Snippets from Previous Meetings
Sheryl ably led the following four sessions, which gave us interesting insights into both hardware and software:
NEW iMACS & iBOOKS
An overview was given of the current models of iMac and iBook, including
prices and specifications. Of course,
there was particular interest in the latest G4 iMac (illustrated),
with its powerful processor, flat adjustable
screen and hemispherical casing. Different! Also more expensive than
standard iMacs, so time will tell how well it
sells. A number of new iBooks were available for members to inspect and use.
PRINT TO P.D.F.
This useful application is a small shareware program which changes documents
into PDF (Portable Document
Format) files, which have the advantage that they can be read on any
computer (Mac or Windows) which has either
Acrobat Reader or GhostScript installed. It is easy to use, being accessed
through the Chooser, and saves the file
as a PDF to a chosen location. Print to PDF is a fairly small file
(672Kb... takes about 2 minutes to download) and
may be obtained from its writer's website: www.jwwalker.com
EXTERNAL FIREWIRE HARD DRIVE
Sheryl demonstrated her 80Gb external firewire hard drive... a fast, hot-pluggable extra-storage facility. At $1000 +GST it's expensive, but is very useful when large amounts of data need to be recorded.
iMOVIE
A further session on this very user-friendly software (Sheryl introduced us
to it last year) was facilitated by
having iBooks for members to try out the procedures for handling movie
clips, adding transitions,titles and sounds,
and generally having fun producing high-quality movies.
PUBLICATIONS
- A recent issue of Time magazine which gave an account of the new G4 iMac was available for perusal.
- The new bi-monthly magazine NZ MacGuide was shown and discussed. This publication is attractively printed and covers anumber of topics. At $4.95 it is good value for money, if the standard of this first issue is maintained.
- For those who are interested in MacOS X, Barry recommends MacOS X for Complete Idiots, which gives clear explanations when getting used to the system.
Shortly, we hope to start having daytime meetings for AMUG members who may find these preferable to the main monthly (evening) meetings. The proposal is for meetings to be held on the 3rd Tuesday morning of each month at 10am, possibly at a different member's home each time, and concluding with a shared lunch, if desired. The group would be informal, and topics covered could be similar to the main meetings, or others (eg. basics sessions) as required.
Elizabeth O'Brien already has a list of names of members who have expressed interest; would any others who would like to attend please contact her so that she can make arrangements. Elizabeth's e-mail address is elizabet@orcon.net.nz.
FOR SALE
Sheryl has for sale:
- Powermac 5200 computer
- Powermac 3400 laptop
QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Topics shared included discussion on allocation of RAM, the use of Conflict Catcher to resolve system problems, and some aspects of virus profection.
WEBSITE
Elizabeth continues to update our website, kindly hosted by Dworld at www.dworld.co.nz/mac.users. Thank you for your continued efforts, Elizabeth.
PLEASE NOTE
- There are many new downloads available on Mactropolis, for those member who are connected.
- Subs for 2002 are now due: $15 individual or $20 family (covers clubrooms hire, supper, Mactropolis connection)
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS
Some ideas for forthcoming meetings were suggested. Topics may include a further virus protection, and also a look at firewalls and encyclopedias.
For those organised people who keep their diaries organised some time ahead, please note that the March meeting will be held on Friday 22nd, which is a week earlier than usual, as the last Friday of the month is Good Friday.
REMINDER
Next meeting is on Friday 22 Febuary
ALL WELCOME - BRING A FRIEND
Bring your computer if you would like Mactropolis software installed.
[Committee Meeting on Mactropolis: ]
Tony Climo
Secretary, Aoraki MacIntosh Users Group