November 2009 Archives

Applecare replaces worn trackpad, but quality of replacement suspect

By
James Lockman
on November 30, 2009 8:43 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
My Black Macbook's trackpad had worn down due to constant use over the last 2 3/4 years, and  finally became non-responsive to most initial touches. Starting at the edge of the pad would allow me to use it, but that's pretty inconvenient. I brought the machine to the Maine Mall Apple Store for an Applecare replacement.

The trackpad and the keyboard are all one unit (actually, it's the whole top of the computer's case), and it all needed to be replaced. Surprisingly, they had one in stock, and made the switch for me that day. Taking it home, Software Update told me I had to perform the keyboard firmware update 1.0.1, which I did.

After a couple of days, however, the "Z" key popped off. I snapped it back into place, and it popped off again the next day. Also, the new trackpad had a very sticky button when pressed in the middle of the button. Either end of the button performed as expected, but the middle would not click unless pushed very hard. Finally, the kangaroo Z key and the sticky button became enough of an annoyance that I had to return it for another replacement.

I called the store and explained the situation, and they asked me to wait until after Black Friday to bring it in. I brought it in today (Monday, Nov. 30) and they replaced the keyboard and trackpad assembly in a few hours. Again with the firmware update, and we're off to the races.

I hope that this keyboard/trackpad lasts longer than the last replacement. My Applecare will expire in January, so I hope so... As for the savings, the replacement would have cost $224.06 if I were paying out of pocket. Score 1 for Applecare.

Microsoft Sync less than impressive

By
James Lockman
on November 27, 2009 11:47 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
I had the opportunity to rent a car recently that had Microsoft's Sync technology. Always curious, I plugged in my iPhone, and gave it a whirl.

At first, I was confused because the system was active but confused while Sync cataloged the content on the iPod. After it finished cataloging, though, the system became properly responsive.

I did not try to bluetooth connect the phone part of the iPhone, though, so I have no experience with that.

Pushing the button on the steering wheel woke Sync and it asked me what I wanted to do. I had to tell it to use USB (where the iPhone was tethered), and then ask it to play a specific audiobook. I gave up after two minutes of getting the wrong audiobooks or the wrong part of the book I wanted.

Turning to music, I asked it to "Play artist Blue Oyster Cult," expecting it to play a selection of songs. After three minutes of frustration, repeating myself or rephrasing or speaking louder or softer, I caved to Bill Gates' wishes and settled on the Steely Dan that it eventually selected.

After a while, though, I asked it to "Play Artist Yes," and it had no problem with that request. Encouraged, I tried BOC again, and was stymied.

Of course, pressing and holding the iPhone button and using Voice Command hasn't failed me yet, for BOC or any other artist, audio book, or phone contact.

Score one for Apple.

New Creative Suite trainings available at CS-Magic.com

By
James Lockman
on November 13, 2009 12:52 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some friends of mine have created a new training company devoted to helping people become more proficient with Adobe's Creative Suite. They offer live trainings via Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro, with knowledgable trainers and super content. They also offer customized trainings for companies that are looking for something special.

I have two classes there now, with more to come. One is on Creative Editorial Workflows with InDesign and InCopy, which you can register for here. The other one is about Long Document Publishing Workflows with InDesign, which you can register for here.

You can find more at www.cs-magic.com


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Parallels 5 upgrade amazingly snappy

By
James Lockman
on November 4, 2009 9:03 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Having installed the Parallels 5 upgrade on my 3 GB Core 2 Duo MacBook, I was expecting a moderate performance boost with my Windows XP virtual machine. I made the upgrade in order to move to Windows 7, and although Parallels 4 supports Windows 7, Parallels 5 was supposed to provide some performance improvements across the board in addition to a better Windows 7 experience.

Performance boost is an understatement.

I haven't done any benchmarking yet, but starting apps (which used to take half a minute to several minutes, depending on the app) was unexpectedly fast. So fast, with Acrobat 9, for instance, that I didn't even notice that Acrobat had started. Powerpoint 2007 opened in about 4 seconds, and Captivate 4 took only 10 or 11 seconds to get running.

Parallels shared folders, which always took anywhere from 10 to 45 seconds to refresh, took around 8 seconds, no more, to refresh.

I am thus far delighted with this upgrade, and look forward to Windows 7.

Windows XP Virtual Machine Blue Screen of Death after Parallels 4 to 5 Upgrade

By
James Lockman
on November 4, 2009 8:36 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Always eager to test improvements to Parallels Desktop, I purchased the Parallels 5 upgrade. I was frustrated by a Blue Screen of Death in my Windows XP virtual machine, however, which the help system did not resolve. A quick trip to Google, however, revealed this article in the Parallels help system:
http://kb.parallels.com/en/6873
It explains that you need to set the number of CPUs to 1, then let Parallels install the new tools, then set the CPUs back to 2 or more.

Seems to have done the trick. I just wish that Parallels' help system would have revealed this solution.

Disappointed with my fellow Mainers

By
James Lockman
on November 4, 2009 10:21 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Yesterday, the voters of Maine voted to repeal a same sex marriage law that the legislature had enacted last spring. Maine became a focus of national attention, and with it, national money and campaigning. It is unfortunate that outside interests with deep pockets can poison the issue and turn the issue from one of equal treatment for all into one of, let's face it, religious opinion.

The Pilgrims left England over religious persecution. Today, tax paying citizens face the same religious persecution in the form of scare tactic ads promising the gay-ification of our schools. There was another issue on the ballot calling itself the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, and another one looking to limit excise taxes on new (6 yrs old or less) cars. Both of these were defeated, so our taxes will remain among the highest in the nation for another year or two, anyway.

Now, I know that this is going to sound stereotypical, but my gay friends and acquaintances are folks who earn decent money, have no kids, and like to spend. Now, who do you want in your town, propping up your school departments? The retirees, the new homeowners, the struggling small businesses, or the well-to-do couple with no kids and no drain on the tax base?

Of course, people live where they work, and it is unlikely that these couples will not pick up stakes and bolt for Massachusetts. However, in our Internet economy, where you live is less and less important, so there may be little to keep these couples here.

Shame on you, Maine, for shooting down an opportunity to attract more highly paid, intelligent, and creative people to our otherwise lackluster economy. Shame on you, Maine, for caving to outside interests. And shame on you, Maine, for not doing the right thing.
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