Surf-Bits Link Blog

Griffin Technology Inc., announces that they are now shipping the SmartDeck Intelligent Cassette Adapter for iPod. SmartDeck allows users to control their iPod using the built in controls of their cassette player. Using patent pending sensing technology, the SmartDeck determines which commands the cassette player sends to the iPod.

SmartDeck is more than just a cassette adapter for iPod; it achieves truly seamless integration between iPod and cassette deck. Users can utilize the cassette deck\’s forward and rewind buttons to advance to the next or prior songs in the iPod playlist. In addition, pause and stop buttons do what pause and stop buttons are expected to do. When the user hits the cassette deck\’s Eject button or switches from Cassette to Radio, Griffin\’s SmartPlay technology automatically pauses the iPod. Also, the SmartDeck will have the ability to control the iPod volume settings for optimal sound quality with your deck.

Griffin\’s SmartDeck is $29.99 USD, and is availble at www.griffintechnology.com.

Macromedia, Inc. today announced the availability of the Macromedia ColdFusion MX 7 Updater, a free, incremental release adding new platform support for Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and Mac OS X Server 10.4 Tiger, plus updated support for Oracle 10g, Red Hat Linux AS 4, Solaris 10, and IBM WebSphere 5 Network Deployment. Native support for Tiger opens up the well-known rapid development advantages of ColdFusion to a whole new Tiger developer audience while creating an exciting new deployment option for existing ColdFusion customers. This Updater is being released alongside rapid adoption of ColdFusion MX 7 by leading establishments in a broad range of industries. Since its release in February, ColdFusion MX 7 has been rapidly adopted by thousands of organizations around the world. Organizations such as the California Department of Transportation and Bushnell Performance Optics credit the powerful, new productivity-enhancing capabilities of ColdFusion MX 7 and an easy upgrade path from previous versions of ColdFusion for their swift adoption and implementation of the solution.

In addition to offering expanded platform support, the ColdFusion MX 7 Updater includes up-to-date hot and security fixes, and refines several of the important, new features in the ColdFusion MX 7 release. To download the free ColdFusion MX 7 Updater, please visit: http://www.macromedia.com/coldfusion.http://www.macromedia.com/coldfusion.

lynda.com announced that it is now shipping five new video-based tutorials covering Macromedia’s Studio 8 release.

lynda.com has published seven new video-based training titles to its Online Training Library. Five of these titles are available in the lynda.com store on CD-ROM, and are shipping now. You must be a lynda.com subscriber to view the other two Macromedia tutorials. All seven will help Web designers and developers master the new features of Studio 8.

lynda.com’s new training titles available for purchase are:

Dreamweaver 8 Essential Training
with Garrick Chow
Available now for $149.95
This course begins by covering basic Web authoring skills and progresses to demonstrate advanced topics like using Dreamweaver 8\’s new unified CSS style panel. This tutorial gives viewers all the tools they need to publish an entire site on the Web, and includes exercise files to make following along easy.
http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=172

Flash Professional 8 Essential Training
with Shane Rebenschied
Available now for $149.95
This course covers the animation processes, and describes how to integrate type, graphics, audio, and video. Nearly twelve hours of training plus exercise files enable even first-time users to create and design rich and robust Flash projects.
http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=169

Fireworks 8 Essential Training
with Abigail Rudner
Available now for $149.95
This training begins with an overview of the Fireworks 8 interface, then covers techniques such as working with vector tools, manipulating bitmap images, image optimization and exporting methods, as well as how to integrate with Dreamweaver 8 and Flash 8. Exercise files accompany the eleven hours of training videos.
http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=164

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Allume Systems, Inc., a division of Smith Micro Software Inc.today released Aquazone Seven Seas Deluxe, the latest catch in the AQUAZONE family and the first version available for both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. Seven Seas Deluxe includes 40 different kinds of fish from goldfish, clown fish, jellyfish, sea turtles, a giant sunfish, a shark and more! Already on of the best selling interactive aquariums on the PC, Seven Seas Deluxe allows Mac users to enjoy own their own virtual aquarium.

Aquazone was the first virtual aquarium to bring an interactive element to user’s computer. In addition to Aquazone’s realistic fish, tanks, and lighting effects, users can “feed” their virtual fish or “tap” on the tank to see their fish react. Aquazone is also unique in its ability to display virtually unlimited numbers of fish, even whole schools of some species.

The MSRP for Aquazone Seven Seas Deluxe is $24.99 and is available directly from Allume and major retailers including, and mail order catalogs. Visit http://www.allume.com/win/aquazone/sevenseas.html for more information about the Windows version. or visit http://www.allume.com/mac/aquazone/sevenseas.html for more information about the Mac version.

PowerLogix and Other World Computing have immediately available a new 900 Megahertz (MHz) PowerForce 750FX G3 upgrade for PCI- based Macs including PowerMac 7300, 7500, 7600, 8500, 8600, 9500 and 9600 models from Apple Computer, as well as select Power Computing and Umax clones.

The 900MHz PowerForce 750FX G3 includes 512K of L2 cache also running at 900MHz and is immediately available for $139. With a clock speed up to nine times faster than original stock 601 or 604 Apple processors, additional performance and software compatibility are possible because of the modern IBM G3 750FX processor gains this upgrade is based upon.

The PowerForce 1 Gigahertz (GHz) PowerForce 750GX G3 featuring 1MB of L2 Cache also is available for $209.99.

The new PowerForce 750 G3 is the latest in the PowerForce G3 line, previously honored as Editor¹s Choice by MacWorld Magazine.
Online ordering and more information on this new PowerLogix G3 upgrade are available online at www.macsales.com/legacywww.macsales.com/legacy .

Tekkeon announced today a price reduction on myPower™ for iPod¾the sleek combination rechargeable battery and portable dock that provides up to 42 hours of extra play time. Effective immediately, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price has been reduced by $30, from $89.95 to $59.95.

myPower for iPod, a rechargeable lithium polymer battery built into a portable dock case, uniquely complements the style of the iPod. This lightweight, all-in-one device provides iPod mini 6GB up to 42 hours of extended play time (up to 28 hours for iPod mini 4GB), iPod 4G and iPod Photo up to 32 extra hours, and iPod 3G up to 20 additional hours.

myPower for iPod is available in Apple stores and other retail stores nationwide, and on-line from Tiger Direct and other major e-retailers.

Tekkeon today launched myTune™ FM, an FM transmitter and car charger for iPod built into a sleek cradle that holds iPod at eye level for quick and easy access. myTune FM includes a USB 2.0 port for downloading music on the go.

myTune FM plays music stored in an iPod on a car stereo, and can simultaneously charge the iPod in the car. And myTune FM mounts on the car air vent, so the iPod is cradled at eye level, minimizing interference to the driver.

Users simply tune to any of the seven pre-set channels on myTune FM to listen to music from iPod directly on the car stereo. LEDs on the front of myPower provide a visual indication of the selected channel. myTune FM is plug and play accessory¾no software is required to use myTune FM.

A built-in antenna and advanced radio technology, including phase-lock-loop transmission system and FM stereo modulation, combine to give myTune FM an excellent transmission signal with minimal interference.

myTune FM attaches to the car air vent with a clip that can be rotated to secure the cradle to a horizontal or vertical vent. Two arms are included with myTune FM: one to securely hold full-sized iPods, and a mini arm to securely hold the iPod mini.

The MSRP for myTune FM is $69.95. myTune FM comes with two exchangeable arms, a user guide, and a one-year limited warranty, and is currently available at major on-line retailers and from the Tekkeon store at www.Tekkeon.com.

Unsanity LLC announces the availability of WindowShade X 4.0.2. This update fixes several small bugs and enhances the popular window management tool.
WindowShade X brings a wealth of window management capabilities to Mac OS X. From the ever popular windowshade functionality to Minimize-in-Place and custom shadow control, you won\’t lack for options to customize your window work space in Mac OS X ever again!

New in Version 4.0.2
- This update is free for all registered users.
- Fixed numerous issues with WindowShade X not working right with certain applications (Opera, Azureus, Eclipse, Mariner Write, Internet Explorer, and others).
- Fixed a visual glitch with window shadows when custom shadows were enabled.
- Other smaller bug fixes.

WindowShade X is available for download at:

http://www.unsanity.net/windowshade-x-402.dmghttp://www.unsanity.net/windowshade-x-402.dmg

Mariner Software, Inc.,
developers and publishers of professional, personal, and educational
software for the writing and creativity markets, today announced the
release of MacJournal 3.2 for Mac OS X, version 10.4 “Tiger.”
Utilizing Apple’s Accessibility API, this version of Mariner’s popular
journaling application showcases a host of advanced accessibility
features for users with vision disabilities and also addresses
Section 508 guidelines for accessibility.

Mariner’s MacJournal goes beyond creating personal journals and
recording ideas to enable organizing all a users creative endeavors
including managing scripts, novels and generating blogs.
Password protection and AES-256 encryption also provides two
levels of security protection for blog content.

For more information, visit the
Mariner Software web site at www.marinersoftware.comwww.marinersoftware.com.

Prosoft Engineering Inc., the makers of easy-to-use, professional quality software, announces the availability of Data Rescue II v1.0 for Mac OS X.

New Features of Data Rescue II v1.0
• Brand new all Cocoa based GUI user interface

• Assistant mode and Expert mode operation

• Drag and Drop recovery, and double-click to open single files.

• Optimized for Tiger; runs on Panther and Jaguar.

• Supports 10 times more file types for content scans than Data Rescue X.

• New Deleted Files scan, much faster and more capable for finding deleted files

• Integrated Thorough and Content scans; does both in one scan.

• Faster scanning and recovery.

• More reliable file recovery algorithms.

• Authorization is retained. The user\\\’s password is needed only once, when launching the first time.

Upgrade pricing is available at www.prosofteng.comwww.prosofteng.com as well as a demo version.

Availability

Data Rescue II is available for purchase online at www.prosofteng.com and at Apple Stores, Fry’s Electronics, ClubMac, MacMall, MacZone, MacConnection and Amazon.com

Sonnet Technologies, a worldwide leader in upgrades for Apple Macintosh® computers and iPod® digital music players, announces G5 Jive™, the internal drive mounting system for Power Mac® G5 computers. G5 Jive enables Power Mac G5 users to add up to three additional Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives inside their computer-just add drives and a SATA PCI card to create the most cost-effective solution for adding high-performance storage capacity in a Power Mac G5.

Pricing and Availability
G5 Jive (Part no. ENC-G5-3HD) will be available this month with a retail price of USD $99.95.
For more information about G5 Jive, please refer to the Sonnet web site at :
< <http://www.sonnettech.com/product/g5_jive.html>>

ClearClip is the versatile way to keep the iPod shuffle safe and secure while making it more portable than ever. Add some spontaneity to your Shuffle, go beyond the lanyard and clip it anywhere you choose your pocket, shirt, belt, backpack, whatever works best for you! The fully transparent ClearClip complements your Shuffle, allowing it to shine as you take it for a spin. Available now for only $17.95 USD.
http://www.radtech.us

XtremeMac debuted its FS.1 High Definition Earphones today, introducing a new generation of professional audio technology to the iPod consumer. Launched in conjunction with the opening day of Apple Expo in Paris, these earphones are the first product resulting from the partnership between XtremeMac and Future Sonics, the leading manufacturers of personal monitors for professional musicians.

Visitors to the Apple Expo in Paris will be able to listen to the FS.1 earphones and compare them side-by-side with their current earphones at XtremeMac\’s exhibit. \”The FS.1 earphones have to be heard to be believed,\” says XtremeMac CEO Gary Bart. \”We\’re confident that this product will be a big hit at Apple Expo.\” XtremeMac expects to begin shipping the earphones by November 1, however consumers will be able to place pre-orders at Apple Expo through XtremeMac\’s French distributor, Computers Unlimited for $149.95.

RapidWeaver is a next-generation web design application to help you create professional looking web sites in minutes. No knowledge of complex code is required, RapidWeaver will take care of all that for you.

RapidWeaver 3.2 has a slew of new, powerful features. Such as a built-in media inspector allowing users to re-size, flip and rotate photos.

Users now also have access to a revolutionary theme variation system allowing simply, easy customizations. Not only that but users can now apply different themes and variations to each page in their site.

Features Include, .Mac & FTP Publishing, iPhoto Integration, XHTML & CSS Based Sites, Unlimited Submenus, Over 30 Themes, Live PHP Rendering, Blogging with RSS Feeds, PHP Contact Forms, Flash Based Slideshows and Much, Much More.

AudioExpress enables users to record sound from their Mac\’s built-in microphone or from an external source such as the Apple iSight.

AudioExpress works seamlessly with iTunes and iPod, so users can take their recordings with them. AudioExpress is extremely versatile. It\’s many uses include recording voice memos, interviews, vinyl records and transcribing audio.

Audioexpress extensive AppleScript support not only enables automation of its own features, but provides endless possibilities when used in conjunction with other scriptable applications. AudioExpress provides support for the following actions, Record, Pause, Stop, Snip and Sync.

Features Include, Record & Play Audio, Sync with iTunes, Timed Recordings, Live Search, Notes, Categories and Applescript Support.

Future Pricing & Availability
RapidWeaver 3.2 will be available early October, priced at $34.95 (USD). It will be a free upgrade for all existing users.

AudioExpress will be available September 29th, priced at $19.95 (USD).

For more information on both products, please visit:
http://www.realmacsoftware.com/http://www.realmacsoftware.com/

Inventive today has pre-announced the upcoming iClip 4, which features a new, stylish user interface by veteran UI designer, Piotr Gajos (Pe8er). To celebrate the forthcoming release, Inventive also announced the “iClip 4 ‘Re-gift’ Giveaway” where a Mac mini, an iPod nano, or an iTunes Music Card will be given away to three lucky winners. Inventive recently won the Mac mini in the DashboardWidgets.com “Favorite Widget” Contest for their iClip lite widget and decided to “re-gift” it for this promotion. iClip 4 will be priced at $29 US and anyone who purchases the current version of iClip for $19.95 will receive a free upgrade to iClip 4 when it\’s released. Details of the giveaway are at http://inventive.us/RegiftGiveaway/