http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/featured_review/ en webmaster@macobserver.com Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:33:14 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/sigfx_x-type_iphone_case_also_has_smart_battery/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/sigfx_x-type_iphone_case_also_has_smart_battery/ SigFx Energy in Lewisville, TX sells a full line of cases for the iPhone 3G/3GS (and iPod touch) that have built-in batteries. I have been testing the X-type design which has a 1,200 mAh (milliamp-hour) smart battery. No power is drawn from the iPhone battery until the external battery is depleted. It's a keeper. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:30:05 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/eye-fis_wireless_sd_card_with_geotagging_is_a_must_have/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/eye-fis_wireless_sd_card_with_geotagging_is_a_must_have/ Have you ever wished you could dispense with cables and just wirelessly upload your photos from an SD card in your camera to a Mac (or PC) -- all with geotagging in the EXIF data? Eye-Fi has had this capability for some time in the Explore card for $99.99, but in July this year, the company released the Eye-Fi Geo, a lower cost product focused just on the features customers have asked for -- and priced at $59.99. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:06:44 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/groovemaker1/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/groovemaker1/ There used to be an old comic book advertisement that said, "They laughed when I sat down to play the piano." The new GrooveMaker  iPhone app brings that phrase into the 21st century… Its ad might say, "They laughed when I said I would DJ the whole party with just my iPhone." But it's true: With GrooveMaker, from IK Multimedia, anyone can be a mixmaster and it's a lot easier than you think. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:28:58 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/tweetie_2/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/tweetie_2/ The battle to be the top player in the Twitter client battle on the iPhone is pretty intense, so developers vying for the number one spot have their work cut out for them. With the release of Tweetie 2, atebits shows it has what it takes to be a contender. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPod Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:39:59 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/snood_flawed_casual_play/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/snood_flawed_casual_play/ Snood on the iPhone is a solid adaptation of a classic game, but unfortunately it arrives a little flawed. Reviews, In-Depth Review, Reports, Games, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iPod Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:30:25 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ipod_shuffle_3g1/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ipod_shuffle_3g1/ The third generation iPod shuffle retains the diminutive size, distinctive shape, and is fabricated of anodized aluminum with a built-in clip just like its predecessor. The big change this year is the introduction of a less-expensive 2GB model that can hold up to 500 songs for $59. There's also a 4GB model that holds up to 1,000 songs for $79. Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:46:12 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iss_visibility_shows_passes_for_international_space_station/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/iss_visibility_shows_passes_for_international_space_station/ ISS Visibility is an iPhone (and iPod touch) app that lists the future overhead passes of the International Space Station (ISS) for your location. A sky chart, ground track, start and end time and azimuth, elevation and duration along with astronomical magnitude are shown for each pass. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:11:12 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ipod_touch_3g1/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ipod_touch_3g1/ On the outside, all three versions of the new 3d generation iPod touch (8GB, 32GB, and 64GB) look the same as the previous generation. But the new 32 and 64GB models are up to 50% faster and include OpenGL ES 2.0 support for smoother gaming, Voice Control to navigate your music by voice command, and Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic. And the 8GB version, while lacking those new features, does sport the lowest price tag so far for an iPod touch at just $199.  Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPod Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:48:19 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/busycal_1.0_its_about_time/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/busycal_1.0_its_about_time/ Apple ships a lot of free software with Mac OS X. Some of those apps aren't considered world-class, so doors open for developers. iCal is one of those apps that has limped along and created an opportunity for BusyMac.  The bottom line: if you're a serious calendar user, you should upgrade immediately to BusyCal. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:30:02 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/textexpander_touch_1.1/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/textexpander_touch_1.1/ Smile On My Mac is well known for their TextExpander application for Mac OS X, and now they've brought some of that same snippet expanding magic to the iPhone and iPod touch. The app may not be quite as full featured as it's Mac-based brother, but it's still a handy utility that's sure to save you many keystrokes, or maybe thumb taps. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPod Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:45:47 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ipod_nano_5g/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ipod_nano_5g/ The new 5th generation iPod nano was introduced on 09-09-09; I got my hands on one the very next day and have been using and abusing it ever since. Let me just start this review by telling you that I think it's the best iPod nano Apple has ever made and arguably the best $149 (8GB) or $179 (16GB) media player on the planet today. Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPod Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:02:04 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/hero_of_sparta_a_glimpse_of_things_to_come/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/hero_of_sparta_a_glimpse_of_things_to_come/ Yes, this one has been out for a while, but it's worth revisiting simply because it was one of the first games that offered a glimpse into the true potential of the iPhone and iPod touch as gaming devices. The opening cinematic is beautiful, and the gameplay is engaging -- I have to admit I've had my doubts about using touch screen controls, rather than a physical gamepad, but they work quite well in Hero of Sparta. Reviews, In-Depth Review, Reports, Games, iObserver, App Store, iPhone, iPod Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:00:30 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/itunes_9_hits_the_right_note/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/itunes_9_hits_the_right_note/ iTunes has grown from a simple re-write of Sound Jam as a CD importer in 2001 to a full-blown Internet portal and money machine for Apple. The new iTunes 9 combines a visual clean-up with some new features to keep it the premiere entertainment tool for PC and Mac users. Reviews, In-Depth Review Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:04:08 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/wildcharger_bundle1/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/wildcharger_bundle1/ The WildCharger Bundle is a product unlike anything I'd ever seen. In a nutshell it offers wire-free charging for the iPhone and iPod touch.   Reviews, In-Depth Review, iObserver, iPhone, iPod Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:50:48 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/genius_easypen_i405/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/genius_easypen_i405/ Genius Offers a nifty little tablet at a reasonable price that should appeal to artists who draw and edit on their Macs. Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:03:21 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/snow_leopard_review_the_slam-dunk_case_for_upgrading/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/snow_leopard_review_the_slam-dunk_case_for_upgrading/ Snow Leopard isn't just a collection of new features. If that were it, Snow Leopard might not be a compelling upgrade. Instead, Snow Leopard builds a new foundation for speed and security combined with a boatload of nice touches that will make you smile. For US$29 from Apple (or only US$25 from Amazon), it has to be the deal of the century. In this review, I'll explain why you should consider it a must-have upgrade. Reviews, In-Depth Review, Reports, Mac OS, Snow Leopard Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:05:56 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/verbatim_store_n_go_flash_has_a_secure_zone/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/verbatim_store_n_go_flash_has_a_secure_zone/ The Verbatim Store 'n' Go 8 GB Flash drive looks like all the rest, but it stands out in two ways.  It has a retractable USB connector that avoids losing a cap, and it has a password protected private zone for personal data and a public zone to use in the normal fashion, even on PCs. Reviews, In-Depth Review Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:45:39 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/synctogether_cloud_free_and_secure_mac-to-mac_sync/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/synctogether_cloud_free_and_secure_mac-to-mac_sync/ Not everyone is happy with the idea of using the Apple MobileMe Cloud to sync personal data, especially if the contacts list contains sensitive personal or family data. Also, for those who don't need the capability of push notification between an iPhone and a Mac, a direct iPhone sync to a Mac is satisfactory.  Under these circumstances, the Mark/Space SyncTogether does the Mac-to-Mac job easily and reliably. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:47:22 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ulysses_2_lives_up_to_its_name/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ulysses_2_lives_up_to_its_name/ Ulysses 2 is the next generation of the well-known writing tool developed by Blue Technologies in Germany. Now, Ulysses 2 has been revamped, simplified slightly, made more robust, and gained added features. The developer has also re-imagined itself and has been reborn as The Soulmen. Ulysses 2 is now a worthy competitor to the other novel writing programs. Reviews, In-Depth Review Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:52:40 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/storyist_2_brings_out_the_story_teller/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/storyist_2_brings_out_the_story_teller/ Storyist is the sixth novel (and screenplay) writing application covered in this series of reviews. Storyist, for many writers, may be just the kind of application they were expecting. A major focus is on the creation and linking of the a novel's elements, plot outline, characters and settings. Storyist requires mastery to exploit fully, but the rewards are great. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:59:23 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/verizons_mifi_the_best_iphone_and_mobile_mac_accessory/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/verizons_mifi_the_best_iphone_and_mobile_mac_accessory/ Dave Hamilton spent some time with Verizon's new MiFi, the pocket-sized wireless router which gets its bandwidth from Verizon's EVDO network. He found it to be indispensable almost immediately, and he tells you why -- and more -- after the jump. Reviews, In-Depth Review, Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:16:10 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/owcs_new_qx2_brings_raid_5_to_the_home_desktop/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/owcs_new_qx2_brings_raid_5_to_the_home_desktop/ The OWC Qx2 is a consumer-grade RAID storage system that can support RAID levels 0,1,5 and 10. It's a modest sized, handsome aluminum enclosure that has slots for four user-replaceable drives. It's one of the first consumer RAID 5 or better systems, and the benefit is that a failed drive can be hot swapped out, the data rebuilt from the parity drive, and result in no loss of data. Also, it's fast, quiet, and nicely priced.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:46 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/take_control_of_iweb_09_explains_building_a_website/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/take_control_of_iweb_09_explains_building_a_website/ The Take Control ebook series specializes in explaining, and explaining well, various technical subjects. In this book, Steve Sande describes in careful, clear writing how to utilize Apple's iWeb '09 to build and maintain a good looking Web site. That's a more difficult task than one would expect, and Mr. Sande does a beautiful job. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 20 May 2009 16:15:49 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/copywrite_for_writers_has_the_write_stuff/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/copywrite_for_writers_has_the_write_stuff/ If the other major apps for writers previously reviewed are aircraft carriers, and Jer's Novel Writer is a destroyer, then CopyWrite is a frigate. Lightweight, simple, focused, and devoid of anxiety inducing complexities that can stymie the creative writing process. Reviews, In-Depth Review Thu, 07 May 2009 15:30:26 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/atlona_hdpix_displays_internet_video_on_hdtv_in_720p/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/atlona_hdpix_displays_internet_video_on_hdtv_in_720p/ For those who intend to connect a Mac to their HDTV and also preserve HDCP for protected content, the Atlona USB to HDMI converter provides a very simple solution. It's about the size of a pack of cigarettes, accepts audio + USB from the Mac and outputs 720p via HDMI. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 06 May 2009 09:00:38 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/jers_novel_writer_is_a_memorable_writers_app/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/jers_novel_writer_is_a_memorable_writers_app/ If the big and famous writing assistance apps, StoryMill and Scrivener, are like an aircraft carrier, a floating city with its own ZIP code and a flight deck, Jer's Novel Writer is like a destroyer, fast, sleek and focused. A major feature is being a memory aid for the creative writer.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:25:52 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ulysses_is_a_heroic_writers_application/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ulysses_is_a_heroic_writers_application/ Ulysses from the Blue Technologies Group is an ambitious, complex, capable writer's tool that has emphasis on the free flow of the writer's thoughts as opposed to the distracting task of deciding how the text should appear as it's written. In some respects, it has the look and feel of Scrivener, but has additional tools for the organization of documents and the export of a project. This is the third review in a series looking at writing tools. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:15:22 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/syrinx_2.0_is_capable_twitter_client/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/syrinx_2.0_is_capable_twitter_client/ Syrinx 2.0, now in beta, is a Mac-only, free Twitter client that is full featured, colorful and fun to use. It requires Leopard and is based on two goals: efficient workflow and customization. The 2.0 beta ads many welcome features such as search of Twitter, Retweets (RT) and auto URL shortening.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:15:12 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/scrivener_brings_out_the_scribbler/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/scrivener_brings_out_the_scribbler/ Scrivener is a writer's tool that assists with a wide range of writing tasks, not just a novel, that can benefit from organizational support. It provides features missing from a conventional word processor and focuses on the task of helping the writer manage text and ideas during the creative process. This review of Scrivener is the second in a series of reviews of Macintosh software for writers.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:29:24 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/storymill_takes_a_novel_approach/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/storymill_takes_a_novel_approach/ StoryMill is a writer's tool that provides organization and composition support for writing a novel. It exploits the strengths of a computer, especially in the context of Mac OS X and a Cocoa application, to assist the novelist with scenes, timelines, characters, locations and some tactical assistance such as cliché detection. Story Mill is a very technical tool that may not appeal to free spirited writers. Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:00:50 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/the_mac_command_line_with_terminal_ebook/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/the_mac_command_line_with_terminal_ebook/ One of the really cool things about Mac OS X, the thing that scientists and engineers absolutely love, is that this OS is based on FreeBSD, a UNIX operating system. One can easily get to those UNIX internals and exploit the enormous capability and culture of UNIX. However, this capability can give newbies pause. For those who've always wanted to learn UNIX and the command line, this book is a fabulous place to start.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:45:52 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/lojack_can_recover_a_stolen_mac_activate_remote_wipe/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/lojack_can_recover_a_stolen_mac_activate_remote_wipe/ Many times a week, a Mac user experiences that sickening realization that a treasured MacBook has been lost or stolen. LoJack for Laptops from Absolute Software Corp. recovers about three out of four of the stolen computers and can initiate a remote wipe to protect sensitive personal or corporate information.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:00:10 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/guitar_hero_iii_legends_of_rock/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/guitar_hero_iii_legends_of_rock/ Chris Barylick let his inner musician out to put Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock through its paces. It might not turn you into a real rock star, but it may make you wish you were one. Reviews, In-Depth Review, Reports, Games Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:15:16 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/three_sky_simulators_tested_two_winners/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/three_sky_simulators_tested_two_winners/ Virtual sky/planetarium astronomy programs can display the sky from most any location and time. Uses include introducing novice amateur astronomers to the sky, learning the constellations, planning an observing session, and controlling the movement of a telescope via the Mac's USB port. The three most popular products, all very mature in their development, are evaluated: Starry Night, TheSkyX and Voyager.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:00:48 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/temperature_monitor_4.6_gives_warm_fuzzies/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/temperature_monitor_4.6_gives_warm_fuzzies/ Macintosh users, especially Mac Pro and MacBook Pro users, are often concerned about the temperature condition of their high performance computers. Temperature Monitor 4.6 from Marcel Bresink provides not only full temperature data, but also history graphs that can be exported for research and documentation. Reviews, In-Depth Review Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:00:15 -0400 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/tubestick_delivers_hd_television_on_mac_desktop/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/tubestick_delivers_hd_television_on_mac_desktop/ The Equinux TubeStick is a combination NTSC and ATSC tuner the size of a large pack of chewing gum. It can be connected via an antenna or home cable (coax) connection and comes with TiVo-like software to tune, watch, pause, do instant replay, record, and export directly to iTunes. Reviews, In-Depth Review Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:44:59 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/uniea_haptique_hardshell_case_for_macbook_13-inch_aluminum/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/uniea_haptique_hardshell_case_for_macbook_13-inch_aluminum/ UNIEA recently launched a hard case for the new 13-inch alunimum Macbook called the Haptique. It comes in a variety of colors and it is an ideal way to protect your cool new aluminum MacBook. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:59:57 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_comparison_of_taxcut_and_turbotax/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_comparison_of_taxcut_and_turbotax/ Intuit's TurboTax and its predecessor MacinTax have dominated the desktop tax preparation market since 1991. In 1998, H&R Block jumped in with a competitor, TaxCut, and that leads to a decision every year for Mac users? Which to use?  Which is better? Which one earns loyalty? This review compares the outer, crunchy shells of these two programs and leaves the soft chewy inside for later.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:58:55 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/kensington_ci70_photo_sync_desktop_set/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/kensington_ci70_photo_sync_desktop_set/ Kensignton's Ci70 Photo Sync Desktop Set is a keyboard and wireless mouse combo that the company touts as a solution for multimedia users because the keyboard includes a built-in mini USB cable along with an extra USB 2.0 port. Reviews, In-Depth Review Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:50:17 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/lego_indiana_jones_the_original_adventures/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/lego_indiana_jones_the_original_adventures/ For as long as I can remember, I've loved Legos and the original Indiana Jones trilogy has held a place in my heart. Combine the two in a video game format and you’ve got something interesting with a few wrinkles to iron out, but still fun altogether.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:40:22 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/equinux_stationery_pack_spices_up_e-mail/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/equinux_stationery_pack_spices_up_e-mail/ A lot of e-mail is business correspondence, and it should be crisp and simple. However, for special occasions when one wants to spice up e-mails with, say, travel photos or get well wishes, e-mail templates are a welcome touch. The Stationery Pack 2 from e-quinux has hundreds of customizable templates in an application that is brilliantly simple and beautifully designed. Reviews, In-Depth Review Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:15:56 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ilife_09_iphoto_and_iweb_reach_tipping_point/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/ilife_09_iphoto_and_iweb_reach_tipping_point/ Many people have a technological tipping point. That's the point where software, iLife '09 for example, becomes so compelling that it can persuade one to give up personal, specialized, or UNIX geeky ways of doing things and just throw one's entire weight behind a product.  iLife '09 did that for me with iPhoto and iWeb.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:59:08 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/second_gears_today_is_icals_little_helper/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/second_gears_today_is_icals_little_helper/ Today is a light weight, tidy Mac OS X app that extracts iCal calendar events and tasks and places them in a small, time ordered window.  It's a summary screen that can be launched at login, so that iCal doesn't have to be running, and new events and tasks can conveniently be entered into Today and automatically synced back to iCal. Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:14:59 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/eazydraw_3_best_of_breed_drawing_on_mac/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/eazydraw_3_best_of_breed_drawing_on_mac/ If a developer were to set out to design the friendliest, most capable, backwards compatible, best documented vector drawing program on a Mac, they'd arrive at EazyDraw 3. Not only does it use modern Mac OS X technologies, but remains true to the Mac heritage of drawing apps.  Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:59:15 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/iwork_09_is_evolutionary_not_revolutionary_-_and_great/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/iwork_09_is_evolutionary_not_revolutionary_-_and_great/ Apple has often chosen to release new software that seems limited, but is strong on a new way of doing things.  Later, as users become accustomed to the app, evolutionary additions come, in a transparent way. That keeps the app fresh and simple, but incrementally adds power. This is what Apple is doing with iWork '09. Reviews, In-Depth Review Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:59:33 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/norton_internet_security_4_a_comprehensive_suite/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/norton_internet_security_4_a_comprehensive_suite/ Macintosh security is a hotly debated subject for various reasons, including the scarcity of viruses.  In fact, the number and severity of viruses is just a very small piece of the big picture.  Deeper analysis shows that a comprehensive security profile for the Mac is required to deal with threats via the Browser, port/firewall breaches, sensitive data protection, application sandboxing, defense against phishing, and identification of hostile IP addresses. Moreover, the optimum security profile changes with user location. Norton Internet Security, a bundled suite of three apps, handles all that and more with user friendly UIs. Reviews, In-Depth Review Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:30:42 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/review_secrets_of_the_lost_cavern/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/review_secrets_of_the_lost_cavern/ If you're a fan of point-and-click style puzzle games of the sort popularized by Myst over a decade ago, you'll likely enjoy Secrets of the Lost Cavern. It's also appealing to anyone with an interest in archeology and anthropology, since it concerns the Lascaux caves, a real-life location full of paintings that date back to the Paleolithic period. A database full of information about that time period is also included. Reviews, In-Depth Review, Reports, Games Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:45:07 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/seeker_from_software_bisque/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/seeker_from_software_bisque/ Seeker is a graphical, 3D simulation of the solar system. Using high resolution graphics, animation, and astronomical data and photos, the program allows the user to build tours of the Sun's solar system, visit planets, asteroids, and other objects. Pre-programmed tours showcase the possibilities. Reviews, In-Depth Review Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:00:18 -0500 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/bento_2_holiday_pack/ http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/bento_2_holiday_pack/ FileMaker's Bento Holiday Pack offers pre-built ways to manage your holiday cards, gifts and donations in the database application. Nancy Gravley checked out the new templates and lets you know whether or not they are a worthwhile addition to your Bento arsenal. Reviews, In-Depth Review Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:30:32 -0500