MacBites

MacBites - Episode 0065

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:00:43 +0000

In this episode - a quick catchup, new tech toys and rats the size of cats!

BackBites

The MacBites iBook
Derek's iBook GoodReader tip
Inserting tabs into Pages documents on iOS
Scanner drivers
OSX 10.7.3 update disaster
OSX 10.7.3 update fix
OSX 10.7.3 screenshot camera - before and after

ChatBites

Tweetbot
Osfoora for Mac
VLC2
Clear
Google Docs styles
Google History
Googlighting video (YouTube link)
PingIt
YouView
Textgate
See and Touch
Supplemental update to 10.7.3

Focus - Mirroring iOS to your Mac

MacLoveBites

Peter Upfold (StrategyOracle) tells of his love for The Terminal and his fears for its future

Feedback and Comments

Thanks to Billy, Minster68, Evie, David Hopkinson, Jane, and DanA for all your kind comments and feedback

Events

MacBites - Episode 0064

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:43 +0000

In this episode - iBooks iBooks iBooks

BackBites

Revels
Bob DeGrande and David Allen - Amadeus Pro
Hard drive shortage continues
Natural scrolling

ChatBites

O2 leaking mobile phone numbers
John Browett, Apple's new SVP of Retail
Google kills more products
Microsoft Office 15 hits technical preview

Focus - iBooks Author

Mike’s Lion upgrade
Stuck dragged icons
iBooks Author
Adobe Digital Publishing Suite
Adobe Digital Publishing Suite - Buyers Guide
Download The MacBites Episode 0064 iBook

MacLoveBites

Simon Bainbridge provides this week's MacLoveBites. His love is his MacBook that he recently bought on eBay to replace his Mac Mini.

Feedback and Comments

Thanks to MacJim, Ian (Shweepa), StrategyOracle, Jonathan, AndyFPP, Minster and James

MacBites - Episode 0063

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:00:43 +0000

In this episode locks, docks and pleasuring Jeremy Clarkson

BackBites

MacBites Live - Apple's Education event
iMessage
Credit card on iTunes account
Leg ulcer wallpaper in Lion
Locked files - redux
Lion Designer
Cocktail
Lion Tweaks
Lion DiskMaker
Lion Cache Cleaner
LionScrollBars
Postbox
Docks - Freecom Quattro
Jena's alternative dock
12 Days of Christmas
Netflix
Adobe Revel

ChatBites

Lost in 2011

Old style scrolling in Lion
The Lozenge
MenuCalendarClock
DropCopy Pro
1Password integration in Fluid
VisualHub
AudialHub
Mail
Final Cut Pro Studio
MobileMe
ScreenSharing Menulet
Safari
Flash Lite
Google Wave
Many Google products!
Fluid
Browsers (1Password support)
Highbrow
Choosy
CSS Edit
Espresso
Gowalla

Gained in 2011

Mac App Store
Apple Remote Desktop
Aperture in MAS
Recycled iWork
Lion
Natural Scrolling - good or bad - let us know
MobileMe calendar update
iCloud - painless transition with the aid of a get out of jail free card!!
Google +
Kindle Fire and Silk
Office 2011
Final Cut Pro X
Motion
Compressor
Pro Audio Converter
iPad 2 Smart Cover
Smart Cover coming to iPhone
iPhone 4S

Picks of 2011

What 2012 Holds

iWork 12?
iPhone 5
iPad 3
TextMate 2
New Blue toys
Elgato - External SSD

MacBites Learning Events

Photoshop Elements 10 - January 26th

iBooks Author - February 2nd

MacBites - Episode 0062

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:00:43 +0000

In this episode Elaine does Christmas shopping and cleaning whilst the Lion roars for real at MacBites HQ

BackBites

Elaine's suspended iTunes account

iTunes Match in the UK
iTunes Match disappears
iTunes Match Terms and Conditions
Star Trecking Across the Universe (YouTube)
Postbox 3
iMessage

ChatBites

MacBites Flapjack
Elaine's week with Lion
Locked files
TinkerTool
Onyx
Deeper
Mike's Macbook Internet connection fixed
Adobe Connect Add-in Update
Apple and Flash
Apple and Flash
Moving iDevice backup folder location
Zite updated with iPhone support
Google’s Rival to Siri
Google+ news
More Google+ news
Google Chrome account sign in
Christmas shopping with the MacBites Crew
Microsoft iPad keyboard
Pink network cable
Control Your Woman Remote
Control a Man Remote
Pinkstinks
Sydney Morning Herald on pink issue
Netflix coming to the UK

Feedback and Comments

Thanks to Minster, MacJim and Jane
Thanks to Derek for more iTunes voucher spotting
Chris De Burgh album - includes Patricia the Stripper

MacBitesLearning

Coming in 2012 - lots more webinars

MacBites - Episode 0061

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:00:43 +0000

In this episode, we have new toys at MacBites HQ, Lara Croft rides again and we play buzzword bingo in more ways than one

MacBites - Episode 0060

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:30:43 +0000

In this episode we discuss Pixelmator, Victorian Aunts and Dancing Robots

BackBites

ChatBites

Elaine on Google Plus
Mike on Google Plus
Elaine's YouTube account
Limit on Open In menu on iDevices
Calendar woes
Klout
Apple branded TV
NaNoWriMo

App Review

Pixelmator

MacLoveBites

Robert Walker loves the Lion DiskMaker which we covered in Episode 57

FREE Webinar

Pixelmator 2: A First Look

BiteBack

Thanks to Derek, James, Minster and Minster's robot for your comments and feedback

MacBites - Episode 0059

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:30:43 +0100

In this episode we discuss rampantly uppity updates, garbage collection and mile high showers.

BackBites

Thanks to Dan for his suggestion of an iBrew

ChatBites

Smouldering USB hub
iTunes drive
1407 error
Dad's iPhone woes
Mike's hard drive woes
Notifications in iOS5
Calendar woes
Lion Designer
iCloud sharing tips
Nick’s gripes
AppleTV Update 1
AppleTV Update 2
iCloud Document loss (9to5mac)
iCloud Document loss (macworld)
iCloud Document loss (Apple discussion forum)
Giving a new life to iPad 1
Subtle iPad 2 SmartCover change this week
64GB Trash Collection
Instapaper tips

App Review - Streaming Media Apps

MacLoveBites

Suzzana long time MacBiter who loves MacBites but admits to having missed our comeback this year and is now 10 episodes behind!

Feedback and Comments

Thanks to Barry, Jane, Mark, Colin and Minster68 for their comments and compliments
Thanks to Derek who broke Elaine's heart

MacBites - Episode 0058

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:30:43 +0100

In this episode ... we follow our intrepid heroes, the MacBites Crew, as they journey across the North West in search of new Apple treasures.

ChatBites

Our iPhone 4S launch day reports live from Liverpool
Unboxing gadgets
Mobile Me and iCloud
Multiple Apple accounts
3's special deal
Elaine's handbag contents
Battery life
Fun with Siri

Focus - iOS 5

Elaine's iOS5 installation disaster
DFU Mode
Reminders
Elaine's iBook sample issue
Mirroring
Selectively hiding past iTunes and Mac App Store purchases
Google to discontinue Google Buzz and Code Search

Feedback and Comments

Thank you all for your kind words about the short tribute to Steve Jobs in Episode 56
Thanks to MacJim for his concern for Elaine's health
StrategyOracle is now all caught up with MacBites episodes

MacBites - Episode 0057

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:30:43 +0100

In this episode we discuss new toys, DVD ripping and miscreant MacBiters

BackBites

MacBites Live
ColorChooser
Amazon Kindle Touch
Lion DiskMaker
Ejecting DMG’s - Kevin and Phil
Bring Back the Save As Campaign - Graham

ChatBites

Apple Media Event
Siri in Japan
Photoshop Touch
Potential Solution for Android Only
More broken hardware at MacBites HQ

Focus - DVD Ripping

BiteBack

Minster’s New Role
Miscreant MacBiters

MacBites - Episode 0056

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 23:30:43 +0100

On MacBites 4th birthday The MacBites Crew pay tribute to Steve Jobs

MacBites - Episode 0055

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:30:43 +0100

In this episode we discuss frictionless sharing, colour pickers and the answer to the most important question of the week - has Lion been a roaring success at MacBites HQ for Elaine?

BackBites

Gamer’s Mouse Mat
Razor Ironclad Hard Mat
Final Cut Pro X Update
iTunes vouchers
Birthday calendar fiasco

ChatBites

Focus - A Week With Lion

Lion Disk Maker
iCal interface
Address Book interface
Show Path Bar
Status Bar
Absence of the Lozenge
Copying Files
The terminal command to copy files:

cp -Rpn /originating file path/ /destination file path/

Bring Back Save As Campaign
Restore Windows
LaunchPad
AirDrop via Ethernet
Lion in a Virtual Machine in VMWare Fusion 3
Mike's hardware woes

App Review - Colour Pickers

MacLoveBites

Paula Maxwell loves MacBites Live and the MacBiters

BiteBack

Thanks to Amanda, MacJim, Jane, Minster68 and StrategyOracle

MacBites - Episode 0054

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:30:43 +0100

In this episode we discuss designer tech, kit disasters and free software reviewed. Yes we’re resting your wallets this week after an expensive few weeks!

BackBites

Clocks - available in the Australian Mac App Store
TuneIn Radio
PopClip
Mouse batteries
Black marks from Magic Mouse
Just Mobile Alupad Aluminium Surface Pad for Apple Magic Mouse
Fliders
Pixelmator 2
Adobe provides NewsStand support
Twitter / FaceBook integration
iTunes vouchers at Boots

ChatBites

Hardware disaster at MacBites HQ
Lion Tweaks
Evernote removes file type restrictions for free accounts
1Password and the Mac App Store
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Carousel

Software Review

MacLoveBites

BiteBack

Thanks to MacJim, Minster68 and Jane

MacBites - Episode 0053

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:30:43 +0100

In this episode we have some Lion updates including how to put the colour back into the Sidebar, 4 software reviews and Elaine reveals what MacBiter MacJim did to re-awaken her desire!

BackBites

PopClip
Mikes Outlook Calendar

ChatBites

Software Review

Hardware Review

MacLoveBites

Jane's MacBook Air

BiteBack

MacJim
Minster risking life and limb
Andy asking if the photo was really Elaine
Positive comments about From the Studio and Slide-IQ
TheElaineGiles v. ElaineGiles
Google's Murderous Outrage of the Week

MacBites - Episode 0052

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:00:43 +0100

In this episode Mike rants, Elaine starves whilst revealing all and we have 3 software reviews as well as a couple of audio comments from two Antipodean dwelling MacBiters

BackBites

Reaction to Elaine's iTunes vouchers blog post
Mike's text message rant

ChatBites

Catching up with goings on at MacBites HQ
News from the Apple world
Google improves its UI
Google steals our LoveBites
What do you Love? Elaine Giles
The photo of Elaine that Google missed
Final Cut Pro X
ElaineGiles.com/studio - Elaine's webinar videos
Slide-IQ.com - Elaine's new presentation skills podcast

Focus - Lion

Software Review

MacLoveBites

OzRose

BiteBack

MacJim the Real
Jane73 - Ramgate 2

MacBites - Episode 0051

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 18:00:43 +0100

In this episode we take an alternative look at the fallout from WWDC, discuss the pitfalls of iTunes vouchers and tell you how you can be one of the first to get an exclusive behind the scenes tour of MacBites HQ

BackBites

Batterygate
Mobee Magic Charger

ChatBites

Software Review

BiteBack

Thanks to everyone who Liked the MacBites Facebook page, voted for their favourite outtake and submitted their MacLoveBites - please keep 'em coming!
Sign up to the MacBites Mail newsletter and get to see behind the scenes at MacBites

Elaine's Webinar

30th June, 19:00 GMT (20:00 BST) - Showcase Your Images. Register for your FREE ticket
Not in the UK? Check the start time in your part of the world with our webinar timezone website

MacBites - Episode 0050

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:43 +0100

In this episode we discuss the Apple battery hall of fame, Mike's shameful purchase and the long awaited MacBites outtakes

BackBites

ChatBites

Tales of iPad 2 purchase day
iPad1 v iPad2 comparison - Macrumors
Mike's mobile recording studio
Microsoft Office 2011
New kit at MacBites HQ
The long awaited MacBites outtakes

Software Review

Essentials (iTunes link)

Feedback

MacBites FaceBook Page

MacBites - Episode 0049

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:30:43 +0000

In this episode an amazing Apple week, a sighting of the lesser spotted iWork '11, forced calendar upgrades and The Great Yorkshire Yomp

BackBites

Eneloop Batteries and Fameart Charger (7DayShop)
Barry's Multiplying Email
Derek - iWork '11 spotting
Elaine's iPhone 5 Faux Pas

ChatBites

MobileMe and the New Calendar
MobileMe Box Version
New MacBook Pros
Thunderbolt
LaCie Drive with Thunderbolt Support
Using OS X 10.5 with the New Mobile Me Calendar

Focus

Software Review

MacLoveBites

We love tech and we want to know what tech you love
Flowery iPad Cases
More Flowery iPad Cases

BiteBack

Mike's Outlook to Google experience
Elaine's Great Yorkshire Yomp
Thanks to everyone for their feedback

MacBites - Episode 0048

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 22:00:43 +0000

In this episode we discuss better behaved batteries, ponderous printers power ups, silicone wraps *no don't ask* and magic wands.

Listen to this episode

Via iTunes
M4A
MP3

BackBites

Batteries
James Fisher - I use Sanyo eneloop rechargeables.
Andy - uses Energizer
Calendargate
Apple Brother Printer Drivers 2.5 Update
Pixelmator
Pixelmator (App Store link)

Musings from MacBites HQ

Website update
Child categories in WordPress
MP3 feed

ChatBites

Mike's iPhone case review (Mike's blog)
Mike's iPhone case at 7DayShop
"Boy Racer" iPhone case design at 7DayShop
FM Transmitter at 7DayShop
FM Transmitter Review (Elaine's blog)
iWork '11 Rumour of the Week
Software Breakages - Facebook's Twitter app
Competition in the Twitter client market
Competition in the Twitter client market (ZDNet)
Mysterious multiplying mail backups
Sainsbury's iTunes saga
TwelveSouth's MagicWand

Focus

MacLoveBites

We love tech and we want to know what tech you love

BiteBack

McJim v. MacJim
Minster's calendar fix
Elaine on Nosillacast

MacBites - Episode 0047

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:00:43 +0000

In this episode we discuss badly behaved batteries, roaming RAM and continuing calendar calamities

Listen to this episode

Via iTunes
M4A
MP3

BackBites

Musings from MacBites HQ

ChatBites

Google Calendar fallout
Ramgate

BiteBack

Minster68 on Twitter

MacBites - Episode 0046

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 05:00:43 +0000

In this episode we discuss Microsoft, sad software demises, calendar calamities and pogo sticks!

BackBites

ChatBites

Software Review

BiteBack

HulloMail - Steve Rob's review
External Hard Drives - Jane73's questions
The demise of PrintFinder - Mark Reeder
Snugg case for iPad - Derek

MacBites - Episode 0045

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we catch up with all the news from MacBites HQ including our iPhone 4 experiences, we chat to some real live MacBiters and Elaine spends Friday afternoon talking to James the brains behind WoodPad.

BackBites

ChatBites

iOS 4 update on iPhone 3G
Thanks to Mark Dalton for the Terminal hack to disable backup
defaults write com.apple.itunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool YES defaults write com.apple.itunes DeviceBackupsDisabled -bool NO
Backup Disabler

iPhone iPhone iPhone

Tariffs
Tariff Comparison spreadsheet
Customer Service
PAC Codes & Transfers
PAC Codes & Transfers (PDF Download from Ofcom)
Our iPhone 4 purchasing experience
Elaine's video of the queue
Antenna issue
Yellow screens
Camera yellowing
Proximity Sensor
Apple deleting the threads from their official forums
Bumpers
iMovie
iWork for iPhone
Cloud based iTunes
iTunes hacked
Changing MobileMe password
New MobileMe Calendar Beta

iPad iPad iPad

Vodafone Contract con

Software Review

Adobe Digital Editions

Hardware Review

Power Monkey
James Turner / WoodPad interview

Events

MacBites Live on 15th July. Elaine is demonstrating Adobe Fireworks CS5 - http://macbites.co.uk/liveonline
MacBites Live on 29th July. Elaine is demonstrating Google Wave - http://macbites.co.uk/liveonline

MacBites - Episode 0044

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we're playing catchup, talking iPads, including Mike's magically multiplying iPad and getting giddy about iPhone 4 all in the midst of copious software breakages at MBHQ

BackBites

ChatBites

OSX 10.6.4
Safari 5 tabs issue
iTunes updates
Calibre
Goodreader

iPad iPad iPad

US launch
Carpet baggers
Pre-ordering
iPads arrive at MacBites HQ
iPad woes - the dead pixel disaster
Our initial software must-haves for iPad
1Password
Evernote
Adobe Ideas (iTunes link)
OmniGraffle
OmniGraphSketcher
Omni Guarantee
Gowalla
Eyewitness from Guardian (iTunes link)
Reeder
Elaine's (jokey) pick of the week - Vuvuzela 2010
Accessories
Case
Dock
iPad stands - Elaines blog post
Woodpad iPad stand
Bluetooth keyboard

iPhone iPhone iPhone

Tariff & ordering fiasco
Case

Feedback and Comments

HeartyD's PAYG 3 MIFI success

MacBites - Episode 0043

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode, new arrivals, furry faces and love is in the air

BackBites

ChatBites

iPhone iPhone iPhone

iPad iPad iPad

Software Review

Mice

Mickey the MacBites Magic Mouse
Prosethics for under endowed Magic Mice

Feedback and Comments

HeartyD - purchased a 3 MiFi unit. Works well where I don't get a 3G signal on iPhone
Christina - "I think they should have a Barbie with a buzz cut."

MacBites - Episode 0042

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:01:00 +0000

In this episode we reveal the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything... as we said it's episode 42!

BackBites

ChatBites

iPhone iPhone iPhone

iPad iPad iPad

Battery Replacements

Software Review

Hardware Review

Feedback and Comments

MacJim's fashion tips
GazMaz
Apple Store - Manchester Arndale - Hi to Alex and Alex

Events

The next MacBites live event is on 18th March 2010 (20:00 GMT) when Elaine will be doing a demonstration of OmniGraffle. To attend, go to http://macbites.co.uk/live. We'll be in the chatroom from about 7:30 and the chat continues afterwards.
On 25th March 2010 (20:00 GMT) Mike will be doing a demonstration of Office 2010 (especially for all you Sliders). To attend, go to http://macbites.co.uk/live. We'll be in the chatroom from about 7:30 and the chat continues afterwards.
To keep up to date with all out events you can subscribe to the MacBites calendar - http://macbites.co.uk/the-macbites-calendar/

MacBites - Episode 0041

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode, pink buzzing fingers and thongs for the memory

BackBites

ChatBites

Full Disclosure
Columnist revealed as company's non-existent CTO
An unfortunate ending
Windows metrics source lies about identity
Woolworths and AppleCare
Aperture3
ScanSnap S1300 datasheet
ScanSnap S1300 - Crunchgear review
Microsoft offers a choice of browsers

iPhone iPhone iPhone

iMindMap Mobile
iPad iPad iPad
Our quest for a Mifi continues

Software Review

Hardware Review

Andy's review of the Magic Mouse

Feedback and Comments

Matias Laptop Armor case
Phillip's comments about the show, his O2 experience and ReQall
Steve's iPhone exploits
Jane73's gift to Mike...or Thongs for the Memory

Events

The next MacBites live event is on 25th February 2010 (20:00 GMT) when Mike will be demonstrating how to run Windows on a Mac. To attend, go to http://macbites.co.uk/live. We'll be in the chatroom from about 7:30 and the chat continues afterwards.
On 4th March we'll be chatting again. Same time, same place. Come along for an online social and a MacBites Q&A session.
To keep up to date with all out events you can subscribe to the MacBites calendar - http://macbites.co.uk/the-macbites-calendar/

MacBites - Episode 0040

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:01:00 +0000

In this episode - new tech toys, more new tech toys on the way & we're free

BackBites

iTunes - 12 Days of Christmas
PathFinder
Safari Bookmarks Redux

ChatBites

Christmas Arrivals at MacBites HQ

iPhone iPhone iPhone

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on 21st January 2010 (20:00 GMT) when Elaine will be demonstrating Lightroom 3 Beta. To attend the event go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live. We'll be in the chat room from 7:30 and the chat will continue afterwards.
On 27th January 2010 at 18:00 GMT we'll be chatting again as Apple make their long awaited "new goodies" announcement. All are welcome. To attend go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live

MacBites - Episode 0039

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:01:00 +0000

In this episode - iTunes harmony at MacBites HQ, Elaine shops *no really* and the wireless upgrade that sadly wasn't painless!

BackBites

iTunes - Elaine's Library
iTunes - Numbering in filenames
iTunes - Home Sharing
iTunes - 12 Days of Christmas
PathFinder
BusyCal

ChatBites

Tweetie 2 for the iPhone
Dropbox for synching Safari Bookmarks & History
Safari's vanishing toolbar
MX Revolution Mice and Magic Mouse
New tech toys
Network setup grief
iPhone and the Airport Extreme
Apple Support Article TS1849
Apple Support Article TS1651
Apple Support Article TS1398
Tesco - Shrine of tech?
Elaine's new chair

Hardware Review

MiFi from 3

Feedback and Comments

E-mail from Phil about ReQall and Omnifocus

MacBites - Episode 0038

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

In this episode - a week of technical woes at MacBites HQ, ToDo lists and Thongs

BackBites

ChatBites

Network problems at MacBites HQ
Acrobat Updater
Elaine's iPod shuffle / audio book incompatibility
Safari 4.0.4
Snow Leopard 10.6.2
Hack to fix Growl Mail notification (broken with 10.6.2 update)
10.6.2 breaks MailTags and Devonthink
Sky Sports app (iTunes link)
NatWest App (iTunes link)
Twitter only Mobile Device
O2 to Unlock Phones
Orange to ban streaming services
MacHeist
Macgraphoto Design Bundle

Software Review

Feedback & Comments

Email from Graham who is trying to tempt Elaine into a Magic Mouse!
Typo of the Week from Minster68 - Thongs or Things?

MacBites - Episode 0037

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

In this episode - an undocumented bug in Screenflow and keeping your apps up to date

BackBites

ChatBites

iTunes 9.0.2
iPhone syncing problem
The MacSale Bundle
iPhone data capping on Orange?

Software Review

MacBites - Episode 0036

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

In this episode, watching TV on the iPhone, where did our tweets go and a solution to our sound recording problem from last week

BackBites

tvcatchup.com
Running Elgato EyeTV app under 3G
Tweetie ... the mystery of the missing tweets
Voice Memos for iPhone
Synchronising iPhone time with Mac
iPhone sensitivity

ChatBites

Software Review

iTalk

Feedback and Comments

Apptrap - recommended by MacJim
Minster68 drives his landy

MacBites - Episode 0035

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode, the Browser Queen has something new to play with and Mike gets to watch Jeremy Kyle on his iPhone

BackBites

ChatBites

BluRay in iMacs
Cruz
Tweetie 2
VBA in Microsoft Office 2004
OSX guest accounts & data loss
Sync iPhone time with a mac
Sound Recorder on iPhone

Software Review

Dictionary Cleaner

MacBites - Episode 0034

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we discuss how to speed up your podcasts, manage your default apps and how to Quicklook zip files

BackBites

Bento 3
Bento 3 review in MacWorld
EyeTV 3.2 and iPhone app
TvTv
Dropbox on the iPhone
iPhone Loophole
Photoshop for the iPhone
Playing podcasts at variable speeds
A script from Doug's Scripts to play podcasts a variable speeds

ChatBites

Creator Codes
Cocktail
Spotless
Quick Look X ray mode (Mac OSX Hints)
BetterZip Quick Look Plugin
Dictionary in OSX (tuaw.com)
Dictionary in OSX (Mac OSX Hints)
ScreenSharing and key mapping in Snow Leopard
Activating Screenflow

Hardware Review

Power Monkey

MacBites - Episode 0033

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we have more iPhone woes, we discuss audiobooks on iTunes and Elaine relives TechFail Thursday

BackBites

ScriptSaver
iPhone 3.1 battery issues
iTunes 9.0.1
Audiobooks on iTunes
Audible v iTunes
The Iliad & The Odyssey by Homer (audible link)

ChatBites

TechFail Thursday
Acrobat PDF printer replaced in Snow Leopard (InDesign Secrets link)
Acrobat Save as Adobe PDF support in Snow Leopard (Adobe Technote link)
Printing to PDF starts the printer whirring
Mike's Screenflow issues
Windows 7 Launch Party video (YouTube link)
Windows 7 Launch Party video - alternative video
BusyCal

Software Review

iPhone Application Limbo
0870 (iTunes link)
SayNoTo0870
Snapture (iTunes link)
JotNot (iTunes link)
Google Notebook Extension for Firefox 3.5 (zip download) . Download this zip file and in Firefox, select File > Open File and browse to the downloaded file. Click Open and then Install
Circus Ponies NoteBook - DayBook

Feedback

LucyC also really wants to be able to sync iTunes by album
Drinkster (iTunes link) - calculates how many calories and units are in your drink

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on Tuesday 29th September (20:00 BST) - Simon Bainbridge will be delving into the world of Things, a task management application that can be used on a Mac or an iPhone. To attend go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live and put your name in the Enter as a Guest box. Please note this has been brought forward from October 1st

MacBites - Episode 0032

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we'll be hacking iTunes, trying to fix Elaine's narcoleptic iPhone and forcing iTunes to do what it should be able to do out of the box!

BackBites

Hacking iTunes
iTunes 9 black background hack
iTunes 9 - Sync by Album
Sixty four switcher
Mike's LogMeIn experience

ChatBites

My O2 app (iTunes link)
iPhone 3.1 woes
Elaine's iPhone frustrations
ITV.com is now using Flash
Make your Logitech mouse compatible with Snow Leopard
Make your Logitech mouse compatible with Snow Leopard (Apple forum)
Screensharing problems

Software Review

Jane's iTunes conundrum
Script to open iTunes and update podcasts:
tell application "iTunes" to activate tell application "iTunes" to updateAllPodcasts

Application to open iTunes and update podcasts (zip download)
ScriptTimer
LucyC - "I also love the app organiser in iTunes. Makes my life so much easier than trying to do it with those wibbly wobbly icons on the phone where I usually mess up"
Drinkster - calculates how many calories and units are in your drink (iTunes link)

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on Tuesday 29th September (20:00 BST) - Simon Bainbridge will be delving into the world of Things, a task management application that can be used on a Mac or an iPhone. To attend go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live and put your name in the Enter as a Guest box. Please note this has been brought forward from October 1st

MacBites - Episode 0031

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:01:00 +0100

This week we take a look at the newly released iTunes 9, iPhone OS 3.1 and how and a software update almost caused domestic strife here at MacBites HQ

BackBites

BusyCal
Snow Leopard installation
QuickTime X PrefPane

ChatBites

Zoom and scroll
Finder issues
Microsoft pulls Windows 7 balloons from Euro launch parties
Take a Holiday to Install Windows 7

Software Review

iTunes 9
Macworld review of iTunes 9
The "Automatically Add to iTunes" folder
iTunes Store authorization and deauthorization
iPhone 3.1
OSX 10.6.1

Events

We're having a social event on 17th September. This will take place at The Old Pelican Inn, Manchester Road, on the Sale/Timperley border.

MacBites - Episode 0030

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we discuss the new Microsoft App Store, tell you about our Internet woes, Elaine spoils for a fight and we update you on our Snow Leopard experiences

BackBites

ChatBites

TextExpander for iPhone
Windows Mobile, version 6.5 & Microsoft's App Store
O2 Data Outage
Mike's nested inbox

Software Review

Snow Leopard
Elgato EyeTV
Quick Look for zip files
DropBox
PTHPasteBoard
Launchbar
Typinator
QuickSilver
Parallels
Opera
Mobile Me Sync
Canon scanners

Competition

BusyCal competition winners were Derek and Jane

MacBites - Episode 0029

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode, Parallels woos Apple cult converts, Microsoft in Photoshop gaffe and we deep-dive into Snow Leopard.

BackBites

Dictionary backup - /Users/User Name/Library/Spelling
Dictionary inconsistencies
Address Book privacy

ChatBites

Software Review

Snow Leopard
Purchase and installation
32 or 64 bit kernal startup mode selector
Saved disk space
QuickTime
Dock and Expose
Spotlight
Stacks
Incompatibilities
Fujitsu S510M scanner
Snow Leopard resources

Competition

Win a copy of BusyCal

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on 10th September (20:00 BST) - Elaine is running a seminar entitled Photographic Extreme Makeover. Other upcoming events include Screensteps (24th September) and Things (1st October). For details of all our events go to http://macbites.co.uk/live-online/. To attend the events go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live
We're having a social event on 17th September. This will take place at The Old Pelican Inn, Manchester Road, on the Sale/Timperley border.

MacBites - Episode 0028

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode, after Net News Wire's sad decline, we look at RSS app replacements, we also look at a free alternative to MobileMe and, with Snow Leopard on the horizon, we give you some top tips to help you prepare for the upgrade.

BackBites

Evernote
Address Book to have Social networking integration?
LogMeIn
iFooty notifications
iPhone photo fiasco

ChatBites

Software Review

Feedback & Comments

Thanks to everyone else who commented on Twitter and contacted us via the website

Competition

Win a copy of BusyCal

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on 27th August (20:00 BST) when Mike's going to be showing you some practical examples of Pivot Tables in Excel. See http://www.digital-iq.co.uk for details of this and all our other events. To attend the event go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live
We're having a social event on 17th September. This will take place at The Old Pelican Inn, Manchester Road, on the Sale/Timperley border.

MacBites - Episode 0027

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode Outlook comes to the Mac, shelving comes to the iMac, we take an indepth look at the OSX address book. And we announce the winner of our Voila competition

BackBites

LogMeIn (Anthony uses Rescue for break fix and Remote for servers)
Screen sharing in Skype
Exploding iPods
iFooty
InfoPanel in BusyCal

ChatBites

Software Review

Address book
A to G
Importing Google contacts into Address Book
O2M

Feedback & Comments

Thanks to everyone else who commented on Twitter and contacted us via the website

Competition

Congratulations to isabelle304 who has won a copy of Voila

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on 27th August (20:00 BST) when Mike's going to be showing you some practical examples of Pivot Tables in Excel. See http://www.digital-iq.co.uk for details of this and all our other events. To attend the event go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live
We're having a social event on 17th September. This will take place at The Old Pelican Inn, Manchester Road, on the Sale/Timperley border.

MacBites - Episode 0026

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we look at Summer software bundles, exploding iPods and we take an in-depth look at a new application called BusyCal

BackBites

ChatBites

Software Review

BusyCal

Feedback & Comments

Thanks to Connor P for his feedback on Elaine's iPhone photos problem
Amanda found Elaine's infopanel excitement too much!
Thanks to everyone else who commented on Twitter

Competition

Win a copy of Voila. Tell us what in your opinion, is the most useful feature of the software and what you'd use that feature for.
Closing date is Saturday 15th August 2009. Submit entries here

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on 13th August (20:00 BST) when Elaine's going to be showing you how to get the best from your holiday photos. See http://www.digital-iq.co.uk for details of this and all our other events. To attend the event go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live

MacBites - Episode 0025

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we'll be discussing some of the key news stories that affect Mac users, laughing at Microsoft (again) and completing our 3-part series on supercharging the Finder

BackBites

ChatBites

Software Review

Feedback & Comments

Thanks again to everyone who provided us with feedback both on the website and through Twitter

Competition

Win a copy of Voila. Tell us what in your opinion, is the most useful feature of the software and what you'd use that feature for. Closing date is Saturday 15th August 2009. Click here to enter

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on 13th August (20:00 BST) when Elaine's going to be showing you how to get the best from your holiday photos. See http://www.digital-iq.co.uk for details of this and all our other events. To attend the event go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live

MacBites - Episode 0024

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we'll be looking at toys of an adult nature, an iPhone camera problem and faxing from the iPhone. We'll also be taking an in-depth look at some Finder alternatives.

BackBites

Zip Quick Look Plugin (mentioned by StargateJohn)
Logmein (mentioned by Chris Dodds)

ChatBites

Software Review

Feedback & Comments

Thanks again to everyone who provided us with feedback. With so much to learn, Jane wore out the 30 second rewind button on her iPhone!

Competition

Win a copy of Voila. Tell us what in your opinion, is the most useful feature of the software and what you'd use that feature for. Full details here

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on 30th July (20:00 BST) when we are discussing "How to be an Email Ninja - the secrets of Inbox Zero". For details of this and all our other events see http://www.digital-iq.co.uk. To attend the event go to http://www.macbites.co.uk/live

MacBites - Episode 0023

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we have a PC acting as a Mac, an email rant, retrieving lost Tweets and we take a look at how to supercharge the Finder

BackBites

Thanks to Annette for pointing out Jing for screen capture
Another tip from Annette is TeamViewer for screen sharing
Mike's blog post on Outlook/iCal integration
Mike's email problems
Delicious Library removed from App Store - iPhoneTalk
Delicious Library removed from App Store - Yahoo
Delicious Library removed from App Store - YouTube

ChatBites

Free Twitter updates via O2 text
Free Twitter updates via O2 text - O2 website
Barry's lost Tweet - and how to retrieve it
Mike's PC became a Mac
iTunes Kills Palm Pre Sync - TUAW
iTunes Kills Palm Pre Sync - Gizmodo
iTunes Kills Palm Pre Sync - Businessweek
iTunes Kills Palm Pre Sync - BBC Technology
Apple sued in Mafia lawsuit claim
iPhone to be available on other networks?
Microsoft is the Number 1 brand in UK
Retail battle between Apple and Microsoft
How will Microsoft Stores differ from Apple?

Switchers Corner/Software Review

Feedback & Comments

Thanks for all the feedback including Stargate John for his comments about Prowl and Amanda Benson who loves her iPhone case that we recommended from 7-Day Shop

Events

The next MacBites Live event is on 30th July when we are discussing "How to be an Email Ninja - the secrets of Inbox Zero". For details of this and all our other events see http://www.digital-iq.co.uk

Next Week

Competition to win a copy of Voila
Part 2 of our look at File Management software

MacBites - Episode 0022

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we'll be looking at routers, Gmail & screensharing. But it's not all technical - we review a great little converter application and Growl's on the Prowl

BackBites

ChatBites

Software Review

Feedback & Comments

Thanks to all for your positive feedback

Events

16 July 2009 at 20:00 BST - Getting audio and video on the web in Flash - http://macbites.co.uk/live. More information at http://www.digital-iq.co.uk

MacBites - Episode 0021

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we discuss iPhone apps, router problems and take a look at iCal and other calendar-related applications that we use

BackBites

Grab - built into OSX - via Applications > Utilities folder
ZapGrab
Voila
The Vista Snipping Tool

ChatBites

Switcher's Corner and Software Review

Sidekick from Starfish Software
Sony Clie
Agendus
iCal
MenuCalendarClock
Today
Timetable
Calibrate
Elaine explains how to use BusySync
BusySync website
How to get Outlook calendar appointments displayed in iCal

Feedback & Comments

Thanks to all for your positive feedback and the additional software suggestions

Events

NAPP - National Association of Photoshop Professionals - Facebook page
Next MacBites Live event is 16th July at 20:00 BST - Getting video and audio on the web in Flash. More info
Subscribe to the MacBites Live events
North West Mac User Group hold their next meeting on 9th July at 20:00 BST. iWork09 is the topic

MacBites - Episode 0020

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:01:00 +0100

In this episode we discuss the latest apps that we've installed on our iPhones (and some that we haven't) and take a look at a number of screen-capturing applications that we use.

BackBites

iPhone backup
Find My Phone and Remote Wipe
Mobile Allowance (iTunes link)

ChatBites

Documents To Go
1PasswordPro
Flashdrive
Air Sharing
FileMagnet
Actprinter (Jane73's review)
Delicious Library
Agendus
Control AppleTV from iPhone/Touch
iPhone case / screen protector -7 day shop
Evernote
Elaine's Copy and Paste problem in Evernote

Switchers Corner and Software Review

Keyboard shortcuts in OSX for capturing screen
Shift+Cmd+3 - captures entire screen and saves to Desktop
Shift+Cmd+4 - captures selection and saves to Desktop
Shift+Cmd+4 then spacebar, then click a window - captures selected window and saves to Desktop
Shift+Cmd+Ctrl+3 - captures entire screen to the clipboard
Shift+Cmd+Ctrl+4 - captures selection to the clipboard
Shift+Cmd+Ctrl+4 then spacebar, then click a window - captures selected window to the clipboard
In Leopard, the following keys can be held down while selecting an area (via Cmd+Shift+3 or Cmd+Ctrl-Shift+4):
Space, to lock the size of the selected region and instead move it when the mouse moves
Shift, to resize only one edge of the selected region
Option, to resize the selected region with its centre as the anchor point
Tinkertool

Feedback and Comments

Thanks to StargateJohn for some suggestions about screen capture software - we'll be covering video capture in a future episode
Welcome to Nick from http://nickgreenphotography.com
LucyC - had the same problem Mike had with updated apps disappearing in iTunes - Mike's apps are now back

Events

Next MacBites Live event is 16th July at 20:00 BST - Getting video and audio on the web in Flash. More info on http://www.digital-iq.co.uk
North West Mac User Group hold their next meeting on 9th July at 20:00 BST. iWork09 is the topic

MacBites - Episode 0019

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

In this episode we discuss the iPhone 3 software update. How did the update go? What features do we like? We also discuss the new iPhone 3GS - even though we didn't buy, we still got our hands on one. Plus we have a good laugh at Microsoft's expense!

BackBites

Mike admits to checking his email and overnight Tweets as soon as he wakes up
Elaine avoids needing to use Terminal to fix Safari
Microsoft will be providing an IE8 CD with Windows 7
Microsoft Ten Grand Browser Advert (Safari version)
Microsoft Ten Grand Browser Advert (Firefox version)
Microsoft Ten Grand Browser Advert (Opera version)
Microsoft Ten Grand Browser Advert (IE6 version)
Microsoft Ten Grand Browser Advert (IE7 version)
Microsoft Ten Grand Browser Advert (IE Mac version)
IE8 blows the rest away
IE8 blows the rest away - Wired magazine's response
What's a browser?
Office 10 the Movie
Office 10 - The Movie - without the need for Silverlight
Microsoft to give away AV software

ChatBites

TweetDeck for iPhone
iPhone OS 3.0 - our upgrade experiences
Backup Disabler
Mike's lack of friends
Elaine's two-and-a-half hour backup
Mike's missing app updates in iTunes
Adult content warning - Shazam
Playlist order on iPhone differs to that in iTunes
New features of iPhone 3.0 - Our views on Search, Phone, Voice memos and synching with iTunes, Landscape keyboard, Copy and Paste
The iPhone 3.0 Software walkthrough
How to use the best 40 features of iPhone 3.0
O2 - Picture Messaging
iPhone 3.0 - 10 hidden features
Improved camera close ups
iPhone Alley - 96 hidden features in OS3
Push Notification Enabled Apps
OS X Updates - Bluetooth and Safari
iPhone 3GS Launch - was it a damp squib?
The new camera and video on the iPhone 3GS
We'll disconnect 'free' iPhone tetherers
Dodgy button in the iPhone version of the iTunes store. Thanks to MikeB

Feedback and Comments

Koi Pond
Web Snapper
QuickSilver
IanD (sweepa on Twitter) and Sakeel have a new new podcast called DigitalOutbox about gadgets and gaming and all things tech
Colin Welland - The Brits are Coming
Gary Neville's personal details exposed by Apple

Events

25 June 2009 at 20:00 BST - Documents - Extreme makeover - http://macbites.co.uk/live. More information at http://www.digital-iq.co.uk

MacBites - Episode 0018

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

In this episode we provide the fastest ever roundup of WWDC, discuss the position of tabs in Safari 4 and Google's new Quick Search Box. We take an in-depth look at a number of Clipboard extenders and even give Windows a couple of mentions!

BackBites

Thanks to LucieC for the comment about Big Ben. Does it bong on the hour? You'll have to listen to find out!
MacBites Live - Big thanks all who joined us - you made WWDC even more enjoyable it was great to share it with you.
Find out what Elaine was up to with HeartyDiamond in Didcot.

The Fastest-Ever WWDC Roundup

Laptop updates
Safari 4
Snow Leopard
iPhone OS 3.0
iPhone

ChatBites

Switcher's Corner & Software Review - Clipboard Extenders

Feedback

The Koi Pond Mafia catch up with Elaine

Events

25 June 2009 - Documents - Extreme Makeover - http://macbites.co.uk/live

MacBites - Episode 0017

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Boo!! Rumours of our podcasting retirement were greatly exaggerated and yet again we're back ... see you can't get rid of us that easily. In this episode we let you know where we've been hiding as well as discussing Apple's changes to the One2One training programme, software prices, AppleCare, iPhone apps and headless chickens(!)

Where have we been?

Elaine's tech-enabled nightie
Elaine on IMP
iMac rebuilds and upgrades
Virtual Machines - Parallels and VMWare Fusion
Buying and upgrading a Mac Mini
Toast in headless mode

Burn

iPhone

Email 'n Walk
BigBen - It bongs on the hour
Mover - it didn't move me!
The mysterious missing app - Mobile Allowance
Get a Free summary of your remaining minutes - text BUNDLE to 21202

One-to-One

Software Prices

Events

North West Adobe Group - 11 June 2009 - CSS in Dreamweaver
Liverpool Tweetup - December 19th

MacBites - Episode 0016

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:00:00 +0100

In this episode we discussed Twitter, Macs, iPhones and Google Chrome, as well as looking forward to this weeks Apple event. It's your last chance to enter our competition to win some fantastic new software.

BackBites

ChatBites

The Great Twitter Follower Fight
Twitter explained by Jane Griffiths
ScreenCastsOnline
iPhone sticking keys
iPhone Slow Synching
7 port powered USB hub from Maplin
Getting screenshots off iPhone via iPhoto

Browser Wars Reignited 2008 Version

Ubiquity from Mozilla
IE 8 Beta Privacy Mode

Google Chrome Reviews

Google Chrome EULA

Google Chrome

9th September Apple Event

Post event chat

Steve Balmer Videos

Rant of the Week

Elaine's rant about the current iTunes Twitterific / iTunes Shopping Cart

Software Review

Events

North West Adobe User Group - 16th September at 20:00 - Adobe Creative Suite - Making Suite Music Together
North West Adobe User Group - 29th September at 19:30 - Special Event - Adobe is announcing Adobe Creative Suite 4
North West Mac User Group - 11th September at 20:00 - Creating an iPhone app

MacBites - Episode 0015

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Mike was in London, Elaine was at home, but we still managed to get an episode recorded. In this episode Elaine talks about Cro-Mag Rally and other iPhone games whilst Mike at last uses his iPhone for more than Monkey Ball. Elaine rants again, this time about iPlayer and we have some fantastic new software to give away - for FREE.

BackBites

Mike's scanner - Fujitsu S510M
The continuing saga of the AdobeTV/iPlayer Router crashing
Elaine's NetGear GT845PN router configuration tips
MobileMe - more free days from Apple

ChatBites

Twitter - Elaine and Mike battle for followers
Mike installs Twinkle
NWMUG
Delicious bookmarks
3G USB modem
iPhone cases
Displaying you own number on the iPhone
LaunchBar
Mike gets QuickSilver to work
The case of the missing iPlayer Play in High Quality button
Apple's secret iPhone app blacklist
iPhone Backup options
iPhone MD Crash Reporter
iPhone apps not installing
Elaine updates to iPhone 2.0.2

Software Review

Elaine's Games (so much for Productivity apps!)

MotionX Dice
Cro-Mag Rally (£3.49)
Tris - Tetris
Spinner Prologue - maze game
Muddled - Word puzzle - how many words you can make from a selection of letters (£1.19)
Quordy - Similar to Boggle (£1.79)
Brain Tuner - Similar to Nintendo Brain Training

More Software

Shazam - Music identifier
Last FM - interface to the LastFM web site
Speakapedia

Competition

Win a copy of Speakapedia courtesy of the nice folk at Shiny Development

Events

North West Adobe User Group live event - 20th August - Making Suite Music
Geekups - Leeds - August 20th and Sheffield - September 3rd

MacBites - Episode 0014

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:00:45 +0100

Another Apple Store opening, more iPhone app reviews and how Elaine's digital world came crashing down. Plus Mike's new scanner and a great time-saving tip for iCal users and a money-saving tip from Elaine.

The Opening of the Liverpool Apple Store

MacBites were there! Getting up at 5:45 on a Saturday is not our idea of fun - but when a new Apple Store opens and a free T-shirt is on offer, well, you just have to do it
Read Mike's Report

BackBites

Adobe TV - the saga continues and the issue now hits the BBC iPlayer. If you've been hit with the problem, here's more than a few links that might help:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12/33635734-cable-modem-disconnects-when-iplayer-downloading.html
http://forum.zensupport.co.uk/1/30998/ShowThread.aspx
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=1373666&sid=9c53ffde515126a9e1c29b830c97114d
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12/33635734-cable-modem-disconnects-when-iplayer-downloading.html
http://tinyurl.com/5pzpvz
http://tinyurl.com/5gd22k
http://vbulletin.thesite.org/showthread.php?p=2122026
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Uk/uk.comp.sys.mac/2008-07/msg02347.html
http://groups.google.com/group/uk.comp.sys.mac/browse_thread/thread/84307c9f0831013a
http://www.techsupportforum.com/networking-forum/modems-cable-dsl-satellite/272480-bbc-iplayer-crashes.html
http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/broadband-news/2008/05/28/btís-homehub-hit-with-iplayer-problems/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2008/05/bt_iplayer_homehub_issues.html
http://community.plus.net/forum/index.php?topic=66689.0;wap2

PAC Number

We finally received them but it wasn't plain sailing
Elaine's money saving tip
Vodafone rants - http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/22/vodafone_interims_spain/ and http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7520841.stm

ChatBites

Mike gets a new scanner
Calibrate - an iCal batch processing app
Downloadable pre-configured calendars for sports events and football teams

iPhone iPhone iPhone

Where are your apps stored?
FileMagnet allows transferring of files to and from the iPhone
Camera Nuances - photo orientation under Vista dependent on orientation of iPhone
Evernote
OmniFocus
NetNewsWire
Remote
Stanza
WordPress
1Password
Morocco
Bubble Wrap
Labyritnth Lite Edition
Sudoku
Zenbe list maker
Play music and a game at the same time
Building an iPhone App

Elaine's Week of Crashes

Mobile Me
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=7650286
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1632318&tstart=0
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2629
The Great Twitter Crash
Information Overload
Steve Balmer / Developers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftsByyqazF0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hadxBZWxNrs

Feedback and Comments

Thanks to Gavin for recommending Wordpress and Zenbe
Thanks to Damian and Bob for their comments about the Liverpool Store opening
According to Jack at MacFever, Elaine has softwarealitus

Events

NWAG (North West Adobe User Group) - Online event - Painless Plastic Surgery - 12th August at 20:00
NWMUG (The North West Mac User Group) - next meeting: 14 Aug
Geekups - Sheffield - 6th August and Manchester - 12th August

MacBites - Episode 0013

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:30:47 +0100

iPhone iPhone iPhone - well having both bought 16GB iPhones, what else could we talk about in this episode? Join us as we relive our experiences of both the days leading up to the launch day and the launch day itself. Why did half the staff of a Chinese restaurant congregate around our table? Hear our rants (yes more rants) about getting a PAC number. Plus, we discuss apps and provide you with some really cool tips and tricks for getting the most out of your iPhone.

BackBites

AdobeTV - did the upgrade to 10.5.4 fix our router crash?
Apple Store Liverpool - exclusive pic

Buying the iPhone

Will they or won't they (be selling the iPhone)? How many Apple Stores did Mike ring?
Why do you want to leave Vodafone sir? Because I want an iPhone
The early morning excitement and anticipation at The Apple Store, Trafford Centre
Buying an iPhone - a rollercoaster ride!
A 16GB iphone with every meal?

Games

Thanks to SamC Mike is now addicted to Super Monkey Ball
Elaine's excitement bubble's over
Make mine an iPint
Elaine next purchase - Cro-Mag Rally

The iPhone - More than a Games Machine

Syncing problems
Vicinity - what amenities are in your current locality? Provides directions and a one-tap call facility
Elaine's productivity tools - Evernote and OmniFocus
We're still on the hunt for a shopping list app after Mike's note was zapped
WordPress for iPhone
Mike's WordPress upgrade woes

TipsNtricks

A Scientific Calculator at the flick of your wrist
The .com button flyout - how cool
Taking a screenshot with your iPhone

Cosmetics

Ringtones - Elaine's 24 ringtone
Clocks
Wallpaper
Elaine's fingernails (what?)

Events

North West Adobe User Group - next meeting - Tuesday 29th July - Adobe Creative Suite - Painless Plastic Surgery

MacBites - Episode 0012

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:20:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss all things audio and Elaine rants about software activation. We also discuss Evernote, anti-virus software for the Mac and iPhone (iPhone iPhone)

BackBites

Quicksilver - Dave Verwer's solution to re-indexing problem - use Cmd + R to refresh the Quicksilver catalog

ChatBites

Switchers Corner and Software Review

We discuss audio capturing, audio editing and audio converting and look at a number of applications that can be used to peform these tasks

Capture:- Audio Hijack Pro and Tape Deck
Editing:- Amadeus Pro, Sound Studio and Fission
Capture and editing: WireTap Studio and Garageband
Conversion: AudialHub
SoundConverter - (and Elaine's rant)

Comments and Feedback

In response to GazMaz's audio question, we discuss anti-virus software for the Mac (and Windows)

Events

North West Mac User Group - next meeting - Thursday 10th July
Geekup - Sheffield - 2nd July and Manchester - 8th July
Liverpool Apple Store - opening soon?

MacBites - Episode 0011

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:12:00 +0100

In this episode, we review the new version of Firefox and Mike reveals how Bill Gates crashed his computer. We also discuss how to keep your Mac up to date and how to make sure your documents can be read in years to come.

BackBites

Spotlight as an application launcher
Spotlight as a calculator
Mike's Dock goes minimal

ChatBites

Firefox 3 creates a world record for downloads.
Features include Personas and the AwesomeBar
Opera has a new look too
Elaine lists her 10 browsers - without the need for a script!
The Fox Gets More Fire
The future of Firefox - Fennec, Prism and Weave
Bill Gates crashes Mike's browser (nothing new there then ;-) )
Downloading and troubleshooting Apple Updates

Switchers Corner and Software Review

Keeping track of the latest versions of all your installed applications
MacUpdate and VersionTracker offer paid-for services
AppFresh and Logicielmacupdate are free apps
Elaine explained how to future-proof your documents

Comments and Feedback

Thanks to Jack at MacFever
Jack lives near Brighton where Mike once interviewed and Elaine photographed Eric Cantona
Thanks also to GazMaz - who now has his own spot on the For Mac Eyes Only podcast

Events

NWAG - Mission Control - Lightroom and Bridge
Upcoming GeekUp Events in Liverpool, Sheffield and Manchester

MacBites - Episode 0010

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:51:00 +0100

In this episode we reviewed the major announcements from the WWDC and discussed Application Management and App Switching

ChatBites

Switchers Corner and Software Review

Events

NWAG - Mission Control - Lightroom and Bridge

MacBites - Episode 0009

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Surprise!! We're back will a shiny new design for our shownotes and lots of good stuff coming your way ;-)

In this short ’getting back into the groove’ episode we discuss what we've been doing while missing in action from MacBites and the imminent WWDC, together with details of several exciting tech related local events coming in the next few weeks.

ChatBites

Events

MacBites - Episode 0008

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:55:00 +0000

ChatBites

MacBook
Back to my Mac
VMWare Fusion
VMWare Disk Driver
Private browsing
Trackpad settings
Toolbar Toggle
MacBites Shortcuts
Demise of Navigator

Switchers Corner/Software Review

Calendar Sharing

Screen Capture

Additional features to built in screen capture in Leopard

MacBites - Episode 0007

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:00:57 +0000

ChatBites

Switchers Corner/Software Review

Screen Spanning

Screen Spanning Doctor

Bundles

Order Tracking

Tracking online orders

MacBites - Episode 0006

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 01:00:00 +0000

iPhone Special

Experience the launch at The Trafford Centre
Activation
Synchronizing contacts and calendar
iTunes - managing with only 8mg
Making calls - sound quality
Messaging using the keyboard
Email
Camera - verdict on the lowly spec'd camera

Web apps directory

Web Apps Directory
UK Traffic News
Connection speedtest
Translation tool
Talking phrasebook
Jivetalk enables use of ichat and other chat clients for text chatting. Free to use for iphone and ipod touch users

Accessories

Tips

Saving multiple images as a PDF in Preview
Using the Scrollball to control Spaces

MacBites - Episode 0005

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Leopard Special - Part 2

Living with Leopard - One week in
MikeT relates his experiences of the Leopard install.
It's been said before but Backup Backup Backup and MikeT prefers SuperDuper
So Mike any issues with the new Cat?
All three of us our now running with Leopard
We share some of our likes and dislikes.
We'd all love a dual monitor setup - Leopard does too.
Safari 3 - what's new?
Transferring Mail

Networking

Airport
Screen sharing
Back to my Mac

Other Features

Spaces
Time Machine
The new Finder
Preview
Coverflow
Quicklook

Comments and Feedback

So Gazmaz have we tempted you yet? Let us know how you get on
What about everyone else?
Upgraded yet? & how did it go?
Next week - it's finally here - iPhone has landed

MacBites - Episode 0004

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0000

Leopard Special

Live recording from The Apple Store, Trafford Centre, Manchester
Interviews with those in the queue and a member of staff from the store
Sample the excitement of the build up to the launch

Leopard - The MacBiters First Thoughts

Installation experiences
Clean vs Over-the-top

The Dock

Transparent Menu Bar

Adobe CS3 and Leopard

Blue Screen of Death

Aperture and Time Machine Issues

MacBites - Episode 0003

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0100

In the news this week:

Leopard launch 26th October. Apple retail stores will close at 4pm. They will re-open at 6pm and remain open until 10pm. Apple premium resellers will also commence selling Leopard at 6pm
Apple and its wireless partner in France, Orange, will sell an unlocked version of the iPhone. www.macworld.com/news/
Third Party applications on the iPhone - Open letter from Steve Jobs on www.apple.com/hotnews
iTunes Plus DRM free tracks reduced by 20p to £0.79 ($0.99 in US)
The Good: Apple releases Leopard guided tour video
The Bad: Some reviewers are knocking the iPod Touch as just a crippled iPhone
The Ugly: The Barbie iPod dock Yes its pink and flowery

Switchers Corner

Address Book and iCal
Using O2M for importing contacts and calendar items from Outlook www.littlemachines.com
Useful features include multiple calendars, calendar sharing and publishing, colour coding, easy to backup (Price: $10)

Software Review

Typinator www.ergonis.com/products/typinator
TextExpander www.smileonmymac.com/textexpander
TypeIt4Me www.ettoresoftware.com
Elaine's tutorial on creating global bookmarks

MacBites - Episode 0002

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:25:54 +0100

In the news this week:

Intrepid hackers have brought Apple’s shiny new menus to older models.
Apple Launches WebApps Directory. Apple has launched a directory of web-based applications designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Apple to Announce 3rd Party iPhone App Development?
Apple iPhone 2 for Macworld Expo? As confirmed by Apple CEO Steve Jobs in September, Apple is already working on the development of the second-generation iPhone.
The Good: T3 - Apple cleans up at T3 Awards
The Bad: Royalty demands may have kept Valve's Half-Life 2 off the Mac
The Ugly: The new iPhone ads on the US site.

Switchers Corner

Using Mail
Reasons for transferring for Outlook to OSX Mail
Using O2M (from littlemachines.com) for importing mail from Outlook.
Price: $10

Software Review

SpamSieve - powerful spam filtering for Mac OS X.
More information about SpamSieve can be found at c-command.com
Requires: Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later (10.4.0 or later recommended)
Works with: Apple Mail, mailer, Entourage v.X through 11.x (2004), Eudora 5.2 or later (Sponsored or Paid), GyazMail, Mailsmith (bundled with Mailsmith 2.1), Outlook Express 5, PowerMail (optional bundle with PowerMail 5), Thunderbird
Free Trial: fully-featured (30 days)
Price: $30
This week’s Cool Tool scores a coveted 5 Golden Bites

Feedback/Comments

Tip of the week - taking screen shots

MacBites - Episode 0001

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 05:00:00 +0100

News: Leopard, Amazon's MP3 download store, French iPhone launch delay, The Cloud, Freezing iMacs, Zune
Switchers Corner: Browsers - Netscape, Shiira, Safari, Opera, Firefox, Omniweb
Software Review: Saft

Introductions

The MacBiters introduction - Elaine, MikeB and MikeT - and have their first gab!

A brief insight in to how & why we switched to the Mac platform.

News Items

For the week ending Friday 5th October 2007

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard is coming

Macworld.co.uk news is reporting that rumours are rife that we can expect Leopard to land on the 26th of October. Also, details released from testers of the latest pre-release version, list min system requirements of a Mac running a G4 867MHz or faster processor, which makes several older Mac models incapable of running the forthcoming operating system.

iTunes killer???

Amazon.com launches mp3 download store - currently in Beta for US customers only.

Prices are only $0.89 for a DRM free, 256bit mp3 track and recent albums priced around $8.99.

Simple download manager app to easily transfer this music to your iTunes library and then to sync with iPod. Amazon have DRM free music from other labels as well as EMI - iTunes plus tracks are DRM free music from EMI owned labels only, and they’re priced at $1.29!

So cheaper, better quality, DRM free mp3's from one of the biggest names in music retail.

Is iPhone launch for France delayed due to French unlocking laws?

Reported on several news sites including engadgetmobile and Appleinsider.

Quote from the French Daily, Los Echos

"The difficulties stem from a French law that would require the Apple handset to be sold both with and without contracts. This law would reportedly undermine the iPhone's exclusivity for Orange and Apple's demand of up to 30 percent of voice and data revenues."

Discussion went on to iPhone purchasing. Mike B mentioned that information seen said that you couldn’t pay for an iPhone by cash in the UK.

Quote from The Carphone Warehouse iPhone Eligibility statement:

“To give everyone a chance, there'll be a limit of two iPhones per customer in-store and online. Oh, and we're afraid we can't accept cash.”

And from this weeks news, we have The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

THE GOOD

The Cloud offer new deal WiFi access for iPod touch users. Subscribe and register with an iPod Touch and for £3.99 p/m you’ll unlimited (there’s bound to be the usual FUP caveat) WiFi access at 7500 hotspots around the UK. Pretty good vfm, as their normal unlimited account is £11.99 pm.

iPod Touch users need to sign-up for the service at www.thecloud.co.uk/iPod

THE BAD

New iMacs plagued by interface freezing issues

Users have reported that Apple's latest iMacs suffer from a flaw that locks up the interface, rendering the system all but inert until a reboot. The system will look and behave as if it's running but is totally unresponsive to any touching of the controls, according to the reports. UPDATED AS WE WERE RECORDING
Apple has issued a statement confirming that some iMacs are suffering screen freezes since a recent software update was installed - but promises a software repair soon.
Apple explained: "We are tracking down the root cause of this bug, and will issue a software update which corrects it as soon as we can - most likely later this month. We apologise for the inconvenience."

THE UGLY - New Zune 2 to take on Apple's iPod

The new Zunes have a familiar design but new interface and a controller nicknamed the squircle. Microsoft has launched three new models of its Zune digital media player in an effort to compete with Apple's iPod. The players - which come in 4GB, 8GB and 80GB, but although the Brown has gone, the new Green is pretty awful.

Switcher's Corner

This week’s feature covers Browsers

Among those discussed were;

Note on the Shiira Project - Shiira is a web browser based on Web Kit and written in Cocoa. The goal of the Shiira Project is to create a browser that is better and more useful than Safari. All source code used in this software is publicly available.

Software Review

Saft v8.3.11 This week’s Cool Tool scores a coveted 5 Golden Bites

Download available from http://haoli.dnsalias.com/Saft/index.html

It’s also featured on our favourite Safari resource site, http://pimpmysafari.com/

Tightly integrated into your Safari browser, Saft is so much more than a plugin/extension. There’re just too many features to list here, but reviewers consistently score Saft highly.

And considering it’s only $12, you’re getting an excellent deal.

Wrap-up

OK, well that's about it for this episode of MacBites.

This is our very first Podcast, and we’d love to hear from listeners.

Please contact us with feedback & comments, or if you have questions about items featured in the podcast. We’d also like to feature listeners questions on anything to do with getting the most out of your Macs. Perhaps there’s something you’d like to hear featured in a future MacBites Podcast?? Please send your comments/questions, preferably in audio form, to macbitesuk@gmail.com

Next Episode

Featuring Mail on a mac and an application called SpamSieve which does what it says on the tin.

OUR LOCAL MAC USER GROUP - www.nwmug.co.uk
The three of us are regulars at the NWMUG - Hi to any members who are listening. We'd love to hear from any MUG members round the country/world. Have you any news or even plans to start your own podcast?

Events

Next NWMUG meeting - October 11th 2007.

Discussion topic is Music made on a Mac, featuring Garageband

Location: Grappenhall Community Centre, Warrington, 8pm

Website - www.nwmug.co.uk

Mac Expo - Kensington Olympia, London

25-27 October 2007

Showcasing the very best in the digital world, MacLive Expo returns this year, bigger, better and much, much more personal, giving visitors the chance to get close to major players in the world of music, photography, film and design.

website - http://www.macliveexpo.co.uk

Adobe CS3 Tour

Join Adobe experts for some amazing workshops around the UK and Rep of Ireland. You'll learn the latest tips and techniques for designing and developing amazingly engaging experiences: in print, online or on any device. See the all new Creative Suite 3 family of products along with the latest in cutting edge web development tools including Adobe Flex and AIR.

Website: http://tinyurl.com/26rpwz