Mac

Not just for graphic conversion

True to its name, GraphicConverter's main functionality is converting graphic files--importing from some 200 formats and exporting to about 80, at last count. But it also proves invaluable as a high-speed image editor that lets you quickly browse, resize, sharpen, adjust color, and optimize for the Web, all at a price that makes commercial packages blush. This latest version features several interface tweaks and bug fixes.

Also this week we have the latest version of VMware Fusion, which lets you launch your Windows applications from the Dock and switch between Windows and Mac applications using Expose. Our game this … Read more

Digital City Podcast 51: Deconstructing the PSP Go, new MacBook rumors, and Palm Pre price cuts

Episode 51 of the Digital City, where we deconstruct the PSP Go, discuss some new MacBook rumors, and wonder why the Palm Pre has already gotten so many price cuts.

It's also the second week of our new live Monday afternoon timeslot, so remember to adjust your schedules accordingly.

Related links: >>It's 'PSP No' for converting old UMD discs >>Rumor alert: New MacBooks only weeks away >>Wal-Mart sale: Pre for $79.99

>>Watch the Digital City live every Monday at 3pm EST on CNET Live! >>Subscribe to Digital City on iTunes &… Read more

RIM set to release Mac-syncing software

The long-awaited BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac is finally at hand, Research In Motion announced Wednesday.

The new desktop software, designed specifically for Mac users, will be available as a free download on RIM's Mac page, starting at 10 a.m. PDT Friday.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager for Mac allows people to sync data with Mac apps for contacts, appointments, tasks, and notes. The software also allows people to schedule back-ups, encrypt files, and perhaps most importantly, install software updates for their BlackBerry devices.

Apart from the business side of things, RIM said the software features BlackBerry Media Sync, allowing … Read more

HP's upscale Envy 13 reviewed

Even a cursory glance will tell you the HP Envy 13 is a very nicely made premium 13-inch laptop. It's a solid slab of aluminum and magnesium, etched with interesting visual details, and filled with capable components, such as a dual-core low-voltage Intel CPU and discrete ATI graphics.

It's also clearly a shot across the bow of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, even if Hewlett-Packard leaves that challenge unstated. The edge-to-edge glass over the display and oversize multitouch touch pad all add to a Mac-like look and feel. Unfortunately, the Envy 13 is priced more comparably with ultrathin systems … Read more

Social aggregator

Nomee, a dark-themed Adobe AIR app, reenvisions the way you follow social feeds, placing the emphasis on the person or news topic you follow, not just the social network you're on. A card contains several sites or services that are related to the person, like a Twitter stream, Web site, or blog post. Nomee includes cards on celebrities that Nomee staff or other users have created. An integrated newsfeed lets you read all the updates from your cards at once. The draw here is that Nomee lets you control what others see of you if you share only limited … Read more

For Twitter fanatics

Arranged with a side bar and multicolumn view, Seesmic Desktop is ideal for Twitter and Facebook fanatics with multiple accounts. The cross-platform Adobe AIR app collects all status messages from all your accounts in one feed. You have the option of making that status feed the only column, or can keep it as one of three default columns on the Seesmic Desktop interface. Direct replies and messages are the other two options. The app's search box and a text field from which you post your updates give it the feel of a truncated browser.

Seesmic Desktop competently handles the … Read more

Snow Leopard: Enabling the root user

By default, the root user is not enabled in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Enabling it takes a simple procedure by way of the Directory Utility application or via Terminal. In Mac OS X 10.5, Directory Utility was located in the Applications > Utilities folder. In Snow Leopard, this is no longer the case. You can now find Directory Utility in System > Library > CoreServices.… Read more