This Weeks Discoveries

Below are this week's new software, hardware and web gems!

SOFTWARE

NIK Photoshop Plug-Ins

NIK Software makes great plug-ins for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. I downloaded and experimented with one of their new offerings called Viveza. From within Photoshop you can use it to adjust color, saturation, contrast and a whole bunch of other stuff. What makes it unique and easy to use is their technology called "U Point powered Color Control Points." The software is not cheap however I am blown away by how well it works. Make sure and check out their demo video's. I also like NIK Color Efex as well.


WhatSize and Spring Cleaning

Periodically I take the time to remove files from the primary hard drives on my computers so they operate more efficiently, to make room for new projects and to back them up. Both WhatSize and Spring Cleaning help by identifying large files, duplicates and other stuff. They both work great.
Google Notifier

If you use Google Gmail as your primary email source definitely download Google Notifier for Mac's. It sits in the tool bar at the top of your screen and will notify you when you receive new mail and provide quick, direct access to your Gmail account.


HARDWARE

OWC 500 GB Portable Drive

OWC introduced a 500 GB portable, bus-powered drive this week. I have traveled with several of these during the last year and used them to back up digital photographs in the field. I have had no problems with the drive. It is compact and light. You can get it with multiple interfaces. I highly recommend it if you are in need of portable storage.
Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse

While I like the touch pad on my MacBook I use a mouse when I can. Until Dennis Cadorniga introduced me to the Logitech VX Nano I have been using an Apple Bluetooth mouse. They work OK but tend to drop their connection when I move my laptop. I've had good luck with wireless mice except that the USB antenna protrudes so far out from the side of the laptop they always get knocked off. Not so with the VX Nano. The USB antenna is tiny and the mouse is a joy to use! Thanks for the tip Dennis!
FLIP Video Camera

During breakfast last week Steve Holley turned me onto an interesting little pocket video camera called FLIP Video. It is tiny, simple (one button) and inexpensive. I was amazed at the quality of video he showed me on his laptop that he made in Hawaii on vacation with his family! It is designed specifically for uploading to YouTube and your own web site. You can't beat the price! My daughter has it at a Lakers Game as we speak. I will post some footage next week.
WEB SITES

MacUpdate Promo

Some of my favorite software is from small developers in the form of shareware or freeware. I discovered a site this weekend called MacUpdate Promo that offers a-deal-a-day on Mac software. It's a site worth checking periodically.


Soundsnap

I visited a site this weekend that I read about in one of the Mac magazines called Soundsnap. It is a great site where you can download free sound effects to add to your films.


PRODUCT FOLLOW UP

Cradle Point Router

I have been using the Cradlepoint Wireless Hotspot Router all week. This is a device I mentioned last week that Dennis Cadorniga showed me. I works perfectly!

PRODUCTS TO AVOID

Laptop Sweater

I could not resist adding this photo to the blog. Damn, this is bad!!