Snippets from Previous Meetings
Tony has made arrangements to borrow a data projector for AMUG to use at some of its club meetings. Members agreed that this would facilitate demonstration sessions, and it was suggested that $20/session would be a reasonable donation to make for its use. Tony will arrange to borrow it when required.
AMUG Website
Elizabeth continues to make further adjustments to our website: www.aorakimacuser.orcon.net.nz
For Sale
Sheryl has a variety of models of used computers for sale. Contact: or Phone 03 689 4824.
She also showed a selection of very reasonably-priced software, mainly for younger users. This included the children's art application KidPix, which led to an impromptu demonstration session (see below).
MACINTOSH QUADRA
Sheryl brought along a Mac Quadra computer of 1991 vintage, which in its day was the equivalent of the present high-performance Mac G5 computer. This machine had a 160MB hard drive (when Mac Classics were lucky to have 40MB drives), as well as having a built-in floppy drive. Although ancient in computer-age terms, this machine is still perfectly functional and useful. However, Sheryl commented that internal design has improved since the Quadra's time, with greater ease of access to components such as batteries.
NEW MODELS/PRICES/UPDATES/EQUIPMENT
Sheryl outlined some of the changes in recent computer models, prices and sotware updates, including:
- eMac price (while stocks last) for the present entry-level model is about $1200 +GST (or even less if you can do without a modem and CD drive!)
- iTunes Version 4.5 is now available.
- iPods now come in various models, the Êlatest of which connect via both Firewire and USB to both Windows and Macintosh machines.
- Flash Keys (also known as Pen Drives/Flash Drives) are a fast, convenient means of either data storage or transfer of data between computers.
Tony contacted the Christchurch-based Apple User Group of Canterbury to enquire about the possibility of arranging a combined meeting with AMUG, similar to the Geraldine Workshop Day during May last year. AUGC replied that they had decided to hold a combined get-together in Christchurch later in the year, at date yet to be decided. They asked for topics which we would like to see covered - members suggested:
- PDF Compression in MacOS X
- Garage Band
- Safari: saving both text and graphics
- Genealogy Software
DEMONSTRATION SESSIONS
KID PIX
Art Software for Children (of all ages!)
Sheryl demonstrated the capabilities of this popular and versatile application, which has been around for many years and is well-known in schools. KidPix can be used to draw and paint with a variety of tools (including brushes and stamps), to insert clip art, sounds animated objects and movie clips, to made featured slide shows, as well as other activities. Visit www.kidpix.com for a demo.
KidPix, which cost about $100 ten years ago (with only a few of the above features) is now available for $NZ14.95 from Sheryl. This is a combined Windows/Macintosh version, for those who may be buying for friends or family with the other sort of computer.
GRAPHIC CONVERTER
Demonstration of this image-handling application has been included in past meetings, and Tony showed more of its e-mailing, slide show and format conversion capabilities. Although simple to use, GraphicConverter has many advanced options which are controlled through its various Preference menus.
Using this program quickly shows why it was winner of the MacUser 2003 Award, and was given a 5-Star Award rating my MacWorld. Ê
GraphicConverter is shareware, and is produced by Lemke Software Ð visit their website: www.lemkesoft.de/en/graphcon.htm
The current version is V5.1 (not 4.9 as mentioned at the meeting!), and is a 7.4MB download available from www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/263. ÊRegistration is $US30, which also covers further updates for the next 10 years.
MacBasics - LOCKING/TRASHING/EJECTING Several members contributed to a combined session which looked at a number of basic file-handling aspects, including how to trash files, retrieve them from the Trash, empty the Trash and how to lock files to prevent them being deleted.
Remember to send in suggestions for the proposed combined AMUG/AUGC meeting, please.
REMINDER
Next AMUG Evening meeting will be on Friday May 28, 2004
Next AMUG Daytime Meeting will be in Monday May 17
[Committee Meeting on Mactropolis: Tuesday May 18 at 9:00pm
Regards to all....
Secretary: Tony Climo, Aoraki MacIntosh Users Group