The Mac Of My Life Exhibit Schedule Of Activities

The Mac Of My Life Exhibit - the culminating event of Microwarehouse Philippines' Apple Of My i photo contest - will be held this coming 6-7 May 2006 at the North Court, Power Plant Mall, Makati City. The top 100 photo entries will be on display for public viewing. There will also be Apple computer demo units set up during the event for those who would like to try out the latest Mac models. They will also be having some talks on such topics like "iPod Tips and Tricks", "iMovie Magic" and much more, to be given by some of the country's local Apple experts and enthusiasts. The photo contest awarding ceremonies will be on Sunday, May 7, at 7pm. You may also get the chance to win an iPod when you come to the event, so be sure to come and check it out!

click to enlarge:
Thanks to PinoyMacLovers reader, Donna, for sending this info our way. :)

PinoyMacLovers Is Having Issues

[UPDATE 7:45PM]
Everything seems to be running ok now. Yey! :)

*****

I seem to be having some website issues right now. The homepage doesn't load completely (it only gets to about 10% - maybe even less). But all the other pages seem to be working fine so you can still read all the recent articles by going to the April 2006 Archives (there's a drop-down menu link located at the site's top navigation bar). I just contacted Blogger Help to tell them about my current problem. Hopefully this will get fixed soon. My sincerest apologies goes out to the ONE person who actually reads my blog (Hi, Mom!).

College Student Wants To Make The Switch To Mac, Asks People For Donations

Stefan Constantinescu (not sure if that's his real last name) is a college student who wants to make the switch to a Mac. But like many college students from all over the world, Stefan does not have the needed funds to succeed in this endeavor. So he put up a "help me become a switcher" blog asking people to donate so that he could get a 20-inch Intel iMac and eventually free himself from his Pentium II 500MHz ThinkPad (wow, I had one of those BACK IN THE LATE 90s!). It didn't take too long before he got his first donation, and after only 15 days, he has succesfully been able to break the $1000 mark (he needs about $2,400)! I was mildly jealous at first, but then I remembered that the 2 Macs that I have, I received through donations as well (albeit, all the money came from one person - my generous father). But as succesful as his project may seem, not everyone likes what he is doing. He's definitely made himself a few haters (ah, yes, the Internet is full of those). Even the widely popular Cult of Mac blog has posted an article urging people not to help him. So perhaps you could just visit Stefan's blog and see for yourself whether his cause is worthy of your dollar. Aside from his pleas for donations, he also uploads a few video updates as well as other articles related to his endeavor. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll just go put up my "help me buy my own private island" blog project.

17-inch MacBook Pro Now Available

Ooohhh... Aaahhh...

Check it out at apple.com.

Ynzal Philippines April 2006 Catalog Clearance Sale

I just recieved the April 2006 catalog from Ynzal Marketing Corp. Philippines. Here are a few items that or on sale (these are brand new and factory-fresh Macs, Mac accessories and iPods at discount prices):

Accessories/Peripherals:
Apple iSight.....P6,500
iPod Photo 60GB...P16,995
Altec Lansing ATP 3 Speakers.....P2,980
InMotion Mini Speakers....P5,500
InMotion Speakers....P5,500
InMotion IM3 Speakers....P6,500

Hardware:
Mac mini G4/1.42GHz/256MB/80GB/Combo Drive/BT/56k.....P29,980
Mac mini G4/1.25GHz/512MB/40GB/Combo Drive/APX/BT.....P30,980
Mac mini G4/1.42GHz/512MB/80GB/Combo Drive/APX/BT.....P35,980
Mac mini G4/1.42GHz/512MB/80GB/SuperDrive/APX/BT.....P40,980

PowerBook G4 15.2"/1.3GHZ/256MB/60GB/Combo Drive/APX/BT (w/ FREE iSight)...P74,980
PowerBook G4 15.2"/1.5GHZ/512MB/80GB/Combo Drive/APX/BT (w/ FREE iSight)...P96,980
PowerBook G4 17"/1.67GHZ/512MB/100GB/SuperDrive/APX/BT (w/ FREE iSight)...P129,980


*Combo Drive - DVD player & CD player/burner
*SuperDrive - DVD player/burner & CD player/burner
*56k - 56kbps telephone modem
*APX - AirPort Extreme (Wi-Fi 802.11g) for wireless internet
*BT - BlueTooth


For more details, you may contact Ynzal Marketing Corp. Philippines at 413-7575/74 • 413-7579/78 or email them at sales@ynzal.com.

5 Questions From A New Mac Switcher

A friend of mine recently made the switch to a Mac thanks to the new company he works for that gave him one. Being the Mac enthusiast that I am, I was of course pretty happy for him and told him to feel free to ask if he had any questions. And when I got the chance to talk with him about his new Mac experience, I realized that a lot of the initial questions he had were very similar to the basic things I also asked about when I got my first Mac. So I picked five of his questions and put them together in this little piece I call "5 Questions from a New Mac Switcher" (I know... how creative...):

1. What is the equivalent of Windows Explorer in Mac OS X?

That would be the Finder. But the Finder is so much better.
You can access the Finder by going to the Dock and clicking on the icon with the two faces that share one mouth. That is your Finder icon.
Also, when you open any folder or double-click on the Macintosh HD icon on your desktop, it opens up in a Finder window. The Finder allows you to manage your files similar to Windows Explorer or most other file managers for that matter. You can move some files around, create new folders to organize your stuff, etc... But one of the reasons why I think Finder is so much better than Windows Explorer is because of Spotlight. Spotlight is a handy search tool in OS X that is accessible from any Finder window via a basic search box located at the upper-right hand corner of your window (you can also access Spotlight by clicking on the magnifying glass icon located at the upper-right hand corner of your screen).
If you're looking for a file, just type the filename in the Spotlight search box. The moment you type in the first character, the search begins and narrows the results down as you type in more characters. You'll see the results displayed immediately in your Finder window grouped together based on file type.
More options will allow you to sort the results based on date, file size, author, plus a few other categories. And the great thing about Spotlight is that it not only searches for filenames, but also searches the contents of the files, such as the actual text inside a Word document or the names of the layers inside a Photoshop file. Let's say you typed a document the other day and want to look for it, but you forgot where you saved it and what filename you used. And then you remember that you typed in the phrase, "I like to wear red panties and paint my nipples pink," inside that particular document. With Spotlight, you can actually type in those words in the search box, and it will be able to locate the document for you. And NO, I don't like wearing red panties. I do, however, enjoy painting my nipples pink...

2. How do I right-click on something?

The first Apple mouse I had was essentially just one big button, and I too wondered about the mystery of the missing right-clicker. To simulate the results of a right-click, hold down the CONTROL key on your keyboard and CLICK on an item. Voila! Mystery of the missing right-clicker solved.

But the Apple Mighty Mouse has left-click, center-click, right-click, side-click, and horizontal & vertical scrolling capabilities. You can also use any standard USB mouse and it should work with your Mac. I have an A4 Tech USB mouse that has 5 buttons and 2 scrollers. The left & right clickers and the scrollers work normally. And the three other buttons I am able to use to execute the Exposé commands. So if you need another mouse, you're not just limited to purchasing Apple's Mighty Mouse which is a bit more pricey than others.

3. What is that keyboard key that has Apple's logo and that other weird shape written on it?

That is the COMMAND key. The command key is used in conjunction with other keys and enables you to perform keyboard shortcuts. Command + Q, for instance, is the keyboard shortcut for quitting an application. Command + C is for COPY, while Command + V is for PASTE.
For more keyboard shortcuts, open System Preferences (you can access this from the Dock or by clicking on the Apple logo located at the upper-left hand corner of your screen) and go to Keyboard & Mouse >>> Keyboard Shortcuts.

I don't know what that other weird shape is called, but I refer to it as "the square with tiny circles sprouting from each corner" or tswtcsfec (pronounced tiz-wuh-tic-see-fec). Some say it's a butterfly while others refer to it as the "infinite loop" (which happens to be the address of Apple's Cupertino headquarters).

4. How do I uninstall an application?

To remove an application, all you have to do is delete the application file or simply drag the application to the Trash. You must delete the application file, and not just the icon that sits on your Dock. You can find the application files (or .app files) by going to the Finder. Simply open a Finder window, click on "Applications" which can be found in the Finder window's left sidebar, and you will see all of your installed applications displayed on the right. Just look for the application file that you would like to uninstall and simply delete it or drag it to the Trash (if the application is inside a folder, then delete the entire folder as well).

An application may place other related files (such as preferences and cache files) in other folders as well. But if you're scared of touching those other stuff or are too lazy to look, then just leave them. You don't have to delete those files. Your system should still work fine. And those other files are usually very small so they won't take up too much space on your hard disk.

If you want a tool that will help you uninstall an application (including all of those other related files), try AppZapper. It's a nice little program that will look for the other related files of the application that you want to uninstall, so that you won't have to look for them yourself. You can download a trial version from their website that gives you five free "zaps", and if you're satisfied with its performance, then you may purchase a license for it. I wonder if AppZapper can "zap" itself...

5. How do I ctrl+alt+delete an application?

Unresponsive applications, unfortunately, do not just exist in Windows. So if you think that the program you're using has hung or has stopped responding (when that multi-colored circle thingy just won't go away), then press Command + Option + Esc and a window will pop up that will enable you to "force quit" an application. And that multi-colored circle thingy, as cute as it may appear, is referred to by many as "the spinning beachball of death".

And that's FIVE. Do you remember what questions you asked the first time you used a Mac?

Win An iPod Shuffle From Microwarehouse Philippines

Register at microwarehouse.com.ph/appleofmyi and pick your top three favorite photo entries from the "Apple Of My i" photo contest for the chance to win a brand new iPod Shuffle from Microwarehouse Philippines.

NOTE: Online voting for favorites is open to the public, but the photo contest winners will be decided on by a set of judges.

Microwarehouse Philippines Invites You To The "Mac Of My Life" Exhibit

Microwarehouse Philippines will have the "Mac of My Life" exhibit on May 6-7, 2006 at the Powerplant Mall, Rockwell. The exhibit will run during mall hours and will feature some of the photo entries from the "Apple Of My i" photo contest. It will be located at the north wing, near the Mango shop. Be sure to check it out! :)

Free Apple Training Seminar From Ynzal Marketing Corp. Philippines

[UPDATE 25-April-2oo6]

Ynzal Marketing Corp. Philippines is holding an Apple Training Seminar at the UP Diliman Law Complex. The seminar date is yet to be announced will be held on April 27, 2006 (Thursday). You may choose to attend either the morning session (8:30am to 12nn), or the afternoon session (1:30pm to 5pm). Registration is FREE.

The topics to be covered at the seminar are as follows:

1. Getting Started and Mac OS X Basics


2. Classroom Control using Apple Remote Desktop


3. Developing Virtual Lesson Objects - QuickTime Virtual Reality


4. Developing Movies for Teaching and Learning - iMovie


5. Content Broadcasting - Podcast & Vodcast


6. Playing with Open Source Applications to Integrate ICT into the Curriculum


7. Web-Based Mechanisms for School Administration and Course Management - Centre & Moodle

NOTE: Participants must bring their own computer units.

For more details you may call Portia at 413-7575/74 or 373-2232 or email her at portia@ynzal.com. You may also visit ynzal.com/event_apple_training.

Desktop Decor Set #1Free Desktop Wallpapers From PinoyMacLovers

Some shameless self-promotion. Hope you like! :)

1024x768 | 1440x900 | 1680x1050

1024x768 | 1440x900 | 1680x1050

Boot Camp: Lets You Run Windows XP On An Intel-based Mac

A friend of mine has been contemplating about getting a Mac for MONTHS now. He WANTS one. He REALLY does. His main concern is that he works for a software company and most, if not all, of their applications will NOT run natively on Mac OS X.

Enter Boot Camp.Boot Camp, currently in public beta, allows you to install Windows XP on an Intel-based Mac. Yep. Windows on a Mac. Some say "yay!" while others say "eh?" But regardless of your opinion, it seems that Boot Camp is here to stay. Apple has announced that the final version will be added as a feature in the upcoming Mac OS X version 10.5 "Leopard".

You can download a copy of Boot Camp Public Beta at apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/.

Apple Computer vs. Apple CorpsTwo Apples in Legal Dispute Over Logo

From the April 10, 2006 issue of Time Asia:

...A lawyer for Apple Corps, which is co-owned by Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison's estate and Yoko Ono, downloaded a Coldplay song from iTunes to show a London judge how Apple Computer uses its logo to sell music, in violation, the lawyer said, of a 1991 agreement that it would stay out of the music business. Apple Computer's lawyer responded that "even a moron in a hurry" could distinguish between the online music store and a record label like Apple Corps, with its Granny Smith logo...

I liked how Apple Computer's lawyer responded that even a "moron" could distinguish between the two logos. I especially liked how he was specific enough to also mention that said moron would be "in a hurry". Although I did become slightly worried that my blog, which has a grand total of 5 readers, could get sued, as well, for having a logo that also uses the image of an apple, albeit one that's unbitten. Luckily, I was able to find a "moron in a hurry" and asked for his opinion. He said, "I like eggs," and proceeded to eat some with his feet.

Mac OS X 10.4.6 Update Now Available

Don't forget to run software update if you don't set it to check automatically. For more information, click here.

Final Cut Studio Universal Version Now Shipping

Final Cut Studio 5.1 is now Universal! This means that owners of Intel powered Macs can now run this award-winning production software set with their Core Duos and take advantage of the amazing speed! Visit apple.com/finalcutstudio for more information.

Widget World: Sing That iTune!

Do you dream of becoming the next American Idol? Well then you better start memorizing those lyrics lest Simon Cowell mercilessly berate you for the whole world to see.The Sing That iTune! widget by Toru Yanu grabs the lyrics of whichever song is playing on your iTunes and displays it for your singalong enjoyment. Now if you'll excuse me, I shall go warm up my vocal cords.

Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Doooo!

Widget World: Snake

This one brings me back to the days when the Nokia 5110 was new, and changing your phone's case everyday was considered cool. The Snake widget by VanillaSoap Design brings this once popular game to your Mac's Dashboard. This widget version lets you play in "Classic" mode, which is what most of us have been used to (snake eats apple, and gets longer each time until you either die or grow long enough to fill the entire screen). Then there's the more up-to-date "2004" mode that features timed levels and various obstacles. As if I haven't got enough things to waste my time on...

Note: Hitting P on your keyboard will pause the game.

The New Mac Mini With Built-in iView

The New Mac Mini With Built-in iView
Is that a built-in iSight on a Mac Mini? No. That's Apple's new revolutionary product, the iView - a miniscule LCD projector that looks just like the iSight. The new Mac Mini's built-in iView completely eliminates the need for an external display. All you need is a solid surface, and the iView effectively displays your computer screen for your viewing pleasure. With UXGA (1600x1200) resolution and an ANSI lumens rating of 3000, the iView gives you stunning picture quality and amazing image detail. The built-in iView rests on a sturdy 3-inch stand which allows the lens to swivel at a full 360 degrees and tilt to a maximum angle of 60 degrees. Coupled with the standard zoom-in, zoom-out and autofocus functions, the iView gives you maximum ease and flexibility in adjusting your display.

We Shrunk The Keyboard And The Mouse

The new Mac Mini with built-in iView now comes with the new Apple Pro Portable Keyboard and Mini Mouse. The new Apple Pro Portable Keyboard is a foldable input device that measures 8 inches in width and 4 inches in length. While the new Apple Mini Mouse has all the features of its predecessor, the Mighty Mouse, at half the size. And with wireless Bluetooth capabilities for both, the new Mac Mini is virtually wire-free.

What about the power cord?

No problem. The new Mac Mini with buit-in iView also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery pack that gives you up to 5 hours of usage. As long as you have enough power, you don't need to plug into an outlet. This allows you to take advantage of the Mac Mini's size and gives you true portability.

The New Mac Mini With Built-in iView...
PLAY Anytime, disPLAY Anywhere.