Turns out my previous post was partially true. There is a new MacHeist, but it won't be featuring Parallels. Parallels, however, will be featured in MacUpdate's new bundle.

The new MacHeist bundle is a retail package that rehashes some of the software from the two previous efforts, for those that missed out.

Tags: mac, macheist, macupdate

Tracy and Matt have unboxed one of those hot new Sony camcorders (well, the European version, at least, which has a slightly different model number) and posted their first thoughts. This one in particular is special because it's small and records 1080i.



If you're willing to give up a pile of bells and whistles, this is an awesome camera. The common dilemmas with this type of hardware relate to size vs. quality and size vs. features. Since the size vs. quality dimension is eliminated, you need to evaluate whether the small size is worth giving up more advanced features. Of course, it all depends whether you're a budding Quentin Tarantino or just Joe Average.

If you've finally realized that you are not the next Cecil B. DeMille (and it takes a big man -- or woman -- to admit that), I tend to think that this is a very nice camera to consider picking up. The Sanyo Xacti's are nice too, but when it comes to consumer camcorders, your two best bets are usually Sony and Canon.

Tags: sony, camcorders, hdr-tg1, hd

Opera Mini 4.1 is now out. It's a fantastic multi-platform browser that can help allay a little of your iPhone envy. Check it out.

Tags: freeware, browser, mobile

Desktoptopia is best described as a competitor to Webshots. It's available for Windows and Mac, and the quality of the backgrounds is surprisingly high.



It's free, and worth a looksie.

Tags: freeware, desktoptopia, wallpaper

I've been looking for a solution to synchronize my purchased iTunes songs across my Macs for quite some time. The built-in iTunes sharing functionality doesn't really seem to do what I want. Enter Sonzea's Syncopation. For 25 clams, you can sync your music (and subsets) across up to 5 macs.

Tags: mac, itunes, sync

Wired has an article on Los Angeles' challenges with respect to its transit system. I think that the article is interesting in that L.A.'s challenges are not very different from the ones faced by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

Tags: public transit, ttc, los angeles

DimDim is an interesting little offering. It's a free web meeting service based on an open source platform. If you're not into spending money on a Gotomeeting or Webex account, you might be interested in this service.



You can sign up for a beta invitation now.

Tags: freeware, dimdim, gotomeeting, webex

There's an interesting bit on Ars about the legal issues surrounding ownership and distribution of promotional CDs. The gist: The record label gives you a promo CD. But only you are licensed to use it, you can't give it away, sell it, or even toss it.

When you buy a CD or DVD, you are buying a license to play back the content. Fair enough.

There is a lot of confusion, however, because you are also buying the physical media. As such, people assume they "own" the music or movies they buy. It also doesn't help when you see a TV commercial for a new DVD release and the voiceover guy says "Own the DVD now!" Technically, that's not true, is it? Well, it does sound better than "Buy a restricted license to this DVD now!", but you can't have your cake and eat it too.

If the advertising regulations for prerecorded music and movies were as strict as they were for pharmaceuticals, they'd sound a lot like those side-effects voice-overs you'd hear at the end of those drug ads you hear.

Tags: universal, promo, cds

There are indications that a new MacHeist bundle is on its way.

Speculated to be in the bundle: Apps listed - Parallels, Sound Studio, Leap, StoryMill, MenuCalendarClock, Art Text, Typinator, DVDRemaster Pro, Hazel, BannerZest.

The price? $64.99

If all is accurate, getting Parallels for 64.99 will be a steal. All the other apps in the bundle would be gravy. I've bought both previous MacHeists, and while there are some apps I don't use, the ones I do use more than justify the price.

Tags: macheist

On the short lived Mediawiki incarnation of my blog, I wrote a review of the ScanSnap 510M document scanner from Fujitsu. Since I didn't restore any content from that version of my site, I've decided to write a new review, one that reflects the six months of use that I've given this fantastic device.

As we're now in spring, and it is also tax season, I've just started my annual ritual of cleaning out the office before I do my taxes. Part of the office cleaning has been scanning all the documents in my file folders. In the past few days alone, I've probably scanned over a thousand pages.




The ScanSnap 500 series, while expensive for consumer scanners, is actually a pretty inexpensive document scanner. Not a lot of people are going to spring $500 for a scanner that doesn't even really do a good job of scanning photos. The key to appreciating the ScanSnap is that it is a one-trick pony that does its one trick especially well.

The ScanSnap is only one of three scanners that I have. I also have a flatbed scanner (for photos and slides) and a sheetfed scanner on my all-in-one printer. Neither are truly up to the task of bulk document scanning. Believe me, I've tried. And tried. And tried.

The ScanSnap is a fast and quiet duplex scanner with a tiny footprint. It's also extremely easy to use. Unlike some other inexpensive scanners that can duplex, the ScanSnap scans both sides simultaneously. Because of that, it can run through a stack of pages very quickly. The software that comes with it is also smart enough to throw out blank pages, and to rotate any misfed pages so that they are saved appropriately. The scanner can also autodetect whether a page should be saved as a colour page, or a black and white page.

To trigger a scan, you just feed a stack of pages into the feeder, face and top down, and press the scan button. That's it. The software handles the rest.

I try to keep a very simple workflow with my scanning, so I don't bother with OCR or proper file naming. I just use the default mode of scanning into a date stamped PDF file. Part of the price of the scanner includes the full version of Adobe Acrobat and some OCR software, and once you factor the price for a full version of Acrobat ($449 US list), the scanner doesn't seem very expensive at all.

Now let me tell you why I don't really bother with OCR. For me to maintain any level of discipline in using this scanner regularly, the workflow has to be simple and fast. OCR takes time and effort for a feature that I don't really need. All of the files get dumped into a single folder, and then I use another app (Yep) to simply tag the files. I try to use very simple tagging: subject matter and year.

Before I got the scanner, each year, I'd finally sit down and spend a few days going through stacks of papers and putting them into proper folders in my filing cabinet. My new methodology is to have a couple of Rubbermaid Boxes for a given calendar/tax year. One box for non-tax related items, and the other for tax-related items. I don't bother with sorting, I just toss the scanned document into the box. If I need to look something up, well that's why I use Yep to tag them. Because I do need hard copies to include with my tax returns, the tax-related box makes things a lot easier to find every April.

My big hopes for this workflow is to reduce the buildup of paper clutter in my home office, and spend less time filing stuff that I rarely pull back out. I think I'm on the way to achieving this, but I won't really know until next year. I've finally had a little time to work on finalizing the complete conversion of paper in our filing cabinets into electronic format, so the true test won't happen until that effort is complete.

In terms of limitations for the scanner, there really aren't any if you factor my previous comment that this is a one-trick-pony. Software support is a little limited, since this is not a TWAIN scanner, but I have yet to use any software outside of the pack-ins.

If you are looking to pick up a Fujitsu Scansnap, there is only a big gotcha related to it, and that's more related to software licensing than anything. There is no such thing as a cross-platform version of the scanner. You have the choice of Windows or Mac. It's literally a black and white decision. The black scanners are for Windows, and the white scanners (suffixed with an M after the product number) are for Mac. Since the scanners are bundled with full versions of Acrobat, I suspect that Adobe didn't want to grant dual platform licenses for the software to go as a pack in with the scanner.

I highly recommend this scanner if you're trying to reduce the amount of paper in your life. It works extremely well at the task it is designed for.

Tags: fujitsu, scansnap, 510M

Like the Real Mario I posted a while back, Pixeloo has created a creepy looking Real Homer.



If you want to be creeped out even more, check out the talking animated version.

Tags: homer, simpson

You've got to be kidding me.

Tags: network solutions, subdomain, hijacking

I can't really seem to put words to Xiaxue's iPhone review, but apparently she is one of the most popular bloggers in Asia. Quite fascinating when she discovers that touch screens are for fingertips, not fingernails.

Gleaned from Daring Fireball last week: a really good article about Mad Magazine's Al Jaffee in the NYT two weekends ago. Some of the multimedia links are especially worthwhile for Mad aficionados.

Tags: al jaffee, mad magazine, foldout

The new Segway RMP looks like a very angry (and creepy) skateboard.



MAKE @ RobotBusiness 2008 Segway RMP - video powered by Metacafe

Tags: segway, rmp

Several of the gadget cites are reporting that someone has managed to get Android running on a Nokia N810. That's quite an impressive feat.

Now if someone would only do the same for my lowly HTC S621 (aka T-Mobile Dash). I soooooo need to eviscerate Windows Mobile from my phone.

Tags: android, nokia, n810, windows mobile

An enterprising nerd who was wondering where his Netflix deliveries were going decided to use a webcam to keep an eye on his mailbox... and caught a neighbor stealing his inbound DVDs. The outcome? A $750 fine and enrollment in a first offender program. Mail theft is a federal crime in the US, so the guy got off pretty lightly.



I had a similar problem with one of my old neighbors, who was putting their overflow garbage on my lawn on garbage day. Back then, the City of Toronto had a 5 bag limit (biweekly), and because I only generated 1 bag, they thought they could put their excess garbage on my side without asking me (how they could come up with that much garbage still befuddles me). I used a webcam to collect some evidence, but I was finally home one day and caught them red handed. After that, they put their overflow on my other neighbor's lawn.

Tags: netflix, thief, webcam

Some guy made a canoe out of chopsticks. Awesome.

Tags: chopstick, canoe

Samsung has a new and novel monitor - a dual display, so to speak.



While it may look a little bizarre, I imagine there must be some utility to it. It's probably useful for keeping an IM window or mail window open. The second 'head', a 7" monitor, connects to your PC via USB, and can be placed anywhere on the frame of the main monitor.

Tags: samsung, dual, monitor

Computerworld has a nice little series of essays pitting all the major desktop operating systems against one another.

While I am a Leopard man myself, I do work with other OS's quite frequently, especially in my professional life. I've always been a little sad that Windows 2000 was my favorite version of Windows, but with the crap that is Vista, I would have to say I gotta like XP on newer x86 hardware. I've always wanted to like Linux, especially Ubuntu, but I feel that they do have a little ways to go before they can supplant Windows XP as my second favorite OS.

Tags: mac, linux, windows

Truecrypt is a very useful piece of cross platform software. Running on Macintosh, Windows and Linux, you can create encrypted volumes to protect your data.



With the proliferation of mobile devices, maintaining privacy and security for company data is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. Having tried Truecrypt on my Eee during my vacation, I have to say, it's a fantastic little program, and I recommend it to anyone who has any private data to protect, especially for mobile and usb key users.

Tags: freeware, encryption, truecrypt

Looks like the freshly minted HP Mini-Note 2133 is a nice little contender to the cheap and small notebook niche currently owned by Asus.

Tags: asus, eee, hp, mini-note

Flow has gone gold. Now Mac users have yet another pretty FTP app. This could end up stealing a little business from Panic, who sells the ever popular Transmit.



Out of all computerdom, why is it that Mac nerds are the only ones who wet themselves while forking out $30 for an FTP client ? I'll stick to the free Cyberduck, thank you.

Tags: mac, ftp, panic, flow, transmit, cyberduck

My wife and I spent four evenings in San Francisco, and one of the purposes of the trip (aside from R&R) was to eat great food, and for the most part, we did that. Most of the dining tips came from my friend Dave, a foodie who lives in SFO.

Westfield San Francisco Center Food Court
This mall has a surprisingly upscale food court like I've never seen before. With some offshoots from big restaurants, it has a nice selection of good eats. We enjoyed the Thai food at Coriander for lunch after our arrival. My wife especially liked the pumpkin curry, a pleasant and unusual dish. We were disappointed to find out the food court wasn't open on Sundays, but I think we would have eaten lunch there every day if we could. We went back on the Monday, but had to eat a light lunch to starve ourselves for Michael Mina.

The Slanted Door
Our first real meal came from the Slanted Door, a modern Vietnamese restaurant at the Ferry Building. Some highlights from this meal included the live scallops, grapefruit and jicama salad and roasted pork belly. Surprisingly good was their Hong Kong milk tea. Overall, it was a great way to start this eating expedition. The Slanted Door also has an offshoot in the Westfield San Francisco Center's food court.

Colibri
Colibri, a Mexican restaurant connected to our hotel, the Hotel Diva, was a nice meal. My friend Dave, who lived in Mexico for a time, said that this restaurant was as authentic as it gets, north of the the Mexican border. The biggest hindrance to enjoying the dinner there was that we had a big late lunch, which didn't go with an early dinner. We had their guacamole, which is made at your table. The tortilla soup was quite nice, and because I got stuffed on the guacamole, I can't even remember the other entrees. I remember something about chicken, and some pork carnitas. We did have a pitcher of mango Agua Fresca there, which was quite refreshing.

Michael Mina
Michael Mina, located in the Westin St. Francis Hotel, was to be the dining highlight of our trip. We had the tasting menu, which consisted of six courses. The meal was quite spectacular. My wife's favorite dishes were the amuse-bouche, which was a tiny little oyster, and the crispy skin branzino, which was perfectly accompanied with some beautifully prepared calamari. My personal favorite was the California squab breast, which came with fava beans and foie gras that just melted in your mouth. To give you an idea of how big a deal the squab was... I don't really like squab, so for it to be my favorite dish, it had to be incredibly good. Our least favorite dish was the Kobe Beef (both our first time), not because it was bad, but because a little went a long way. Hard to believe, but true. It was also nice that Michael Mina provides "alternative beverages" for non-drinkers. My wife had a fantastic faux-martini made with pomegranate juice and ginger beer. The restaurant is spendy, but highly recommended.

Lulu
On our final night, we went to Lulu. The best way to describe this restaurant is that it is a franco-italo version of one of my favorite Toronto restaurants, Seven Numbers. Some fantastic dishes there were the fresh mussels, rosemary scented chicken with warm potato and lettuce salad, and the endive and watercress salad.

All in all, we have to say that we thoroughly enjoyed the San Francisco restaurant scene. From what I've read, San Francisco has the among highest number of restaurants per capita in the US, so one can only expect good things. We would have liked to try French Laundry as well, but you can only do so many things over a four night stay. I'd also like to note that in general, service in San Francisco puts Toronto restaurants to shame. I don't know what it is about Toronto, but service generally sucks. Even the Starbucks out there put their GTA counterparts to shame.

Tags: westfield, michael mina, colibri, lulus, slanted door

Right now, if you want to sync between iCal and Google Calendar, your options are pretty limited. The apps I know of are Spanning Sync, gSync and BusySync. Can't vouch for any of them, but for the level of functionality that is being provided, the pricing seems steep, with the exception of gSync.

Honestly, I've been reluctant to try any of these apps, because I think it is should be an inevitability that iCal and Address Book sync with their Google counterparts in the near future. Address Book already syncs with Yahoo, so now that the Google Contacts API is open, it seems like a no-brainer.

Tags: mac, ical, google calendar, spanning sync, gsync, busysync

The UK's new coins are simply awesome.



And to think, the design came out of a contest!

Tags: uk, new, coins, mint

Gravatar is a neat service. They offer a simple, centralized way for you to have an avatar, similar to the way OpenID is supposed to simplify usernames and passwords. I'm not sure that there is wide support, but it would make life easier all around.

I've been using Panic's Unison for the past couple of years for newsgroup access, and while the UI is nice, it has never really compared to anything I've seen on Windows. It's slow and clunky and has always left me wanting.

I've been doing the 30 day eval on BinBot lately, and I'm impressed. While written in Java, it is still infinitely faster (albeit a little less usable) than Unison. It's a little cheaper than Unison ($20 vs $25) and it's well worth the reduction in stress that you get. Another plus, it's cross-platform - BinBot runs on Doze, Linux and Mac.



If Panic does clean up its act with respect to Unison, I could very well switch back, but for now, I'll be buying BinBot. It automatically stitches/unpar/unrars my downloads, and it doesn't grind my Mac to a halt the way that Unison does.

I've never understood the blind gaga love that Mac nuts give Unison (I suspect it's more of a geek crush for anything Panic), but for now, I've finally found a decent alternative.

Tags: newsgroups, nntp, unison, binbot, panic, mac

This is a little stale, but ZDNet has a bit on searching google on a mobile without typing.

Tags: google, mobile, cellular

OSNews has a mini-review of Linux Mint, a nice looking variant of Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon.



One of my main criticisms of all linux desktop distros is that they haven't managed to find an ideal primary screen font. Windows and OSX have them, and they do make a big difference in the day to day use of an OS.

Tags: linux, mint, ubuntu

The New York Times has an interesting article on making good food with a microwave. Who'da thunk it?

Tags: microwave, cooking

Want to know how to pronounce a word in a foreign language?



Forvo might just be the tool you need. It's an interesting and useful implementation of crowdsourcing.

Tags: universal, language, pronunciation

Here's an interesting project - create a tote bag from old shopping bags.

Tags: tote bag, shopping bags, crafts

AppCleaner is a freeware uninstaller for the Mac. I use AppZapper myself, but it's not free.

Tags: freeware, uninstaller, mac

The Torontoist has a scrumptious profile of the places to get the best croissants in Toronto.

Tags: croissants, toronto

Businessweek has an interesting article on how the big players in the cellular biz are trying to outdo the iPhone.

The first thing they've got to do is to get rid of the clunky GUIs on their phones. To me, the biggest thing working against the iPhone is the lack of a keyboard. For this reason alone, I'm very curious in terms of the usability that Google's Android platform will offer.

I've been using Windows Mobile begrudgingly for the past 3 or so years. And I absolutely hate the OS. My phone crashes regularly (albeit less so since I've upgraded to Windows Mobile 6) and takes over a minute to boot. Until Microsoft realizes that the phone is not a computer and that phone operations take precedence over all other activities, they're not going to be #1 in the smart phone space.

Apple has taken a lot of flak over the rules around iPhone application development, especially for the one where apps have to quit when the user switches apps. Any Windows Mobile user will welcome such a rule, especially if he/she has turned on their phone's camera and switched away to another application. Invariably, the camera app stays on in the background and drains the battery. Windows Mobile users are stuck using the Task Manager to kill the app. How inane is that?

Interestingly enough, I've been very impressed with RIM's Crackberry offerings, but could never convince myself to go with RIM because of the relatively weak