No.

Classic is dead in Leopard and it just doesn’t make economic sense for Apple to continue to support an OS version that is now years out of date. From a user perspective that might annoy you, but from a business perspective it is easily understandable. Continuing to dedicate resources to supporting OS 9 or the Classic environment doesn’t generate any revenue for either Apple or the software developers who haven’t upgraded their software.

Whether you understand or agree, the fact is that you’re not going to see Claris Emailer or any of your Classic apps running on your shiny new (or even not-so-new) Leopard machine.

It is always best if you can migrate your projects from old software to new for a host of reasons, but if you are one of those who have Classic apps that is mission-cricital, or even is one that you just don’t want to live without, here are a couple options to keep you reasonably happy.

Keep Tiger Running
This is the simplest answer. but the least satisfying: just don’t upgrade. You won’t be able to take advantage of all the latest capabilities of Leopard or later OS versions, but you will keep your Classic environment intact. The downside is that you are frozen at a point in time with no opportunity to take advantage of advances in the Mac OS and other software, and you are still running an emulation for the programs that would perform better and faster in a native environment

Create a Classic Workstation
The best solution is obvious: create a dedicated workstation for your Classic apps. Depending on your budget and just how old the apps are that you find irreplaceable, select a late model Mac that can accommodate them, and the version of the earlier Mac OS that supports them. By “earlier version,” I am referring to Mac OS 9…or even 8. Running a version of Mac OS X means that you’re back to emulating what you are trying to run natively, and that defeats the whole purpose of this project.

You might have an older Mac sitting around the house you can use for the workstation, but if you’re looking at purchasing a machine just for this, start by considering an older MacBook or even iBook. They can easily be tucked away if not needed, take up less desk space, and come with their own monitor.

If that’s still a little salty, buy what you want, but be certain it has USB capability, then install a KVM switch (Recommended: 2 Port Compact USB KVM Switch from IOGEAR) to share keyboards, monitors and mice. Even if you’re using a flat-panel iMac as your current machine, you can still share the keyboard and mouse, saving desk space and expense.

Set up the workstation on your network (yes, it will probably have to be a wired connection) and voila! Your documents can be moved between Macs for backup, archiving, or manipulation on both the legacy and current Macs.

Once your workstation is perfected and tuned to work with your software, invest in a second hard drive and re-aquaint yourself with creating a mirror of your main drive in OS 9. You’re now working with legacy software and hardware, and will want to be able to restore it easily rather than having to re-create everything if a problem manifests itself. You might be surprised how difficult it can be to obtain “new” copies of out-of-date software, so backups and safe storage of the original discs or (gasp!) floppies become even more important.

By implementing this solution you can sleep soundly knowing that the next release of the Mac OS will not affect your beloved classic applications.

1. Using a utility like SuperDuper, clone your production machine’s hard drive to an external drive. Be sure that your external drive can boot your production machine. (Older Macs require FireWire drives for an external boot. Newer Macs can boot from either external USB 2.0 or FireWire drives.)

2. Make sure you have an offline backup of critical data i.e. everything in your User Folder. If you have a second hard drive, that’s even better. Just do a second clone, disconnect it from everything and put it aside.

3. Boot your Mac from one of the external drives by selecting it in the Startup Disk Preference Pane in your System Preferences.

4. Once re-started, drag your internal drive (the drive itself, not the contents) to the trash to unmount it.

5. Install and test the new software, updates or whatever you were paranoid about. Launch not only the new application or software, but also your mission-critical applications (email, web browsers, word processor, presentation program…anything you absolutely, positively can’t live without) and be sure all is good and there are no major issues.

6. If everything is checks out and there are no obvious quirks, terrific! You’re ready to do the upgrade on your production drive. If not, do a little research on the software vendor’s web site, Macintouch, MacFixIt and the Mac 911 forum on the Macworld web site.

OK, here comes the really paranoid part:

7. Re-boot from your internal or production drive.

8. Now, being certain you are making the right selections, *once again* clone your production drive out to the external drive. Yes, you’re about to erase the drive you just upgraded and replace it with a known, working copy of your production environment. (Note: if you had the second external drive in #2 above, you *could* skip this step, but for those who join me in the card-carrying paranoid club, two backups are always better than one.)

9. When complete, disconnect the external and put it aside.

10. Proceed with the upgrade of your production environment, secure in the knowledge that if something would go wrong even a few days down the road, you can return to your tried and true environment with just the plugging in of a cable and a re-boot.

Keep the backup drive(s) around as long as you need to feel comfortable. At the very least you have a complete backup set (or two) of your data, along with applications and everything else.

The latest updates that include the new Web Gallery, web site hosting options, an increase of 10 GB of online storage and more make .Mac even more valuable. Still, there’s no need to spend the $99 to renew your account.

Simply buy a boxed copy of “Apple .Mac 5.0″ from Amazon for $78.99, select free shipping and, upon receipt, enter the Activation Key from the box in the renewal section of your .Mac account information online. Your update will go through on the expiration date and you will have saved $19.95 offer the list, automatic renewal price. Yeah, it requires you to pay attention and get it done before your renewal date, but that’s $20…a 20% savings.

Would love to share with you exactly what the problem was, but I’m honestly not sure. As it turns out, I have to wonder if it was as simple as a bad SIM card. Once that was replaced I experienced the same 5-minute activation process that so many others have.

To be fair, all but two of the AT&T folks were very pleasant and seemed genuinely interested in trying to resolve the problem, escalating my case at least twice, sharing super-secret toll-free numbers that had little or no wait and more. Based on the information each gave me, I’m placing a great deal of the blame on my delay at the feet of AT&T, since I was constantly told the issue was my service plan, and not the phone.

In any case, the iPhone is finally up and humming along as all sorts of information fills it to the brim. Much of what I could say at this point has been written elsewhere, so I’ll leave you with the suggestion that if you are still a resident of Activation Hell, push AT&T to give you a new SIM card.

Hmmm…

The first step went smoothly, but she couldn’t get me switched to the iPhone contract. After more checking she gave me another number to call and tried to transfer me to that department. Two disconnects and 50 minutes later I finally got through. The lady who answered said she didn’t know what to do, and suggested I try to activate the iPhone again with iTunes. No joy. She put me on hold, where I was disconnected after another 10 minutes.

AT&T is not giving me a warm, fuzzy feeling. And judging from reports on the web, I’m not alone.

6/29/07 7 PM: Like everyone else who has been anticipating the iPhone, I was contemplating various strategies to be certain that night would fall on June 29 with *my* iPhone tucked safely in its cradle. Unfortunately, business and personal obligations prevented me from applying the brute force approach of getting in line from early morning…or earlier. Instead, I opted for a more calculated plan, targeting a relatively out-of-the-way AT&T Store.
The strategy paid off. I walked into a mall in Chambersburg PA at 5:03 PM, turned the corner and was greeted with a line of only seventeen people! You may laugh, but that many people in that particular location was something of a memorial to just how far the new cult of iPhone had spread. The remaining 57 minutes were spent chatting with fellow

The folks at the AT&T store handled the situation very efficiently. Only eleven buyers allowed in the store, each directed to a specific clerk to take their order. The iPhone boxes themselves were nowhere to be seen. There was one runner who, once you stated your order, would retreat to a back room and bring each one out individually.

After selecting an 8GB iPhone and a “Belkin iPhone Holster, I explained to the clerk that there might be a problem with completing my activation online: I’ve been sitting an *old* AT&T unlimited talk time plan like a mother hen, enjoying the ability to call anywhere, any time, 24/7/365 for one flat rate. From past encounters with then-Cingular Customer Service I knew this can make things problematic, since I’m not in their usual database. “No problem,” the clerk assured me (just like another clerk at another AT&T store had assured me at 11:30 AM that morning).

By 6:45 PM I was home, with new version of iTunes fired up and ready to go. With a slight chirp, the iPhone came alive. Gorgeous screen! The activation process seemed to go smoothly…and then the message I didn’t want to see: “Your Account requires additional time to complete.” An email would let me know when my iPhone was ready for action.

While not a total surprise, I was a bit annoyed at this, since I suspected the old AT%T plan to be the problem, and had asked twice, receiving assurances that it would not. Patience is a virtue.

IT Conversations is unlike any other podcast we’ll recommend because it doesn’t feature a single host or limit itself to a specific topic. It picks up a wide variety of content from different sources, most of them unavailable anywhere else, and place them in a single feed for you to enjoy.

The content fall into two general categories: Series shows such as Tech Nation, hosted by Dr. Moira Gunn, and conference coverage that delivers audio from a variety of tech conferences that you probably never get to but wish you could, such as Pop!Tech, Web 2.0 and Where 2.0.

What makes IT Conversations so compelling for anyone interested in technology is the breadth of the subject matter. Some shows are extremely academic and intense, others are more information entertainment. You can expect the likes of Steve Wozniak, Tim O’Reilly or Malcolm Gladwell to show up in the feed, or you might find yourself captivated by a name you don’t recognize but want to learn more about.

Because IT Conversations publishes multiple shows per week, this is one of those podcasts that you’ll want to learn to be selective with. If biotech isn’t your thing, skip to the next one where you might find a lecture on telephony or the social uses of technology. Or an interview with a notable name in the tech world. Or one of the hilarious ‘State of the Onion’ addresses by Larry Wall. Regardless of what comes next, listen to a few minutes of each show. We think you’ll be hooked rather quickly.

You can get more information and subscribe directly from the IT Conversations web site or subscribe directly at the iTunes Store.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: From a MacProductive standpoint, we prefer shows of any type that deliver a high percentage of on-topic information and go light on the shenanigans and self-involvement. Conversely, if there isn’t at least a little personality involved the podcast can be as dry and boring as the worst high school textbook. Find shows that fit the ratio that suits your personal taste as well as the subject matter. (Obviously, an entertainment-oriented podcast is going to be judged differently than an information podcast.)

The Host(s): You gotta like the host(s). Or at least respect them. Or, if you’re one of those people who enjoy dealing with people you love to hate, hate them. We prefer hosts we both like and respect, and who know how to be hosts: they make the show about their topic or their guests and very seldom themselves. No, there’s nothing wrong with a host providing his or her perspective or opinion, but unless they are the focus of the show, it gets old quick. Hosts who have guests and talk over them and don’t let them answer questions don’t last long on our playlistsl. If you find the hosts annoying, odds are that you will find their show annoying too.

The Three Edition Rule: Each podcast is different. It can take you a little while to get used to the way a given show handles their subject matter, their guests (if they have any) and you, the listener. Unless you are completely turned off by something in the first five minutes, try to listen to three separate editions of a given podcast. By the time you finish the third one you will have given it a fair chance and will know whether it is one you want to keep or delete.

The Subject Matter: Take a hard look at the podcasts you’ve subscribed to. If you’re listening to ten different podcasts about the same thing it may be time to do a little trimming. Odds are that you are getting lots of overlapping information.

Learn to Skip: Even the very best podcasts are not going to catch your interest with every episode. If you start listening to a show that is going to focus on something that doesn’t interest you, hit the Skip button and move on to the next one. Just because you like the podcast enough to subscribe doesn’t mean you have to listen to or watch every single episode. There won’t be a quiz later.

What to Listen to When: Any podcast, especially those with any timely content component, is going to be more interesting if you can listen to it closer to the time it is published. Follow these simple steps to create a playlist that will keep your podcasts ordered by release date.

• Create a Smart Playlist for your podcasts (Simply set the “Genre” as “podcast”). Open the Playlist

• Sort the playlist by “Release Date.” Voila! You can now sync that playlist with your iPod and it will play the oldest shows first, making sure that nothing ends up languishing unlistened to for longer than you would like. (In the event that the release date column is not visibile, in iTunes, pull down the View menu, select “View Options” and be certain that “Release Date” is checked.

Unsubscribe, Then Try Something New: Don’t be bashful about deleting a subscription to a show that is no longer interesting to you. You can always go back and change your mind. That’s one of the beauties of podcasts: most producers keep multiple editions online for extended periods (hint: if you’re looking for an older episode and it isn’t in the iTunes listing, visit the podcast’s web site. It probably is available for direct download or online listening there).

If you do decide to eliminate a show from your subscriptions, consider going out and adding a new one to try. There are always new shows coming out and you might find something you like…or like better.

Follow these tips and in a very short time you will have developed a subscription list that assures you will have audio and/or video content with you at all times that you will not only enjoy, but that will also add to your status as a Weapon of Mac Productivity.

a) How do I choose the best among the thousands of offerings out there

b) How do I keep up with them all?

We’ll start with how to find what you’re looking for.

Selecting Podcasts
There are quite a few podcast directories out there and you should take a look at all of them just to get an idea of how they operate, but the one to beat remains the iTunes Store. Select “Podcasts” from the top left menu block and you’re in.

You can spend some time looking at the “New Releases” and “Featured Podcasts” on the front page or review the “Today’s Top Podcasts” section, but the more efficient way to get to something that is relevant to you is to either choose a Category on the right menu bar or just type a key word or phrase in the “Search iTunes Store” and then review the items under the Podcast entry on the results page. (Don’t miss the “More Results” button at the bottom of the page.

Some items to consider when evaluating any given podcast’s listing:

Current Editions: Be certain there are current editions of the show; no use wasting time on a podcast that goes nowhere after just two or three editions unless there is a good reason (example: an event-specific podcast).

Customer Reviews: These can be good indication of the quality and appeal of a show, but take them with a grain of salt. What you like may not appeal to others and vice versa. Also, like any user feedback mechanism, they can be manipulated in either direction if someone wants to expend the effort.

Popularity: Don’t get sucked in to listening to a podcast because it is listed on the front page or any of the “Best” or “Most Popular” categories. Sure, there are some great shows in those listings, but that doesn’t make them the best.

Establishment vs. Indie: Many of the “Featured Podcasts” and quite a healthy percentage of the “Today’s Top Podcasts” are simply repackaged content from major media sources or an audio recording of newspaper or magazine columns. If your goal is time-shifting or location-shifting a known commodity, go for it. Otherwise, look for the original content shows produced for the podcast medium. You’ll find new sources of great information from new perspectives.

Audio vs. Video: Both types of podcasts have their own advantages and disadvantages. Audio programs can be listened to while multi-tasking; video requires a bit more attention. Video is always going to take up more space as well as take longer to download and to sync to your iPod . Audio sounds good on any device; many video podcasts need to be viewed on your screen or even TV to deliver their full benefit. And, of course, some video podcasts would be just as useful if they were audio only.

Enhanced Podcasts vs. Standard Podcasts: Enhanced podcasts are simply audio podcasts that have some extra capabilities. If you are listening on the iPod you will be able to skip to different sections of show if the producer has done their job. You also may be able to see photos and/or graphics of the topics being discussed. If you are watching on your Mac some of those images may be clickable, allowing you to go straight to a designated web site. The main downside to enhanced podcasts are that they are only playable in iTunes or on your iPod. If you’re planning on listening on other devices, best look for a standard, MP3 file edition of the show.

Follow Your Favorites: Many podcast producers and contributors do more than one show. If you find someone you like, check out their other projects.

We’ll be providing you with suggestions to some of our favorite podcasts and why we think they are worthy of your time in upcoming articles, but for now, you might want to start with two shows produced by the fine people who bring you MacProductivity, MacNotables and MacVoices.

MacNotables brings together a panel of the very best Macintosh authors, columnists, publishers and commentators who provide information and opinion in a relaxed, unstructured atmosphere.
MacVoices is “The Talk of the Macintosh Community,” focusing on the many products, services and stories that come out of the Apple space. Software publishers, noted authors, Macintosh luminaries, user group leaders, accomplished Mac users and more are featured in informal conversations that help the listener get to know the people who are making it happen in the global Apple-oriented community.

Start with these two shows and follow our tips to start building your list of MacProductive audio and video programming.

The Bulls
Once on…that’s it! Your MacBook now has a protective and attractive outer shell that resists the common scratches, dirt and whatever else you can throw at it. Depending on what color you select (clear, red, blue, pink, with more on the way), your MacBook may look must the same or vastly different. If you want to preserve the natural good looks of your computer, pick the clear case for either a black or white MacBook. If you feel the need to customize Mac, say, to keep it from getting confused with others in a crowd, pick up one of the colored shells. Those look best on the white MacBooks, appearing to colorize the computer at a much more reasonable price than any of the repainting services.

A couple obvious concerns: First, ventilation. The SeeThru comes with plenty of vents on the bottom piece, and does not obstruct the back vent at all. In a few weeks of daily use I haven’t notice any temperature issues at all.

Next are size and weight: the SeeThru does technically add a few ounces to your computer, but it is so insignificant as to go unnoticed. Likewise with the overall bulk of adding the case. There is a slight increase in size, but within a day you won’t even think about it; it is so small that even by adding the SeeThru, my MacBook fit just fine into the Boot of my Spire Meta backpack…and the MacBook alone is a secure fit to start with.

Finally, access to ports: Speck has done a terrific job of being certain that all the MacBook’s ports are fully accessible. Every external monitor, headphone, FireWire and USB cable I’ve tried has fit without the least bit of obstruction, and the DVD slot is fully accessible.

The Bears
You have to look hard to find any downside to the SeeThru; if there is one, it is that it is too secure a fit on your MacBook - getting it off can be a little challenging, at least at first. Why would you want to? Only to do a RAM or hard drive upgrade, or more likely for the road warrior, to change batteries on an extended plane flight. Speck has thoughtfully provided excellent instructions for accomplishing the task on their web site. If this is something you will have the need to do, it is best to get some practice before trying to do it in a coach airline seat.

The Bottom Line:
At $49.95 list for the 13″ MacBook and 15″ MacBook Pro, the SeeThru a product that definitely qualifies as a Weapon of Mac Production: it protects your computer and helps it keep looking good even in the most challenging business environments, and should be one of the first purchases you make after buying a new Mac laptop. Having gotten used to the feeling of the MacBook with the SeeThru, my 17″ MacBook Pro feels rather naked and vulnerable. I’ll feel better once Speck releases the SeeThru for that model.

“Speck MacBook 13″ See-Thru Hard Case - $43.73 at Amazon