Book of the week: Scott Kelby Classic Photoshop Effects

This is the Ultimate collection of the most popular and most effective Photoshop special effects techniques available under one book. Superb all colour layout, mix with a step by step unique how to guide will get you up to speed, mastering more than 100 different techniques under photoshop.

A real must for newbies and more advanced photoshop users earn this book a well deserved 4 * out of 5*.
Classic photoshop effects
Scott Kelby
Peachpit Press
ISBN 0-321-27225-0

Bose announces SoundDock digital music system for iPod, iPod mini

Bose has introduced the SoundDock digital music system, designed to deliver a new standard of audio performance for Apple's iPod and iPod mini. No headphones, cables or adaptors required -- the new speaker system lets iPod owners access, control and listen to their stored music with the ease of dock and play. The SoundDock system includes a proprietary acoustic design that delivers clear, full sound across the entire musical spectrum. It's about time!

Wal-Mart now selling iPods

Wal-Mart has begun selling the HP-branded iPod on its online store...

Apple shuts down iPodDownload

Last Week MacCentral brought readers news about iPodDownload, a free iTunes plug-in that enabled users to move files from their iPod back to iTunes. Creator Sylvain Demongeot has since removed the software from circulation following a request from his Internet Service Provider (ISP), who apparently intervened at the behest of Apple Computer Inc.

Apple issues iChat security fix

Apple Computer Inc. released its third security update in recent days. Security Update 2004-09-16 fixes a security issue with Apple's iChat application that allowed Remote iChat participants can send "links" that can start local programs if clicked.

Costco.com to offer $269.99 iPod mini bundle

Starting Oct. 1, discount retailer Costco will begin selling a US$269.99 iPod mini bundle on its Web site. In addition to a standard 4GB iPod mini in pink, silver or blue, the package includes a gift certificate for 15 songs from the iTunes Music Store and Apple's iPod mini Armband, which appears to be the same one sold on the online Apple Store for $29. Given that the gift certificate and armband are worth $43.85, this bundle enables you to purchase an iPod mini for $226.14. Costco.com is not currently offering the green and gold iPod mini colors, however. Will this offer be available for Canadian Members?

Yahoo to Challenge iTunes With New Acquisition

In a move to expand its role in the online music business, Yahoo announced yesterday that it would buy Musicmatch, a company that sells music online, for $160 million. The move puts Yahoo in direct competition with Apple Computer’s iTunes, Microsoft’s new music store and RealNetworks in the small but growing market for online downloads of music.

IBM protects passwords with PC chip

New desktops will contain a chip designed to stop hackers, an approach said to be safer than relying on software.