http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/dr_mac_rants_and_raves/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fepisode_89_hands-on_with_an_ipad%2F&seed_title=Episode+%2389%3A+Hands-on+with+an+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/episode_89_hands-on_with_an_ipad/ I had high expectations for the iPad and I am not in the least bit disappointed. Before receiving the device I had speculated that it would replace the laptop for many users. I still think that’s true but now that I’ve spent some time with one I also believe many users will want an iPad in addition to a laptop. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Wed, 31 Mar 2010 22:24:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fspecial_report_living_with_iphone_3gs_aka_episode_88%2F&seed_title=Special+Report%3A+Living+with+iPhone+3GS+%28AKA+Episode+%2388%29 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/special_report_living_with_iphone_3gs_aka_episode_88/ I began my iPhone 3GS review in the Houston Chronicle by saying, "I won’t keep you in suspense... it’s easily the best iPhone yet." The only thing I'd add is that after almost three weeks of using the iPhone 3GS daily is that I like it even better now than when I wrote those words. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:24:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fepisode_87_first_look_at_safari_4_beta_for_mac1%2F&seed_title=Episode+%2387%3A+First+Look+at+Safari+4+Beta+for+Mac http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/episode_87_first_look_at_safari_4_beta_for_mac1/ Unless you've been under a rock you've surely heard about the beta release of the new and improved Safari 4 unleashed by Apple earlier today. I've been playing with it ever since, so let me share some of my initial thoughts and observations. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:55:33 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fepisode_86_what_does_apples_new_itunes_pricing_strategy_really_mean%2F&seed_title=Episode+%2386%3A+What+Does+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+New+iTunes+Pricing+Strategy+Really+Mean%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/episode_86_what_does_apples_new_itunes_pricing_strategy_really_mean/ Well I woke up this morning and I couldn't get the song "Bargain" from the Who's Next album out of my head. So I fired up iTunes only to discover that while I had several complete albums by The Who and a few songs from other albums (including Who's Next) in my library, I did not have the complete Who's Next album.  That wasn't acceptable so I clicked a few times and found that the iTunes Store offered an expanded and remastered version of Who's Next for $11.99. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:00:43 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FEpisode_84_When_Good_iPhones_Go_Bad%2F&seed_title=Episode+%2384%3A+When+Good+iPhones+Go+Bad%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Episode_84_When_Good_iPhones_Go_Bad/ Let me begin with this: I think the iPhone is the coolest and most useful piece of tech gear I've used in this decade. Nothing has stirred my geeky juices the way the iPhone has since... well, since my first Mac in 1985. And much as I love them, I've seen (and fixed) more than my share of iPhone issues over the past year. But until last Saturday I hadn't lost my temper or my faith even once. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FMacworld_Expo_on_0_a_Day%2F&seed_title=Macworld+Expo+on+%240+a+Day%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Macworld_Expo_on_0_a_Day/ I've never missed a Macworld Expo in the US. At least I'd never missed one until now. But it's true -- for the first time since Macworld Expo was invented, I'm not in San Francisco for it. But while I'm not there this week, I've found plenty of ways to make me feel like I am. So for those unable to attend Macworld, here are my tips for attending without traveling to San Francisco and without spending a dime. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:59:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FRead_This_Before_You_Install_Leopard%2F&seed_title=Read+This+Before+You+Install+Leopard http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Read_This_Before_You_Install_Leopard/ It's been roughly 72 hours since Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard was released. Many (if not most) users are reporting no problems installing or using Leopard. Unfortunately, a significant number of others are having problems, many of which are severe. If you haven't installed Leopard yet, or if you have installed Leopard and are experiencing "issues," I encourage you to read this column from start to finish and visit all of the page links it includes. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Sun, 28 Oct 2007 13:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FIn_Which_EyeTV_250_plus_Helps_Dr._Mac_Enjoy_Television_Once_Again%2F&seed_title=In+Which+EyeTV+250+plus+Helps+Dr.+Mac+Enjoy+Television+Once+Again http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/In_Which_EyeTV_250_plus_Helps_Dr._Mac_Enjoy_Television_Once_Again/ This column is my opinion of my new Elgato EyeTV 250 plus, an analog/digital TV receiver and video converter that lets me watch, record, and convert TV shows among various file formats on my Mac. The Elgato EyeTV 250 plus does all that and more quite elegantly and has made watching television a more viable and pleasant experience for me. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FiMac_Therefore_I_Am%2F&seed_title=iMac%2C+Therefore+I+Am%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iMac_Therefore_I_Am/ I love my job. Apple held a media event on August 7 to introduce the new aluminum iMac, iLife '08, iWork '08, and the new and improved .Mac. The following week a rather large box containing a new 20-inch iMac, iLife and iWork '08, a Panasonic HDC-SD1PP High Definition Video Camera (with onboard 5.1 surround sound recording, no less), and an SDHC memory card reader, landed on my doorstep. How could any Mac fan not love that? Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FTwo_Great_Programs_for_Free%2F&seed_title=Two+Great+Programs+for+Free http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Two_Great_Programs_for_Free/ One of my favorite parts of doing my annual "State of the Macintosh" address is the part where I demonstrate my favorite free and inexpensive Mac programs. And I'll tell you about two of my favorites in just a moment, but first I'd like to once again put in a good word for Mac user groups and why you should consider join one... Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 17 May 2007 14:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FMac_HelpMate_Cool_Free_Tool_for_Mac_Maintenance_Troubleshooting%2F&seed_title=Mac+HelpMate%3A+Cool+%28Free%29+Tool+for+Mac+Maintenance+%26amp%3B+Troubleshooting http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Mac_HelpMate_Cool_Free_Tool_for_Mac_Maintenance_Troubleshooting/ I think Mac HelpMate is one of the greatest Mac maintenance, diagnostic, and troubleshooting tools ever invented, and you can't beat the price -- it's free. But wait...there's more... Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FHow_HR_Block_Frittered_Away_Big_Bucks_Irritated_Potential_Customers%2F&seed_title=How+H%26amp%3BR+Block+Frittered+Away+Big+Bucks+%26amp%3B+Irritated+Potential+Customers%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/How_HR_Block_Frittered_Away_Big_Bucks_Irritated_Potential_Customers/ It's been a while since I offered a genuine rant in this space, but I couldn't resist sharing this incredible tale of what is perhaps the most inept promotion -- a free offer from H&R Block to Mac users -- I've ever seen in my life (and I've seen a lot). Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FCome_Together_Mobile_Phones_and_Portable_Music_Players_Converge%2F&seed_title=Come+Together%3A+Mobile+Phones+and+Portable+Music+Players+Converge http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Come_Together_Mobile_Phones_and_Portable_Music_Players_Converge/ Music, movie, and multimedia fans and pros flock to Austin, Texas each March to learn and share knowledge at the South By Southwest Festival and Conference. The last session I attended on your behalf, gentle reader, was a panel discussion entitled, " Come Together: Mobile Phones and Portable Music Players Converge." I thought, with the imminent release of the Apple iPhone there might be some interesting insights offered in this session. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Sun, 18 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FCrash_Course_Recording%2F&seed_title=Crash+Course%3A+Recording http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Crash_Course_Recording/ Music, movie, and multipedia fans and pros flock to the South By Southwest Festival and Conference every year to learn and share. One music session, "Crash Course: Recording," caught my attention - especially since I fancy myself as a capable home audio producer. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 15 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FLive_Guitar_with_No_Effects_Pedals_and_No_Amp%2F&seed_title=Live+Guitar+with+No+Effects+%28Pedals%29+and+No+Amp%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Live_Guitar_with_No_Effects_Pedals_and_No_Amp/ As you may know, I am allowed to play guitar with the Macworld All-Star Band once each year. We celebrated our 10th gig together at Cirque du Mac, and I'd like to share is how I used my MacBook Pro running IK Multimedia's fabulous AmpliTube 2 GarageBand plug-in in lieu of an on-stage amplifier and outboard effects. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:59:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FInteresting_Looking_Hardware%2F&seed_title=%26quot%3BInteresting%26quot%3B+Looking+Hardware http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Interesting_Looking_Hardware/ I'm a sucker for an interesting hardware design. Unfortunately, there aren't that many Mac products that exhibit interesting or unique designs. That said, I've been collecting pictures of hardware products with interesting design characteristics ever since Macworld in January, so here are some of my faves: Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:59:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FReporters_Notebook_Part_II_--_Hands-on_with_iPhone%2F&seed_title=Reporter%26%238217%3Bs+Notebook%3A+Part+II%26%238212%3BHands-on+with+iPhone http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Reporters_Notebook_Part_II_--_Hands-on_with_iPhone/ While the two iPhones in Apple's booth were encased in glass and untouchable, like artifacts from King Tut's tomb, I was among the chosen and got a hands-on product briefing early Wednesday morning. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Mon, 15 Jan 2007 13:59:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2F2007_Expo_Special_Report_1%2F&seed_title=2007+Expo+Special+Report+%231 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/2007_Expo_Special_Report_1/ Things have been so hectic here at Macworld Expo in San Francisco that this is literally the first time all week I've had time to sit down and write. Here's how it's gone so far... Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:59:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FFavorite_Keyboard_Mouse_of_the_Year%2F&seed_title=Favorite+Keyboard+%26amp%3B+Mouse+of+the+Year http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Favorite_Keyboard_Mouse_of_the_Year/ As the year draws to close, I realize that I've used more keyboards and mice this year than many people will use in a lifetime. I've sampled nearly a dozen different keyboards and even more pointing devices. So in this episode I'll show you the keyboard and mouse I liked best after extensive testing and research. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 28 Dec 2006 13:59:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FGlossy_or_Not%2F&seed_title=Glossy+or+Not%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Glossy_or_Not/ So here's the deal -- if you buy a MacBook it comes with a glossy screen whether you like it or not. If you buy a MacBook Pro, however, you have a choice -- glossy or not. If you're any kind of a Mac enthusiast and are considering a new laptop sometime in the near future, you've no doubt given more than a little thought to the glossy or not question. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:59:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FHow_I_Save_Time_Effort_Every_Day%2F&seed_title=How+I+Save+Time+%26amp%3B+Effort+Every+Day http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/How_I_Save_Time_Effort_Every_Day/ Since I'm inherently quite lazy and computers are supposed to improve my productivity, I'm always on the lookout for a product or technique that will save me time, effort, or keystrokes. And so, gentle reader, here are some of the programs and procedures I use to save time effort every time I turn on one of my Macs.  Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 09 Nov 2006 13:59:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FFree_Mac_Goodies%2F&seed_title=Free+Mac+Goodies http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Free_Mac_Goodies/ I was trying to clean up my out-of-control collection of bookmarks -- all 8,223 of the boogers -- when I noticed something interesting about them... The interesting thing was that many of them were for sites that offered something cool or interesting for free. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 26 Oct 2006 14:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FRedline_Virtual_Racing_wFast_Cars%2F&seed_title=Redline%3A+Virtual+Racing+w%2FFast+Cars http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Redline_Virtual_Racing_wFast_Cars/ In this episode, allow me to introduce you to an enjoyable game/simulation that won't do anything to improve your productivity, sex life, or looks, but is inexpensive, fun, and worth trying. It's called Redline and it's Ambrosia Software's excellent new race car simulation/game. Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 12 Oct 2006 14:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2FFive_iPod_Accessories_Bob_Really_Likes%2F&seed_title=Five+iPod+Accessories+Bob+Really+Likes http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/Five_iPod_Accessories_Bob_Really_Likes/ Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus shows us five iPod accessories he really likes, including Core Cases, Shure E500 PTH earphones, Westone UM2 earphones, iBlast, and iThunder Columns and Opinions, Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:59:59 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FResolving_the_Interview_Recording_Conundrum%2F&seed_title=Resolving+the+Interview+Recording+Conundrum http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Resolving_the_Interview_Recording_Conundrum/ I've tried about a million different devices for recording my interviews, but until recently I hadn't found a device that I felt was "just right" for my needs. Or at least none of them did before XtremeMac sent me their new MicroMemo high-fidelity digital audio recorder for the iPod. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FKiller_Software_Thats_Either_Free_or_Inexpensive%2F&seed_title=Killer+Software+That%E2%80%99s+Either+Free+or+Inexpensive http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Killer_Software_Thats_Either_Free_or_Inexpensive/ There's nothing I like better than great software that's either free or inexpensive; here are a few of my current faves... Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FAudio_Chatting_Devices_Compared_Contrasted%2F&seed_title=Audio+Chatting+Devices+Compared+%26amp%3B+Contrasted http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Audio_Chatting_Devices_Compared_Contrasted/ Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus contrasts and compares several audio chatting devices for use with both chats and podcast recordings, including the Skype Mac Starter Kit, the Plantronics DSP-300 Headset, the Chat 50, and the Blue Snowball Microphone Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 10 Aug 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FMac_User_Groups_Are_Freakin_Awesome%2F&seed_title=Mac+User+Groups+Are+Freakin%26%238217%3B+Awesome http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Mac_User_Groups_Are_Freakin_Awesome/ This is one of my favorite weeks of the year., because I just spent 8 blissful days visiting Mac users in 4 states and the District of Columbia. So this week my Rant and my Rave is on how much I enjoy visiting Mac User Groups and how much you're missing if you're not already a member of yours. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FEverybodys_Gone_Surfin_8_Fun_Sites%2F&seed_title=Everybody%26%238217%3Bs+Gone+Surfin%26%238217%3B%3A+8+Fun+Sites http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Everybodys_Gone_Surfin_8_Fun_Sites/ I've got a lot of Internet-savvy friends and acquaintances, so I receive URLs with email messages touting cool Web site, and every so often I stumble across a killer site all by myself. So this week I will share 8 Web pages/sites I think are worth looking at. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 29 Jun 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FJune_is_Backup_Awareness_Month%2F&seed_title=June+is+Backup+Awareness+Month http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/June_is_Backup_Awareness_Month/ Dr. Mac talks about Backup Awareness Month, his new back up guide published by The Mac Observer, and a survey that measured computer users' thoughts on backing up their data Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 15 Jun 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FBoot_Camp_One_Mans_Opinion%2F&seed_title=Boot+Camp%3A+One+Man%26%238217%3Bs+Opinion http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Boot_Camp_One_Mans_Opinion/ There is a new 17-inch MacBook Pro on my desk and it's running Windows XP at full native speed, which is to say as fast as or possibly faster than a similarly equipped notebook from Dell, HP, or Lenovo. I've heard some people say that Boot Camp is a very bad idea and it will mean the end of Mac OS X, but I couldn't disagree more strongly. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 25 May 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FThe_Well-Equipped_Road_Warrior%2F&seed_title=The+Well-Equipped+Road+Warrior http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/The_Well-Equipped_Road_Warrior/ I travel fairly often and service clients at their homes or offices even more frequently. So I keep a backpack stocked with everything I think I might need on the road right by the door. What is in my backpack? Glad you asked... Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 18 May 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FThe_Skype_is_Falling_The_Skype_is_Falling%2F&seed_title=The+Skype+is+Falling%2C+The+Skype+is+Falling%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/The_Skype_is_Falling_The_Skype_is_Falling/ Skype is a Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone service that promotes itself using the tag line: "With Skype you can talk to anyone, anywhere for free." That's a big promise, but after using Skype for the past few months, I am happy to report that it's true. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 27 Apr 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FStickyBrain_Like_Having_a_Second_Brain%2F&seed_title=StickyBrain%3A+Like+Having+a+Second+Brain http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/StickyBrain_Like_Having_a_Second_Brain/ Macintoshes are great, but one thing they don't include is a place to store important little snippets of stuff you may someday need, such as text, pictures, movies, URLs, e-mails, and other "data." After years of trying to find a program that fit the bill, Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus found what he was looking for, StickyBrain 4 Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FFinally_a_Fantastic_iPod-in-the-Car_System%2F&seed_title=Finally%2C+a+Fantastic+iPod-in-the-Car+System http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Finally_a_Fantastic_iPod-in-the-Car_System/ I've been searching for the solution to my "best way to use an iPod in the car" problem for several years. Then, last summer, I saw a prototype of Harman/Kardon's soon-to-be-released solution, Drive + Play installed in a 5-series BMW and was almost certain I had found just what I'd been searching for. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 30 Mar 2006 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FPretzel_Logic_with_a_MacBook_Pro%2F&seed_title=Pretzel+Logic+with+a+MacBook+Pro%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Pretzel_Logic_with_a_MacBook_Pro/ I want to tell you a little about Logic Pro because it's so freakin' cool, but first let me give you my impressions of the MacBook Pro after putting it through its paces for a couple of weeks... Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 16 Mar 2006 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FEasy_to_be_Hardware%2F&seed_title=Easy+to+be+Hard%28ware%29 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Easy_to_be_Hardware/ I'm a nut for input devices - keyboards, mice, trackballs, tablets, etc. And because my job is to test Mac products and relate my impressions of those products to you, gentle reader, I have the opportunity to try a lot of different input devices, including these two keyboards (one from Logitech, and one from Microsoft) Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 02 Mar 2006 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FPath_Finder_Its_Like_the_Finder_Only_Better%2F&seed_title=Path+Finder%3A+It%26%238217%3Bs+Like+the+Finder+Only+Better%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Path_Finder_Its_Like_the_Finder_Only_Better/ Dr. Mac gives us a tour of Path Finder, a replacement for Mac OS X's Finder. He also shows off some pics from this year's Geek Cruise, including a cool pic of him and The Woz on "The Mac Gems" panel. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 16 Feb 2006 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FFirst_Big_Look_at_New_Features_in_iLife_06%2F&seed_title=First+%28Big%29+Look+at+New+Features+in+iLife+%26%238216%3B06 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/First_Big_Look_at_New_Features_in_iLife_06/ When last we spoke here (or at least when last I spoke here), we looked at some of the new features in GarageBand 3. This week I'll show you some of the sweetest new features in other iLife '06 apps, namely iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, and iWeb. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 09 Feb 2006 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FGarageBand_3_First_Look%2F&seed_title=GarageBand+3%3A+First+Look http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/GarageBand_3_First_Look/ I received and installed my copy of iLife '06 yesterday. I have only played with GarageBand so far, so I'm not ready to give you a real review of any of the iLife '06 apps just yet. Instead, here's a "first look" at some of GarageBand 3's new or improved features and my first impressions. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 19 Jan 2006 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FThe_Print_Shop_2_for_Mac_ROCKS%2F&seed_title=The+Print+Shop+2+for+Mac+ROCKS%21 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/The_Print_Shop_2_for_Mac_ROCKS/ I don't often dedicate an entire Rants & Raves column to a single product, but there's so much that is cool about the latest release of The Print Shop for Mac (version 2) from Software MacKiev that I just couldn't help myself. Simply put, it's stunning. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 05 Jan 2006 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FFree_Stuff_at_the_iTunes_Music_Store%2F&seed_title=Free+Stuff+at+the+iTunes+Music+Store%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Free_Stuff_at_the_iTunes_Music_Store/ The holidays mean gift buying and gift giving for most of us, but they also mean feeling a bit strapped for cash… So this week I'd like to highlight a few cool things you can get for free at the iTunes Music Store, including free guitar lesson videos and lots of excellent (and free) podcasts. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 22 Dec 2005 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FWho_Kneads_Spill_Chicken%2F&seed_title=Who+Kneads+Spill+Chicken%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Who_Kneads_Spill_Chicken/ I last wrote about Spell Catcher X in this space way back in February of 2004 but the program has been upgraded and updated countless times since then with useful features added or improved. And since it's a program I use every day, and one of the first things I miss when I use a Mac other than my own, I feel it's time to write about it again. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 01 Dec 2005 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FUp_Close_Personal_with_the_New_iMac_G5%2F&seed_title=Up+Close+%26amp%3B+Personal+with+the+New+iMac+G5 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Up_Close_Personal_with_the_New_iMac_G5/ Apple was kind enough to ship me one of the new iMac G5s for review, making me the first on my block to experience an iMac G5 with a built-in iSight video camera, and the Front Row "media experience" which utilizes the new Apple Remote five-button infrared remote control. After putting one through its paces for a little over a week, here are my first impressions: Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 17 Nov 2005 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FThree_System_Preference_Panes_Id_Hate_to_Be_Without%2F&seed_title=Three+System+Preference+Panes+I%26%238217%3Bd+Hate+to+Be+Without http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Three_System_Preference_Panes_Id_Hate_to_Be_Without/ Over the years I've tried literally hundreds of user-installable System Preference panes, all of which purport to make using a Mac more pleasant and/or easier. While some have fallen into disuse over the years, a few have remained in service. Allow me to introduce you to three of my favorites: WindowShade X, MenuMeters, and Synergy. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 03 Nov 2005 14:00:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FPut_a_Tiger_Woods_in_Your_Mac%2F&seed_title=Put+a+Tiger+%28Woods%29+in+Your+Mac http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Put_a_Tiger_Woods_in_Your_Mac/ I have an addictive personality so it should come as no surprise to you, gentle reader, that I sometimes receive a program for review that keeps me from my "real" work, sometimes for days (or weeks) at a time. The recently released Tiger Woods PGA Golf Tour 2005 is the latest productivity-sucking software to land on my hard drive. Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 29 Sep 2005 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FWeekend_Updates_PlayDock_MP3_Isolator_Earphones%2F&seed_title=Weekend+Update%28s%29%3A+PlayDock+MP3+%26amp%3B+Isolator+Earphones http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Weekend_Updates_PlayDock_MP3_Isolator_Earphones/ Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus updates his review of iPod speaker solutions with a look at Cambridge SoundWorks' PlayDock MP3. He also adds to his roundup of earphones with the Etymotic Research 6i Isolator Earphones Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 18 Aug 2005 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FHands_on_with_Mighty_Mouse%2F&seed_title=Hands+on+with+Mighty+Mouse http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Hands_on_with_Mighty_Mouse/ Dr. Mac gets hands on with Apple's new multi-button mouse, the Mighty Mouse. The short version is that he loves the scroll ball, but has some quibbles with the options Apple allows and the way the other buttons work Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 04 Aug 2005 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FTwo_New_Products_That_Make_GarageBand_Even_Better%2F&seed_title=Two+New+Products+That+Make+GarageBand+Even+Better http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Two_New_Products_That_Make_GarageBand_Even_Better/ Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus shows us iControl and Snowball, two products he says make GarageBand even better Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 21 Jul 2005 15:00:00 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fdr_mac_rants_and_raves&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Fgo%2FEars_to_You_Five_Sets_of_EarphonesHeadphones_Compared%2F&seed_title=Ears+to+You%3A+Five+Sets+of+Earphones%2FHeadphones+Compared http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/go/Ears_to_You_Five_Sets_of_EarphonesHeadphones_Compared/ Among the products garnering the most votes from Dr. Mac's "Clean Up The Pile" column last month were earphones, so this installment of Rants & Raves covers several five set of them for your listening pleasure Dr. Mac's Rants and Raves Thu, 30 Jun 2005 15:00:00 -0400