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We knew the first .1 update to OS X Leopard had to be coming soon enough, as there were just too many small niggles in the initial release that were bothering people, especially as it pertained to things like Back to my Mac, Finder, Time Machine, and Mail 3.0. Luckily, if you are running Leopard, you can now fire up Software Update to install 10.5.1. This update fixes 25 of the most pressing bugs seen in 10.5.0. We’ve included a list of all 25 after the break - check it out, and let us know how it goes for you. As for us, the update hasn’t fixed the Airport kernel panic that keeps taking our MacBook Pro down every 30-45 minutes or so. Thanks Apple!
Click to continue reading Apple releases OS X 10.5.1 update
Gallery: Apple releases OS X 10.5.1 update
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AT&T USBConnect 881 bringing 3G over USB to PCs and Macs everywhere
Posted by Sparky Categories: Apple, Broadband, Internet, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi, USB,
AT&T just announced their USBConnect 881 - an HSDPA/HSUPA modem for Macs and PCs that connects via USB. The minuscule 1.25oz modem claims to give an average download speed of 600kbps to 1.4Mbps, with uploads clocking in at 500kbps and 800kbps in HSUPA markets. While it may not be as slim and sexy as an Expresscard modem this looks like a great option for those with an older laptop, or a Macbook looking to quench their hankering for high speed laptop data on the go.
Available now for $50 with a 2 year contract, or for $299 without a commitment to AT&T.
Read More 
| AT&T
Gallery: AT&T USBConnect 881 bringing 3G over USB to PCs and Macs everywhere
With all the problems going on with the writer’s strike, we are grateful that Madtv has just debuted its 13th season. We have always appreciated their humor when dealing with Apple and this parody about the iPod is no exception. Based on the new nano commercial with Feist’s “One, Two, Three, Four” as a soundtrack, our kudos to the comedy troupe that keeps getting funnier every year. Check out their video, “They Keep Changing the iPod.”
Read More | MADtv
Gallery: MADtv Spoofs New iPod Ad
UK iPhone launch lines non-existent
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds,
Now this is just silly, especially when compared to the mania that the iPhone launch caused here in the US. Apparently, there is no one in the UK
queueing to purchase an iPhone. I mean, there are some, but very, very few. Compare that to the 4-block long line that I was a part of when I purchase my iPhone at the Seattle Apple Store, and I start looking like a dork. Especially since I was within the first 40 people in that line. Oh, and the fact that later that night, when the line had made it through, there were still plenty of iPhone to be had. I guess the British just have a bit more dignity than we do.
[Thanks, Patrick!]
Read More | iPhone Crowds? Don't believe the hype!
Gallery: UK iPhone launch lines non-existent
Many Mac-using Gear Live readers have long been fans of Quicksilver, the swiss army knife of data manipulation, application launching, and effortless productivity. Those users can be assured that Quicksilver will live on, as it’s author has just released the project to Google Code as free, open-source software. If you love coding for OS X check it out and see what you can add to this already amazing application to make it better.
Read More | Google Code via TUAW
Gallery: Quicksilver: now with 100% more open-source goodness
Apple has just unleashed updates for iTunes and QuickTime, and both are available now through Software Update on OS X and Windows, as well as through the Apple website. Here are the changes in iTunes, according to Apple:
iTunes 7.5 features the ability to activate iPhone wherever service is offered and support for Phase, a new interactive music game designed exclusively for iPod nano (third generation), iPod classic, and iPod (fifth generation). This release also includes bug fixes to improve stability and performance.
And as for QuickTime:
QuickTime 7.3 addresses critical security issues and delivers:
- Support for iTunes 7.5
- Updated support for creating iPhone-compatible web content
- Updated JavaScript support in the QuickTime Web Plug-in
- Numerous bug fixes
This release is recommended for all QuickTime 7 users.
If you’d like more detailed into on the security content of the update, hit the link below.
Read More | QuickTime 7.3 Update Notes
Gallery: iTunes 7.5, QuickTime 7.3 released
BluePhoneElite 2: Your Mac and your phone, together at last
Posted by Sparky Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Internet, Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, Software, Wireless / WiFi,
Gear Live has long been a fan of BluePhoneElite, and the new version 2.0. BluePhoneElite allows users to send and receive SMS messages via Bluetooth from the comfort of their computer, dial and receive calls, and generally provide solid integration between Apple’s iLife applications and a Bluetooth phone.
The new version fully supports Symbian and Windows Mobile devices, but sadly only supports the headset profile on the iPhone due to the closed nature of the platform. A new license BluePhoneElite 2 costs just under $25 and offers a 2 week trial so you can take it for a test spin. Current BluePhoneElite version 1 customers will get the new functionality as a free upgrade.
Read More | Mira Software via TUAW
Gallery: BluePhoneElite 2: Your Mac and your phone, together at last
Networkers Rejoice: Business Card Composer
Posted by Jenny Lewis Categories: Apple, Design, Product Reviews, Software,
There are some things that even the most advanced cell phone or laptop can’t replace. Tops on that list is the business card - it’s one of the easiest ways to represent yourself or your company while meeting someone new. Trying to find a card that will represent yourself or your company can be a huge challenge - the clip art and fonts available at your neighborhood office supply store or print shop don’t necessarily have the best reputation for being contemporary.
Enter BeLightSoft’s Business Card Composer. The software publishing house that brought the Mac community publication-driven titles like Art Text, Swift Publisher and Printfolio has supplied a fantastic alternative to chain store business cards.
Click to continue reading Networkers Rejoice: Business Card Composer
Gallery: Networkers Rejoice: Business Card Composer
Sidewinder For iPhone
Posted by Jenny Lewis Categories: Accessories, Apple, Smartphones, Portable Audio / Video,
The search for the perfect iPhone case is an arduous task. Screen protection, side button access, clips, card slots, maybe even a stand—the list of secondary duties that a case can perform is growing almost daily. Marware’s Sidewinder for iPhone offers another entry in the list of case functions—earphone organization.
If you’re using the stock iPhone earbuds (or any other earbud-style headphones), the Sidewinder will keep them tangle free and wrapped around a slide out arm. The arm also sports a cutout that holds Apple’s Bluetooth earpiece. The iPhone can be mounted in the holster with the screen facing out or in. The Multidapt clip on the back rotates 360 degrees, can be used as a stand for vertical or horizontal viewing, and can be switched out for any of the other Multidapt accessories.
Sidewinder for iPhone retails for $24.99 and Multidapt accessories range in price from $4.99 to $19.99 USD.
Read More | Marware Sidewinder product page
Gallery: Sidewinder For iPhone
Slide Your iPod into the i50
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Apple, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
Creative TravelSound has come up with the i50 docking speaker for second generation iPod shuffles. It features four microdrivers and a digital amplifier, and offers 21 hours of play on each charge by USB. We like the look of this brushed metal slot-in docker, as it seems that PMP accessories seem to getting larger all the time, which to us almost deletes the purpose of portability. With the i50, you can slide it into someone’s Christmas stocking for ~£35 (~$72.00) without anyone being the wiser.
Read More | Pocket-lint
