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April 2004: in this issue...
by Patrick McGraw
What is the latest version of Adobe Photoshop? Has Microsoft released a new bug fix patch for Office? Does my favorite little shareware game from years ago run on Windows XP or Mac OS X? Has anyone developed a Palm application that meets my particular needs? Is there a freeware program that does exactly what I want? Is there a new driver for my printer or scanner?
These are the questions that should lead you right to VersionTracker <http://www.versiontracker.com/>. Simply choose Windows, Mac OS, Mac OS X, or Palm, enter a keyword or two and this excellent website will answer back with info – applications, user reviews and feedback, links to the developer's site, and a direct link to download the software! ...read more...
by Patrick McGraw
If you take all of the benefits of VersionTracker and add customized preferences, receive email updates, eliminate the ads on the website, get the ability to scan your computer and download updates for all of your software, search the VersionTracker database without a web browser, manage the installed software for up to 10 computers, use one-click downloading, receive discounts on bundled services, and much more...
you have VersionTracker Pro.
VersionTracker Pro <http://www.versiontracker.com/vtpro/> is combination of online subscription service and software for your computer. For $24.95 per year, you get everything listed above and much more. (For a few dollars more it can be bundled with a subscription to MacFixit online.)
For anyone that has the responsibility of managing multiple computers – whether in a home or business – VersionTracker Pro should be a fundamental part of your toolkit. ...read more...
The Guru's Gadgets
Sony Ericsson HBH-65 Bluetooth Headset
by Patrick McGraw
Have you ever wished you could look as cool as the people walking along, talking aloud, and carrying on conversations with unseen companions? Have you ever wanted to use the ultimate in modern mobile phone gadgetry to free your hands and turn your phone into an even more useful and productive tool? Now you can do both!
BLUETOOTH: If you haven't tried Bluetooth <http://www.bluetooth.com/> yet, now may be the time. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless method of connecting devices. If Wi-Fi can be thought of as wireless Ethernet, Bluetooth can be considered wireless USB. Computers, printers, mobile phones, and even cars are now shipping with Bluetooth. Several Bluetooth headsets models are available for properly equipped mobile phones. All of them use the same standard and are designed to be universally compatible.
My all-encompassing super-gadget of choice is the Sony Ericsson P800 <http://www.sonyericsson.com/P800/main.htm>. You may recall my review of the P800 in an earlier SQUIB. I got the clumsily-named Sony Ericsson HBH-65 <http://www.sonyericsson.com> specifically to use with my P800. I picked up the headset this past January and have been using it daily ever since. ...read more...
What's in an Expert's Pocket?
You won’t see Bill Barney, Pelarious Jedi, toting a laptop from place to place. His accessory of choice is the 40 GB iPod. Because the iPod is small and compact, weighing in at only 5.6 ounces, it can easily be kept in his pocket or clipped on his belt. Typically Bill uses the iPod as a utility drive for work – storing software and system updates, disk utilities, etc. – but he also carries about 1,200 songs from his personal collection to be played in the car or through his headphones.
Not only does the iPod look cool, it has mind-blowing storage capacity. To max out the storage that comes with 40 GB, Bill would have to load 10,000 songs or so. He can listen to a different 24 hours a day, seven days a week for four weeks – if he had the inclination and the music library. For more info on the iPod, go to www.apple.com/ipod.
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