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MacVoices #1280: Glenn Fleishman Takes Control of BBEdit

Glenn Fleishman starts out by explaining the differences between a word processor and a text processor such as the subject of his new book, Take Control of BBEdit, then dives into the many capabilities of the program for authors, web editors and content creators of all stripes. Support for HTML and Markdown are just two of BBEdit’s capabilities. Glenn talks about both with examples of how BBEdit is used in the production of TidBITS, some work-arounds for a feature that isn’t there (yet), and how BBEdit requires some thoughtful set-up to get the most out of its power. BBEdit’s projects features, text completion, and integration with version tracking systems and much more are part of the book, and part of this introduction by Glenn.

MacNotables #1205: Ted Landau Examines the New iPad, iPhoto for iPad and Where We Are Going

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Just like the rest of us, Ted Landau watch Apple’s announcement of the new iPad with enthusiasm, and that enthusiasm hasn’t waned. While not a major change, Ted discusses why the new Retina display, improved camera and processor are a solid upgrade to the iPad, and the impact it will have on Android and other competing tablets. Perhaps the most impressive demo delivered at Apple’s event was that of iPhoto for iPadicon; Ted and host Chuck Joiner talk about why it may change the way many look at photo editing and manipulation. Impressions of the upgraded Apple TV and where the iPad evolution is taking us and more finish up this edition.

This edition of MacNotables is sponsored by Smile, the makers of the new PDFPen for iPad. Smile Software

MacVoices #1279: Erik Bernskiold Discusses Adobe Lightroom 4 and Adobe Creative Cloud


Graphics guy Erik Bernskiold is back to talk about the newest version of Adobe Lightroom and help us understand the Adobe Creative Cloud. Lightroom offers the digital photographer a powerful tool, but how does it stack up against Apple’s Aperture? Is it a viable upgrade from iPhoto for the casual user? Erik discusses the feature set, what the new version brings to the table, and why you should consider it if you’re even a little serious about your photos. Adobe Creative Cloud might be the most confusing thing going for many of us, especially given the controversy over the seemingly constant upgrade policy changes for Adobe Creative Suite owners. Erik helps us understand what programs and features are available in each option, what the new service offers and how it all works.

MacJury #1204: The TidBITS Staff Discusses Apple’s iPad and Apple TV Announcements

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The details of Apple’s newest iPad and Apple TV are now official, so we empaneled a MacJury from the TidBITS staff to help us review the announcements and what they mean. The furor over the lack of a name, the impact of the retina display, how people will use the improved camera are all part of the deliberations, as the group debates the most important features. The new iPhoto for iPad, the increased resolution of the Apple TV, whether you can really get work done on an iPad and all sorts of related topics were debated by the panel of Michael E. Cohen, Adam C. Engst, Tonya Engst, Joe Kissell, Matt Neuburg and host Chuck Joiner.

MacVoices #1278: Maria Langer’s Latest Books: iBook Author and Excel Data Sorting

Mac expert and author Maria Langer has been busy since we last checked in with her, producing two new books. The first, iBooks Author: Publishing Your First Ebook, will help you do just that, with Apple’s new authoring tool. Maria discusses how the book was created, why she chose to do it outside iBooks Author, at least for the initial versions, and her experience with the rich environment it delivers. Maria talks about the transformation iBooks Author brings to the medium, why it doesn’t feel like a 1.0 product, her pricing decisions and what it can mean to the publishing industry. Her second book, Sorting Excel Data: The Basics & Beyond, is more of a niche title; she talks about what it covers and why there is a need for a book on a topic as specific as data sorting.