8OO8  Alexius....hey there, little guy. Sorry you found my hyperbole grating. In the interest of making this world a better place, though, please have yourself lobotomized. You'll feel better too.

Thanks!

Oh, and don't forget, now, it's time for your enema.  
(Version 2.1.1)

8OO8  This seems to be a very basic, bare-bones implementation of the game xiang qi. It's you against the computer; however, there's no difficulty level setting and how well this game is programmed remains to be seen.

There's absolutely no information included. iXiangQi's website is totally devoid of info as well.

But Googling "xiang qi" brought up a good selection of sources for useful information including detailed rules/instructions.

There's http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiangqi and

http://www.clubxiangqi.com/, for example.  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  Hmm, I've received several emails from Smith Micro over the past couple of months offering to to sell me Stuffit Deluxe at the special price of $30.

That's $50(!) off their retail price.

That tells me that they're getting very few buyers for their bloated piece of fecal matter, heh, heh. Doesn't surprise me, though.

I just won't buy it at any price.  
(Version 12.0)

8OO8  I'd say that the only area in which Firefox, now, really excels is its add-ons; it's got a wide selection of interesting, useful extensions and attractive themes.

Otherwise, as others have mentioned, it's gotten progressively more sluggish.....in fact it's rather constipated these days. And, as I've found, add several extensions and it slows things down even more.

Yeah, as others have found, Netscape Navigator is quite sprightly....it's my browser of choice at the moment, while Opera is quite good, too, although its rather peculiar UI does irk me.

But it's a shame that Firefox has lost its beans; if it ever regains them, it would be my first choice, once again, in a heartbeat.   
(Version 2.0.0.8)

8OO8  TCC is one of the truly stellar performers amongst system maintenance apps; it, along with the superb TinkerTool System and Onyx comprise the powerful triumverate of my Mac's system maintenance team. Each one has unique and valuable features. I use them all to keep my Mac's OS humming along beautifully.

Tiger Cache Cleaner and TinkerTool System are very reasonably priced, and Onyx is free as the air we breathe.

The developer's of all three really know what they're doing; I have the utmost respect for them all.  
(Version 3.2.16)

8OO8  After finally getting a working download back to v1.1.1....don't feel the lackluster upgrade to v2.0 is worth paying the upgrade fee (SRS Labs was totally unresponsive on this issue 'till someone rattled their cage), I now get the "Maximium Activation Exceeded" message when attempting to re-register v1.1.1 but SRS Labs, once again, is totally unresponsive to my two emails to them about this issue.

I repeat what I and many others have said, "SRS LABS customer support TOTALLY SUCKS!!!"  
(Version 2.0)

8OO8  I've got v1.1.1 on a CD which came with my Logitech keyboard; it's about 4 years old and works just fine.

This version, 2.3.1, simply doesn't cut it at all. None of the function keys can be configured to work with it installed. So I trashed it, went back to v1.1.1 and no problems at all once again. Go figure.

My OS is 10.4.9  
(Version 2.3.1)

8OO8  Well, tried v5.02 and was informed that that it can't be run on my computer because it lacks required graphics hardware.

Apparently, Whitecap now needs greater resources than the latest version of G-Force, which runs just fine on my 17" Powerbook.

Ah well, sometimes life's a bitch, ya know? Sigh......  
(Version 5.0.2)

8OO8  Well, thanks to Easer's post, below, I was able to reinstall v1.10, BUT, now when I enter my serial number, I get "maximum number of activations exceeded". And I activated it only ONCE at the time I first installed it! So I can't even reregister my paid for copy of version 1 again.

And it's pointless to contact SRS support since, as we all now know, they just don't reply.

Yes, SRS support STINKS!.....like an outhouse on a hot day!

So, it's back to square one......sigh......  
(Version 2.0)

8OO8  The version 1 installation, for those who want to reinstall their v1 iWOW (http://www.srslabs.com/srsproduct/iwow1.1.asp) still does NOT work.

After downloading it and attempting to install it, a message appears on one's desktop stating, after clicking on the "install" tab, "You cannot continue. There is nothing to install". It's, no doubt, a

malfunction, but SRS Labs has yet to correct it.  
(Version 2.0)

8OO8  It seems that total lack of customer support (no response to emailed queries) is "business as usual" with SRS Labs. It's completely irresponsible.

Here is the contact info for SRS Labs:

SRS USA – Head Quarters

2909 Daimler Street

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: 949.442.1070

Toll Free: 800.243.2733

Maybe they need to be inundated with phone calls and letters from irate customers who have gotten no replies to emailed issues (and there appear to be quite a few).  
(Version 2.0)

8OO8  @ Gurubez

Yeah, no response or help from SRS Labs really stinks. Be persistant, though,

Meanwhile, you should be able to have the charge for at least one of your purchases credited back to you;

let your credit card company know.  
(Version 2.0)

8OO8  Still the best iTunes audio enhancer out there. A few nice additional features for version 2.

If you already have a serial number for version 1, you'll need to purchase an upgrade for version 2....its $12. http://www.srs-store.com/store-plugins/mall/iWOW-plugin.asp

Looks like the purchase price for first time purchasers has been upped to $30, but for a "limited time", the price is still $20.  
(Version 2.0)

8OO8  Ok, I figured out how to get this puppy going. First you have to click on the little icon opposite "Works" to the right of the main window, then you have to click on the "plus" icon to left, then you type your text.

Then you click on the little icon opposite "Chapter" and then click on the "plus" icon, then you type more text.

Then, and only then, after you have done the above exactly in that order, can you begin typing text in the main window.

Well, this is the most convoluted, labyrithine, soul devouring, creativity crippling, user unfriendly procedure for using a simple word processor ever devised by man!

Was the developer on a bad acid trip just before he came up with this little torture device?

After using this little demonic contraption, I was so miserable that I felt like blowing my brains out!

For God's sake, man, when I write... when my creative juices are flowing, I just want to open a page and start typing....is that too much to ask????? Jesus!

I gotta go lie down now........sigh....  
(Version 1.0.2)

8OO8  It's so lacking in features as to make it virtually worthless as a useful browser. I mean, what's the point of this???? Why even offer it in such an emaciated, featureless condition?

The developer needs to put a LOT more work into this before even considering making it available to Mac users.

And a new browser should be unique, offering useful features not available in any other browser. This looks to me like just another reinvention of the wheel. And one nowhere near ready for prime time.

I would give MiniBrowser only one star, but I realize that the developer is just a novice and needs to obviously still learn a huge amount about the craft of software developement.  
(Version 2.6.2)

8OO8  I meant to give version 2.5.2, the latest one, a well deserved five stars, so here they are.   
(Version 2.5.1)

8OO8  After a couple of glitches, Overflow 2.5 now works beautifully.

I emailed Dan, the developer, about them and he was, as always, very responsive, very helpful and very kind.

Dan Messer is another gifted software developer of whom I have the highest regard....he does absolutely superb work.

I'd be lost without Overflow; I use it, effortlessly, many times each day. It's an incredibly wonderful, useful app.  
(Version 2.5.1)

8OO8  The new Conjure icon is spot on! It's warm, inviting and quite in keeping with the app's name (i.e. conjuring a rabbit). Lovely! And the revised screenshot is very pleasant....far better than the original one.

These changes speak well of the developer; it demonstrates that he takes user/prospective users' input to heart and is most amenable to implementing changes based on them.

I'd say that this developer has a very promising future.

The app itself is unique and is enjoyable to use, although it needs a bit of fine tuning. While I do think that it's priced too high, if the developer finds that he's getting the number of license purchases that are agreeable to him, then so be it. But if not, he might want to consider adjusting the price accordingly.  
(Version 1.2)

8OO8  Actually, this is a unique and novel idea.....something that creative folks might find quite useful.

If you find that organizational structure is just too inhibiting and confining to your creative flow, this just might fit the bill. I, for one, like it!

But, $35 is just too high; I predict that there'll be few takers at that price. I'd pay, say, maybe $20 for it but definiteley not $35.

Hmmm, now Conjure would be a really good choice for a MU Promo......it would certainly generate more interest in this nifty "not for everyone" confection.

Oh, and the Conjure icon is, I'd say, rather grotesque and uninviting.....it has a somewhat ominous, threatening quality to it. Something warmer and friendlier would be far more appropriate, I think.

And the screenshot brings to mind, at least to me, a Ouija board, which for many is a rather discomforting turn-off.  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  Well, my panning of Little Snitch's developer's ethics, below, was totally unwarranted and unfair. I was reminded that LS was also included in July's MacUpdate bundle, which I also had purchased, so I did get the version 2 upgrade without charge. The fact that the developer agreed to participate in both February's Promo special as well as July's bundle speaks well of him. But yes, I guess he did have to draw the line somewhere regarding a free upgrade.

I apologize to the developer for unfairly impugning his ethics, and I fully retract my negative comments regarding them.

A public stoning of myself will be arranged as punishment for my egregious comments. All are welcome to attend. Stoners are particularly welcome. Stones will be provided.  
(Version 2.0b6)

8OO8  As I've learned, since SunriseBrowser is developed particularly for web developers, it lacks features that

web developers don't really need and importing bookmarks is, apparently, one of them.

Too bad, since SB is really fast......I'd like to use it but its lack of bookmark importing makes it crippled and cumbersome. It lacks other rather essential features for many of us non-developers, too, such as decent cookie control.

And SB's graphic bookmarks are just not really useful for anyone but developers, I imagine. The graphic bookmarks take up quite a bit of screen real estate.

Oh, and SB's forum? Yeah, there are currently nothing but about 7 pages of spam/threads containing mostly links to porno sites. I'd say that the developer is clueless about them.....he likely doesn't ever bother to even check his forum. Puzzling. Amusing, though.....heh,heh,heh.  
(Version 1.3.8)

8OO8  Little Snitch is is a fine app, but what I find a bit hard to take is their business ethics, i.e., their free upgrade only for those who purchased LS after February 15th, 07. Without doubt that cut-off date was chosen intentionally to get another $12.95 from Promo purchasers. The MacUpdate Promo was on Feb. 12th at 40% off. The upgrade to v.2 is 12.95.

Now, paying $12.95 more is, in itself, not a big deal. But I'm sure, though, that Little Snitch's developers already knew when they arranged for the Feb.12th Promo that they could get another $12.95 from Promo purchasers several months later; version 2 was already being prepared for release several months hence, right? Shrewd......but slimy none the less.

I'd really be interested to know how many people purchased the Promo on Feb.12th. Multiply that number by $12.95 and that's the amount of additional money that the developers stand to gain. I'd say that most Promo purchasers will buy an upgrade....I will. But I think that the developers' ethics stink. Feh!  
(Version 2.0b6)

8OO8  It looks like the only change between the previous version and this version, v2.4, of Startup Crime Stopper is the addition of an Italian localization (thereby giving the developer more publicity, once again, for his grossly overpriced app).

What's next for version 2.5, Latvian localization? I can hardly wait.

By the way, the previous commenter's suggestion that you can go for Tinkertool System instead of this app is right on.

TinkerTool System is around $10 and is one of the excellent full featured maintenance apps with a plethora of great, useful features, including one to mute your Mac's startup chime.

Now, if AlphaOmegaSoftware could come up with something really innovative and brilliant like TinkerTool System(but I won't hold my breath, sigh...), I just might change my otherwise low and contemptuous opinion of that software company.  
(Version 2.4)

8OO8  Instead of shelling out the absurd price of $20 for this simple one trick pony, you could pay merely $9 for Tiger Cache Cleaner; it's an excellent system maintenance app which INCLUDES a pixel testing feature, along with other nifty, useful features not available in other maintenance apps. And it's also PPC/Intel friendly.

But if you'd rather piss away your $20 on Pixel Tester

3.4(and I can't imagine why), then the pleasure is yours.  
(Version 3.4)

8OO8  Some pose the question, "why hasn't EasyFind been updated in some time"?(since May 11, 2006)

Well, I use EasyFind several times a day, most days, and it ALWAYS works like a Swiss watch. It's always found EVERY last file and has never ever given me the slightest bit of trouble, and I've been using it for quite a while, now.

I've found it totally reliable and totally efficient. I couldn't be more pleased with it.

If one has any problem with EasyFind or feels the need for an improvement, let's hear it....and, more importantly, let the developers hear it.

"If it ain't broken, don't fix it", right?  
(Version 3.9)

8OO8  So, still $20(15 Euros) for this redundant little trifle..... a most pedestrian pixel tester, which is easily available for free from other developers, eh, Alpha Omega Software? Well, in the words of the French guard in scene 8 of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, "I FART in your general direction!". Feh!!!!  
(Version 3.4)

8OO8  I've been looking for an easy to use program for anonymous surfing, and JAP is pretty easy to configure and use, which is a big plus, but I found its one "for free" proxy IP quite unreliable and sometimes quite slow.

The first time I used it, the proxy did hide my own IP, giving its own info instead. I tested it on a couple of websites that show your IP info.

The second and third times I used it, those two websites showed my own IP info and not the proxy's. And I made doubly sure that JAP was enabled and correctly configured.

And the last time I used it I couldn't make an internet connection at all using their proxy.

They offer proxies that should work better for a small fee, but the payment process options are rather a hassle.

On JAP's website, they offer a free small coupon(to test out their for pay proxies) for anyone that requests it; I emailed them two requests a while back but have gotten no response.

The JAP developers still need to get their act together; JAP is developed in Germany by German developers, but it definitely lacks the well renowned German efficiency.  
(Version 0.08.086 )

8OO8  Well, I finally gave it a try the other day and it didn't hose my system, BUT!, it crashed several times. The scanning went just fine, however it crashed each time I used it during the trimming process.

Notified the developer about it. Haven't gotten a response, yet.  
(Version 1.0.2)

8OO8  Well, it's almost to impossible to figure out how to use Oxidizer and there's no instruction manual. I fumbled around for a bit and was able to get it to "breed" images but I couldn't find a way to save them nor to get the "breeding" process to stop, so it just continued to "breed" images, placing them over the previous images.

I tried to click on various tabs but the app just suddenly became unresponsive to my input, it,in effect, froze....and then crashed.

Tried again, but just ran into problem after problem. Flummoxed and exasperated, I gave up and trashed it.

This app looks quite interesting, but why the developer has chosen not to include user instructions is a mystery. Oxidizer is anything but intuitive to use.  
(Version 0.4)

8OO8  Something like this can really hose one's system if wasn't put together perfectly. I'd really like to use XsTrimmer but I'm just not ballsy enough to jump in, since the developer has no apparent track record and there are no reviews by people who have actually used it. In other words, "you first!" Anybody?  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  Dreams is so devoid of features as to render it crippled. No bookmarks. No cookie control. No.....well, nothing, hardly.

What's the point in using it? What was the point in creating it?

There are already plenty of browsers out there, many of them first rate.

Dreams makes no sense whatsoever. Dreams

is pointless.

Ah, I think I just figured it out.....this was likely a novice's first attempt at software developement, a class assignment in Software 101, right?

Ok, then, nice for your first attempt. But how about not trying to reinvent the wheel and develop something that's unique and useful, ok? Good luck!  
(Version 1.3)

8OO8  Well, I installed Jotter but it's essentially dead in the water. Clicking on "new note" or "TODO list" from the menu bar icon does nothing.....nada, ziltch. So, into the trash it goes.  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  Well, I, for one, having used TinkerTool System for the past couple of years, have found it to be absolutely outstanding; it's resplendent with a wealth of eminently useful features and has never once caused me a problem.....never a crash, kernel panic, glitch, hiccup, belch or fart.

For me, it's been totally stable, totally reliable, and as solid as a block of granite.

Definitely well worth its modest price.

I have the highest regard for its developer, Marcel Bresink, who has demonstrated that he is a true master of his craft.

When I have contacted him in the past, he was quick to respond, most courteous, and most helpful.

Well done, Dr. Marcel Bresink, well done!  
(Version 1.71)

8OO8  WriteRoom is beautiful.....and I love it! I write a lot and WriteRoom DEFINITELY helps immensely in potentiating my creative flow.

Those that have trashed WriteRoom have their heads stuck way up their rectums....they wouldn't recognize a true gem if bit them on the ass.

And WriteRoom is just that, a beautiful gem for creative folks.

It's not intended to be a feature-rich text editor or full fledged word processor.....it's intended to be "a distraction-free writing environment".....nothing more, and it works just beautifully at doing that.  
(Version 2.2)

8OO8  If you click on "more information", above, and go to SKAT's website, you'll see the logo, ASS, featured...it's the big ASS (all white and red), ya can't miss it.

Anyway, ASS is the German playing card company(ASS Attenburger) which designed the cards that SKAT 7.1 uses.

If you find yourself really turned on by SKAT and ASS, then this game's for you, babe!

By the way, as the website proclaims, it's a proud partner in the "German Skat Players ASSociation". (I can't wait to join, can you?)

Ah, those kinky Germans!  
(Version 7.1)

8OO8  This version works just fine, here. And G-Force's iTunes visualizer finally runs in true full screen mode at last.....no more letterbox effect, EEHAA!!!

The Toolbar has an even more sophisticated range of settings..... G-Force Standalone (and V-Bar, as well) now reacts to sound input, just like the visualizer.

I've captured some amazingly beautiful screenshots off of the Standalone which I've saved and use for my desktop background.

G-Force just continually blows me away...it just keeps getting better and better; I am in total awe at this incredibly beautiful creation. I am blissed out and in true Eye Candy Heaven....it's Nirvana all the way!  
(Version 3.7)

8OO8  If you're an inmate at a state mental institution, on a locked ward, and shot up with a high dose of haloperidol, you might get into this game.

But if you're not, it likely will make you feel that you're in a time warp, trapped in a revolving door.

It's very slow moving, sickeningly sweet and "precious", and has a story line guarantied to appeal to the brain dead.

The game's trial period is 30 minutes, which is much too long.

Uh, Nurse Ratched.....Nurse Ratched....is it time for my lobotomy, yet?  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  Incredibly good photo viewer/slideshow app! Just amazing, and bursting with ingenious features. A real bargain at just $8.

This developer most definitely has a brilliant future!  
(Version 2.9)

8OO8  This version is pretty buggy.

With screen flashing notification and caps lock enabled, screen flashes with every or every other keystroke even though I've set the flash warning to go off after every 3d, 4th, 5th, etc. keystroke.

Sound warning also exhibits same behavior as above.

With Growl warning enabled, keystroke warning works very unreliably and intermittently.

Changing warning modes doesn't take effect unless I uncheck "Enable CAPS Warn" and recheck again.

After I posted my previous review, I did find some bugs in that version, but, of course, that's water under the bridge now.

(I did, in fact, delete all files of the previous CAPS Warn version before installing v 3.0)

Would be nice if CAPS Warn worked smoothly; it IS pretty useful.

  
(Version 3.0)

8OO8  This wonderful screensaver ("Now your computer can dream of global thermonuclear war, even when idle") is brought to us by the good folks who brought us the even more wonderful game, Defcon, who's theme is ...."to successfully exterminate the enemy's civilian population while at the same time disabling the enemy's ability to retaliate"; truly every neo-con and aspiring neo-con's most heartfelt dream.

To those of us who love this theme, and go for it with rapturous joy, allow me me say, from the bottom of my heart, "may there be mushroom clouds galore for all of us; may our families, friends, neighborhoods, towns and cities be incinerated......real soon!"  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  Really well done. Just one complaint, the font size for the games' rules is just too small; its a bit of a strain to read comfortably, at least for me, and I'm sure for some other folks, too. How about increasing it or allowing the player to set the rules' font size.

Oh, and I could find no contact info on your website. Is it there? It would be nice to post it if it's not.  
(Version 2.1)

8OO8  Beautiful, just beautiful! This elegant, sophisticated and masterful creation is a dream come true for those of us who want/need to explore and utilize every nook and cranny of our Finders.

I have the highest regard for this brilliant developer, to whom I say...may you live long and prosper!  
(Version 4.7)

8OO8  It works nicely and, of course, its free. But it only activates the screensaver that you've got set in System Preferences. And, as yet, there's no menubar activation.

For a more sophisticated way to go(and for $10), there's "xBack". It allows you to select ANY of your screensavers, and configure them as well(provided the screensaver itself has that option), right from your menu bar. Or, as with Wallsaver, activate it from your Dock.

But Wallsaver is just a pup. Who knows what features the developer will incorporate into it over time. It might very well give xBack a run for its money one day. Stay tuned.

(I'm a hard-core screensaver junkie....just love interesting, unique ones. Got over 40 of them in my collection, so far.)  
(Version 1.3)

8OO8  As it stands, now, this game is HORRIBLE!

First demerit, the game(in evaluation mode) quits after only a few moves.

Well, the intelligent approach would be to allow full play for a set number of games, say....at least 10 games? Hmmm?

Then, the game is just riddled with bugs. Often, a matching domino just can't be placed against an appropriate tile, inexplicably.

Twice, most of the game suddenly disappeared from my desktop, leaving only my dominoes there.

One can only play in a window;there's no option for full screen play. The playing field gets too crowded pretty quickly.

The game's menu, which is meant to appear on the top edge of the playing field, is absent most of time.

Amd there's even more but I'm just too aggravated to continue listing this game's deficiencies.

The developer obviously had a fart in his brain when he created it; he needs to go get a nice brain massage, and then start all over again.

Meanwhile, "Domino" goes straight into the toilet.....and I need to go lie down.  
(Version 5.0)

8OO8  PDFs open in sprightly fashion now! Completely opening a 25MB document with a closed Adobe Acrobat(with "show flash screen" UNchecked {disabled} in Acrobat's Preferences/General) opens the PDF in just 3 seconds.

Really sweet!

This is on a 1GHz Aluminum Powerbook with 1.5GB RAM running OS 10.4.9.

With Acrobat's flash screen enabled, the PDF takes 7 seconds to open, but I've never found any reason to enable it.  
(Version 8.1)

8OO8  No problems using it, here, on my 17" Powerbook 1 GHz with 1.5GB RAM. OS 10.4.9.

Upon launch of Democracy Player, CPU was at 100% for the first minute 'till everything loaded, but my Powerbook maintained total composure, with nary a hiccup, belch or fart.

Downloads played just fine. Searching YouTube and Google video via Democracy Player for certain videos that I know are there yielded zilch for some reason.

However this app seems to work just fine, overall. I think I'll keep it. It DOES look most interesting.  
(Version 0.9.5.6)

8OO8  From the game itself to the graphics.... bland, bland, bland. Just didn't hold my interest at all.

I think that Septavo Tangram reflects a total lack of imagination and creativity on the part of its developers.

And NO WAY is this game worth anywhere near its $20 price...maybe $5, but only if you find it interesting. On second thought, it should be a freebie. For 20 bucks I expect a game to wow me. This turkey puts me to sleep.

Yawwwnnnn....well, goodnight....see ya all in the mornin'. Oh, it is mornin...must be that soporofic game called Septavo...Septavo...whatever....  
(Version 1.0.1)

8OO8  VERY handy and VERY useful. A really ingenius little creation. Works perfectly.

As one who writes a lot using my Powerbook and who often inadvertently presses the caps lock key or holds the shift key down a bit longer than I want, CAPS Warn really makes my writing work flow a bit easier.

A big thanks to the developer....and for offering it for free, too!  
(Version 2.2)

8OO8  Really nice.....the new feature to choose a particular image from a list in the menu bar is quite handy.

Clicking anywhere on the screen to advance to the next image is sweet, but why not allow a another mouse click to reverse direction? True, one can use option-space on one's keyboard to do that but allowing one's mouse to both advance and go backward would be really handy.

I've got two buttons on my mouse assigned to go forward and backward but it doesn't work with "Sequential", strangely.

I've been using "Xee", another excellent image viewer, and my mouse's forward and back buttons DO work there.

Perhaps "Sequential"s developer could allow for the user to assign any hot keys to go forward and backward, as well as perform other functions.

Both "Sequential" and "Xee" each have useful features not offered by the other.

Perhaps the developers of each could join forces and combine the best features of both; then we would have an even better image viewer called

"Xeequential"! (Oh, I'm so pleased with myself for that cute idea....I think I'll just kick back and gloat for little while.....excuse me, I'll be back a little later...)  
(Version 1.0.5)

8OO8  Rather elegant. Thank you, Marcus!

I encourage you to create more icons. You seem to have quite an artistic sense.  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  While this is a neat idea, I wonder if G4 'books really need it.

I've run my two 17" Powerbooks...a 1GHz and 1.5GHz, in rather extreme conditions, unairconditioned rooms in summer where the ambient room temps got into the high 80s F (27s C) and my PBs doing processor intensive work, and they've never gotten above 144 F (62.2 C) . The critical temperature point, where Powerbooks are designed to automatically shut off is, I believe, around 160 F (71 C).

Of course, MacBook Pros can get so hot that one can turn them over and grill Filet Mignons on them!.....I'll have mine medium rare , please.

But there are a couple of fan control

apps out there for them.  
(Version 0.3)

8OO8  This outstandingly beautiful creation is a true balm for the soul. It generates soothing, centering, healing soundscapes that will enhance the quality of your life.

The developer must, indeed, be in touch with the Source of all Creation, for Sonic Moods is a true gift from On High. It glistens like a diamond lotus in the morning sun.

While Sonic Moods has been with us for a while, if you've never come across it before consider yourself blessed, for it is a true find.

This wonderful developer is always seeking ways to make it better and better, and at the paltry sum of $10, it is priceless. I humbly bow before this very gifted soul.  
(Version 4.7.6)

8OO8  This version, 1.8b3, works fine! Thanks for the fast response, Joel.....and thanks for your wonderful work in creating and constantly improving OnyX.

A big hug from me to you!  
(Version 1.8b3)

8OO8  Exactly the same issue here, too! Tried completely deleting the download and trying again but no go with this version. Went back to v. 1.7.9 which works just fine.

OS 10.4.9 on a Powerbook 1GHz.  
(Version 1.8b2)

8OO8  The game is just not challenging, even at the "hard" level. It started out looking like fun, but, before long just got boring. Little kids might like it....or mentally handicapped adults, but I just can't see it holding anyone else's interest for very long.

Some of the "targets", when hit with one's ball, just don't seem to be reflected in one's point tally. The same is true for some of the falling objects when "caught" with one's paddle.

And the "spells" which can be acquired in the store just don't do anything really interesting.

This game does have possibilities, however. The developer needs to think more creatively, push his limits. He needs to give the game more sizzle. And the graphics could do with a bit more "punch".

The game DOES need more work, though.  
(Version 1.4.1)

8OO8  ScreenLogger is meant to compliment the developer's BackTrack, a keyword logger, although ScreenLogger can be used by itself.....however I can't really think of any practical reasons to do so, off hand.

ScreenLogger, itself, is free, whereas BackTrack is $15.  
(Version 1.1.1)

8OO8  This developer's got about 30 different apps for sale, all pretty simple and most of them essentially the same as others available elsewhere for free or for far, far less than the 15 Euros, or $20 that he charges for all of them. Some of his software is of very little, or no practical use. All of his software are horribly overpriced.

I truly think that he's just simply incapable of coming up with anything both unique and useful, so he largely capitalizes on other's ideas, which he then markets to the unsophisticated and unwary.

I think that he's essentially interested in making a fast buck(or Euro), and doesn't have the talent for or interest in creating innovative software; he hasn't a clue of what "craftsmanship" means in software creation.

Quite frankly, I have nothing but CONTEMPT for him.

There are any number of talented software developers out there who put their hearts and souls into creating and developing just one piece of work, but a piece of work that is both beautifully conceived and designed and, indeed, are true works of art. Creations that are unique, eminently useful and a pleasure to use.

AlphaOmegaSoftware needs to sit at their feet and learn from them.

AlphaOmegaSoftware....the first and last word in MEDIOCRITY.  
(Version 3.9)

8OO8  I found Chock-A-Block most unengaging; it didn't hold my interest for long. There's none of that "sizzle" that keeps one wanting to come back for more.

The game reflects a lack of ingenuity and creativity on the part of its creator, imo. And the graphics are lackluster, to say the least. I don't think the developer has any sense of what makes a game seductive, what makes a game reach out and pull you in.

At $20, it's absurdly overpriced .... but then, I wouldn't be willing to pay anything for it.

But who knows, you might find it the greatest thing since pickled herring in sourcream.....in which case it might be worth $8, but not a penny more.  
(Version 0.9.9)

8OO8  Well, this question was posted one year and nine months ago yet the developer has NOT replied. Perhaps the developer's silence speaks volumes, no?

Unless I see any evidence to the contrary, I'd say that if you've got OS 10.4 installed and have its firewall enabled, UDP blocked and Stealth enabled,

IPNetSentry is superfluous......unnecessary.

Anyone disagree? Hmmm?  
(Version 1.6c3)

8OO8  Of the 8 predefined voice effects, only 3 or 4 of them make for more or less interesting selections, IMO.

Why not give Voice Candy the capability for the user to customize his/her voice according to an unlimited range of variables.

As it stands now, I'm really not impressed.  
(Version 1.1.4)

8OO8  Sadly, this otherwise excellent widget fails to inform one which of the comestibles on the menus are made with organic ingredients, which of the meat dishes use grass fed beef or whether or not any of the dining halls are fart free......all major and egregious oversights on the part of the developer.  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  There's absolutely no reason to spend the absurd price of $19 or $20 that AlphaOmega asks for this, nor, actually, is there any reason to spend ANY money for a chime stopper when there are a number of totally fine FREE ones out there.

I've been using "Psst!" for some time now. It's free, of course, it been working flawlessly for me, and you can even adjust the chime volume from off, to whisper quiet, all the way up to full volume via a slider.

It's your mazuma, though. Ya wanna pay good money for one? Then the pleasure is all yours.  
(Version 2.2)

8OO8  I can see NO reason to pay $15 for this when there are other fine screenshot apps available for FREE; check out "InstantShot", "Copernicus", "SnapNDrag" (or the Pro version for $5...it's got a few more features), for example.

Try them all and then decide whether or not you want to shell out $15 for QuickSnap....it's your money, after all.  
(Version 1.1)

8OO8  This has to be the handiest little screenshot app out there......just invoke it from its menubar icon when you need it, choose the function that you want and do it.

Fast , easy, effortless, smooth.....works perfectly.

A truly beautifully designed little gem. A bow to the developer.....and a big thank you for offering it for free, but I'd definitely pay a few shekels for it.  
(Version 2.4)

8OO8  Ok, I'll tell it like it is; this is an overpriced bolus of fecal matter designed to appeal to suckers.

There really isn't anything more to say about it, now is there?  
(Version 6.6)

8OO8  This app is true gem....I've been using it for the past several years, it just keeps getting better and better.

I use it at least a dozen times each day. It's unique, it's eminently useful and it works like a Swiss watch.

Keeps my Dock from overflowing with clutter, I've got nearly a hundred apps and documents neatly and alphabetically catagorized; accessing them is effortless and instantaneous.

When I've had a question, the developer has been responsive and helpful.

Overflow is a real pleasure to use and is one app that is definitely worth the price of admission.  
(Version 2.0.6)

8OO8  15 Euros(20 Dollars US) for THIS??!!! OMG!!!!! FOR WHAT???

It's a very simple app of very limited use, and of no value whatsoever to most folks..............this commenter now schleps off into the morning sun in utter amazement and disbelief.  
(Version 3.1)

8OO8  For just battery info this works just fine, but for lots more in addition to battery info check out "iStat nano", a widget that includes a whole range of readouts for your 'book.  
(Version 2.6)

8OO8  Well, it's three and a half weeks now and I'm still waiting for my serial number......and getting nothing but silence from Mr. Trayner.

I've dealt with other one-person software companies and all have responded in a timely manner, usually within 24 hours and sometimes 48 hours.....but 3 1/2 weeks and nothing?!!!! Well, how much time and effort does it take to email a registration code?

An interesting observation: there are currently no secure public proxies available in Netshade 3; no doubt Mr. Trayner has been neglectful in updating them.

I had already trashed my copy of Netshade 2 since I had expected my Netshade 3 serial number to arrive soon after purchasing it.

Ok, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that there's some ongoing personal problem that's preventing him from supporting his software, but if he's unable to provide support, then why doesn't he pass the torch to someone who can?

As things stand now, it's just not fair to the folks who have purchased Netshade licenses.  
(Version 3.1.1)

8OO8  Um, why would give a rat's ass where the Wagner ice cream truck is....in Limenau no less.

If I'm Jonesin' for an ice cream fix, I'll just trot on down to my local grocer's for some Ben and Jerry's.....

hmmmm, I could go for nice big dish of "Cherry Garcia" right about now!  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  Only the first game of the set is available in trial mode, and, sadly, I found it very uninteresting and unengaging. I got bored with it pretty quickly.

One matches three tiles in a row to remove them and allow your game piece to move to the top row. Big deal.......BIG yawn!!!

Before playing, there's a long-winded, silly, story line.

The graphics are, IMHO, lackluster and unimpressive; and the music accompanyment is trite.

And they want $28 for this turkey?!!! Oh, please!

It would be overpriced at half that!.

You can do a LOT better for a lot less; there are some far, far, better choices out there....trust me.  
(Version 1.0.2)

8OO8  I'd say that a widget is NOT an appropriate medium for card games; the playing field is just too small,

one really needs a full screen for that.

I've got a 17" Powerbook, and playing cards within the confines of a widget does get quite tiring before long; the playing area is only 4" x 5".

I'd imagine that playing cards on a 12" notebook screen using a widget would require use of a magnifying glass!  
(Version 1.3)

8OO8  Purchased an upgrade from Netshade2 to Netshade3 two and a half weeks ago. Haven't received my license code. Emailed the developer twice about it but have gotten NO reply.

This seems to be business as usual with him........virtually nonexistent customer support, an ongoing issue.

Don't know what the problem is with him, maybe he just doesn't care, maybe ongoing personal problems...who knows, but this is really getting old.

Sigh.........  
(Version 3.1.1)

8OO8  Very simple to use.......works perfectly! Does just what it's designed to do without missing a beat.

You put the app anywhere in your hard drive, then you can place a copy of it in your finder's sidebar for convenience as suggested by the developer, or any where else that you'd like.

Drop an image onto it and, voila, the image appears as your desktop background a couple of seconds later. Really sweet!  
(Version 1.2)

8OO8  Works OK but no way would I pay $20 for this. Maybe $8. But I'd buy it only if I needed the recovery feature, which I don't.

Supposedly, one can choose to have the trash deleted securely, but I could find no way to enable that function. And what do they mean by "secure"?

Some consider 3 overwrites secure but I don't. At least 7 overwrites are necessary for that.  
(Version 1.4)

8OO8  My first foray into iTunes sound enhancers was with Volume Logic; it does improve the sound dynamics, but doesn't take it nearly as far as it could.

OSS 3D was next. I was initially impressed, but after a while, I began to feel that it tends to oversaturate the music's dynamics with too much "color", even after playing around with OSS 3D's plethora of settings.

Now, having spent some with iWOW, I have to say that, in my opinion, it does the best job of the three, potentiating the music's dynamics considerably WITHOUT adding anything at all intrusive; the music stays "clean".

You might want to try all three and see for yourself.

SRS has really done an incredibly fine job with iWOW!  
(Version 1.1.6)

8OO8  This little confection is MUCH more than a mere game.....oh, yesssss!!!!!!

Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
(Version .06)

8OO8  EV, I suggest you unclench your anal sphincter.... you'll feel better.

Now, would someone please pass the borscht...and the sourcream, too? Thanks very much.   
(Version 1.01)

8OO8  I love these icons........I want more, more, more!

They reflect early Soviet art, the 1920s, a time when artists, there, pushed their limits, experimenting with new, revolutionary ideas. They're really well crafted.

If EV, or anyone else, finds them offensive, then, of course they'd best not look at them. I, and many others, DON'T have a problem with them. It's all about freedom of choice, you dig?

Hmmm......I suddenly feel like singing the INTERNATIONALE,...."Arise, you prisoners of starvation!

Arise, you wretched of the earth! For justice....."

Oh my, I don't know what came over me....  
(Version 1.01)

8OO8  Forgot to give you stars......you get all five in all catagories!

IceClean, er, I mean POLITZEI, works beautifully and smoothly.  
(Version 1.6.1)

8OO8  As an English speaking citizen of the US, who doesn't speak German, I much prefer the name "POLITZEI"!. It's got panache, it's got style, it's got charm, it's got uniqueness, it's got balls, it's got authority! It stands out from the mainstream!

IceClean is cute, but it's too much a la most other software monikers.

Politzei, Politzei, Politzei all the way!!! Politzei forever!!!

By the way, the app, itself, is great. Well done, developer! And thanks for offering it for free....I'll give you a big hug.  
(Version 1.6.1)

8OO8  Whoa! This thing is a disaster. I installed it (version 4.0) and restarted my Mac as required, and my Mac had a fit!

Took forever to start up, then was balky, spastic and unresponsive. And my Airport connection kept cutting out.

I then trashed this hideous monster as fast as I could! And I had to reconfigure my Airport connection, too. Everything was running smoothly until I installed this piece of ****.

I have been using Internet Cleanup since the first version....it was always fairly buggy, but this version, version 4.0, is just horrible!

I must say, I have a very low opinion of Internet Cleanup's developers. They never have been able to get their act together.  
(Version 4.0)

8OO8  Since the developer did respond this time, and promptly, too, with a remedy for my Logitech/USB Overdrive issue, and the app now functions smoothly and without any further issues, I amend my previous, less than stellar review to reflect that.

USB Overdrive is just fine!  
(Version 10.4.5)

8OO8  Ok, I emailed developer again after reading, here, that someone got a prompt reply, and developer DID reply within an hour.

The issue with Logitech mice requires that one use the Logitech uninstaller to remove ALL of the Logitech files, especially the Logitech kernel extension. I did that and now my Logitech mice and USB Overdrive are totally copasetic.

Everything's fine , now  
(Version 10.4.5)

8OO8  I've got a couple of Logitech mice and USB Overdrive doesn't recognize them. And on another mouse, one of the settings just doesn't work.

I, too, have emailed the developer several times over several months about this issue but no response from him. It seems that support is non existent for this app.  
(Version 10.4.5)

8OO8  Hmmm......looks interesting. So I download Cryptoheaven and what do I get? I get a folder containing over 1,300 jar files, and absolutely no documentation on how to install them or even use this app!

I checked their website and found phrases like "user friendly" and "easy to use".......but no installation/user instructions (at least none that I could find).

Could it be that the folks at Cryptoheaven assume that anyone interested in their product already knows how to use it? Could it be that Cryptoheaven is only for an elite and special group of users, and I'm not one of them? Could it be that I'm just too stupid to use it?

Someone, please help me out....WHAT AM I MISSING???  
(Version 2.7)

8OO8  The screenshot feature doesn't work(G-Force Standalone w/G-Force Toolbar), and I cannot eliminate the "letterbox" effect in G-Force Visualizer no matter how I adjust the settings(in G-Force Toolbar).

Other than that, G-Force is a blast!  
(Version 3.6)

8OO8  At $23, it's overpriced. I'd say $12 would be about right. I could make use this app, but I don't want it badly enough to pay the asking price.

Using Energy Saver in System Preferences to schedule computer turn-on/off/sleep works well enough.  
(Version 3.5)

8OO8  The cost for DiskWarrior is NOT $50 for an upgrade or $100 for first time buyers, but $59 and $109 respectively.

You must order a CD and pay a $9 shipping and handling fee(yeah, $9 for putting a CD in an envelope and mailing it! Gimme a break!). There's no way to avoid the $9 s/h fee.

So why not just state the cost for DiskWarrior as being $59/$109, with shipping/ handling included?

Or even "just" $50/$100, s/h included....it's expensive enough at those prices!

Rather deceptive, those folks at Alsoft, no? And greedy, too!

  
(Version 4.0)

8OO8  I've emailed the developer a couple of times since my first email to him many months ago regarding Firefox crashing with Speed Freak enabled, but still no response from him.

Offering software, here, but giving no support when there are bugs is very, very shabby, and irresponsible too. Either he's just too lazy, doesn't care or doesn't have the competence to fix the bug(and is too emabarrassed to admit it).

Doesn't have the time, perhaps? Well, he seems to have the time, and the motivation to develop his software and offer it, but no time to provide support? Gimme a break!

Yeah, Speed Freak is free, but he won't be getting any donations from me; he just doesn't deserve it, IMO.  
(Version 2.7.1)

8OO8  While the cloud theme is pleasant, it's just not all that interesting. Most of the features in the trial version are blocked, making a full evaluation impossible.

But, I can say without any hesitation, even with crippled trial version, SoftSkies just isn't in the same league with the brilliantly designed G-Force, which is always fascinating.

As a previous reviewer stated, SoftSkies isn't worth the $20 or $30 cost, while G-Force is.  
(Version 1.1)

8OO8  I neglected to mention that the developer hasn't replied to any of my emails; support seems to be non existent.  
(Version 10.4.5)

8OO8  Has an ample and wide range of settings. Works very well with most mice, however it won't recognize my two Logitech mice; a Trackman Wheel and a Marble mouse. I've got to use Logitech's own driver for those, which works well enough.

It would be nice, though, if USB Overdrive was truly universal, being able to drive all mice.  
(Version 10.4.5)

8OO8  With Speed Freak enabled, Firefox crashes soon after launch, every time. Anybody else?

I emailed the developer about this issue, a while back, but he/she never responded.  
(Version 2.7.1)

8OO8  xBack works fine, but so does Backlight http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/8962,

which is free.

Try them both and then decide for yourself if xBack runs any better than Backlight.  
(Version 3.6.3)

8OO8  Can't download this. When I click on "download", I'm immediately returned to the MacUpdate page.

And there's no contact info mentioned for the developer or his website.  
(Version 1.1.1)

8OO8  Well, I've been using my Powerbook very heavily since I purchased it two years ago. Never had any spyware/malware protection. Been on the internet a lot, going everywhere, doing everything(well, almost).

I decided to give MacScan a whirl, so I installed it and ran a scan. Results? Nothing found! No spyware, no trojans, no nothing! Ran it a second time, and still nothing found!

So, what others have been saying about no threat from active spyware, trojans etc. out there for Macs must, indeed, be true.

So I uninstalled MacScan and went on my merry way.

Why would anyone really need this app?  
(Version 2.1)

8OO8  If you downloaded version .7, trash it and download version 1.0. The bug in v.7 is now fixed and v1.0 works just fine.

In this version, you can choose the color of the shading, its brightness, the unshaded brightness, transition speed, and even add exceptions for apps

that you don't want affected by MenuShade.

What more could you want? Beautiful!  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  I'm afraid that iScroll just isn't ready for prime time. As a previous reviewer stated, it's quite jerky and twitchy. In its present incarnation, it's virtually useless. I've tried adjusting the settings in iScroll preferences, but have found no way to get it to operate smoothly and responsively.  
(Version 0.25e)

8OO8  Still no add/remove bookmark function, which all other browsers have. This is a serious deficiency of SunriseBrowser.

Adding or removing bookmarks can be done but it's a rather cumbersome process of doing it via Safari, as long as Safari is set as default browser.

SunriseBrowser is definitely still not ready for prime time. Shows promise, though.  
(Version 0.82)

8OO8  This version works just fine.  
(Version 2.6.7)

8OO8  Well, I tried this puppy out, couldn't get it to work,

uninstalled it and now my Mail app doesn't work.

Tried reconfiguring Mail app every conceivable way but it just won't work anymore. Thanks, Ciphire Mail, just what I needed.....more problems. JEEZUS!!!  
(Version 1.2(042))

8OO8  Ok, ok, I may have been overly harsh. I just gave Eyephedrine another try, and now feel that it's not as bad as my earlier comments, below, suggested.

While some of the imagery(a fair amount of it, actually) is, in my opinion, uninteresting, others are interesting.

The problem is, once one activates Eyephedrine the scene or theme that first appears stays. One has to deactivate it and then reactivate to initiate another theme. Much better and definitely more engaging would be to have each scene transition or morph seamlessly(and in random order) into the next.

As it now stands, if one gets an image or scene that, esthetically, doesn't work one is stuck with it unless one turns the viz off and then back on.

I realize, now, that morphing into another image may be too difficult due to the the developers method(using a 3D engine) of rendering images.

So, while I do retract my use of the term "turkey"

to describe Eyephedrine and now characterize it as being an OK visualizer, it's still far from being an outstanding one.

Oh, and the nagging "please register" message every 15 seconds, ARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!  
(Version 2.61)

8OO8  Sorry, but this visualizer's images are quite unsophisticated and uninteresting. They're also blurry. I found myself getting pretty bored with it quite fast. But the pestering "please register this product" message that kept appearing on the screen every 15 seconds totally pissed me off; I sent this product to the trash after less than 10 minutes! At least give the trial user a week's worth of use before implementing the nagging message, for God's sake!

I like to consider myself somewhat of a visualizer connoisseur, but this one, I'm afraid, is a real turkey.

There are some far more esthetically appealing and creative visualizers out there; G-Force http://macupdate.com/info.php/id/5018 being one of the best. Now that one is a real mind blower!  
(Version 2.61)

8OO8  Downloaded MacSwear but it just won't launch. Tried downloading using two different browsers; no go. I'm running 10.3.9.  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  This version doesn't work for me either; just a black screen. Installed it twice, had it on my system for 5 days both times; no go.

Earlier versions worked fine for me, too.

My Mac is running OS 10.3.9.  
(Version 2.6.6)

8OO8  Just gave DisApPeAr a "test drive"; it works just fine. I like it! I think I'll keep it.

As others, including the developer, have pointed out, a savvy Mac user can find the hidden file/folder. But for all practical purposes, most prying eyes would be unaware that the hidden file/folder is on your hard disk

(you could change the name of your file or folder before hiding it, that would make it more difficult to find).

If you really want to make files/folders inaccessable to everyone, you'll need to encrypt them. But there are a number of good, easy to use encryption programs available.  
(Version 1.02)

8OO8  Well, I thought I'd give this app a try but neither the download nor the developer's website are available now. I guess DisApPeAr has just disappeared!

Oh well, another ephemeral software developer.  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  This screensaver is really dreadfull! It's amateurish, dumb, and reflects a lack of creativity. I'd be embarrassed to use it on my Mac.

There are lots of interesting and beautiful screensavers out there, most of them for free.

Seek and you shall find. But this one is a real turkey! Ugh!!!  
(Version 2.1)

8OO8  I've been using Macaroni for about 8 months now, and have experienced absolutely no problems with it from day one. It makes the oh-so-important regular system maintenance a breeze. Just set it and forget it. Macaroni does exactly what it's supposed to do, without ever missing a beat. It's a real class act!

It's worth every penny of the very modest $8.99 purchase price.  
(Version 2.0.7b4)

8OO8  Psst! works flawlessly. I installed it without problems a few months ago, set the chime volume level to it's lowest setting, and haven't given it another thought. Works perfectly every time. It's simple and reliable.  
(Version 2.0.5)

8OO8  The download is unusable. Lots of empty folders, and no way of opening the game.

No instructions of any kind. No way of contacting the developer.

This is a really bad way to introduce new software. The premise of this game looks interesting, but I wish there were some way of exploring it.  
(Version 1.0)

8OO8  Well, I, for one finally received my registration number from the developer after sending him another request for it yesterday. So, hopefully, he is redeemed.  
(Version 2.1.1)

8OO8  Really nice! What I'd like to see added, is the option to select the background color of one's choice, and perhaps the option to have the "glass" image superimposed over one's desktop. Maybe even have the background color or desktop showing translucently through the Glass image.

But kudos to the developer for some really cool work!  
(Version 1.1)

8OO8  After the first year, you'll be required to pay $29.95!!!!! for a further 12 months of virus definition updates; that's unless they increase the price again.

Definition updates originally were free of charge, then they began charging $19.95 for a year's worth, then increased the price to $29.95! Same policy for their Netbarrier.

And, there are currently NO viruses out there for Mac OS 10+. None, whatsoever.

I originally purchased Virusbarrier a number of years ago, when I was still naive. It NEVER found any OS 10 viruses, since, of course, there aren't any.

I'll pass on purchasing this; I'm not a sucker anymore.

If you really feel the need for some virus protection, try ClamXav. It's free and has gotten excellent reviews.  
(Version 10.4.2)

8OO8  This little app is really sweet; generates passwords any way you want. Couldn't ask for anything more in a password generator.

Works fine in OS 10.3.9, even though stated requirements are 10.4 or greater.  
(Version 1.6.1)

8OO8  Niether the download link nor the developer's website are accessible, now. What's up with that?  
(Version 2.0.1)

8OO8  I've tried contacting the developer several times over the past 5 or 6 weeks about an issue, but have not gotten a reply. Perhaps, he's comatose or no longer amongst the living?  
(Version 2.1.1)