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Scott Sheppard takes a lighthearted look at what's new and exciting in the world of the Macintosh computer in this one-hour weekly radio show. From the digital hub to the den of the Panther operating system, Scott is always on top of what is happening in the world of Macintosh and has his finger on the pulse of the industry. With a tasty serving of news, reviews, information, and interviews, Inside Mac is all Mac, all the time, and one of the unique tech shows on radio today.

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Inside Mac - December 11th 2004

LIVE 1-3pm Pacific - Call Us At 800-490-0058

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Todd Benjamin - Apple Computer - Product Manager - Power Mac G5

Apple New Power Mac G5 Line

Apple has unveiled its new Power Mac(R) G5 desktop line with every model featuring dual 64-bit PowerPC G5 processors. The top model, featuring two 2.5 GHz processors, the industry's fastest front-side bus running at 1.25 GHz per processor, and advanced liquid cooling starts at $2,999. The entry model, featuring dual 1.8 GHz processors, starts at just $1,999.

"Our professional customers, across many creative and scientific markets, have been impressed with the extraordinary performance of the dual processor Power Mac G5 running Apple's Unix-based Mac OS X," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "This new Power Mac G5 line has dual processors in every model to deliver even higher performance for our pro customers who need it."

Powered by the PowerPC G5 processor, the Power Mac G5 utilizes 64-bit processing technology for memory expansion up to 8GB, and advanced 64-bit computation while running existing 32-bit applications natively. The top of the line Power Mac G5 now offers dual 2.5 GHz PowerPC G5 processors, each with an independent 1.25 GHz front-side bus for an astounding bandwidth of up to 20 GBps. All Power Mac G5 systems ship with Mac OS(R) X version 10.3 "Panther," which in combination with the Power Mac G5 provides creative professionals and scientists with computational power never before realized on a desktop system.

The Power Mac G5 outperforms competing desktops on the market today and ran significantly faster than 3.4 GHz Pentium 4 systems on performance tests of the most popular applications for creative professionals and scientists, including:

• On a test of 45 commonly used actions, Adobe Photoshop ran almost twice as fast on a dual 2.5 GHz Power Mac G5 than on a 3.4 GHz Pentium 4-based PC;
• Logic Pro 6 on the dual 2.5 GHz Power Mac G5 played up to 138 more tracks with reverbs (over four times more) than with Cubase SX on a 3.4 GHz Pentium 4-based PC; and
• Final Cut Pro(R) HD running on a 2.5 GHz Power Mac G5 can run eight streams of 8-bit SD video versus five streams on a dual 3.06 GHz Xeon-based Avid workstation.

The Power Mac G5 line offers leading-edge expansion with dual 1.5 Gbps serial ATA interfaces, the industry's fastest PCI-X interface technology and AGP 8X Pro graphics. The Power Mac G5 comes standard with either the NVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 Ultra or the ATI Radeon 9600 XT graphics card; the ATI Radeon 9800 XT high-performance graphics card is available as a build-to-order option for incredible 3D design, visualization and gaming. All Power Mac G5 desktops deliver industry-leading connectivity and high-performance I/O, including Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire(R) 800 and FireWire 400 ports, three USB 2.0 ports, optical digital audio input and output, built-in support for 54 Mbps AirPort(R) Extreme wireless networking and an optional Bluetooth module.

Pricing & Availability

The dual 1.8 GHz and dual 2.0 GHz Power Mac G5 models are available now, and the dual 2.5 GHz Power Mac G5 model is expected to be available in July through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The single 1.25 GHz Power Mac G4, with suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), will no longer be in production and is available for purchase while supplies last through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), at Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The Power Mac G5, with a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

• Dual 1.8 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5;
• 256MB 400 MHz 128-bit DDR SDRAM (4GB maximum);
• 80GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm hard drive;
• AGP 8X Pro graphics slot;
• NVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 Ultra with 64MB DDR SDRAM;
• 3 PCI slots (64-bit, 33 MHz); and
• 8x SuperDrive(TM) (DVD-R/CD-RW).

The Power Mac G5, with a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

• Dual 2.0 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5;
• 512MB 400 MHz 128-bit DDR SDRAM (8GB maximum);
• 160GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm hard drive;
• AGP 8X Pro graphics slot;
• NVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 Ultra with 64MB DDR SDRAM;
• 3 PCI-X slots (one 64-bit 133 MHz, two 64-bit 100 MHz); and
• 8x SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW).

The Power Mac G5, with a suggested retail price of $2,999 (US), includes:

• Dual 2.5 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5;
• 512MB 400 MHz 128-bit DDR SDRAM (8GB maximum);
• 160GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm hard drive;
• AGP 8X Pro graphics slot;
• ATI RADEON 9600 XT with 128MB DDR SDRAM;
• 3 PCI-X slots (one 64-bit 133 MHz, two 64-bit 100 MHz); and
• 8x SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW).

All Power Mac G5 systems ship with iChat AV, Safari(TM), Sherlock(R), Address Book, QuickTime(R), iLife(R) (includes iTunes(R), iPhoto(TM), iMovie(R), iDVD(TM) and GarageBand(TM)), iSync, iCal(R), DVD Player, Classic environment, Art Directors Toolkit X, EarthLink Total Access 2004, GraphicConverter, Microsoft Internet Explorer, OmniGraffle, OmniOutliner, QuickBooks for Mac New User Edition, Xcode and Zinio Reader.

Build-to-order options include up to 8GB of RAM, 250GB Serial ATA hard drives, Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive, graphics cards (NVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 Ultra, ATI Radeon 9600 XT, ATI Radeon 9800 XT), AirPort Extreme Card, Bluetooth module, Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse, PCI-X Gigabit Ethernet Card, Apple Fibre Channel PCI Card and Mac OS X Server version 10.3 "Panther."

Sam Levins Cool Holiday Mac Picks - Part 2

PalmOne Zire 72 and Treo 650
MSRP: $249.95
http://www.PalmOne.com
Available through electronic superstores and PalmOne.com

Apple AirPort Express Base Station
MSRP: $129.95
http://www.apple.com
Available through Apple Retail Stores and Online (www.apple.com)

Canon iP4000R
MSRP: $229
http://www.canon.com
Available through CompUSA, electronic superstores and canon.com

Peachpit Press Pod Playlist Book Companion
MSRP: 14.95
http://www.peachpit.com
Available through Peachpit.com

O'Reilly iPod and iTunes Hacks; Tips & Tools for Ripping, Mixing and Burning
MSRP: $24.95
http://www.oreilly
Available through Oreilly.com

incase Moya Deluxe for PowerBook 15/iBook 14"
MSRP: $79
http://www.goincase.com
Available through Apple Retail Stores and Apple.com

No Starch Press The Cult of Mac
MSRP: $39.95
http://www.nostarch.com
Available through nostarch.com

RadTech Pawz, Wildeepz
MSRP: $7.95, $11.95, $15.95
http://www.RadTech.us
Available through fine Mac dealers throughout the America and RadTech.us

Casio Exilim EX-S100
MSRP: $399.00
http://www.Casio.com
Available through electronic superstores and Casio.com

Larry O'Connor - CEO - Other World Computing

Larry O'Connor, 29, is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Illinois-based, Other World Computing (OWC). The company is a leading provider of quality computer upgrade products and services for Macintosh users around the world - primarily through www.macsales.com, one of the most popular Macintosh e-commerce sites on the Web.

O'Connor's entrepreneurial interests were kindled at an early age through various direct selling endeavors and his efforts to reprogram an accounting application for his father's company at the age of eight.

At age 14, O'Connor began re-inking computer ribbons in the garage of his family's home in Woodstock, Ill. He offered the service through word-of-mouth advertising and small self-promotional activities to local businesses as a cost-saving alternative to buying new printer ribbons. This was the beginning of what would become OWC, a multi-million dollar business.

The following year, O'Connor had an opportunity to resell computer memory. To capitalize on this opportunity, O'Connor turned to the Internet.

As a result, his company became one of the first to use AOL's Mall Classifieds, as well as online chat rooms, to promote itself and its products. Using a phone, a computer, and a UPS shipping account, O'Connor quickly grew his printer-ribbon refurbishing and memory-resale venture into a thriving computer products and services business, and in 1994, OWC reached $1 million in annual sales.

Since its inception, OWC has evaluated and added thousands of consumer electronics and computer hardware products to its inventory, all of which are warehoused in and shipped from a 10,000-square-foot facility in Woodstock.

OWC offers its own line of Macintosh upgrade products, which was launched in the mid-1990s. Sold under the brand name OWC Mercury', the product line includes accelerators, FireWire storage solutions, and external enclosure kits for FireWire components, among other hardware products.

In 2001, O'Connor introduced a line of leather carrying cases and accessories for portable electronics, including Apple's iPod MP3 player and notebook computers. OWC also introduced the Laptop Screen Protector, which protects laptop monitors from damage and marks while laptops are closed.

In addition to his thriving retail business, O'Connor launched OWC.net in 1997. OWC.net is an independent Internet service provider (ISP) offering traditional dial-up and DSL broadband Internet access, as well as satellite connectivity, hosting, Web site and graphic design services. In Spring 2002, OWC.net became the only ISP in the greater Chicago area to offer the latest V.92 dial-up technology. And in early 2003, OWC launched FasterMac.net, a national Internet Service Provider designed specifically for Macintosh users.

During the past 15 years, O'Connor has seen OWC grow into a profitable company with more than 50 employees, industry-recognized hardware and software products, and annual sales of more than $22 million in 2003.

O'Connor is also co-founder of Price.com, which has provided consumers with online comparative pricing information for computer and electronic products since 1998.

Other World Computing has remained loyal to its roots in Woodstock since its early days in O'Connor's home up to its present location, where the company handles warehousing and order processing for several thousand unique products. Those products include OWC's own line of hardware products sold under the MercuryTM and Neptune' brands. The company currently employs more than 50 full-time people, and to this day, O'Connor remains the company's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

OWC currently operates a popular online e-commerce store specializing in Macintosh upgrade and expansion products, provides nationwide dial-up and DSL Internet services and has also developed a complete line of Macintosh hardware products.

• MacSales.com: MacSales.com is OWC's flagship Web site and one of the leading Macintosh e-tailers on the Web, featuring thousands of computer upgrade and expansion products for the Macintosh user. OWC also owns and operates MemoryHQ.com and FasterMacs.com, which are stores within MacSales.com specializing in the sale of memory for all makes and models of computers, as well as acceleration products, respectively. MacSales.com also features an online tech center, where users can find online documentation and support for a variety of Apple and OEM products.
• Mercury Brand: In addition to selling and supporting products from various hardware manufacturers, OWC assembles and sells its own line of hardware products under the Mercury brand. The products include accelerators, hard drives, CD/CD-R/CD-RW and DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW drives, memory, FireWire accessories, storage device enclosures and leather accessories, among others. Other World Computing is an Apple Certified Developer and was recently added to Apple's Hot Deals program.
• Neptune Brand: Under its Neptune brand, OWC offers FireWire storage solutions featuring top-quality components and performance at "value done right." The current line consists of drives available in 60- to 250GB capacities.
• XPostFacto: In partnership with Ryan Rempel, OWC released XPostFacto, a free application designed to allow pre-G3 Macintosh computers the ability to install and boot Macintosh's latest operating system, Mac OS X, a capability not available from Apple Computer. The company provides complete details and support information for the XPostFacto at its OS X Center on MacSales.com.
• OWC.Net: OWC has offered dialup Internet services since 1997. OWC.Net, a division of OWC, offers a complete line of Internet services, including unlimited local v.92 dial-up Internet access, DSL services, e-commerce solutions, Web site design and hosting, and graphic design.
• FasterMac.Net: Debuted in March 2003, FasterMac.Net was created as a Macintosh-only Internet service that provides nationwide 56K dialup access. Noted for its easy setup and reliable service in addition to extremely affordable prices, FasterMac.Net makes it simple for Macintosh owners to finally get the tailored service and support they need.

With its focus on Macintosh products and services, the company supports loyal brand users and receives purchase requests and support queries from across various industries and from around the world. Following is a breakdown of OWC's target markets:

• 40% government and education,
• 30% Macintosh consultants,
• 20% end users, and
• 10% resellers

Scott Sheppard - Executive Producer / Host

Scott Sheppard is the founder and editor of the popular Macintosh Web Site, http://www.OSXFAQ.com He is also a monthly Contributing Editor to Macworld UK magazine and produces a daily audio broadcast of Mac news and information Inside Mac Radio.

Scott Sheppard previously hosted the Inside Mac Show broadcast by CNET radio.

Scott has been using Apple computers for more than 25 years, as well as spending many years as a Wintel user, giving him the unique perspective of having spent a lot of time on both sides of the computer fence.

Sam Levin - Senior Mac Technologist

Sam Levin Co-Founded the Stanford Mac Users' Group in 1985, and has worked with leading Macintosh developers on business development, licensing, and strategic market development. Sam Directed licensing and business development initiatives for leading companies such as Axio, Virgin Interactive, Broderbund, Chronos, Mattel, Connectix, IBM Multimedia, IXLA, iSkin, Jiiva, Keyspan, Microsoft, MYOB, MacMice, Fathom Pictures, LandWare, Nova Development, Totally Hip Software, Y-E Data and more.

Sam has been using Macs for 20 years, as well as tied into the world of handheld and digital imaging, providing him a special angle on personal computing and consumer electronics.

Ken Ray - UTN Director Of Engineering

Ken Ray has worked both sides of the radio mic for over ten years. He has written and produced comedy bits for an alternative station in Boston, anchored two and half hours of news daily on TechTV Radio, was morning drive personality on an FM country station in the middle of nowhere, was operations director for an AM in Boston, was operations director for an AM in San Francisco, and has logged countless hours in production studios, tearing out everything from down and dirty :30 spots that need to hit the air yesterday to agency spots to long-form infomercials and even longer-form CD projects. Writing news, spots, promos and interstitials also fits somewhere in his repertoire. And he runs a mean radio board for in studio as well as remote broadcasts.

Outside of radio, Ken wrote for the magazine Global Technology Business.

He also makes a darn good bread pudding.

Greg Douglas - UTN Director of Network Operations

Gregory Douglas has fifteen years of experience in the radio, television and computer- related areas. He was the Director of Network Operations for Personal Achievement Radio, which included responsibilities for the production, operation and distribution of the "PAR" format. As the primary individual in charge of the on-air sound for "PAR", Mr. Douglas interacted with the motivational authors, Nightingale-Conant, ABC Radio Networks, PAR O & O's and affiliates and the broadcast talent. He pioneered the transition to digital for the flagship PAR studios. In addition, Mr. Douglas was M.I.S. Manager for Douglas Broadcasting Inc. where he was responsible for the traffic and business computer functions as well as the computer networking of DBI/PAR radio outlets.

Previously, he was the General Manager of DBI's Seattle operation and Station Manager at WBPS-AM in Boston. Also, Mr. Douglas has been involved in almost all areas of broadcasting, including traffic, business, engineering, production and sales.