Apple has taken almost 4 years to produce the new Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac, but the release date is finally out: 1/15/08.  Of course, the announced release date is never accurate.  The product usually arrives a good 3-6 months after the release date because final tweaks and lagging production.  Also, the release date is typically announced prematurely to ease investors and the public’s concerns about when the product is finally coming out.

Should you buy it?  For more bells and whistles, yes.  However, a resounding “no” if you have an old version of Office and can’t decide if you should finally buy Office 2004 for Mac or the new Office 2008.  You may easily upgrade from Office 2004 to 2008 so there is no sense waiting 2 versions.  The full version is $399.95 and the upgrade from 2004 is $239.95.  So, you can save a few bucks with the upgrade if you currently have 2004.

What is different about Office 2008 for Mac?  Really, it’s all about easy access.  There are more previews and less clicking to get to options.  For instance, Elements Gallery allows quick clicking to formatting options in applications.  Also, Document Elements automates normal tasks, such as adding headers and footers. 

Publishing Layout View allows formatting and layouts become easier.  You can create professional graphics, bullets, charts, 3D effects, and other cool add-ins within documents.  You’ve seen some of these graphics before, but these graphics are improved with a professional gloss to them.

Overall, the 2008 version is similar to when the 2004 version came out: New tricks and new options to play with.  Is it worth it?  Yes, for its ease of accessing options.  We don’t recommend getting it right away as new gliches and issues will most likely need to be patched up first.

The new 20″ and 24″ all-in-one macs have taken the computer world by storm.  PC buyers are considering really to make the “switch” and mac users and heavily swayed towards upgrading their apple computer.  Is the hype validated?

Yes, we think it is worth it.  The new mac is even more aesthetically pleasing, without even turning it on.  The all-in-one mac features a new black and white front plastic as well as a glass finish for the screen.  It’s thinner and provides easier viewing from side angles.  The contrast in colors on the 24″ leaves rich and easy viewing.  Of course, the 24″ screen should be placed at least 1 foot away from your eyes or this could result in “mac-reality induced depression.”  Yes, that word was just created!  We feel that if you get to close to the light, you might never want to come back to reality.

The newest and biggest craze over these new macs is the bluetooth keyboard.  The keyboard blends in with the design as a white minimalist look.  It is very comfortable to type on and it includes 2 high-speed USB ports for connecting peripherals, such as an external hard drive, blackberry, or treo.  The mouse also is bluetooth and does not take up much space.  Those with large fingers might not be so appreciative of the sleek keyboard and mouse input devices.

Inside the hood is faster, glossier, and more powerful.  The same applications as all the macs, but the driving is faster since the new macs come with dual core processors and up to 4GB RAM.  Enjoy the ride, and remember to drive responsibly. 

Right now, you probably have a power cord for your cell phone, laptop, and possibly iPod.  You might have more cords for your camera, camcorder, and portable DVD player.  So, the big question is: “Will there ever be a universal power cord?”

A universal power cord for your computer equipment will allow you to bring your gadgets with you on a trip and not worry about lugging 5-6 different cords.  Or not worry about your battery power running out on your cell, blackberry, treo, or iPhone.  That would be nice if all these cords could be consolidated to make life easier.

Will it happen?  Not anytime soon.  The manufacturers are currently enjoying the fruits or proprietary power cords and ac adapters.  Any time somebody buys a specific cell phone, there is usually only one type of charger that comes with it.  If you lose your cord, guess where you have to go back to?  That’s right - right back to your manufacturer to buy another one!  So, these manufacturers are not looking to create any generic adapter soon.

How can you cope with this?  Well, there are different generic AC adapters for laptops, cell phones, and handhelds.  You may search around on the Internet for your specific model and will receive a few different generic choices.

However, you may go a step further to see if there is one power device that you can use for all of your computer devices.  Targus allows you to see if you can find one power charger that will be compatible with all of your gadgets.  There might be a way for you to buy one power adapter that includes the right tips for all of your toys.  Just go to their power configurator website page to see how you can end the clutter.