Beyond the Office
August 31st, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/1/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Our editors' favorite PC and console games and hardware, a look at the
evolving world of digital music, tips on burning CDs and DVDs, and
everything about wireless technology and cell phones.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=
XEROX
A winner in the printing triathlon, brilliant color that won't quit.
Enter to win an $11,000 Business Upgrade Package (USD) or a Xerox
Phaser(R) 6250 Color Laser Printer.
Visit this link to enter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/722421/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
August 31st, 2004
The Playlist: IPods vs. Zen Touch
Sr. Assoc. Ed. Eric Dahl
Tech products change as often as the discs in my CD player. New
versions, tweaks, and updates come along all the time. Sometimes
you're handed a product like Creative's Zen Touch, and it's tough to
tell how people will react. Other times, well, you're looking at
Apple's new IPods. This month I've taken brief looks at new players
from both these companies. One's taking steps in the right direction;
the other I'm not so sure about.
Polishing Up the IPod
By now, you know where you stand on Apple's famous portable player:
You either love it, or you're unimpressed. So here's a simple take on
the new versions: Yes, the new models are much better. Apple's
offering 20GB and 40GB IPods for $299 and $399, respectively--that's
$100 less for the same capacity as earlier models. You can check the
PC World Product Finder for pricing on these models.
IPod 20GB:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737225/0/
IPod 40GB:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737226/0/
The company's built in some very real improvements, including easier
navigation and better battery life. And yet these IPods aren't likely
to win over power users holding out for the perfect MP3 player.
Apart from the price, the big changes are the battery life, now rated
at 12 hours of continuous play, and the Click Wheel control that
debuted with the IPod Mini. With the Click Wheel, Apple has managed to
elegantly combine its touch-sensitive scroll wheel with easy-to-use
buttons. A button in the center of the wheel lets you select items;
the menu, fast-forward, rewind, and play/pause buttons are located on
the wheel itself. You click the wheel in the appropriate direction to
activate those functions.
Beyond that, a few thoughtful tweaks make the IPod a more friendly
device. A new setting lets you adjust the playback speed on audio
books without turning the narrator into a chipmunk on helium. You can
remove songs from On-The-Go playlists, and save the resulting
arrangement of tracks if you like. If you want to shuffle through all
the songs on your player, you'll find that choice on the top menu. So
thumbs up to the new IPods. An already great player gets lots of
useful additions.
Still, the new IPods can't quite claim the title of perfect MP3
player. Codec support is limited to AAC, MP3, and Apple Lossless--so
those of you with WMA, Ogg Vorbis, or FLAC files are out of luck. You
still can't rearrange songs in a playlist; and there's nothing like
the DJ feature on Rio's Karma player, which lets you build rules-based
playlists on the go. Finally, a few corners have been cut to help trim
prices. The 20GB model lacks a docking cradle, and neither model comes
with the case and inline remote that shipped with older IPods. But
both models ship with a USB 2.0 cable as well as a FireWire cable.
For more info and an image of the latest design, go to Apple's IPod
site:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737227/0/
Is Creative Losing Touch?
At least Apple's player keeps getting better. I'm not sure I can say
the same for Creative's offering. I took a brief look at the company's
newest hard drive player, the 20GB Zen Touch. It lists for $270, and
you can look for lower prices on our Product Finder:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737228/0/
The Zen Touch seems like a step in the right direction. It's smaller.
It has a nifty touchpad control that's easy to use. And I thought it
would have the same ultra-powerful interface for selecting and playing
songs.
But it doesn't. Sigh.
You might remember that a few months ago I went a little nuts (in a
good way) over the playlist interface for Creative's Nomad Zen:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737229/0/
I mean, I loved this thing. It absolutely changed the way I listen to
music. The idea of an IPod-sized player with that interface had me
drooling.
But no, Creative wanted to simplify things, to aim for the ease-of-use
found in its IPod rivals. So with its latest player, there's no more
moving songs around within a playlist. No more treating albums and
artists as objects so you can collapse them for easy navigation or
move a full album of tracks with a few clicks. Gone. Poof. No more.
And no "advanced menus" option that brings these features back.
I can hold out hope for a firmware upgrade, I suppose. But I can't
help thinking that Creative really dropped the ball here. How,
exactly, do you sell this device? With a powerful interface, you could
pitch it as the power user's MP3 player. Without it, the Zen Touch
just comes off as a slightly larger, slightly heavier IPod. Sure, it's
$30 cheaper and it's got 24 hours of battery life. But that's not
going to put a dent in IPod sales, is it? Especially not when people
pick it up and realize it still uses pick-list commands for many of
its functions. Looks a lot like a poor IPod knock-off, doesn't it?
Like Gary Oldman playing Zorg in "The Fifth Element," I am very
dis-a-point-ed.
For more info and an image of the Zen Touch, go to Creative's Web
site:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737230/0/
* Quick Hits *
RealNetworks Hacks ITunes: All this uproar over Real's Harmony
technology certainly is amusing:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737231/0/
The story so far: Real releases a beta version of its RealPlayer
software that lets you download protected tracks bought at RealPlayer
Music store to Apple's IPod players. Apple accuses Real of resorting
to "hacker-like tactics" and mentions that, oh-by-the-way, this
feature just might break when it updates its IPod software:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737232/0/
Real maintains that what it's doing is perfectly legal.
This will probably end in an instant messaging wars-style standoff,
where Apple keeps locking RealPlayer users out as the two companies
head to court. I'm not sure what Apple's worried about, though. Would
people stop buying IPods if they could play RealPlayer Music Store
downloads on them? Does anyone seriously believe that IPod owners
would desert the ITunes Music store for Real's offering? Come on,
Apple: Just license FairPlay and get it over with. The IPod and ITunes
are strong enough to compete without being tied together.
New Musicmatch: Lost in all the Harmony hullabaloo was the release of
Musicmatch 9, which features a new premium service called Musicmatch
On Demand. My colleague Ed Albro has spent more time with it than I
have, so you'll want to read his Today @ PC World blog posting for his
evaluation:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737233/0/
Have a question or comment? Write to Eric Dahl:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Read Eric Dahl's regularly published "The Playlist" columns:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/364758/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Sponsored Downloads:
* DeskTop Author: First Authoring Tool That Creates Try And Buy
E-Books *
With DeskTop Author you can create any type of e-publication including
e-brochures, e-books, digital photo albums, e-cards, digital diaries,
online resumes, quizzes, exams, tests, forms and surveys. Easily turn
your digital Web books into Web pages with no need for HTML, ASP or
other programming knowledge. Version 4 is the Create, Protect and Sell
your e-publication, e-Book and e-Magazine release. With the
all-in-one DRM and Payment Gateway feature it is the world's first DRM
- Payment gateway combination included within a reader and packageable
from a commercially available software. Version 4 also includes a
print screen saver function, allowing you to create page turning
screen saver photo albums, promotional screen savers and so on. As a
bonus, DeskTop Author Version 4 allows you to create editable photo
albums, which means you can create and sell photo albums you design
using the DRM and Payment gateway. Download your free trial of this a
revolutionary product, and save $51.00 with a special coupon for PC
World newsletters subscribers when you decide to purchase.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737166/0/
* Autopilot for Windows XP: Breakthrough Automatic Performance Tuner
*
Running many applications at the same time? Is your video getting
jerky? Bothered by annoying skips of your fave tunes? Is your video
or audio editing bogging XP down? Is your new WinXP machine simply
getting slower? AutoPilotR is a Breakthrough Automatic WinXP
Performance Tuner! It was originally developed to tune multiprocessor
supercomputers, but is now available for WinXP. This is not a 'memory
optimizer' but a real world performance tuner. We have seen a busy
machine's performance go up by as much as 40 percent. (AutoPilot does
not run on Win95/98 or WinME.) The current version of AutoPilot for XP
works fine with the new WinXP Service Pack 2. Special $5.00 discount
coupon for PC World newsletters subscribers.
* More information:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737167/0/
Check other exclusive discount software offers for PC World
newsletters subscribers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/237749/0/
=====================================================================
Top News From PC World
* The News In Brief
New this month: The body as networking device...and IPaqs abound.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737195/0/
* Will Longhorn's Loss Be Your Gain?
Microsoft's decision to pare back features of the upcoming OS is not
bad news, some say.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737196/0/
* Check out all of today's news...
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/54/0/
=====================================================================
Editors' Picks
Best E-mail Utilities: Find Lost Messages, Improve Outlook
Feeling constrained by Outlook? Encrypt e-mail, locate lost messages,
and kill spam with these programs.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737197/0/
Sam Spade v1.14
Level the playing field against spammers with this network-query suite
of tools.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/516544/0/
PGP Freeware v8.0.3
Encrypt your e-mail messages and ensure they are not intercepted by
snoopers.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/1400/0/
DBXtract v4.50
Extract mail messages from individual DBX files.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737198/0/
OEBackup v2.9.0.3
Free utility may not be pretty, but it backs up OE files and settings.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737199/0/
PocoMail v3.1
Keep your e-mail virus-free with this client.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737200/0/
Mozilla Thunderbird v0.7.1
Download the mail client for Mozilla's browser.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737201/0/
X1
Locate lost files, email messages, attachments and contact
information.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737202/0/
For a full list of this week's Editors' Picks, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737197/0/
=====================================================================
* Reviews *
* Top 10 Digital Cameras
This month's only new model, the Canon PowerShot S60, offers a nice
mix of basic and advanced features.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737203/0/
Check the latest prices on Cameras:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/681/0/
* Top 10 17-Inch LCD Monitors
Five newcomers, including Best Buys from LG Electronics and Sharp,
capture spots on this month's chart.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737204/0/
Check the latest prices on Flat Panels/LCD:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/85/0/
* Top Multifunction Printers
The print speeds of both inkjet and laser MFPs impressed us, but copy
and scan speeds--as well as output quality--were mixed.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/737205/0/
Check the latest prices on Printers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/237/0/
See all Reviews:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/86/0/
=====================================================================
* PCWorld.com's New Bargain Finder!
PCWorld.com has launched a new service that offers a daily list of hot
bargains on computer gear, gadgets and other cool stuff. Youll find
deals that combine coupons, rebates, discounts and free shipping.
There are closeouts, price reductions and special offers, all in an
easy-to-scan format. Our deal spotters have a special knack for
finding the products you may want to own at pretty unbelievable
prices. A fresh list of deals is posted every day. Some of these deals
only last a day or two so be sure to come by often; you never know
what youre going to find there.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/516495/0/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=|advertisement|=-=-=-=
Shop Now Online
*XEROX
Get productivity to burn, without burning a hole in your budget. Enter
to win a 50" HDTV or a Xerox Phaser(R) 8400 Color Printer.
Visit this link to enter:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/237406/0/
=====================================================================
* PC World Picks and Promotions *
* PC World Magazine: Get 15 free Power Guides instantly plus Bonus
CD-ROM!
Get 2 trial issues of PC World--the world's leading monthly computer
publication. Plus, you'll get PC World's 15 Power Guides and Bonus
CD-ROM free when you enter your trial subscription! Order now to
receive this exclusive Power Guide Collection from our award-winning
editors. Here's what you'll get--Upgrading Your PC,
Multimedia/Gaming, PC Hardware, A Trouble-Free PC, Windows XP, The
Internet, Using Windows and more! Don't delay. Order today.
[Note: Adobe Reader version 5 or newer is required to view Power
Guides.]
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/237590/0/
Or Try PC World in Digital Format. Same Magazine, Now Digital!
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/216/0/
* Save 15% on Steve Bass's PC Trouble-shooting Book
O'Reilly and PC World are pleased to present a book by PC World
contributing editor Steve Bass, "PC Annoyances, How to Fix the Most
Annoying Things About Your Personal Computer." PC World newsletter
subscribers get 15% off the cover price, *and* a free Windows Secrets
Super Guide PDF download.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/601321/0/
* Find Hot Spots
Use this free PCWorld.com service to locate Wi-Fi hot spots around the
corner or across the globe. Search by address, browse a map, check
pricing, search the U.S. by Zip Code and more.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/2628/0/
=====================================================================
* Newsletter Subscriber Services *
If you cannot "click" on the links in this newsletter, please try
copying the complete URL and pasting it into your browser's address
field.
--To unsubscribe from this or all newsletters, to sign up for new
newsletters or to change your newsletters format from text-only to
HTML, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/19/0/
--To change the e-mail address to which we send your PC World e-mail
newsletters, please visit our change of address form at:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/20/0/
--PC World will occasionally send e-mail announcements of special
deals, new products, and other third party product and service offers
to newsletter subscribers and PCWorld.com Registered Members who have
asked to receive them. To update your preferences and be excluded from
these mailings, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/21/0/
--For a list of all these subscriber services online, please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/22/0/
--PCWorld.com Privacy Policy:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/146/0/
If you have questions or comments regarding PC World e-mail newsletter
subscriptions, please contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Interested in PC World RSS feeds? Please go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/208322/21421685/66/0/
PCWorld.com newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet
which are owned and operated by third parties. PC World
Communications, Inc., is not responsible for the availability of, or
the content located on or through, any such third-party site.
2004 PC World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written
permission of PC World Communications, Inc., is prohibited. PC World
is a registered trademark of International Data Group, Inc. All other
trademarks used on PC World and PCWorld.com are the property of their
respective owners. PC World Communications, Inc., 501 2nd St., San
Francisco, CA 94107.
---
You are currently subscribed to beyond_office_text as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
$9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/BCfwlB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kumpulan/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
