, and then the Finder to the Script window’s target button, the small bull’s-eye. This drag them to the BatchList window. is a handy way to convert and scale just one image.)

To insert the If statement, choose IF from the Script window’s Extras mini A A menu, then double-click on the If statement and configure its dialogue E F B B box as shown. C For the Scale command, use the Fit Into Size action to maintain the D C J image’s original aspect ratio. For the Save As command, specify the JPEG D D format and the folder named Thumbnail JPEG Files. After inserting and tweaking these commands, end the IF-THEN statement by choosing ENDIF from the Script window’s E Extras mini menu. F E Reverts to the original image in preparation for the final step. F Saves the image as a PICT file. The destination folder is PICT Files. After you’ve created the script, click on the Script window’s Save icon. E F G H I A Controls the desired quality setting for the JPEG images. A BC 5 Apply the script A Menu of commands you can add to the script. To add this command, use the Script window’s mini menu bar To apply the script to the batch list, drag the action arrow to the BatchList A Opens the files in this batch list. B Switches between scripts. to choose JPEG,JFIF from the Writers submenu,which is within the window’s Open button, then sit back and relax while DeBabelizer B Performs batch-automation operations on those files. C Clears the script window. Preferences submenu of the File menu (whew!). In the JPEG Save crunches through each image. C Removes the selected file(s) from the batch list. D Saves the script. Options dialogue box, be sure to click in the Skip Dialogue check D Saves this batch list. box so this command’s dialogue box doesn’t appear every time a E Creates a new batch list. new image is opened. F Allows you to rename the batch list.

Unlike image editors, DeBabelizer also in various ways. One of the challenges window to insert statements manually via AppleScript. You can save completed As a general rule, look to the Batch supports conditional processing: you can behind automating the utility is choosing the mini menu bar. But an easier way is DeBabelizer scripts in AppleScript form Automation window first. It can handle specify that a task be performed only if the right mix of options for the job. to use the voyeuristically named WatchMe and modify them to automate not only the most common conversion and certain conditions are true. The above Batch automation Eight built-in feature, which records your actions and DeBabelizer, but other programs as well. manipulation jobs. sidebar shows this capability in action; automation routines can handle the most saves them as a script. This is a terrific You might, for example, create a script that If you need an extra measure of it details how to set up the program so it common format-conversion and image- way to create simple scripts and to flesh converts a series of images for the Web and batch-processing power – IF-THEN tests, automatically creates a thumbnail version manipulation tasks. If you need to convert out the overall structure of complex ones. then uses Fetch to send them to a service for example – then try writing a script of any image whose horizontal dimension between file formats, create custom colour ProScripts DeBabelizer ships with provider. and executing it within a Batch Automation is larger than 300 pixels. palettes, or generate contact sheets a collection of canned scripts that perform routine. containing thumbnail versions of images, common tasks, such as mapping a collection Developing an automation style In the end, there’s often no right or Choosing an automation option the Batch menu’s Batch Automation of images to the Netscape colour palette As you work with DeBabelizer’s batch- wrong way to approach a batch-processing Fleshing out a DeBabelizer batch-processing command should be your starting point. and then saving them as GIF files. processing features, you’ll find there are chore. What counts is that you succeed in job is a form of programming. You don’t Scripts A script is a series of These ProScripts live in a folder named often many paths to the same end. automating the tasks at hand – and that actually peck out lines of program code, but commands that DeBabelizer executes in DeBabelizer 3 ProScripts; to use them, Should you write a script and then you get home sooner than if you didn’t you do have to apply the same logical, sequence, much like a set of Actions in you must import them into DeBabelizer execute it within the Batch Automation have DeBabelizer. MW stepwise thought processes – thinking Adobe Photoshop. But DeBabelizer scripts via the Import command in the File window? Or should you use a script to through what you want to accomplish and pack far more automation power, including menu’s Import/Export DeBabelizer execute a particular Batch Automation A contributor to Macworld since then determining the best approach. supporting IF-THEN operations that execute Resources submenu. routine? Or do you forgo Batch Automation 1984, Jim Heid (www.heidsite.com) writes DeBabelizer offers several batch- only when certain conditions are true. AppleScripts DeBabelizer also entirely and use WatchMe to handle the and lectures on Web and multimedia processing options that can be combined You can create scripts by using the Script supports the Mac OS’s scripting language, entire project? development tools and techniques.

86 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 87 media

create web Buttons down pat Animate your rollovers. By Katherine Ulrich

ike rats in a lab, computer users done, you export your work as a movie. – from gamers to Web surfers – Flash buttons let users control the finished know what to do when they see film by starting and stopping playback, a button: click on it and wait going to a specific frame, and switching for something to happen. scenes. LWith Macromedia’s Flash 3, a £259 tool But buttons are more than a mechanism for creating vector-based animations, for moving viewers from place to place; designers can create buttons that give they can contain their own animations users not just rewards but also real control and form the foundation of sophisticated over multimedia and Web environments. interface elements, such as pull-down In the filmmaking metaphor of Flash’s menus. If you’ve already mastered the interface, you place objects and elements on fundamentals of creating Flash movies, a stage, make frame-by-frame animations in it’s time to bring your buttons to life. a timeline, and create scenes. When you’re continues page 90

To get a grip on how buttons work, jump right in and make your own Build a basic button simple button.You’ll need to create a new button symbol, then add graphics to its Up, Over, Down, and Hit frames.

1 Choose Insert: Create Symbol (F8). In the 2 The button timeline has just four frames: Symbol Properties dialogue box, enter a Up,Over,Down,and Hit.By default,Flash puts a name, select the Button behaviour, and click keyframe in the Up on OK to enter Edit Symbols mode. frame; you must add keyframes to place graphics in the Over, Down, and Hit frames. Click and hold in a frame to bring up the Frame menu.

3 Use a different graphic in each frame to give users feedback about the button.The Hit- 4 To see the button in action, choose Edit: frame graphic should be big enough to cover Edit Movie, drag a copy from the library to the the graphics in the other button states (turn stage (the visible area of your Flash movie),and on onion skinning to check); this Hit-frame select Control: Enable Buttons. The button is graphic needs to be enlarged. now live, changing as you move the mouse over it and click on it.

Another way to preview a button is TIP to select it in the Library window and click on the Play button (the right-pointing arrow at the top of the window).

Macworld JANUARY 1999 89 media

Button basics You can vary the animations slightly Animated buttons featuring movies To make a button in Flash, you first for each button state or change them Actions put buttons to work create an object called a symbol, a reusable completely. For example, a blinking At the heart of animated rollover buttons in Flash lie movie clips. element stored in a movie’s library. You can question mark might start to spin when How do you give users mouse control over a Flash movie? add actions to The process of making a movie clip is very similar to that of creating any modify the colour, brightness, transparency, the mouse rolls over it; clicking on the your buttons. By definition, buttons always respond to certain mouse and other attributes of a symbol each time button might make the question mark animation in Flash; the difference is that you start by creating a symbol. Here, you use it, but Flash downloads the basic change colour or shape. The trick lies events: move the mouse into the button area and Flash displays the Over we’ll create a simple animation that transforms an oval into a star burst. graphic just once. in creating a different movie clip for each frame; click on the button and Flash displays the Down frame.You can make Creating a button is similar to creating frame of the button (see “Animated buttons buttons respond to other mouse events by adding actions and setting the a regular Flash movie: you work with starring movies”). parameters of your choice. objects on a stage and frames in a timeline, Movie clips are really mini Flash movies; and you change the look of those objects they can contain all the elements of a by using keyframes (see “Build a basic regular movie. You can nest movie clips 1 Choose Insert: Create Symbol (F8), enter button”). But where regular movies inside other movie clips and even nest 1 Select an instance of the button on the a name, and select the Movie Clip behaviour. may have hundreds of frames that play buttons within movie clips. Because they stage and choose Modify: Instance (-I). Click on OK, and Flash brings up a new sequentially over time, buttons have loop continually within a single movie In the Actions tab of the Instance Properties timeline and stage. four frames that play in response to certain frame, you can use movie clips to create dialogue box, click on the plus sign mouse actions. The first three correspond buttons that stay animated even when and select On MouseEvent from the pop-up to the three possible button states: the movie containing them is paused. menu. Up (nothing is going on; the button is just sitting there waiting for someone to notice Buttons in Action it), Over (the mouse has moved into the Besides looking lively, buttons should button area), and Down (the user has do something. To make buttons work, you 2 The status bar (A) displays the name of clicked on the button). The fourth frame, need to assign them actions – embedded the symbol being edited; the filmstrip icon Hit, defines the boundary of the button. commands that control such things as means that this symbol has movie-clip Although it’s invisible to the end user, starting and stopping movie playback, going behaviour. Select frame 5 in the timeline and any solid graphic in the Hit frame becomes to a specific frame or screen, or linking to choose Insert: Blank Keyframe (F7). the active trigger for the button in the final a specified URL (see “Actions put buttons movie. The Hit graphic can be a copy of the to work”). Up, Over, or Down graphic; you can also You can assign actions to frames as well draw a shape enclosing all the elements as to buttons. In the case of frames, Flash 3 Place the oval in frame 1 of layer 1 and that make up the button and then fill executes an action as soon as the movie the star burst in frame 5. Turn on wireframe the shape with colour. You can even draw reaches the frame containing the action. onion skinning (B) to help position the a shape that doesn’t touch the Up, Over, Buttons, however, respond to mouse events. objects. Note: Shape tweens require that and Down graphics at all. For example, That’s why buttons offer one action not the beginning and ending objects sit directly an invisible square in the lower right corner available to frames – On MouseEvent – on the stage. If you’re working of the stage could trigger a circular button which lets you define the precise mouse with a grouped object or symbol, select that appears in the upper left corner. movement that triggers the button’s actions. it and choose Modify:Break Apart (-B).(You Note that you must attach actions to an 2 Select a mouse event under Parameters. may need to repeat the command several Button feedback instance of your button (a copy used in You can set multiple parameters for times until all components are We humans are like lab rats in another a movie), not to the frames that make a mouse event – for example, to make the at the stage level.) way: we rely on visual cues to tell us what up the button symbol itself. button respond to rollover as well as drag constitutes a button. In a straightforward To override the default On MouseEvent over. informational site, a button might look option, Release, select another parameter like something from the real world – say, in the Actions tab of the Modify Instances 4 Double-click on frame 1 to bring up a light switch or a volume knob. In more- dialogue box. Press responds to the Frame Properties. In the Tweening tab, whimsical sites or games, buttons might downward part of a click when the mouse select Shape tweening and the blend type be camouflaged as part of the scenery. is over a button. Release Outside responds Distributive (for rounded shapes) or Angular As the mouse moves over such a button, when the user clicks the mouse inside the (for shapes with corners). The default Easing a slight change in appearance or the button area but then moves the mouse setting keeps the rate at which the shapes triggering of a sound might be the only outside before letting go. Roll Over 3 Once you’ve set up the On MouseEvent transform consistent. indication of the graphic’s dual purpose. responds to the cursor’s rolling into parameters, click on the plus sign again to Flash 3’s button symbols make it easy the button area; Drag Over responds to choose the action the button will carry out. to provide visual feedback; you simply use the cursor’s moving into the button area Stringing actions together allows the button a different graphic for each of the button while the mouse button is down. Roll Out to respond differently to different mouse 5 Click on OK, and Flash creates the states. Flash also lets you associate sounds responds to the cursor’s moving out of events. For example, On (Release) might take in-between frames necessary to animate this with individual button frames. For buttons the button area; Drag Out responds to you to the next scene in the movie, whereas morphing oval. Press return to watch the that emulate real-world switches or toggles, the cursor’s moving out while the mouse On (Drag Out) loads a movie that displays a animation. you can attach a clicking sound to the button is down. help window. A single mouse event can also Down frame to add realism. For more- trigger several actions – for example,moving fanciful buttons, you might add sound Give buttons a whirl to another frame or scene in the current to the rollover frame to alert users to the The best way to get a handle on buttons movie and then loading a second movie. location of an interactive element. is to build some yourself. Start with a 6 Choose Edit: Edit Movie to return to Edit simple, static button that looks different Movie mode. Create two more movie clips. Buttons on the move in each state, then add movie clips and Now follow the steps in “Build a basic To move beyond static three-frame actions. With a little practice, you’ll soon button,” but this time place movie-clip buttons, you need Flash’s movie-clip be building buttons that amaze even the symbols in the first three frames. symbols – looping, self-contained most jaded multimedia rats. MW (Check out www.macworld.com/more/ for a animations that play within a single movie step-by-step tutorial on building a fully frame. Place a movie clip in the Up frame Macromedia Flash 3 is distributed by animated button.) of a button, and you’ve got an animation Computers Unlimited (0181 358 5857). that responds to the user’s mouse. www.macromedia.com

90 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 91 secrets Keep Office running

What to do when Office 98 misbehaves. By Ted Landau

he buzz on Microsoft Office 98 recent copies of the has become a deafening roar Office CD-ROM ship of approval: Office 98 is a vast with version 1.1, improvement over previous which fixes the bug. versions. But given the If you have version Tabundance of features, it’s not surprising 1.0, be sure to that the suite is still experiencing growing download the 1.1 pains. If you’re an Office user, or thinking upgrade from of becoming one, learn how to protect Microsoft’s Web yourself from the bugs you may encounter site (see

– before one of them bites you. “Bookmarks”). STAMPATORI RICCARDO

Remove Office 98 goes too far PowerPoint fails Problem If you want to uninstall Office to convert 98, one of your options is to use a utility Problem If you ever called Remove Office 98 (located in the need to convert a Administration Tools folder). This program PowerPoint 98 file to an does a clean sweep, removing virtually earlier version of the all traces of Office 98 files from your program, simply selecting the appropriate folder (Microsoft Office 98: Office: disk. Unfortunately, it can get overzealous translator from the pop-up menu in the Translators). and move your entire System Folder to Save dialogue box should work. If your file the Wastebasket. According to Microsoft, is a relatively large one, however, you may Word refuses to save this can happen only if an MS Library file get a “Memory full” error message when Problem Saving a Word 98 document named Microsoft Office 98 somehow winds you try to convert the file. usually works without a hitch. But Word up in the System Folder instead of in the Solution Surprisingly, increasing may occasionally refuse to save your Microsoft Office folder. Regardless, PowerPoint’s memory (in the Get Info document, claiming you have too many numerous users have run this utility and window) won’t help. To get the conversion files open. Mysteriously, Word 98 will stand had their System Folders vanish before to work, you need to increase the memory by this claim even if the document you’re their eyes. of another utility, PP Translator 8-4 (which trying to save is the only open file. Solution Fortunately, only version 1.0 turns out to be the one that does the actual Solution Save the file in Word 6 of the utility is prone to this disaster. More- conversion). You’ll find it in the Translators continues page 102 Solving Office extension conflicts

ffice 98 places many files in the the missing extension file is replaced with the System Folder’s Extensions folder uncorrupted version from Office 98. O (see “A full office”).Like anything else A known instance of this problem on your disk, these files can become involves Adobe Photoshop 5: it installs OLE corrupted, or installers for other applications Automation 2.06, which prevents Office 98 that use some of the same files may replace applications from working. them with newer or older versions. In either One solution is to install Photoshop,move case, the result may be that Office the Automation 2.06 file from the Extensions applications no longer launch. If you can folder to the Photoshop folder, and then identify the likely problem file, you can use install Office 98. this generic fix. If you’ve already installed Office 98, 1 Move the file from the Extensions folder remove the OLE Automation and OLE Library in your System Folder to the desktop. files from the Extensions folder and then 2 Delete the Microsoft Component Library install Photoshop. Move OLE Automation file from the Extensions folder. 2.06 to the Photoshop folder, and launch A full office 3 Start any Microsoft Office 98 program. Word 98 to get the First Run application to Here’s a peek at just some of the dozens of files The First Run install process begins, and reinstall the removed files. and folders Office 98 installs.

Macworld JANUARY 1999 101 secrets format. Next, quit Word 98 and reopen the BOOKMARKS document. You should now be able to save it in Word 98 format. This solution is less Patches &Tips Professional cheats • Scroll speeds • Phones • Labels • Laps than ideal if the document contains To download the Microsoft patches formatting unique to Word 98 and that mentioned in this article, go to Microsoft’s can’t be converted, but at least it lets you Known Issues Web page. save the text. www.microsoft.com/macoffice/productinfo Amateur MoviePlayer via browser Since the problem seems to be related /issues.htm Print from iMac via LocalTalk to the proliferation of work files Word And if you’ve moved up to the latest OS, Do you want to save creates when you repeatedly save an open you’ll also want to download the Office 98 QuickTime movies via your document, turning off Word’s Fast Save Updater for Mac OS 8.5. Web browser but haven’t yet I want to connect a 68040 option should help. To do this, select www.microsoft.com/macoffice/85update.htm paid for the $30 QuickTime 3.0 Pro Macintosh to my iMac. Since Preferences from the Tools menu and then upgrade that makes this possible? If you the iMac has only an ethernet clear the Allow Fast Saves check box in the Microsoft Support use Netscape Navigator or Communicator connection, do I need to buy Save tab. For other information on Office 98 and have QuickTime 3.0’s standard Web an ethernet card for the problems, search Microsoft’s plug-in, you can use several workarounds. 68040 Mac? And once I get these babies The Red X of Death Knowledge Base. Some readers suggest scrounging for the connected, can I print from the iMac over Problem Word 98’s Insert Picture http://support.microsoft.com/support/ movie files in the Netscape cache folder, my spiffy new network to a laser printer command lets you embed graphics in a but Tobias Lee of London has a more direct connected to my old Mac? Word document. The problem, particularly Beyond Microsoft procedure for Navigator 4.0 and Jim Lavrakas if the file contains several graphics, is that If you can’t find what you want at Communicator 4.0. the images can suddenly disappear; in their Microsoft’s site, try one of the numerous After watching a QuickTime movie in You can connect the iMac place is a red X, dubbed by its victims “the independent Web sites, including my own Navigator or Communicator, choose Page and your old Mac via ethernet Red X of Death.” MacFixIt. Info from the View menu. A split window (see Q&A, December 1998), Solution Whatever you do, don’t www.macfixit.com appears. The top pane lists URLs for all the but this network is separate save the file! If you do, all the graphics images and movies on the Web page, and from the LocalTalk network will be lost and you’ll have to reinsert the bottom pane displays details about the connection used by most lasers. Although them. Instead, quit Word, select Get Info listed items one at a time as you click on the ethernet and LocalTalk networks both for the Word application, and increase the Contextual menus hide and seek the URLs. In the top pane, locate the URL use the AppleTalk protocol, the Mac OS Preferred Memory size – give it as much as Problem In Mac OS 8, you can access for the movie you want to save (it’s can connect via only one at a time. 30MB if you have enough memory. The X’s contextual menus by holding down the labelled Embed, not Image) and click Fortunately, you can interconnect the are unlikely to reappear. (Microsoft is control key when you click the mouse. the adjacent URL to see details about two different AppleTalk networks. One working on a permanent fix.) Office 98 has its own built-in contextual the movie in the lower pane. In the lower way is to install Apple’s free LaserWriter menus that override the Mac OS contextual pane, click the URL labelled Netsite to load Bridge control panel on your old Mac. Ê’s Disappearing Act menus that would otherwise appear. the movie into the pane, and choose Save This allows the iMac and any other installed on. You can avoid all the Printing via LocalTalk from an iMac If you use a Problem In Word 98, typing option-I But if you’ve installed Contextual As from the File menu. Be sure to set the computers you might add to the ethernet shortcomings of the bridge software with Farallon EtherMac iPrint Adapter LT to connect an followed by shift-E should produce a capital Menu Enabler – an extension needed Format option to Source in the Save As network to use the laser printer on the a device such as Farallon’s £93 EtherMac iMac to older Macs and a LocalTalk printer, you can E with a circumflex mark over it (Ê, a by some contextual-menu software, such dialogue box. With default preference LocalTalk network, as long as the old Mac iPrint Adaptor LT. (Principal, either put all the computers on an ethernet network character not often used in English but as Apple Data Detectors – it trumps even settings, Netscape saves the movie as a is turned on. But LaserWriter Bridge 01756 704 040) You simply connect the (bottom) or put the old computers on a LocalTalk network with the printer (top). Using an ethernet common in other languages). If you try this, Office 98, and you’re back to the Mac OS MoviePlayer file; you can then double-click doesn’t enable any communication LocalTalk network and the ethernet network gives you better file-sharing performance, however, you’ll probably get a space where menus. the movie’s icon in the Finder to open it between Macs on the LocalTalk network network to the iPrint, and then computers but you need to buy a hub and ethernet transceivers the letter should be. Solution If you want the Office 98 with MoviePlayer. and computers on the ethernet network. on either network can use printers, files, or adaptor cards for some old Macs. Printing Solution Select Preferences from the contextual menus but want to keep the If you use Navigator 3.0, you can use a Apple’s LocalTalk Bridge control panel servers, and other services on the other performance is the same with either option. Tools menu. From the Nonprinting Enabler installed (for use with other similar procedure sent in by Paul Burney. enables computers on the two networks to network. The iPrint actually gives you a Characters section of the View tab, deselect applications), go to the Help menu and After watching a QuickTime movie in the share files and services, but it tends to sap couple of network-connection options, as All (if it’s selected), make sure Spaces isn’t select the Turn Off Contextual Menus browser, choose Document Info from the the performance of the computer it’s shown above. selected, and click on OK. The Ê should option for the Office application. View menu. In the top of the split window magically appear. This option appears in the Help menu that appears, click the link for the movie when you install Apple Data Detectors 1.0.2 and hold down the mouse button until a Word 98’s Security Leak or later. contextual menu appears. Choose Save to the speed limit. It doesn’t seem to affect ClarisWorks call 3Com’s US Robotics install new software, I know that the Problem Open a Word 98 document in This Link As from the contextual menu, scrolling in menus, however. Although this BBS from your computer. You can find unlabelled items in these folders have been any text editor, such as Bare Bones’ BBEdit Contributing Editor Ted Landau and be sure to set the Format option to control panel has been around since 1991, instructions for doing this on 3Com’s Web added by that software’s installation. If no (select Any File from the pop-up menu in maintains the MacFixIt Web site Source in the Save dialogue box. it worked fine in my brief tests with Mac site at www.3com.com/56k/need4_56k/linetest problem arises, I give them a different label BBEdit’s Open dialogue box to list Word (www.macfixit.com), where you’ll find OS 8.1. It does not work in Mac OS 8.5, .html. If your phone line passes the test, to distinguish them from newer items files). Now scroll through the document. still more solutions to Office 98 Control too-speedy scrolling however. then make sure the correct modem script placed during the next installation. If your experience is typical, you’ll find problems. My G3 Mac scrolls too fast. is selected in your Modem control panel. Dieter Kerschbaumer extraneous text that’s invisible when When I drag my cursor past the Test your phone line Or if your Mac uses FreePPP or MacPPP you’re viewing the document in Word. bottom of a ClarisWorks 5.0 When my 56Kbps modem for Internet connections, make sure the Keep your lap cool This text comes from other, usually spreadsheet window, hoping to connects to the Internet, the FreePPP Setup control panel or ConfigPPP Does your PowerBook deleted, files on your hard disk. Why Macworld’s features editor David Fanning and scroll to cell A35, my computer flies to cell connection speed is only control panel is configured properly for overheat your lap? Since worry about this? Because if you send contributing editor Lon Poole answer readers’ A134 before I can stop it. This also 24Kbps. I would like to get at your modem. the day I got my these files to users who know how questions and select reader-submitted tips for this happens when I try to highlight text in a least 38.8Kbps, but I’m not sure whether PowerBook 1400, I’ve used to make the extraneous text appear, column. Send your question or tip (include your word-processor document. Is there any way the problem is my Internet service provider it on a lap desk. Lap desks typically have a you could be revealing confidential address and phone number) to David Fanning, Q&A, to control my G3’s scrolling speed? or my telephone line. How can I test my Track installation with labels ledge to keep pens from rolling into your information. Macworld,99 Gray’s Inn Road,London WC1X 8UT.You Robert Trieff phone line to find out if it’s the limiting To track the installation of lap, which helps your PowerBook stay put, Solution Microsoft’s Office 98 can also send mail electronically,marked Q&A in the factor? control panels, extensions, and some have a beanbaglike bottom that Unwanted Data Patch squashes this bug. subject line, to [email protected] or The free Scrolling control panel Michael O’Laughlin and other items in the conforms to your lap. The flat desk surface By the way, this problem isn’t unique to via fax to 0171 405 5308. We pay £25 for each tip by Ken McLeod (found on Ted System Folder, I use the supports your PowerBook’s feet, ensuring Word; it can occur with any application published here. Landau’s MacFixIt Web site at You can test your telephone line Finder’s Labels feature. I assign a label to an airspace underneath, and the beanbag that uses Microsoft’s OLE (Object Linking We cannot make personal replies, so please do www.macfixit.com/library/tul/scrolling by having a terminal program all items installed in the Control Panels, bottom lets you position the desk and Embedding) technology, which allows not include a stamped-addressed envelope. .sit.hqx) lets you adjust how fast windows such as the freeware ZTerm or Extensions, and other special folders as part comfortably. applications to share data. scroll and how quickly scrolling accelerates the communications module of of the Mac OS installation. Each time I Jon Haverstick

102 Macworld JANUARY 1999 Macworld JANUARY 1999 103 Peter Worlock Courting the Windows vote has cost this year’s “Apple“ Expo dear Expo ’98 loses faith

y garden is full of fallen leaves, the shops are full Any difficulties Apple suffered didn’t seem to me likely of Christmas trees, the first snow has fallen in to seriously impact attendance at this year’s show. parts of the country, and the cover of this issue Emap Trenton pre-judged the issue – and got it wrong. says January - yes, it’s November again. I write But then another portion of the blame goes to some other this some days ahead of Apple Expo, what should agitators in the industry, more weakhearts who also lost the Mbe the biggest event in the UK Macintosh calendar. But this faith and lobbied Emap Trenton to switch the focus with the year there’s a wintry gloom over the event and it remains to aim of luring in some of the Windows market. be seen whether this would-be celebration of our favourite computer will deliver any festive cheer. Show Windows This year, the Expo will be marked by the singular non- Of course, there are very few companies who trade appearance of Apple. Most of you will know the story, but exclusively in Macintosh products, whether software here’s a brief recap. developers, peripheral makers, dealers or distributors. But there has been no shortage of alternative exhibitions Double-header where those companies could reach a Windows audience Oddly enough, Apple Expo has never been organized by if they chose. Apple Expo has always been unique in Apple; instead it is owned by Emap Trenton, the exhibitions catering for the interests of the UK’s Mac community. arm of publishing giant Emap. This year, for reasons we’ll It’s also open to question how successful the switch look at in a moment, the show organizers lost the faith, has been. A visit to the Apple Expo Web site reveals an and decided to run alongside Apple Expo a new exhibition apparently-healthy exhibitors list, while a quick perusal called Total Design Technology, apparently in the belief of the exhibitors list for Total Design Technology seems that a cross-platform, digital-media show would be more equally lengthy. successful than one dedicated to the Macintosh. But closer inspection is suggestive: all 91 Apple Expo Various hardware manufacturers and software publishers exhibitors are also included in the TDT list of 106 – even signed up for either (or in some cases both) exhibitions. down to identical stand numbers. In other words, although And then a few weeks ago Apple announced it was pulling Emap Trenton is billing them as two separate shows, out of Apple Expo and taking its name with it. around 90 per cent of the exhibitors are the same. The last twist in the tale came when Apple then relented and allowed the use of the Apple Expo title, but stood firm Absent friends on its decision not to be there in person. The result is an Notable by their absence, apart from Apple, are many of exhibition called Apple Expo, dedicated to Apple products, the key names in the Mac market, including Adobe, without Apple. Computer Warehouse and Microsoft. Finally, Apple UK also needs a bloody good spanking. Organized chaos Although it seems blameless in the early shenanigans, The first portion of the blame for this mess can be placed its non-appearance at the Expo looks like nothing so much firmly on the shoulders of the show organizers. It became as a bad-tempered sulk. apparent even during last year’s show that Emap Trenton Macintosh users attending Apple Expo have every right had no faith in Apple’s ability to deliver an audience to expect a substantial presence from Apple, and while the 12 months later. company’s withdrawal may sting Emap Trenton in the Granted, Apple was deep in the mire of its financial pocket, it’s nothing less than a spit in the face for users who troubles then, but it seems to me that the status quo was have stuck with the Macintosh through a difficult period. worth another year, especially given the fanatical loyalty There’s enough blame, and shame, for everyone of the average Macintosh user. concerned. MW

178 Macworld JANUARY 1999