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n a S F m ul ro l details f OEBO 4•EP SX; NEW POWER MACS; OS 9.1, iTUNES, iDVD • 17/19 SCREENS PREMIERE 6.0 POWERBOOK G4 • EXPO – OS

Macworldwww.macworld.co.uk Sex power& Inside Apple’s Titanium PowerBook G4 Get personal 20 ways to customize your Mac 17-19-inch screens We test the best mid-size monitors Mac OS X refined Adobe Premiere 6.0 Reviewed and rated read me first Simon Jary Are you ready to trust the Mac as editor-in-chief the very centre of your existence?

Steve’s digital hub test

n January, Apple CEO Steve Jobs electrified the 6 You think Bill Gates is… Macworld Expo crowds with his vision of the “third (a) The devil himself, who robbed our Apple of its innovative great age of the personal computer”. This new era graphical user interface to create the evil Windows empire; I is based around the convergence of digital devices (b) A bit dodgy in his business dealings, but also – cameras, PDAs, mobile phones, e-books, camcorders the man who bought us Office 2001 on the Mac; … and, probably, those smart-fridges that we’re always (c) The former bass player in the Rolling Stones. being told will control our lives in the next couple of 7 It’s bedtime. You’ve poured yourself a Horlicks, and are years, but still allow milk to go rancid a few days after ready to settle down with a good book. You… its sell-by date. (a) Download the e-book version of Alan Deutschman’s Jobs called all this computer-device convergence The Second Coming of Steve Jobs from Amazon.com, our “digital lifestyle” (see pages 18-19). I’m sure we’d all and turn up the brightness on your Titanium PowerBook G4; benefit from moving in the digital direction that Steve (b) Pick up that 900-page Photoshop 6.0 Bible, and, not for the suggests. But first, it would be useful to see exactly first time, try to understand the Gradient Options palette in where we stand on this path to digital deliverance. relation to transparency masks; Try answering these ten simple questions, and clock (c) Pick up the crumpled remains of the Sunday Times Culture up your scores at the end to see if you’re on track for section that weren’t used to line the cat’s litter tray several “Is your idea hailing your Mac as the “hub” of your very existence. days earlier. 8 Your idea of fun is… of fun a 1 Your music collection is… (a) Installing the SuSe Linux operating system on one partition network game (a) Thousands of MP3 files organized by Apple’s iTunes; of your Power Mac’s RAID drive, so you can performance- (b) Discs stacked alphabetically in a wireframed Philippe benchmark it against the latest beta version of Mac OS X of Quake III Starck CD stand from Habitat; that you downloaded from hotlinesw.com; in which you (c) A pile of vinyl records lent against your bedroom wall. (b) A network game of Quake III in which you corner your boss, 2 When you show off your holiday snaps to friends and and let him have it with your fully loaded Hyperblaster; corner your relatives, you… (c) Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank. boss, and let (a) Direct them to your Apple iTools Web site; 9 You think the ‘X’ in Mac OS X is pronounced… (b) Send them a batch of prints from your colour inkjet; (a) Unix; him have it (c) Pass around a bulging leatherette photo album for friends (b) Ten; with your and relatives to add their tea-stained fingerprints to prized (c) X, of course! pic of yourself standing next to ITN’s Trevor McDonald at 10 When you heard about Apple’s PowerBook G4, you… fully loaded the taxi rank. (a) Wondered whether Apple’s titanium has a hexagonal close- 3 It’s your best friend’s wedding day, so you… packed crystal structure or a body-centered cubic structure; Hyperblaster?” (a) Offer to capture the big day on your FireWire camcorder, (b) Thought about selling your car to buy one; edit in Final Cut Pro or Premiere, and output the results (c) Thought “Wow… a metal with a ‘tit’ in it!”

to DVD via Apple’s iDVD and new DVD-R SuperDrive;

Or, you use Windows. Windows. use you Or,

(b) Video the events, edit in iMovie 2, and output to video tape; MW

(c) Noiselessly mouth the words of all the hymns, then rush off hidden. were holidays skiing Turner’s Anthea of

to the champagne reception to get as many bubbles down Pictures” “EXCLUSIVE the where understand you of

, and couldn’t for the life the for couldn’t and , Hello of issue latest the as your parched throat as possible before the crowd of aunts w

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eports on dot-com business failures, and are really are and failures, business dot-com on eports

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(c) Phone Trev, and tell him to let the others know that, mode. Sleep enter to chance the gets rarely Display

yet again, it’ll be at The Slug and Lettuce in Islington. Cinema your and cards, Christmas you sends

5 You think Steve Jobs is… supplier electricity Your devices. digital indispensable

(a) God; your all via life your micro-managing and directing

(b) A better advert for Levi’s than for Gillette; apartment, loft ADSL-enabled your of middle the in

ou are Steve Jobs, and your Mac sits Mac your and Jobs, Steve are ou Y s: (a) (c) That nasty EastEnders actor who’s played Mostly by Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet.

4 Macworld MARCH 2001 MARCH 2001 Contents COVER STORIES

76 New Apple products An in-depth guide to Apple’s latest products – from the sleek-&-sexy PowerBook G4 to the free-&-easy iTunes. Also, the 466MHz and 533MHz Power Mac G4s tested. 85 iTunes Apple’s free iTunes adds extra value to revamped hardware.

93 Mac OS 9.1 OS 9, 9.1 features plenty of behind-the- scenes improve- ments.

87 Your Mac your way 50 26-27 131 Customize your Mac and Premiere 6.0 Mac OS X 17-19-inch applications Adobe’s upgraded refined monitors for a personal digital-video editor Apple has returned Mid-sized monitors experience. has a host of new old system favourites tested and rated for

Web features. to OS X. the space conscious. page 6

Macworld MARCH 2001 5 CONTACT Macworld www.macworld.co.uk MARCH 2001 Contents Editor-in-Chief Simon Jary [email protected] Deputy Editor David Fanning [email protected] NEWS CREATE REVIEWS News Editor Jonathan Evans [email protected] News Reporter Dominique Fidéle Mac ‘hub of digital future’ [email protected] 18 New DVD iMacs rumoured Managing Editor Sean Ashcroft 50 [email protected] iDVD and iTunes wow Expo Chief Sub-Editor Woody Phillips Carbonized Dreamweaver readied [email protected] Mac OS X revamp a hit at Expo Editorial Co-ordinator Seth Havens Apple storms UK education-show [email protected] Mac inventor Art Editor James Walker savages OS X [email protected] Expo bonanza Art Director Mandie Johnson 50-52 Adobe Premiere 6.0 [email protected] for games fans Q&A Create: Print Managing Editor/Online Gillian Thompson Sales-slump 93 139 54-55 Mac OS 9.1 [email protected] hits Apple Shutdown from a Pro Customizing fonts with Assistant Online Editor Vittoria Momento Keyboard and CD burning. QuarkXPress is easy. 56 Strata 3Dpro 3.0 [email protected] CD Editor Vic Lennard US Editor Andrew Gore Contributing editors David Pogue, Deke McClelland, PRODUCT NEWS SUBS David Read, Franklin Tessler, Bruce Fraser, Christopher Breen, AWARDS Matthew Bath, Jake Sargent, Toast 5 ‘stable’ claims Roxio Peter Cohen, Stephen Beale, 37 Olympus cameras climb heights Adam C Engst, Jim Heid. Epson ships winter range LaCie launches 56 RAID on terrabyte storage Mitsubishi Combustion 1.0 Group Advertising Manager Mustafa Mustafa readies palm-sized projector [email protected] Jaz makes way 59 QuarkWrapture Deputy Advertising Manager Dean Payn for Peerless [email protected] 60 Script Debugger 2.0 Display Sales Executive Eamon McHugh Secrets [email protected] T35 EasiExpansion First burn 145 Customize FileMaker Classified Sales Executive Alex Cheesman Toast 5 supports Subscriptions 62 EyeCandy 4000 [email protected] background burning 96 databases. Get Photoshop 6 Bible free Alien Crossfire Production Manager Sharon Bird and has an Aquafied Awards 2001 [email protected] interface. when you order Macworld! 71 Win digital-photo Deputy Production Manager Richard Bailey [email protected] solutions from Hewlett- 62 Production Assistant (Ads) Nikki Basten Packard worth £1,500! [email protected] EVERY MONTH Marketing Manager Jo Brown [email protected] BUYER’S GUIDE Circulation Manager Jim Birch Letters David Fanning [email protected] 10 47 Marketing Co-ordinator Kelly Crowley ROM for your life Reader Taking a trip down 65 PageSpinner 3.0.1 [email protected] 151-155 Buying a Mac Macworld’s advice for readers buying a outrage at Editor’s column. Mac OS memory-lane. Phrazer Marketing Assistant Sam French 151 G4 Cube, Power Mac G4, iMac, or an iBook or PowerBook G4. [email protected] Includes UK’s only benchmark scores updated every month. CD pages Michael Prochak 66-69 Internal ATA hard-drives Publisher Guy Eaton 13 Check out 49 “Democratizing” music 3D Animation: From [email protected] 157-169 Star Ratings A full listing of our acclaimed product Diablo II, will increase mediocrity. Models to Movies reviews and group tests for the previous 12 months, with Star Trek: feature index and detailed buying advice. Elite Force, and 70 Reunion 7.05 Macworld is a publication of IDG Internet directory Macromedia’s 163 Charts Pro 1.5 Communications, 99 Gray’s Inn Road, Domain-name registration, London WC1X 8UT. Tel: 020 7831 9252. 171 Shopping Advice on buying from mail-order Dreamweaver 4. Sales fax: 020 7405 0262 Macworld (UK) is an independent journal not affiliated with hosting and support. Apple Computer. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks companies. And 24 pages of dealer ads. of Apple Computer. All contents © IDG 2001, except articles adapted from Career moves 66 Macworld US, or from MacWEEK © Mac Publishing LLC. ISSN 1356-9503 167 Colour Origination: Lumis Colour Printed by St Ives (Plymouth). Covers and Training printed by Hubbards (Sheffield) on paper produced in sustainable forests. Macworld editorial domestic Internet access courtesy of Direct Connection Mac-skill courses and jobs. (0800 072 0000, www.dircon.net). Stock photography courtesy of Cadmium (www.cadmium.com) MACWORLD SUBSCRIPTIONS: 01858 435 304 A subscription to Macworld 194 David Pogue includes 12 issues, 12 CDs and FREE gift (see page 96). Subscribe by Direct Amazon’s book ranking Debit for just £39.66 UK (Europe £88.97; RoW, £113.98). By Post: Macworld Subscriptions, FREEPOST (WC4336), Leicester, LE87 4DE. is too easy to fool. Fax: 01858 434 958 Phone: 01858 435 304. Web: www.macworld.co.uk/subs/subs.cfm

6 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld MARCH 2001 7 cc: Macworld letters cc: Macworld letters

Macworld Editor Simon Jary’s Your Star Letter wins a copy of Office: 2001, worth £480 February 2001 opinion piece We reward the best reader letter with a copy of Microsoft’s Office: 2001 for Mac. This integrated package includes ‘Upgrade your mentality’ enhanced versions of the market-leading Word, Excel and PowerPoint programs, as well as the new Entourage – a brewed-up a storm of personal-information manager and email client. indignation from Macworld Write to: Letters, Macworld, 99 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8UT. readers. Here’s a sample Or email [email protected]. Please provide full name and contact details. of the debate, as well as a link to Jary’s online reply. Read the original column and further reader comment at: best about Macs is OS X. It www.macworld.co.uk/opinion makes life so simple, looks Star Letter: iTunes hits right notes good and is miles better than Windows. Apple is one of the ant to extract audio CDs? Want to rip AIF to Beige defender Upgrades cheaper than new: I few companies whose slogan, MP3? Want to play MP3s? Want to record I find your remarks about older You say that sticking a 450MHz Think Different, really suits it. W your own CDs? Want visual effects. iTunes Macs rather insulting to the G4 upgrade card into a beige G3 Subject: ROM for your life Kieran Doherty has got all this, is better than almost anything else out Mac users out there. I have a isn’t worth it, because you can’t Recently, I had a disturbing there – and it’s free. Apple has really gone to town. Power Mac 7200/75 and plan use USB/Firewire peripherals. If experience with a Power Mac Subject: Mac gets my backup What a superb piece of software. I can’t think of a way to upgrade to a 7300 simply one can’t afford to buy a new CHIP SIMONS G4 in our studio. I have a 13GB iMac DV SE and that it could be improved. I am an MP3 fanatic and, with because of the versatility of the Mac, one can’t afford to buy the While toiling away at my a Zip 100MB drive, and recently iTunes, I don’t need anything else, and wouldn’t want anything else, machine. It will take a G3 card, new peripherals either. And, to hospital adjacent to my surgery we all victims of a newest, desk, a loud crack came from thought I’d better look at even if it were free. How do companies like Proteron compete? They can’t. and support SCSI, USB and buy a new Mac means you have (PCs just crashed all the time). fastest, best society? within the G4 and a second a better back-up solution. What these companies have now been forced to do is “think different”. No FireWire. Give me versatility to buy new USB/FireWire stuff All of these machines work Chris Hoskins, director, Ellipsis later the DVD/CD-ROM drive But then, horror, I had bad thing. Brilliant software, Apple. over speed and pretty colours to go with it. On the other hand, flawlessly 24 hours a day and opened by itself, and spat out a system crash and lost the Asher Jennings any day. if the beige G3 owner buys an each cost me no more than 20 Old Macs still work: II at high speed two halves of a contents of my hard disk Glen McKnight upgrade card he or she can quid (including monitor). They’re The economics of upgrading CD. The broken pieces hurtled before having a chance to back carry on using the ADB/SCSI all connected via ethernet to my your Mac hardware have always 20 feet across the room, anything up. Surely it would have been actually crying out for an At least it’s not Windows: I hardware already in situ. iMac, which makes file transfers been marginal. However, there’s hitting the far wall. The speed We should all back up, and if better for Apple to lose the iCubeBook, or sub notebook Any Mac is a good Mac – As Simon Jary points out, you a doddle. I love them because an army of Mac users out there with which they flew out was I had a penny for everyone that burner – and drop the prices. – something like the Duo that no matter how old. If it still can buy a USB card for very they are reliable, simple to use for whom software upgrades astounding – luckily they doesn’t, I’d probably be able to Jonathan Quinn Apple introduced in the early breathes fire, then why toss little. The cost of the G3/G4 and easy to set up: all you need can be effective – and many of hit no one. afford a DVD writer. 1990s. it? A Mac isn’t a PC, no matter upgrade card added to the price is System 7.5 and Open them are still using pre- Are there any other manic Next time I get a new Subject: Trackball, not screwball While Apple is forging how old it is. Think about that! of the USB card is still a lot Transport. Why buy an PowerPC Macs. An old Mac Macs out there? Is Apple computer I’m getting a cheaper Your coverage of mice (Reviews, ahead at the top end of the Jake cheaper than buying a new expensive PC when you can running early System 7 and keeping quiet about this? one and spending the difference January 2001) is good – but laptop market, it’s neglecting Mac, new printer, new external do your chores with a charming ancient software can be Charles Sim on a decent backup solution. limited and biased. I can’t the other end – the bottom At least it’s not Windows: II CD-RW and new scanner. Mac from another era? transformed by updating the Phillip Bagnall abide either mice or trackpads, of the corporate market. It’s Older Macs are not Windows Ann Farr Dr Dirk Pilat software. Remember the OS 8 Subject: Artless Apple and these kept me away a more profitable market than PCs. But, at their current pricing, ads? “It’s like having a new I am an art teacher and read Subject: Debt of gratitude from Macs for a while. Once I Apple realizes. they could easily be G3’d for half Upgrades cheaper than new: II Old Macs still work: I computer.” My old Mac IIsi is with interest of both Apple’s When I was nine years old, discovered trackballs, however, RM Herbert (captain). the cost of a PC without the Older Macs are used by people We run a busy design and doing sterling work at a primary falling profits and its drive to I was diagnosed as having the move from Windows was heartache of the crappy user who either can’t afford the presentations studio and I agree school in Uganda – the first capture the education sector. dyslexia, and, ever since, have inevitable and irreversible. Does interface known as Windows. price of a new Mac or don’t that life has been made easier in Entebbe to have its Two years ago, my college used Macs to do all of my this make me a weirdo, Mr Poetry corner Jeff Garrison feel that the cost of new Mac by our purchasing new own computer – thanks received extra money and school and home work. Jary? We just “think different”. Everyone scoffed and laughed, is warranted, as the older machines, but our old Macs to an updated system planned to spend it on I am now 17 and have just Kostas Laskaris everyone said, I must be daft. Not nuts machines do the tasks they are still perfectly adequate and Clarisworks 4. technology. I wrote to all bought myself a new iBook. But I ignored all the flack, We are not nuts. We are require quite adequately. for some tasks. Our original The same goes for a friend’s the major players. It’s fantastic. Macs have helped Subject: Rack off and bought a brand-new Mac purists/Mac-hobbiests/keepers- Spending £500 on upgrades to IIfx Mac – bought 10 years ago LC 475 (8MB RAM) system with Within a week, Siemens had me all through my life and I wasn’t sure how far your I know that I’m no spring chick, of-the-Mac-flame… but we are an older Mac that already has a – still does sterling service for its hard disk in a mess and visited to pitch for our business. I’m forever in debt to Apple. tongue was in your cheek in you can call me old – not thick. not “nuts”. 17-inch screen and lots of RAM our receptionist. Writing letters StyleWriter 1500 that wouldn’t Apple UK, though, wrote back I now want to go to university your review of G-Rack. I had Although a granny of over 50, Brad Barnett makes sense. Both machines and running the accounts does work with it. With system 7.5.5 to say it didn’t deal with non- to become a programmer. already found that two blobs my brain’s still sharp and nifty. run the same software, with not require a 400MHz processor. installed – free from Apple – profit organizations. Thanks Apple! of Blu-Tack do the job – securing I know I’ll never master it all, Mac IIci a match for G4 little performance difference A Quadra 950 acts as an ISDN and Clarisworks 5, the I still think Apple machines Andrew Sinclair and tilting the CD-writer RAM and what to install. It is inappropriate and impolite between them. server; a Centris 650 is fine for computer was transformed are great, but we now run enough for the tray to clear But two years on, I’ve no regret, to describe the users of 680x0 Mark McCague the kids at home; and a Power into an effective and nippy two Siemens machines in Subject: Can chop burners? the G4 handle. ‘cos now I’m on the Internet. systems as backward, when you Mac 7600/120 is used for computer ideal for word our department. The inclusion by Apple of a Less than the cost of glass I learnt to surf with real ease, actually mean that the systems Doctor’s orders backup CDs. processing, spreadsheets, Chris Lock CD-RW in its new top-end of water. it’s so much better than PCs. are backward – measured by I own four different 680x0 Newest might be nicest, but databases – the things we G4s is admission of its Canon Christopher Hall My progress was really quick, today’s standards. Macs, from a humble SE which how many times can you say use them for most of the time. Subject: Apple’s logo motive tactical mistake in not With just a mouse... and a click. This is your challenge: Come I use for wordprocessing, a IIci you really notice that improved Please send me your old I am 12 and have been a doing so earlier. Subject: Corporate cry My sons now no longer tease, up with some non-audio and which is used as a mailserver, performance after a few weeks? machines and I’ll pass them Mac fan for as long as I can The trouble is, most While the arrival of the new as I’m a wizard on the keys. non-graphic general office a FX with a 68040 Rocket card The impact of the Internet, on to a school in Uganda – remember. A year ago, we pro Macintosh users will already PowerBook Titanium G4 is to And the reason for this aplomb? tasks that you’d like to perform. that serves as a fax server and and programs such as Adobe but, please, nothing older replaced our IIcx with a DV own CD-RW drives, so are hardly be welcomed, the numerous My own site – britabevis.com! I dare you to state that I don’t general file dump, and a IIci that Acrobat, have resulted in file than a 68030 processor! 400MHz Blueberry iMac. Even likely to want to buy another Net PowerBook forums say Please visit! outperform you on our Mac IIci. handles the laboratory results sizes being a fraction of what Alastair Nisbet though the iMac is cool, what’s one bundled with a G4 tower. the average Macintosh user is Brita Bevis Mart Bakker via telnet in the cottage they were a few years ago. Are ([email protected])

10 Macworld MARCH 2001 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day Macworld MARCH 2001 11 Macworld MARCH 2001 Cover CD Thirty-day trials of Dreamweaver 4 and Ultradev 4, excellent playable demos of Star Trek: Elite Force and Diablo II plus all the latest shareware, demos and updaters make this a CD for everyone. Over to Vic Lennard… MAIN ITEMS

Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 30-day trial Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 has everything you need to develop a professional Web site. Build Macromedia Flash graphics directly in Dreamweaver. Whether you use its visual layout tools or its text-editing environment, the intuitive Macromedia User Interface makes it easy. Version 4 has many new features including Code and Layout Views, a JavaScript Debugger, Macromedia Flash Buttons and Text, and Roundtrip Graphics Editing. Requires a Power Mac with Mac OS 8.6 or 9.x and 32MB available RAM.

Macromedia UltraDev 4 30-day trial Designed specifically for application development, Dreamweaver UltraDev is based on the Dreamweaver core architecture. If you already use Dreamweaver, you will appreciate the familiar interface and working environment. New features include Split View, Text Editor and Remote Database Connectivity. Requires a Power Mac with Mac OS 8.6 or 9.x and 64MB available RAM.

Diablo II Shareware Journey through the lands of Sanctuary as your Barbarian seeks to do battle with Blood Raven in this single-player demo of Diablo II. Whether you're new to role-playing games or a skilled veteran, you'll be faced with the challenge of leading your hero to victory Star Trek Elite Force demo N2MP3 Pro 1.0 demo over the denizens of the Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force is the ultimate, Whether you are putting music underworld. Can you destroy sci-fi first-person shooter using the on the Web, recording audio on to the evil that has plagued Quake III Arena engine. Elite Force pits players your Mac or converting your CD collection this once peaceful land and against a multitude of Star Trek enemies, including into MP3, N2MP3 Professional is a state-of- stop the dark reign of Diablo? the relentless Borg and never-before-seen aliens. the-art solution designed to handle your Requires at least a The single-player demo requires a 266MHz G3, encoding needs. High-quality encoding G3 running Mac OS 8.1 or iMac (rev B) or higher, 64MB available RAM, plus the power and flexibility of multiple later with 64MB RAM and 3D-accelerated video card with 6MB VRAM, encoding engines. Requires a Power Mac virtual memory turned on. 128MB Virtual Memory and Mac OS 8.6 or higher. with Mac OS 8.5 or higher. page 14

Macworld MARCH 2001 13 The CD-ROM on the cover of Macworld is supplied as is, subject to the following terms and conditions. The CD-ROM is provided as a free item to readers of Macworld for their personal use, and may not be resold or copied for distribution. The publisher shall have no liability without limitation for any losses or damage arising from using cover-CD software – or for taking advice from Macworld’s CD trouble- Cover CD shooting point-of-contact – including any loss of profit, damage to equipment or data, interruption of business, or any other damage, direct or accidental. It is strongly recommended that you back-up any programs or data on your hard disk before installing any cover-CD software. If problems occur, it is most likely to be a result of an incompatibility or conflict with other software on your system. Macworld MARCH 2001 cannot be held responsible for discontinued offers. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Before you start working your way through the software on our CD, INSTALL go to the System Utilities folder and make sure you install the following:

■ Acrobat Reader+Search 4 ■ StuffIt & RealPlayer ■ System tools & ATM Lite ■ QuickTime 4.1.2 Install this version to be able to read many Versions 5.5 and 6.0 of StuffIt Expander and DropStuff The CD also carries the latest version of InternetConfig, Some programs require QuickTime 4.1.2. This can be of the on-screen manuals. are included as is the installer for RealPlayer 8. UnZip 5.32 and ATM Lite 4.6.1 (required for Suitcase 9). downloaded from www.apple.com/quicktime/download.

INSIDE MACWORLD

Microsoft Office M’ger Painting 2.0 Virtual Drummer 4.1.1 Eye Candy 4000 demo Quickly start or switch Application for An easy-to-use drum Excellent collection of between Office 98/2001 creating/editing graphics machine that utilizes Photoshop compatible programs, other Macintosh with all the standard Apple’s QuickTime filters for practical, programs, or frequently paint tools, including technology. Requires stunning effects. used files using the Office flood fill and text with no external hardware Manager menu. anti-aliasing. Shareware. to hear drum sequences. Shareware. CD CATALOGUE PageSpinner 3.0.2 Style 1.8 HTML editor for Mac OS Scriptable text editor that plus… Courtesy of Mark Pirri’s superb DiskTracker that supports HTML 3.2, picks up where SimpleText Audiocorder, program, Macworld brings you a searchable HTML 4, XHTML 1.0 leaves off. Powerful Combustion 1.0 catalogue of all our CDs from 1997 to plus additional formatting capabilities demo, Script Debugger 2 2001 – over 206,000 files! This will Netscape/Explorer and no 32KB file size demo, SiteToolkit 1.0, grow month by month to allow you extensions. Shareware. limit. Shareware. Aladdin Transporter demo. to find any file you want, without wearing out your CD-ROM drive. The latest version of DiskTracker (2.1) is also included – don’t forget to SERIOUS SOFTWARE includes register if you find our library useful.

FontXpress 5.06 demo SpeedApp 2.0.2 trial Tri-BACKUP 2.26 trial FontXpress is a stand-alone SpeedApp is the fastest way to Tri-BACKUP can assist you in data software application that works run an application. Using a backup (mirror or incremental), in conjunction with the Collect For Output shortcut, you can call SpeedApp from the data restoration (in case of file loss), data report from QuarkXPress to collect all of Finder (as with Sherlock), then type an synchronization of two disks or two folders, your QuarkXPress document fonts on to a application name (or simply a portion of it) and regularly scheduled and synchronized disk for output by a service bureau. It will in the main window of SpeedApp and press data backup, suited to your needs. also alert you to potential output problems the Enter/Return key on your keyboard to Tri-BACKUP can handle any volume that may exist with your document. quickly launch the application you want to (and its contents) on the desktop of your Using the Report file, FontXpress use – no mouse use, no opening of folders. It Macintosh including the the volume starts the font collection process from the works by scanning your Mac for all available from which to backup, the volume to be appropriate font folder. It first checks your applications, saves a file in the preferences synchronized or the volume into which font menus for any fonts that are currently folder and then refers to this file every time the backup should be made. Tri-BACKUP installed and active and then determines if to find the application you are typing. handles files and copies these files when there are any uncollected fonts remaining. This evaluation version is fully backing up or when synchronizing. The demo is fully functional, but will functional for 28 days, and then has some This version is fully functional and runs collect only a few of each document’s fonts. limitations until registered. for 30 days.

page 16 14 Macworld MARCH 2001 FAULTY COVER CD-ROM? •If your cover disc is broken and you want a replacement CD, please contact Kelly Crowley, on 020 7831 9252, or email at [email protected]. •If your cover CD doesn’t seem to work as it should, please check you have read all the instructions on the cover disc pages carefully first. If it still doesn’t work, then please email Cover CD MARCH 2001 Woody Phillips at [email protected]. GAMES WORLD DEMOS & GAMES

In our Top 10 Shareware Games, the arcaders among you will want to try the first eight levels of Bub & Bob 1.7.2, a one- or two-player platformer, Space Bug 1.2 or Snood 2.11. Then there’s Mega Minesweeper 1.6.5 – but you’ll need either the Mac OS X Public Beta or CarbonLib 1.1 or later (available from asu.info.apple.com) to play this. If you have the desire for a board or card game, head for David's BackGammon 3.9.4 or ∑ Chess 5.1.2. You can even Solitaire Till Dawn with 100 goes at v4.0 of this excellent shareware compendium of card games. For those who prefer a more brainy pursuit, try (Top row) Bub & Bob, Plunk!, Kognix, a fiendish ball-pushing game, or the David’s Backgammon tile-matching Plunk! 1.5. (Middle row) That just leaves Ghetto Games 2, a Snood, ∑ Chess (Bottom row) selection of seven easy-to-play timewasters. Solitaire Till Dawn, Kognix Enjoy until next month! ALSO ON THE CD DON’T MISS…

COMMS & INTERNET INFO Audion 2.1 ■ Cool Extras 13 applications including: Sound Studio 1.5.3 Kaleidoscope 2.3 – Email Effects 1.6.6 Virtual Composer 2.7.2 Latest version of the Mac Fetch-O-Matic 2.4 interface enhancer. Interarchy 4.0 UTILITIES New Mac icons – Nine categories comprising All the latest iMacs and EDUCATION almost 50 useful tools for SwitchBack 3.2 iBooks for OS X or below Five utilities including: ATPM 7.01 your Mac including: TextSpresso 1.8 courtesy of IconFactory. Language Assistant 2.0.1 Extension Overload 5.6.1 Appearance Menu 1.1 Znippetizer 1.2.4 plus six utilities CDFinder 3.0.1 ■ Mac ISPs FONTS for developers CoolCam 1.7 UPDATERS Internet access offers from Abel Four items including: Decode da Code 1.5 This month’s dedicated gratis, AppleOnline and LineOne. FontBuddy 2.1 MATHS & SCIENCE Drop Drawers 1.5 updaters folder includes FontShowcase 3.0.3 EjectMenu 2.5 almost 50MB of patches ■ Netscape/Internet Explorer File Buddy 6.0.3 to bring many popular Complete packages for Netscape 6 and IE 5. GRAPHICS FinderMenuTuner 1.5 applications bang iOrganize 3.2 up-to-date, including: ■ Plus… KeyStrokes 2.0.2 BBEdit 6.0.2 … many thanks to Simon Youngjohns for our CD icons. Five programs including: DAE 5.0.1cs7 earthbrowser 1.3.6 Norton AntiVirus 5-7 (01/01) Periodic Table 2.6 PrintoolsXT 2.1 Five items including: SurfDoubler 6.8.0 SHAREWARE Etchelon Macdoodle 2.1.1 SCREENSAVERS Vicomsoft Server 6.8.0 Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. QuickMovie 1.3 Three programs including: Virex (01/01) It makes fitting your needs easier, as you can try before you SolarCell BlackWatch 1.5.5 PowerPrompter 1.7 VirusBarrier Updater 1.5 buy. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee – if you Power Windows 2.4.4 VirusBarrier (01/01) don’t use the product, you don’t pay for it. If you try a Shareware ICONS & UTILITIES SOUND & MUSIC PrintToPDF 2.1.6 VSE Search Engines 7 program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Three items including: Nine programs including: QuickWindow 2.0 VST USB Floppy 2.1.6 Support shareware authors so that they continue to provide Iconographer 2.0.1 Amadeus II v3.0 Startup Doubler 2.6 XPressImage 4.15 high-quality programs for the Mac.

16 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld News Steve Jobs outlines vision of Mac at centre of tomorrow’s ‘digital lifestyle’ Mac ‘hub of digital future’

e decided to start computer industry, “We don’t think the PC is waning. 2001 with a bang,” said Jobs’ ideas carry W Apple CEO Steve Jobs, weight within it. We believe it is evolving.” beginning his Macworld Expo keynote He dismissed speech in San Francisco. Jobs went on analysts’ and PC – Steve Jobs, Apple CEO to announce the global release date makers’ fears of for Mac OS X, launched a revamped the demise of the personal computer: Power Mac G4 line, unveiled the “We don’t think the PC is waning,” Titanium PowerBook G4, and said Jobs. “We believe that it is introduced the SuperDrive – a evolving.” combined DVD and CD rewriter. The Mac, he said, will become third great age: the Age of He showcased two new applications, “the digital hub of the digital lifestyle”. the Digital Lifestyle,” he told iTunes and iDVD, and spelled out To prove his point he looked back the suddenly hushed crowd. his vision of a “digital lifestyle”. to the first “golden age” of personal “This age is spawned by the The products were well-received computers: the Age of Productivity, was a major player, with its Internet- proliferation of digital devices by the 5,000-strong keynote audience, itself kick-started by Apple’s ready iMac released in late-1998. everywhere: DVD players, MP3 which whooped for joy at each revolutionary ability to handle With the maturation of the players, mobile phones, handheld announcement. The PowerBook G4 desktop-publishing applications. Internet, some analysts and insiders organizers, digital cameras, digital won a standing ovation from those DTP and spreadsheets were the “killer believe that the appeal of personal camcorders, and more,” gushed Jobs. temporarily resident in Jobs’ famed apps” that drove PC sales from 1980- computers is waning. Jobs disagreed 15 per cent of all cameras sold in ‘reality distortion field’. 1994, he said. Jobs looked back at the that PCs are becoming “boring”. the US last year were digital cameras, Jobs broke Apple’s customary second golden age of the late 1990s: “We think the personal computer he pointed out. “That’ll be 50 per cent silence on strategy to discuss the the Age of the Internet. Again, Apple is on the threshold of entering its in a few years,” he prophesized. company’s long-term vision. One Jobs talked about the Mac’s of the pioneers of the personal- advantages over digital devices. Macs, he said, can run a larger screen for better user interfaces, burn CDs and DVDs, offer inexpensive storage, and can access the Internet at any Apple’s PowerBook G4 conceivable speed. “Macs can become the digital hub of our evolving digital lifestyle, outguns Sony’s Vaio adding tremendous value to our digital devices,” he claimed.

ome people think the Sony Vaio is the sexiest a full-sized keyboard, which Convergence is here to make them “ten times more On Apple’s vision, Canon PR S portable around,” said Steve Jobs as he took Jobs called “the best keyboard Writing in the San Jose Mercury valuable”. manager Michael Virgintino said: the wraps off of Apple’s new PowerBook G4 at we’ve ever shipped on a News, personal-technology editor To reinforce his point, Jobs “Apple has strengthened its position San Francisco’s Macworld Expo. “We don’t portable”. Its two USB ports Mike Langberg says: “The melding discussed Apple’s successful as a leader in pushing the digital anymore. Today, we’re introducing a totally new and single FireWire port offer together of what were once separate iMovie digital video-editing revolution. PowerBook.” access to compatible third-party technologies – a trend techno-pundits program as adding “tremendous “Without Apple, many people “Stronger than steel and lighter than peripherals. The laptop carries two built-in portable space, and to steal some more from grandly call convergence – is really value” to digital camcorders. who now think nothing of editing Expo news aluminium” the 99.5 per cent pure-grade Titanium 16-bit CD-quality speakers with an integrated Sony. In look-&-feel it competes with Sony’s happening. Jobs then introduced iTunes and digital video on their PCs would PowerBook G4 ships in 400MHz and 500MHz omnidirectional microphone. Available with either Vaio series. Jobs praised Apple’s new aspirational “Many future PC tasks – such iDVD, two software solutions built never have made that step.” iDVD, models. One-inch thick, Apple’s pro-portable 10GB or 20GB drives, a 30GB drive is available as Mac: “We think the Titanium PowerBook G4 as supervising home networks and to bring the company’s technologies Industry consultant Richard page 23 weighs 5.3lbs (2.4kg). a build-to-order option from the Apple Store. is absolutely where it’s at for power and sex. automatically downloading music in to the heart of the digital lifestyle. Doherty said: “iDVD will revolutionize The airplane-engine-grade Titanium-encased It’s a whole new way of thinking.” the middle of the night – will require iDVD, he said: “Adds dramatic the Apple platform for post- Mac OS X, Mac laptop offers “ultra-wide” 15.2-inch, active- Looks and performance The 400MHz PowerBook G4 costs £1,899; the computers that run 24 hours a day value to consumer DVD players.” production houses, schools and pages 26-27 matrix TFT (Thin Film Transistor) widescreen The new design has no media bays – users attach 500MHz model costs £2,499 (both prices exclude without complaint, “ said Langberg. Jobs revealed that Apple is corner copy-centres.” displays, with a full-complement of connectivity peripherals through the built-in USB and FireWire VAT). The new PowerBooks should be shipping in “Apple is the only company currently working on other related Jobs’ vision offers a new agenda Mac OS 9.1, options and a slot-loading DVD-ROM drive. The interfaces. And Apple has inverted its logo on the limited quantity now, but are not expected to ship that can do all this stuff under software projects, but offered for software development by Apple pages 54-55 monitor runs with a native resolution of 1,152-x- lid, so that it doesn’t appear to be upside-down in volume until mid-March, 2001. Apple received one roof,” explained Jobs. no details. Both iTunes and iDVD – to develop solutions for its platform 768 pixels – compared to the 1,024-x-768 of the when viewed from the back. over 20,000 orders for its new pro-portable Uniquely in the PC industry, further explain Apple’s decision that will add value to all a manner PowerBook G4, PowerBook G3 and Sony Vaio Z600. The closure catch is magnetic, and locks within 24 hours of its announcement, according Apple creates the hardware, to put CD-RW and DVD-R technology of digital devices. pages 76-80 IrDA (infrared) protocols are supported for into place only when the PowerBook is closed; to a report from Mac News Network. operating system and many software into its professional Power Mac G4 “This is where we’re going,” fast file-transfer between PowerBook and Mac- otherwise it nestles into the body of the “We’ve been working on this for a while,” packages for its platform, and intends desktops. Jobs announced as he finished Power Mac G4, friendly digital devices, including Palm OS computer, so the chance of catching clothing smiled Jobs. MW leveraging this position to capture Jobs was candid in his response expounding his vision. “iMovie, pages 82-84 handhelds. The Titanium PowerBook has S-video against it is greatly reduced. Jonny Evans market share. to analysts complaints that Apple iTunes, iDVD – these applications and Composite video out ports – so DVDs can be The product has blatantly been developed ■ Read Macworld’s extended preview, As a hub, the Mac would serve had lost sales because of its read-only and others like them are our passport iTunes, relayed to a standard TV or video projector. It has by Apple to recapture market share in the pro- from page 76. these interconnecting devices, CD drives: “We’re late to this (CD-RW) into the new digital arena.” MW page 85

POWERBOOK PHOTO BY MIKE DIGITAL LAYE; HUB ILLUSTRATION BY GEORGINA WATSON offering “breakthrough” software party,” he said, “but we’re here now.” Jonny Evans

18 Macworld MARCH 2001 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day Macworld MARCH 2001 19 Macworld News CD-RW possible for new high-end consumer desktops

New DVD iMacs are rumoured ‘this spring’ pple will announce a revised iMac UK dealers report no shortage of iMacs range at Tokyo’s Macworld Expo in the dealer distribution channel, but A on February 22 – if its recent agree that new machines could drive action to cut two current high-end increased sales. models is followed, as expected, The Japanese market is responsive with better-featured models. to portable computers and digital devices. Following Apple’s revision of its For the Mac to be accepted as the “digital professional Macs at Macworld Expo San hub” (see pages 18-19) it’s essential that Francisco, analysts suggest Macworld Expo Apple captures market share in Japan. Tokyo would be an ideal opportunity to The specifications of these new iMacs revamp its consumer line-up. are not yet known: possible enhancements US reports claim that certain iMacs include G4 processors, and slot-loading have been declared “end of life” by a CD-RW drives or maybe even SuperDrives. number of retailers – including the The SuperDrive, however, is not available giant CompUSA – with dealers expecting in slot-loading format, which would mean new models. a return to the Cd-tray format drive. In the US, Apple is offering additional Any new breed iMac will ship with rebates (up to $300) on its iMac DV+ and Mac OS 9.1 initially, though OS X would iMac Special Edition models – while one ship as standard from July. iTunes and US retailer is increasing its own rebates as iMovie2 will also be installed as standard. it tries to clear excess inventory to make Visit www.macworld.co.uk for news way for new models. from Tokyo as it emerges. MW Apple revamps Power Mac G4

pple has launched a new Mac Fest A generation of Power Mac G4 professional desktop systems, The spring MacFest roadshow with processors running at up events begin March 13-14 at the to 733MHz. The 466, 533 and Novatel, Hammersmith, London. 667MHz models ship with The second event takes place on CD-RW drives pre-installed. March 16 at Manchester’s The top-end 733MHz model Contact Theatre. More events ships with Apple’s new are promised over the next year. SuperDrive combination CD-RW Organized by MacLine, DVD-R drive that can read AppleOnline and Macworld, and write DVDs for playback in the events will showcase new consumer DVD players, as well Mac technologies and feature as read and write CD-RW discs. drag-&-dropping files onto blank multiprocessing Macs, we an extensive seminar program. Hard-drive sizes reach up to discs. “This is how it ought to would have had to wait till April.” Show exhibitors include 60GB, maximum RAM is 1.5GB. work,” said Apple CEO Steve During the keynote, Apple Macromedia, Adobe, Hermstedt, Each carries a single 4x AGP Jobs, pouring scorn on Toast demonstrated a single 733MHz HP, Microtek, Umax, FileMaker, (up from the previous 2x) slot, and other third-party CD-burning G4 running a Photoshop-based Formac, LaCie, NEC, Wacom, and four (up from three) PCI software. (See review, page 82.) speed trial against a 1.5GHz Mitsubishi, Oki, Macally, slots. New graphics-card options Only the mid-range 533MHz Pentium 4 Windows workstation. Symantec, Canon and Media 100. include the new nVidia GeForce2 model features more than one The Mac ran 33 per cent faster. Distributors include Computers MX graphics card (see page 33). processor as a build-to-order “This highlights the megahertz Unlimited, C2000, Softline and Apple also demonstrated its option. Explaining this, Jobs myth,” Jobs said. MW AM Micro. new Disc Burner CD-recording said: “If we’d waited for an www.macfest.co.uk/register software, which makes CD acceptable volume of 733MHz ■ Read Macworld’s reviews creation a simple matter of PowerPC G4 chips to power and Lab tests, from page 76.

20 Macworld MARCH 2001 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day iTunes and iDVD ‘spokes in digital hub’ Macworld News

iTunes hits MP3 high note uring his Expo keynote D Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced iTunes – and criticized other MP3 applications for their complexity. He called iTunes the “easiest to use jukebox software on the market”. iTunes was downloaded 275,000 times in the week Packaging a punch following its announcement. DVD Studio Pro (left) and iDVD (right) join iMovie 2 and the new top-end Power Mac G4 as part of Apple’s unique solution for pro-quality DVD creation. It can play and it extracts MP3s, manage MP3 collections, tune in to Internet radio stations, and search for tracks online. Apple in DVD vanguard The application’s facilities can be accessed through pple has announced two breakthrough. Using Velocity Engine, a number of themes. It can convert one window, and extracts products designed to build they’ve developed products that iMovies and QuickTime files and tracks from CDs at A upon its market advantage reduce the time it takes to write pictures into the format required for 8.5-times regular speeds. in consumer and professional desktop a DVD using a software solution.” DVD using iDVDs fast MPEG encoder. It also provides a full-screen video – iDVD and DVD Studio Pro. Jobs revealed that previous It will also create menus, buttons psychedelic visual Introducing the new products generations of software-based and backgrounds using user-defined representation of sound, at Macworld Expo, Apple CEO Jobs DVD-burners have taken 25 times images, and offers a choice of a dozen which moves in time to enthused: “These new products are the duration of the source material: themes, each with pro-designed the music. It can burn audio the completion of a personal dream Apple has now cut that to two times. background images and fonts. CDs with a single click. I’ve had for several years now. “Software encoding of a one-hour DVD Studio Pro offers a more Of the new product, Jobs said: “There are as many as DVD would once have taken all day,” complex set of features. It encodes Apple CEO Steve Jobs said: 13 million DVD players in the US, and he said. “Now it takes two hours.” video into MPEG-2, and can encode “Apple has done what Apple the number is doubling every year. audio in Dolby Digital, the formats does best – make complex “We want you to be able to make DVD for the masses of choice for DVD professionals. applications easy.” DVDs of your movies and be able to Until now, claimed Jobs, software- It also lets DVDs be customized to The US English iTunes play them on consumer DVD players. based DVD-authoring alternatives include slide shows of still images, is available for free download “Our scientists have made a have been inefficient. Professional- or motion menus from layered from (www.apple.com). It needs quality DVD-encoding required Photoshop files or video clips. Mac OS 9.0.4 or 9.1 and will hardware that cost in excess of DVD Studio Pro will be available ship with all future Macs. £4,000 to set up. in February from the Apple Store or The International-English Mac sound The software-based DVD- through Authorized Resellers. version is promised in authoring solution will ship with February. MW Blaster off the top-of-the-range 733MHz Power All-in-one Macs Jonny Evans Creative Labs (www.europe.creative.com) Mac G4, and will be complemented Jobs added: “Our new products iTunes reviewed, page 85 will ship its first Mac-compatible by the SuperDrive, which can read will let you shoot footage on your Sound Blaster card, Sound Blaster and write both CDs and DVDs. camcorder, make movies on your Claim that tune Live! soon. DVD Studio Pro has been Mac, and burn your own DVD.” Apple’s OS X-inspired Aqua The Mac-friendly board will developed to meet the needs of Apple also announced its range interface offers clear, clean offer a MIDI port, microphone in, high-end, professional DVD encoders of 4.7GB DVD-R media, available in track-organization features. line in, digital out, speakers and at a ground-breaking price-point of March from the headphones out and rear speakers £706 (ex. VAT). Apple Store in out connections. It will support “iDVD and DVD Studio Pro packs of five. two- and four-channel audio maintain Apple’s lead in the desktop- UK pricing has Creative’s card will introduce video revolution,” said Jobs. “Our new not yet been Macintosh users to four-channel Power Mac G4 running iMovie, Final set. Each $10 audio and EAX (Environmental Cut Pro, iDVD and DVD Studio Pro disc can hold Effects) technology, which simulate offers professionals and high-end one hour of different environmental effects. consumers the only integrated high-quality When the card ships, games will solution for pro-quality DVD creation.” video and is be able to use four-channel audio iDVD is easy to use, as its compatible with on the Mac. The card will initially authoring and set-up abilities are most consumer only be available online in the UK. accessed through a single window. It and computer supports drag-&-drop, and ships with DVD players. MW

For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day Macworld MARCH 2001 23 Macworld News Hard-boiled X boosts Macromedia titles FreeHand leads way on X

acromedia presented Mac OS X-native versions M of FreeHand, Dreamweaver, Fireworks and the Flash player during CEO Rob Burgess’ keynote speech at Macworld Expo. Macromedia demonstrated the iForce power improved performance of FreeHand PowerLogix has delivered in Mac OS X. Artwork in FreeHand the iForce 400 and 500MHz does not need to redraw after palette G3 processor upgrades for boxes are dragged over on-screen older 233, 266 and 333MHz images. FreeHand will be the first iMacs. iForce 400 costs Macromedia application released £259, and the 500MHz £409. for OS X. PowerLogix products are Macromedia is also working on now available in the UK a version of Shockwave Player that exclusively from AM Micro supports Intel’s 3D streaming format (01392 426 473). (see Macworld, September 2000). Kevin Lynch, president of Macromedia Movie Premiere products, showed how a fully Want to attend Adobe’s interactive 3D object can be rotated Fast forward Premiere 6.0 launch party and viewed in the player. “We think Freehand is faster in Mac OS X and will be Macromedia’s first product for Apple’s new OS. at Sound, Leicester Square, this is a great way to deliver 3D London on February 28, content on the Web,” he said. Burgess then announced It’s available for free download from 2001? Macworld has three Macromedia demonstrated Macromedia’s Flash Advertising www.macromedia.com/solutions/richmedia/tracking. pairs of VIP tickets to the the interoperability between Alliance. This consortium is Macromedia also announced a party. All you have to do is Dreamweaver Fireworks Studio dedicated to establishing standard series of new Mac-focused courses write a 30-50-word concept and UltraDev 4. industry-wide practices for Flash from the Macromedia University. for a movie about a futuristic “We’re seeing teams of people implementations, improving (www.macromedia.com/university). war between Apple and building Web projects,” Lynch said, the user’s experience and helping Since Macworld Expo, Macromedia Microsoft. Email your movie “so we’re trying to make our products build better advertising online. has announced plans to merge with synopsis to [email protected] work better together.” The first creation of the alliance ColdFusion developer Allaire in a by 22 February. Burgess discussed online is the Macromedia Flash Tracking Kit, $360 million deal. The merged Winners will be informed advertising: “A lot of people think which provides a standard way to company will retain the Macromedia by email, and tickets will be advertising on the Web sucks, and easily track click-through rates and name, and Rob Burgess will become on the door. they’re right for the most part.” other elements of Flash-based ads. CEO of the new group. MW Microsoft Mac-unit embraces OS X icrosoft introduced its previously PC-only Outlook email We’re also going to put a lot of Mclient and demonstrated a Carbonized version of Office effort into performance.” running on Mac OS X. Outlook 2001 for Mac is available now as a Browne showed Word public beta from Microsoft’s Web site. running under Mac OS X, in The final version will ship this summer. Fully compatible with which it displayed clean font- Exchange Server, it uses the same data file-formats as Outlook for alignment and spacing, as well Windows for cross-platform workgroups. The application is easy to as intuitive font-management. install, and blends the look of Office 2001 and the OS X Finder. He also demonstrated how Outlook is a powerful email, calendar and scheduling manager a QuickTime movie playing on a that’s well-established on PCs. Word page pours fluidly into Kevin Browne, manager of Microsoft’s Mac Business Unit, and out of the Dock. “Our other said: “Microsoft loves OS X, or at least our division does. Other apps aren’t as far along,” he people in the company may be sweating a little bit. admitted. “Carbonizing Office 2001 will give us the opportunity to make To help with Apple’s bid to the programs work much better on the Mac OS. The development entice users over to Mac OS X, team is stoked about creating the aesthetics of the OS X interface Microsoft will offer a limited- for the next Office.” time upgrade price ($149 in the US) for Office when the suite ships Outlook rosy The Carbonized version of Entourage is more refined in in autumn, he said. “These are just the bare beginnings,” Browne Microsoft’s Outlook for Mac appearance, and Browne said the next version will include several said. “At Macworld in July we’ll be able to show you stuff that will boasts Entourage-like personal- new features, but would not go into specifics. knock your socks off.” MW information management for He said: “We’re going to do some great things with OS X. Joe LiPetri cross-platform networks.

24 Macworld MARCH 2001 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day Macworld News Apple puts back Apple menu, and adds customization to its next-generation operating system in time for March 24 launch date Mac OS X revamp wows users

Aqua Mac OS X Server to follow

(including folders you’ve created) Woo-hoo! The Apple menu joins OS X party that you can then drag to the toolbar. After receiving 75,000 pieces of user feedback, Available commands include New Apple has listened to its users – returning old Folder, Back, View options, Eject, Mac OS favourites to its forthcoming system . Find, Connect (to server) and the Customize command itself; clicking on the icon executes the related fter almost 10 years of waiting, by the dumping of traditional Mac OS command. You can also restore the we now know the release date favourites, such as the Apple menu default set of commands and folders. A of Apple’s next-generation and menubar clock. The crowd You can turn off the toolbar by operating system that will take whooped for joy when Jobs said that clicking on a small oval in the upper- (Above) Mac OS X – how it looks now the Mac OS on to a new level of these Mac OS stalwarts have been right of the screen. Doing so causes The Apple menu has returned to the left-hand-side of the menubar in performance and stability. Forget the reinstated to the new system. the Finder to revert to its pre-OS X the release version of OS X. Apple has also added hierarchical submenus interminable delays of Copland, Pink, The OS X Public Beta relegated folder behaviours, in which you can to the bottom-of-the-screen Dock. hough the desktop version of Mac OS X has been in the limelight, Mac OS X Taligent and Rhapsody – on March 24, the Apple icon to a useless ornament open folders without automatically T Server – an industrial-strength version of the operating system designed for Apple starts shipping the full in the middle of the menu bar. Now closing the currently active one. Web, mail and multimedia serving duties – will receive a technical and cosmetic non-beta release of Mac OS X. it’s back on the left side of the screen, facelift early this year. Mac OS X will cost $129 – about where it remains available to all Dock duties (Right) Expo X men Early users have reported that the software has carried the “OS X Server 2.0” £89, although no UK price had been running applications. Lack of customization was also at (From left) Apple head of design Jonathan Ive, Maya Technology director name during its beta cycle, but Apple representatives have confirmed that the set at press time. The new Apple menu is reserved the root of many user complaints Richard Kerris, and Apple CEO Steve Jobs together on the Macworld Expo final version will be called simply Mac OS X Server when it is released later this During his Macworld Expo keynote for resources that are available about the new Dock, where show floor. spring, possibly a month after the desktop version of OS X ships on March 24. in January, Apple CEO Steve Jobs systemwide. Apple has also added applications, system preferences, The operating system will inherit the Aqua interface and integrate features showed off a much-refined version several commands: Sleep, Restart, documents and files are stored of both earlier versions of OS X Server and Apple’s previous file, print, mail and of Mac OS X that featured many Shut Down and Log Out. You can for easy access. is the Application Switcher – the Dock apps this summer” in time for July’s Web services package, AppleShare IP. changes inspired by user feedback now access Location Manager, Dock Apple has revamped the Dock so still rules supreme here. Macworld Expo in New York. from the Public Beta version of preferences and System Preferences that it acts more like the classic Apple Jobs called the Dock a “very active One of the major coups for Apple Tools and features added OS X released last September. panel. In addition, there’s a new Force menu by letting you navigate the place”, and showed how OS X now is the OS X version of Alias| Users reported that the next version of OS X Server will extend features and Apple claims that it received 75,000 Quit menu option, which – with OS hierarchical contents of folders or actually plays moving QuickTime Wavefront’s Maya 3D application, administration tools inherited from early editions of the operating system, such pieces of feedback from the 100,000 X’s protected memory capabilities – drives that you’ve placed there via movies within it. which was demoed during the Steve as NetBoot, QuickTime Streaming Server, and WebObjects, adding a DHCP server, beta copies sold. Jobs called this closes a misbehaving application sub-menus. If you place the cursor Jobs keynote. Maya Technology a basic IP firewall, support for the upcoming WebObjects 4.5.1 and Java-based a “stunning success”. without crashing the system. over a docked folder and hold down It’s your Finder director Richard Kerris told the crowd WebObjects 5.0 (complete with a WebObjects 5.0 runtime environment) and more. Jobs described the feedback as Another major complaint was the mouse button, the folder’s Jobs said that many users loved the that “OS X performs like a champ”. X default OS on From AppleShare IP, OS X Server will gain new (and OS X-native) versions of split three ways. Clearly, he was happy with OS X’s Finder, which displayed contents are displayed as if you had old Finder and its ability to let you (See page 30 for more on Maya.) the Network Assistant, Network Admin and Macintosh Manager tools, as well with the positive responses that the a fixed set of quick-access folder placed an alias in the Apple menu. place hard drives and other media At Macworld Expo, Adobe, Macs ‘this summer’ as various file services. In addition, OS X Server will have an “advanced Directory OS X beta received. He claimed that and command shortcuts in a toolbar. Dragging a drive to the Dock has the to the desktop; they were angry that, Macromedia and Microsoft Many users will wait until their Services architecture,” said an Apple representative, that will use either the many users found the Unix-based The toolbar was too big and same effect. You can also navigate to in OS X, Apple was forcing them to announced their support of the new favourite applications and printer built-in NetInfo directory system or standard LDAP servers. Also in the next system “far more stable than even uncustomizable, cried the users. folders nested within the docked one better order their folders and files. OS (see page 23). Corel announced drivers are Carbonized before version of OS X Server will be Samba for sharing files with Windows-based OS 9”, and the Aqua user interface Apple responded by dramatically – up to five levels deep, according to “People love the new Finder, but that in future all its creative Mac upgrading to Mac OS X. But clients, full support for Perl and CGI as well as Apache and new extensions “incredible”. Users were also pleased reducing its size and allowing users to OS X product manager Ken Bereskin. some liked the old Finder,” he said. products would be Carbonized for Apple is to push the new for it, including the ability to cache static pages. that the Classic environment – where add their own commands and folders In a similar manner, applications “If you want to litter your screen, Mac OS X. Quark has promised operating system into work Apple declined to comment on pricing, or whether OS X Server would OS X runs non-optimized Mac OS 9 to the toolbar. Users can now also can now display options when you you can do it.” QuarkXPress 5.0 for Mac OS X as a earlier by making OS X the be available as a package to install over the desktop version of OS X or solely applications – “really works”. decide whether these shortcuts hold the mouse button over a docked release following the Classic version default operating on all Mac as a stand-alone OS, though beta testers have reported evidence of the former. He then addressed the second are displayed as text only, icons application icon. For example, the Application avalanche of XPress 5.0. FileMaker demoed systems from ”this summer”, Comments from those with hands-on experience with demos bunch of feedback that moaned only or both. Internet Explorer icon displays Jobs claimed that over 400 Macintosh FileMaker Pro for Mac OS X. according to CEO Steve Jobs. of the new server operating system have been positive, especially in contrast about features missing from the As you can see in the QuickTime open windows, as you can see in developers are working on OS X- Dantz demoed its Retrospect That means that if you to the software’s speckled history. Public Beta – for instance, printer movie on Apple’s Web site Apple’s online QuickTime movie optimization (a process known as backup program for the new OS. buy a Macintosh – be it iMac "I'm really quite excited by OS X Server," said Scott Anguish, editor of drivers, location manager and AirPort (www.apple.com/macosx/theater/finder.html), (www.apple.com/macosx/theater/dock.html). ‘Carbonization’), involving 1,200 Various hardware manufacturers or PowerBook G4 – after summer, the Stepwise Web site and a long-time developer. "I had originally planned on support. All of these have now been when you choose the Customize System preferences in the Dock now brand-name programs – of which 350 promised Mac OS X-compatible device you may have to rely on the just running OS X for my servers since I didn't think I'd need the extra features… added to the full release. Toolbar command in the Finder’s provide quick one-click access to are ready now. He predicted hundreds drivers to ensure printers, scanners Classic environment to run your but the extensions that have been made to Apache (caching of static pages, The third set of user responses to Application menu, the Finder displays settings. However, one classic OS more this spring when OS X ships, and drives work with OS X. MW favourite Mac OS 9 applications. is a big one) really does make it attractive." Daniel Drew Turner MW OS X were negative. Users were upset a palette of commands and folders feature that has not made it to OS X and “an avalanche of Carbonized Simon Jary & Stephen Beale OS 9.1 will run as the Classic OS.

26 Macworld MARCH 2001 Get all the latest news on Mac OS X at www.macworld.co.uk, updated throughout the day Macworld MARCH 2001 27 Apple pulls out stops on UK education Macworld News

Expo lesson for Apple

espite its claims D to the contrary, Apple is failing to take the initiative in the education sector, say US-based teachers visiting Macworld Expo in San Francisco. Stands to reason Apple’s mission on Apple had a high-profile presence at the BETT 2001 show – in line with its drive on educational sales. education is spelled out in an open letter in the education section of its Web site. In it, Cheryl Vedoe, vice president of education marketing, says: “Apple’s commitment is to ensure that schools have the Apple showstopper right products and solutions to support the entire education community – students, teachers and pple announced imminent offering creative solutions to education faculty, administrators, and parents. Our goal is to updates to the UK versions of and learning. We are developing Apple’s help prepare today’s students for the real world of A its Apple Learning Series (ALS) presence in the UK education market tomorrow, and to help each child reach his or her titles at BETT 2001 (www.bettshow.com), the from infant to primary school right full potential.” educational technology show that through to higher education. Schools But teachers told Macworld this aim is took place at London’s Olympia from are not only interested in Apple Learning getting lost between Cupertino and the classroom. January 10-13. ALS is an integrated Solutions, but in Mac OS X.” Jack Jarvis is vice principal and technology collection of software and curriculum Apple had a high profile at the show. co-ordinator at Lane Elementary School in Fresno, content, both for teachers and pupils. Working with Cisco Systems, it streamed in central California’s San Joaquin Valley. His school Apple’s regional education manager the event-opening speech by Michael Wills teaches 980 pupils aged between 5-13. Paul Scott said: “The individual packages in MP, under-secretary of state for learning the series are in transition. We can expect and technology. Knocking on wrong doors an update within the next month”. Apple products were highly visible, Jack said: “In central California, Apple recently Brendan O’Sullivan, Apple UK’s director with iMacs, G4s and Power Macs on every lost one of the state’s biggest school districts to for education in Europe, added: “The next other stand. Apple supplied iMacs for the Microsoft, because Microsoft went to the district phase of ALS will see incorporation of teacher’s lounge and the Cybernet Café. administrator to demonstrate how its products can online data with links to CD-based data.” Scott said: “We lend exhibitors an be used in the classroom. iMac and offer them the opportunity to “Apple needs to start sending in its reps to talk Apple ‘will evolve’ buy it at a 30 per cent discount.” to district administrators instead of school tech guys. “An integral part of the ALS is that it is BETT 2001 moved away from its It’s approaching the wrong people.” being bundled with Apple hardware at primary education roots to embrace He added: “Apple also comes up with some cool a discount price for the education market. higher and further education and inclusive stuff, but doesn’t let schools – and sometimes even Apple will continue to evolve this as we learning. Educational developers for the the public – know about it. move forward,” O’Sullivan told Macworld. Mac at BETT 2001 included Sherston “Take iTools. I thought this was launched at the He added: “Apple is now a key exhibitor (www.sherston.com), which launched Hide Expo, but discovered it’s been out for ages. For me, at BETT. We add value to the show with our and Reveal, a £31 light-hearted maths it was the best thing at the show. Our school can award winning products.” application. use it to post images of events such as ball games Apple’s show booth focused on Russel Mabon, managing director of on the Internet immediately after the event. Why iMovie 2, AirPort, Learning Series 3, Mac Sherston, said: “BETT is our biggest show didn’t Apple push it?” OS X and Final Cut Pro. A separate product of the year. We’ve had hundreds of people Another teacher trawling the Expo halls was showcase area demonstrated Apple’s latest pass through our stand, from LEA advisors Bill Whicker, a 40-year-old teacher and technology software and hardware solutions. to teachers.” co-ordinator for the 500-pupil Craig City School “We are one of the few companies Dominique Fidéle District on Prince of Wales Island, 75 miles off the coast of south-east Alaska. Bill says: “I’ve been technology co-ordinator Praise for iBook and AirPort for 17 years. But it was only in 1999 that I received Apple’s iBook and AirPort technologies picked up three awards any training, when I was sent on a state-funded as a joint solution at BETT: the EInnovation award for the most five-month IT internship. innovative product of the year; the EBest Information “If teachers do not use the technology that Communications Technology (ICT) hardware award for they have, then it is pointless having it. When I was secondary schools; and the Best Judges Award – presented training in Ohio on my internship I visited a school to the overall awards winner. that had spent a fortune on technology. I opened Brendan O’Sullivan, Apple’s director for education in a cupboard and it was full of printers still in their Europe, said: “This is a great accolade, and shows we are boxes. Writing cheques and buying stuff is easy. on the right track.” Making use of it requires training.” There were 400 nominations in 15 award categories. Sean Ashcroft

For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day Macworld MARCH 2001 29 Macworld News Mac inventor’s message to Jobs: ‘It’s the interface, stupid’ OS X stinks, says Raskin

t’s official. Mac OS X stinks because known as the man who in 1979 90-95 per cent of people who don’t Apple CEO Steve Jobs has never created the Macintosh Project, use a Mac then it has to rethink its Iunderstood computer interfaces. naming it after his favourite eating interface – because the truth is, once Who says so? None other than the apple, the McIntosh. you get past the pretty boxes, there’s originator of the Macintosh, Jef He first met Apple CEO Steve no difference between Macs and PCs.” Raskin. “I used the Mac OS X beta and, Jobs in 1976, when Jobs was But Raskin – now a computer although Unix is very elegant, Mac working out of his parents’ garage interface consultant – reveals that OS X stinks,” Raskin told with Steve Wozniak. At the time, he Jobs is unlikely to turn to him for Macworld at the Macworld was a professor and computer-centre advice. Expo in San Francisco. “The director at the University of California “I’ve known Steve for a very long major flaw is that Apple and a visiting academic to Xerox time. He knows what I think, but missed the opportunity PARC (Palo Alto Research Center). gave up listening to me a long time to be different. The He told Jobs and Woz about PARC’s ago. When Steve makes his mind up message I have revolutionary work on computer to stop listening, then no one can for Apple is ‘It’s the user interfaces and, in 1978, change it,” he said. interface, stupid.’ became Apple’s 31st employee Raskin added: “All current “Steve – leaving the company in 1982. operating systems, including OS X, Jobs has never are a mistake. Users shouldn’t even had a deep Mac the niche have to see the interface. It’s not understanding Raskin said: “The thing that made interfaces that let you get work of interfaces. the Mac a success in the first place done, it’s the apps they open. People His speciality is that it was easier to use and that get work done despite operating is surface it did more than anything in the systems, not because of them.” appearance. The computing world. Now OS X is Of Apple’s Expo product fact Apple is putting indistinguishable from a user point announcements, Raskin said: a different skin on of view from all other user interfaces “I currently use a PowerBook G3, its interface is an on all the other platforms. but the new PowerBook is dynamite irrelevance to me. It’s “Macs are niche products, with and I’m going to buy one. not a fundamental thing.” a 5-10 per cent market penetration. “This is the point I’m making. Raskin was at Macworld Apple produces lovely boxes and I don’t want Apple to go out of Expo in his capacity as a consultant special stuff for niche markets, business, because I want to in the development of Matias’ new which is fine if it wants to remain continue using its machines.” Half Keyboard – but he’s better a bit player. If it is to go after the Sean Ashcroft Movie-star Maya brings magic to Mac lias|Wavefront will deliver its professional-level 3D to all 3D elements – Aanimation and effects package, Maya Complete 3, for such as wind direction, Mac OS X in the second quarter 2001 after Mac OS X ships. luminescence, gravity, Maya was the 3D tool of choice in every movie nominated and object behaviours, which for an Academy Award this year. Richard Kerris, director of can be customized by project. Maya Technologies, told Steve Jobs’ Macworld Expo keynote Maya includes an easy- crowd: “Maya is to 3D what Photoshop is to 2D.” He played to-comprehend Painting a film generated in Maya, which showed the immense power system – brushes apply of the application – to a rapturous response from the floor. colour and hue to the For professional 3D designers, Mac OS X’s multiprocessing underlying wire-frame support will benefit Maya for the Mac, enabling film-quality terrains. Brushes can animations on multiprocessing machines from Apple. also add objects such as Kerris said: “Maya is a huge program. With over trees, clouds or grass to 25 million lines of code, its bigger than Mac OS X.” animations. These behave Alias has received 8,000 emails requesting the port in the manner specified in and 20,000 messages of support since the Mac version of the dynamic physics model. Maya was announced. Maya renders to QuickTime quickly, Images can be imported The grass is greener and, in its final version, will offer an Aqua-based interface. from other applications, and Maya can also take a QuickTime In Maya, fine control can be Kerris said: “From a technical standpoint, we are a image and use it as a reference model. Files created by the exercised over animated elements complete solution. Maya offers full rendering, modelling, application can be saved and worked on using Maya on other such as the growth-rate of trees character-animation and a dynamic-physics system.” platforms. Macworld was told to expect Shockwave and Flash plants and flowers. The physics system is customizable, with different plug-ins soon after Maya’s release.

ILLUSTRATION: MANDIE JOHNSON ILLUSTRATION: environmental rules being applied. Effects can be applied Jonny Evans

30 Macworld FEBRUARY 2001 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day Mac-games sector buoyant Macworld News Mac gamers get Expo bonanza ac gaming is on the up and offering OS X support at Macworld up, with games developers Expo in July. Once the operating M and publishers announcing system is bundled with new Macs a slew of key titles and strategies at and more users migrate to it, Macworld Expo, San Francisco. I expect to see more support Influential games-developer for it from publishers. Westlake launched two big titles for “It depends how quickly it’s the Mac – Escape From Monkey Island adopted by users. Publishers may and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Westlake approach developers, asking us to is behind many of the most successful create OS X ports and updaters.” ever Mac games, including The Mark added: “You can expect Sims, Star Trek: Elite Force Tomb Raider Chronicles in early (demo on this month’s cover spring, and we have another two or CD) and Deus Ex. The three titles that we are negotiating company’s co-founder Mark at present.” Adams talked to Macworld about Softline (01372 726 333) will its plans. distribute Lucas Arts’ Escape from Mark said: “We’re excited about Monkey Island – expected to cost and it’s important we offer them Action stations Monkey Island as there have been £39 – in the UK. There is no release more family games, such as Scrabble Games developer Westlake – very few adventure games released date yet for Pro Skater 2. and Wheel of Fortune. Over two- behind top titles like Star Trek: for the Mac recently. It’s also the first thirds of Mac gamers want titles Elite Force (above, top) – has title we’ve developed for Lucas Arts, Family fortunes suitable for family use.” developed Escape from Monkey and that’s great for us. Meanwhile, Mac-games publisher The games will be available Island (above) for Lucas Arts, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is easy-to- MacSoft aims to port a raft of family in the UK through Softline, but while MacSoft’s releases learn, but hard to master. No one is oriented games to the platform pricing details are not yet available. include Rogue Spear (below), doing non-mainstream sports games, during 2001. At Expo, MacSoft Epic Interactive has also the follow-up to Rainbow 6 . so hopefully this title will spawn announced the release of first-person launched a new title, the £20 another genre for gamers on the super-hero title, Centipede; Monopoly fantasy adventure Simon the Mac. We’re looking at an April or Casino, a gambling twist on the Sorcerer II. The company’s second May release.” property board-game; and Rogue UK release – the strategy game Earth Asked what challenges Mac OS X Spear, a follow-up to Rainbow 6, 2140 – is expected in March, and will – set for release on March 24 – holds the anti-terrorism shoot-em-up. cost around £30. for games developers, Mark said: MacSoft product manager Al Epic is planning further Mac “It’s coming to a head for publishers. Schilling told Macworld: “Most iMac releases this year. It’s possible we’ll see flagship titles owners are first-time computer users, Jonny Evans and Sean Ashcroft nVidia in Mac-graphics move, as GeForce hits top G4s raphics-chip maker nVidia has made it to the Mac, only dominates in non-updated Macs, and its claim that the G with its GeForce 2 MX graphics processor now Radeon out-performs the GeForce 2 MX is true only for the bundled as standard in Apple’s top three Power PC G4s. The very highest screen resolutions. Most gamers use only the company plans to make all 12 of its consumer and lower resolutions because extreme performance is what commercial products Mac-compatible, leveraging its own they’re after. At these lower resolutions, the GeForce is the technologies and those technologies acquired when it took far-superior solution.” over 3dfx (see Macworld, February 2001). He also stressed that the GeForce2 MX is one of nVidia’s developer-relations manager Jim Black spoke nVidia’s mid-range chips, while Radeon is ATI’s top-end to Macworld at Macworld Expo. He said: “Future chips will product. be made ready for Apple. We have tremendous resources In a demonstration, the GeForce2 MX ran Quake on a dedicated to making our chips Mac-compliant. We offer the PowerPC 450MHz G4 at speeds reaching 100 frames per best OpenGL performance going, and consider Apple to be a second – the human eye can only see 30 frames per second. key strategic partner. The two companies complement one Black says such high-level performance is possible because another perfectly.” other machines, and our AGP 2X Rage Mobility 128 card is the chip processes lighting and transform effects itself, Reacting hours after the nVidia Expo announcement, bundled with the new PowerBook G4. “Many people will rather than relying on the CPU to process the data. ATI senior group product manager Matt Skynner said: “The also look to upgrade from GeForce 2 to our more powerful “This improves graphics performance because the CPU chances of our graphics cards being bundled in future G4s Radeon card.” is freed up to do other things,” he said. is very good. ATI cards are already in 90 per cent of Apple’s Responding to Skynner’s comments, Black said: “ATI Sean Ashcroft

For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day Macworld MARCH 2001 33 Macworld News Business news for the Macintosh world

Sales-slump hits Apple profits

pple lost $247 million in its last financial quarter – its first loss-making quarter in three years. Apple A sold 659,000 Macs in the quarter, though sales remained strongest in Europe. Revenues were $1 billion, a 57 per cent fall against last year’s first quarter. Following December’s profit warning (see Business News, Macworld, February) First Call/Thomson Financial analysts had expected a loss of $0.65 per share – Apple lost $0.73 cents per share. “We spent aggressively on advertising and marketing to reduce our stock on hand,” said Fred Anderson, Apple’s chief financial officer, during a conference following profitability. A lot of people are lusting for the PowerBook,” the announcement. He added: “In December, we saw he added. He warned that demand for the new systems demand increase, particularly with consumer products.” could initially exceed supply. The PowerBook was Apple’s biggest earning product iBook holds its own in Q1 2000, pulling in $267 million on 84,000 sales – Excepting the iBook – which, at 100,000 units, saw a sales fell 43 per cent to 49,000 worldwide in Q1 2001. 12 per cent increase in sales – sales fell for all products. Unconfirmed reports claim that over 20,000 orders iMac sales dropped 46 per cent in the quarter, and for the Titanium PowerBook G4 have been placed, Power Mac G4 sales fell by 51 per cent. exceeding available supplies. Business “Our cash position remains very strong at over Matt Sargent, analyst for Associated Research Services, $4 billion, and we are planning a return to sustained said: “If Apple had kept prices where they were, it would’ve briefs profitability beginning this quarter,” Anderson said. “We been in deeper trouble,” he said. expect revenue for fiscal year 2001 to be about $6 billion. ■ Macromedia returned “With these new products, and others in the pipeline, Worldwide sales slump record third-quarter revenue we believe we’re well positioned for a return to sustained Sales declined worldwide, except in Europe, where they of $103.3 million, a 61 per increased by 3 per cent against the fourth-quarter 2000. cent increase over the year- Cutting profit margins to stimulate sales meant revenues ago quarter. The company fell 12 per cent. also announced plans to Corel ditches Linux arm Apple’s UK MD, Mark Rogers said: “The European merge with ColdFusion orel is to sell its Linux distribution division, the PC-market did not suffer the same decline as the US in developer, Allaire. C company revealed, as it rolled out its new corporate sales over Christmas. The European sell-through held up ■ A Belgian court has strategy and logo. Corel CEO, Derek Burney, said: “Our pretty well.” granted bankruptcy future will be based not on radical choices but smart In the Americas, Apple lost over 50 per cent of sales protection to Lernout changes.” Corel will continue to develop WordPerfect and revenue. Apple saw the biggest dip in Japan, where & Hauspie, parent Office and CorelDraw for Linux. sales fell 74 per cent. Apple’s global revenues fell 58 per company of Dictaphone Ian LeGrow, Corel’s vice president of creative cent over the year. and Mac speech-recognition products said: “We our committed to our Mac products.” Gartner Group analyst Kevin Knox, said: “I can’t say specialists, Dragon Systems. The company plans to expand the scope of its suite I’m surprised by these numbers, but they do show a ■ Motorola’s year-on-year of creative products, and is considering “strategic bleaker picture than that depicted in the press.” fourth-quarter earnings investments” to boost progress in these markets. Corel Welcoming rumours that Apple would add CD-RWs fell by 41 per cent to $335 also hinted at plans to expand into the Web-graphics to iMacs, Knox said: “They haven’t refreshed the iMac million. The company is markets. Wireless imaging was another area singled often enough. If you own a Blueberry iMac, you’re not also to shed 2,500 jobs.a out for expansion, Burney revealed. going to buy a new one because Ruby is available. ■ Wireless and network Once-beleaguered Corel is participating in “You have to have meaningful change to entice solutions specialist Proxim Microsoft’s .NET strategy, and customers can look customers to buy, and Apple hasn’t done that in many is to acquire Netopia. forward to faster access to Web-based applications, instances over the past year.” ■ Intel has acquired Xircom content and services. Corel expects new and rising in a $748 million deal. revenues from its .NET ventures. Profits prediction ■ Warner Music is allowing Burney described Corel’s plans as having a Anderson predicted a small profit during Apple’s current MP3.com to distribute “solid foundation”. He promised: “We are committed quarter (ending in March) followed by strong showings Warner-owned tracks for two to success and believe the plan will bring Corel back in the following two quarters. Apple’s sales crisis reflects years. into profitability by the third quarter of this fiscal year.” the state of the PC market in general. ■ Palm’s chief technology Corel revealed that its Macintosh release schedule Apple will release Mac OS X on March 24, and products officer Bill Maggs has is between May and September. In May, Corel will announced at both the Macworld Expo in San Francisco resigned. announce significant updates to its creative applications. and the upcoming event in Tokyo should be available in ■ Lexmark returned Bryce users get Bryce 5 in May, followed by Painter 7, quantity shortly after the Japan show. fourth-quarter earnings CorelDraw 10, Kai’s Power Tools 7 and KnockOut 2. A recent IDC report reveals that PC sales-growth has of $55 million net. LeGrow said: “Professional graphics and the slowed down in the face of decreased consumer demand. ■ IBM’s fourth-quarter emphasis on the Mac is a very big thing to Corel.” A total of 36.7 million PCs were sold worldwide in the earnings were up by 28 per Jonny Evans fourth quarter of 2000, says IDC. MW cent on the year-ago figure. Brad Gibson and Ashlee Vance

34 Macworld MARCH 2001 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day See ‘Macworld’ – inside ‘Serious Software’ – on this month’s cover CD Product News

Optimize Web sites PineHill Products has announced SiteToolkit Toast 5 ‘stable’, 1.0, a set of Web-site tools that will optimize Web pages, generate and automatically add claims Roxio metatags, upload entire Web sites, and submit sites to 40 search engines. oxio, Adaptec’s spin-off software- It costs $15. development company, announced Pine Hill Products, R Toast 5 at Macworld Expo. For the www.pinehillproducts.com first time, Toast officially allows CDs to be burnt in the background – previous Pocket rocket versions included an “unreliable” BoxClever has launched its own software hack that allowed background FireWire-enabled Pocket Drive. burning. Weighing just 295g, the drive Roxio promises that Toast is supports data rates up to more stable, and is far more capable FireWire’s maximum 400Mbps. of maintaining constant data-rates Available in 10 and 20GB than before – meaning fewer failed versions, the drives cost CD-authoring sessions. Toast can record £249 and £295 respectively. Toast DVD has been integrated into any file-type Mac and More, 01442 870 300 Toast 5, and the program can also write that QuickTime to digital linear-tape. understands. Toast File transportation On release, Toast 5 will run on both will separate the audio Aladdin is shipping Transporter, Mac OS 9 and OS X. Reflecting this move from such files, and its workflow-management to Mac OS X compliance, the application burn them to CD. and file-transfer utility. sports a redesigned, Aqua-like interface Toast 5 permits It helps users set up – though the application’s control CD titling within customized and buttons are system-generated and the application, automated file- look best running on OS X. and supports Apple’s management The controls that once sat on Toast’s Extended File System communications and second dialog screen have been integrated for longer file names. Internet tasks. Once a into the first dialog box of the application. Toast 5 will encode MPEG files, so First burn Transporter sequence has Toast offers users three single-button iMovies can be burnt to CD as Video CDs. Toast 5, officially a Roxio been set up, functions can be controls for common tasks – such as audio, The application will ship with iView product, supports background accessed through a single click. data and CD copying, with a fourth button, Multimedia, a file-management system burning, has an Aquafied Sequences can include FTP-file Other, for more advanced functions. for creating slide shows and thumbnail interface (above), and ships exchanges. It costs $149. Another new feature in Toast 5 is its catalogues. Pricing was not set at press with QDesgn’s MP3 player Aladdin, www.aladdinsys.com ability to use drag-&-drop for recording time, but it is expected to ship in April. MVP (top). audio CDs and QuickTime files. This means Roxio, www.roxio.com Sound recording app Black Cat Systems has released Audiocorder, which works like a VOX recorder, Amapi 3D 6.0 is spaced-out enabling users to set the volume at which TGS has announced Amapi 3D files in a number of Web-friendly recording begins, 6.0. This includes a software-based formats, including HTML and XML. and the volume at technology called 3Space, and Animators can use this feature to which it should stop. It also adds new functionality. generate collisions between objects. also enables manual recording. Amapi 3D is a 3D-modelling Version 6 also offers a number of The application works as program for Mac and Windows. advance-modelling features, including a telephone-call recorder Features include a fast-rendering elevation maps and perturbation tools. using the Mac’s internal engine and a set of modelling tools. The rendering module has been modem. Sound is stored in 3D Space is designed to help improved, raytracing has been Amapi AIFF files and can be sampled professional designers create dynamic, accelerated, and the application’s Amapi 3D 6.0 features at 11, 22, or 44KHz. It costs $20. interactive 3D Web-sites. It can interface has been redesigned. improved raytracing and Black Cat Systems, associate dynamic behaviours to Amapi 3D 6.0 costs £299. the ability to create dynamic www.blackcatsystems.com/ the objects it creates, generating TGS, www.tgs.com.amapi Web-content. software/audiocorder

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For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day (All prices exclude VAT) Macworld MARCH 2001 37 Product News

Images have a killer bite CDs & books Royalty-free image publisher Photoshop tipster Digital Vision has launched Deke McClelland’s Look and Arc, a 30-CD collection of Learn Photoshop is a fully nature photography. The illustrated guide to Adobe’s collection includes images image-manipulation solution. captured from across the The book contains 300 screen- globe, including rainforests, shots with 66 mountain ranges, insects step-by-step and mammals. Series titles examples. include Life Underwater, Cats Topics include and Dogs and Summits. Arc painting and CDs cost £349. The collection retouching. can be previewed at The IDG- www.digitalvisiononline.co.uk published Digital Vision, 020 7378 5555 book costs £18.99. All on-sale IDG titles are available at up to 30 per cent off from Macworld either online (www.macworld.co.uk/readeroffers) Jaz makes way or by calling 020 7831 9252.

Teaching text Sherston Software’s Reading for Peerless Zone is an interactive CD- ROM designed to teach pupils word recognition and to check omega showed off its latest storage capacity than CD-RW, DVD-RAM, a range of reading skills. Each removable-storage technology at DVD-RW, or DVD+RW alternatives”. activity is available at two I San Francisco’s Macworld Expo in FireWire and USB 1.1 interface levels of difficulty meeting January – winning a Macworld Best modules are expected to be available National Literacy Strategy Year of Show award in the process. The at the launch, with USB 2.0 and SCSI 6 (10-11 years) requirements. Peerless drive system will succeed available as follow-on products. It costs £49.95 per user. the company’s Jaz drives. Capacities The Peerless read/write heads are Sherston, 01666 843 200 of up to 20GB are promised for integrated into fully sealed, high-capacity launch later this year, with prices removable disks, which eliminates the Video-editing guide starting at £170 for drives and risk of dust contamination and allows iMovie 2 – The Missing £90 for disks. sustained transfer-rates in the range of Manual from O’Reilly Press The Peerless disk is roughly an expected 15MBps – with the FireWire- is written by the size and shape of a based module. The hard-drive electronics Macworld’s handheld PDA device, such are located in the base station, making David Pogue, and as a Palm. It slots into a base for disk prices as low as 1p per megabyte. offers a complete station – about four inches Iomega says Peerless is an alternative course in making across and five inches tall to write-once optical media for data digital video. – only slightly taller than storage, and tape drives for backup. Chapters discuss the disk itself. Iomega claims Peerless disks include chip-based identifier the workarounds that the Peerless drive system technology to enable data security, and hidden offers “up to ten times the protecting against unauthorized access. features of performance and massively greater Iomega, 0800 973 194 Apple’s video editor. It costs £13.95. John Wiley Distribution, 01243 779 777 BlueChip gives PowerBook a boost Flashy Web skills Foundation Flash 5 costs PowerLogix released its BlueChip 400 and 500 G3 upgrade for iMacs running up to 333MHz. £22.99 and is a cross-platform upgrades for 233, 250, 266, 292 and 300MHz G3 They are available with either a 400MHz guide to the basics and use of PowerBooks at Macworld Expo. The upgrades G3 processor, which costs £259, or the Macromedia’s Web-animation boost older PowerBooks, offering either 466MHz 500MHz G3, which costs £409. The tool. Dynamic Web- or 500MHz G3 processors. They company has also cut prices on its applications and advanced cost £449 and £519 respectively. PowerForce G3 and G4 upgrade cards. Flash skills are discussed. PowerLogix also announced its iForce AM Micro, 01392 426 473 Computer Bookshops, 0121 778 3333

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Macworld MARCH 2001 39 Product News

Shining out Mitsubishi readies Eizo has released two projectors, the IP420U (below) and the IX460P. The IP420U generates 1,100 ANSI palm-sized projector lumens of brightness while the IX460P itsubishi Electric has launched The £2,000 LVP- offers 3,000 ANSI lumens. two new products – the LVP- SA51U uses Natural Both projectors have a horizontal M SA51U LCD projector, and a Colour Matrix, an scanning rate of 15-92Hz. The palm-sized digital projector, the X30U. algorithm that IP420U weighs 3.2kg, and the The company will also release a slim- controls six colour IX460P weighs 6.7kg. They are line video wall-system later this month. signals – red, green, priced at £2,800 and £4,995 The £4,000 X30U digital projector blue, yellow, respectively. weighs 1.3kg (2.9lbs) and measures magenta and cyan. Eizo, 01483 719 500 230-x-48-x-177mm. Pictures can The LVP-SA51U be sourced from video or a Mac has a brightness of Painting by numbers and projected at sizes from 36 to 200 1,000 ANSI lumens, Painting 2 is a drawing program inches onto a screen or wall. Projection and an SVGA image that needs less than 1MB RAM distances range from 1.2m to 6.8m. resolution of 800-x- and features: standard paint There is a 10x zoom facility, and 600 pixels. The zoom tools; special-effects digital keystone-correction. A 130W ratio is 1.2:1, while Pic in the wall support for multiple lamp produces 800 ANSI lumens projection distances and picture Mitsubishi’s XGA Display System file-formats; brightness at a resolution of XGA sizes vary from 1.4m using a 30-inch (above) allows monitors to be customized colour- 1,024-x-768 pixels and a contrast ratio diagonal screen, up to 14.37m using a stacked together to form a wall- sets; graphics-tablet of 800:1. It can show over 16.7 million 300-inch screen. The scanner bundles mounted array. The LVP-SA51U support; and intelligent colours. The projector is compatible with with a soft-cover carrying case, and (left) and the palm-sized X30U 32-bit icon creation for SXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA, Mac, NTSC, weighs 3.4kg (7.5lbs). (below) are the latest in the documents. It costs $20. PAL and SECAM. The Mitsubishi DLP full XGA Display company’s digital-projector Sarwat, www.sarwat.net Sound is output from a built-in 0.5W System is available from March 2001. range. speaker. Power consumption is 180W. The It is a series of 40-x-30-inch screens. A Passport to photography projector can be operated by a remote video wall can be built using a number Sony is offering three free boxes control or a computer. All cables are of screens. Each screen has a single-chip of UPC-204A UK Passport provided. Digital Light Processor system that Agency-approved photo-quality provides full XGA performance. There paper with the UPX-C21 digital is one long-life lamp in each screen photo-ID system. The that lasts around 8,000 hours. system is an all-in- The screens have a contrast one professional- ratio of 300:1 and a resolution photo-ID of 1,024-x-768 pixels. Each screen package costs £10,640. comprising a Mitsubishi Electric, 01707 278 684 cordless digital- camera, a camera-control unit and a compact printer. An optional kit downloads images to a Mac. The Canon bubble-jets ship UPX-C21 costs £1,550. Sony, 01932 816 275 Canon has introduced five bubble- monochrome, or 10ppm in jet printers – the S400, S450, colour. It offers true 2,400-x- Fast MP3 encoding S4500, S600 and S800. 1,200dpi. Available from April, Proteron’s Pro N2MP3 is an The £280 S800 is a there is no UK price yet. MP3 encoder for the Mac. photographic printer offering The £75 S400 is a colour It sports the Proteron prints at resolutions of 2,400-x- printer offering 9ppm and USB MPEG encoder for 1,200dpi. The printer has around support. The printer can reach MPEG1 layer III 1.5 times as many shades per resolutions of 1,440-x-720dpi format, and is based pixel than before. It outputs an A4 The £119 S450 prints at A4 ppm in monochrome, on the International photo at 1,200dpi in two minutes 10ppm (monochrome), or and 6ppm in colour. Reaching Standards Organization and can print up to legal-paper 7ppm (colour) at 1,440dpi. resolutions of 1,440-x-720dpi source for MP3. It can encode size (215.9-x-355.6mm). It also prints legal-paper sizes. the £225 printer connects via 128Kbps high-quality MP3s faster Also USB, the S600 delivers Canon’s S4500 A3 colour USB. than real time. It costs $59.95. 15ppm (pages per minute) bubble-jet printer will deliver nine Canon, 0121 680 8062 Proteron, www.proteron.com

continues page 43

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Apple updates Epson ships There are three major Apple updates this month. Mac OS 9.1 emerged with little fanfare at Macworld winter range Expo, San Francisco (see Reviews page 54). It delivers additional support pson, has released the EMP-8150 and EMP-9100 projectors, the Stylus for Multiple Users and iTools Photo 790, 890 and 1290 series of printers, and the Epson Stylus Pro 5500 services, and adds an E printer. The EMP-8150 is an XGA (Extended Graphics Array) projector offering Picture perfect Entertainment channel to 3,200 ANSI Lumens brightness. The Epson-9100 (above) is a low- Sherlock. Mac OS X Public The four USB-port projector can cast images stored on a PCMCIA card. It comes noise projector that supports PAL Beta is incompatible with Mac with network connections, and is AirPort compatible. It costs £11,999. The 2,400 ANSI and NTSC standards. The Stylus OS 9.1, which disables OS X’s lumens EMP-9100 is a low-noise (42db) projector, and weighs 8.3kg (18.3lbs). It supports Photo 790 (below, left) has a Classic environment. global video standards (PAL and NTSC), and analogue and digital inputs. An SXGA 2,800dpi resolution and costs Disk First Aid 8.6 verifies projector, the EMP-9100 can also support signals from VGA to UXGA resolutions. £135. and repairs disk-drive problems. The projector’s keystone correction has been improved, and it now offers a Intended for Mac OS 9.x, version 300:1 contrast ratio. It costs £10,999. 8.6 can repair more faults, and The USB and parallel Epson Stylus Photo 790 printer costs £135, has a resolution of deals with Mac OS Extended 2,800dpi, and can print at full A4 thanks to new edge-to-edge function . hard-disk volumes better. The £169 Epson Stylus Photo 890 A4 printer also features edge-to-edge AppleShare Client 3.8.8 printing in six colours at print speeds of 9.6ppm for black text, fixes a number of problems, or 9.2ppm in colour. A resolution of 2,880-x-720dpi is including password-recognition supported. The USB and Parallel Epson Stylus Photo 1290 errors. It also removes the is a professional A4 model, with a resolution of 2,880-x- “check for broadcast” addresses 720dpi. It reaches colour print speeds up to 9ppm. in the Enter IP Address dialog, Finally, Epson’s Stylus Pro 5500 is an A3 printer with as it was not handling AirPort- a maximum resolution of 2,880dpi and printing speeds supplied addresses properly. of two minutes per print at 720dpi. Links to all the most recent Epson, 0800 220 546 Apple updates are available at www.macworld.co.uk/updates.

Third-party updates LaCie launches RAID Flat out BBEdit 6.0.2 NEC-Mitsubishi’s 1530V This update adds is a flat-panel monitor support for on terrabyte storage that can show 16.19 Compact HTML 2.0, million colours and a specification used LaCie has launched its TX12000 Ultra160 RAID Tower storage- has a recommended to prepare content for solution. It has a 2ms average access-time, and each tower can resolution of 1,024-x-768 mobile phones. Other support up to 876GB (12 drives). pixels. improvements include an The product is aimed at high-end storage businesses, such as additional flexibility in positioning image libraries, e-commerce databases and ISPs. The TX12000 windows when finding differences RAID ships with an Ultra160 SCSI controller, which can also between files. control additional towers. Strata 3D 3.0.2 Two towers can be daisy-chained, offering up to 1.7TB Monitor roll-out Strata 3D is a Web-enabled (terrabytes) of storage. The controller supports five RAID 3D-graphics tool that creates 3D configurations that can speed-up desktop video-editing and the EC-Mitsubishi has launched the 15.1- models, images, animations and transfer of large graphics-files. The N inch MultiSync LCD 1530V. The flat-panel live Web-content through an array can be operated and set-up monitor costs £609, though it needs a Mac “easy-to-navigate” interface. via an LCD display on the back of adaptor. It has a TFT active-matrix LCD panel The update improves stability. the device. An LCD-panel at the with a viewing angle of 120-degrees horizontal SurfDoubler 6.8.0 front of the drive can be opened. and 90-degrees vertical. It consumes 25W The application will simultaneously All drives and the six fans are of power, decreasing to under 3W in sleep connect two or three computers hot-swappable. The TX12000 is mode. The contrast ratio is 200:1 and its to the Internet over one enclosed in a dark-blue case and recommended resolution is 1,024-x-768 pixels connection. Version 6.8 offers the modules have “easy-to- at 75Hz. The monitor can display 16.19 million a number of new features, grab” handles. The TX1200 Raid colours, and is controlled through an on-screen including the ability to combine Tower system starts at £6,154 display. It ships with a three-year on-site multiple-modem connections and goes up to £19,000 for the warranty. for faster downloads, and has 876GB version. NEC-Mitsubishi, 0845 121 9200 improved remote-control features. LaCie, 020 7872 8000 continues page 44

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Quick drums Virtual Drummer Version 4.1 uses the built-in sound-management Olympus cameras features of the Mac OS and QuickTime to create a “sophisticated” sound- output solution that is easy to use. You can climb heights drag-&-drop drums from a palette to add them to a set – a simple lympus has unvieled its C-2040 and C-3040 Zoom offers a Multi-Spot grid pattern creates the beats digital cameras. Both models add a large f1.8 metering mode – and the results can be saved O aperture to the zoom lens, enabling the cameras that combines in a drumlet palette. Version 4.1 to capture images in poor light conditions. up to eight spot- allows songs to be exported as Olympus claims this lens is a first for digital cameras, readings to give QuickTime movies. It costs $15 almost doubling the distance supported by the built- users control of Virtual Drummer, www.virtualdrummer.com in flash. light and focus The C-2040 (right) is a 2.1-megapixel device; the C- levels. Flash flat panel 3040 can capture 3.3 megapixels. Both feature a 3x-zoom Both cameras also offer single-touch white balancing, Iiyama has introduced a £1,355 lens, which is upgradeable using add-on lenses. The which records the white tones under any light source. 17.4-inch TFT LCD, the AS4431D. cameras offer menu options, previously available only in Other features common to both cameras include improved It comes with integrated USB high-end Olympus models – including a multi-pattern wide-view LCD displays, sequence shooting, black-&-white and speakers, a rotating screen metering system (Digital ESP). The C-3040 (below) also shooting modes, aperture and shutter-priority controls and video and and programmed automatic or manual exposure. Both DVI (digital models offer a number of compression settings and the video ability to capture up to five minutes of QuickTime movies interface) and sounds. Photographers can add four-second audio inputs, which notes to each image file. eliminates Both cameras ship with an 8MB SmartMedia card, the need for and have a USB port and cable. each requires Mac OS 8.6 analogue-to- or later. The C-2040 costs £510. The C-3040 ships in digital signal conversion. It offers spring, and will cost £725. a maximum resolution of 1,280-x- Olympus, 0800 072 0070 1,024 pixels and a contrast ratio of 400:1. Iiyama, 01438 745 482 Back-up boon Adobe ships Premiere 6.0 A FireWire version of the VXA-1 tape drive has been launched. Adobe has launched Premiere 6.0, the latest version of its digital-video editing software. The £409 It can back up 33GB of data to application provides support for FireWire. Captured digital-video clips can be crafted into video a single-cartridge at 3MBps, and productions with Premiere 6.0, and then output to streaming formats on the Web. is bundled with Dantz Retrospect New tools include a professional-level audio mixer, interface refinements, and new palettes and Backup Software 4.3, a 33/66GB customization options. Premiere 6.0 also integrates with Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and The eagle is landing tape cartridge, and a cleaning GoLive. (see reviews page 50). Adobe Premiere now supports cartridge. It costs £1,021. Adobe, 0131 458 6842 FireWire. CMS Peripherals, 020 8960 6000

Canon shoots like a pro Canon has launched the Nikon’s double exposure PowerShot Pro90 IS, which has a 2.6 mega-pixel resolution and Nikon has announced the Coolscan IV grain. The Coolscan IV has a uses Canon’s Image Stabilization and the SuperCoolscan 4000 film resolution of 2,900dpi and USB Technology. It has an optical 10x scanners. connectivity, while the SuperCoolscan zoom lens, downloads The scanners feature Digital ICE 4000 has 4,000dpi resolution and a images via USB and technology, which combines ICE FireWire interface. has a built-in (image correction and enhancement), Both scanners will ship with Nikon CompactFlash slot. ROC (Restoration of Colour) and GEM Scan 3.0 software and Fotostation. It’s bundled with (Grain Equalization and Management). The Coolscan IV will also bundle Adobe Photoshop LE, Digital ICE works by reading the with Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE, while Canon’s Photostitch, surface of the film and detecting the LS-4000 will ship with a FireWire Film fun PhotoRecord and more. defects, such as finger-prints, and card. The Coolscan IV will cost £650 Nikon’s Coolscan 4000 film The camera costs £935. then removing the imperfections. and the SuperCoolscan 4000 £1,300. scanner can correct graininess Canon, 0800 616 417 Digital ROC and GEM reduce film Nikon, 0800 230 220 and remove dirt.

44 Macworld MARCH 2001 For the information as it happens visit Macworld Online Daily News (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the day (All prices exclude VAT) David Fanning Mac OS 9.1 marks the end of an era – and the beginning of a shiny new one

Operating table

he release of Mac OS 9.1, not even mentioned memory-hungry luxury. Running two applications in Steve Jobs’ Macworld Expo keynote address meant Photoshop 1.0 couldn’t have its full 2MB RAM. last month, is actually a big moment in Apple The next year must have been one of upheaval T history. It may well be the last of the non-Unix at Apple, and System 5.0 must have been a dog. operating systems that we’ll ever see. If anybody knows the real story, I’d love to know. March 24 will see the first of the new generation Perhaps it fell down the back of somebody’s couch. of operating systems to run on Macs. This means the Whatever happened, before I knew it, System 6.0 end of an era that reaches right back to 1984, when was out. the original Macintosh System 1.0 was released. Although System 6.0.1 was never officially I hesitate to say that there will never be another released, it was apparently found on a game disk OS 9.x – even Apple has shied away from that claim. for Arkanoid – it isn’t clear whether this was a But any other release would be after the release of hack by the makers of Arkanoid or a real update. “System 5.0 OS X. Actually, there is a precedent for this. Just after System 6.0.x was regularly updated to the release of System 7, a new upgrade for System 6 accommodate new hardware that was coming thick must have was released. and fast now. It culminated in System 6.0.7 before the been a dog. The original Mac operating system was a tiny biggest update to the system to date was released – affair, using only 216K of memory. This would be System 7. The new system heralded the arrival of a If anybody loaded from a floppy, and applications ran – mostly slew of features including 32-bit addressing, which knows the – from a second floppy. This is because there was no enabled Macs to have more than 8MB RAM for the hard drive and the single-sided single-density floppy first time. This was mostly immaterial to the average real story, disk could hold only 400K of memory. There was no user, because it was about as affordable as it is to fill I’d love bloatware in 1984, it was a physical impossibility. a Mac with maximum RAM today. It also introduced The second version of the system was released in QuickTime, File Sharing, TrueType fonts, Balloon Help to know” 1985. It introduced one of the most mind bogglingly and many other features. However, it was daft features ever to appear in a system, and it still incompatible with much of the existing software, remains today. That feature was drag floppy to Trash so publishers had to make System 7-savvy software . to eject. It also removed the close-all command, For those too chicken to upgrade, System 6.0.8 another questionable “advance”. System 2 introduced was released as a final pre-System 7 operating system. the Printer Chooser DA. A DA, to those twenty- System 7 was the longest lasting of all versions, somethings who think System 7 is ancient history, gradually working its way up to 7.6.1 over six years. was a Desktop Accessory – now more commonly It wasn’t until mid-1997 that the Mac OS 8 shipped. known as a Control Panel or Apple Menu Item. So OS 8 finally brought a PowerPC native Finder the Chooser was born, and has survived until today to the Mac – four years after the first PowerPC – bewildering the uninitiated. machines were released. And the subsequent 8.1 The next upgrade, in 1986, was mostly to speed up release was the final version that older 680x0 Macs the Finder, and to introduce some bugs. System 3 was could use. 1998 brought OS 8.5 and Sherlock – which quickly followed by System 3.1, System 3.2 and by the helped us find things on our hard drives and on the end of the year, System 3.3. Internet. The Application Switcher also arrived. 1987 saw another innovation with System 4.0. OS 9 arrived with OS X already on the horizon, and This was the first system to have built-in after a couple of minor upgrades we’re left at OS 9.1. incompatibility. It wouldn’t run on the original It’s with some trepidation that I look ahead to Mac 128K. System 4.1 followed shortly after, which OS X. I have upgraded countless times since I first introduced AppleShare but remained incompatible started using a Mac. I have gone from cautious late with the 128K Mac. upgrader to voracious early adopter over the years. By late 1988, System 4.2 rolled around and was You may think I’m reckless, but I do it for you dear the first version to include the ability to run more readers. I’ll soon be using OS X. I hope you’ll all than one application at a time. The new and optional join me in what promises to be a very interesting feature was called MultiFinder. I shied away from this new way of computing. MW

Read more Macworld opinions online (www.macworld.co.uk), and join in the debate. Macworld MARCH 2001 47 Michael Prochak Music on the Mac could create a legion of talentless musicians

The war in NAMM

ccording to William Blake, the labours of anyone, anywhere with a decent Mac can produce the artist, the poet and the musician have the next Dark Side of the Moon. But as Karl Marx once been proverbially attended by poverty and remarked, anyone, anywhere can also be a talentless A obscurity. Even Milton and Shakespeare moron. OK...so that quote is a bit of a remix. couldn’t publish their own work. Despite the democratization hype, there’s an However, as an “early adopter”, Blake was one inherent danger in mere accessibility. We already of the first to recognize the benefits of accessible bathe in a vast ocean of musical mediocrity and technology for furthering artistic endeavour. In down right crap, and I personally don’t even want his case, it was the printing press that promised to imagine someone like Prince William taking his to lift poets and artists from poverty and obscurity, penchant for deep house on to the Web. But the by providing a kind of personal access to a wider technology is here. In theory, all he needs is a Mac potential audience. These days, it’s the musicians’ with a modem and it’s please welcome DJ Will Fresh turn with digital desktop-studios and the Internet. with a blistering new set from the colonies. OK... you Recently, while contemplating the savage inner may detect a note of cynicism coming through here. workings of a criminally mis-managed multimedia But in defence, I turn again to Marx who, after seeing “As with all course at a local college and the tragic consequences, the new version of Cubase VST, noted “ah ha... now ‘innovation’, a shadowy flashback intruded with news from everyone can use a vocoder”. NAMM (an American music show). It brought Sure the Mac might help lift some musicians out when it comes troubled visions of rows of titanium boxes racked with of poverty and obscurity. But beware of joining the to music, it’s almost-provocative knobs sparkling with the mirrored emerging legions of musical Mac-Mobys that really precision of a VC’s bayonet. OK... it’s a poor phonetic believe all that crap about being able to produce too easy to get link, but these days, the war between competing chart-busting tracks with nothing more than a G4 and so wrapped-up producers and the Net offensive is uglier than a bag of digital tricks. Don’t associate with them and anything seen in Saigon. don’t buy their so-called music. They usually resemble in gimmicks For Mac users, NAMM showcased a plethora of coke-addled producers who had a brief brush with and tricks that cool tools for composing, performing, mixing and fame in the late eighties. Besides, if nobody’s actually producing music... even, so they say, if you’ve never producing anything new and original, it won’t be long you miss the touched a musical instrument before. Out in music before there aren’t any back catalogues left to pilfer. original point” land, we’re told nine out of ten DJs choose Macs As with all “innovations”, when it comes to music, every time. Likewise, the number of applications it’s all too easy to get so wrapped up in gimmicks that for recording, mixing, mastering and remixing you miss the original point... losing the proverbial tree music, for controlling musical instruments via MIDI – somewhere in the jungles near Cambodia, as it were. as well as building Mac-based orchestras full of virtual As Blake observed, we need to create our own systems instruments, synths and samplers – continues to grow or be enslaved by others. And no matter how good the at an exponential rate. Mac is for music, you still have to beware of letting If the reports are true, even a fairly mundane Mac your sequencer write your songs. will soon be able to effortlessly process over 60 tracks Ease of use and speed, as in nearly every other of audio. Propeller heads have created virtual racks aspect of computing, have become buzz-words of of all your favourite instruments and products – such a new generation of sequencer junkies. With Zen as Guitar Stomp, a VST plug-in – implying that a two- precision, notes can be jogged into place, samples stringed broken tea bass can be turned into a pristine re-looped to eliminate noise and a saxophone pre-CBS strat at the mere touch of a button. changed into a viola. But as in all aspects of digital Some resistance fighters say its enough to shift technology, progress can be an illusion. Effects and the entire balance of power in the musical war. With filters just add another hurdle in the production line, a high-end Mac and a selection of these goodies, no and no amount of re-mixing will turn a lame song record company is safe. Before long, the fat cats will into Beethoven’s 9th. Like it or not, there’s no topple and a cottage industry of home production will substitute for being able to play an instrument. emerge. Now, murmur the often tone-deaf dissidents, Even the best G4 systems don’t include talent. MW

Read more Macworld opinions online (www.macworld.co.uk), and join in the debate. Macworld MARCH 2001 49 Macworld Rating Macworld reviews ★★★★★/9.0-10.0 = OUTSTANDING ★★★★/7.0-8.9 = VERY GOOD ★★★/5.0-6.9 = GOOD ★★/3.0-4.9 = FLAWED ★/0-2.9 = UNACCEPTABLE

Digital-video rival to Apple’s Final Cut Pro

Adobe Premiere 6.0 Publisher: Adobe (020 8606 4001) www.adobe.co.uk Pros: Native DV capture; audio mixer; enhanced workspace. Cons: No HDTV support. Minimum specs: Mac OS 9.0.4. Price: £396; upgrade £100 (both prices exclude VAT) Star Rating: ★★★★/8.6

t’s been a long time since Adobe’s video-editing tool got an upgrade Chronological capture Export option I– and a lot has happened since The timeline can be used to show A/B editing or single-track editing, with the ability to toggle The Save for Web feature uses a special version of Cleaner 5 EZ to export in a number Premiere 5 was released. This release Trim-line between the two. of different Web-optimized file formats sees Adobe get bang up to date with The monitor window can show single view, dual view, or Trim mode – used here to accurately set the revolution that is occurring with cuts between two clips. desktop video-editing, and position as well as DV out – like the Sony DSR- applied, and audio tracks added. clip. Finally, the Automate to Timeline itself at the head of the pack. PD150 that I tested on – then you can A new keyframe track allows the command automatically transfers the The two most significant competing with Apple for the hearts capture, and then save this information also record your compositions back out setting of keyframes for the application sequence of clips to the timeline to developments that have occurred in the and minds of Mac users – with iMovie for later. This is a great – instead of to the DV tape quickly and easily using of Effects, giving a greater degree of produce a rough composition ready for last couple of years have been the rise bundled as standard with FireWire- performing each capture individually, it’s the Export to Tape command. control. There is also more visual further refinement. This feature can be of the DV format, and the emergence of equipped Macs, and Final Cut Pro much more convenient to skim through Premiere’s magnificent DV support information provided on audio tracks. taken a step further by allowing you to the Web as a viable delivery medium for (£700) finally making it to market a tape and select a number of clips, makes it almost worth the upgrade The Monitor window is where clips synchronize the cuts to a piece of music. Mix master streaming video. to great acclaim. which can then be captured as a batch price alone, beating the meagre are previewed, and in and out points The excellent Audio mixer can turn These two factors, combined with The principles behind Premiere process. There’s a wide range of settings capture options of MotoDV hands set. You also use the monitor to preview Productivity plus Premiere into a pro-level mixing ever-increasing processing power and are the same as virtually all other available to determine the compression down. your compositions. The Monitor display All these features will make Premiere desk. storage capacity, have created a booming non-linear video-editing applications. method, screen size, etc – which allows For the first time, Premiere now is flexible and can be toggled between a an easy and more productive tool to desktop-video market. Suddenly everyone Digitized video clips, audio clips and you to tailor the captures to the type lets you choose between two modes single display, and a dual display – which work with, but do not necessarily wants to be the next James Cameron. images are imported, adjusted and of project you’re working on. of operation for editing – single track or can be used to show both source clips offer more creative potential. then combined to create a composition Premiere DV capture-settings feature A/B. The latter will be familiar to previous and preview compositions side by side However, there are a few new Net benefit – with the addition of titles, transitions support for non-square pixels, and for Premiere users, while single-track editing – or for Trim mode, where you can set and enhanced features that do increase You only have to check out atomfilms.com, and other effects. Final compositions the 16:9 widescreen aspect-ratio. You may be a more familiar workspace if the out point of one clip and the in the creative options of the program. or even getoutthere.com to see how quickly can then be output in a number of can also playback through a DV device, you have used other video-editing tools. point of the following clip. Premiere 6.0 Perhaps the most significant of these video has succumbed to the DIY ethic. different formats for a variety of delivery allowing you to preview compositions But the differences are cosmetic – the also supports split – cut edits, where is the support for After Effects filters, There’s a whole generation of youngsters media – from broadcast quality, printing at full-quality on a TV monitor, or even program works largely identically in the audio and video tracks of a clip with 25 filters from After Effects bundled. growing up for whom today’s tools to tape, recording onto DV, or as the screen of your camcorder. both modes. can be given different in and out points. Effects such as Directional Blur, Drop and techniques for making videos QuickTime or MPEG files for delivery If your camcorder supports DV in Shadow and Transform will open up new are as natural as buying a guitar on DVD, CD-ROM, and even the Web. Refined workspace Project pane possibilities to Premiere users. Combined and trying to make it as a rock star The workspace in Premiere has been The Project window has been overhauled, with the ways that Effects are applied was for their parents’ generation. DV boon refined to make it easier to manage and it’s now much easier to manage and the excellent Keyframe control, it Fade away With Premiere, Adobe finds itself Premiere 6.0’s DV support is the biggest assets, streamline workflow, and to the assets that are used to make a may seem that the divide between After Transitions are applied in the enhancement to the program, and it’s bring it into line with other Adobe composition. Clips can be arranged Effects (AE) and Premiere is shrinking. usual way, though they are now excellent. There is now a wide range products. into folders (called Bins) renamed and However, Premiere has few of the motion organized into a separate window. of affordable DV camcorders available There are a number of new palettes, arranged accordingly. For instance, you offering broadcast-quality video, including a Transitions palette, for better could put audio, video and graphics into continues page 52 and most of them have FireWire output. organization and application of transition separate bins. Using the Export Bin from FireWire (IEEE1394 as it’s technically effects; a History palette, similar to the Project allows you to share bins from known, or iLink as Sony has named one found in Photoshop; and an Effect project to project, acting as a library of it) enables video to be captured from Controls palette, which lets you control common elements. A preview facility lets the camcorder to the computer digitally, the parameters of the effects being you play clips, and provides details of the quickly, and at high image-quality. One applied to a clip, and see the effects clip – such as dimensions, frame rate and of the highlights of Premiere’s DV capture immediately in the Monitor window. average data rate. You can also set the capability is that you can select the exact Imported files, such as Photoshop poster frame that is displayed in the make and model of your DV camcorder graphics, can now be edited in timeline so that you can quickly see at a to ensure that its device control is their source application using the glance the contents of a clip – useful if optimized to your particular equipment. Edit Original command. all your clips fade in from black. Once configured, you can control The Timeline, Monitor and Project Premiere offers a rapid storyboarding the camera from the computer, fast- windows remain the most important feature that allows a rough-and-ready forwarding, rewinding and playing to Effective components of Premiere’s interface, and edit to be assembled quickly. Clips are locate the clips you require. The logging Effects are applied to clips using the Effects all have been enhanced significantly. The dragged from the Bin to the Storyboard Refined and chic feature allows you to set the in and out Control Palette – each effect can be controlled Timeline is where clips are arranged and window, where they can be arranged, The workspace is familiar, but there are a number of refinements across all windows. points to define the clip you wish to interactively. sequenced chronologically, transitions and in and out points defined for each

50 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld MARCH 2001 51 Macworld reviews

also be manually edited from within the timeline. Since Premiere 5.0, the Web has emerged as a viable delivery platform for streaming video, and the upgrade addresses this with a special Save for Web output option. This launches a version of Terran’s Media Cleaner that’s been customized especially for Adobe, and allows you to export in a number of Web formats – such as QuickTime, RealMedia and Windows Media Player. MPEG-1 and MP3 are also supported. While this method works well, advanced video-users will feel the benefit of using the full version of Cleaner 5 for its batch post-compression and customization capabilities. Rewriting history A nice touch in Premiere 6.0 is the The History palette allows you to retrace your settings viewer. This allows you to see steps, just like in Photoshop. at a glance the settings for capture, project, clips, and export, so that you can spot any inconsistencies. those wanting a cross-platform tool. Auto capture effects and animation capabilities of AE, Additional Web integration comes However, the waters of the Mac market Premiere can control the DV and the spatial control is not as good. from the ability to define events on the are clouded considerably for Adobe by source, and log in and out Premiere’s key strengths are still editing timeline, so you can launch URLs at the emergence of the highly rated Final points to be automatically and sequencing a number of clips. relevant points during Web playback. Cut Pro (FCP). Premiere lacks FCP’s batch-captured later. This feature lacks the capability to multiple timeline capability; imported Spruced up define hotspots and other EventStream Photoshop files do not retain their layers; Audio control has been given a serious capabilities that Cleaner 5 boasts. But, and there’s no HDTV (High-Definition TV) revamp in the new version, with Adobe if you’re using GoLive, you can see and capability. However, it wins hands-down clearly of the opinion that Premiere is work with embedded metadata such on its DV integration, titling and effects a capable audio mixer in its own right, as URLs and Chapters. capability, and audio support. as well as recognizing the importance QuickTime and FireWire are Apple’s of blending audio and video together. Macworld’s buying advice gifts to the world, but that doesn’t The new Audio Mixer tool lets you Premiere 6.0 is an extensive upgrade mean they know how best to use them. blend multiple audio tracks and adjust that offers fundamental productivity It’s almost too close to call, but I think the properties of each track – turning and workflow benefits to users. It also Adobe has done enough with this release your desktop into a mini mixing-desk. brings the tool up to date with the current to make it a better all-rounder for most Each audio track of your composition movements in digital video. For Windows users’ requirements. For existing users, is represented separately with its own UV users some of the additional functionality the upgrade is well worth it. A real asset indicator, pan control, a gain slider, and (such as DirectX for enhanced sound Martin Gittins The Project window now lets mute/solo buttons. As your composition capabilities, and OHCI support for direct you arrange your assets into plays you can adjust levels interactively, FireWire device control) make Premiere Custom made bins, and see clip details with these control points then added to a tasty option. This may also benefit There are a wide range of project settings to quickly (below left). the timeline automatically. They can Premiere’s uptake on the Mac for choose from, or you can customize your own.

52 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld reviews Macworld reviews

Free update to Mac operating system

Mac OS 9.1 Publisher: Apple (0800 039 1010) www.apple.com/uk Pros: New Window menu; USB printer sharing; faster; more stable; updated control panels and extensions; Disc Burner friendly; free upgrade. Cons: 70MB download takes hours; incompatible with Mac OS X Public Beta; download doesn’t include all latest extensions or control panels. Minimum specs: PowerPC; upgrade requires OS 9; full-install from OS 8.5. Price: £79; free upgrade from version 9.0 as download or full-install CD, £14 postage & packing (all including VAT). Star Rating: ★★★★★/9.1 Window cleaner Mac OS 9.1’s new Window menu is a real treat, letting you access and control open Finder folders. Left: General Above: Startup succession In the updated Mac OS 9 comes with an entirely new Startup Disk control panel written entirely ou may not have noticed it, but OS 9.1 also installs a new Window network to share connected USB printers. General Controls in PowerPC native code. It features better integration with the rest of the system, How to Apple has quietly updated its menu in the top Finder menu bar (see A new control panel, “USB Printer control panel the and improved user-interface facilities. Y current operating system from screenshot “Window cleaner”). This Sharing”, makes set-up a one-click Folder Protection Mac OS 9.0.4 to 9.1. Apple made no handy menu lists all the open Finder breeze. This facility will make upgrading preference is Left: iDisk friendly get OS 9.1 mention of it at Macworld Expo (see windows, including tabbed windows on worthwhile for anyone frustrated with gone, and the Apple’s iTools is now definitely ac OS 9.1 is News) because it wants all publicity to the bottom of the screen. New keyboard this output situation up to now. Shut Down a real part of the Mac OS, thanks M available now as a be channelled to its forthcoming shortcuts make this valuable new addition I was horrified when I started Warning is now in part to this new quick link free one-part or 15-part, operating system Mac OS X. Yet OS 9.1 even more handy. Holding down the ⌘ using QuarkXPress on 9.1, as it refused called Check Disk. to your iDisk via Open and Save self-mounting disk-copy makes significant, if subtle, alterations key while using the menu closes the to recognize all those function-key dialog boxes and the Network download from both to the look-&-feel and architecture window in question; ⌘-Shift puts commands I rely on. However, this seems Browser. http://asu.info.apple.com/ of the operating system. away a pop-up window; Control expands to be the fault of a new Hot Function Key swupdates.nsf/artnum/ First off, the update from OS 9 to 9.1 the selection and minimizes all other open setting that can be switched off in the n11909 (International- is free. If you’re running a system pre-OS windows; Control-Option makes the Keyboard control panel. Phew! Some changes benefit PowerBook Ironically for an operating-system English version). Apple 9.0 and you own a Mac (made by Apple) selection active and expands all open One of the top things about OS 9.1 and iBook owners. For instance, if a update that is meant to work better warns that the 70MB no older than four years old, you really windows. This addition is one of those is its ability to burn CD-RWs without program in 9.1 is running a delay loop – with Mac OS X, 9.1 is not compatible download could take should upgrade to at least 9.0 (and then “how-did-I-live-without-it” type updates third-party software, such as Roxio’s such as for the zoom box when a window with the Classic environment in the OS X up to eight hours on a 9.0.4 or 9.1). This will cost you £79 – it’s that makes 9.1 a real winner. Toast. You need to download a piece of is opened – and no other processes are Public Beta – due to changes that require 56Kbps modem, which well worth it (for Apple’s iTools alone). Mac OS 9.1 also includes new Finder software called Disc Burner from Apple’s running, the OS puts the CPU to sleep for modifications to the Classic environment. Macworld’s cover disc? And, yes, you we’re certainly not shortcuts. You can now empty the Trash Web site. Unfortunately, the International- the duration of the loop. Over time, this Apple promises, however, that this update should be prepared to watch out for disputing. Unless Installation warning by clicking ⌘-Shift-Delete (Backspace). English version of Disc Burner was not should translate into noticeable gains in will work with the final release of OS X. incompatibilities, and be ready to wait for you’re connected to Be sure to start your Mac from an View Options can be selected via ⌘-J; available at press time, so we couldn’t battery life. The wake from sleep process third-party software developers to update the Internet via ISDN or OS 9 CD when installing the update and Add To Favorites is now a matter test it. For more details, see page 82. is also speeded up, especially after Macworld’s buying advice their programs (see below). But, if you’re a fast leased line, then – otherwise, nasty things can happen. of hitting ⌘-T. updating over a clean install of 9.0.4. As a free update, which makes your running OS 9.0.4, you should seriously go for the multi-part When I tried, I got an alarming message One of the best things about Under the hood Mac OS 9.1 also adds full support for Mac faster – particularly when switching think about upgrading to 9.1 – if only for download. It’s a shame about “Big System Morsels”, which OS 9 is its ability to work with Apple’s Many of OS 9.1’s changes are invisible all the keys on the Apple Pro Keyboard between applications – and more stable, the peace of mind that running the most that Apple won’t allow apparently contain resources for the wonderful free iTools services (go to to the non-programmers eye. The Process when used with pre-summer-2000 Macs. it’s hard to knock Mac OS 9.1. Yes, Apple up-to-date operating system will bring – Macworld to cover- System and/or System Resources files. www.apple.com/itools), especially iDisk Manager is now entirely written in native There are many other small could make it a lot easier to update – let alone the myriad bug fixes and handy mount the update, I also crashed horribly after installing and Home Page. OS 9.1 continues the PowerPC code, which reduces task- alterations. When copying files, it is no why make your customers spend £14 or new features, such as Disc Burner. and save its customers 9.1 without first starting from an OS 9 link-up by adding a “Connect to iDisk” swapping overhead and improves overall longer possible to overwrite a normal eight hours when it could be carried on Simon Jary time and money. CD, and had to re-initialize my hard selection to the Shortcuts button in Open system performance. Other changes document file with an alias file. And 9.1’s Alternatively, you disk. So, do as Apple says! and Save dialog boxes and the Network include free-space extent caching in the Finder user interface no longer allows can buy a full-install CD Browser (see “iDisk friendly”). file system, which increases the efficiency users to turn on file sharing for folders for OS 9.1 for £14 p&p; What’s new USB printer sharing is now installed and speed of disk transactions, and an and volumes with names longer than 27 9.1 software compatibility call 0800 039 1010 for Mac OS 9.1 offers some neat feature and as part of the standard system software, increase in HFS+ cluster sizes to 8K for characters. A crashing problem that could s with all operating-system updates, you must be new version to the Web site in the near future”. details. You’ll need OS 9 performance enhancements, along with making it possible for users on the same volumes bigger than 260GB. occur when there was an invisible file in A ready for glitches between it and older third-party The always-excellent MacFixIt Web site proof of purchase. The changes designed to begin the transition the Trash and another file with the same software. The first casualties caused by new OS (www.macfixit.com) has a special Mac OS 9.1 61/71/8100 Power Macs to Mac OS X – Apple’s thoroughly name was dragged to the Trash has been versions are traditionally Adobe’s Type Manager (ATM) page that is regularly updated with reported require a Mac OS 9.1 re-architectured Unix-based operating corrected. Some errors that could occur and Type Reunion (ATR). Apple warns that “changes incompatibilities and possible fixes. For example, full-install CD to system due to ship on March 24 in the Finder when dragging FireWire in Mac OS 9.1 cause an incompatibility with ATM, there’s a way to make sure Casady & Greene’s Conflict upgrade. The CD version (see News, pages 26-27). drives to Trash have also been corrected. ATM Deluxe and ATR” and states that 9.1 dumps Catcher will work with 9.1, and confirmation from includes later versions You’ll notice that 9.1 renames the OS 9.1’s Finder does not allow users your old ATM control panel into the Control Panels Aladdin Systems that Drag Strip requires a patch. of some extensions Applications folder “Applications (Mac to create an alias inside a drop box. (Disabled) folder during installation. While Apple There are also problems with some external USB and control panels; OS 9)”, and moves the Internet, Apple Previous versions of the Finder would claims that there are ATM and ATR updates at Adobe’s modems, according to MacFixIt. for example, ColorSync Extras, and Utilities folders into it. allow this operation, but they would Web site (www.adobe.co.uk), Adobe tells Macworld There don’t seem to be many serious OS 9.1 3.0.3. Confusingly for You can’t then rename this folder from always fail and leave a partially created that “the versions that were posted in October 2000 incompatibilities. But if this sort of stuff scares simultaneous releases, the Finder. Several preferences files alias inside the drop box. were not related to Mac OS 9.1”. Adobe has seen you, I’d advise you wait till you’ve checked that the version of 9.1 that – including Finder Preferences – are Thankfully, the new Finder no longer some reports of incompatibility between ATM Light your favourite applications are 9.1 compatible. But ships with the new deleted. OS 9.1 also removes items crashes when over 200 nested folders and Mac OS 9.1, but “mostly in relation to other remember that 9.1 also fixes many previous system- Macs includes even- from the Apple Menu Items folder, Sounds like 9.1 spirit are expanded in a list view. And applications”. Adobe’s engineering team is in the related bugs and glitches, such as the oft-reported newer system parts; for such as Note Pad. This re-arrangement Pressing the Option key with a Volume key on Apple’s Pro Keyboard or PowerBooks opens the pop-up window tabs are now resized process of trying to confirm if a problem does exist: Sleep problems of 9.0.4. At the very least, upgrade example, Keyboard 8.5.3. of folders and apps can cause problems Sound control panel, which has been redesigned, and contains a new level meter and gain knob. appropriately after the 9.1 user changes “If one exists, we plan to work on a fix, and post a to 9.0.4 – free from version 9.0; £79 otherwise. for aliases, but these are easily fixed. This will be useful when you start playing with iTunes (see page 85). his or her screen resolutions.

54 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld MARCH 2001 55 Macworld reviews

fter languishing on the sidelines 3D-graphics creator for years, Strata is back – with a A new parent company, C3D Digital, and a new product name: Strata 3Dpro Strata 3.0. But while this update helps Strata 3Dpro 3.0 retain its position as the most user- Publisher: C3D Digital friendly 3D application, with rendering www.3d.com and animation features comparable to Distributor: Gomark more expensive packages, the Strata (020 7731 7930) community may not find enough new Pros: Relatively inexpensive; additions here to make it worth the wait. easy to learn; powerful At first glance, there’s no noticeable rendering features. Cons: Limited modelling tools; difference between Strata 3Dpro and its frustrating interface controls. previous incarnation, Strata Studio Pro. Min specs: Mac OS 8.5 The distinctive interface and efficient or later; 128MB RAM. workflow are unchanged, but behind Price: £517 (excluding VAT) the scenes you’ll find support for the Star Rating: ★★★★/8.6 G4 chip’s AltiVec engine and multiprocessor environment. Hidden power Strata 3Dpro 3.0’s implementation Strata 3Dpro’s Esoterica settings let you fine-tune and create broadcast-quality images. of standard 3D-tools for modelling, texturing, and animation are straightforward and intuitive, as are redraw and rendering times. It also lacks rendering time. The result is photo- the comprehensive bone and inverse- options for sub-geometry component realistic still images and QuickTime kinematics systems. The texturing tools editing, such as polygon extrusion and movies at up to broadcast resolution. come with a large library of textures and vertex welding. There are still no hot keys shaders, and allow WYSIWYG texture for panning, tilting, or zooming, and the Macworld’s buying advice editing directly on objects. For modelling, program’s single undo can be extremely With 3Dpro 3.0, Strata lives up to its Strata’s flexible Skin and Hull tools let limiting for professional production work. reputation as a viable and affordable you generate 3D objects from 2D curves. Strata 3Dpro does directly import the 3D-solution for the Mac. The price should You can also convert objects into bézier Amapi model format, however, so users be attractive to architects and designers surfaces. have access to a spline-based modeller. looking for a quality 3D-production tool, Strata 3Dpro’s tool-set stops short of Where Strata 3Dpro really delivers is as well as to enthusiasts looking for an giving users full control over modelling in rendering. The ray-tracing and radiosity introduction to the world of 3D. More- and interface variables. Because the renderer offers fine numeric control over experienced 3D professionals will find program calculates mesh-object shadow quality, primary light-ray fidelity Strata easy to learn, but they may find its resolution automatically, you can’t (even the number of secondary light rays), modelling and interface features limiting. customize the polygon count for optimal letting you balance image quality and Matthew Lowrie

iscreet, maker of SGI-video compositing into 3D. This is a wise move, from some new-release bugginess. 3D-video creation applications with such since Combustion has a unique look and These minor problems, along with D incendiary names as Flame approach. The program delivers a totally upcoming multiprocessor-G4 support, and Inferno, is now blazing a trail on 3D environment, with unlimited layers make a compelling argument for holding Combustion 1.0 the Mac. Combustion 1.0 combines the and lights, complex reflectivity, and a off until Discreet releases an update. Publisher: Discreet www.discreet.com main strengths of Adobe After Effects fully animatable camera. Layers are When it comes to rendering, Distributor: Graphics Domain and Pinnacle Systems’ Commotion with still flat – although you can hinge them Combustion is hardly a house on fire; (01494 515 500) Pros: Powerful 3D compositing. a breakthrough feature all its own: true together – but shadows, lighting and because the program is always calculating Cons: Expensive; minor bugs; 3D compositing. The result is a video focus controls lend depth to routine in 3D, rendering takes a lot longer than in inflexible text. powerhouse that makes high demands compositing jobs. After Effects. And, although Combustion’s Min specs: PowerPC; 128MB on both computing and purchasing power. Although Combustion implements powerful RAM previewing can greatly RAM; 4MB graphics card. In addition to its 400-page tutorial, 3D with stunning finesse, After Effects accelerate your workflow, you need at Price: £2,295 (excluding VAT) Combustion comes with a special guide users will miss some features, including least a 450MHz G3 or G4 with 512MB ★★★★ Star Rating: /8.3 to help After Effects users shift from 2D composition and layer markers and time RAM if you want to experience anything remapping. And the text features are like spontaneous Combustion. disappointingly inflexible; click away from the text tool, and you can no Macworld’s buying advice longer edit text. Combustion may do more than either Consistent with its SGI origins, the After Effects Production Bundle or Combustion offers extremely well- Commotion Pro, but that doesn’t justify Room for a view developed, detailed motion tracking, its cost – equal to both those programs Combustion’s painting, keying, and colour correction combined. Still, it delivers first-rate 3D-compositing – not your typical version 1.0 tools. The results, and if you need robust 3D- workspace lets program accepts many Adobe Photoshop compositing, it’s the only game in town. you check and After Effects plug-ins; it even one-ups Just make sure you have a blazingly fast work from After Effects by letting you edit imported computer – and money to burn. different viewpoints. Illustrator art. But Combustion does suffer Galen Fott

56 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld reviews

3D-packaging design QuarkWrapture Publisher: Quark (00800 1787 8275) www.quark.co.uk Pros: Can speed some packaging design; assists in spotting mistakes in die-line and construction. Cons: Lack of curved-surface support; no double-sided printing; no paper- weight settings; poor documentation; very expensive. Min specs: Mac OS 8.1 Price: £4,757 (excluding VAT) Star Rating: ★★★/5.5

he art of 3D packaging can be a confusing prospect to the T uninitiated. Complex folding and die cuts can turn a simple box into a 3D Familiar feel maze that would have Escher scratching The interface is almost identical to XPress’. The key feature is the Mockup window that displays the the back of his head with his foot. Like finished item and can be updated with a click. the dark art of imposition, a wrong turn can leave you with upside-down graphics or printing on the wrong side of the box. what the final 3D model will look like. either a Cut, Fold, Perforation, Partial Coming from a 3D background, The Mockup window shows what the Cut or Reverse Partial cut. It’s possible rather than a print background, I was product will look like after the folds and to do complex cut-outs, but the disappointed to find that only basic cuts have been done, and the printing perforation lines are difficult to see in models can be made. Anything more is finished. Like a QuickTime VR window, the Mockup window. This means there’s complex than a simple box – as long you can grab it and spin it around to still a danger that perforation problems as there’s no curved surfaces – would view at any angle. This will show up could go unnoticed. require the model to be designed in any wonky graphics or unfolded A major piece of the Wrapture a 3D application and imported into creases. Unfolded creases can cause package is the ability to output QTVR Wrapture. This is not a terrible hardship huge problems when the die is cut and files to send to clients for approval. The – packaging tends to be designed like stamped. If your only physical mock-up file size can be adjusted by the detailed this currently – but if it was part of was hand folded it may be obvious where settings in the Save dialog box. Wrapture, it would make the workflow a crease should go, so you might just much more simple. put the crease in. If it isn’t stamped, Macworld’s buying advice Once the DXF or EPS file is imported then the mistake could make its way The one eye-popping feature that I from the 2D or 3D application, you can to the printers before it’s found. haven’t mentioned yet is the price tag. start laying out the graphics. Much like There are a number of features At £4,757, Wrapture is aimed at the QuarkXPress, Wrapture is a place to that users will almost immediately demanding high-volume time-critical pull together pre-prepared components want when they start using Wrapture package-design guru. This is a high of the whole design. The images may – unfortunately, this version is missing price to pay for a product that in many come from Illustrator or Photoshop, some. The first and most amazing ways isn’t finished yet. The FAQ on the and a 3D package supplies the bones omission is the ability to include curved Quark Web site lists a number of features on which you dress your final product. surfaces. I’m not talking about complex expected in future versions, including What Wrapture offers is the ability to see curved and sculptured chocolate boxes, curved surfaces, animated-folding or even bags of cement. Wrapture can’t movies and embossing. To my mind even model a can of beans. I know the these features should have been vast majority of packaging is simple and there before the release of version 1.0. boxy, but bottle and tin labels are also In a quick survey of package common. They may not require any designers, the general feeling was folding, but labels are packaging and that something like this has no business I would’ve expected Wrapture to be costing almost five grand. It works more able to do them. like an XPress plug-in. It may be different When paper is folded it’s not for somebody at Unilever who cranks out always a razor sharp edge. Imagine the washing-powder boxes on a daily basis, difference between a tissue box and a but this is a very small market for Quark box for a refrigerator. The weight of the to aim at. Version 2.0 sounds like it might material will differ greatly, and folds will be a really useful tool. If the price were to Straight and narrow act differently. There’s no setting for the shrink to under £1,000, I would probably You aren’t limited to straight lines when type of material used; so all Wrapture recommend it. In its current state, designing the cut lines, you just have to make folds are razor sharp. though, it’s only for enthusiastic sure that the end result doesn’t require any The structure of the box is made up early adopters with very deep pockets. curved surfaces. of five different line types. Each line is David Fanning

Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld MARCH 2001 59 Macworld reviews

ppleScript is one of the most- AppleScript correction powerful Macintosh utilities. Late A Night Software’s Script Debugger Script 2.0.3 makes AppleScript more usable by providing a powerful development Debugger 2.0 environment. However, compatibility Publisher: Late Night Software issues and price limit its usefulness. www.latenightsw.com The latest version of Script Debugger Pros: Supports scripts larger adds a troop of features. For example, than 32K. while the previous version could debug Cons: Can’t script some only global variables, Script Debugger 2.0 widely used programs. can also track local variables. You can set Tracking down bugs Price: $189 (from Web site) break points and watch points, and the Script Debugger 2.0 lets you access everything you might need to create flawless AppleScripts. Min specs: Mac OS 8.0 or program can step into, over, and out later. of handlers. The included AppleScript- Star Rating: ★★★★/8.2 debugger dialect lets you follow scripts Main Event released its latest upgrade, Debugger to script Microsoft Word 98 outside Script Debugger itself – a it also released a light version of Scripter or Excel 98, nor can you use it to debug requirement for testing CGIs. – the $89 Scripter Personal Edition. If you AppleScript inside Digital Technology’s The tabbed-palette interface allows haven’t yet ventured FaceSpan, a script-creation utility. easy access to clippings, application into AppleScript’s depths, you can dictionaries, open windows, and scripts, dangle your feet in the water with Macworld’s buying advice and you can rearrange or hide the tabs. Scripter Personal Edition. If you own Script Debugger 1.x, this is a Script Debugger’s primary competitor Also unlike the competition, Script must-have upgrade. But if you’ve never is the recently released Scripter 2.5 from Debugger is itself scriptable, which scripted before, Script Debugger 2.0 Main Event Software (www.mainevent.com). enables it to interact with utilities and may be overkill. Main Event Software’s The two programs are identically priced allows its scripts to change themselves. Scripter Personal Edition offers an easier, and fairly comparable, although each But these new features are not cheaper way to get started. has its vocal proponents. However, when without flaws. You can’t use Script Dori Smith

recently bought a pre-Macworld solution. Ideal for video and Flawed PCI expansion Expo, San Francisco G4 and quickly audio cards.” I realized that I would need a PCI Does the reality expansion unit if I wanted to use more match up to this claim? T35 than 3 PCI cards. The expansion units I’ve Installation was EasiExpansion seen advertised previously were all pretty straightforward enough. I Manufacturer: Mobility expensive, so I was interested when I saw just had to insert the CD- Electronics the new offering from Mobility Electronics ROM and click on the Apple (01189 840 400) – the T35. installer to place a control www.mobilityelectronic. com It looks like a small charcoal-coloured panel and extension to Pros: Lots of features at an tower computer with power- and drive- support the card in my attractive price. activity LED status-indicators on the system folder. I powered Cons: Compatibility issues front panel. On the back panel there’s down, opened the Mac, took mean that it’s less attractive a power connector, an integrated two- out my audio card, put the as an option for Macs. port USB hub, and a Split Bridge port supplied Mobility PCI card in Min specs: Power Mac G3/4. that interfaces to the PCI card in the its place, put the Audio card Price: £505 (including VAT) computer. Inside there is space for in the T35, hooked up the Star Rating: ★★/4.2 three full-length PCI cards, three 3.5- cable, then powered everything inch hard-drive bays, and two 5.25-inch up again. Unfortunately, my Pro Tools user-accessible drive bays for removable software could not communicate properly drives. Two integrated IDE-controllers with the card when it was in the T35. So, All of this support a total of four IDE drives – but back to the Mobility Web site to check blows Mobility’s claim that the device is not, frustratingly, on the Mac. G3s will out the T35 compatibility chart. Right off, ideal for use with Apple computers – and recognize only the primary IDE bus of the I noticed that all the audio cards listed are particularly for audio and video – right T35, and the G4 does not support either PC-only, and the video and MPEG cards out of the box. of the IDE controllers. Another limitation are almost certainly PC-only as well. I is that G3 and G4 machines will allow have a Pro Tools MIX card, for example, Macworld’s buying advice only two CD units (CD/DVD/CD-RW) which works on Mac or PC – but this is In many respects, the T35 offers good in any configuration at one time. not listed as compatible. Also, I didn’t see value for money – it is affordable and The Mobility Web site boldly states the more professional video cards – such has many more features, such as support that the T35 works perfectly with the G3 as the Media 100 – listed either. for several additional disk drives as well and G4 – and is ideal for use with audio The other PCI card I have is an as the PCI cards, than previously-available and video cards. Specifically: “Expansion Atto SCSI accelerator card, which is expansion units. But Mac users will have for Apple G3 and G4 (sic), Servers and recommended for use with Pro Tools. to check the compatibility list very Desktop Computers at a fraction of the Again, this is not compatible – although carefully before buying. cost. The EasiExpansion T35 is the perfect several of the popular Adaptec cards are. Mike Collins

60 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld reviews

dobe Photoshop and other Image effects plug-in image editors are powerful, A but their built-in effect filters are often limited in number and scope. Eye Candy Third-party plug-ins aim to fill the void, 4000 and one of the best is Alien Skin Publisher: Alien Skin Software’s Eye Candy 4000. This update Software www.alienskin.com to Eye Candy 3.0 works with Adobe Distributor: Digital Toolbox Photoshop 4.0, Fireworks 2, ImageReady (020 8201 4555) 1.0, and Deneba Canvas 6 (and later Pros: Improved interface; versions of each). Although only 5 of five new filters; well-written the 23 filters are new, improvements printed manual. Cons: Slow rendering of high- to the older filters and the interface resolution images; inadequate make this a smart buy whether you’re electronic help. upgrading or trying Eye Candy for Price: £150 (excluding VAT) the first time. Min specs: Adobe Photoshop Eye Candy 4000 bests the 4.0 or later, ImageReady 1.0 previous version’s offbeat interface or later, Macromedia by incorporating industry-standard Fine grains Fireworks 2 or later, or Deneba features such as tabbed palettes. The One of Eye Candy 4000’s best new filters, Wood, can create fabulous effects in a matter of seconds. Canvas 6; Mac OS 8.6 or later. well-organized tabs offer easy access Star Rating: ★★★★/8.6 to dozens of controls, including the new Color Gradient and Bevel Profile editors. presets, which you can quickly customize – just specify absolute units and Another welcome change makes the for unique effects via sliders or numeric you can work on 72dpi images, which preview window resizable and potentially values. render quickly. Save your settings, then many times larger than Eye Candy 3.0’s. Eye Candy 4000 requires a PowerPC apply them to higher-res images. When you launch a filter, the Eye processor and at least 32MB RAM, but Candy commands take over the menu you may want more. We tested the Macworld’s buying advice bar. Well-planned new options include program on a 450MHz G4 with 128MB If your effects needs go beyond the unlimited undo, and the ability to switch RAM, and still found rendering slow at filters built into image editors such to other filters from the preview window. times. However, if you’re using the plug- as Photoshop, Eye Candy 4000 is a Eye Candy 4000 is simple for both ins in Photoshop, you can take advantage solid choice. pros and novices. Each filter has several of a new feature to speed rendering time Terri Stone

id Meier’s Alpha Centauri (SMAC) Alpha Centuri expansion is rightly hailed as the best turn- S based strategy game ever. In its space faring, planet-colonizing world, it Alien Crossfire pitched ideological factions against each Publisher: Firaxis www.firaxis.com other in a desperate bid to unlock the Distributor: Softline alien secrets of Alpha Centauri. And now (01372 726 333) it’s back in the shape of Alien Crossfire Pros: New story; new factions; more involving. Empire building Cons: Graphics still bland; It still features the same involving need SMAC to play the gameplay that made SMAC such a expansion pack. success. You get to build and control an Min specs: Mac OS 8.5 or later. empire, research technologies, construct Price: £20 (including VAT) armies and robot warriors, and spy on and Star Rating: ★★★★★/9.0 disrupt both allies and enemies. SMACed up Set shortly after planetfall in Alien Crossfire offers a combo of full-blown sequel and gameplay-extending expansion disc to SMAC. Alpha Centauri, the luckless colonists are confronted with a new threat in the form to two mysterious alien cultures. Five new discovered, and take the form of such And while the graphics haven’t been human factions have also emerged, such conquering delights as the Nethack given the overhaul that many would like, as The Free Drones (a cross between Terminal which lets you access an the cut-scene movies are still exceptional. cypercommunism and anarchy), making opponent’s network and steal their data. for a completely new game. As with any turn-based game, it’s Macworld’s buying advice Other new features surface in Alien the rules that breathe life into it. Victory Any self-respecting SMAC addict will Crossfire. New technologies based on conditions now figure – such as the need to get Alien Crossfire to ensure their developments stolen from the alien ability to build a gigantic distress beacon, regular fix of supreme turn-based empire invaders can be deployed, and new if you’re playing as one of the Manifold building. It’s an intelligent addition to the facilities –such as aquafarms, covert aliens, and phone home to request world that both adds sweeping changes operations centres, and sub-sea an Independence-Day-style fleet. and a range of minute tweaks to an trunklines – can be built. Additional Also, Hotseat multiplayer mode has been already unsurpassed gaming experience. secret projects are itching to be added, as has an email multiplayer mode. Matthew Bath

62 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld reviews

designer’s tool like Macromedia’s Bargin Web-editor Dreamweaver, nor a Web programmer’s tool like Bare Bones’ BBEdit – but is PageSpinner 3.0.1 something in between. While you see every HTML tag you write (as in BBEdit), Publisher: Optima System, www.optima-system.com, the content between those tags appears [email protected] as it would in a browser (as in Pros: Easy to learn; capable; inexpensive; Dreamweaver). Extremists on both ends handles CSS and JavaScript. will find this unacceptable, but it might Cons: Doesn’t allow you to modify tags; be just right for the masses in the middle. HTML checker needs improvement; slow With PageSpinner’s latest upgrade, at some tasks; relies on AppleScript for FTP. Optima has brought the program up to Min specs: System 7.1 current Web standards. It now supports Price: $30 (from Web site) Star Rating: ★★★★/8.3 HTML 4.01 and XHTML 1.0. And, unlike BBEdit, it helps you add both JavaScript and CSS to your pages. You don’t need to know how these work; just fill out the ith the death of Adobe PageMill fields in an assistant, and PageSpinner and every other WYSIWYG does the coding for you. Its code isn’t as few minor errors – and it doesn’t check Quasi-WYSIWYG W Web-editor under £150, the lean as that written by a knowledgeable CSS or JavaScript. PageSpinner uses PageSpinner’s approach to Web field of affordable Web-authoring tools person, but it’s comparable to anything AppleScript to find and replace text pages falls between WYSIWYG has narrowed to just one: Optima’s produced by PageSpinner’s WYSIWYG across pages, causing a significant and plain-text editors. PageSpinner 3.0.1. It offers features competitors – which cost far more. performance hit. And with no built-in FTP found in programs several times the However, PageSpinner isn’t ready capability, PageSpinner uses AppleScript price, but still shows a few rough edges. to completely supplant the big timers. to talk with third-party programs. PageSpinner is actually a suite To change a tag’s attribute, you have to that includes StyleSpinner (for writing delete the tag and re-create it – if you try Macworld’s buying advice Cascading Style Sheets [CSS]), FAQ- to edit an existing tag, PageSpinner will At $30, PageSpinner is a great bargain Spinner (for writing FAQs), and insert a new tag, sometimes right in the and the simplest way to learn to write MailSpinner (for publishing Eudora- middle of the current one. And while the HTML on the Mac. Although its editing based email on the Web). HTML checker generally works well, it did style is a little quirky, it’s worth trying out. PageSpinner is neither a Web flag some error-free code and missed a Dori Smith

samples in real-time, and MIDI can also Audio-composition tool be used for real-time track volume and pan changes. Phrazer will work with your favourite MIDI+ Audio sequencer, feeding Phrazer the audio output from Phrazer directly Publisher: BitHeadz www.BitHeadz.com into the software using Sound Manager, Distributor: Unity Audio (01440 785 843) ASIO, DirectIO, DirectConnect, ReWire, Pros: Loops or phrases are automatically or MAS. tempo mapped and pitch stretched. The track data view at the right hand Cons: Version 1.0 feels clunky; some limitations. side of the main window is where you Min specs: 300MHz Power Mac G3; arrange audio samples. The editor at the Mac OS 8.1; high-quality ASIO or bottom of the main window displays the DirectIO sound card. five editors one at time – depending on Price: £350 (excluding VAT) which is selected in the Edit Menu. Here Star Rating: ★★★/5.0 you can edit the samples in the tracks and in the effects parameters. There are tools to edit the sample data graphically, rom BitHeadz software comes and you can also use the popup “munge” Phrazer – the Mac’s answer to ACID dialogs to do all the usual stuff – such as a new AIFF file on the hard disk. As the Phrazed in F for the PC. Like ACID, Phrazer is a fade, loop, reverse and so forth. song is playing, you can turn tracks on Phrazer will automatically stretch loop-based composition tool. The effects are one of the neatest and off – alter effects and the changes loops with different tempos, so You can use your own loops, third- things to play with, and you can change will be recorded into a new AIFF file. they play in sync. party loops, or the factory loops that these while the sequence is running – come with Phrazer. Loops or phrases are swapping chorus effects for reverb, Macworld’s buying advice automatically tempo-mapped and pitch- for example, on-the-fly. Each track can Phrazer is a bit clunky, but it’s definitely stretched – so even though the loops may incorporate several different effects which fun. It’s not quite as advanced as ACID be of different tempos or in different keys, can be applied individually to different in terms of zooming in, for example, but Phrazer sorts all this out for you. You can sections, or you can use global effects it has MIDI control and allows plenty of record and edit your own samples within if you want an effect on all the time. sample manipulation. If you want to really Phrazer, and MIDI or computer keyboard Once you’ve finished your get serious though, you should probably triggers can be used to mute and unmute masterpiece in Phrazer, it can record wait for the next version which should tracks. This allows Phrazer to be played in this to disk using the Render command really boogie. real time. You can even trigger one-shot – which plays back a song and creates Mike Collins

Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld MARCH 2001 65 Macworld reviews

Internal ATA hard-drives compared and rated

t’s easy to fill up 10GB with MP3 files, digital images, and multimedia Iprojects. So if you haven’t yet upgraded your hard drive, now might be the time. These days, you can get LAB TEST a whole lot of drive for your money, as large-capacity drives – 40GB to 80GB or more – cost less than £300. For this roundup, Macworld Lab tested seven 30GB-plus internal ATA hard drives: APS/IBM’s Deskstar 75GXP (45GB), Maxtor’s DiamondMax 80 (80GB) and DiamondMax Plus 45 (45GB), Quantum’s Fireball Plus LM (30.4GB), Seagate’s Barracuda ATA III (40GB) and U Series 5 (40GB) (pictured), and Western Digital’s Caviar WD400BB (40GB). Each has an ATA bus rated at 100MBps (or ATA100), except for the Fireball Plus, drives. As the results show, the Digital Caviar WD400BB. Seagate’s with a rating of 66MBps (or ATA66). performance of the Quantum Fireball other 40GB drive, the U Series 5, has Plus LM, with its 66MBps bus, was a slower rotation speed of 5,400rpm, Easy installation comparable to that of its 100MBps which explains its slow performance Installing these drives is straightforward. counterparts. Its speed, combined with – compared with the other two 40GB If you have a G4, just pop open the door, its price – it’s the least-expensive drive in drives – in the disk-optimization test. attach the drive with a mounting bracket, our roundup – make the Fireball an ideal The largest-capacity drive tested, the plug in a cable, and initialize the drive, upgrade for budget-conscious users who Maxtor DiamondMax 80, posted some of and then you’re ready to go (see How-to: need the extra disk space. the slower results, due to its 5,400rpm Storage: February 2001 Macworld). So are ATA100 drives a waste speed. But with its relatively low price, We measured the amount of time of money? No. You can bet that Mac the DiamondMax 80 is an excellent deal if it took to copy a 100MB file and to copy hardware in the not-so-distant future you really need the space. a folder that contained 100MB in small will have an ATA100 bus, and if you Since these are internal hard drives, files. We also timed how long it took sell your old Mac, you’ll be able to you don’t get much in terms of bundled to optimize a disk using Speed Disk keep the ATA100 drive and use it in extras. In fact, with all but the APS/IBM from Norton Utilities 5.0.3, a test that your new machine. Deskstar 75GXP, you don’t get anything measures a drive’s ability to seek data. The fastest drive in our tests was the at all. The Deskstar comes with APS’s Our test system, a 500MHz Power Seagate Barracuda ATA III, a 40GB drive formatting software and utilities, but Mac G4, uses an ATA bus rated at rated at 7,200 rotations per minute (rpm). these tools don’t offer a significant 66MBps – a speed bottleneck that It was considerably faster than the other advantage over the Mac OS utilities. can restrict the overall speed of ATA100 40GB, 7,200rpm drive, the Western continues page 69

Drive safely

Best results in test. Shorter bars and shorter times are better.

Hard- drive performance compared: Duplicate 100MB file Duplicate 100MB folder Optimize disk APS/IBM Desktar 75GPX (45GB) 11 13 70 Maxtar DiamondMax 80 (80GB) 14 21 81 Maxtar DiamondMax Plus 45 (45GB) 15 25 107 Quantum Fireball Plus LM (30.4GB) 12 17 73 Seagate Barracuda ATA III (40GB) 10 14 62 Seagate U Series 5 (40GB) 12 17 74 Western Digital Caviar WD400BB (40GB) 11 17 69 G4/500 27GB internal drive 11 16 70 VST 20GB full height (external FireWire drive) 14 18 91

Behind our tests All results are in seconds. We tested each hard drive in a Power Macintosh G4/500 with Mac OS 9.0.4, 128MB RAM, a default system-disk-cahce of 4MB, and virtual memory disabled. The baseline internal- The knowledge drive that shipped with the G4/500 was a 27GB Quantum Fireball Plus LM. For the disk-optimization test, For tips on installing internal we used Norton Utilities 5.0.3's Speed Disk with the Verify Media option disabled. drives, see How to: Storage Macworld Lab testing supervised by James Galbraith in February’s Macworld.

66 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld reviews

We also ran our benchmarks on an drives, which lagged a bit behind. Macworld’s buying advice external VST 20GB full-height drive If you’re looking to supplement your We preferred the Seagate Barracuda ATA connected to the Mac via FireWire. current hard drive, try adding an ATA III, which offers a large capacity and fast Because the VST drive has a data-transfer drive on the internal ATA-bus instead of speed for a very affordable price. Cost- rate of 15MBps, and the FireWire bus has an external FireWire drive. It’s faster, and conscious consumers should also a maximum throughput of 50MBps, we an external 40GB FireWire drives cost consider a drive that uses an ATA66 bus, expected the ATA drives to be much faster around £350 – about £200 more than the such as the Quantum Fireball Plus LM. – and they were, except for the Maxtor most expensive drive here. Roman Loyola

Internal ATA hard drives compared MANUFACTURER MODEL STAR RATING PRICE* CAPACITY ROTATION SPEED ATA BUS PROS CONS DISTRIBUTOR TEL WEB

APS/IBM Deskstar 75GPX ★★★★/7.3 £128 46.1GB 7,200rpm 100MBps Good write speed; Expensive. Ingram Micro 01908 260 422 www.ibm.com easy to install. Maxtor DiamondMax 80 ★★★★/7.1 £299 81.9GB 5,400rpm 100MBps Easy to install. Slow rotation MacWarehouse 0800 801 936 www.maxtor.com speed. Maxtor DiamondMax ★★★/6.2 £94 45GB 7,200rpm 100MBps Easy to install. Slow seek Micro Direct 0161 248 4848 www.maxtor.com Plus 45 speed. Quantum Fireball Plus LM ★★★★/7.2 £97 30.4GB 7,200rpm 66MBps Inexpensive; Slow bus Ingram Micro 01908 260 422 www.quantum.com easy to install. speed. Seagate Baracuda ATA III ★★★★/8.0 £124 40GB 7,200rpm 100MBps Very fast; None. Ingram Micro 01908 260 422 www.seagate.com easy to install. Seagate U Series 5 ★★★★/7.2 £99 40GB 5,400rpm 100MBps Inexpensive; Slow rotation Ingram Micro 01908 260 422 www.seagate.com easy to install. speed. Western Digital Caviar WD400BB ★★★★/7.4 £140 40GB 7,200rpm 100MBps Fast; easy None. Action Computers 08701 66 44 44 www.westerndigital.com to install.

* All prices exclude VAT

with the first two dedicated special effects systems, although the 3D-animation how-to guide to understanding the 3D workspace discussion is limited to standards such and 3D workflow. The next two chapters as morphing and effects. cover Cinema 4D XL’s modelling tools, The final chapter is the most 3D Animation: From from polygons through to Subdivision important in the book, since it bears Models to Movies Surface (HyperNURBS) modelling. the title Getting The Job. It outlines Author: Adam Watkins The later chapters on texturing the various types of work available Publisher: Charles River Media and lighting contain a lots of useful in the Computer Graphics industry www.charlesriver.com information, such as faking time- from character animation to product ISBN: 1-58450-023-9 consuming radiosity and caustics effects, visualization. It gives valuable advice on Pros: Approachable introduction to most aspects of 3D; advice on industry but it’s held back as the book is printed how to put together a demo reel to show intangibles. in black-&-white. And, some of the points to prospective employers – generally the Cons: Black-&-white printing loses some being illustrated just don’t come across. make-or-break stage in securing a post. information. True, all the illustrations in the book – And it also contains lots of hints on Min specs: CD-ROM drive. and more besides – are included on the intangibles, such as interview technique. Price: £41 bundled CD-ROM, and there’s an eight- Finally, it’s backed up by a CD-ROM, ★★★ Star Rating: /6.7 page colour plate section in the middle which contains demo versions of Cinema of the book, but it’s no substitute for 4D XL 6.0 and a fully working version of he author of this book, Adam having the images in front of you on Strata 3D so you can follow along. Watkins, is a lecturer in 3D the page. T Animation at the University of the Chapters nine to twelve cover Macworld’s buying advice Incarnate Word (UIW), which sounds like animation proper, and are a thorough The version of Strata attempts to log on it should be in a Terry Pratchett novel, but overview of all the basics, from simple to the 3D.com Web site for registration, is, in fact, in San Antonio, Texas. keyframing to inverse kinematics. It so an Internet connection is necessary. The content is based on his also contains lots of information about The two apps install their own examples experience in teaching animation, and, the concepts of, and how to achieve, – a good thing, since I couldn’t find any as such, aims to cover all the bases: from believable movement. It concentrates tutorial support files on the CD. One modelling to movies. The book’s cover heavily on the character animation side oddity to note – on my 400MHz Power claims that it concentrates on three of things, although areas such as lip Mac G4, when the CD was open in the programs: Cinema 4D XL 6, Strata Studio synching and facial animation are absent. Finder, it, and other programs running, Pro and LightWave, although you’ll have This gives an idea of who this book is slowed to a crawl. All in all, it’s a solid to search to find the references to the aimed at: strictly beginners, although the overview of the 3D process for anyone latter two. blurb on the cover states otherwise. The who’s new to the game. The book is divided into 15 chapters, final chapters deal with compositing and Tim Danaher

Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month Macworld MARCH 2001 69 Macworld reviews

ven if you’re the “sap in your family Meet the ancestors tree”, to borrow an old Rodney E Dangerfield line, it’s fascinating to keep track of your pedigree. Reunion 7.05 Like most people, though, you Publisher: Leister Productions probably haven’t done much more than www.leisterpro.com throw together a few photo albums or Distributor: S & N Genealogy (01722 716 121) scrapbooks. Fortunately, Reunion 7.05 Pros: Easy to use; doesn’t – Leister Productions’ genealogy program require separate charting – is the ideal repository for all things application; Web export. familial. Cons: Small fonts on buttons. Although it can’t do the data entry Price: £78 (excluding VAT) for you, Reunion sports a straightforward Min specs: PowerPC; interface that almost makes the work System 7.6 seem enjoyable. Reunion’s databases Star Rating: ★★★★/8.8 are based on collections of Family Cards, each of which contains information about one couple (see “Family ties”). In keeping Family ties with the times, Reunion doesn’t balk at Clicking on a parent’s or child’s name brings up their own family card, with space for current or same-sex pairings, and there’s plenty of future spouses and kids. room for birthdays, burial dates, and all the other juicy details about every family member – X-Files fans can even tag Thoughtful features abound. with an electronic manual that clearly children as alien abductees. Our only For example, Reunion automatically describes all the program’s functions, and gripe is the small type on many of remembers the last 500 surnames and includes a well-designed tutorial. Leister Reunion’s buttons, which some may place-names that you entered – as soon Productions’ Web site also provides a have difficulty reading. as you’ve typed enough characters to wealth of helpful information for Reunion lets you link images, match an existing entry, Reunion enters genealogy fact-seekers on and off the movies, and sounds to any family the rest of the name for you. You can Web. group or individual with a few mouse determine if there’s a blood relationship clicks, and you can export data in HTML between any two people by selecting Macworld’s buying advice format, so it’s a snap to share family facts them from a list and clicking on a button. Whether you have relatives on seven over the Internet – especially with Mac Reunion lets you generate lists of continents, or your whole clan fits into OS 9.0’s iDisk. birthdays and other significant events, one house, Reunion is an excellent Unlike previous versions, which and it even calculates life expectancies genealogical resource. With its ability to made use of a separate utility for creating based on actuarial tables. Thankfully, link to photos and other digital media, it’s charts, Reunion 7.x lets you create five you can disable this feature if you get also an outstanding way to teach children different types of charts directly within depressed easily. about their heritage. the program. The Reunion 7.05 CD-ROM comes Franklin Tessler

espite its hefty price tag, Business charts tool Charts Pro 1.0 was hard to beat D for generating stunning 2D and 3D charts with a minimum of effort. Charts Pro 1.5 Charts Pro 1.5 adds the ability to create Publisher: Adrenaline Software animated charts for Web-based and other www.chartspro.com electronic presentations, though some Distributor: Ad Hoc Graphics will still find the price prohibitive. (00 33 1 47 06 05 05) Pros: New animation effects Four new chart animations top the and chart elements; more list of enhancements. The most innovative samples. effect, Forecasting, lets you create charts Cons: Expensive; demanding that morph from one data set to another. hardware-requirements. However, you have to save the values Min specs: Power Mac; that determine the animation’s ending Mac OS 8.5 or later. point in a tab-delimited text file; Price: F2,999 (£289) whenever the data changes, you Star Rating: ★★★★/7.7 must reselect the file. New graphic elements include axes Inside walls with variable thickness and optional Photos add pizzazz to a 3D chart created with Charts Pro 1.5, especially with its bundled illustrations. “walls”. You can now display the numeric values associated with data markers, and you can choose symbols to represent data Macworld’s buying advice improvements, current users will points in 2D line-charts. Charts Pro 1.5 Charts Pro 1.5 is an expensive one-trick justifiably balk at the steep cost of supports text rotation at any angle, and it pony, but it’s more capable than ever. upgrading – but for brightening-up lets you export charts in several new file While many will welcome the program’s business presentations, it’s hard to top. formats. novel animation-effects and other Franklin Tessler

70 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month (S)expo appeal At San Francisco’s Macworld Expo, Apple unveiled a stunning PowerBook G4, revamped its Power Mac line with faster chips, CD-RWs and a SuperDrive, as well as releasing new software products for MP3 audio and DVD production. By Simon Jary

he last several months of 2000 have been particularly challenging for Apple and our industry,” said

Apple CEO Steve Jobs during his keynote address at the start of January’s Macworld Expo in San T Francisco. “We’ve decided to start 2001 with a bang.” That bang explodes many of the complaints levelled at Apple in recent months, concerning ageing

PowerBook designs and slow Power Mac processors. The new Titanium PowerBook G4 takes a leaf out of

Sony’s award-winning Vaio portable design-book, and goes several steps further. It is thinner, lighter,

cheaper, faster and better-featured than a fully laden Vaio. It’s the ultimate inflight-friendly laptop, and

it’s actually made of the same stuff as the sleekest spy planes. Apple has also revamped its

Power Mac G4 range – increasing processor speeds, bus and system bandwidth, and the

number of PCI expansion slots. Each now comes with a CD-RW drive, and the top

model boasts an incredible DVD-R/CD-RW SuperDrive that can write DVDs of your

iMovies or digital snaps that will work in your own home DVD player.

On the software side, Apple has released professional and consumer

versions of iDVD software that makes creating those DVDs possible on an

off-the-shelf Mac. And the company that brought you iMovie now brings

you iTunes, which makes collecting, storing and burning digital music a

whole lot friendlier. Also at Macworld Expo, Apple released an updated

version of its current operating system, Mac OS 9.1 (reviewed on pages

54-55), and showed off a much-refined version of its forthcoming

Mac OS X (pages 26-27).

Steve Jobs even laughed off anyone ready to write-off Apple or

the PC industry – not so fast. “We don’t think the PC is dying at

all,” said Jobs. “We think it’s evolving.” Darwin would be proud. PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE LAYE PHOTOGRAPHY:

page 78

76 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld MARCH 2001 77 Actual size: 34.1cm wide

Actual size: 2.6cm thick 24.1cm deep

Magnetic lid button Slot-loading DVD drive

pple’s striking new laptop, the PowerBook G4, is New pro portable faster and thinner than its predecessor, and has a PowerBook G4 A larger screen and longer battery life. Although a great PowerBook G4 laptop, the PowerBook G3 was showing its age among the Manufacturer: Apple iMac’s rainbow-coloured plastics and silvery Graphite gloss (0800 039 1010) of the G4 Power Mac and Cube. Apple’s top consumer www.apple.com/uk A more powerful portable, the iBook Special Edition, also beat it on several Pros: Fast G4 chips; superb design levels and price point. It was time for a big change, Power FireWire USB VGA S-Video Modem IrDA new Titanium design; 1-inch and Apple has delivered – although not as radically as some thick; lighter weight; slot- of us have wished. 10/100 loading DVD drive; longer ethernet Mac in a more Ignoring 1989’s giant typewrite-like Mac Portable, Apple battery life; at least 128MB RAM; Mac OS 9.1. was in large-part responsible for the popularity of mobile Cons: Hard drives could be computing when it launched its stylish PowerBook in 1991. bigger; no flexibility on screen portable case It held the No. 1 spot as laptop bestseller for years before size or features. Apple got sidelined by the Newton. Apple’s lazily let No compromise Top-rank features The PowerBook’s slot-loading DVD Price: (excluding VAT) Windows PC makers steal the PowerBook’s glory and finally That weight loss is crucial to portable users. The PowerBook drive is handily placed up-front and not annoyingly at the 400MHz: £1,899 storm ahead in the portable design race – first by IBM’s is still heavier than the thinnest 1.7kg Vaio, but packs a lot side like as it was previously. The Vaio’s CD drive is external, 500MHz: £2,499 ThinkPad and recently by Sony’s Vaio. more punch for the extra baggage. Apple argues that a Vaio and so adds to the Windows’ machine’s weight and space user – who wants to gain all the connectivity options and requirements. As in the G3 PowerBooks, the G4 features

Laptop looker DVD/CD features that the PowerBook offers – would have one PC Card slot on the left-hand side. You can also add an Headphones The Titanium PowerBook G4 is Apple’s late response to the to add so many extras that the PowerBook would come out AirPort card under the battery. ultra-slim Vaio subnotebook. On looks, Apple’s anorexic lighter in the end. Joswiak told Macworld that a similarly The PowerBook G4 does away with its predecessor’s laptop wins hands-down. The sleek titanium shell is specified Vaio (with DVD-ROM drive, VGA port replicator, dual bays for holding removable batteries or storage gorgeous enough to egg-on those people who dish-out triple-capacity battery and AC power supply) would weigh devices. Apple explains that modular bays are not design awards, yet subtle enough to please the more in at 6.1 pounds (2.8kg) and cost hundreds of pounds more necessary now that additional devices can be better added conservative business user. than the PowerBook. via FireWire or USB. Again, this keeps the size down. Titanium doesn’t just look good. It’s strong and Screen star Apple eschews the add-on flexibility of the The PowerBook comes with a full array of connectivity lightweight – two key factors in a laptop. Apple boasts that Vaio for a no-compromises laptop. So, where the Vaio Z600 links (USB, FireWire, S-video, VGA, IrDA); although Apple has titanium is stronger than steel and lighter than aluminium. features a 12.1-inch (1,024-x-768-pixel) screen, the cut the number of FireWire ports from two to one. Ethernet The company even claims that the metal is “self-healing”, PowerBook boasts a sharp “ultra-wide” 15.2-inch (1,152-x- is 10/100BaseT ethernet compared to the Vaio’s slower

recovering easily from the scratches that inevitably befall a 768) display that’s great for handling programs’ ever- 10BaseT connection. PC Card slot computer that moves around with its owner. Not all of the increasing number of palettes. ATI’s Rage Mobility 128 chip Unlike the Vaio, the PowerBook features a full-size PowerBook G4 is pure titanium; the darker base frame is is impressive – all the more so when utilizing Apple’s keyboard – which features flatter terracing due to its new made out of hardwearing carbon fibre. But Apple has taken closed-lid technology that gives the full 8MB of video RAM magnetic holding. Like the Pro Keyboard, the PowerBook also its metallic theme into beautifully etched details, such as to a second display when the PowerBook’s lid is down. includes a media-eject key. The trackpad and button are the aluminium power key and PC Card eject button. Less flexible The difference in screen size is quite larger than those on current G3 PowerBooks.

The PowerBook does not borrow the iBook’s neat lid- staggering, but many mobile-Mac users had actually been Apple has moved the audio jack to the side, making it PC Card ejector closing design, but the new magnetic latch is clean and a hoping for a smaller PowerBook – not a larger one. easier to attach headphones – especially when in flight. The lot less likely to break off than those on competing laptops. The original PowerBook 100 weighed slightly less than power supply is smaller but similar in design to current Apple has also flipped its logo on the PowerBook cover the new model, but obviously included much less powerful iBook power supplies. There are speakers on the left and so that when you open the case, the Apple logo will be features. Apple’s short-lived subnotebook, 1995’s Duo, right of the keyboard (hiding an internal microphone), and right-side up. weighed even less and had a smaller screen – but is still the aluminium power button is to the far right of the Slim pickings Apple has managed to shave the cited by many as one positive way forward that Apple has keyboard at the top. Volume and brightness/contrast PowerBook to an ultra-thin body – its most obvious consistently resisted since. Listening to Apple now, it seems controls remain on the keyboard. reaction to the popular Vaio. The latest models are about an unlikely that the company has any plans for a smaller, inch wider than the old G3 PowerBooks, but thinner – 1 lighter, less powerful notebook. No compromises means G4 power inch versus 1.7 inches thick. high-end performance and features, but also less flexibility Another big leap for the PowerBook is the inclusion of a full Apple’s senior director of portables product – an ideal denied to mobile Mac users today. PowerPC G4 processor. When – or if – software developers marketing Greg Joswiak told Macworld that these really start taking advantage of the G4’s Velocity Engine

new dimensions make the new PowerBook “more (AltiVec) speed boosts, PowerBook users – like their pro AirPort antenna airplane friendly”. Although it’s wider, it’s a lot less desktop compatriots – should notice a real performance deep – making it easier to place on an airplane- hike. Apple claims that the G4 PowerBook is 60 per cent passenger’s seat-tray. Remember that Apple’s faster running its Final Cut Pro video-editor than the old G3. original Mac Portable weighed nearly 16lbs, was Apple also boasts that the 500MHz model is 30 per cent wider than the chair, and used to break these Fine finishing faster than an 850MHz Pentium III at Photoshop tasks. trays! The precise etching of the A big hurdle to putting a G4 chip inside a PowerBook With its thinner, titanium shell, the G4 PowerBook’s aluminium Power- was making sure the laptop didn’t overheat. The PowerBook is also a lot lighter than its predecessor – its on button is representative of 5.3lbs (2.4kg) weight is nearly a full pound less to lug about. the finely crafted build quality. page 80

78 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld MARCH 2001 79 1989’s Mac Portable

1993’s PowerBook 165

2001’s Titanium PowerBook G4

PowerBook’s G4 chip is Motorola’s latest 7410 model, Choice decisions which runs cooler and uses less power than the old 7400, The entry-level PowerBook costs £1,899, excluding VAT. The the G4 chip currently used in the Power Macs. Motorola top-end model costs £2,499, and differs from the cheaper designed the 7410 for use in the embedded market. system in just three respects: processor speed, memory, According to Motorola, a 500MHz 7410 offers performance and hard drive. If ultimate speed is not vital to you, you similar to that of a 500MHz 7400, but with power should consider topping up the entry-level system’s consumption equivalent to that of a 400MHz G4. The memory to 256MB for under £200 extra. titanium case seems to distribute heat more evenly. 10GB and 20GB sounds a lot of portable space The PowerBook G4 comes in two standard compared to a few years ago, but if Apple is serious about configurations. The 400MHz model ships with 128MB of video professionals using these laptops, it should increase RAM and a 10GB hard drive. It sells for £1,899 (£2,230 hard-drive sizes considerably. A 30GB drive is available as an 1995’s PowerBook Duo 230c including VAT). The 500MHz model – which sells for £2,499 option on Apple’s online store. External FireWire hard drives (£2,935 inc. VAT) – features 256MB of RAM and a 20GB hard are another option – although these are obviously going to drive. Both configurations feature 1MB of backside Level 2 detract from portability. cache, a 100MHz system bus, 8MB of graphics RAM, and an If these prices seem a little harsh, then you should ATI Rage Mobility 128 chip. consider an iBook. The £1,275 Special Edition iBook – with Standard software includes Mac OS 9.1, iMovie 2, zippy 466MHz G3 chip and DVD drive – is still a great Mac iTunes, and usual Internet browser, email and Palm clients. laptop, although you will need to bring the memory up Longer life Despite running a much larger screen and from 64MB to 128MB. The entry-level iBook will also need a powering DVD and a faster processor, Apple claims its RAM increase, but – at £1,062 – its 366MHz G3 chip is single-battery life is up to five hours. In comparison, Sony plenty fast enough for most. admits that after just 1.5 hours you’ll need to resort to an optional – more weight, more cost – second battery to get Sex, power and practicality close to that time limit. Batteries – additional ones sell for Apple must be praying that the Titanium PowerBook G4 £90 – can be swapped in Sleep mode. doesn’t go the same way as the Power Mac G4 Cube, which While the lithium-ion battery is a new design, many of despite hitting high marks in the design world didn’t match the longer-life improvements are down to software tweaks up to its sales expectations. While the PowerBook also in Mac OS 9.1 (see pages 54-55). This extra juice adds scores top marks for design, its size reduction will bear real, 1999’s ‘slim-line’ PowerBook G3 another practical benefit to the size and weight reductions practical results for its users. Apparently, not many of us that Apple has achieved in its new laptop. cared to spend big to clear our desks of computer clutter with the Cube. But every single portable Mac user demands less weight and depth, and this new laptop boasts both. The large screen, high-performance G4 chip and full Apple’s G4 PowerBooks – pro features in a slim case tally of features makes for a fine laptop, but do not answer Model Price PowerPC Base Max Hard CD USB Fire Ethernet 56Kbps Screen type the many cries for a more flexible, smaller Mac portable. ex. VAT processor RAM RAM disk DVD ports Wire modem and size That said, when even these Duo diehards see the new PowerBook 400 £1,899 400MHz G4 128MB 1GB 10GB DVD 2110/100 Yes 15.2” TFT PowerBook, they’ll likely put up with the pro specs for such PowerBook 500 £2,499 500MHz G4 256MB 1GB 20GB * DVD 2110/100 Yes 15.2” TFT a great-looking, beautifully finished machine. * 30GB option available on online Apple Store. New Power Macs, page 82

80 Macworld MARCH 2001 hile Apple has redesigned and added G4 chips to a CD, insert a blank disc in the CD drive. In the dialog box New pro desktop its PowerBook range, it has taken a different that appears, enter a name for the disc and select the W approach to updating its desktop professional Power Mac G4 format (HFS+, iTunes, or MP3 CD) you want to create. An Power Mac G4 systems. On the outside, nothing seems to have changed – icon for the CD will appear on the desktop. You can then Manufacturer: Apple the new G4 Power Macs look just like the old ones. But drag files and folders to the icon – in exactly the same way (0800 039 1010) Apple has made significant changes inside the box – that you’d add files to another hard disk or Zip disk. When www.apple.com/uk improving the logic board and memory controller, Speeds up to you’re finished, select the disc and choose Burn CD from the Pros: Fast G4 chips; CD-RW or upgrading the processors and graphics chips, and adding an Special menu. It’s that simple, and surprisngly fast. SuperDrive; 133MHz system extra PCI slot. There’s also CD-RW where once there was a Disc Burner creates single-session discs. Once you create bus; new memory controller; DVD-ROM drive, and an amazing DVD-R SuperDrive where a CD, any unused space on the disc cannot be reused or AGP 4x; fourth PCI slot; at once there was DVD-RAM. 733MHz, CD-RW recovered. This means that you must use an application, least 128MB RAM; larger hard such as Roxio’s Toast, if you’re burning multisession drives; Mac OS 9.1. Cons: Limited multiprocessing New models rewritable discs. options. As ever, Apple differentiates its Power Mac models by speed and a SuperDrive At the moment, Disc Burner works only with the CD-RWs Price: (excluding VAT) of processor. So there are now four basic systems to choose built-into these new Power Macs, as well as the top-end 466MHz: £1,199 from, as well a dual-processor model. model’s SuperDrive. Apple has promised to add drivers for 533MHz: £1,599 The entry-level Power Mac now boasts a 466MHz G4 the most popular third-party Mac-compatible CD recorders 533MHz DP: £1,809 processor. This system retains the 16MB ATI Rage 128 Pro within the next two months. As soon as it does, there’ll be 667MHz: £1,999 graphics card that shipped with the previous series of applications. Mac OS X will be much more conducive to MP little reason to not upgrade older Macs to OS 9.1 – unless 733MHz: £2,499 Power Macs. Memory is doubled to 128MB, as this is Apple’s Macs, so this model (costing only an extra £210) is well- you rely on multisession CD-RWs. Star Rating: recommended RAM amount to properly run its forth- worth considering if you use Photoshop a lot and are You can download Disc Burner (Int’l-English) for free 533MHz: ★★★★/8.5 coming Mac OS X operating system. And the hard drive is considering an early switch to Mac OS X from the end of from: http://asu.info.apple.com/swupdates.nsf/artnum/n11966. now up to 30GB (using a 5,400rpm Ultra ATA/66 drive). This March. For more details on MP systems, see our feature in model costs £1,199, excluding VAT. October 2000. Additions and subtractions One model up is the 533MHz Power Mac (£1,599), After the MP fun, Apple offers a 667MHz Power Mac More slots When Apple improved the logic board’s memory which drops the Rage Pro for Nvidia’s 32MB GeForce2 with 256MB of RAM, 60GB hard drive (7,200rpm Ultra controller (see box-out “Inside the box“), it was then able to graphics card, which delivers improved 2D and 3D graphics ATA/66), and GeForce2 MX. This £1,999 model won’t be remove the PCI bridge and use the space to add a fourth PCI rendering. RAM is also 128MB, but the hard drive increases available in the UK until March. slot. So now there’s room in all the new Power Macs to add CD burning software to 40GB (7,200rpm Ultra ATA/66). Also unavailable until then is Apple’s top-end 733MHz an extra video card or SCSI card on top of the cards you You can also buy a version of this model that’s powered Power Mac – which has the same amount of RAM and hard- already own. Disc Burner by two 533MHz G4 chips. Although Apple re-introduced disk space as the 667MHz model. It also features the The GeForce2 – or Rage 128 Pro in the case of the Publisher: Apple multiprocessing (MP) systems back in July 2000, the GeForce2 as its graphics accelerator, and will cost £2,499. 466MHz model – is placed in the AGP slot – newly upgraded www.apple.com/uk company seems to have gone partially cold on them again. Apple claims that the 733MHz Power Mac is 38 per cent from 2x to 4x. This is where the new Power Macs do differ Pros: No third-party software This is almost certainly because of a shortage of the fastest faster than the previous fastest 500MHz G4, and 57 per externally from their predecessors, if only at the back – see required; fast; free; simple. chips – clearly there are plenty of 533MHz chips out there, cent faster than a 1.5GHz Pentium 4 Windows PC (using a the photo “Back to back” on the next page. Cons: Works with new Power Macs’ CD-RWs only until but not that many 733MHz processors. sample of 120 Photoshop filters). Audio issues Apple has added a proprietary 16-bit Apple issues new drivers; Multiprocessing speeds up software programs that connector, the Apple speaker minijack, for use with its new single-session only. have been rewritten to take advantage of a Mac with more Power to burn Pro Speakers. Otherwise, the optional speakers (£39) are the cache (see box “Not Price: Free download. than one chip in it. In Macworld Lab tests on the older The 466MHz, 533MHz and 667MHz Power Mac G4s include same USB-based Harman-Kardon speakers that ship with just faster – new chips”). Min specs: Mac OS 9.1; 500MHz DP (dual-processor) Power Mac, we found the DP a CD-RW drive with a 32x read, 8x write and 4x re-write the G4 Cube. The sound system on the motherboard itself The 466MHz and 533MHz models compatible CD-RW drive. systems to be up to 60 per cent faster than their single- mechanism. If you don’t already own a similarly speedy or now has a 20W digital amplifier, driving the headphone have 1MB of level-2 cache. ★★★★ Star Rating: /7.6 processor equivalents at several key Adobe Photoshop faster CD-RW drive, this addition adds real value to these output and the output for the new minijack. The Networking remains at the impressive Gigabit Ethernet functions – but no faster running non-optimized machines. As it’s internal, it will also save on desk space. headphone output is a standard 16-bit analogue jack that (1,000BaseT) introduced in the Power Macs last July. The 733MHz G4 ships with the “SuperDrive” – a can support other third-party speakers. Software The new Power Macs come with Mac OS 9.1, combination DVD-R/CD-RW made by Pioneer. The However, as with the Cube, Apple has removed the iMovie 2, iTunes and the usual Internet browser, email and SuperDrive will read, write and rewrite CDs just like the analogue microphone jack. Apple claims that the Power Palm clients. The 733MHz model also ships with iDVD Not just faster – new chips other internal CD-RWs, but will also read and write DVD- Mac G4 supports audio input from USB microphones, and authoring and encoding software. ROM and (incredibly) DVD-R discs. With a little help from that most users are using those instead of older analogue fficially, Apple describes the chips in its systems as the “PowerPC G4” Apple’s free iDVD program, these DVD-R discs – loaded with mics anyway. Speed tests O without identifying the specific flavour. But examining the systems at your favourite iMovies and digital snaps – will play in Bus speeds and cache As discussed in more detail in the We tested both the single-processor G4 Power Macs that Macworld Expo, we saw that the 466MHz and 533MHz models use standard consumer DVD players. This is incredible because, box “Inside the box“, Apple has improved system and are available to buy today: the 466MHz and 533MHz Motorola’s PowerPC 7410, the same low-power version of the G4 that drives previously, this drive was available on its own for about memory bus speeds from 100MHz to 133MHz in all the new models. While the 533MHz system is just 7 per cent faster the new PowerBook G4. The 667MHz and 733MHz models use the £4,000 from Pioneer. Now, you get it for £2,499 – with Power Macs. The 667MHz and 733MHz models also feature PowerPC 7450, a new chip that Motorola announced at the same time as Apple’s most powerful Mac thrown in for free! new on-chip 256K level-2 cache and 1MB backside level-3 page 84 Apple was unveiling its updated systems. The original G4 systems used the I would expect Apple to offer the SuperDrive as a build- PowerPC 7400, which ran at a top speed of 500MHz for more than a year. to-order option when volume shipments bring unit prices The 466MHz and 533MHz G4 chips feature a 1MB L2 cache running at down – so you’ll be able to install it in cheaper models. New Power Mac G4s tested half the speed of the processor. The 7450 in the 667MHz and 733MHz Apple may even offer it in premium iMacs – possibly as systems have 256K of on-die L2 cache running at the same speed as the early as February’s Macworld Expo in Tokyo; see Best results in test. processor. Additionally, the 7450 supports a large L3 cache, with a 64-bit www.macworld.co.uk on February 22 for Expo coverage. Speedmark 2.1 Photoshop 5.5 (results in seconds) Quake III SoundJam 2.5.2 datapath between the cache and the processor. The 667MHz and the The DVD-R/CD-RW mechanism reads DVD at 6X, writes 733MHz versions use a 1MB L3 cache located a short distance from the DVD-R at 2x, reads CDs at 24x, writes CD-R at 8x, and Mac model Gaussian Blur 10 Unsharp Mask 2.3 Frame rate (normal) MP3 encode processor. rewrites CD-RW at 4x speeds. Apple continues to offer a Zip Power Mac G4/533 168 16 15 66 2:00 157 22 21 46 2:00 The 7450 is not just a speed revision. In addition to an on-die L2 cache drive as a build-to-order option for all Power Mac models at Power Mac G4/466 Power Mac G4/500 157 21 20 41 1:50 and a L3 cache, the 7450 uses Motorola’s MPX system bus to boost its online Apple Store. memory bandwidth to more than 1GB per second. It also has an enhanced The choice to add CD-RW and SuperDrive meant that Longer bars are better. Shorter bars are better. Shorter bars are better. Longer bars are better. Shorter bars are better. version of the AltiVec vector-execution unit – which Apple calls “Velocity Apple could not make the drives slot-loading – as on the Speedmark 2.1 scores are relative to those of an iMac 350MHz, which is asigned a score of 100. Photoshop results are in seconds. Quake scores are in frames per second. SoundJam scores Engine”– that can dispatch two instructions to any of the four vector iMacs and new PowerBooks. are in minutes:seconds. We tested each system with Mac OS 9.1, 128MB of RAM, a default system disk cache, and virtual memory enabled. We set displays to 1,024-x-768-pixel resolution execution units on the processor. Disc Burner reviewed With Mac OS 9.1 (see pages 54- and 24-bit colour. We tested MP3 encoding with an audio-CD track that was 9 minutes and 25 seconds long, and converted it using a default setting of 128Kbps in SoundJam. For more David Read 55) and a new downloadable system utility called Disc information on Speedmark, visit www.macworld.co.uk/speedmark. Macworld lab testing by Jim Galbraith and Jason Cox. Burner, Apple has a new method of burning CDs. To create

82 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld MARCH 2001 83 Power Mac G4s – power to burn Model Price PowerPC Base Max Hard CD USB Fire PCI Ethernet 56Kbps Graphics iTunes ex. VAT processor RAM RAM disk DVD ports Wire slots modem card Power Mac G4 £1,199 466MHz G4 128MB 1.5GB 30GB CD-RW 22410/100/1000 Yes 16MB RAGE 128 Pro * Power Mac G4 £1,599 533MHz G4 128MB 1.5GB 40GB CD-RW 22410/100/1000 Yes 32MB nVidia GeForce2 MX ** Power Mac G4 DP £1,809 2 x 533MHz G4 128MB 1.5GB 40GB CW-RW 22410/100/1000 Yes 32MB nVidia GeForce2 MX ** Digital music Power Mac G4 £1,999 667MHz G4 256MB 1.5GB 60GB CD-RW 22410/100/1000 Yes 32MB nVidia GeForce2 MX ** Power Mac G4 £2,499 733MHz G4 256MB 1.5GB 60GB DVD-R 22410/100/1000 Yes 32MB nVidia GeForce2 MX ** * 32MB ATI Radeon or GeForce2 MX graphics cards available as £70 options on the online Apple Store. just got a whole ** 32MB ATI Radeon graphics card available as options on the online Apple Store, or subtract £70 for 16MB RAGE 128 Pro. lot easier than the old top-end 500MHz G4 in overall performance terms, its Quake III frame rates are an amazing 61 per cent better (see “New Power Mac G4s tested”). The new Nvidia GeForce2 MX clearly rocks at 32MB, while the few extra megahertz and faster system bus have notched performance levels to an expected level. was minding my own business download iTunes. Installation was so Although its processor runs 34MHz slower than the doing my homework – it was my easy. What was really cool was that, previous top-end system, the 466MHz entry-level G4 Power I Mac-head mother, calling from when I got it on my iMac, it Mac nearly exactly matches the old 500MHz model – put Macworld Expo, San Francisco. She automatically took all of my MP3s and that down to the 133MHz bus. The graphics don’t take-off loudly exclaimed that there was this put them into the iTunes music library. like the 533MHz model’s because Apple has kept ATI’s exciting new product from Apple Then it left me to do only one thing – 16MB Rage 128 Pro graphics card for this system. called iTunes, and that I had to organize them into play lists inside the download it immediately. iTunes is a program. The library puts every piece Inside the box Inside job program that can organize all of my of digital music in order; and it has a Apple’s internal improvements to its G4 Power Macs make digital music, strip songs from my CD search feature so you can hunt down a he CPU itself still resides on a daughtercard that connects to the these systems faster and more adaptable to third-party collection, create psychedelic light certain song, and drag that found T motherboard using the same “sawtooth” connector in the previous options, such as AGP 4x cards and space for an extra PCI shows, burn my own custom CDs, and track into a play-list and listen to it. Power Mac G4 generation. Apple ROMs still reside on the motherboard, so card. When the 667MHz and 733MHz chips are available, tune into Internet radio. Best of all, Alternatively, you can play it directly upgrades for this model remain a relatively easy process. Apple will have a superb top-end to its pro desktop line-up. iTunes is free. from the library. It also has Shuffle and Above the daughtercard is a large heat sink covered by a wide plastic The 733MHz model’s SuperDrive is especially exciting, and What kind of things have you ever Repeat featured for your play-lists. cover. At the back of the heat sink is an exhaust fan that draws air under the is a first for any type of personal computer. actually got for free? In particular, Every list has a Burn CD button, so you plastic cover, along the heat sink, and out the back of the machine. The general loss of multiprocessing options is a shame. something free that came from a can record your play-lists onto CD. Faster bus All new Power Mac G4 systems come equipped with a I expect Apple to add these at a later date when chip company other than the one for which iTunes rips tracks from CDs at 133MHz system bus. A system bus carries data around your computer; for supplies rise. In the meantime, third-party processor- you work? (If you happen to work for nearly 7x – the fastest I’ve ever seen. Visuals function. While you’re playing (Top) Music manager instance, between the memory, processor and graphics card. Obviously, the upgrade manufacturers offer MP options in Apple’s place. Apple, please disregard the previous Right now, only owners of the very your music, you can click the iTunes lets you convert music faster, the better. Previously, G4 Power Macs ran a system bus at 100MHz, Prices remain pretty much the same as before, but sentence. Furthermore, free cologne latest Macs released with built-in snowflake icon on the lower right- CDs to MP3 files, create personal so the incremental speed boost is welcome – and many would say overdue, Apple’s added features make these Power Mac G4s bargain samples at the store or brochures burners are able to burn CDs via hand corner of your screen and let playlists, burn your own music as well. deals – especially the 466MHz entry-level model. from the Jehovah’s Witnesses do not iTunes. Apple promises to release the yourself be hypnotized by 2001-like CDs, and listen to hundreds of Memory controller The motherboard also features what Apple product count; nor do free refills of Sprite at drivers that will work with third-party psychedelia. This virtual acid trip puts radio stations on the Internet. manager Jesse Stein described as a “killer memory controller”. It now McDonald’s.) CD burners in the next two months – a lava lamp to shame. Images swirl controls the memory, FireWire, the PCI system – including the 4x AGP And have you ever got anything but I’m not holding my breath, before your eyes to the beat of the (Bottom) Crazy visuals controller – and the Gigabit Ethernet. Stein characterized it as the Mac’s really good for free? If you have, it knowing Apple.. music. There’s a different kaleidoscope iTunes doesn’t just help you high-bandwidth I/O chip. A separate chip handles USB connections. must been a very rare occurrence; or Then I went completely and utterly effect and different colours for each listen to music… now you can Faster RAM The new memory controller supports PC133 RAM. Faster you have Napster, which, needless to insane loading music onto my iMac. In song. watch your tracks dance to than PC100 RAM, PC133 has slowly become the PC industry standard over say, is one of the coolest applications fact, I stripped so many songs from my computer-generated graphics. the past year. The motherboard has three DIMM slots, each of which can ever, and the main point of having CD collection that I used up all of my Macworld’s buying advice accept up to a 512MB DIMM. So far, Apple has not commented on which iTunes in the first place. iMac’s hard-disk space – even with the Everything about iTunes is so variety of PC133 RAM is required, but it appears that the systems ship with If you’ve already purchased the tiny MP3 files! – and had to delete incredibly easy, it’s amazing. It was CAS-3 RAM. similar SoundJam ($39 for the full some old computer games to make easy to download, and I had very little Faster PCI Apple has embraced 4x AGP – the previous systems used version from Casady & Greene, room for more. As you can see, I live for trouble figuring out how to use it as 2X AGP to drive the video display – and added a fourth PCI slot. The PCI www.soundjam.com), that’s too bad – music. There are now hundreds of everything is pretty self-explanatory system has been updated to support 33MHz, 64-bit transfer speeds and a because iTunes is great and doesn’t songs in my music library. All I need and well organized. If you’re not feature called “write combining”, where write commands are collected and cost a thing. This is especially are some Harmon Kardon Sound- familiar with similar types of Digital-music maestro sent over the PCI bus in one burst. important to me as a 14-year-old, as Sticks, and I’ll really be set up. programs, such as SoundJam, you Stein said that Apple has tested the PCI system running at a sustained money is something of which I have a You can also tune into Internet might run into problems – so it’s great iTunes rate of 215MB per second and in bursts of 260MB per second. That’s limited quantity of. There are some radio with iTunes, and listen to songs that the Help menu is there for MP3 Publisher: Apple compared with a sustained rate of 100MB per second in Apple’s previous features that SoundJam has over from various genres, commercial-free. novices. www.apple.com/uk/itunes/ systems. iTunes, but none so significant that a There are hundreds of Internet radio I have to admit, I’m not the Mac- Pros: Free; CD-burning The 133MHz system bus is probably the biggest boon to Macintosh teenager would want to pay for them. stations from which to choose: for head my mother is. In fact, I often features to come; groovy graphics, said Chris Bentley, project team lead for Mac 3D drivers at ATI When I went to the Apple Web site example, Fem-Folk-Rock, Hardcore- enjoy playing games on my best graphics; simple to use; fast. Technologies – adding that no software vendor needs to do any work to take Back to back (left: Previous Power Mac. Right: New Power Mac) to get it, I soon discovered that iTunes Punk, Hip-Hop, Smooth Jazz, etc. friend’s PC. However, iTunes has made Cons: Visuals plug-ins would be welcome; CD-burning advantage of it. Above the five slots (AGP at top, then four PCI), the interface plate works only with Mac OS 9.0.4 or You’re sure to find one that fits your me much happier about being a Mac features extremely limited The write-combining feature, he said, is particularly useful for QuickTime. has also been rearranged to include a further air vent. The two USB better. Mum came to the rescue with a musical taste. If only you could user. I’m going to tell all my friends right now. However, he said the 4x AGP slot is really a future benefit, because and FireWire ports and ethernet port move down, while new audio little assistance here and we upgraded download a great song when it’s who have Macs to download this Min specs: Mac OS 9.0.4 no applications are currently facing bottlenecks on the slower AGP bus. ports move to the top. The analogue audio-in port has been dropped, my iMac to OS 9.1 immediately. playing on a radio station. program as soon as possible, because I Price: Free download. David Read in favour of USB-based solutions.In its place is a speaker minijack for Once I installed the new system on But the best bit of all – the grand know they’ll love it as much as I do. Star Rating: ★★★★/8.5 connecting Apple’s Pro Speakers. An analogue audio-out port remains. my computer, I finally got to finale of features – is the kaleidoscopic Trevor Nilsen MW

84 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld MARCH 2001 85 Your Mac, your way Customize your Mac and applications for a completely personal experience. By Christopher Breen

an you imagine a place where automobiles come only in black, ice-cream shops carry nothing but jamocha almond fudge, and all the Village People dressed as C construction workers? Who would want to live in such a drab land? Thankfully, our world offers myriad choices. Just look at the wide variety of Macs available to us – an indigo iMac for Ivan the librarian, marine-biologist Molly’s Power Mac G4 Dual Processor, and young Lauren’s Key Lime iBook. We are fortunate to have a

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY DAVID/PHOTODISC /DIGITAL VISION /DIGITAL DAVID/PHOTODISC BY TONY PHOTOGRAPHY great many remarkably colourful and configurable Macintosh options. page 88

Macworld MARCH 2001 87 If you’re looking for more-powerful and less-obtrusive expanded set of navigation options. Dialog boxes that take launchers, you’ll find plenty of third-party utilities that let advantage of Navigation Services do provide quicker access Liven up your desktop you easily organize your favourite applications and to mounted volumes and often-used documents and documents into tidy, movable docks. James Thomson’s folders, but they don’t provide the wealth of navigation ou’ve changed your hairstyle, diet, and taste in music dozens of times DragThing 2.9 ($20, www.dragthing.com) and Aladdin options found in the Finder, such as the ability to produce a Y in the past five years. So why stick with the same-old Mac experience Systems’ DragStrip 3.7.1 (£21; Softline, 01372 726 333) file’s Get Info window. when you can customize it in these exciting ways? allow you to place all of your favourite goodies – including Fast filing St Clair Software’s Default Folder 3.0.7 applications, documents, control panels, disks and servers, (St Clair Software, www.stclairsoft.com) and Power On A folders, and URLs – in floating docks. Software’s Action Files 1.5.4 (£38; Softline, 01372 726 333) E B In addition, both provide docks that, as Apple’s provide some solutions. Default Folder places additional Application Switcher palette does, display all currently commands in Open and Save dialog boxes – commands for running applications. Of the two, DragThing is the more producing a file’s Get Info window, as well as for renaming refined, featuring attractive palettes, sound, hot-key and trashing files. support, and a number of helpful AppleScript commands It will also display a default folder you’ve designated for controlling the program’s docks. (See “Control tabs”.) when an Open or Save dialog box appears for the first time Space savers Sig Software’s DropDrawers 1.2.6 after an application launches. This is a real time-saver if, for ($15, www.sigsoftware.com) is another useful launching example, you plan to save all your Microsoft Word utility. Instead of employing docks, DropDrawers lets you documents in a particular folder. place your favourite items, including clippings files, in Action files offers even greater enhancements. (See floating “drawers” that open and close when you click on “Launch into action”). In addition to the same features as D Launch into action But those options don’t end with the hue of the case or their handles. Default Folder, it gives you the ability to sort files by name, Power On Software’s Action the amount of installed RAM. No computer – PC, Palm, or You can also try Power On Software’s powerful Action size, kind, and date; change file and folder labels; create an Files 1.5.4 adds more-extensive Psion – is more customizable than the Mac, whether you’d GoMac 2.0.3 ($30, www.poweronsw.com). Like Windows’ alias of a file or folder; and even resize these previously navigation controls to Open and like it to conform to the way you work or simply want your Start menu and Task Bar, Action GoMac displays running nonscalable dialog boxes. C Save dialog boxes than Apple’s desktop pattern to match your mood. Granted, the applications and lets you launch your favourite applications Navigation Services does. forthcoming Mac OS X will provide the greatest face-lift the and files from a palette that runs along the bottom of your More from your menus A Action Menus Mac has seen in over a decade. But while you’re waiting for Mac’s screen. A unique feature allows you to quit running Menus provide another way to easily launch applications Action Menus adds a number of new menus to the Mac’s menu bar for its final release, why not take matters into your own hands? applications without switching to each one. Just select Quit and locate favourite files on your Mac. Each new version of tasks such as opening recent applications, documents, and servers. With the help of a pocketful of shareware utilities, a and then the application’s name from a pop-up menu, and Mac OS has made menus more powerful by increasing the smattering of commercial applications, and some system that application quits in the background. number of keyboard equivalents for common tasks – for B Kaleidoscope and application tweaks, you can make your Mac your own. Letyour fingers do the working Some of us dislike example, creating an alias or moving items to the Trash. But Kaleidoscope (www.kaleidoscope.net) lends a spiral-notebook feel to reaching for the mouse, either because we think it wastes menus can be made to do more, with utilities such as Jerry the Mac’s windows, scroll bars, icons, and menus. Make it work your way time or because the ergonomics fairy has warned us Du’s FinderMenuTuner 1.2.2, Connectix’s CopyAgent 1.0 You may be perfectly content to dig through your Mac’s against it. (£26; Computers Unlimited, 020 8358 5857), and Power C Action GoMac hard drive to launch applications; rummage through Two launching utilities that rely on the keyboard rather On’s Action Menus 1.0.2 (£29, Softline, 01372 726 333). Action GoMac’s Task Bar feature provides an area for launching favourite volumes and folders in Open and Save than the mouse are MindVision’s MindControl 1.1 ($19, applications and for switching between active applications. The Clock Tray dialog boxes; traipse to the menu bar www.mindvision.com) and Stefano Ghielmi’s SpeedApp 2 Navigate with ease includes a clock, a calendar, and a place where you add control-strip every time you want your Mac to ($15, http://space.tin.it/clubnet/sghielmi/index). FinderMenuTuner is a control panel that assigns additional modules. execute some trifling task; and repeat With MindControl installed on your Mac, you press ⌘-` keyboard commands to Finder menus – a boon for those a series of clicks and drags to perform to reveal a window that contains your favourite who’ve longed to press ⌘-T to empty the Trash. D DragThing the same operation many times. But applications, documents, URLs, email addresses, recent CopyAgent, though primarily a tool for enhancing DragThing gives easy access to all your favourite items. And Mac OS 9’s we’re here to tell you there’s a better applications, documents, and servers. You’ll also find Finder copying, also makes menu navigation easier with its Application Switcher never looked as good as DragThing’s Process Dock. way. These customizations are common commands such as sleep, shut down, and restart. Keyboard Power component. Using Keyboard Power, you guaranteed to make your Mac more Use the mouse or the Mac’s arrow keys to access these can access Finder and application menus in the Mac’s menu E IconFactory productive. items. bar with keyboard shortcuts: for example, just hold down IconFactory (www.pixelplace.com) is just great for beautiful and MindControl also places a command line at the bottom control-shift-F to select the File menu. Once you select a whimsical icons. Everything at hand of your screen where you can enter text. To launch an item menu, you can use another keyboard shortcut to choose a Why wait for OS X’s Dock? on your Mac’s hard drive, begin typing the name of the item command within that menu – such as control-shift-O to Files, folders, and you’d like to open – or the abbreviation you’ve assigned to select Open – or the arrow keys to move from one menu applications that you it. MindControl fills in its name; just press the return key to item to another. – you may long for a way to alleviate this drudgery. A macro routinely misplace launch that item. Action Menus is the be-all and end-all of menu program can automate many of these tasks. can be easily found SpeedApp offers the same command-line feature in a customization utilities. It not only allows you to assign You can use applications such as CE Software’s QuicKeys – and launched – more intuitive way. Unless you configure MindControl in keyboard commands to menu items, but also creates 5.0 (£79; Computers Unlimited, 020 8358 5857), Westcode with the help of some the Command window, the program requires that you type additional menus that display applications, files, folders, Software’s OneClick 2.0, ($70, www.westcodesoft.com), as classic Mac OS utilities. the complete name of the item you wish to open, and servers you’ve recently accessed – complete with well as Binary Software’s KeyQuencer 2.5.5 ($54; (See “16 Mac makeovers” beginning with the first letters of the application. For hierarchical submenus. And you can place items in the www.binarysoft.com) for simple chores – launching for further details about example, Adobe Photoshop is the default name to type for Apple or Applications menu by dragging them there from applications or creating keyboard equivalents for menu the programs discussed in Photoshop. SpeedApp – which is limited to opening the desktop. commands – but the forte of these macro programs is this article). applications – allows you to type any portion of the executing a series of actions at the click of a button or the Out to launch Included with application’s name. Mega-macro programs press of a key. Control tabs Mac OS is Launcher, a program If you repeat some tasks frequently on your Mac – copying Automate your actions QuicKeys is the easiest macro From James Thomson’s DragThing you can use to open applications, Better dialog boxes blocks of text from your word processor and pasting them 2.9, you can launch nearly any files, documents, and URLs with a Your desktop isn’t the only place you can enhance into different fields in your database program, for example page 90 file on your Mac’s hard drive. single click. It doesn’t do much navigation. Most of us spend a fair amount of time more than that, though. And while shuffling through Open and Save dialog boxes, wishing for you can create up to eight separate a more efficient way, for example, to put files in the folders categories of Launcher items – where we always put them. arranged as tabs – the process is Many Macintosh users hoped that Navigation Services – unintuitive, and Launcher takes up a introduced with Mac OS 8.5 as a new way to view and move fair chunk of desktop real estate. through Open and Save dialog boxes – would offer a greatly

88 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld MARCH 2001 89 Macro-made Name from the View menu’s Arrange submenu. You can graphite. To change the way icons and text are displayed in Interface-lift Why repeat a series of keystrokes then save this script to the Apple Menu or your desktop as the tool bar, control-click on the tool bar and select Icon & With Greg Landweber and and clicks, when you can record a classic applet. Text, Icon Only, or Text Only from the contextual menu. Arlo Rose’s Kaleidoscope 2.2.4, these actions one time and You can also create simple AppleScripts to move items Then choose from the listed colours. you can change many of your trigger them all with a macro into the Trash, copy files from one buried folder to another, Netscape 6 includes a variety of themes that allow you Mac’s interface elements. Here, utility, such as CE Software’s and turn the Appearance control panel’s windowshade to change the look of this venerable browser. Preview the NextStep scheme gives our QuicKeys 5.0? feature on and off. (To learn more about AppleScript, see Release 3 includes the Modern and Classic themes: Modern desktop that retro look (bottom). “AppleScript for the Programming-Shy”, Secrets, Macworld, has a rounded look reminiscent of OS X, and Classic’s November 1999). appearance resembles the traditional Netscape interface. To apply a new theme, you simply select Apple Theme Make it look your way from the View menu and choose from the list in the Having a more productive Mac may placate the pernickety submenu. This submenu also contains a Get New Themes office manager within us all, but a computer can be command that prompts Netscape to connect to the Web competent without being compelling. With a little effort – and download any additional themes that become and the help of a couple of utilities – your Mac can be fun available. and functional. Office remodelling You can’t radically change Microsoft Office 2001’s colour or icons, but some Macintosh users Lovely to look at have found that the suite’s Formatting palette lets you With the Appearance control panel, you can change the dispense with many of the program’s tool bars. program to use, thanks to its icon-oriented interface visual elements of your Mac’s interface, selecting desktop To change the appearance of this palette in Microsoft and ability to accurately record the actions you pictures and patterns, alternate system fonts, and hues for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, select Customize from the perform on your Mac. Just click on QuicKey’s highlighting and menus. But if you want to alter your Mac Tools menu, click on the Appearance tab, and choose either Record button, run through the task you’d like to in more profound ways, you need greater assistance: get the Office 2001 Appearance option (which bears a slight turn into a macro, and click on the Stop button Greg Landweber and Arlo Rose’s Kaleidoscope 2.3 from this resemblance to OS X) or the Mac OS Theme Compliant when you’re done. Your actions are recorded and month’s Macworld cover CD. option (similar to the classic Mac OS). In the same window, ready to be played back when you press the Total makeover Kaleidoscope is a control panel that you can choose to increase the size of icons in tool bars and keyboard command or on-screen button you’ve allows you to load schemes that radically distort the in the Formatting palette. assigned to trigger the macro. (See “Macro-made”). appearance of windows, menus, buttons, icons, and Still, QuicKeys lacks some of the power found in progress bars. (See “Interface-lift”). Be advised: it may Now hear this script-based programs OneClick and KeyQuencer, impede the performance of your computer or make it more Before colour displays, Macintosh users had few ways to which offer better control over actions that include a prone to crashes. But with so many entertaining scheme tart up their computers. After all, you could create only so The last word series of variables – when the appearance of a options available, many users will be tempted to install it many interesting desktop patterns out of black-&-white There are plenty of good reasons dialog box triggers another action, for example. regardless of the consequences. pixels. However, one advantage the Mac had over its PC to change the ways your Mac OneClick gets its name from the palette-driven Many authors have created schemes that transform the counterparts was its ability to play sounds (PCs were nearly looks and works: you can’t wait interface that represents macros as clickable Mac’s interface into something resembling Windows 95, mute back then). Mac folk took this advantage and ran with for the cool new functions of buttons. Beneath the simple interface is a the Be OS, NextStep, a Palm Pilot, or even Mac OS X. (Apple’s it, creating custom sound-effects and – using utilities such Mac OS X, you’d like a better launcher scripting language called EasyScript that allows legal department has warned against replicating OS X’s as Bruce Tomlin’s impressive SoundMaster ($15, than the one supplied by Apple, or you to manipulate your Mac in many powerful Aqua theme). Hundreds of schemes are available from the ftp://macware.erehwon.org/pub/mac)– linking them to you want your Mac’s desktop to match ways. For example, you can create a OneClick Kaleidoscope Web site (www.kaleidoscope.net) and others. events as varied as ejecting disks, emptying the Trash, and your new earrings. Ultimately, it doesn’t macro that automatically closes browser pop-up We liked RailHead Design’s AquaX III Kaleidoscope scheme restarting the Mac. make a bit of difference why you want to windows – not possible with QuicKeys. (www.railheaddesign.com). Starting with Mac OS 8.5, Apple included the customize your Mac. KeyQuencer lacks the action-recording Accessorize, accessorize Some Kaleidoscope scheme Appearance control panel, which contained a single What really matters is that you can alter features of QuicKeys and OneClick, but its authors toss in icons to replace Apple’s drab hard drive collection of sounds tied to system events: Platinum the look and feel of your Mac simply because scripting capabilities allow intrepid users to icons, but many do not. If you’re looking for more Sounds. you have the power and desire to do so. MW create some potent macros. interesting icons – whether or not you plan to use them in Stick to the script Of course Apple includes its own conjunction with Kaleidoscope – you can point your 16 Mac makeovers free automation utility, AppleScript, with every copy of Mac browser to IconFactory (www.iconfactory.com), the finest OS. AppleScript is daunting to many Mac users, but using it collection of free icons on the Web. COMPANY PRODUCT PRICE CONTACT DESCRIPTION to create simple scripts isn’t difficult. You don’t need to be a If you’re aiming for an OS X – like look, consider one Aladdin Systems DragStrip 3.7.1 £21 Softline, 01372 726 333 Palette-based launcher utility power user to benefit from this excellent tool. more visual enhancement: Greg Landweber’s Power Binary Software KeyQuencer 2.5.5 $54 www.binarysoft.com Macro utility Using the Script Editor, found inside the Windows 2.4.2 ($10, www.kaleidoscope.net/greg). With this AppleScript folder within the Apple Extras program installed, when you drag a window across the CE Software QuicKeys 5.0 £79 Computers Unlimited, 020 8358 5857 Macro utility folder, you can record many of the screen, the entire window and its contents remain visible, Connectix CopyAgent 1.0 $39 (+$39 p&p) www.connectix.com Menu-navigation tool actions you take on your Mac. For not just the dotted outline. Plus, it can make windows Greg Landweber Power Windows 2.4.2 $10/shareware www.kaleidoscope.net/greg/ Window-appearance – changing utility example, you can create a translucent. script that will clear up Greg Landweber and Arlo Rose Kaleidoscope 2.2.4 $25/shareware www.kaleidoscope.net Appearance-changing utility the clutter on your Custom-crafted applications James Thomson DragThing 2.9 $20/shareware www.dragthing.com Palette-based launcher utility Mac’s desktop and also If you enjoy playing MP3 files on your Mac, you know that Jerry Du FinderMenuTuner 1.2.2 $15/shareware www.dragonone.com Menu customizer display your files in MP3 players include a variety of “skins” that change a MindVision MindControl 1.1 $20 www.mindvision.com Command-line launcher utility alphabetical order. player’s appearance. But MP3 players aren’t the only First open Script applications that support customization. Power On Software Action Files 1.5.4 £38 Softline, 01372 726 333 Dialog box enhancement Editor and click on the Beautify your browser In the latest releases of Action GoMac 2.0.3 $30 www.poweronsw.com Task-bar launcher utility Record button; then Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator, Action Menus 1.0.2 £29 Softline, 01372 726 333 Menu customizer, navigation tool switch to the Finder, Microsoft and Netscape both supply the means to allow hold down the option you to make their browsers reflect Apple’s recent computer- Sig Software DropDrawers 1.2.6 $15/shareware www.sigsoftware.com Pop-up launcher utility key, click on the Close case designs. St. Clair Software Default Folder 3.0.7 $25/shareware www.stclairsoft.com Dialog-box enhancement box in the active To style Internet Explorer 5 more like your Mac, just Stefano Ghielmi SpeedApp 1.0.2 $15/shareware http://web.infinito.it/utenti/s/sghielmi Command-line launcher utility window to close all select Browser Color from the View menu and choose from windows, and select By colours such as Bondi blue, lime, PowerBook bronze, and Westcode Software OneClick 2.0 $70 www.westcodesoft.com Macro utility

90 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld MARCH 2001 91 Q&A/tips Q&A/tips

• Smooth CD burns • Pro Keyboard shutdown • XPress toggling Q&A/tips Handy Mac tips and readers’ questions answered. By Christopher Breen

Plug-in perplexities

Why won’t Sherlock plug-ins install when I drag them on to a closed System Folder? Q Can I create a new channel for them? James Schneider Sherlock plug-ins are those files that allow Sherlock to explore particular Web sites. A Even though James Schneider followed Apple’s advice to drag-&-drop these plug-ins on to a closed System Folder and then filed them in the Internet Search Sites folder within the System Folder, they never appeared in Sherlock 2’s list of Internet sites. Unfortunately, the sell-by date on the advice that James received has long since passed. With the original Sherlock (the version that shipped with Mac OS 8.5 and 8.6), drag-&-dropping Sherlock plug- ins to a closed System Folder did cause new search sites to appear within Sherlock. But with Sherlock 2 and OS 9, this is no longer the case. To successfully add Sherlock plug-ins, you must do one of two things: open the Internet Search Sites folder and drag the plug-ins to the Internet folder that lurks within, or drag the plug-in directly into the open Internet pane of the Sherlock window (see screenshot “Such a drag”, right). Because I tend to add new search sites on a Naturally, my heart goes out to Mr Walschap, Such a drag regular basis, I’ve created a separate channel for but the depth of this sympathy doesn’t To install a new Internet Search Site in Sherlock 2, first them. You can too, by choosing New Channel from A diminish my suspicion that he may not open Sherlock and then drag-&-drop the site into its Sherlock’s Channel menu, giving your new channel have done all he could to prepare his Mac for main window. a descriptive name – such as My Channel – a successful burn. assigning an icon to the channel, selecting To increase the odds of walking away with a Searching from the Channel Type pop-up menu, newly burned CD, he should: Copy the CD-ROM to and placing additional search sites in this channel his hard drive and then to the burner, for the simple via the methods I described here. reason that a hard drive can deliver data far more quickly than today’s fastest CD-ROM drive. Slow burn Shutdown background applications and networking services – file sharing or automatic My LaCie SCSI CD-RW drive – rated to email retrieval, for example – during the burn. write at 12x – seems able to successfully Such background activities can easily interrupt Q burn CD-Rs at only a measly 1x. When I the delivery of data to a CD burner, drain the attempt to burn at faster rates, Toast 4.1 sends burner’s buffer, and result in underrun errors. up an ominous “buffer underrun” error, and my Allot a large-enough RAM buffer in Toast to CD-R disc becomes a useless hunk of shiny plastic. prevent these errors. Toast allows you to buffer What causes a CD-R burner to fail? data to the Mac’s RAM for additional short-term Gerard Walschap storage, so why not take advantage of it!? page 94 See the cover CD for shareware featured in Q&A.

Macworld MARCH 2001 93 In summary, keep it simple. Using Apple’s Mail command. In the window that appears, select contents of the window aren’t printed. Apple Enabler and QuickTime FireWire DV Support from Extensions Manager or Casady & Greene’s Conflict Outlook Express 5 from the pop-up menu and click suggests you may be able to work around this QuickTime 4. For some reason the older version 2.2 Catcher, create a base set of only those extensions on OK. Select Main Identity, and then click on the problem by changing the view of the window files work fine with QuickTime 5, but the updated and control panels necessary to perform the burn; Import Account button in the next window. Finally, – to Icons or Buttons if the current view is set to version 2.2.2 causes problems. the CD-R-burning software should be the only in the Import Mail window, select only the Address List, for example. You may also have more success Ashley Moran-Smith active application during a burn. Burn files from Book Information option and click on OK. In less if the window contains fewer items. a hard drive rather than from a CD, and use Toast’s than a long wink, the Netscape addresses you Print Word shortcuts RAM buffering feature to full advantage. imported into Outlook Express will be shoveled FireWire daisychain into Eudora’s Address Book. Care for a printout of your Microsoft Pro Keyboard shutdown You can connect upto 63 powered Word customized keyboard-shortcuts? Drop Word’s formatting FireWire devices to an iBook or TIP Simple enough. Just select Print from One of the bad things about Apple’s TIP PowerBook (if you have added extra the File menu, select Microsoft Word from the Pro Keyboard is its lack of a power This has undoubtedly happened to ports), though you can only connect 16 devices in General pop-up menu, and Keyboard Assignments TIP key. To compensate, I created three you. You copy text from one Word one chain. If you’re connecting unpowered FireWire from the Print pop-up menu. Press Print to receive Express in the middle simple AppleScripts and assigned them to function TIP document into another and find that devices – devices that pull their power from the a printout of your custom keyboard commands. To export addresses from Netscape Navigator to Microsoft keys (F13, F14, and F15) so I could use my keyboard the formatting from the first document has travelled PowerBook or iBook rather than a power supply – To print a complete list of Word’s keyboard Express, see Import Addresses, below. for sleep, restart, and shutdown commands. To boot with it – forcing you to reformat the text. Thankfully, you’re limited to a single device. commands, select Macros from the Macro submenu up, I still use the power button on the front of my there’s a way around this. in the Tools menu. In the resulting window, select iMac. A template follows (you can replace sleep Just copy the text and, instead of choosing Office management Word commands in the Macros In pop-up menu. with restart or shut down as desired): Paste from the Edit menu, choose Paste Special. Scroll down the list of macros and highlight List tell application “Finder” When the resulting dialog box appears, click Longtime Microsoft Office users who Commands. Click Run and in the next dialog box activate Unformatted Text and OK. Your pasted text will have upgraded to Office 2001 may be choose either "Current menu and keyboard settings" display dialog “Sleep?” now take on the formatting of the document TIP mourning the loss of Microsoft Office or "All Word commands". Word will then generate a buttons {“Cancel”, “OK”} you paste to. Manager (MOM) – the control panel that provides Word file that lists all the keyboard commands. Print default button 2 with icon stop easy access to components of Microsoft Office as this list at your leisure. if the button returned of Replace SimpleText well as quick launch capabilities for applications the result is “OK” then you care to add to the MOM menu. These people sleep If SimpleText is just too basic a text may now dry those tears. Microsoft has released end if editor for you, give Marco Piovanelli’s a version of MOM that’s compatible with both end tell TIP $10 shareware text editor, Style, a Microsoft Office 2001 and Office 98. You can find Joshua Sucher try. In addition to supplying all the features of your copy at www.microsoft.com/mac/ Or, you can use this simpler script: SimpleText – except speech – Style includes support download/default.asp. tell application “Finder” for URLs and AppleScript and offers a search and XPress toggling activate replace function. Plus, Style lacks SimpleText and Navigate windows shut down TeachText’s 32,000 character limit. You can find your In QuarkXPress, hold down the ⌘ end tell copy at www.macdownload.com. If your windows are bunged full of and option keys and click on an open Again, you’ll need to assign a function key. icons, using the scroll bars can take TIP document, the page magnification David Cohen OS X’s invisible files TIP ages. Holding down the ⌘ key and will toggel between 100 and 200 per cent. dragging the mouse – making sure you haven’t Import addresses If you give a volume the same name clicked on an icon – will allow you to scrub around Type where you like in Word as one of the basic folders used by inside the window, a’la Adobe Photoshop and How do I transfer an address book from TIP Mac OS X Public Beta – Applications, QuarkXPress. In Microsoft Word 2001, you can Netscape to Eudora? I prefer Eudora, but Library, Mac OS 9, or System, for example – those place the cursor anywhere you like Q don’t want to lose my preferences. folders may not be visible. Quake online TIP in a blank document – even in the Marian MacLeod middle of the page – as long as you’re in Page or I recommend taking advantage of a Button bar break Here’s a tip for those people who Outline view and the “Enable click and type” Web-based application such as ABConverter can’t find servers to play multiplayer option is on in the Edit tab of the Preferences A (www.jhanda.com/ABConverter), which costs In AppleWorks, the Button Bar – that TIP Quake 2 online – you should head window. about $10 per use, to do the job. But I prefer a free long strip of buttons that appears at to http://members.aol.com/L4Q2 and download the – and more devious – method, a little something I TIP the top of your Mac’s screen – may java-based browser L4Q2 available there. This will Multiple Users security call the Outlook Express Runaround. The idea behind contain more buttons than you can see. let you see currently running matches and ping rates the Runaround is to use Microsoft Outlook Express 5 There are two ways to reveal these additional before joining. Thank heavens! On Mac models released last as a conduit for moving your Netscape addresses to buttons. Way 1 is to click on the Arrow icon at the Erin Thomson summer, if you have a DVD-ROM Eudora. Here’s how it works: left and right sides of the bar. If the arrow is black TIP inserted in the Mac's DVD-ROM Download and install a copy of Microsoft on either side, it means more buttons are available QuickTime and iBooks drive, the Apple DVD Player launches before the Outlook Express 5 (www.microsoft.com/mac/ and you can reveal them by clicking on the arrows Multiple Users login screen appears. Drop formatting download). Now launch Outlook Express and select to scroll the bar one way or the other. I’ve found that installing the UK While this may or may not be a breach of To lose Word’s formatting when copying and pasting, see Import from the File menu. In the resulting window The second way is to increase the resolution QuickTime 5 Preview on my iBook security, at the very least, it’s a bit annoying. Gore fest Drop Word’s formatting select the Import From An Application option, and of your Mac’s monitor. Just switch the monitor TIP messed up FireWire DV with iMovie 2, The workaround is to make sure that you don’t See Quake Online for tips on where to find Quake II players in the succeeding window select Netscape resolution from 640-x-480 pixels, for example, and I suspect this happens with all FireWire Macs. leave a DVD-ROM in the player when you shut Communicator 4.0 Or Higher. Go to the next window to 1,024-x-768. As more screen space becomes To solve it, back up the files QuickTime FireWire DV down or restart. and deselect every option except Addresses. If you available, more of the Button Bar is revealed. want to import email messages as well, leave Mail Messages selected. Click on the tiny right-pointing Printing from the Finder Macworld’s deputy editor David Fanning and contributing editor Christopher Breen answer readers’ arrow at the bottom of this window, and your questions and select reader-submitted tips for this column. Send your question or tip (include your Netscape addresses will waltz their way into Outlook Those who have used the Finder’s address and phone number) to David Fanning, Q&A, Macworld, 99 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X Express. Then you just click on Finish Print Window command have 8UT. You can also send mail electronically, marked Q&A in the subject line, to and quit the program. TIP doubtless discovered that when you [email protected]. We pay £25 for each tip published here. Fire up a copy of Eudora 5 and select the Import attempt to print certain windows, the complete We cannot make personal replies, so please do not include a stamped-addressed envelope.

94 Macworld MARCH 2001 Macworld MARCH 2001 95 test centre: 17 & 19 Screen therapy -inch monitors Mid-sized monitors tested and rated. By David Fanning and Seth Havens

ot everyone has the room or the in the 17- and 19-inch monitor brackets. budget to fit a hulking 22-inch There are many reasons to upgrade your N monitor on his or her desk. So for current monitor of choice. If you’re using those looking for a new monitor, we’ve anything less than a 17-inch monitor, the tested 24 models from 15 manufacturers extra screen-space afforded by a mid-size to find the best deals and the highest quality monitor will knock your socks off. page 132 PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE LAYE PHOTOGRAPHY:

All prices in this feature exclude VAT at 17.5 per cent Macworld MARCH 2001 131 design buying advice specs score /9.0 9 10 8 ❚ ❚❚ MARCH 2001 133 pixels at 85Hz ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ LG Electronics £249 17 inches 16 inches 1,024-x-768 grille; flat Aperture LG Electronics 0870 607 5544 www.lgelectronics .co.uk ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ★★★★★ Macworld e integrated stand able size All these design features Its £249 price tag is Th solution ell on this front. monitor is orth it. This ew et effective. et effective. re alue for money elephone is a unique rocker design is a unique rocker for ample space that allows under the keyboard stowing the screen. nothing if image count for up to scratch, quality isn’t – it scored but fortunately w steep, but its quality of image and design is well w of what a fine example happens when product push themselves designers to do something innovative y LG Flatron 774FT LG Flatron grey After looking at endless 774FT actually the LG boxes, of oohs and a round sparked blue facia metallic ahhs. The of touch- sports an array controls. sensitive Star Rating Company Price size Screen Vi Optimum Screen type Screen Contact T URL Image quality Design/usability V 10 9 6 /8.8 ❚ ❚❚❚❚ pixels at 85Hz ★★★★ Apple £349 17 inches 16 inches 1,024-x-768 grille; flat Aperture Apple 0870 600 6010 www.apple.com/uk ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚ page 134 able size the ADC (Apple Display If you have one of these have If you

er the screen. There er the screen. There editors’ choice editors’ esolution ew he Apple Studio Display is a he Apple Studio Display r alue for money elephone Apple Studio Display T It has some beautiful monitor. made possible nifty features by Connector). Unfortunately, this connection both and disables empowers the monitor: It will only work G4 Power with certain new Macs and the G4 Cube. models, or are thinking of have buying one soon, you’ll controls access to fantastic ov are no fiddly buttons to contend with – everything the Monitors by is controlled Image quality Panel. Control internal because of is perfect calibration-components that measure screen image. The with the drawbacks only two model are compatibility and price. Screen type Screen Contact T URL Image quality Design/usability V Optimum Star Rating Company Price size Screen Vi 6 7 7 /6.6 ❚❚❚ ❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚ pixels at 85Hz ★★★ Mitsubishi £178 17 inches 16 inches 1,024-x-768 flat DiamondTron; NEC/Mitsubishi 020 7202 6300 www.mitsubishi- monitors.co.uk ❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ tical oblongs. r ys that light up the rinitron – uses tiny rinitron ve Monitors work by shooting cathode ra on phosphors painted define To the inside of the glass tube. needs to be the ray individual pixels, either a shadow mask through directed or an aperture grille. A shadow mask is a sheet of holes punched with a honeycomb are the two classes the two classes are technology. of screen screens Shadow-mask made up of circular are while aperture dots, grille – also known as T able size esolution ew r alue for money elephone Screen type Screen Contact T URL Image quality Design/usability V Company Price size Screen Vi Star Rating Optimum Mitsubishi Diamond Plus 73 Mitsubishi Diamond the For a budget monitor, a fairly Diamond Plus boasts sleek design – though the is not three-button interface Neither is its the best on offer. image quality is not as good as other models at this price, especially on contrast – which a notably pale, washed- gave its price is While out image. Mitsubishi should attractive, better image be delivering managed here. quality than it’s These 9 8 8 /8.5 ❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ pixels at 85Hz ★★★★ Maxdata £221 17 inches 16 inches 1,280-x-1,024 grille; flat Aperture Maxdata 01344 788 910 www.maxdata.co.uk ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ able size realized that two of the realized that two Shadow mask and aperture grille Measuring dot pitch – or stripe pitch, as

esolution ew r alue for money elephone his isn’t a cheap monitor his isn’t his isn’t one the the cheapest one the his isn’t ound-up, we’ve elected not we’ve ound-up, to quote dot or elates to the distance between the dots elates Screen type Screen Contact T URL Image quality Design/usability V Star Rating Company Price size Screen Vi Optimum r thatThe trouble image. the screen up make and at screen two types of are there is, least of measuring dot ways three pitch. manufacturers the type of screen, Whatever dot measure always pitch in the most to that way flattering technology. – is an aperture-grille screen called if it’s it’s done in different results so comparing ways, apples and bananas: the comparing is like In this irrelevant. numbers quoted become r stripe pitch, as it only to confuse. serves Almost all the models tested use aperture- with only the mostgrille technology, basic route. models taking the shadow-mask Maxdata Belinea 10 30 80 Maxdata Belinea 10 T to but at least it came close on image quality. perfection are a tad its controls However, a while before it was quirky: we three “buttons” on the front are not actually buttons at all. T on test – but at least monitors from Maxdata is getting away of boxy the straightjacket design, using interesting lines. 9 7 8 /8.3 ❚ ❚❚ ❚❚❚ pixels at 85Hz Iiyama £209 17 inches 15.9 inches 1,024-x-768 grille; flat Aperture Iiyama 01438 745 482 www.iiyama.com ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ★★★★ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ re faced with yet another with yet re faced able size u’ esolution ew r alue for money or aesthetics then I guess elephone The measurement of dot pitch Iiyama VisionMaster A705MT VisionMaster Iiyama room in a darkened were If you this from looking at the image be impressed. you’d monitor, Its blacks and contrast are unsurpassed, and all aspects of its image are excellent. Once the lights are on, though, yo beige box with average beige box care nothing If you controls. f – but a problem this isn’t do. these day Mac owners Star Rating Company Price size Screen Vi type Screen Contact T URL Image quality Design/usability V Optimum Dot pitch If you have the resources, choosing a the resources, have If you the through wade So how do you ell, you should be armed with atell, you least 7 6 7 elevant what Here’s aren’t. and which bigger monitor can give you a whole new you bigger monitor can give justoutlook on computing. Even moving to a 19-inch screen a 17-inch screen from Things of freedom. a wonderfulgives feeling useable so much more are drag-&-drop like to manoeuvre. room have when you the ability Photoshop users will appreciate a portion into of an image without to zoom loosing the bigger picture. claims inflated of specifications, quagmire monitor? and advertising spin to chose your W are the knowledge of which specifications r to look out choice. when making your for /6.8 ❚❚❚ ❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚ pixels at 85Hz Hansol £179 17 inches 16 inches 1,280-x-1,024 grille; flat Aperture Hansol 01252 360 400 www.hansol.co.uk ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ★★★ ❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ), updated throughout the month. able size esolution ew ou are on a tight budget then r alue for money elephone Hansol 710D Hansol has made an monitor with the affordable without its 710D, but it isn’t black-depth While is flaws. good, image sharpness and so hot. Its isn’t convergence are clunky and the controls If casing as dull as ditchwater. y this £179 model will do the to want may job – but you little extra a think about saving model. to get a better money Screen type Screen Contact T URL Image quality Design/usability V Company Price size Screen Vi Optimum Star Rating www.macworld.co.uk 6 6 6 /6.0 ❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚ pixels at 85Hz ★★★ EIZO £329 17 inches 15.8 inches 1,280-x-1,024 grille; flat Aperture ProDisplay 01483 719 500 www.eizo.co.uk ❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚ A further reason for buying a new A further for reason Another symptom of impending begin with, this can be corrected using begin with, this can be corrected

If you’re already using a 17-inch model already If you’re between that a noticeable difference there’s room elbow The extra and a 19-inch model. to be windows palettes and more for allows gamers. for open, or a bigger battlefield old one is dead monitor is because your monitors of years, a couple – or dying. After start focus to show signs of ageing. Often, the first are and convergence as to suffer, magnets loose their accuracy. internal To but controls, on-screen use, continued after will end up outthe screen of focus. meltdown is a jumpy image, or noise at the This can be a symptom edges of the screen. power supply. of a failing Search Macworld’s Reviews database online ( Reviews Search Macworld’s able size ue at such a high price. The esolution ew he Eizo logic of centralizing r alue for money elephone Eizo FlexScan T561 Eizo T a single around all controls seemed button must have idea to somebody. a good like sausage-fingered However, – prove myself oafs – like the best way that this isn’t image Its a monitor. to control quality is not up to par either, this model poor which makes val it some design lost ultra-boxy marks, too. Company Price size Screen Vi Screen type Screen Contact T URL Image quality Design/usability V Star Rating Optimum 8 7 7 /7.7 ❚❚ ❚❚❚ ❚❚❚

▲ has gone to pixels at 85Hz ★★★★ ADI £229 17 inches 16 inches 1,280-x-1,024 grille; flat Aperture ADI 020 8327 1900 www.adieurope.com ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ MARCH 2001 able size Macworld Image quality is good, if not esolution ew r alue for money elephone

or money, but is bettered by or money, Star Rating Image quality Design/usability V Screen type Screen Contact T URL Company Price size Screen Vi Optimum 17-inch screens 17-inch outstanding. The G710 is value outstanding. The f the LG774. ADI MicroScan G710 ADI MicroScan ADI is one of the few manufacturers that of including colour the trouble calibration. Colorific is good though it calibration software, has become less important Monitor own that Apple’s now panel includes basic control calibration.

132 Product scores Product Individual bar-chart run quality scores 0-10, and reflectfrom specific aspects of score, is an overall performance. Star Rating plus these individual scores, encapsulating your to influence likely all other factors choice of purchase.

design score specs buying advice buying ▲

▲ 17-inch screens 19-inch screens design

NEC MultiSync FE750 Samsung SyncMaster 700IFT Sony MultiScan E200E ViewSonic PF775 ADI MicroScan G910 Eizo FlexScan F730 Formac ProNitron 19/600 Hansol 920D NEC has done a good job of The SyncMaster hides its Sony got the image almost Monitors don’t come much Although ADI has included Like its smaller sibling – the Formac has been putting This is a big screen at a small- making a monitor that – while controls on a drawer that pops totally spot-on with this model. squarer or beiger than this, Colorific to help with colour T561 – the F730 shares the together and reasonably priced screen price. Though image being a beige box – is still out of the front panel. They are This is just as well, because so its price seems high for calibration, image quality clumsy single-button control monitors for years. This one quality isn’t spectacular and pleasing to the eye. To be fair, well marked and easy to use. its controls are poorly laid-out its design. However, image isn’t particularly outstanding. interface. It also shares the offers better-than-average the casing isn’t impressive, NEC probably calls the colour Samsung also includes a (they’re accessed via an quality is well above average This is a shame, because the less-than-top image quality, image quality, even if the those on a budget will “ivory” rather than beige. screen-area focus control, inverted mushroom under the – offsetting the loss of points specifications are pretty good. too. This adds up to a styling is bland and the beigest appreciate this monitor. The

buying advice The buttons are clear and which adds extra value to an front panel of the screen). This for design. The on-screen The controls are average and particularly poor deal, as it of beige shades. Although a controls are not particularly easy to understand. Image exemplary interface. Image is discreet but fiddly. It has controls also boost this score. easy enough to navigate, but is one of the more expensive reasonable screen for the cash, slick either, but you can’t quality is generally good, quality is pretty good, though great image quality, but looks The asking price would be lack the extra features of some screens that we tested. Either you could save a little more argue with the price. If you scoring particularly high on not outstanding. For the price, plain, which – combined with fine if you judged it on screen other models. The G910 may Eizo needs to re-evaluate its and buy a higher-end monitor. don’t require perfect picture sharpness. A bonus is being it does a good job – but it its infuriating interface – loses image alone – but when be slightly rounded, but it’s still pricing structure, or it should However, Formac does plans quality, but do value having a able to tweak convergence for would be more attractive it marks. You can do better at factoring in its ugliness, essentially a beige box. Not a look to come up with a better to ship calibration software larger screen, this is your different areas of the screen. if it cost a few pounds less. this price. becomes difficult to justify. great deal for £349. monitor. with all future models. best bet.

Company NEC Company Samsung Company Sony Company Viewsonic Company ADI Company Eizo Company Formac Company Hansol Price £215 Price £239 Price £259 Price £239 Price £349 Price £409 Price £325 Price £259 Screen size 17 inches Screen size 17 inches Screen size 17 inches Screen size 17 inches Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Viewable size 16 inches Viewable size 16 inches Viewable size 16 inches Viewable size 16 inches Viewable size 18 inches Viewable size 17.8 inches Viewable size 18 inches Viewable size 18 inches specs Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 Optimum 1,024-x-768 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 Optimum 1,600-x-1,200 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 100Hz resolution pixels at 90Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz Screen type Aperture grille; flat Screen type Aperture grille; flat Screen type Trinitron; flat Screen type Aperture grille; flat Screen type Aperture grille; flat Screen type Shadow mask Screen type Aperture grille; flat Screen type Aperture grille; flat Contact NEC/Mitsubishi Contact Samsung Contact Sony Contact Viewsonic Contact ADI Contact ProDisplay Contact Formac Contact Hansol Telephone 020 7202 6300 Telephone 0800 521 652 Telephone 0990 424 424 Telephone 01483 719 500 Telephone 020 8327 1900 Telephone 01483 719 500 Telephone 020 8533 4040 Telephone 01252 360 400 URL www.nec-monitors- URL www.samsung- URL www.sony.co.uk URL www.viewsonic- URL www.adieurope.com URL www.eizo.co.uk URL www.formac.co.uk URL www.hansol.co.uk .com electronics.co.uk .com/uk

Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 9 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 9 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 9 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 5 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 6 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 6 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 6 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 6 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 score Star Rating ★★★★/8.0 Star Rating ★★★★/7.9 Star Rating ★★★★/7.5 Star Rating ★★★★/7.9 Star Rating ★★★/6.9 Star Rating ★★★/6.4 Star Rating ★★★★/7.4 Star Rating ★★★★/7.6

through it. An aperture grille uses tightly price range, aperture grille is usually best. The refresh rate is set by the graphics screen at a lower resolution, the held vertical wires to separate the beam. Only high-end monitors with hardware card. A monitor may be capable of 120Hz, refresh rate can often be set higher. Because the wires are thinner than the calibration, such as the £3,999 Barco but will reach this only if the video card can Being able to set high resolutions is shadow mask, more light can get through. monitor we tested last month, really get output at that rate. Maximum refresh-rate something of a mixed blessing when using The difference between more or less the best out of shadow-mask technology. is also linked to resolution settings. If a a Mac. While high-resolution screens give light getting though is important for picture Refresh rate and resolution These are monitor can handle a 120Hz refresh rate, you a larger desktop, your desktop icons 1,024 pixels quality. Part of the construction process better – but not definitive – measures of it may only be able to do it at a 1,024-x-768- are rendered minute to the point of being involves tinting the glass, to make the quality. They’re shown in the specs as pixel resolution. illegible. The same happens to text in Mac screen appear black when no light is directed optimum timing. Refresh rate refers to the Higher resolutions mean the monitor has menus. A resolution of 1,280-x-1,024 pixels at it. This is how black areas in images are number of times the screen is redrawn every to work harder to refresh because there are is about the highest that will maintain 1,280 pixels rendered on screen. The more light that second. Faster refresh rates give less visible more lines to draw on the screen. To make legible text. If your eyesight is not so hot, Screen resolution numbers relate to the number makes it to the screen, then the darker the flicker. This makes the screen easier to view things simple, we’ve quoted the highest though, 1,024-x-768 pixels might be more of horizontal and vertical pixels that make up your tint can be made. Because aperture-grille for long periods. It has been suggested that suggested resolution and refresh rate. This suitable. screen image. The larger the numbers, the more monitors are brighter, such screens also screens with lower refresh rates can cause tends to be around 1,280-x-1,024 pixels for information you can fit on your screen. The refresh have darker blacks and a greater spread headaches and eye strain. A refresh rate of the resolution, and around 85Hz for the Screen control rate, or timing, is the number of times per second of contrast. However, this doesn’t make 85Hz is fine, and anything greater is a bonus. refresh rate on the larger 19-inch models. When you take delivery of a monitor, it the picture is redrawn. The number is expressed aperture-grille screens automatically better Lower refresh rates are still useable, but The 17-inch models tend to use 1,024-x-768 should be primed with factory settings. in hertz and the bigger the number the better. than shadow masks – but at this size and 75Hz and less can appear flickery. pixels as a base resolution. If you run the page 136

134 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month. Macworld MARCH 2001 135 editors’ choice design design

Iiyama VisionMaster A902MT Maxdata Belinea 10 60 80 NEC MultiSync FP950 Nokia 920C Samsung SyncMaster 900SL+ Sony MultiScan G400 ViewSonic PF790 LaCie Electron19 Blue

Iiyama has stuffed this monitor The Belinea range sports The FP950 is similar to the This monitor plays on a small The SyncMaster 900SL+ has There’s still a certain amount The PF790’s design is specs the LaCie easily got the top prize buying advice with all kinds of goodies, such the same style of controls 17-inch version, sporting the variation on the bland square fair image-quality, but, as one of cachet associated with epitome of bland, from the for its 22-inch screen, due as a USB hub and speakers. that utlilizes a rather irritating same controls and casing box that seems so popular. Its of the few shadow-mask owning a Sony monitor. As grey square box to... the grey to great colour calibration. These are nice touches, but dial mechanism. Though design. Unfortunately, it also edges are rounded and at least monitors, its curved screen the inventor of aperture-grille square box. It certainly won’t The 19-inch version looks screen quality is enough for well-featured, the interface sports a similarly high price, some thought has gone into sticks out like a sore thumb. technology, Sony has had a win any beauty competitions – the same, but lacks hardware this model to stand on its own. is difficult to navigate – and detracting from the package control positioning. Its image This isn’t like the goldfish head-start on competitors. until, that is, you turn it on. calibration. Top marks were While the speakers are a little its design isn’t great, either. as a whole. This is a shame, is reasonable, but is let down bowls of old, but even a slight The G400 is capable of The screen image almost given for image quality on tinny, the image is excellent. It Image quality, though, is because the FP950 is a fairly by its having shadow mask – curvature is obvious compared displaying beautiful images, entirely makes up for its almost every level, and its buying advice may be a little more expensive reasonably good – if not good monitor with above- one of the few models tested with the flat screens. You can but the controls are design, offering vivid colours, ease of use was a delight. than some screens, but if you outstanding. The case is average controls and image to use this technology. This get a flat-screen monitor that infuriatingly fiddly. Despite the blacks and contrast. The The hood may not be include the price of the hub sleek and narrow , which quality. It’s black depth is detracts from performance performs as well on image fashionable label, the results controls are capable if a little to everybody’s taste, but and speakers it adds up to helps. Otherwise this is excellent – but this alone because it means the screen quality and for less cash – don’t warrant the rather hefty fiddly – but with luck, you it cuts reflection of ambient pretty good value. an average monitor. can’t justify its price. is curved. like the Hansol. price tag of £439. won’t need them. light down to zero, so it makes a real improvement to the image. For people Company Iiyama Company Maxdata Company NEC Company Nokia Company Samsung Company Sony Company Viewsonic that are not so constrained Price £349 Price £321 Price £420 Price £319 Price £339 Price £439 Price £369 by colour accuracy, such as Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Screen size 19 inches Web designers, this monitor

specs Viewable size 18 inches Viewable size 18 inches Viewable size 18 inches Viewable size 17.9 inches Viewable size 18 inches Viewable size 18 inches Viewable size 18 inches is ideal. Optimum 1,600-x-1,200 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 Optimum 1,600-x-1,200 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 Optimum 1,600-x-1,200 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 Optimum 1,280-x-1,024 resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz resolution pixels at 85Hz Screen type Aperture grille; flat Screen type Aperture grille; flat Screen type Aperture grille; flat Screen type Shadow mask Screen type Shadow mask Screen type Trinitron; flat Screen type Aperture grille; flat Company LaCie Contact Iiyama Contact Maxdata Contact NEC/Mitsubishi Contact Viewsonic Contact Samsung Contact Sony Contact Viewsonic Price £439 Telephone 01438 745 482 Telephone 01344 788 910 Telephone 020 7202 6300 Telephone 0800 833 648 Telephone 0800 521 652 Telephone 0990 424 424 Telephone 0800 833 648 Screen size 19 inches URL www.iiyama.com URL www.maxdata.co.uk URL www.necmonitors.com URL www.viewsonic URL www.samsung- URL www.sony.co.uk URL www.viewsonic Viewable size 18 inches .com/uk electronics.co.uk .com/uk Optimum 1,600-x-1,200 resolution pixels at 85Hz Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 9 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 9 Screen type Aperture grille; flat Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 6 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 6 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 5 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Contact LaCie score Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 7 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 6 Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 Telephone 020 7872 8000 URL www.lacie.co.uk Star Rating ★★★★/8.1 Star Rating ★★★★/7.5 Star Rating ★★★★/7.9 Star Rating ★★★★/7.3 Star Rating ★★★★/7.0 Star Rating ★★★/6.8 Star Rating ★★★★/8.2 Image quality ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 10 Design/usability ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 9 score These should be close to the optimum Monitors Control Panel. This is great for at the same screen size, with a variety of When buying a monitor, try to view it in Value for money ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ 8 performance. If adjustments are needed, making sure your screen image is at least extras. These extras can be things such as a showroom if possible. This opportunity is they should be for minor things like contrast in the ball park when it comes to accuracy. built-in USB hubs or speakers. If you choose rare, but it’s the best way to guarantee that Star Rating ★★★★★/9.2 and brightness, not radical tweaking For more advanced calibration, you need a monitor with these extras, you should the quality is what you expect. Our tests of pincushion settings or trapezium a hardware calibrator. This is only necessary weigh the price difference against buying should give you a pretty good idea of what adjustments – which adjust the shape of for high-end on-screen proofing for print them separately. Remember, built-in you want, so it’s just a matter of tracking screen. The controls should also be easy to work. If you’re doing this standard of work, speakers are rarely as good as external ones. down a dealer with that particular model. understand and reach – something some you would be better off with one of the Only the space-saving features make them The other option is buying by mail order. models failed at. The ideal monitor should super-sized monitors featured last month. a good idea. The built-in USB hubs are much This is the best way to ensure a bargain, but be both sleek yet fully featured. There’s little By now you should have the knowledge the same as external versions, so they’re some mail-order companies shy away from point in a monitor having a single control needed to sort the wheat from the chaff. quite a useful feature. monitor sales due to the fragility of the button to simplify its look if this We’ve tested just about every 17- and 19- The other models that won’t appear screens. But unless you get a total bonehead This round-up of mid sized monitors compromises ease of control. inch monitor currently available. There are, in this round-up are the ones that were that will drop your monitor from the back omits flat-panel LCD displays. See our however, some models that we didn’t look launched after our press date. There are of his truck, you should be fine. group test of flat panels in the July 2000 Colour issues at. To keep the number of monitors to a around 20 monitors released every month. So, expand your horizons – and your issue of Macworld, as well as our reviews If you’re serious about colour, you need some reasonable level, we looked at only one With such a large number of screens desktop – by buying a bigger monitor. of Apple’s latest LCDs in September 2000. sort of calibration. Luckily, these days Apple screen-size per manufacturer. In fact, included in our tests, some models Prices have never been so low, or the choice provides a calibration tool as part of its manufacturers often have many sub-models are sure to be replaced soon. so extensive. MW

136 Macworld MARCH 2001 Search Macworld’s Reviews database online (www.macworld.co.uk), updated throughout the month. Macworld MARCH 2001 137 create: print

Outline and colour all letters Once you’ve converted your type, you can outline and colour 1 it as you would any QuarkXPress box. You can Editing easily control the weight and style of the outlining stroke you use.

■ With the duplicate text selected, go to the Item menu and select Modify (or press ⌘-M). In the resulting dialog box, choose an appropriate box colour and shade. Click on the Frame tab, and XPress pick a line width, style, colour, and shade (A). fonts A

Personalizing type is easier than you think. By Terri Stone and Amy Conger

More typefaces are available today than ever before. But sometimes you want your words to look like no one else’s. When a headline or logo has to make a unique statement, but you don’t have the budget to commission a font, you can customize existing type. Type customization has long been possible in vector- drawing programs, such as Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia FreeHand, though with these programs, ■ By playing with these variables, as well as with the Blend you have to export the results as an EPS file for feature available in the Colours palette, you can create many placement in a page-layout program. But you can tweak different effects (B). type directly in QuarkXPress 4.1 (www.quark.com) – all you need is the Text To Box command and a willingness to B experiment. You can easily add borders; change a letter’s colour, position, or shape; and fill letters or entire words with images or text. These techniques don’t work on styled text, so if you want all caps, for example, you’ll have to create them manually by holding down the shift key as you type instead of relying on font styling. Before you try any of these tips, begin by typing the word or words you want to modify in a text box. Select up to one line of text with the Content tool, and then go to the Style menu and select Text To Box. A duplicate of your selected text, made up of bézier lines and without colour, will appear below the original. Click on it, and you can start customizing your text. ■ You can easily create a shadow effect by duplicating a word (⌘-option-D). In the resulting dialog box, give it only a small offset (C), and then change its colour (D). C D

page 141

Macworld MARCH 2001 139 Style letters To further customize your type, Break apart all paths Breaking apart all paths you can change the colour and position of in a letter may not make much sense – until you 2 individual letters in subtle or dramatic ways. 3 see what you can do with ornamental typefaces. The results resemble fine art more than they do fonts.

■ To separate letters so you can treat them differently, go to the ■ Find a dingbat or ornament you like in a picture font such as Item menu and select Split: Outside Paths. Now you have many Zapf Dingbats. This example uses the c and p in Pre–Columbian ways to manipulate the type. Ornaments One [A], a shareware font available on several Web sites. Apply the Text To Box command. ■ For example, you can create a rainbow effect by giving each letter a different colour (A). Just select the letter and click on the A appropriate shade in the Colours palette.

A

■ Or select part of a letter, such as the dot of an i, and give it ■ Select the box with the Item tool, and then go to Item: Split: All another colour (B). Paths.

■ Apply a fill colour, and you’ll see all counters – the white spaces B inside letters – fill in (B). Because you have many individual paths, not a compound path, each letter has the same fill colour.

B

■ You can also rotate individual letters or parts of letters (C), without affecting the rest of a word, by selecting the letter or its component and entering any value from 0 to 360 degrees in the Measurements palette.

C ■ Now the fun starts. Using either the Item or Content tool, click on any path in the letter and style it as you did in the first tip. This is a great way to achieve a colourful effect (C). To make a piece “knock out”, colour it white.

C

■ Once you’ve finished altering individual letters, select all the letters and choose Group from the Item menu, so you won’t accidentally lose the look you laboured to achieve.

■ Once you’re satisfied with a character’s appearance, lock it by selecting all points and choosing Group from the Item menu.

■ To make the separate paths behave as a compound path again, select them and go to Item: Merge: Combine.

page 143

Macworld MARCH 2001 141 Reshaping letters You may need to go beyond Fill with picture or text A picture is worth a the original letterforms to make your type stand thousand words, especially when a picture is a word. 4 out. Reshaping letters will give yours a look no 5 You can fill any combination of letters with an image one else has. or with text.

■ Choose the box, go to the Item menu, and make sure the Shape option in the Edit submenu is selected. ■ The Text To Box command automatically creates a picture box, so it’s easy to fill an entire headline with an image. Go to File: Get ■ Now click and drag on any point or segment in any letter Picture, or press ⌘-E (A). to push and pull the existing bézier curves as far as you dare. A ■ You can also convert points and line segments from curved or smooth, points to straight or corner points, and vice versa (A). To do so, click on a point or segment and go to Item: Point/Segment Type.

■ To fill individual letters with different images, go to Item: Split: Outside Paths, and then select a letter. Press ⌘-E to place the picture you want inside the highlighted letter (B). fondue B

A

■ To convert your letter or word to a text box, select it, go to Item: Content, and then select Text. Now you can import text (File: Get Text, or ⌘-E) or type directly in the letter or word (C). It may take some experimentation to get an effect that looks good and reads well. Try changing the text inset and column settings until the text ■ If you can’t get the effect you want using the existing points, flows in a readable manner. you can add or delete points. Add points by option-clicking on C a line segment (B). Delete points by option-clicking on existing points. Then push, pull, and convert those points until you get the shape you want (C). A BIG THANK ALGERNON L OUDEN LORI ANGIE APRIL MARGAUX BERTIE BILLIE MANUELLA BOB BRENDA MARQUÉ C ARI CATHY MORRIE NICK B C C ARLOS CHRIS NORA NUSHIN DAVID DENNIS OLAF PENNY DOLLY EDDIE PETE PRESTON ELLIE FANNY RACHEL RAND FRANK FRED RICK ROBERT GINA GLORIA SANDIE SELMA GRANT HANS SHARON SUSY IGGIE IRINA TERANCE TINA J ASPER JOHN TOMÁS VICTORIA JUSTIN KRIS WALTER LINDA BLISS

to all our volunteers!

Macworld MARCH 2001 143 Secrets

FileMaker fillip Automate and customize FileMaker databases. By Scott Love

reating a basic FileMaker Pro database automatically perform variety of tasks, such as that can manage your information is so switching among layouts, finding a set of Ceasy, you might be tempted to stop records, sorting records, checking spelling, and learning once you know how to define fields – even sending an email. such as name, user, and date – and design To tap into the real power of buttons and layouts. But if you take FileMaker Pro one step scripts, experiment with nesting scripts – one- further – adding buttons that activate scripts – step subscripts combined in a larger master you can automate your databases and script. Nesting scripts let you trigger a string of customize them to meet specific needs. tasks with the click of a button. The script in Scripts are powerful tools in any program. In our sample project, for instance, finds all the FileMaker Pro they’re also a snap to create. incomplete items on a to-do list, sorts them by Thanks to the program’s ScriptMaker feature, two criteria, and displays them in a list view – you don’t have to learn a word of code to create all with one simple click. Once you get the idea, buttons – just select from the commands there’s no limit to what you can do with FileMaker provides. You can script buttons that FileMaker Pro’s buttons. continues page 146 Get set-up

efore you can begin creating this sample script, you have to set the B Find and Sort criteria. If you perform a find and sort with the right criteria just before you create the script, FileMaker Pro will apply those criteria to the script. A Begin by creating a database that manages a simple to-do list. You’ll need at least two layouts – a list layout (in this example, List By Client) and a standard layout (in this example, Task Details) – and the following fields: Task_Name, B Owner, Client, Task_Notes, and Complete_Date. Next, set the Find function to bring up all records with an uncompleted task – records with an empty Complete_Date field. Go to the Find mode (in version 5, View: Find; in version 4, Mode: Find), enter an equals sign (=) in C the Date Completed field (A) to search for empty fields, and click on the Find button (B). To set up sorting, open the Sort Records dialog box (in version 5, Records: Sort; in version 4, Mode: Sort). Add the fields you want to sort by – in this example, Client, followed by Owner – by double- clicking on them in the list on the left (C).

Macworld MARCH 2001 145 Create subscripts

o create a button that lets you name for the subscript perform multiple tasks, you must name, for example, Sort T assign it a script that contains By Client And Owner, subscripts. That’s where ScriptMaker and click on Create. C comes in. Just as you did before, Choose ScriptMaker from the Script remove the default menu, and enter a name (in this example, commands and scroll it’s Find Incomplete Tasks) in the Script through the list of Name field. Click on Create and, in the actions on the left, but resulting window, click on Clear All (A) this time double-click to remove the default script commands. on the Sort command. B Scroll down the list of commands on the Leave both the Restore D left and double-click on Perform Find (B) Sort Order and Perform A to move it into your script (C). Leave the Without Dialog options Restore Find Requests option selected (D), selected, and click on so your script will use your most recent OK. Now you’ve got two Find criteria – in this case, the equals sign subscripts ready to go. in the Date field. Click on OK, and you’ve TIP: You can reuse subscripts. For completed the first subscript. instance, you can assign a subscript To create the second subscript, begin its own button or combine it with other in the main ScriptMaker window. Enter a subscripts to create new master scripts.

Create a master script

ow it’s time to put the subscripts into command again, but this B the final script using ScriptMaker. time select Sort By Client N Once you’ve nested them and added And Owner from the an additional command, your script will let pop-up menu. you find incomplete tasks, sort by client Next, double-click and owner, and switch to your list layout. on the Go To Layout In the main ScriptMaker window, give command. Select the your master script a name (in this example, name of your list view – it’s List Incomplete By Client) and click on here it’s List Incomplete C Create. Clear the default script commands By Client – from the A (A) in the Script Definition window, and pop-up menu. Leave double-click on the Perform Script the Refresh Window command (B). Leave Perform Subscripts option unselected – it’s checked, select Find Incomplete Tasks necessary only in certain circumstances, from the Specify pop-up menu (C), and for instance when you’ve updated click on OK to finish nesting your first calculations. Now click on OK. Your subscript. To nest the second subscript, scripting is finished, so click on Done double-click on the Perform Script in the main ScriptMaker window. continues page 148

146 Macworld MARCH 2001 Build a button

ow it’s time for our button to make its appearance. Attaching scripts to N buttons is simple – just remember to attach a script to the button you create before placing it on layouts in your D database. This will save some grunt work. C Go to Layout mode and click on the A Button tool (A). Click-&-drag the cursor across your layout until you get the button dimensions you want (B). In the resulting B E dialog box, select the Perform Script command (C) and then choose List Incomplete By Client from the Specify pop-up menu (D). Leave the Pause option selected – it won’t affect this function – and choose the button style you prefer (E). To pick a button type in version 4, you must go to Edit: Preferences: Application: Layout. Click on OK, and then complete the last step: type a label for your button in the layout.

Add a finishing touch

f you’re not satisfied with FileMaker’s generic buttons, here’s one last user- I interface tool for your repertoire: buttons with custom graphics. This step is optional, but it’s simple, and you can use the same technique to spruce up any layout. In version 5, select Picture from the Insert menu. In the Picture dialog box, select the image you want; it will appear on your layout when you click on OK. In version 4, choose Layout mode, and open the Import Picture dialog box (File: Import/Export: Import Picture) to find the image you want for your button and put it in your layout. Use the guide corners of the image to resize it if you wish. Then, under the Format menu, select Button. Finally, assign a function to the custom button, just as you would for a regular button. Keep in mind that if you share this database across a network, custom images will cause your layouts to load more slowly. Be sure to test your database before going nuts with custom icons. Here’s the final result of performing the script.

148 Macworld MARCH 2001 Amazon was the best bookseller in David Pogue the world – but things are changing

DAVID POGUE is the author of iMac for Dummies (IDG Books Worldwide, 1998) and the Great Macintosh Easter Egg Hunt (Berkely Books 1998). He also wrote Macs for Dummies, fifth edition, updated for Mac OS 8, The Weird Wide Web (IDG Books Worldwide, 1997) and The Microsloth Joke Book (Berkeley, 1997). His most recent books are Mac OS 9: The Missing Manual and iMovie 2: The Missing Manual (both Pogue Press, 2000). Amazon.con?

or ages, Amazon.com had us in the palm of its promotional fees from publishers, not the hand. From the privacy of our Web browsers, independent judgment of editors, determined we could buy any book on earth for less than Amazon’s “Editor’s Picks”. F we would spend at a local bookstore. The Amazon responded quickly; it now tells place seemed up-front and trustworthy. which books are backed by paid placements. I first noticed weird things going on at Amazon a Last September, Computerworld magazine couple of years ago, when I met a fellow book author. unearthed another slippery tactic: Amazon US charges “Have you been watching my new book?” she asked different prices – varying by up to $10 – to different breathlessly. “Don’t you mean reading your new people, depending on “which browser was being book?” I asked. “No, no – watching it. On Amazon. used, whether a consumer was a repeat or first-time I hit 359 last week!” She explained how each book’s customer, and which Internet service provider a Amazon page shows its sales rank. Hour by hour, you customer was using”. The Men in Black DVD, for can see how a book is selling, relative to the other example, cost the reporter $2 more when using five million books in Amazon’s catalogue. Netscape Navigator than Microsoft Internet Explorer. I remember thinking: “She sits there all day, Economists call this game “yield management” – clicking on the Reload button over and over again, the science of playing with prices to eke out the most gloating over each uptick in her book’s rank? That’s profit, even though two consumers might pay wildly pathetic!” Two hours later, I was doing the same thing. different prices. Airlines and hotels do it all the time. The thing is, nobody understands how Amazon’s All that’s new is that a company that sells things, sales-rank computations work, and the company isn’t instead of services, has joined the party. This wouldn’t telling. It’s easy to fool their system; if six friends work in a local store, but Amazon can get away with order your book simultaneously at 5:26 on Thursday it, because we can’t see what anyone else is paying. afternoon, then, by golly, you’ll see it shoot into the Amazon’s pricing games have grown only more top 50 – for a few enchanted minutes, anyway. complex since then. In August, on all books under One of my books hums along in the 1,500 range $30, the company cut its usual discount of 20 per during evenings and weekdays, but sinks to 80,000 cent in half. Add in the $4.50 single-book shipping or so on weekends. What’s that about? I mean, if the charge, and you can see how Amazon wound up answer is “People don’t buy books on the weekend,” quietly dismantling one of the pillars of its image: then all books should sink at the weekend, and their that it offers lower prices than the local bookstore. relative rankings should stay the same. Furthermore, In November, shortly after the pricing switch it’s a little odd that the sales-rank numbers don’t became public, Amazon restored the 20 per cent correspond to Amazon’s own “most popular” sort discounts. But that may change again, and the order, which appears when viewing search results. damage has been done; Amazon is no longer Old OK, so maybe those numbers are for Faithful. You may have a different shopping entertainment purposes only. But what about those experience each time you visit. reviews that ordinary readers are allowed to post? It’s Amazon’s right to fiddle with its business This Amazon feature, too, holds a grisly fascination model; it’s done nothing illegal, even if some of its for those of us in the book-creation business. It takes experiments have a seamy side. But we, the book- a lot of chutzpah for an online store to post negative buying public who loved the original bookstore, reviews of the very products it sells. But the funny helped make it the company’s only profitable division. thing is, Amazon’s editors don’t post every negative By constantly tweaking the formula, Amazon is review, as those of us on an authors’ mailing list have making us subsidize the struggling departments – discovered by comparing notes; the overwhelming the ones that sell cars, patio furniture, and shaving majority of books appear with mostly positive reviews. cream. Let’s just hope its tinkering doesn’t squeeze But I really began to wonder about Amazon in the appeal out of what was not only the “world’s 1999, when the New York Times reported that secret largest bookstore” but also one of the best. MW

194 Macworld MARCH 2001 Read more Macworld opinions online (www.macworld.co.uk), and join in the debate.