Mac mini Muse - Thursday, May 12, 2005

By Charles W. Moore Thursday, May 12, 2005.
Tags: Blogs � Mac mini Muse �

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MCE 8X DVDÂ±R/RW "SuperDrive" Upgrade For Mac mini
ADS Tech USB 2.0 Mini Drive Kit Converts User's HDD to a Hot-Swappable USB 2.0 Drive for Instant Portable Storage
Treat Your Mac mini to More USB and FireWire Ports with Belkin's New Hubs Designed to Specifically Match Your Mac mini

MCE 8X DVDÂ±R/RW "SuperDrive" Upgrade For Mac mini

The new MCE 8X DVDÂ±R/RW "SuperDrive" upgrade with Double Layer (also called Dual-Layer) Support for the Mac mini allows users to author professional-quality DVDs as well as create, store, and share their collections of videos, music and photography. Plus, the discs produced by this fast, highly reliable drive are compatible with most computer and set-top DVD video players and other DVD burners â€“ so video and data DVDs created using this drive can be shared with business associates, friends, and family quickly and easily.

Are you looking to share your inspired video creations with others, but you don't have a DVD burner on your Mac mini? Look no further... MCE Technologies has made its highest performing slot-loading CD and DVD burning drive available for the Mac mini. Replacing your computer's original optical drive, the MCE slot-loading drive allows you to watch DVD movies, play audio CDs, as well as burn blank CDs and blank DVDs at the highest speeds possible. Compatible with iTunes and recording at 24X to both CD-R and CD-RW media and at 8X to both DVD-R and DVD+R media the MCE 8X Internal SuperDrive upgrade has true Double Layer support, which means you now have the ability to record up to 8.5GB of data on a single side of a Double Layer DVD.

The additional storage capacity of the DVD+R Double Layer disc enables you to record up to 4 hours of DVD-quality video or 16 hours of VHS-quality video, without the need to turn over the disc. You can now archive up to 8.5GB of computer files on a single disc, which almost doubles the storage capacity compared with the 4.7GB for the single-layer DVD-recordable discs currently available.

You may have the MCE 8X SuperDrive Upgrade for Mac mini professionally installed into your computer by MCE Technologies or one of our worldwide Authorized Upgrade Centers, or if you prefer, you may install it yourself (which is priced higher, but you get to keep your original internal optical drive).

Features
• 8X DVD-R and DVD+R recorder
• 4X DVD-RW and DVD+RW recorder
• 2.4X DVD+R Double Layer recorder
• Convenient slot-loading mechanism
• 2MB Cache Buffer
• Buffer underrun protection
• Bootable
• Compatible with iTunes, iDVD, iPhoto and Disc Burner

Double Layer Technology

The Double Layer DVD+R system uses two thin embedded organic dye films for data storage separated by a spacer layer (see figure). Heating with a focused laser beam irreversibly modifies the physical and chemical structure of each layer such that the modified areas have different optical properties to those of their unmodified surroundings. This causes a variation in reflectivity as the disc rotates to provide a read-out signal as with commercially pressed read-only discs. Did you get all that?? It just means that there are two recording layers inside the DVD instead of just one... two layers means twice the recording capacity! Now wasn't that easier?

On-Board Liquid Crystal Tilt/Thickness Compensator

Not every disc is created equal. The MCE 8X SuperDrive Upgrade implements an on-board liquid crystal tilt/thickness compensator... the first time ever in a portable form factor. This cutting edge technology provides accurate, reliable read and write performance with a variety of disc characteristics, even with irregularly curved or thick / thin media. This technology is also effective in recording DVD+R double layer media.

Specifications
DVD DVD-R*1, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW,DVD+R DL
CD CD-R 700(type 80), 650MB(type 74), CD-RW, Ultraspeed CD-RW, Highspeed CD-RW

Read Support
DVD DVD-ROM, DVD-VIDEO, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW & DVD+R DL*2
CD CD-ROM(Mode 1&2), CD-ROM XA, CD-DA, Video CD, PhotoCD, CD EXTRA, CD-Text, CD-R, CD-RW

Write Speed
DVD-R 8x
DVD-RW 4x
DVD+R 8x
DVD+RW 4x
DVD+R DL*2 2.4x
CD-R 24x
CD-RW 24x

Read Speed
DVD Max 8x CAV
CD-ROM Max 24x CAV
Data Buffer (size) 2 MBytes
Dimensions (W x H x D) 128mm x 12.7mm x 129mm
Weight 200g

Supported Media:
DVD-R (Version 2.0 for General), 4X-Speed DVD-R, 8X-Speed DVD-R
DVD-RW (Version 1.0, 1.1, 1.2), 2X-Speed DVD-RW, 4X-Speed DVD-RW
DVD+R, 4X-Speed DVD+R, 8X-Speed DVD+R,
DVD+RW,4X-Speed DVD+RW
DVD+R DL
CD-R, Multi-Speed CD-RW, High-Speed CD-RW, Ultra-Speed CD-RW

DVD-RAM and Ultra-Speed + CD-RW are not supported.

The MCE 8X Internal SuperDrive Upgrade with Double Layer support is compatible with all versions of Mac OS X, including Tiger, and is seamlessly compatible with Apple's iApps including iTunes, iDVD, and iPhoto. In addition, it is compatible with Finder Burning and DVD Studio Pro, Apple's professional DVD Authoring software.

Once installed, a quick check of Apple System Profiler indicates that the MCE 8X Internal SuperDrive upgrade with Double Layer support is already supported natively by the Mac OS. No third-party drivers to download and hassle with. This native Mac OS support is your guarantee that your MCE 8X drive is 100% compatible with all current and future Mac OS updates and versions.

Now you can record up to 4 hours instead of 2 hours of the highest quality DVD video on a single disc. Or store 8.5 gigabytes, equaling about 12 fully recorded CD-Rs, instead of just 4.7 gigabytes, on a single-sided DVD. Double Layer recording technology built into the MCE 8X Internal SuperDrive upgrade makes it possible.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee

System Requirements:
Mac mini running Mac OS 10.3 (or later)

Self Installation or MCE Installation Starting Below $149.00

For more information, visit:
http://www.mcetech.com/minidvdr8dl.html

ADS Tech USB 2.0 Mini Drive Kit Converts User's HDD to a Hot-Swappable USB 2.0 Drive for Instant Portable Storage

ADS Tech ( http://www.adstech.com ) has announced a new Mini Drive Kit, the latest addition to its line of USB products. The Mini Drive Kit is a plug-and-play device that enables Mac and Windows PC users to quickly and easily increase their storage capacity by turning the hard drive that best meets their needs into a portable USB 2.0 drive. Gigabytes of removable storage can be added by simply plugging an IDE Ultra DMA 33/66 or ATA-100/133 hard disk drive into the ADS Tech Native Bridge Board inside the drive kit's enclosure.

Designed with the same sleek look and feel of the new Mac mini, the stackable ADS Tech's Mini Drive Kit also offers the same small form factor as the Mac mini -- it is just 6.5 inches square and less than 2 inches high.

When plugged into the USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port of a computer the Mini Drive Kit is instantly recognized, there's no need to configure the drive or reboot the system.

With a cost-effective solution for adding Gigabytes of removable storage to their new minicomputer or laptop without opening the computer case, consumers, students and business people can expand the capabilities of their Macs and PCs to achieve new levels of convenience and productivity.

-- Users can get started by transferring files from their desktop system to the drive kit and plugging it into their new minicomputer or laptop.

-- Consumers can turn their minicomputer into a digital entertainment hub that looks attractive in their living room and takes up very little space.

-- Business users can share data by plugging the drive kit into the USB port of a co-worker's computer.

-- Content developers can edit video on location because the Mini Drive Kit supports sustained transfer rates up to 35 MB/Sec. Since digital video only requires 3.9 MB/sec., there's plenty of speed remaining for other tasks.

-- Students can store and transfer volumes of data between their home computer and the computer they use at school.

All of these users, including mobile users, can use ADS Tech's Simple Touch(TM) Backup Button on the front of the drive kit to backup entire folders or selected files with a single click. By using the Intech utilities for PCs and Macs that is included with the drive kit, automatic backups can be scheduled.

ADS Tech's versatile USB 2.0 Mini Drive Kit is externally powered with a power supply that provides both 5 and 12 volts to the drive. A lighted rear power toggle switch and a hard drive activity light are included to help users quickly determine drive access. For security, the Mini Drive Kit offers advanced micro-slot protection (to keep the drive from "walking away") and compatibility with both Anchor Pad and Kensington Locks.

ADS Tech's new USB 2.0 Mini Drive Kit can be used with Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP systems as well as Mac OS X systems. A Windows 2000 or XP system with USB 2.0 drivers from Microsoft is required for USB 2.0 speeds. The Mini Drive Kit will be available through ADS Tech's network of online and retail channels worldwide with estimated street price of US$59. It includes the USB 2.0 Drive Enclosure, a 9-inch USB white cable and a 5-inch USB white cable, a 5-Volt/12-volt Power Supply and a CD with Intech's Utilities for PC and Mac systems.

For more information, visit:
http://www.ADStech.com

Treat Your Mac mini to More USB and FireWire Ports with Belkin's New Hubs Designed to Specifically Match Your Mac mini

Belkin Corporation announces new USB and FireWire Hubs that offer additional ports and that are specifically engineered to stack on top of or below the Mac mini -- helping to save valuable desktop space. The Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Hub and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire 6-Port Hub for Mac mini feature front ports that give easy access to USB devices such as thumb drives and the iPod shuffle. Both Hubs will begin shipping in North America on July 15, 2005.

This Hub allows you to connect up to four high-speed devices to your Mac mini. Two USB 2.0 ports located on the front of the Hub provide fast and easy connectivity for USB thumb drives, media readers, digital cameras, and small accessories such as the Apple iPod and iPod shuffle.

BENEFITS

-- Adds four 480Mbps downstream ports

-- Works with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 (low- and full-speed) devices

-- Offers compatibility with iPod, iPod shuffle, printers, digital cameras, and thousands of other USB devices

Ideal for the iPod, iPod shuffle, Mac mini, and other USB devices, this Hub features a total of two FireWire ports and four USB 2.0 ports. A single USB and a FireWire port are located on the front of the Hub to give you easy access to USB thumb drives, media readers, and small accessories such as the Apple iPod and iPod shuffle.

Benefits
-- Provides a low-profile, space-saving platform for stacking your Mac mini
-- Combines FireWire and USB technologies in one easy installation

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire 6-Port Hub for Mac mini - $49.95

For more information, visit:
http://www.belkin.com

New Mac mini Goes After Frustrated Windows Users

New York Times Syndicate's Dwight Silverman reports:

"When released its latest Macintosh, the Mac mini, the company known for its rabid fans made it clear this was aimed at a tougher crowd -- Windows users.

"Buoyed by sales of its iPod music products to non-Mac users, Apple sees an opportunity to tout its computer products to the curious or disaffected users of Microsoft's dominant operating system. Indeed, given how many Windows users are frustrated and angry at waves of viruses and spyware, the relatively untouched Mac OS should be an easy sell.

"But walking away from something that's familiar is hard for most people.

"They'd rather suffer Windows' security problems than try something new.

"Still, the Mac mini is compelling -- relatively cheap, easy to use with existing PC hardware like keyboard and mouse, and downright cute.

"I decided to put Apple's strategy to the test. I tried to completely switch from a Windows XP box to a mini for two weeks."

For the full report, visit here.

Mad Mac mini multimedia machine, Part 1: Load Linux on the Mac mini
The Mac mini as a stand-alone Linux multimedia appliance

Mad Mac mini multimedia machine, Part 1: Load Linux on the Mac mini

IBM Developerworks' Lewin Edwards says:

"The Mac mini is an ideal low-cost, high-performance PowerPC development platform for numerous applications. Learn how to install and configure Linux on the mini. Future articles will add the software required to make it into a stand-alone multimedia appliance.

"This short series of articles shows you how to take a conveniently inexpensive, high-end PowerPC platform (specifically, an Apple Mac mini) and build it into a home multimedia appliance using Linux. At the end of the series, you'll have a stand-alone device that can play slide shows of images, audio, and movies, and that is controlled and administered from another machine using a standard Web browser.

"The PowerPC platform is very well-suited to this type of multimedia application, and the G4 with AltiVec used in the Mac mini is an exceptionally powerful and flexible choice. This first article introduces you to the hardware's capabilities and walks you through installing and configuring Yellow Dog Linux so you can delve into some application code in the next article."

For the full report, visit here.

The Mac mini as a stand-alone Linux multimedia appliance

The Mac mini is an ideal low-cost, high-performance PowerPC development platform for numerous applications. This article shows you how to install Linux, configure the networking and audio subsystems, and install and configure a simple Web server. You will also set up an FTP server that will let you get multimedia content onto the hard disk remotely. Future articles will add the software required to make it into a stand-alone multimedia appliance.

Apple Mac Mini Carputer
Roaming + teaching tests + Mac mini
iHome & Mac mini May ideas
iRoaming in the -> iHome & Mac mini

Apple Mac Mini Carputer

Custom truck mods says:

"I had plans to set up the factory kit to accomodate an Apple iPod. Then I got to thinking, the iPod I'd need to hold all my songs hasn't been made yet - a 60GB iPod Photo would just barely make it. At that cost, it's actually cheaper to buy a Mac Mini... I know, there are a lot of additional costs with the latter, but work with me here. The ideas started to flow; music, movies, GPS, WiFi browsing and Email, video recording... My mind was made up pretty quickly. Another nice feature is that I can pull into the driveway and sync up to the server to download new MP3s via WiFi and a custom rsync script. As an avid photographer, having some place to dump tons of images from a Flash Card or Microdrive without worry of having the laptop handy is icing on the cake....

"Getting the Mac Mini was the easy part. Now for all the other bits that'll actually make it work in an automotive environment. I didn't care for wireless transmitters to get the audio from the Mac Mini to the head unit and amp so something wired was called for - to get the best quality. Sadly the stock head unit doesn't have pre-amp inputs which meant the only real option I had was an FM modulator."

For the full report, visit here.
http://xterrafirma.com/BoarderPhreak/pictures/X_Mini/index.html

Roaming + teaching tests + Mac mini

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"I would typify the Mac mini as a device as actually interactive, internet ready, and interconnective through wireless, Bluetooth, ethernet, USB, DVI and Firewire with audio plug.

"The type is really qualified by use and how such a device is actually interconnected and two uses for me stand out clearly. One prime educational use may be typified as the system to drive an education interface through a projector for close groups as shown above, or with a more powerful projector for full screen projection so that all in the room may see the data on the screen even from the last workstation seat.

"The second prime educational use for me may be typified by placing a Mac mini with each PC in a teaching environment as a cross platform situation so that Unix and other systems like the sleek Panther and the prowling Tiger OSX and also others, so that open source software also may well be used very profitably indeed within the education environment.....

"I believe Mac mini will remove many boundaries that the PC fraternity have built up in mistaken understandings and imaginary Mac problems very quickly. Its holding the Mac mini in the hand that I see a strange new attitudes forming in PC users. Many are fascinated with its form and what it does for its size and its multi functional capability."

For the full commentary, visit:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/05/roaming-teaching-tests-mac-mini.html

iHome & Mac mini May ideas

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

INTERACTIVITY + ROAMING

THE SCOPE OF THE iHOME

It all comes down to the basic concepts.
INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS
INVENTORY SYSTEMS
INTERCONNECTED SYSTEMS
INTERNET SYSTEMS
INTRANET SYSTEMS
iAPPLIANCE SYSTEMS
iNODE SYSTEMS
ADAPTIVE SYSTEMS

You can check it out at:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/05/ihome-mac-mini-may-ideas.html

iRoaming in the -> iHome & Mac mini

Mini Ture_MacJournal says:

"Within the iHome there are various identifiable node points and these I have mentioned a few times recently.

"All that is really needed for roaming is a light small keyboard and a relatively small mouse with a long cable, or alternatively a bluetooth enabled wireless keyboard and mouse and some form of display.

"These items, the projector, the the small keyboard, the mouse, wireless and Bluetooth and the power plug are all that is needed, not even a monitor."

For the full commentary, visit:
http://dbatrium.blogspot.com/2005/05/iroaming-in-ihome-mac-mini.html

***

Charles W. Moore

Note: Letters to Mac mini Muse may or may not be published at the editor's discretion. Correspondents' email addresses will NOT be published unless the correspondent specifically requests publication. Letters may be edited for length and/or context. Opinions expressed in postings to Mac mini Muse are those of the respective correspondents and not necessarily shared or endorsed by the Editor and/or Applelinks management. If you would prefer that your message not appear in Mac mini Muse, we would still like to hear from you. Just clearly mark your message "NOT FOR PUBLICATION," and it will not be published. CM

Tags: Blogs � Mac mini Muse �