Category: News

  • Is Mariner Software, creators of Paperless, out of business?

    I previously raised this question in another thread but feel it’s worth sharing here as well. I have a lot of appreciation for Mariner Software’s applications, particularly Paperless, which is one of my go-to Mac apps thanks to its seamless integration with my Fujitsu ScanSnap scanner. Their portfolio also includes other notable apps like MacGourmet Deluxe, Persona, and Contour.

    However, it appears that the company may have ceased operations. Their website is currently offline, their emails are bouncing back, and there hasn’t been any new updates or social media posts for a significant time. Although their apps are still available for purchase on the App Store, there are no apparent official communications about the status of the company.

    To summarize the situation:

    – Marinersoft.com is down and inaccessible. – Their email addresses are not functioning; messages bounce back. – Their Twitter/X account hasn’t had any updates since July 17, 2020, with the last reply on October 12, 2020.

    – Despite these issues, their apps remain available for sale on the App Store. Given this lack of communication and apparent inactivity, I’m concerned about the future of their products. If anyone has any insights or background information regarding Mariner Software, I would greatly appreciate it.

    Should I start exploring alternative supported software options now? Thank you!

  • Unrecognized Drives in Various Hard Drive Docks

    I have been backing up data using 4TB Seagate HDDs, initially at my workplace. To perform these backups, I utilized an OWC USB-C dual drive dock, formatting the drives to macOS Extended Journaled with a GUID partition scheme.

    When I decided to continue the backups at home, I inadvertently left the power cable for the OWC dock at work. In light of this, I opted to use a USB-C drive dock that I already owned at home.

    However, when I placed a drive into this dock, it failed to read the drive, which caught me off guard. Instead of delving deeper into the issue, I reformatted the drive and restarted the backup process from scratch.

    Since then, I have completed the remaining backups using the home dock without any further issues. Eventually, I retrieved the power cable for the OWC dock and attempted to connect one of the drives again.

    Unfortunately, I encountered the same problem I faced with the home dock: the OWC dock also did not read the drive. This has prompted me to seek assistance, as I am now left wondering if others have experienced similar issues.

    I’m looking for suggestions or solutions to ensure that the drives can be read in both docks. Are there specific settings I should check or configurations that need to be adjusted to facilitate compatibility across different docks?

    Any advice from those who have faced this dilemma would be greatly appreciated.

  • Seeking Basic Stage Manager Assistance

    I recently started using Stage Manager on my M1 Air as a way to maximize my screen space. It’s an interesting alternative to the traditional dock, but I’ve noticed a limitation I’d like to address.

    At present, Stage Manager only displays four applications at a time. While this setup is useful, it seems to overlook the fact that I often have more applications running concurrently.

    This limitation can be a bit frustrating, especially when I need to switch between multiple tasks quickly. I’m curious if there is a way to configure Stage Manager to show all open windows at once.

    It would be much more efficient to have a complete overview of my applications without the need to cycle through them or lose track of what I have running. I appreciate any insights or tips you may have on this.

    Thank you!

  • Discussion on Upgrading CPUs in Flashed 4,1 Macs

    Hello everyone,

    I’ve been looking into upgrading the CPUs in a flashed 4,1 dual CPU model and observed that many tutorials emphasize the use of de-lidded processors. This raises a question for me: Is it necessary to purchase de-lidded models, or can I simply use regular Xeons? When comparing the costs, I found that de-lidded X5680 Xeons are nearly $100 for a pair. In contrast, the lidded versions are much more affordable at around $40 for two.

    Given the significant price difference, it’s worth considering whether the de-lidding process is essential for the upgrade’s success. I’ve seen various guides suggesting that de-lidded CPUs might offer better thermal performance, which could lead to improved stability and longevity. However, I’m curious if the regular lidded Xeons can still perform adequately for the intended use cases. If anyone has experience or insights on this topic, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts.

    Are the benefits of de-lidded CPUs justifiable compared to the cost savings of lidded ones? Thank you for your help!

  • Mac mini M4 (2024): Explore Accessories Like Docks and Stands on MacRumors Forums

    I’d love to hear your recommendations for docks, stands, and other accessories designed for the Mac Mini 4 and Mac Mini M4 Pro. It would be fascinating to see how brands like Satechi and Hagibis leverage the Mac Mini’s design for docking solutions, especially since the device has unique cooling requirements due to its fan placement. One idea is to create a dock that features a recess for easy access to the power button.

    More innovative designs could integrate a mechanism to activate the power button from the dock’s back. It’s essential to avoid placing any dock beneath the Mini, as this would hinder access to the power button and could complicate the device’s functionality. Currently, my Mac Mini is mounted to a dual monitor stand via a VESA bracket, and I’m keen on finding a new, more compact bracket for the M4 Mini, or perhaps a mount that can be positioned under my desk.

    A horizontal docking station that holds the Mini upside down could improve airflow and facilitate access to the power button. On a lighter note, it’s hard to believe some of the more absurd designs that have been suggested. A joke may have been missed somewhere along the line in discussions about them.

    I’m open to a minimalist dock, about the same size as the new Mac Mini, to sit alongside it. This could feature built-in storage, card readers, and a couple of USB A ports. Positioning the Mini on its side could solve cooling issues while making cable management simpler, although accessing front ports could be a bit tricky if you frequently plug and unplug devices.

  • W5700X Replacement for 580X Fails to Power On

    If you have access to another Mac, it would be worth attempting to enter DFU mode on the Mac Pro. If it does not enter DFU mode, your only option may be to enlist the help of an Apple technician.

    In some cases, Macs equipped with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip may become unresponsive and require firmware recovery or restoration from another Mac. It seems that the Mac needs to exhibit some signs of power to successfully enter DFU mode.

    Alternatively, you could try resetting the NVRAM, PRAM, and SMC. A situation like this can often resemble issues with a power supply, such as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.

    Unfortunately, I can’t afford to spend money on an hourly technician for unguaranteed results, especially considering the service charges that Apple typically imposes. I regret putting the W5700X on my credit card, but here we are.

    I have generally had positive experiences purchasing items on eBay, but I never anticipated that even a non-functional card could cause my entire computer to fail. I contacted the seller, who indicated that he is not familiar with Macs; however, he offered a refund if we cannot resolve the issue, which still leaves me with a non-operational computer.

    I genuinely appreciate your willingness to assist me. With the wealth of knowledge among the Mac community, I was hoping to connect with someone experienced in hardware repairs, particularly regarding power supplies for this model.

    I’ve found power supplies priced between $99 and $150. If there is no fuse or breaker to reset, and if I could confirm that a replacement power supply has been tested and works, I might take the risk and purchase it.

    Thank you once again for your help!

  • Just Purchased the New MBA – It’s Amazing! Noticed One Thing After My Upgrade.

    In a recent post, a user named a-m-k expressed their satisfaction with the new MacBook Air (MBA) they purchased. They noted that the aluminum body of the new model feels more robust compared to their previous MBA, even likening its sturdiness to that of the old MacBook Pros (MBPs). a-m-k encouraged others considering a new MBA to proceed with their decision, assuring them they wouldn’t regret the purchase.

    Another user, lambertjohn, inquired about the specific size of the MBA that a-m-k had acquired. a-m-k responded, clarifying that the memory of their device is 16 GB. They asked for further specifics if lambertjohn was referring to something beyond the memory.

    The conversation continued as dwrufus53 chimed in, suggesting that lambertjohn was likely curious about whether a-m-k had opted for the 13-inch or the 15-inch model of the MBA. Following this, a-m-k confirmed that they had indeed selected the 13-inch model, boasting 16 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage. This exchange on MacRumors highlights the enthusiasm shared by users within the tech community, especially concerning new device features and specifications.

    a-m-k’s positive feedback serves to foster excitement among potential buyers, illustrating how product enhancements can significantly impact user experience.

  • iTunes 4.9 Released: New Features and Updates – MacRumors

    iTunes 4.9 has been released and is now available for download or through Software Update. This version comes just ahead of the anticipated announcement regarding an iTunes-compatible mobile phone.

    One of the standout features of iTunes 4.9 is its support for Podcasts, as well as the introduction of a dedicated Podcasts section within the iTunes Music Store. With this updated version, users can now easily browse and subscribe to podcasts directly from the iTunes Music Store.

    Podcasts are essentially updated radio-style shows that can be downloaded from the Internet, providing a convenient way to enjoy audio content. Additionally, users can transfer these podcasts to their iPod, allowing for on-the-go listening.

    Reports indicate that iTunes 4.9 includes certain language files that hint at its integration with mobile phones. For example, there are references to settings like “Phone Preferences” and “Configure Phone,” suggesting that the application may have new functionalities aimed at mobile device users.

    The new Podcasts section not only provides the means to explore various podcasts but also includes guidelines for podcasters looking to submit their content. Podcasters can specify their RSS feed address and upload artwork as part of their submission process.

    Furthermore, a Frequently Asked Questions page is available to assist podcasters with any inquiries they may have. An exciting feature called “Enhanced Podcasts” allows creators to include chapters within their episodes that link to images or web content.

    These chapters will display in iTunes as the podcast plays, enriching the listening experience. The creation of Enhanced Podcasts can be accomplished using the Chapter Tool, which is accessible via the Terminal application.

  • Invalid Link

    It seems that the link you attempted to access is not valid. This may have occurred because of a typo or an error in the URL. If you are the publisher of the link, it is essential to check for any misspellings in the parameters or any additional characters that may have been inadvertently added.

    If everything appears to be correct on your end but the link still doesn’t work, consider clearing your browser’s cache or switching to a different browser or device. Before giving up, test the link once more to see if it may have been a temporary issue. If the link continues to be problematic, please reach out to us for assistance.

    You can do so by sending an email to our support team. We are here to help resolve any issues you may encounter with links. Thank you for your understanding.

  • Invalid or Broken Link

    It seems that the link you attempted to access is not valid. The URL may be incorrect or contain typographical errors. If you are the publisher, it’s worth checking the link for any mistakes.

    Often, links malfunction due to minor errors such as misspelled parameter names or extraneous characters at the end of the URL. If everything appears to be correct and the link still isn’t functioning, consider clearing your browser’s cache or trying a different browser or device. Sometimes, those simple steps can resolve the issue.

    Before giving up, test the link one more time. If it continues not to work, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can contact our support team directly for assistance.