ArtRage 4.0 By Ko Maruyama
In time for use with your brand new Wacom tablet, Ambient Design offers a new version of their ArtRage software. Version 4.0 is packed with a ton of new tools that will help you work better, easier, and give you the ability to extend your creative works for an affordable price. You may also be using ArtRage 3 on both devices (iPad and computer), but if you haven't you might not know about the ability to move between iPad to desktop version and out to other software (like Photoshop's .psd format).
...Read More »
Hands On with the Nexus 10 By Lou Wallace
Right before Christmas my tablet, an Iconia A500 died (just a couple weeks after the warranty ran out of course) and I was faced with the task of choosing its replacement. The timing was great because the latest iPad was out,several new Android tabs were being released and Microsoft was just about to start shipping the Surface. All have some very compelling aspects and I like all three platforms, but as I already have had several android tablets and a lot of apps for that system, my focus and ultimate decision was towards the Nexus 10 from Google. Since there were plenty of 'First Looks', 'Quick Peeks' and such being written already, I wanted to spend some more time with it before actually evaluating it. This review is really my perspective on using the tablet, what that experience has been like and finally was it worth the money.
...Read More »
BENQ GW2450 By David Hague
In the video world monitors are probably more critical than any everyday old computer monitor is. Serious photographers who play with Photoshop will know what I mean. Calibration is everything. Which leads me neatly to the BENQ GW2450 which landed on my desk today.
...Read More »
Corel VideoStudio Pro X5 By David Hague
While it is still fair to say that Corel has struggled in the video editing market, I suspect the latest carnation of VideoStudio Pro X5 will change all that. And oddly enough, I say this not because of any improvement over its standard video editing approach as this retains the 3 step approach that many programs of this type use - Capture, Edit, Share. No, not at all. This version has some truly ground breaking features.
...Read More »
What's New in Photoshop CS6 Public Beta By Jeremiah Hall
When your software goes from being a proper name to a verb, as in "I Photoshopped that building out of the picture", new versions are a big deal. The public beta of Photoshop CS6 Extended is available for download now. What's changed? There are alsover 64 changes PS6 users have asked Adobe for, called the "JDI"s by the Photoshop team. "JDI" stands for "Just DIt," small changes and improvements asked for by the end-users. Here's a sample from the list Adobe provided DMN.
...Read More »
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 for the Videographer By Jeremiah Hall
I have never used the previous versions of Lightroom, since most of my time was taken up with Avid, After Effects and Final Cut Pro. When I needed to do something with stills, I used Photoshop. When I got the chance to try Lightroom 4, I jumped at the chance, but I was more interested in the video capabilities than I was in the photographic features and tools. Lightroom 4 will not be replacing Premiere or Photoshop, it's not designed for heavy photo or video editing. You can't cut your movie masterpiece with it. But if you're a DSLR shooter, I can see it becoming a very useful tool in your arsenal.
...Read More »
Home Tech Upgrade Power2U By Ko Maruyama
Not more power through the house, but better access to it. There are so many devices that my family uses that rely on USB charging. Some of these rely on sucking up power daily. But if you already have a bunch of plugs stuck in your outlets, you might want to stop juggling those wall warts and install the NewerTech Power2U.
...Read More »
Quick Look: Nextbook Premium9 Tablet
It has a 9 inch Capacitive TFT screen that supports multitouch operation, a 1280x800 display and a front facing camera (2MP best suited for video calling but there as a camera if you need it). It comes with 4 GB memory, expandable to 32 GB via microSD ram. Has a G sensor so you can rotate to what ever view you prefer. Built in in speakers, WiFi and USB. OS is android 2.3.
...Read More »
Review: Samsung's Galaxy Nexus a sweet smartphone By The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ' As fans of Google's Android mobile software well know, each new version is named after a sugary treat, such as Gingerbread or Honeycomb. Android is about to get even sweeter with Ice Cream Sandwich ' a smooth, feature-rich operating system that will run first on the delectable Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone. The combination of Google's s.....
...Read More »
Subjekt Headphones By Lou Wallace
I was looking for some audio accessories and took a look at three Subjekt audio headphones and earphones.
...Read More »
The Steve Jobs Way By Miles Weston
We know we don't often talk to you about book reviews but then it is seldom we read a book that is of widespread interest to our mutual audiences. As we note we're not Apple/Jobs fanboys but OMG we respect what they've done and in fact we're "a little" envious that they: - seem to do it so well so consistently - get more coverage by "accident" than the rest of us get by working hard for it
...Read More »
DVD Burning Software - Free vs Paid? By Rob Boirun, BurnWorld
When you are evaluating the very best free software for DVD burning on Windows it's important to understand what is offered inside a free version over a paid version. While this article will explain several free burning apps and their benefits, I'll also explain a few paid options as well, as to what they offer over the freeware counterparts.
...Read More »
Adobe CS5 Web Premium Part Three: Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and the Rest By Kevin Schmitt
We're down to the last major pieces of Adobe CS5 Web Premium, but last doesn't always mean least. OR DOES IT??? HMMMM??? With that as a spectacular teaser, let's spend our final installment looking at two holdovers from those halcyon Macromedia days of yore: Dreamweaver, the venerable web site building tool, and Fireworks, the oft-overlooked prototyping and vector/bitmap editing powerhouse.
...Read More »
Adobe CS5 Web Premium Part Two: The Flash Platform By Kevin Schmitt
Honesty time, dear readers: I don't think this is going to be an actual review. As Velveeta is to real cheese, there may be some review-like qualities to what follows, but considering the current all-out assault on Flash and everything it stands for, it may be beneficial to take a larger view of what Adobe has done in Web Premium CS5, namely the inclusion of not one, not two, but three separate tools for creating Flash content.
...Read More »
Adobe CS5 Web Premium Part One: Illustrator and Photoshop By Kevin Schmitt
Adobe CS5 is finally shipping, so over the next few weeks we'll looking at the major programs which comprise the Web Premium package, starting off with the old stalwarts of the group. Now, it's somewhat hard to believe that 2010 marks Photoshop's 20th anniversary, with Illustrator having been around for a few years even before that, but here we are. Both products have certainly seen a lot of design trends and operating systems come and go in their time, but lest I take a long, nostalgic detour down software memory lane, let's simply get to the latest and greatest.
...Read More »
Adobe CS5: Five Things to Keep in Mind By Kevin Schmitt
Eighteen months, seemingly like clockwork. A mere year-and-a-half after CS4 was released (which itself was a mere year-and-a-half after the release of CS3), Adobe has unveiled the CS5 lineup. Having had a chance to see and try the new versions for myself over the past several weeks, here are some general observations about the latest versions of Adobe's software uberbundles.
...Read More »
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe By John Virata
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is an inexpensive video converter that enables you to take virtually any type of video file format and convert it to a variety of other video file formats. The application's interface uses a simple four step process to video conversion, and it is really quite simple.
...Read More »
Book Excerpt: My MacBook by John Ray By John Ray
Editor's note: Excerpt from My MacBook by John Ray, Published by Que My MacBook provides step-by-step instructions with callouts to MacBook photos that show you exactly what to do. It offers help when you run into MacBook or Snow Leopard problems or limitations.
...Read More »
ArtRage 4.0
In time for use with your brand new Wacom tablet, Ambient Design offers a new version of their ArtRage software. Version 4.0 is packed with a ton of new tools that will help you work better, easier, and give you the ability to extend your creative works for an affordable price. You may also be using ArtRage 3 on both devices (iPad and computer), but if you haven't you might not know about the ability to move between iPad to desktop version and out to other software (like Photoshop's .psd format).
...Read More »
Hands On with the Nexus 10
Right before Christmas my tablet, an Iconia A500 died (just a couple weeks after the warranty ran out of course) and I was faced with the task of choosing its replacement. The timing was great because the latest iPad was out,several new Android tabs were being released and Microsoft was just about to start shipping the Surface. All have some very compelling aspects and I like all three platforms, but as I already have had several android tablets and a lot of apps for that system, my focus and ultimate decision was towards the Nexus 10 from Google. Since there were plenty of 'First Looks', 'Quick Peeks' and such being written already, I wanted to spend some more time with it before actually evaluating it. This review is really my perspective on using the tablet, what that experience has been like and finally was it worth the money.
...Read More »
BENQ GW2450
In the video world monitors are probably more critical than any everyday old computer monitor is. Serious photographers who play with Photoshop will know what I mean. Calibration is everything. Which leads me neatly to the BENQ GW2450 which landed on my desk today.
...Read More »
Corel VideoStudio Pro X5
While it is still fair to say that Corel has struggled in the video editing market, I suspect the latest carnation of VideoStudio Pro X5 will change all that. And oddly enough, I say this not because of any improvement over its standard video editing approach as this retains the 3 step approach that many programs of this type use - Capture, Edit, Share. No, not at all. This version has some truly ground breaking features.
...Read More »
What's New in Photoshop CS6 Public Beta
When your software goes from being a proper name to a verb, as in "I Photoshopped that building out of the picture", new versions are a big deal. The public beta of Photoshop CS6 Extended is available for download now. What's changed? There are alsover 64 changes PS6 users have asked Adobe for, called the "JDI"s by the Photoshop team. "JDI" stands for "Just DIt," small changes and improvements asked for by the end-users. Here's a sample from the list Adobe provided DMN.
...Read More »
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 for the Videographer
I have never used the previous versions of Lightroom, since most of my time was taken up with Avid, After Effects and Final Cut Pro. When I needed to do something with stills, I used Photoshop. When I got the chance to try Lightroom 4, I jumped at the chance, but I was more interested in the video capabilities than I was in the photographic features and tools. Lightroom 4 will not be replacing Premiere or Photoshop, it's not designed for heavy photo or video editing. You can't cut your movie masterpiece with it. But if you're a DSLR shooter, I can see it becoming a very useful tool in your arsenal.
...Read More »
Home Tech Upgrade Power2U
Not more power through the house, but better access to it. There are so many devices that my family uses that rely on USB charging. Some of these rely on sucking up power daily. But if you already have a bunch of plugs stuck in your outlets, you might want to stop juggling those wall warts and install the NewerTech Power2U.
...Read More »
Quick Look: Nextbook Premium9 Tablet
It has a 9 inch Capacitive TFT screen that supports multitouch operation, a 1280x800 display and a front facing camera (2MP best suited for video calling but there as a camera if you need it). It comes with 4 GB memory, expandable to 32 GB via microSD ram. Has a G sensor so you can rotate to what ever view you prefer. Built in in speakers, WiFi and USB. OS is android 2.3.
...Read More »
Review: Samsung's Galaxy Nexus a sweet smartphone
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ' As fans of Google's Android mobile software well know, each new version is named after a sugary treat, such as Gingerbread or Honeycomb. Android is about to get even sweeter with Ice Cream Sandwich ' a smooth, feature-rich operating system that will run first on the delectable Samsung Galaxy Nexus smartphone. The combination of Google's s.....
...Read More »
Subjekt Headphones
I was looking for some audio accessories and took a look at three Subjekt audio headphones and earphones.
...Read More »
The Steve Jobs Way
We know we don't often talk to you about book reviews but then it is seldom we read a book that is of widespread interest to our mutual audiences. As we note we're not Apple/Jobs fanboys but OMG we respect what they've done and in fact we're "a little" envious that they: - seem to do it so well so consistently - get more coverage by "accident" than the rest of us get by working hard for it
...Read More »
Reviews: Windows Unveils First Mango Based Smartphone
In Japan, Microsoft has unveiled the first smartphone that runs its long-awaited Mango operating system.
...Read More »
DVD Burning Software - Free vs Paid?
When you are evaluating the very best free software for DVD burning on Windows it's important to understand what is offered inside a free version over a paid version. While this article will explain several free burning apps and their benefits, I'll also explain a few paid options as well, as to what they offer over the freeware counterparts.
...Read More »
Quick Look: Latest Smart Phones
Here is a quick rundown of the latest and greatest smartphones on Apple, Android, Windows and Symbian^3 OS's.
...Read More »
Adobe CS5 Web Premium Part Three: Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and the Rest
We're down to the last major pieces of Adobe CS5 Web Premium, but last doesn't always mean least. OR DOES IT??? HMMMM??? With that as a spectacular teaser, let's spend our final installment looking at two holdovers from those halcyon Macromedia days of yore: Dreamweaver, the venerable web site building tool, and Fireworks, the oft-overlooked prototyping and vector/bitmap editing powerhouse.
...Read More »
Adobe CS5 Web Premium Part Two: The Flash Platform
Honesty time, dear readers: I don't think this is going to be an actual review. As Velveeta is to real cheese, there may be some review-like qualities to what follows, but considering the current all-out assault on Flash and everything it stands for, it may be beneficial to take a larger view of what Adobe has done in Web Premium CS5, namely the inclusion of not one, not two, but three separate tools for creating Flash content.
...Read More »
Adobe CS5 Web Premium Part One: Illustrator and Photoshop
Adobe CS5 is finally shipping, so over the next few weeks we'll looking at the major programs which comprise the Web Premium package, starting off with the old stalwarts of the group. Now, it's somewhat hard to believe that 2010 marks Photoshop's 20th anniversary, with Illustrator having been around for a few years even before that, but here we are. Both products have certainly seen a lot of design trends and operating systems come and go in their time, but lest I take a long, nostalgic detour down software memory lane, let's simply get to the latest and greatest.
...Read More »
Adobe CS5: Five Things to Keep in Mind
Eighteen months, seemingly like clockwork. A mere year-and-a-half after CS4 was released (which itself was a mere year-and-a-half after the release of CS3), Adobe has unveiled the CS5 lineup. Having had a chance to see and try the new versions for myself over the past several weeks, here are some general observations about the latest versions of Adobe's software uberbundles.
...Read More »
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe
WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is an inexpensive video converter that enables you to take virtually any type of video file format and convert it to a variety of other video file formats. The application's interface uses a simple four step process to video conversion, and it is really quite simple.
...Read More »
Book Excerpt: My MacBook by John Ray
Editor's note: Excerpt from My MacBook by John Ray, Published by Que My MacBook provides step-by-step instructions with callouts to MacBook photos that show you exactly what to do. It offers help when you run into MacBook or Snow Leopard problems or limitations.
...Read More »
Vegas Pro 10 Available Now
