Universal binary bloat

[Update 2/1/06: TrimTheFat is now a popular "Stripper" for removing Intel binaries. It's in early beta. I'll likely test it on my iLife 06 install.]

The latest version of Lemke Software's GraphicConverter has gone universal. The size difference between a universal and PowerPC installation is rather impressive:

• 48MB universal binary (installed)
• 14MB PowerPC (installed)

I'd expected doubling at most, but almost tripling? Of course in an era where a single photo may be 8MB, an extra 34MB is not not that big a deal. Interestingly the downloads aren't that different -- something must compress rather well.

I expect we'll see some 'strippers' out soon to get rid of the unwanted Intel code. All very familiar for old codgers who remember going from 68K code to PPC/68K combos.

Wikipedia iPod Hacks

Nice collection of iPod hacks on Wikipedia - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

Today, Make Blog points out a great collection of iPod hacks on Wikipedia. The hacks are divided into GUI hacks, software hacks, eBooks and games, OS, hardware and peripheral hacks.

Inspiration: Palm, PocketPC, Mac, Windows

Inspiration 7.6 may be in a class of one. This relatively obscure (educational market) outliner/mindmapping/visualization software runs on OS X, Mac Classic, Windows (any version), PalmOS, and PocketPC. The Palm and PocketPC versions include conduits. File formats are the same on Mac and PC. The Mac version used to be able to read MORE 3.1 files (Omni Outliner does that better now.)

Only FileMaker 7 had comparable coverage (the Palm and Pocket PC versions of FM 8 are mysteriously delayed.).

I've used Inspiration occasionally over the years, but I'm going to try it again on my Palm. (Note the CD ships both Mac and Windows versions, and, for better or worse, they use the same key.)

Sigma 55-200mm F4 for Digital Rebel XT

Story likes these DR XT lenses:

The Digital Story: Sigma 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC Lens Perfect Complement for Canon Rebel

One of the best deals in the world of lenses is the Canon 18-55mm lens that's available in a kit with the Digital Rebel XT (350D)..... Sigma has designed what I consider to be the perfect complement to this lens. Their 55-200mm DC Zoom...

You can buy the Sigma 55-200mm on Amazon for $125, and that includes a lens hood. The only other lens that I would include in my "basic on-the-go DSLR kit" would be the Canon 50mm f-1.8 optic...

Many reviewers dislike Canon's stock zoom. I have it and the 50mm. Now I'm thinking I want the 55-200. Sigma also sells a 35mm f1.4 $300 higher end lens that would be sweet. I might be done for a while after those two ...

In fact I'd favor the Sigma 35mm over the Canon 50mm, except the Canon is only about $75 -- very cheap. Still, one could make the case that the base Canon zoom, the Sigma zoom and the Sigma 35 f1.4 are a great kit for the cheap amateur.

Cheap Speaker Wire connectors

The Digital Story: Speaker Wire Salvation

I think this is the 8th posting I've had on Story's web site. Amazing. He's much better here than on his old O'Reilly site.

Story's favorite photo gifts

I want these.

The Digital Story: "12 Photo Gadgets for Gifts" - Podcast #9

Direct Printers

I don't do much with my very nice Canon Ink Jet printers. I think the next time I run out of ink I may put it in the attic (or donate it if anyone wants it) and buy a dye sublimation 4x6 Canon photo printer. That would get used. For anything bigger, I'd go online.

Story again: The Digital Story: Direct Printers Provide Immediate Results