Coming on the heels of last week’s release of the iPad 2 and iOS 4.3, most of this week’s news follows suit. Jeff Carlson anchors the issue with a detailed look at whether an iPhone 4 with Personal Hotspot could let him buy a cheaper Wi-Fi-only iPad, Michael Cohen discovers that GarageBand for Mac can’t yet read documents created in the iPad version, and Adam notes that iOS 4.3 requires another password prompt for in-app purchases to avoid inadvertent usage by children. Michael also looks at how the latest version of GoodReader can be used for a centralized document distribution system. Finally, we’re pleased to officially welcome a few new staff members and note that our Japanese translators are all OK after last week’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. Notable software releases this week include TechTool Pro 6, Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 4 / Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 9, iTunes 10.2.1, Safari 5.0.4, Cyberduck 4.0.1, and Toast Titanium 11.
Amid the death, damage, and destruction wrought by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last week, one small bit of good news is that the volunteers who translate TidBITS into Japanese are all unharmed. Our thoughts go out to the many Japanese TidBITS readers, though, and to all those affected by the disaster.
GarageBand for Mac can’t open GarageBand for iPad songs, yet. As any musician knows, timing is critical.
Apple has been rightly criticized for not preventing inadvertent iOS in-app purchases by small children playing games. iOS 4.3 addresses that by requiring another password prompt for in-app purchases.
The TidBITS staff has grown in large and small ways of late. Welcome to all!
The protean GoodReader app has added a sync variant that makes document distribution via the cloud practical for large workgroups.
Does it make sense to buy a Wi-Fi-only iPad 2, skipping 3G service, and use an iPhone with the Personal Hotspot feature for mobile broadband connectivity? It all depends on how much hassle you’re willing to put up with, and how much data you use every month.
Notable software releases this week include TechTool Pro 6, Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 4 / Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 9, iTunes 10.2.1, Safari 5.0.4, Cyberduck 4.0.1, and Toast Titanium 11.
We all do lots of things that aren’t directly related to TidBITS, and a number of them are coming to fruition, ranging from Adam’s upcoming MUG presentation and new books from Matt Neuburg and Jeff Carlson to an excellent article about dealing with an old iPad from Lex Friedman.