Two Great Newsletters and a Magazine

About 5 years ago, I used to receive CameraArts magazine, and I just started subscribing again. The magazine is very well written and the quality of the printing is stunning. I recommend checking out the magazine's website and newsletter here. On a related note, I wrote a few articles over the last three months for the Center for Fine Art Photography's newsletter, which you can subscribe to here. Both are free and contain a lot of interesting info and tips related to fine-art photography.

Special Pricing & New Products From OWC (Other World Computing)

I have purchased from Other World Computing over the last 5-10 years, and they are very well-known, especially among Mac users. The founder, president and chief executive of the company, Larry O'Connor, was mentioned in my Editor's Notes above. Below are some impressive specials, and a very cool USB 2.0 plug that can be used with bare hard drives:

1. The Maxtor Quickview 500 GB SATA I/II 3.0G Hard Drive is now selling for $133.99. It is a 7200RPM , A/V class drive, with 16MB Buffer and a 5-year warranty. For more info, visit www.macsales.com/500GB. This is a very low price for a 7200RPM 16MB Buffer 500GB SATA drive. Seagate now owns Maxtor, and Seagate is well-known for making quality hard drives. I could not find any reviews online of this particular drive.

2. OWC has also reduced prices on their Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" FireWire 400+USB2 line 2.5" external drives. They are bus-powered (at least on most Macs), with no external power required. Apart from the lower drive prices, what makes this offer special is the software with which they are bundled. All come with Prosoft DataBackup II for OS X(a $59.95 retail value) and NovaStor NovaBACKUP(r) for Windows (a $49.95 retail value). Both are full retail versions, including full retail support and the same technical support and version-update support as retail stand-alone versions. These are ideal for backup during photo shoots, or to store large iTunes music and video libraries. They come with all connecting cables; Intech HD Speedtools utility suite; carrying case; and a 1-Year OWC Warranty.

The new reduced prices for the Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" FireWire 400+USB2 line are as follows:
40GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer remains $114.99
60GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $129.99, now $124.99 - a $5 Drop
60GB 7200RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $159.99, now $149.99 - a $10 Drop
80GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $139.99, now $129.99 - a $10 Drop
80GB 7200RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $179.99, now $169.99 - a $10 Drop
100GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $159.99, now $147.99 - a $12 Drop
100GB 7200RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $209.99, now $199.99 - a $10 Drop
120GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $169.99, now $149.99 - a $20 Drop
160GB 5400RPM w/ 8MB Buffer was $237.99, now $219.99 - an $18 Drop

If a USB 2.0 interface is not needed, Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" FireWire-only models of the above On-The-Go capacities are also available, and are priced $5 - $10 less than the combo FW+USB 2.0 version. For more info, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/on-the-go

I just received an e-mail about new pricing for Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" SATA HD Based FireWire 800(400)+USB2.0. The drives are available with up to 200GB capacities, and the FireWire 800 interface allows faster transfers when paired with computers that have FireWire 800. However, it is important to also consider drive speed – 7200 RPM drives will read/write faster than 5400RPM drives.

3. Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) announced the NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter at an introductory price of $24.95. The NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter is a USB adapter cable that can be used on any hard drive (2.5”, 3.5”, or 5.25”) or optical drive (standard IDE/ATA/ATAPI 40 pin or Serial-ATA) and allows the drive to be connected via USB with any computer using Mac OS 9.2 or higher, Linux 2.4.X, or Windows 2000 or higher, without buying enclosures. This looks to be a great product to carry around for checking the contents of drives without enclosures, though I wonder how long it is safe for the drives to run without being in an enclosure or in a computer.

Two views of the NewerTech USB 2.0 Universal Drive Adapter.

For more info, visit www.macsales.com/u2hd

4. Also check out the first fully functional Mac tablet solution, developed by Axiotron Technology, released at Macworld Expo and sold exclusively by Other World Computing. Read my article here on ImagingBuffet.com.

(Please note: We do not receive any compensation on sales from any of the above products/recommendations.)

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Special Offers from our Affiliates

Editor's Note: I am not directly compensated for making any of the announcements listed below. However, my company will receive a commission if new companies or individuals use the services or order from the companies listed below. This helps us to offer discounts to our readers and it helps us to continue to make the newsletter available. I encourage you to send feedback so that I know how your experiences have been with any of the companies highlighted below.

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Free Seminar in Central New Jersey & Online Offer for New US & Canadian Customers

New Vision Lab is a Pro custom photo lab located in Middlesex, NJ (USA). They specialize in continuous tone photographic output up to 20x30 inches. They pride themselves on their customer service and print quality and I’ve been impressed with the work I’ve seen come off their two laser-based machines. They've conducted a number of workshops in the past, and I suggested that they do a few one-hour seminars for people who are interested in continuous-tone output from pro labs. I personally do more inkjet printing than continuous-tone lab printing, but many wedding, portrait, school, and art show photographers use custom labs on a regular basis.

The company is offering free one-hour seminars on how to optimize your images for continuous tone digital output in Adobe Photoshop CS2 and how to use the LabPrints ordering software. There will also be a short tour of their facility so that you can better understand how work goes through their system.

LabPrints is a free application for Windows XP or Mac OSX that can be used to upload, crop, size and prepare jobs for a photo lab. To download it, visit www.newvisioncolorlab.com.

Below is specific information about the one hour workshops:

Place: New Vision Lab, Middlesex, NJ
Date: Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Times: 11am-noon, 1:30-2:30pm and 3:30-4:30pm (choose one time slot)
Limited to 12 people per session and reservations are required.
All reservations must be made via phone in advance by Monday 2/5 at 1pm. To make a reservation, call 732-356-4490 (just leave a message if you receive a voicemail, and someone will return your call).

What to Bring: Anyone who attends may bring a CD or USB thumbdrive with up to three files, and the lab’s staff will then prep and print your files using LabPrints during the presentation at no charge. Files must be prepped to 300PPI in RGB at the largest size you want to print (up to 8x10 inches) and saved as a JPG level 10, 11 or 12.

Workshop attendees will also save 50% off their first order up to a print value of $150, but no order is required to attend the workshop.

If You Can't Attend: Any new client of New Vison Lab based in the US or Canada (whether or not you attend a workshop), will save 40% off your first order up to a print value of $150. To take advantage of this offer, all work must be submitted through the LabPrints software. Just use the code BUFFET40 in the “Lab Notes” field prior to uploading your order.

If you have any questions, or to register, please call New Vision Lab at 732-356-4490.

I will not be able to attend the workshops, but if you attend, feel free to send me your comments about your experience at the workshop. I can be reached at ad (at) andrewdarlow.com.

Professional Graphics Special Offer on Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl Paper
&
Free Epson Paper w/ Stylus Pro 3800 Purchase

I have been purchasing supplies and printers from Professional Graphics Systems & Services, based in Westchester, New York, for more than five years, and I recommend them to my consulting clients. They have real live people who answer the phone and they offer services that few others do, including both delivery and installation of printers in the New York City area. They have installed over 3000 medium- and large-format printers just in the past 5 years, and they work hard to make sure that your printer is assembled properly with the appropriate drivers installed. They will also make sure that your first few prints come out correctly. I've found their prices to be competitive, and you can always ask them if they will match or beat other retailers' prices.

The company is offering the following specials on all orders placed until Friday February 9:

$15 off a 20 sheet box of Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl paper (17x22 inch size): Total before shipping $114.70 (All orders must be made by phone.) Just mention code FAP15 for the discount when you call.

or $20 off a 50 sheet box of Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl (17x22 inch size): Total before shipping: $268.20 (All orders must be made by phone.) Just mention code FAP20 for the discount when you call.

As of the publication date of this newsletter, the company also has 17" wide Epson Stylus Pro 3800 printers in stock for US$1295 + shipping. With the purchase of any Epson Stylus Pro 3800 printer, the company is offering a free 20 sheet pack of 8.5"x11" Premium Glossy Photo Paper, which is an ultra-glossy paper that looks fantastic when paired with the Epson UltraChrome K3 inks in the Stylus Pro 3800. Just mention code EPS20 to receive the free paper when you call.

Professional Graphics is also an authorized dealer for the whole line of Canon, Epson and HP medium and large format printers, inks and papers. Please let them know you heard about them in the Inkjet & Imaging Tips Newsletter when calling.

The company's main number for orders (USA-based customers only) is 800-344-0855 (or 914-345-3033).

Portfolios-and-art-cases.com 5% off or Free Shipping Coupon Codes

Portfolios-and-art-cases.com by RT Innovations produces and carries a wide range of portfolio products, including a huge portfolio called the X-Port OVERSIZED expandable portfolio (pictured above) that can hold up to 40x60 inch artwork (a wheelboard to help transport it is optional). They also carry two different rolling cases (do a search for rolling cases on their site) that are perfect for carrying framed or flat art. I own about five of their portfolios and cases and still use many of their products after purchasing them over five years ago. They are built to withstand a considerable amount of weight. The straps and metal hardware hold up very well with use. The X-Port expandable cases are also special because of the way that they expand. Also check out the colorful X-Port Radiology 16x20 Film Cases at the bottom of their home page. They are great for photographs, matted prints, matboards, etc. The company is also a reseller of Pina Zangaro portfolio products (their boxes and portfolio books are incredible). Two coupons are available for our readers for any of the products in their store:

5% off orders of $50 or more
USE CODE AD550 (must be entered at checkout)

or Free Ground Shipping for orders over $99 (Continental USA only)
USE CODE: ADFS99 (must be entered at checkout)

LaptopDesk.net's 10% and 15% Off Coupons Codes

A few years ago, as Editorial Director of Digital Imaging Techniques magazine, I reviewed some products from Lapworks, Inc. Since then (including right now as I'm typing on a 17" Macintosh PowerBook G4 notebook), I've been using their Laptop Desk 2.0. It works very well whether used on a lap or on a desk. The angled typing feature makes working much easier on my back, the screen is lifted up about 5 inches off the table (or lap if used in the folding position on a lap), and it is great when traveling or just when you want to use a laptop when you are on the road, in a car (hopefully not driving) or wherever else. It folds completely flat, and can actually serve as a very strong protector if placed next to your laptop in a bag. It's one of those products I would not want to live without, and I think that it is helping to extend the life of my laptop because if the reduction in heat during use. I even use it in bed in the folding position, and find it to be a very good solution.

They have another product called Laptop Legs/Mac Feet, which can be affixed to the bottom of any laptop to raise the back for better ventilation. I really like using the Laptop Legs on the bottom of keyboards because many keyboards do not have angle adjustments.

Another product, called the Ergo Laptop Riser, is new, and very cool because it can hold your laptop upright and make it appear more like an LCD display-especially good for watching videos, video podcasts, DVD movies, etc. It's perfect for laptops that come with remotes (like the Apple MacBook/MacBook Pro). You can also use it on a desk, and then attach an external keyboard and mouse if you want the screen high up.

They also have some new 360 degree turntables that can hold about 100 lbs. They can be used with laptops, monitors and just about anything else.

They are currently offering two coupons which can be found at the top of this page: (10% off any order of $25 or more (Use Code TECH10), or 15% off any order of $99 or more (Use Code TECH15)). The codes must be entered at checkout to be applied, they are valid for US and Canadian-based customers, and they can also be used when ordering from their page of discounted bundled products.

ViaTalk Voice over IP (VoIP) Calling Plan - One Free Year

I've been using ViaTalk in my home for all phone calls for about the last seven months. The call quality is excellent and we were able to reduce our monthly bill from $55 to $15 per month. I did a long review of the service here.

Apart from cost, one of the main reasons why I chose ViaTalk was that I could call their customer service line and get a live person within a few minutes. The quality is excellent and the main negative I've found is that sometimes (three times so far in 7 months), I have lost service temporarily because my broadband went down. Service also goes out if you lose power, compared with a traditional phone line.

The company currently has a 1 year free offer for their VT unlimited service for residential broadband users, which brings unlimited US and Canada calling to $199 for 2 years (including taxes). That's about $8/month. It does require prepayment and they have a return guarantee. Many people can also keep their phone number. It took about 20 days for ours to be transferred.

Their business unlimited VoIP plan is more expensive and you can call them or read more about what qualifies as a "business line". Overall, I am very happy with the service and the list of features on their site is pretty amazing. One of the features is free 411, which, when you dial 411, allows you to be forwarded to 1-800-FREE-411, a service I've been using for quite a while. Here is an article I wrote on The Imaging Buffet about that service.

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