As we wait for the iPad with bated breath, Simon Spence explains just how Apple can entice so many people to pre-order a totally new device. From the Mac perspective, Jeff Carlson covers what’s new in the just-released Mac OS X 10.6.3. Much of the rest of the news this week revolves around the iPad and cellular communications, with Glenn Fleishman covering the possibility of a Verizon-compatible iPhone, AT&T’s 3G MicroCell device for improving 3G connectivity in the home or office, and how you’ll be able to extend a 250 MB 3G data plan for the iPad if you use up your allotted bits. At long last, Apple has made it possible to give apps as gifts, just in time for the iPad’s release. Finally, we’re pleased to announce both the release of our latest ebook, Joe Kissell’s “Take Control of Getting Started with DEVONthink 2,” and our latest long-term sponsor, SmileOnMyMac. Notable software releases this week include Security Update 2010-002, Mailplane 2.1.6, Aperture 3.0.2, iMovie 8.0.6, SpamSieve 2.8.1, and Panorama 6 Preview.
Mac OS X 10.6.3 is one of those updates that addresses issues throughout the operating system, ranging from fixes that affect iMovie and Logic Pro 9 to security improvements.
Long a feature of the iTunes Music Store, Apple has now added the capability to purchase iPhone apps as gifts within the App Store.
Adobe will unveil Creative Suite 5 in April 2010, providing more details about the massive collection of creative applications. Adobe has also released a new public beta of Photoshop Lightroom 3.
Please welcome SmileOnMyMac, makers of PDFpen, TextExpander, DiscLabel, and PageSender, as our latest long-term TidBITS sponsor!
Learn to eliminate information overload using DEVONthink 2, with help from "Take Control of Getting Started with DEVONthink 2," a new ebook by TidBITS senior editor Joe Kissell.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is working on an iPhone compatible with Verizon's and Sprint's CDMA cellular networking technology.
AT&T finally plans to ship its 3G MicroCell, a cellular base station that plugs into home or small-office broadband to blanket a house-sized area with mobile coverage for voice and data.
Apple has quietly revealed what it will cost to switch AT&T 3G data plans for the iPad in the middle of a billing cycle.
Are people crazy to drop $499 or more on a product they've never seen or touched in person? In the case of the iPad, the answer is no, because consumers are buying into the Apple brand as much as they're buying a new computing device. Brand expert Simon Spence explains why.
Notable software releases this week include Security Update 2010-002, Mailplane 2.1.6, Aperture 3.0.2, iMovie 8.0.6, SpamSieve 2.8.1, and Panorama 6 Preview.
We haven't heard from him for years, but former Apple executive Jean-Louis Gassée last week suggested a reason for why we haven't seen the iPhone on Verizon Wireless's network yet. Other interesting articles include a disturbing report about how many people open suspect spam messages, how Gmail is protecting against account hacking, and information about Marketcircle's Daylite for Now Up-to-Date & Contact users. And if you're jonesing for an iPad, check out Apple's new guided tour videos.