MacMost: Archives

Learn how to select text by character, word, line or paragraph. You can use the Option or Command keys as modifiers in conjunction with the arrow keys. You can also use the mouse to select by character, word, or paragraph with the right number of clicks.

Take a look at Apple's new connection port, Thunderbolt. Now on all MacBook Pros, we'll soon find it on all Macs. You'll be able to use Thunderbolt to connect displays, hard drives, video equipment and other devices.

Apple unveiled a major update to its MacBook Pro line today, updating all models with new processors and a brand new data port. The 13-, 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros now all feature Intel i5 and i7 processors. The lower-end 13-inch model with a 2.3GHz i5, and the upper end 17-inch model can come with a 2.2 or 2.3GHz i7.
All MacBook Pros come with the new Thunderbolt connector, which combines the existing Mini DisplayPort connector with the ability to attach data devices such as hard drives and video hardware. Several devices can be connected to a single port. This is the first use of Intel’s “Light Peak” technology, renamed Thunderbolt for Apple. For now it can be used as a Mini DisplayPort connector with existing displays and converter cables to VGA, DVI and HDMI displays. But in the future it will connect many other types of devices at speeds much greater than USB2, Firewire or even USB3.
The new models also inlcude a new built-in camera. It is called the “FaceTime HD Camera” rather than an “iSight” and has 720p resolution. The FaceTime for Mac app is now available in the Mac App Store for $0.99, but comes with the new MacBook Pros.
The new MacBook Pros all come with the Intel HD Graphics 3000 built-in chipset. The 15- and 17-inch models will also have a AMD Radeon HD 6490M or 6750M for use when not using the battery. Built-to-order options include solid-state drives. The 17-inch model has the option for an antiglare display.
Next week will be another big week for Apple as they have announced a special event for March 2. All signs point to the announcement of a new iPad.

“I used my iTunes gift card to buy an app that helps me find deals on gift cards so I can buy more apps.”

Learn how to use Snow Leopard's Preview application to cut out backgrounds or objects in images and photos. Preview has a standard Lasso Selection tool, a Smart Lasso tool and an Instant Alpha tool that can be used for this purpose. You can use these semi-transparent images on top of other images, in documents or in iMovie.

Learn how to insert hyperlinks in Pages documents. Links can take readers to web pages, create new email messages or jump to other sections of the Pages document. The links will work in PDF and ePub files exported from Pages.

Learn how to request a refund from the iTunes Store. If you have purchased an app that isn't working or have accidentally bought an app, song or video you can ask Apple for your money back through a series of steps.

Apple unveiled its recurring billing option for iOS apps this week. Previously developers could charge you for an app at the time of purchase, or you could initiate a one-time in-app purchase of additional content or access. With subscriptions, you can now opt to be charged on a regular basis for ongoing content updates such as newspaper or magazine content. Payment would happen through the iTunes system and your iTunes account.
Apple also created new rules for charging for in-app content. App makers can have their own system for collecting subscription fees, as long as the Apple system is also offered as an option. But publishers are unhappy with the rules as Apple takes a larger 30 percent cut of the price. Publishers will also have a harder time reselling customer information from app store purchases, a practice that is a big revenue stream for print magazines.
Apple released its annual Supplier Responsibility Progress Report which details the results of an internal audit of working conditions and environmental issues involving Apple subcontractors.
Problems in the past year include high worker recruitment fees, underage workers, and several suicides in the Chinese factories used to manufacture most of Apple’s hardware. The report details violations and steps Apple has taken to better the situation.

“Thanks to Ping, now all my friends know how boring and unhip my music collection is.”

You can use Mac OS X's built-in file compression command to create a ZIP archive of a single file or group of files. This comes in handy if you need to send files to someone else or simply want to archive an old project.

If you are a MobileMe user you can turn on iDisk Sync to create a way to share files between your Macs and your iDisk storage. Your iDisk is then treated like a normal local drive and automatically syncs with the server. Other Macs using iDisk Sync with your account will automatically stay in sync as well.

Learn how to capture yourself talking from a webcam while also recording your screen at the same time. You can use software like Screenflow or Wirecast to record from both sources simultaneously. You can also fake it with iMovie's picture-in-picture.

This morning Apple and Verizon stores began selling the iPhone specifically built for the Verizon network in the U.S. Lines were tiny or non-existant because many ordered online up to a week ago. Some estimates put the pre-orders at as much as one million phones. Another reason for small lines is that the Verizon iPhone is available today at Best Buy and Walmart as well as Apple and Verizon, which may spread out demand.
Of course the Verizon iPhone isn’t really a new product either. It is essentially the same iPhone 4 that AT&T customers had had since last summer. Some buyers may be waiting for the next generation of the iPhone, expected by most for this summer.
More rumors this week of the next generation iPad. Some report that Apple has already started production, which would be in line with an April release. There is even a far-fetched rumor that a third generation iPad may be out this fall.

The guy at the Genius Bar told me the same thing I read in my “for dummies” book. I guess I’m having trouble because I’m somewhere in between.

You can quickly build a DVD from a single video file using the OneStep DVD from Movie option in iDVD. You can also make DVDs from several movies and photos using the Magic iDVD option. Magic iDVD projects can also be a starting point for regular customize iDVD projects.

You can type most accent marks on a Mac by simply using an option key combination. Learn how to quickly type the most common accents and also how to find and insert less common accents and symbols.

Learn how Time Machine is different than most backup solutions that simply clone and update the data on a drive. Time Machine saves multiple copies of your files and allows you to access each version as long as it has space.

Verizon customers started pre-ordering their iPhones this morning. The device should be in actual users’ hands by this time next week. Meanwhile, reviewers have noted good call quality while confirming that voice and data cannot be used at the same time.
Apple Stores will open early on February 10 to start selling the Verizon version of the iPhone. In addition to Apple Stores and Verizon Stores, Best Buy will also be selling the Verizon iPhone.
The long-anticipated iPad-only newspaper, The Daily, launched yesterday. The design is similar to many iPad magazine apps, with text, animation, audio and video. The Daily is the first app to feature Apple’s new subscription payment model. You can sign up for a recurring $0.99 per week payment to continue to receive The Daily. It is being offered for the first two weeks for free.

“I’d switch to Verizon but I’d have to pay more than $200 to break my AT&T contract.”

Learn about the developer tools in Safari. You can view JavaScript error messages, send output to the console, and step through your code using the debugger.