Here is an interesting audio accessory. The Replug is a magsafe like headphone jack, meaning if you yank the cable the force overcomes the magnet attachment and physically disconnects. Using this on your headphones will most likely save your ears and neck more than your equipment, but a good yank could typically result in an unwanted fall, not that falls are wanted or anything.

This is a nice idea that I can see being applied to other cables that tend to be tugged, yanked and otherwise unwieldy. But I have a concern.

Force x Mass = Possible Fall

So if you use this on an iPod will it result in a fall regardless of this magnetic connection. Yes there are a lot of variables that effect this scenario, but consider this.

I occasionally set my iPod on my desk while I have my headphones in. If you use the regular length headphone cables with this and quickly jerk the iPod, I’m thinking the connection will break, as the iPod falls to the floor. I cant imagine that the mass of the iPod is enough to break the connection before the iPod starts moving.

Yes, you could have the iPod in a dock or do something to secure it, but that seems to defeat the need to have this also. I have a long headphone cord to prevent a quick turn that results in a fall and allows me to move about my desk without the cord restraining me.

This would be great for notebook users in general, however. An iPod may be better protected with a very protective case and some caution.

An official announcement was made today by Apple Computer regarding the release of their next operating system.

I’m looking forward to Tiger, but it might be a bit of a disappointment in comparison to Panther, the most influential and lauded upgrade to OS X and rightly so. Spotlight, a powerful searching technology that will be harnessed by many a mac developer, and the revitalized Mail application seem to be the two big deals for me. I don’t do much in the way of scripting, but for those that do the Automator app seems to give scripting more of a friendly interface. On second thought, I might just find something that needs a script. Any features you are especially looking forward to?

I’m not sure if I’ll go to the Friday night bash at the Tampa Apple Store or just order it online. Either way I’m going to get this upgrade at $69.99. It’s the educational price and since I’m a student you can be sure I’m going to take advantage of it.

How many more upgrades will there be to OS X before Longhorn is released? Give it a shot while I chuckle.

I have formed an opinion on the Mac Mini (previous
status — undecided).

First off, I think it appeals to many, not just Windows users tempted by the
unusually low price. Students, parents, offices, libraries, schools, Mac heads,
teenagers, retirees, executives, designers, programmers, system admins, and
many others looking for a small, easy to use, affordable, well valued computer
will find the Mac Mini hard to resist. If you have an extra decent monitor or
KVM switch lying around it won’t cost much to grab one of these.

At first sight it is a thing of beauty, brilliant form indeed. Though it may
be on the lower end of the performance scale, there is a lot for the money.
The video card memory may be a touch low, 64 MB would be better, but it will
do quite well for the vast majority that pick it up. Yes, as stated redundantly,
a RAM upgrade would need to be done for optimal performance.

It is not cheap, it is affordable. The Mini provides a balanced
set of hardware and features and allows to be used as a versatile box.
Wherever you might need a desktop computer with a basic feature set, the Mac
Mini should be considered.

I was at the Apple Store ten minutes too late on Saturday, I shed tears in
the store, needing to use the genius bar as a makeshift physiatrist’s
chaise lounge. No, I’m not one to wake up at the crack of dawn to get in
line. I had the desire to bring home a Mini but now I have chosen the convenient
home delivery method — marketing spin. I currently don’t own a Mac, but
used to and will again soon; a 1.42Ghz Mini should be headed my way in a couple
weeks.

I’m quite skilled on both platforms, a great resume feature, and am comfortable
on both. Os X is just so gorgeous and working with multimedia files is a dream
on the iLife programs. iCal, Address Book, and Mail are top notch back-to-the-basics
programs. It provides a comfortable feeling deep inside, something you can’t
get with the sterile and cluttered Windows programs.

So as I wait to welcome the Mac into my home and sit here looking at my twenty
inch Cinema Display — yes I couldn’t
leave the Apple Store empty handed — join in my anticipation. Do you like the
Mac Mini? Have you said “Mini me”? If you have one and have reviewed
it, post a link. I’d love to read it.

I probably should have jumped on the bandwagon sooner. Better late than never,
I guess. No doubt, you have heard of all of the free stuff available. It’s not
a sham. If you sign up for some trial or service and get others to do the
same, the products are yours to keep.

I’m still waiting for more to complete offers for my FreeFlatScreens.com
account. It does take a bit longer to get over five referrals.

FreeMiniMacs.com requires
ten referrals. That might take a while, but it’s worth the patience, as it’s
the higher end of the Minis.

If you want more instant gratification, try FreeiPodShuffle.com.
They offer the one gigabyte iPod Shuffle and require only three referrals. The
optimal offers to sign up for are eFax (free trial), and Blockbuster (low price/good
service).

If you enjoy reading Graphically Speaking consider this your tip, please. Thanks.
As always, I will post your referral link on my site if you sign up under me.

• FreeiPodShuffle.com
• FreeMiniMacs.com