July/August 2006
MORE FOR LESS
The new version of Apple's Aperture software, 1.1, works faster, has more features and is less expensive. Searching through RAW files is up to four times faster than before, and there's a new set of adjustment tools for noise reduction, highlight recovery and sharpening when converting images. Aperture 1.0 owners can upgrade for free. As we went to press, Apple announced a new update, Aperture 1.1.1, which includes improved white balance and tint value controls. List Price: $299 (Aperture 1.1). Contact: Apple, (800) MY-APPLE, www.apple.com.
QUALITY CONTROLProtect your digital prints with Moab's Desert Varnish. The archival-safe spray provides a clear, water- and UV-resistant surface designed to protect most dye and pigment inkjets. The varnish comes in 13.5-ounce aerosol cans, and safeguards prints from scratches and water, and portfolio pages from normal wear and tear. List Price: $16. Contact: Moab Paper, (435) 259-3161, www.moabpaper.com.
ON-THE-GO STORAGELeaving behind your most valuable data just isn't an option anymore, so check out Transcend's new portable hard disk drive. The StoreJet OTG combines a stylish, compact design with plenty of room (30 GB) for storing, transferring and backing up your data from anywhere. Plus, the StoreJet fits into the palm of your hand and comes with a tough, lightweight aluminum case. The drive weighs less than a pound and measures 4.2x2.8x0.8 inches. List Price: $213. Contact: Transcend, (714) 921-2000, www.transcendusa.com.
SMALL STROBEDesigned for the digital photographer, Adorama's Flashpoint DigiPopper is a new electronic flash that's lighter and offers an easy, affordable way to shoot portraits. At 8x4x3.5 inches and less than two pounds, the self-contained strobe is ideal for small studios. Full-, half- and quarter-power settings allow you to control the output. The light can be fired with a sync cord or built-in slave. List Price: $129 (200-watt); $169 (300-watt). Contact: Adorama, (800) 223-2500, www.adorama.com.
CUSTOM BORDERS
Frame your images instantly with downloaded framing designs from Instant Imagers. Whether your photos are from a wedding, sporting event or holiday, Framers offers a variety of high-resolution designs in 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10 print sizes, and works with most photo-editing software. Select designs are available for a free trial. List Price: $1.95 to $3.95 (per frame). Contact: Instant Imagers, www.instantimagers.com.
SPACE METER
With the Memorex TravelDrive ID, you know exactly how much room is left on your portable drive. The USB 2.0 flash drive has a built-in, customizable LCD screen that displays how much space is left. A bar chart also shows remaining capacity. Plus, if you're the type with multiple drives for different files, this offers a convenient way of labeling content and keeping organized. List Price: $49 (512 MB); $69 (1 GB). Contact: Memorex, (877) 474-8548, www.memorex.com.
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