Broderbund Customer Support - Tech Tip: Running Programs in Windows® XP Using Compatibility Mode"
Very well written, a nice reference for managing games w/ XP. I am awed by how well XP handles ancient software.
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Panther calculator - take two
Mac OS X Panther (10.3.2): "Re: Hidden capabilities in the Panther Calculator
Russell Stephany
In response to 'Hidden capabilities in the Panther Calculator' by Norman Palardy, adding these plug-ins can also be accomplished by using the 'plug-ins' section of the Get Info window. The only unusual thing is that you must click the 'open' button (or, presumably, double-click) when on the.calcview folder.
There is also an rtf file in the ExpressionSheet.calcview/Contents/Resources/.lproj with information about the expression syntax.
Michael Merwin
The tip from Norman Palardy 'Hidden capabilities in the Panther Calculator ' prompted me to look more closely at the calculator and to discover its conversion capabilities including currency conversion with an update feature which takes into account the fluctuation of the dollar on the world markets. "
Russell Stephany
In response to 'Hidden capabilities in the Panther Calculator' by Norman Palardy, adding these plug-ins can also be accomplished by using the 'plug-ins' section of the Get Info window. The only unusual thing is that you must click the 'open' button (or, presumably, double-click) when on the
There is also an rtf file in the ExpressionSheet.calcview/Contents/Resources/
Michael Merwin
The tip from Norman Palardy 'Hidden capabilities in the Panther Calculator ' prompted me to look more closely at the calculator and to discover its conversion capabilities including currency conversion with an update feature which takes into account the fluctuation of the dollar on the world markets. "
Thursday, January 01, 2004
More recommendations on the care and feeding of LiOn batteries
iPod Battery FAQ
This matches everything I've read and practice. I think it's equally true for an iBook. My sense is that only SONY truly has true mastery of LiOn batteries -- they developed the core technology and I suspect they may have some unique patents or skill with them -- Apple and PalmOne are not in teh same class.
I try to run in the 40-100% charge range. It's good to know however than an iPod can be happily left in its powered cradle -- assuming the cradle is connected to the wall charger.
Q: What is the best way to handle charging/discharging/storage of lithium ion batteries?
... Lithium ion batteries are good for 300-500 charge/discharge cycles. A 'charge/discharge' cycle generally consists of an extended charging period, and an extended discharging period. A quick charge, listening for 30 minutes, and charging again, for example, does not constitute a full 'charge/discharge cycle', but could rather be considered a portion of one.
Also, many, many factors affect how much you get out of each charge, as well as how long the battery will last overall. The main factors include charging patterns, the routine amount of discharge (i.e., Do you use it until it dies? Use it for an hour or two and recharge?), temperature, storage, usage frequency, etc. Lithium ion batteries do not take kindly to frequent full or complete discharges. When possible, the optimal usage pattern - for any lithium ion battery - is a partial discharge, followed by recharging. A partial discharge can be anything less than a full discharge. However, an occasional full discharge is desirable (e.g., once every 30 charges) to calibrate the battery. Lithium ion batteries do not significantly degrade, or develop 'memory', even if charged at irregular intervals; irregular charging is acceptable. An iPod can also safely be attached to external power for extended periods of time. (For extremely extended periods of time, such as months, the battery will essentially be the same as if it were in 'storage'; lithium ion batteries do not store well for extended periods of time at full charge. However, there is no way around this under these circumstances.) When possible, always use the AC adapter (or vehicle adapter) for extended charging, not a FireWire cable attached to a computer.
If you will be storing your iPod for an extended period of time (i.e., weeks to months), it is recommended to store the unit in a cool place at about 40% charge. The most harmful combination for storage is full charge at high temperature (i.e., in a hot car for a couple of weeks).
This matches everything I've read and practice. I think it's equally true for an iBook. My sense is that only SONY truly has true mastery of LiOn batteries -- they developed the core technology and I suspect they may have some unique patents or skill with them -- Apple and PalmOne are not in teh same class.
I try to run in the 40-100% charge range. It's good to know however than an iPod can be happily left in its powered cradle -- assuming the cradle is connected to the wall charger.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Hidden features in OS X 10.3 calculator
Mac OS X Panther (10.3.2)
Still not as neat as the little known OS 9 graphic calculator, but impressive nonetheless.
Hidden capabilities in the Panther Calculator
Norman Palardy
* Navigate to where the Calculator is installed (likely the Applications folder.)
* Control click the application and select 'Show Package Contents.'
* Navigate to Contents/Resources in the Calculator Contents. In this folder you will find:
ExpressionSheet.calcview
Graphing-2D.calcview
Hexadecimal.calcview
* Move these to the Contents/Plugins folder
Start the calculator and behold; 2d graphing, an expression worksheet mode, and a hexadecimal calculator with boolean operations.
Still not as neat as the little known OS 9 graphic calculator, but impressive nonetheless.
Apple's quality control problems: the bright side (iBook fiasco)
The Register:Dead iBook owners take protest to MacWorld show
One of the best reasons to buy Apple products is that your fellow consumers are savvy, demanding, and vengeful. Apple has the same quality control issues that curse the entire consumer hardware/software industry, but Apple can be held accountable. (BTW, in my personal experience Microsoft's software quality control is now superb, much better than Apple's.)
There are some advantages to buying a brand, especially a brand with a demanding community. I think Porsche may have learned similar lessons in the 1980s. The article has links to the Blackcider site that's managing the potential litigation.
Apple still has many things they can do to turn this from a potential disaster into a postive for the company. They can learn from recalls in the auto industry.
One of the best reasons to buy Apple products is that your fellow consumers are savvy, demanding, and vengeful. Apple has the same quality control issues that curse the entire consumer hardware/software industry, but Apple can be held accountable. (BTW, in my personal experience Microsoft's software quality control is now superb, much better than Apple's.)
There are some advantages to buying a brand, especially a brand with a demanding community. I think Porsche may have learned similar lessons in the 1980s. The article has links to the Blackcider site that's managing the potential litigation.
Apple still has many things they can do to turn this from a potential disaster into a postive for the company. They can learn from recalls in the auto industry.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Apple LaserWriter Select 360 Printer Cartridges: DEC DecLaser 3500M (LN14X-AA)
Amazon.com -zShops: DEC DecLaser 3500M (LN14X-AA) (1 Toner Cartridge Per Case) (4,500 Page Yield)
I ordered an Apple LaserWriter Select 360 printer cartridge, part number M1960G/A, from an Amazon.com "z-shop". The vendor I dealt with corresponded under the name "Image Enterprises". The email was all UPPER CASE and rather loosely formatted. I imagine a one person shop.
Whatever lies behind the moniker the service was very good. They were unable to locate an Apple manufactured cartridge; I wasn't surprised as I knew the last supplies were all but gone. They offered me, instead, a DECLaser cartridge.
It turns out that the DECLaser 3500 series cartridge, part number LN14X-AA, appears to be completely identical to my original Apple manufactured cartridge.
[F/U 2/10/04 -- from usenet, which is back and better than ever ...
Xerox Laserprinter 4505 = DEC DecLaser 3500M (LN14X-AA) = Apple LaserWriter Select 360 printer cartridge, part number M1960G/A ?
Hmm. That's an interesting equation for LW 360 owners. Putting that equation into Google gave me this URL:
http://www.inkcarts.com/Merchant3/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=M1960G/A-R&Category_Code=2110&Product_Count=2
And this list of equivalent products
Apple Select 360 - Fuji / Xerox 5/10
OEM Part Number: M1960G/A
Compatible M1960G/A Laser Cartridge Guaranteed to meet or exceed OEM standards Fits the Following Printers:
Apple LaserWriter Select 300
Apple LaserWriter Select 310
Apple LaserWriter Select 360
Apple LaserWriter Select 610
DEC DecLaser 3500m
DEC DecLaser 3500n
DEC LN14
GCC Elite 600
GCC Elite 600et
Star Micronics LS-5
Star Micronics LS-5EX
Star Micronics LS-5TT
Xerox 4505
Xerox 4505ps
Xerox 4510
Xerox 4510ps
Looks like it was a Fuji-Xerox engine initially.
DEC DecLaser 3500M (LN14X-AA) (1 Toner Cartridge Per Case) (4,500 Page Yield)
Price: $76.99 s&h fee $5.50
Description: DEC DecLaser 3500M (LN14X-AA) ($76.99 Each) 1 Compatible Toner Cartridge Per Case (4,500 Page Yield).
I ordered an Apple LaserWriter Select 360 printer cartridge, part number M1960G/A, from an Amazon.com "z-shop". The vendor I dealt with corresponded under the name "Image Enterprises". The email was all UPPER CASE and rather loosely formatted. I imagine a one person shop.
Whatever lies behind the moniker the service was very good. They were unable to locate an Apple manufactured cartridge; I wasn't surprised as I knew the last supplies were all but gone. They offered me, instead, a DECLaser cartridge.
It turns out that the DECLaser 3500 series cartridge, part number LN14X-AA, appears to be completely identical to my original Apple manufactured cartridge.
[F/U 2/10/04 -- from usenet, which is back and better than ever ...
Xerox Laserprinter 4505 = DEC DecLaser 3500M (LN14X-AA) = Apple LaserWriter Select 360 printer cartridge, part number M1960G/A ?
Hmm. That's an interesting equation for LW 360 owners. Putting that equation into Google gave me this URL:
http://www.inkcarts.com/Merchant3/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=M1960G/A-R&Category_Code=2110&Product_Count=2
And this list of equivalent products
Apple Select 360 - Fuji / Xerox 5/10
OEM Part Number: M1960G/A
Compatible M1960G/A Laser Cartridge Guaranteed to meet or exceed OEM standards Fits the Following Printers:
Apple LaserWriter Select 300
Apple LaserWriter Select 310
Apple LaserWriter Select 360
Apple LaserWriter Select 610
DEC DecLaser 3500m
DEC DecLaser 3500n
DEC LN14
GCC Elite 600
GCC Elite 600et
Star Micronics LS-5
Star Micronics LS-5EX
Star Micronics LS-5TT
Xerox 4505
Xerox 4505ps
Xerox 4510
Xerox 4510ps
Looks like it was a Fuji-Xerox engine initially.
MacFixIt - iBook screen problems: Injured wires, logic board failure
MacFixIt - iBook screen problems: Injured wires, logic board failure
Superb summary of the iBook design flaws. It looks like Apple outsourced too much of the design. Some argue Apple should lose its Quality certification -- not sure what that means.
Superb summary of the iBook design flaws. It looks like Apple outsourced too much of the design. Some argue Apple should lose its Quality certification -- not sure what that means.
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