Until now, current Mac Users who wanted to run a pro level accounting software package on the Mac platform in Canada, CBC’s (Canadian Bean Counters), had precious little to choose from. CBC’s could install the US version of AE, however, the effort was, by and large, futile. Not being able to obtain current tax table updates or easily account for and track dual Canadian taxes such as the GST/PST really left MacCanadians, right out in the cold. As of September 2009, Acclivity Software has picked up the ledger, where MYOB/ Account Edge left off in 2001, with the release of a Canadian Edition of Account Edge for Mac. AE for MacCanada, is a number crunching powerhouse with a pretty face, and straightforward enough to grasp. AE verson 13.4.1 is Snow Leopard compatible. READ MORE »
After buying a new digital gadget, a protective case is the next sensible item most people purchase. Bodyguardz offers a product to protect your iPhone, iPod and Laptops in the form of a clear colourless protective film that covers the entire body of the device to protect from scratches and the outside elements. Therefore BodyGuardz will protect your device against scratches without changing the look of your device.
Putting the custom cut film on your gadget involves the use of a spray solution followed by careful application of the clear film, which is custom cut to cover every surface of the particular device. The new ‘skin’ will need to set for 24 hours.
BodyGuardz includes two complete sets of ‘body protectors’ and offer lifetime replacements if needed. One of the cool things about Bodyguardz protectors is how the product is custom fits on the device, allowing the beauty of the actual product to be appreciated. A conventional leather/silcone would naturally ad bulk to your portable device but the BodyGuardz protects the screen and other delicate parts without adding bulk. No additional bulk is one great BodyGuardz benefit, if you want to slip the device into your pocket or hand bag easily. However, if you ever accidently drop the gadget, a bulkier leather case might offer a little more protection to the delicate inside parts upon hitting a concrete floor for example. READ MORE »
Noise Isolating Earphone Monitors - ‘Don’t leave home without ‘em’
The Triple Fi 10vi noise isolating earphone monitors, with voice capability, from Ultimate Ears (UE) are no ordinary pair of earbuds. These are marvelous headphones that provide a totally satisfying listening experience, without the gimmicks and colored sound. The audio experience from the Triple Fi 10vi is a smooth all around sound, absent of harsh overtones devoid of mushy bass. The Triple Fi 10vi, penetrating well into the ear canal, actually feel good and are comfortable to wear. The silicone material used for the fittings allows these headphones to feel as close to a ‘custom fit’ as possible, contributing greatly to what I discovered to be a quite satisfying listening experience. The fine sound quality, beyond initial expectations, was no doubt, due in part to having been accustomed to listening to music with the standard iPod earbuds. Be that as it may, this fact cannot steal the thunder from the UE Triple Fi 10vi’s excellence, as I immediately appreciated the rich audio quality as well as the custom fit of these pro level, isolating earphone monitors. READ MORE »
Astound Stereo enhancer for Macintosh is a software program that can change the way the music sounds from your mac. It really does make a difference to any audio file, in a way that I would compare to putting on 3D glasses while watching a 3D enhanced movie. Some listeners will love it, purists won’t. That being said, the great thing about this particular audio software enhancement package is that you can completely control the amount of audio enhancement you want to hear – from OFF to HIGH. It is also worth noting that this audio software enhancement program does not modify or alter the actual audio files, since it works as a system preference that can be enabled, disabled or completely removed altogether with the uninstaller.
How all this musical magic is actually accomplished is not the focus of this review, but suffice it to say, whatever it is, E.Qing, reverb, delay, or whatever, it does change the sound- and once again, the amount of change to the audio file is completely user controllable and completely reversible – very cool! READ MORE »
Talking about Databases can be a real lackluster experience. Talking about Filemaker Pro 10 changes all that. First and foremost, Filemaker’s main strength has always been the ability to provide businesses, organizations and individuals with a powerful customizable database tool that is relatively easy to use. Secondly, Filemaker Pro has always included a handful of professional looking sample templates which I have always found to be helpful and motivating towards taking the first step into the world of personal database creation. Thirdly, Filemaker is cross platform with internet savvy, providing the ability to communicate, access and share database information and templates on Apple Macintosh computers, Windows computers as well as on the World Wide Web. In Filemaker, while there are a few road blocks to perfection, no other database product that I know of will get you up and running as elegantly, as easily and as personally as Filemaker Pro. Here is my report on the most recent release: Filemaker Pro 10
The definition of a database is a collection of ‘like’ information with underlying attributes. We use databases everyday, in the form of address books, spreadsheets, even google, perhaps without even realizing it. A database stores, indentifies and sorts data in ‘Fields’ for easy retrieval at some future time often in the form of what is called ‘Records’. Filemaker has been around for well over a decade and was one of the first database programs to offer an intuitive interface that is simple to use, easily customizable along with powerful reporting capabilities. READ MORE »
Mouse technology is an ongoing game of leap frog. Every so often a new mouse product arrives which introduces some kind of new technology – how much better can the ‘mouse’ be improved? Apple’s ‘Mighty Mouse‘ for the Macintosh, was oddly innovative by re-positioning the old ‘mouse ball’ on the TOP of the mouse to allow for additional navigation options. However, after a couple of months of use, the good old little mouse ball on the TOP will stop functioning in the UPward direction and it is next to impossible to clean it to get it working properly again. Until Apple figures out a way to resolve this sticky ball problem with the Mighty Mouse, I am trapped into hunting for a better mouse.
Microsoft markets no less than 30 mouse products (meese? mices?), only several of which are labeled as compatible with Macintosh. The new Microsoft Wireless Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack Technology* is available in two sizes – a big one just called the Microsoft Wireless Explorer Mouse (to which I may refer to in this review as the ‘desktop’ model) and a smaller lighter ‘cousin’ for traveling laptop users labelled as the Microsoft Wireless Explorer MINI Mouse. With its virtual tours, photos and specs, the Microsoft Mouse webpage provides a thorough description of all products, but nothing replaces a ‘hands on’test drive. READ MORE »
‘The world Standard in Business Productivity’
Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac, primarily made up of four Core Applications, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage is available in several versions:
Home and Student Edition ($199.00), Special Media Edition ($649.00) Standard Edition ($549.00) and of course, upgrade editions for current owners of previous versions at reduced prices. Office 2008 can be installed on up to three Macs and arrives with three separate Product Keys. In addition to file compatibility with the rest of the outside world, the 2008 release of MS Office has provided users of Macintosh computers with a universal version of Office that runs natively on the Intel Macs. Anyone familiar with previous versions of MS Office will find the look and feel of MS Office 2008 quite similar and therefore will be quite comfortable migrating to this most recent version.
After opening the retail box, inserting the CD and following the simple installation procedures for MS Office 2008, it is advisable to download and install the most current update available from MS website. As stated on the MS website ” This update contains several improvements to enhance stability, compatibility, and performance.” From my research, it should be noted that some Office 2008 users have reported the need to re-install Office from scratch, in order for the updates to work. Therefore performing all the current updates at the time of original installation will provide the best chances of success in updating Office 2008 without having to deal with frustrating upgrade/installation issues. For the Office update visit Mactopia-MS Office 2008 update READ MORE »
The Tuckpack Sleeve Notebook Bag is worthy of the priviledge of carrying your Mac Portable. Not only are these new line of computer notebook bags extremely stylish, they are also very thoughfully designed. Sized to hold up to a 13 inch MacBook, the bag has extra plush micro fleech padding inside to offer excellent protection for delicate requirements. A durable exterior has double stitched bindings with secure Velcro closures. It is hard to justify getting excited over a computer bag, but rest assure, when you see any one of these handsome looking designs in real life, and check out the features, the TuckPack Sleve it will be another must have item from Speck.
Speck has a vast array of cases and bags for all iPods, including the current iPod Touches and the iPhones. See though, Fitted, Pixel Skin, Tough Skin…check out the complete lineup on the speck website and by the one that catched your attention, you wont be disappointed. Every product comes with a complete money back guarantee and one year warranty.
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We also got the chance to retrofit a couple of hardshell protective cases for the MacBook lineup. The fact that these covers come in SEVEN gorgeous colours (uncluding CLEAR) is noteworthy, but the way the cases are engineered to fit on the the aluminum notebook body, will give you the feeling that your computer is completely protected from scratching and denting. The rubberized shell has a really great feel to it and is custom vented to allow for safe heat disbursement and access to all ports, battery compartments and DVD drives. Cases for earlier iBooks are available in an acrylic type finish and are good, but this current line of casing for the newest macbook aluminum notebook is truly a knockout. Once you have one on your New Macbook pro, you really will wonder how you got along with out it.
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Speck is a case company out of California that provides great protection for computers, in particular Macintosh products. The company’s Vision is to design, “functionality and personality into everything’, into their products and that ‘delicate stuff protected can be just as stylish as they are protective!’ In the opinion of this reviewer, Speck is a company that fulfills their customers commitments.
At andPOP, we see our share of iPod cases and the Speck ‘Tough Skin’ line is above the crowd for many reasons. The Tough Skin cases are available for the entire iPod line up and will offer maximum protection for any iPod. We closely inspected the Tough skin for the iPod Nano and this case was a great choice! Complimenting a textured ‘rubber grip design’ that fits like a glove, the Tough Skin includes a hard clear shell to protect the shiny screen from scuffs and scratches. There is also a rotating belt clip that can be completely removed should you prefer to carry your iPod without the protruding belt clip connections. The custom fitted design of this case, provides complete access to all the openings and all connections including the dock. The Tough case is an excellent choice for the current iPods for protection, style and convenience.
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