Computer / Software

There's plenty to investigate in this month's Apple Notes, from the Windows version of iTunes to the latest major update to OS X.

Legal action by The Beatles' Apple Records caused the iTunes Music Store to hit the headlines recently, but there's no denying it has been an instant success that could change the way music is distributed forever. We look at the background to the Music Store and consider its implications for independent musicians.

The jungle drums are beating once again this month, as Apple begin shipping G5 Power Macs, and we take a closer look at Soundtrack, Apple's Acid-like loop-based music production tool, which is now available as a stand-alone product.

Apple had plenty of surprises at their Developer Conference this year, including new hardware (the G5 Power Macs), and new software (Panther). In this specially extended Apple Notes, we consider the likely effects on the Mac-based musician...

As the Apple Music Store online music experience is unleashed on an unsuspecting world, we speculate on the reasons for the recent reduction in Powerbook prices and take a look at how plug-ins are faring under OS X.

It's history in OS X, but extension management is a subject every OS 9 user has to deal with. Here, we offer some final advice on the subject and see if tweaking extensions really can boost your system's performance.

With the largest screen ever featured on a portable computer, Apple's flagship laptop would be tempting even if it didn't offer lots of musician-friendly features such as versatile connectivity and quiet operation...

This month saw the first signs of Emagic's technology being used in Final Cut Pro. We also take a look at a utility that allows OS X-compatible VST plug-ins to be converted into Audio Units.

Apple's new 12-inch Powerbook seems perfect for musicians who are unable to afford a Titanium, but need something more powerful than an iBook. However, with the 800MHz G3 iBook now available at a new low price, is the extra cost of a Powerbook justified in terms of its performance?

The most dramatic overhaul of the Mac OS ever was ignored by most musicians until recently — and rightly, as established music applications and standards no longer run under it. But lately, there have been more and more reasons for musicians to leave OS 9 behind. If you're considering making the switch, read on...

Apple's new iMac is as radical in appearance as its predecessor — but how well does it fit into the recording studio?

On October 25th 2001 Apple released their first non-Mac device for many years, the iPod. Apple Notes spots a vital clue which makes the iPod rather useful to the recording musician, whatever the general consumer makes of it...

The audio side of OS X receives a big boost with the release of the first major update, as does Islington's MacExpo, as Apple themselves decide to attend their first UK show for several years.

Upgrading your ageing Mac's processor to extend its useful working life is an appealing concept, and there are plenty of processor upgrades on the market. But what effect do they really have on musical and recording applications? We tested eight of them to find out...

Find out just how long it takes to set up a musical environment on a Powerbook, and welcome the Melodyne pitch and time software to the world of OS X, as well as discovering how Microsoft broke QuickTime and Apple fixed it...

After a slow start, OS X is starting to look quite promising for musicians, judging by behind-the-scenes news from MacWorld and an independent report pronouncing it the 'least latent' OS, especially under pressure. Paul Wiffen reveals all.

Paul Wiffen reveals highlights of the MacWorld Expo, and laments the passing of Apple's earliest UK evangelist while celebrating his permanent contribution to popular culture.

USB latency is reduced by new Mac ASIO drivers, mLAN development activity steps up, and there's more news of MIDI and audio support in OS X. Meanwhile, Paul Wiffen is making a movie...

There are dark mutterings against Steve Jobs on planes, trains and automobiles, as Paul Wiffen continues to struggle with phantom crashes and difficult reboots of OS9.1 since installing OS X on his computer...

With a new computer, pumped-up RAM, and a copy of the release version of MacOS X, Paul Wiffen is all set to take you through the first stages of using the new operating system for music — though the only music going on so far is solo organ!

Paul Wiffen has a sleep problem, sees the mLAN light, and rounds up the best of the Frankfurt launches for Apple musicians.