Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (23 August, 2002)
list price: $129.00
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Editorial Review

Referred to by its code name, Jaguar, Mac OS X 10.2 contains more than 150 newfeatures and provides significant enhancements to its modern, Unix-based foundation.From AOL-compatible instant messaging to advanced junk mail filtering and arevolutionary Web search tool, Jaguar is as innovative as the computers that run it.

With iChat, the AOL-compatible instant messenger, you can chat with your AOL andMac.com buddies through a fun, easy-to-use interface. Sherlock 3, the new Web searchtool, delivers stock quotes, maps, restaurants, and more without a browser. QuickTime 6supports MPEG-4, the new worldwide standard for playing and viewing pro-quality audioand video over the Internet. This new version also includes Rendezvous, a revolutionarynetworking technology that lets you link computers and devices instantly without anyconfiguration.

Another cool new feature is Inkwell, which lets you write on a graphics tablet, andJaguar turns your handwriting into typed text at the cursor in any application. Andwith new compatibility built into Mac OS X 10.2, sharing files, using Windows documents,and connecting to a Windows network have never been easier. And it easily runs MicrosoftOffice. For business users, Jaguar comes with Active Directory interoperability, and witha PPTP-based VPN (virtual private network) client that allows Mac users to connect remotelyto Windows corporate networks.

Jaguar's complete suite of professional-quality developer tools now features GCC 3.1, whichradically improves C++ build times and standards compliance. The updated Interface Buildermakes it easier to group, lock, and drag Aqua controls between windows for rapid user-interfacecreation. And, perhaps best of all, these professional tools are still included with everycopy of Jaguar, empowering Java, C, and AppleScript Studio developers to do their best workon the Macintosh platform. ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Substantial improvement
This is a very stable, incredibly smooth OS. It launches at lightning speed, is very intuitive and the learning curve is very short. If there is a downside, compatible professional graphic software is in short supply. It is a huge improvement over Windows and previous Mac OS.

Amazon reviews: Now featuring False Information!
Mac OS X does not disable built-in floppy drives. Mac OS Xruns better on computers that are built for it. Running it on a Beige G3 is like running Windows on a 486; you can do it, but it doesn't mean you should. Crashes occour from poorly-designed APPLICATIONS, not OS X. I have had OS X for over a year, and I have had only 2 'kernel panics' (full system lockups). hbj200 is wrong about the 1%. it's more like 8% and growing rapidly, and everyone uses Windows because they believe Bill's propaganda. There is more documentation about digital cameras that networking in OS 10.2 because of Rendezvous (Stable, Efficient Networking for Dummies)

I

This is awesome
The best Mac OS yet.I'm amazed each day at the capabilities of this operating system.I haven't had to restart in nearly 5 months!This IS the smoothest, best looking, best running operating system I have EVER used! ... Read more

Asin: B00006F7S2
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Operating Systems System (OS)    3. Mac Macintosh Apple iMac MACOS    4. Apple    5. (Mac)    6. (Macintosh)   

Apple 20 GB 2nd Generation iPod M8738LL/A
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

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Editorial Review

Apple has revamped the now-classic iPod with several exceptional new features. The new 20 GB model packs 4,000 songs and a 10-hour battery life into a stunning 6.5-ounce package, and Apple ups the ante with new iTunes 3 software; a redesigned, touch-sensitive scroll wheel; red-hot FireWire digital file transfers; a wired remote control; and an overhauled calendar/scheduler.

The iPod's setup and interface are still the same: just plug it into your Mac and all your iTunes songs and playlists are automatically downloaded into iPod at blazing FireWire speed--typically 15 seconds or less. Don’t forget that the player also doubles as a FireWire drive for applications and other files. This new model also comes with a FireWire port cover to protect the player from dirt and other gunk.

In addition to its 20 GB hard drive, iPod has a 32 MB memory cache. The cache is made of solid-state memory, meaning that it has no moving parts, so it's not affected by movement of the device. Skip protection on the iPod works by continually preloading up to 20 minutes of music into the cache.

The iPod has a large, high-quality LCD (liquid crystal display) for viewing up to six lines of text. And the LCD features an LED (light-emitting diode) backlight for clear visibility in low-light situations--indoors or outdoors. Pocket-size and just 6.5 ounces, it weighs appreciably less than the stack of CDs it can store music from.

Featuring Apple's new iTunes 3 software, the iPod can synchronize with newly added music files and playlists. Simply plug the iPod back into your Mac and the changes are automatically updated in seconds. And with iTunes 3, you can rip MP3s, create playlists, and burn custom CDs all from one simple interface. And thanks to a cool new partnership with audible.com, you can now download audiobooks to the iPod.

You can also download your calendar and schedule to the iPod from applications like Entourage, Palm Desktop, and Mac OS X Address Book. Plus, the iPod now has a built-in digital clock.

The iPod's rechargeable lithium-polymer battery is charged using the FireWire cable when connected to your Mac. You can also recharge the iPod using the included FireWire cable and AC adapter when you're on the go.

The iPod supports MP3 (up to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR (variable bit rate), WAV, and AIFF files, and is firmware upgradable. To use the iPod with your Mac, you'll need a FireWire port and you must be running either Mac OS 9.2.1 (or later) or Mac OS X 10.1 (or later).

The unit comes with a wired remote control, revamped earbud-style headphones, a FireWire cable, power adapter, CD-ROM with iTunes 3, and a carrying case with belt clip. It's backed by a 90-day limited warranty. ... Read more

Features

• MP3 Audio
• Compatible with Mac OS 9.2.1 (or later) or Mac OS X v10.1 (or later)
• Includes wired remote control, remodeled headphones, and carrying case with belt clip
• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M8948LL/A
• FireWire interface for fastest digital transfer available; covered FireWire port
• Download audiobooks from Audible.com; keep up to date with new calendar/scheduler and built-in clock

Reviews (31)

Apple 20 GB Second Generation iPod
If you need more songs and you are willing to spend $499.99 I would recommend this iPod to you. This is the second generation 20 gigabyte iPod. This iPod holds about 4,000 songs at near CD-quality. I don't have this version but I do have the 10 gigabyte version (plus another few iPods). I think Apple has designed their MP3 players extremely well. I love the white coating on the top and the metal-finish at the back. People do not see too much difference between the first and second generation iPods. There really isn't too much change accept now the scroll wheel isn't mechanical; that's the only big change. There is a cover for the connectivity ports and the 10GB version is a bit thinner than the first generation 5GB version. This iPod is about .80" in depth which is pretty thick. The 10GB is still .78" but you can still see the difference. Now iPods are really thin especially with the mini but the new fourth generation is extremely thin as well. This weights about 6.5 ounces which is kind of heavy but it will still suite you well. The battery life on this is about 10 hours which isn't too bad compared to the third generation iPod's 8 hour battery life. I would recommend you getting a case so the metal or white plastic on top will not get scatched. This iPod has really everything you need: playlists, calender, games, phone book, etc. There is only one game though (Bricks) but I love Bricks and I think you will enjoy it as well. On my 10GB version I have about 1,500 songs which fit perfectally onto my playlists. It comes with MusicMatch Jukebox but I would recommend getting iTunes. I would look into the iPod but not this one. Get the fourth-generation iPod or any other kind of iPod you like. But this is all around a very good package and especially now it's really cheap!

Service.What service?
I bought the iPod from Amazon and it was delivered about a week ago. I also bought the Apple Care Protection plan. The product seems to work fine except I am having minor but irksom problems 'navigating' using the buttons and wheel thing. I am using it for an Audible book which is supposed to start where you left off. Well, after 7 hours it decided to start at beginning again. I try fast forward and the thing goes to the next book.I want to just finish the last hour of the one that is being played.

So, I call what they call Customer Service and find that they won't give me any advice whatever until I FAX in a copy of my shipping document from Amazon and another sheet with a magic number on it from within the extended service package. They say that Amazon is not an authorized reseller and that they cannot check my order and date of sale from Amazon.

I explain that I do not have a FAX machine, and that I will go send the stuff in a few days when I feel like walking that far using my crutches.

I think that it is probably a good product, but if you are in any way handicapped and it is not convenient for you to run around to get their service, I recommend not buying it.

THE gadget of the year!Maybe Decade!!!
This is amazing.A must have for any traveler.The easy firewire plug for charging is great.I like it better then the funky new charging firewire layout.This is simply standard.The unit itself it pretty tough.I dropped it running and it didn't skip or anything.Amazing battery time and everything.The one thing I don't like is the way Apple set up their mp3 sharing so that you can only copy music onto it or delete music.You can't transfer music back off it.This is probably to keep the record companies happy.iTunes is great. And the unit is great simply to use as a portable Hard Drive as well. ... Read more

Asin: B00006FDR8
Subjects:  1. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    2. Portable Audio    3. MP3 MP 3 Player    4. Jukebox    5. MP3 Player (MP 3)    6. Apple    7. (Mac)    8. (Macintosh)    9. Gigabyte    10. 20GB    11. 20 GB   

Microsoft Office v. X for Mac
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (30 November, 2001)
list price: $399.99
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Editorial Review

Microsoft Office v. X is a fully native program designed specifically for Mac OS X that harnesses the power of Office, the simplicity of Macintosh, and the stability of Unix. Office v. X has been completely redesigned with a fresh new Aqua interface. Office v. X supports all Mac OS X features and technologies, and has Mac-only features like Formatting Palette, Microsoft Word Data Merge Manager, Microsoft Excel List Manager, and Microsoft PowerPoint Movies. Office v. X includes Microsoft Word X, Excel X, PowerPoint X, and Entourage X, for Mac.

The modern user interface within Office v. X has been completely redesigned to include a bold new Aqua visual appearance--a perfect representation of what an application running on the new Mac OS X should look and feel like. Communication is a snap. E-mail is made even easier in Entourage X by allowing connections to Microsoft Exchange servers, Hotmail, and Mac.com so users can more efficiently manage e-mail online and off. With the integrated and improved Entourage calendar, you can easily organize your schedule and set reminders for important events and projects.

Office v. X is compatible with Office 2001 for Mac, Office 98 Macintosh Edition, Office for Microsoft Windows, AppleWorks 6, and FileMaker Pro 5.5., so you can share files with anyone, whether they use a Mac or a PC. Keep track of contacts with the comprehensive Address Book, which stores all of your contact information and lets you locate an address on a map or find driving directions from Expedia.com. Improved task reporting, calendar functions, and international time zone adjustments make time management even easier. Easily access customizable templates for résumés, catalogs, newsletters, calendars, and more from the Project Gallery. The Clip Art Gallery, including hundreds of images, provides tools to make working with graphics quick and easy.

Note to users attempting to install Office v. x for Mac on new Apple hardware systems: Customers that have the Office v. X Test Drive Installed when attempting to install Office v. X may experience installation failure. The Test Drive is currently pre-installed on the PowerBook 12- and 17-inch models, as well as the 15- and 17-inch LCD iMacs. To facilitate successful installation, it will be necessary to remove the Test Drive by quitting any Microsoft Office applications and running the Remove Test Drive application located in /Applications/Microsoft Office X/Remove Test Drive. For more information on the Test Drive and its effect on your new Mac PC, please visit the Mactopia website at www.microsoft.com/mac. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Great Product!!
Really Great! Microsoft did it. Feature rich software. It really works well than its Windoze counterpart. Price is a bit high, but once you start using it, you won't regret for that. A must have product for Mac fans.

Does the job with some nice features
Like almost everyone on the planet, I've used Office for Windows extensively and initially I was a bit put off by Mac Office as it does look and feel different (what the hell is Entourage anyway?).

However on working with it more you get used to it, and it has some nice features that the Windows version doesn't.

3+
Entourage - I have really come to like the app- I use it as a replacement for Palm Desktop (Memos), Address Book (it is a little 'richer'), and Mail (it does hotmail as well as POP & IMAP), and everything integrates well.
Ability to mark a doc for followup - Office will give you a reminder, even when it's not running.
It's Office, right?It does almost everything.

3-
While docs are compatible with Windows versions, I have had problems with complex spreadsheets, so I do not think it is 100% perfect.
It is a little sluggish (800mhz G4 iMac, Panther, 512mb).
Entourage's calendar management isn't as good as iCal - can't publish/subscribe, or even import/export data.More generally, Entourage isn't very 'open' - it shares data well with other parts of the app, but not other apps.

Overall, it does what you expect and let's face it, it's the de facto standard for a reason.Expensive thought!

HOW TO FIX UNEXPECTED CRASH BUG
Some very nice person posted this. So I feel it's my duty to spread the word.
You may get a "Word has unexpectedly quit your system has not been damaged" message.You'll see an angry review below about someone who was broken by this problem.

Do the following
1. Open your folder with your user name
2. Open your library folder
3. Open your microsoft folder
4. DELETE the following two files:

Word Font Substitutes
Word Settings (10)

If for some reason you are having trouble finding the files just type them into the folder names into your search engine and you should be able to locate them.Microsoft Wordwill immediately work again and the files will be recreated automatically.

SPREAD THE WORD (v.X)! ... Read more

Asin: B00005O1GE
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Office Suite (Suites)    3. Bundle (Bundles)    4. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple   

Harman Kardon SoundSticks Computer Speakers
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $199.99
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Editorial Review

Created for USB-equipped Macintosh computers, Harman Kardon's three-piece SoundSticks speaker system produces high-quality stereo sound for music, movies, and gaming sessions. The 40-watt self-powered system includes two 10-watt satellite speakers and a 6-inch 20-watt subwoofer. Designed for easy plug-and-play, the SoundSticks speaker system includes a power adapter to power the subwoofer and a plug that connects to the USB port of your Mac computer. A blue LED indicator lets you know that the subwoofer is properly powered. You can adjust the volume onscreen through your computer's Control Panel. A physical control knob for adjusting the bass is on the back of the subwoofer.

The SoundSticks USB three-piece computer speaker system comes with a one-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Uses USB port (with Mac OS 9.0.4)
• 3-piece speaker system for Macintosh computers
• 2 tall 10-watt satellite speakers
• Powered 20-watt subwoofer
• Power-on LED and bass control knob

Reviews (43)

Better than my stereo.
I have more than one set of computer speakers. Do you understand how I would cry if something happened to these? I love them like I love my favorite purse.

Sound Amazing... Look Awesome... PC/MAC Compatible
These are amazing speakers... it's not mentioned but these speakers are also PC compatible. I use both Windows XP and Mac OS X and both programs recognize the speakers by their brand name via plug and play.

TOO TOO COOL
Not only are these the most beautiful speakers ever designed they sound good enough that I retired my venerable Speakerlab's and just listen to my Cube with iTunes as a jukebox. I think they sound great and recommend them. ... Read more

Asin: B00005B9AQ
Subjects:  1. Microphone    2. Accessories (Accessory)    3. Computer 3 (2.1) speaker system    4. Computer 5 (4.1) speaker system    5. Computer 6 (5.1) speaker system   

Logitech Cordless MouseMan Optical Mouse ( 930496-0403 )
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $54.99
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Editorial Review

This innovative mouse combines advanced cordless and optical technologies. You can use it on any surface, and there's no cord to wrestle with or ball to clean. The Logitech Cordless MouseMan Optical works in a six-foot range without being pointed at the computer. Thanks to Logitech's advanced digital radio technology, it performs even on desks crowded with cups, books, and piles of paper. The wheel provides easy scrolling and quick access to your favorite Web sites. Logitech's smart power management allows the mouse to work beyond two months on the included AA batteries. The low-battery indicator gives plenty of warning before batteries die. ... Read more

Features

• No cord to limit your movement or clutter your desk
• Optical technology means greater accuracy and no cleaning
• Smart power management feature, batteries work for months
• WebWheel for easy, efficient document scrolling
• Digital radio technology means no line of sight required

Reviews (106)

No support.
I'm having trouble with my mouse. I loved and used it for three years. Great device. The thing drains batteries though. I upgraded the software from the logitech website and it would recognize it as a regular two button mouse. Finding help was a pain. No response from the site. Great Support Logitech!

Paint easily peeled off after only 2 weeks/ not warranted!!
Seems Logitech knows they did a poor job on the painting so, after only 2 weeks normal office use, try to clean the mouse's palm rest area with a napkin, and guess what, the silver painting comes off and the white plastic shows.:(

Talked to Logitech support and descibed it to them, they said "Oh, you don't like that?" and then told me "the paint is not warranted".I guess because it's cosmetic, but only after 2 weeks?Sounds too soon to me.:(

not so good
this mouse is way too heavy to be comfortable over the long run ... Read more

Asin: B00005AT7Y
Subjects:  1. Wireless Mouse (Mice)    2. Wheel Mouse (Mice, Wheelmouse, Wheelmice)    3. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple   

The HP 1218xi comes with a power cord, reference guide, setup guide, software CD-ROM, sample paper, and all the print cartridges you need to set up shop. It also has a one-year limited warranty. --Megan Dugan ... Read more

Features

• 2400 by 1200 dpi enhanced resolution using photo paper
• Exclusive HP PhotoREt III color layering technology for sharp, accurate color
• Features wireless printing for PDAs, laptops, and cell phones
• Prints black text at 17 pages per minute, color at 13 ppm
• Supports most digital camera memory cards

Asin: B00004XREQ
Subjects:  1. Photo Printer (Photo Printing)    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Hewlett Packard (Hewlett-Packard)   

Apple Cinema HD Display 23" LCD Monitor
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $2,000.00
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Features

• Incredibly wide 170-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles
• Lightning-fast pixel response for full-motion digital video
• Full 23-inch diagonal display area
• Supports 1,920 x 1,200 resolution for high-definition video and stills
• Designed to work with the Power Mac G4 digital graphics interface for distortion-free images

Reviews (26)

too expensive, but undeniably good
I got one of these and you get what you pay for with this screen. The problem is you pay a lot.

Its a very nice screen. Nothing more I can say. Never seen a nicer LCD anywhere. Only reason I dind't give it 5 stars is the price (which is astronomical).

I use it to watch movies, do work, everything. I don't even have a TV.

By the way if anyone knows if a DVD player that I can hook right up to the DVI input of this I would love to find one. DVD player makers are retarded, I havn't found a good DVD player yet that is made to work with DVI (for computers, not DVI for HDTV which apparenltly for some stupid reason is not compatibly).

If you get the 30" model you don't need a TV or HDTV. Its much better than all that crap anyway. HDTVs can come in bigger sizes but the quality is so much worse you are better off not getting one.

Excellent monitor
The screen itself is excellent.Especially since you can get a (...) rebate if u buy it together with an Apple G5 Powermac.Buy one you won't be disappointed.Also, Apple will release a 30" display in the Apple WWDC (...)

Phenomenal product - my best purchase in 2003
I bought this monitor from Amazon almost a year ago.I am still amazed at how big it is - and I mean big in terms of usable screen space.I have it hooked up to my Intel based PC using a DVI video card.It is aesthetically beautiful as well which was a nice change of pace from my previous large screen monitors which were not much to look at.Everything looks good on this screen.High res digital photos, computer games, the 2+ full size Internet browsers that I can place side to side and still have room left on the screen.In short I am really glad I spent the money on it. ... Read more

Asin: B000067V08
Sales Rank: 31795
Subjects:  1. Flatpanel Monitor (Flat Panel Monitors)    2. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    3. Apple    4. (Mac)    5. (Macintosh)   

Hoyle Casino 2002
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (25 September, 2001)

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Reviews (19)

Play all night without losing your house!
Hoyle Casino is a great way to learn the rules and have fun with a whole lotta different casino games.

The opening montage makes me smile every time and really get in the mood for Vegas. The "Facemaker" was an unexpected bonus - a fun way to design your own characters that look just like you or someone you want to create!

Then it's off to the casino, with realistic sounds (although the background track might slow you down after a while, you can turn it off), colorful realistic graphics, fun with the dealer (love those giant hands) and other players. Or you can turn all the other players off and play by yourself.

this game is easy to learn, fun to explore, and full of so many games. Your really get your money's worth and it is great practice too for anyone who plans to head to Vegas for the real thing.

Don't start this late at night or you'll definitely be losing sleep.

Fun but...
I think this game is very fun, but has some messed up parts. first off keno. Keno is so weird in that game. Thats like a side game for a casino, nobody bets alot in real lifeon keno. so I'd would want a Sports Book. That would be lots beter then keno. Next Horse Racing. Horse Racing is a good way to make money because the horse with the lowest odd wind 90% of the time. I think it is a terific way to make money, but makes the game boring. A good game is finaly craps. I learned craps from the game. It is as good as in casino's and there are no flaws.
another of my favorite is Slot Machines. They adict me in the game (not real life) to playing them and that is how i lose all my money in the game. Also for craps,poker, Black Jack, Texas hold'em and those games have tournyments. they all have 20 rounds/games except craps craps has 3 or 5. So Thats basicaly it. i dont realy need to tell you what the cashier does so overall i liked it 4 stars.

I already boughtthe cd-rom, and it still won't run
I just recently brought the Hoyle Casino 2003 cd-rom from Costco on Maui, put it in the computer, and installed it, but why can't i create a face, on the facemaker ? It's saying that i'm in demo mode, how can that be ? ... Read more

Asin: B00005MJ9H
Sales Rank: 3423
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Cards (Casino)    3. Macintosh (Machintosh)    4. Mac    5. Apple    6. Classics (Classic    7. Retro Arcade   

Apple Power Mac Desktop M8667LL/A (1-GHz Dual Processor PowerPC G4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB hard drive)
Average Customer Review:
Personal Computers

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Reviews (7)

G4 Macs ROCK!
I find it very difficult to read the words of the PC "faithful" whojust don't get the big picture.PC's are a lame excuse for Power and Usability.Windows is an antiquated spinoff of MacOS 7.That's just on the software side.This G4 dual processor has plenty of speed and power.Add a Virtual PC package and it runs 95% of all Windows software (depending on the version of windows you select).On top of that, I have all my former PC documents and they save rather nicely on the Mac.

The future, my PC friends, is OPEN SOURCE.No more monopoly for Microsoft, and watch the prices fall!If it weren't for Apple's existence, Do you really think the PC manufacturers would sell boxes at the margin levels that they are?Not a chance, they would rip you off.What keeps them at bay is the threat of an alternative platform.Think about that, before you focus your energy on the PC's low prices.Get inside and check out the corners they cut to put a PC in every home!!

Now, tell me again about all the integrated software that a box maker puts in your PC system?Tell me about the mysterious PC crashes, or windows crashes that have become a standard on the WINDOZE platform?If one of my apps crash, I don't have to reboot my system, just restart the app. Or, if an App freezes, I can Force Quit and restart the app.OS "X" rarely freezes.In fact, my machine has been running now for 8 months since I last shut it down.

Apple will continue to "change the world" one user at a time.Someday, you'll be thankful that they did.....

Wake up, smell the obsolete processor on your PC.
I. Hate. P.C. Users. Who. Put. Down. Apple. Because. It. . Has. A. THEORETICALLY Lower MHz. There's more to a CPU than the clockspeed: I mean, for one, who needs a 4.4 GHz Wintel With 30 USB 2.0 ports? Plus, the PC's processor (oooooh, it's a pentium 4 (i didn't capitalize "pentium" because it hardly deserves to be considered a proper name))may theoretically be better than, say, a veteran such as the omnipotent G4. The p4 (what sounds better: p4 or G4, think about it) may be a bigger water tower (metaphors!) but your letting it come out through a bendy straw (more metaphors!) A G4 may be a smaller water tower, but it's comiknbg out through a 3-foot pipe. Am I the only ne who recalls where Firewire came from? APPLE! iLink a) steals a lower case "i" from iPod and iBook. It's just another example of Microsift, Dell, IBM, and all their Wintel honchos being too lazy to figure out their own stuff and grifting it off Apple. And that hoopla about Apple's graphic's? It might not be the hardware, just the fact that your Mac doesn't want to play an inferior Wintel game. If your thinking "well, PC's are still cheaper", well, your right. But hey, in today's world, you get what you pay for!

AN ACTUAL OWNER REVIEW HERE IGNORE THOSE PC LAMOS
It's amazing to me that after all these years the anti-Mac (read windows users) establishment continues to be brainwashed. There are a couple of one star reviews here from PC owners, not owners of this Mac system or ANY Mac system for that matter. I can tell you this: I have used Macs since day one, AND I have used Windows machines for years. The Mac was a better computer 18 years ago and it is today and will continue to be. One reviewer mentions the various firewire ports, USB 2.0, video card, hard drive, yadda yadda ports etc...on the PC that for some reason he thinks are better (hello? who coined the term firewire and MADE it mainstream, not Microsoft or Dell) -- ask that same person how seemless it all is, how it really is NOT plug and play and how completely horrifying WindowsXP is because most of your old software will not be compatible! Ask any Windows user how easy it is to troubleshoot their machine and they'll tell you to ask their PC support guy who charges $95/hr. There is a bit of a premium for a Mac, yes. But always remember that you are buying the ONLY fully integrated hardware+software system in the world that's easy for a layman and pure sophistication for the UNIX geek. Go Man and you won't look back. ... Read more

Asin: B00005YXCD
Sales Rank: 865
Subjects:  1. Power Mac    2. (PowerMac)    3. Desktops (Desk Tops)    4. Desktop Computers    5. Apple    6. (Mac)    7. (Macintosh)   

Adobe Photoshop 7.0-Mac
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (20 April, 2002)
list price: $609.00
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Editorial Review

Mixed-media professionals such as photographers, Web designers, and graphic designers will not be disappointed with Adobe's latest incarnation of Photoshop. While the major difference between this and earlier versions is that Photoshop 7.0 is Mac OS X compatible, this version also successfully addresses the issues of file management, easy photo retouching, and smarter output for the Web. In addition, new, improved tools such as painting and an enhanced brush palette allow Photoshop to build on its reputation as the leading tool for image manipulators. New-school designers of wireless applications will smile when they discover that Photoshop 7.0 finally offers support for WBMP-format graphics.

Photoshop 7.0's new file management system comes in the form of a Windows Explorer-like file browser that allows users to easily sort and locate their images within various projects. Users can now organize projects by name, date, resolution, and a number of additional parameters.

The enhanced brush palette allows users to create custom brushes and save them as a preset that can be accessed from the Tool options bar. Users can easily vary different aspects of the brush by changing the hue, opacity, or flow of the brushes for pastels, oils, and charcoal. Photoshop 7.0 also introduces a new Healing Brush and Patch Tool. With this tool, users can easily "heal" their images by removing scratches, blemishes, and other imperfections while also preserving shading, lighting, and texture attributes.

Adobe has taken great strides in revamping Photoshop 7.0 to be more Web-ready than ever before. With the help of its companion software, Image Ready, users can now easily create rollovers and complex navigation bars with selected state by using the new Rollovers palette. Additional Web-ready features include enhanced Web export functions that allow designers to preview images designed for PDAs and mobile phones in the WBMP format. Users can easily create a slide show of their images and post online using the new Web Gallery. For those concerned about posting their images online, they can secure their images with the new password protection feature before sharing them.

A long overdue spell checker has finally been introduced, with wicked multilingual spell-checking capabilities.A new search-and-replace feature allows users to search and replace across different layers in the same document.

While Photoshop 7.0 introduces an impressive array of features that allow photographers and Web and graphic designers to work more effectively with Web and wireless devices, Photoshop still remains the leading tool for anyone serious about digital imaging. No other software package provides users with the ability to create such high-quality images. --Rich Ting ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Product... well worth it. Better than CS, IMO.
Adobe Photoshop 7.0 was a significant leap over 6.0. One great new tool is the Liquify filter, which lets you directly manipulate images. Obviously, Photoshop is the De Facto standard for image editing, and likely always will be. Since this is the last version that works with OS 9 anyways, it's not like I could use CS (though I've tried CS, and don't particularly like it).

Version 7.0.1 is very often faster than Photoshop CS is, so it's a good thing to have for very large files.

Invaluable... nothing beats it. Nothing.

Expensive but Quality
I never had access to many Adobe products, with exception for Pagemaker, because of the high price. But at my high school we have what we they called an Academy of Graphic Arts and Design. There, with the financial help of a well known college, the academy was given a full copy of Adobe Photoshop 7.0!

I really enjoyed learning how to use Adobe Photoshop 7.0.I'm not one to read manuals or help menus and just like to play around. Learning how to use everything is fairly easy.

One feature I LOVED is what is called "layers". You can have a photo in the background and then open other files and drag and drop onto the first picture. Then you can choose to erase part of the pictures you placed on top. But not everything is erased...each layer underneath the one you are erasing is still visible! There are various erasers (shape-wise) too, so it can look blended or have neat edges.

I also liked the variety of "filters". These filters help change the picture. You can add texture to the picture, distort it, add light to a certain area, make the picture look like it on a stamp (as in rubber stamp)...the list goes on.

The one bad thing about this is you can't do "Undo except for the change you just did (meaning if you made a mistake and decided to try something to "cover it up", if you didn't like the outcome of the "fix" you can't go back and change the mistake) EXCEPT if you are layering, you go to the box where it shows each layer and go to the history where you can delete (or "undo") up until the mistake you had made is gone.

My point is, this program is Top Class. The best I have used (and I have tried a few) Although I'd like to try the Windows version, for those who have a Mac (this is the version I used and have experience with) GET THIS if you love photoediting. The possiblities are endless.

Now if only I could save up enough money...

Cannot pull myself away
Photoshop 7.0 is incredible.The new paint enhancement are mindblowing.Everyone should learn how to use this program.I have been able to do so many things,Edit and enhance my own artwork and comics, make custom t-shirts, make beutiful portaits and photo collages,just let my artistic mind run wild.This program has opened a world of opportunity, and it should for you to.BUY IT, worth every penny. ... Read more

Asin: B000063EMZ
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Graphics    3. Multimedia    4. Edit (Editing)    5. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple   

StuffIt Deluxe 6.5
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $79.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

Reviews (3)

The description is misleading.
Amazon's description of the product is MAC os 9 and below.This product is only for OS 8 and 9.It will not work on 7.5. Wish I had known this before I purchased it.

What can't this do?
The new Stuffit Deluxe 6.5(actually 6.5.1) does everything but cook your breakfast! It still has the familiar magic menu and true intergration features, but also has some very useful additions.
With its new drop box features you can now create special boxes to meet your own criteria for archieving, stuffing and sending via email, or uploading to an FTP server, to name a few. Also remember that stuffit expander can open just about any program or attachment, whether it is encoded or compressed(zip) by windows PC users. Its decoding features may be useful at some point due to the increased security measures we all seem to want to employ...

A Must-Have for Mac users on the Internet
If you send or receive attachments via e-mail and/or you download files from the web or newsgroups, you have got to have this package!

Aladdin Systems has been with the Mac OS from the very start--- since 1984 they have been providing file compression software for the Mac platform. Now that Stuffit is also available for all flavors of Windows, it is an even more imperative piece of software to own.

Granted, a good 90% of home PC users are on an Intel machine, not a Mac... but a good 90% of professionally designed web sites are still designed on a Mac and files to and from Advertising Agencies and creatives are constantly flying through cyberspace.Windows users typically .ZIP their files to compress them and those who fancy Linux are now tarring gunzipping their files (filename.tar.gz) for more compact files.Stuffit Deluxe handles these files without blinking.

Aladdin freely gives away it's unzipping and unstuffing utilities, so any file you zip or stuff can easily and freely be uncompressed by an end user... but even as an end-user, you will have the need to compress files.

E-mail is a very slow transfer port and if you've ever had someone send you a 3MB attachment and had to wait 20 minutes for it to download, you know what I mean. Depending on the nature of the file (text document versus movie), zipping and/or stuffing the file greatly reduces the size, hence lowering the download time.

More importantly, even if you only send your files to one friend who is also a Mac user, you have no way of controlling what mail servers your message is going to bounce on before it gets to your friend... and unless you are in the rare minority, it is highly unlikely that your own ISP is Mac based.

We get spoiled using Macs... we don't have to name our files with extensions (such as filename.doc), but the rest of the world is not so forgiving. Certain file naming conventions may alert a mail server that your innocent attachment is really a virus and delete it or otherwise end up encrypting it before it gets to its intended recipient.If you have several attachments or just one, you can stuff them all into one compact attachment with the proper file naming convention built into the process (such as archive.sit).

Stuffit Deluxe comes with many drag-n-drop applications such as "DropStuff" which allows you to drop as many files as you want onto the icon and end up w/ a quickly compressed file ready to send off through cyberspace.DropZip lets you make .zip archives the same way and SecureDelete lets you shred your online documents so that they can not be recovered using 3rd party software... great for protecting your privacy.

The Stuffit Deluxe application itself lets you customize these tasks at every level and also allows you to create self-extracting archives. Let's say you're sending a file to your dear great aunt Tilly who knows how send and receive e-mail and that's about it... do you really want to try to explain to her that she now has to go to a website to download a file that she needs just to open up the file you sent her? The SelfExtracting Archive is just that... you double-click on it and it opens itself. These types of files are typically larger than a stuffed file because they include the "self-unwrapping" application within them, but it's the way to go for sending to clueless relatives or making files available via your website.

The program also lets you password protect your archives so that only the intended recipient will be able to open it.

With each release, Aladdin continues to improve upon this product and add more features, customization and new drag-n-drop droplets.I could not get my work done if I did not have Stuffit Deluxe. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QJCN
Sales Rank: 7550
Subjects:  1. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    2. Computer software (programs)    3. File Compression (Decompression)   

AppleWorks 6.2
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM
list price: $80.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

AppleWorks features six applications for your core tasks: word processing, page layout, image editing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. This version of AppleWorks opens and saves Microsoft Word and Excel files using DataViz translators, and converts your documents to PDF using Print Preview in Mac OS X. You can add text, images, sounds, movies, spreadsheets, charts, and tables to any document by dragging and dropping. For presentations, you can include titles, captions, pictures, music, and video, sort your slides using drag and drop, and prepare speaker's notes for each slide. You can also use an assistant or template to get a head start on your document, and tap an expanding library of Internet-based templates. There are also over 50 fonts in a variety of styles. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

AppleWorks is a hands down better value than Excel
AppleWorks is a hands down better value than Excel for 99.9% of the people 99.999% of the time. Excel has become so bloated with unneeded features that it is ungainly. More over the Excel interface changes significantly from version to version and Microsoft has to do things in their own special way rather than following standards. AppleWorks reads in and uses almost all of my old spreadsheets from Excel as well as docs. AppleWorks is much more stable and not a processor hog like Excel.

Go Elsewhere
I'm a huge Apple fan and have been using computers for spreadsheets, graphic design, and word processing for years.I have never in my life found a more poorly considered and executed program than Appleworks.It's translation software from MSWord does not work at all--it deletes large chunks of text, rearranges them, and, all in all, causes more work than simply retyping!Its other features are counter-intuitive and frustrating.If you're thinking about saving money by buying this piece of software, think again.There's far better stuff on the market.You'll regret this purchase. Trust me.

In terms of value, best productivity suite available
Like some of the other reviewers, I'm rather surprised at the number of negative reviews that Appleworks has received.While it is true that Appleworks is not as powerful as Microsoft Office, it is much less expensive and clearly represents a better value.The word processer part of it (the part that most people will use) is more intuitive and easier to use than Microsoft Word.True, Word is more powerful; but it costs $350 and requires a manual to use.I have never needed to use a manual to use Appleworks.You have complete control of your documents and you don't have to summon up the help application to figure out how to do common tasks like formatting paragraphs or adding links.Those who have mastered the complexities of MS Word and who require its special features may not like Appleworks.But for the rest of us, it more than meets our needs.

Also, one thing more: I have never had any trouble with Appleworks' translators from cwk to word format.I'm not sure why so many people have reported having trouble with it.I translated an entire book from Appleworks to PC MS Word, preserving the formats and special lettering instructions without any trouble at all.In any case, this wouldn't be a problem if people would show more courtesy to non-MS users (Macs and Linux) andnot insist on sending them doc formatted files.PDF and rtf are far better cross-platform alternatives. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N525
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Office Suite (Suites)    3. Bundle (Bundles)    4. Spreadsheet    5. Word Processing (Processor)    6. Text Editors    7. Spell Checkers (Spelling Check)    8. wordprocessing (wordprocessors)    9. Kids (Children)    10. Graphics (Graphic)    11. Multimedia    12. Clip Art    13. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    14. Document Management    15. Presentation (Presentational)   

DVD Studio Pro
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

DVDs (digital video discs) store high-quality MPEG-2 video, pristine Dolby Digital audio, and computer data, all integrated and playable from a single DVD-video player or DVD-equipped computer. DVD authoring is the process of combining all these elements into an interactive program. With multiple video and audio tracks, camera angles, multilingual capabilities, linked menus and buttons, Internet integration, and other features, an authoring project can involve complex procedures and scripting.

Apple's new DVD Studio Pro includes a great tutorial, along with associated media files, that demonstrate and explain the basics of the application. We ran through the tutorial in just over an hour, gaining a working knowledge of DVD Studio Pro's interface and functions, authoring language, and an inspiring taste of its power.

Installation is simple and painless. Three separate applications are installed on your hard disk within the host folder: DVD Studio Pro, Subtitle Editor, and A-Pack, for encoding AC-3 (Dolby) audio. QuickTime Pro must be installed and registered separately (you'll need it to encode QuickTime MPEG video). The elegant interface will be recognizable to Final Cut Pro users. In fact, DVD Studio Pro is designed with Final Cut integration in mind for creating source material. You can also use other video and audio applications with a compatible MPEG encoder.

Navigation within DVD Studio Pro is easy enough--there are four main windows with clickable tabs and drop-down menus. Video, audio, and graphic items can be imported or drag-and-dropped into the Project window. These items, known as assets, are detailed in the Property Inspector window. The Inspector lists all the attributes of every element, and contains text fields and drop-down menus for setting and changing their properties. The Graphical View window lets you navigate visually through your project's assets via folders that include a thumbnail image of the asset, and buttons that launch audio tracks, subtitles, markers, stories, and camera angles.

Building interactivity among the assets is, generally speaking, as simple as highlighting an element and specifying actions and attributes in the Property Inspector. In this way, you link program elements together in an interactive chain. Furthermore, DVD Studio Pro supports Adobe Photoshop layers for elaborate still menus and buttons that change state when activated. The indispensable Preview window allows you to immediately verify your event chain and make changes without burning a test disc. Likewise, a debugging feature lets you test all the links before multiplexing; during multiplexing, you can monitor the progress and respond to and fix any errors that might occur before copying to finished disc.

For extremely complex projects with multiple program chains and real-time encoding, DVD Studio Pro might not be the best answer. Expect to pay at least three times as much or more for higher-level authoring, though. With DVD Studio Pro, Apple has superbly reduced the potentially overwhelming nature of authoring in an easy-to-learn, powerful application that can't be surpassed at this price. Remember that this program is only version 1.1. Stick with and master it over time, as it's sure to get even better. --John Bosch ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Version 1.5 available Summer 2002.
Follow a link, or search for the latest version. ... Read more

Asin: B00005KG34
Subjects:  1. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    2. Computer software (programs)    3. Video    4. Composting    5. Effects    6. Editing   

Canon CanoScan N1240U Flatbed Scanner
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $124.94
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Offering rich 48-bit color and a full 8.5-by-11-inch scanning area, the CanoScan N1240U provides all sorts of creative possibilities for the home user or small office. Optical resolution is an impressive 1,200 x 2,400 dpi, which guarantees crisp detail and clear images. Plus, if your graphics needs require it, the N1240U can take your 1,200 x 2,400 dpi original and mathematically enhance it to 9,600 x 9,600 dpi.

Although the CanoScan stands just over 1 inch high, its unique Z-lid extends easily to make room for thicker originals such as books or magazines, while the single-cord USB connection (cable included) keeps desktops free from clutter. The USB connection also powers the scanner, so no bulky AC adapter is required.

Operation is a snap, thanks to dedicated one-touch buttons for scanning, copying, or e-mailing photos. The N1240U is compatible with both Macintosh and PC systems, and it comes with a one-year limited warranty and Canon's convenient Instant Exchange service. ... Read more

Features

• USB interface supplies power; no AC adapter required
• 1,200 x 2,400 dpi optical resolution, 9,600 x 9,600 dpi interpolated
• 48-bit color depth
• Exclusive Z-Lid expansion top
• Scan, copy, or e-mail photos at the touch of a button

Reviews (47)

No problems
I purchased this scanner after checking several review sites.I use it only for home use (just photgraphs so far).I haven't had any problems with it in the 3 months since I have owned it.I purchased it along with U Lead's Photimpact 8 and have had excellent results.

A great value and excellent quality
I purchased the Canon 1240U scanner, a bit costly than those available in the market.But the quality of the pictures made for all that extra $$$ spent.This one is really sleek and light weight and doesnt need any extra power cables that hang around.

I would strongly recomment this to anyone.

No support for OS X
The Canon web site has been promising OS X support fro over a year, but they don't seem interested and have not responded to inquiries. Scanner is OK, but having to start Classic mode every time you use it gets old in a hurry. Mac owners beware! ... Read more

Asin: B00005MEF2
Subjects:  1. Canon Computer Systems    2. Scanner (Flatbed, Flat bed)   

Architectural Digest
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $71.40 -- our price: $24.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Architectural Digest, the leading international magazine of interior design, embarks on exotic adventures to homes of celebrities and leaders in entertainment, business, society, and the arts. Discover extraordinary architectural design in Majorca or travel to a baroness's home in the Greek isles with Architectural Digest's topnotch writers and photographers. Or perhaps that 18th-century villa and estate in Tuscany you've been eyeing is finally for sale? Whether you hold a master's degree in interior design or simply love the pictures, you'll enjoy the fascinating and eclectic styles this magazine has to offer. --Alison Gubser ... Read more

Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (12)

House Pornography
In summary, this magazine portrays houses that you can't possibly ever hope to own in an "airbrushed" presentation that can't possibly match real life; it is "house pornography".It is exciting to read and puts plenty of ideas into your head.

You have to determine whether repeated exposure to this type of media will enhance your life or make you miserable.Hey, if you have a spare million dollars and need someone to tell you what is fashionable or in good taste--this is for you!

People complain about the ads--I complain about the articles.People get in the way.I note that none of the owners of these showpiece homes have children--most are living alternative lifestyles.Actually, the house becomes the product of the relationship instead of children.It is a fascinating cultural phenomenon and this magazine is the leading journal of the movement.

Great magazine!
I love this magazine.Some reviewers have stated that they disliked some of the interiors.That's fine and fun!I show my husband some of the things (he's a graphic designer) and we have a great time laughing at some of the designs.Other times it's absolutely great.The latest issue (Aug. 2004) is one of the best and the theme is Exotic Homes Around The World, and they are all fantastic.

Of course I wish I could afford a lovely home such one of these in the magazine (maybe one day?) but in the meantime I can look at these homes and dream and also get great design ideas.This magazine is wonderful and relaxing to look at and read.

Try 'Architecture' and 'Dwell' Instead
'Architectural Digest' has changed over the years to become fussier and more lifestyle oriented than substantial architecture and design commentary. I still have a subscription, but intend to allow it to lapse when it expires for three primary reasons:

1) The magazine is huge and cumbersome, largely due to the massive quantity of advertisements;
2) The magazine exclusively highlights gazillion dollar homes, that only are a factor for celebrities;
3) Stylistically, the magazine seems stuck in a rut of cluttered end tables and credenzas, overstuffed pillows, and no space on a wall unoccupied by a huge, gold, gilded framed picture from eighteenth century France.

I don't like clutter, and I don't like being ornate to make a house look rich. That's why I no longer think this is a magazine that I really need. For me I will read 'Architecture' for serious architectural commentary, and 'Dwell' for reasonable (and financially attainable) interior design commentary. Thanks, but no thanks. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7OM
Subjects:  1. Home (Houses, Homes)    2.  Interior Decoration   

CodeWarrior's class browser lets you view classes, member functions, and data members without having to search through numerous project files. The navigation features allow you to find any symbol in your code and edit it instantly. Create native Java applications using the JDK 1.1.8 (MRJ 2.2.X) on Classic Mac OS and the Java 2 standards on Mac OS X. Plus, the CodeWarrior IDE includes visual drag-and-drop RAD tools that automatically generate your code when you create the design. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QB4H
Subjects:  1. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    2. Computer software (programs)    3. Programming    4. Development Utilities    5. Code Testing (Source)   

Canon PowerShot S300 2MP Digital ELPH Camera Kit w/3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The PowerShot S300 is Canon's long-awaited follow-up to the wildly popular S100. Not content to rest on their laurels, Canon has spent the time to address some of the shortcomings in the original Digital Elph camera.

The biggest new feature is the 3x optical zoom. While only a small step up from the original 2x, the new zoom requires a slightly enlarged body. Also added is a movie mode. The new movie mode allows up to 30 seconds of footage to be recorded at a resolution of 160 x 120. You can also record at 320 x 240 or 640 x 480 resolution, but the recording time shortens correspondingly.

The diminutive 1.5-inch color LCD screen remains small. However, the control scheme is slightly modified to incorporate the camera's new capabilities--a wheel now controls the camera mode and has a power button in its center. The S300 includes several white-balance presets, exposure compensation of +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV increments, and a black-and-white mode. Essentially, the S300 is a classy digital point-and-shoot with enough features and control for most hobbyists. ... Read more

Features

• 3x optical plus 2.5x digital zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 8 MB CompactFlash memory card holds 12 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses NB-1L rechargeable lithium-ion battery, included; movie mode can record up to 30 seconds of 160 x 120 footage
• 2.1 megapixel sensor creates 1600 x 1200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10

Reviews (91)

Great work horse before you reach for your slr.
Good camera, easy to use, handy.Limited flash, and don't try to use an aux flash.The unit flashes 2x, to determine the correct exposure, thus firing an aux flash, and when the exposure flash is firing, the aux isn't.Anyone found a solution?

Great camera, easy to use!
This camera is great! It is compact and easy to use.It has a rechargeable battery which lasts quite a while on a charge too. Takes about an hour to recharge. Doesn't have a battery meter though, only tells you when you are just about to run out.All in all a great camera, perfect to throw in your pocket on the go!

great compact camera, can't go wrong
I love this camera, every pictures I took are just perfect.it's very light and very compact camera so that you can bring it with you anywhere. The software is also easy to use. Can't go wrong. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ATZN
Subjects:  1. S 100    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

Toast 5 Titanium
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (23 March, 2001)
list price: $99.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The days of the simple CD-burning utility are seemingly over, and in thecase of Roxio's Toast 5 Titanium, it's a good thing. Lately we've been seeing CD-burning software that attempts to do everything but clean the kitchensink, with varying levels of success. In the case of Toast 5, the proverbialsink is spotless. Plenty of useful features like CD labeling, audio extraction,and data storage provide meat-and-potatoes satiation. The ability to remove hissand crackle from old LPs, and Toast's new OS X-influenced interface, is like thecherry on top of the dessert. And, of course, the bread-and-butter feature isToast's delicious burning options.

Roxio has kept the functionality of its drag-and-drop window intact from theprevious version, only now the design is reminiscent of a funky '50s dinerjukebox. The window is resizable, with simple buttons specifying the type of CDyou wish to burn. Click audio, data, copy, or other, and the button turns blue.Pop a blank CD-R into your drive, drag your files into the window, hit that bigred glowing record button in the corner, and you're cooking. Toast 5 continuesto support all major CD formats (like the previous version), and additionalformats including MP3, Mac/ISO hybrid, and VideoCD (playable on many DVDplayers). If that was all there is to this package, we'd be done right here,satisfied, and ready for a nap.

But, as we've mentioned, Roxio has loaded plenty of goodies onto the Toast 5CD-ROM, some of them frivolous and fattening, (isn't that what goodies are for?)some of them extremely useful sides. We particularly like iView Multimedia,which lets you catalog all your images, building a thumbnail library for easyorganization and retrieval. Also cool is CD Spin Doctor. Although we love ourvinyl here at Amazon.com, we've yet to see a device that will play records inthe car. CD Spin Doctor is a simple application that will digitize and create awaveform of your old LPs and cassettes, then let you add simple filters toimprove the audio. Remove hiss, clicks, and pops, and then burn the result toaudio CD.

There's plenty more on the table. Magic Mouse Discus is a basic labeling kit foryour CDs. Or you can export included templates to Freehand 9, AppleWorks, orQuark for more complex graphic design for your labels. New in Toast 5 is theuseful background burning capability, allowing you to work in other applicationswhile Toast is cooking up your discs. Make sure you have plenty of RAM for thisfunction. You even get folders filled with excellent digital photographs andfree music from popular groups and musicians.

We could go on listing savory features, yet will contain ourselves and simplyadmonish the Macintosh users among you: There's no reason not to buy Toast 5Titanium. It's a well-balanced, nutritious software program that will slake yourravenous hunger. --John Bosch ... Read more

Features

Reviews (33)

May be preferable to Toast 6
Apple's iTunes does fine by burning CD's, but Toast is handier for burning and copying non-musical files and documents.In fact, Toast 5, with the bundled Spin Doctor, is the only way to go if you're converting analog to digital and editing out "dead space" and other objectionable noise on the wave forms.Toast 6, on the other hand, includes an "improved" Spin Doctor (v. 2) that makes the aforesaid editing a laborious, imprecise, and impractical exercise.If you're planning to do manual editing of extended audio tracks--a radio broadcast, for example--forget about Toast 6.But now you have another messy problem: Toast 5 is not designed for OSX, and Roxio no longer offers as a download the necessary upgrade to make Spin Doctor, v. 1, compatible with OSX.

The solution?Go with Toast 5 and use it in OS9.Or switch to a shareware program like Sound Studio (more complicated and time-consuming than Spin Doctor).Or switch to a PC and pick up Cool Edit.

ripped off
I bought toast 5 to burn my vinyl onto CD.
It came with SpinDoctor.
I was promised a FREE upgrade to OSX. When I upgraded my OS, I went to download the upgrade. Though Toast 5 could be upgraded, Spin Doctor was not available. After weeks of waiting, I got a response from Roxio saying that SpinDoctor was no longer available from them. I wrote several letters. They offered no remedy, just kept me waiting, but oh yes, they would be happy to SELL me a copy of Toast 6 with the new component that replaces SpinDoctor and is OSX compatible. Boy do I feel ripped off. Toast worked great, but I will never trust Roxio again. I certainly don't want to give them any more money.

Great for Mac users
Great overall for Macs.I got this softwaremainly due to the fact that iPhoto does not allow for multisession burning.Using this software allows me to achieve this although it not as easy as I originally thought (nothing is as easy as using Mac software - oh well).Also, I had some problems making cross-platform (Mac/PC) discs.
Additionally, the included Discus software is pretty good for making labels. ... Read more

Asin: B00005AW1G
Subjects:  1. video cd    2. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    3. Computer software (programs)    4. CD Recording (Burning, Burners)