Bluetooth. Bluetooth technology,* introduced at Comdex, in November of 1999, represents the first integrated system to seamlessly connect desk-bound and mobile computers, mobile phones, and handheld devices, without wires. It supports rapid and secure (encrypted and authenticated) transmission of voice and data, using a globally available frequency range. The transmission occurs at a high speed (faster than ISDN, slower than Ethernet) and incorporates advanced error-correction algorithms for a high degree of reliability.

Corel Print Office 2000 for Macintosh is a project-based package that lets users easily create brochures, business cards, and other forms of business-related material, as well as publish to the Web. It consists of two main applications, Corel Print Office 5 for Macintosh and Corel Photo House 5 for Macintosh, as well as a complete library of digital media assets. These digital assets include: 25,000 clipart imges, over 10,000 photos, over 2500 templates, over 2500 Web images, over 500 phrases, over 500 photo objects, over 300 fonts, 150 backdrops, 75 frames, and 25 images lists. $99

Virtual PC 3.0 is the latest version of this impressive Windows emulator. It provides the Macintosh user with a complete Windows environment in which almost any Windows application can be installed and run. It is of particular use to users who need to run an occasional Windows program, but are primarily Macintosh-based; or those who have a PC at work or at home and need to access PC programs or files from their Macintosh. Digital publishers, who commonly work in a mixed environment, may need to run a particular utility program, which is not available for the Macintosh, or may need to capture Windows screen grabs for publication. They will find Virtual PC 3.0 to be an invaluable aid, especially now that it is AppleScriptable.

We have used Virtual PC since it was first released, and, over the years, it has undergone major improvements. We use it routinely for reviewing certain PC software, for making screen captures, and for running applications that are sometimes needed while working on the Macintosh.

The speed of Virtual PC 3.0 (which is dependent upon the speed of the PowerMacintosh host) is more than adequate for doing a significant amount of sophisticated work. Connectix has done an incredible job, not only of emulating every aspect of the PC environment, but in packaging it in an intelligent and highly useful manner.

The environment is available in various configurations, with either Windows 98 (requires a Macintosh G3), Windows 95, or PC DOS pre-installed. Users also have the option of running Windows NT, DOS, IBM OS/2, and Linux. Users who have the Microsoft software from a previous version of Virtual PC can take advantage of upgrade pricing of only $45.

Among the many features of the program are it full support for Ethernet. Users can access PC Networks, Novell Network, TCP/IP, Microsoft Networking, and Microsoft Remote Access Services. File sharing is also quite easy, supported by drag and drop, copy and paste, shared folder services, and direct reading of compatible files on floppy disks or CD-ROM.

This new version also supports USB devices. Our experience with Virtual PC is that it is very aware of its host Macintosh environment, and can take advantage of almost all available ports and connections. For example, it can share the Macintosh Internet connection, intelligently linking to the settings that it requires (although it can have its own IP address). It can also make use of connected printers, scanners, modems, etc.

Virtual PC appears in a window on the Macintosh desktop, although it can be run in a full-screen mode. It is "virtually" indistinguishable from Windows operating on a dedicated PC.

The Windows 98 version is $179, Windows 95 version is $149, and the PC DOS version is $49.

ProJPEG 3.1.2 is a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop that supports the output of JPEG files that are approximately half the size of those produced by Photoshop's native compressor. The ProJPEG interface provides a side-by-side comparison of the original and compressed files, with file sizes and estimated download time for the compressed version. Two slider bars, one for quality, one for smoothing, are presented on the bottom of the screen. The new file version can be output in baseline or progressive encoding. $49.95

PhotoPrinter 2000 Pro is a program that provides sophisticated control over the layout and printing of images. The program provides a selection of printing templates that supports the output of multiple images in a variety of sizes, and in a variety of forms, such as calendars and business cards. Tools are provided for enhancing, cropping, and modifying images as well as adding text. The program supports the use of specialty output materials from Kodak and Avery, including Ink Jet Photo Paper, stickers, photo-labels, postcards and note cards. $29.95

SureThing CD Labeler is a CD/DVD labeling kit consisting of the label applicator, SureThing software, CD labels, over 10,000 clipart images, and hundreds of professionally designed templates.

The software is compatible with all brands of labels and jewel case inserts. The user can also create labels for Zip, Jaz, DAT, and MiniDisc media, and floppy diskettes.

The software supports the addition of several typographic effects, including curved, angled, arched, and drop shadow text. The package provides all of the necessary components for producing attractive professional-looking labels. $39.95

My Life is an electronic scrapbook that combines text, family pictures, audio recordings and home movies in a form that can be published in print, CD-ROM, or on the Web (to a free companion Web site) with one click.

The program contains thousands of thought provoking questions arranged on cards that are sorted into 230 different categories. The questions are designed to elicit responses that will help to flesh out the story of one's life. The answers can be typed in, spoken in, or digitally recorded with a camera. $69

ImageVice Version 2 is a filter for Adobe Photoshop that can compress GIF, PICT, BMP and PNG files to 70% or more. The program's interface consists of a set of sliders that are adjusted to balance quality against file size. The user can judge, immediately, what level of quality that they are willing to accept. The result of the process is a significantly smaller image that will load and display more efficiently on the Web. $49.95

GIFmation 2.x is a highly competent tool for producing optimized animated GIFs that load and display quickly. The program is capable of outputting the smallest possible file size, with the best possible image quality. Among its features are browser compatibility testing, onion skinning, automatic image alignment, image editing tools, multiple color based transparency, and extensive file format support. $49.95

Snap Server 1000 is the first sub-$500 server to be offered in the category of network attached storage (NAS). The server, with a capacity of 10 GB, supports Macintosh, Windows, Unix and Novell clients. "The Snap Server operating system is the only other server system which connects to all major operating systems (Windows, NT, Unix, Apple) transparently and seamlessly." It connects to a LAN in minutes, with a minimal amount of technical expertise required.

DataKeeper Snap Edition software, developed by Quantum and PowerQuest Corp., maintains copies of all desktop and laptop connected computer work files. The software is provided as a promotion until the end of the first quarter, 2000.

Higher capacity models providing 20 GB ($999), and 40 GB ($1799) are also available.

LanguageNow! Version 7.0 is a language learning system supporting the acquisition of speaking, reading and writing of several of the world's most popular languages, including Spanish, French, German, Russian, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Swedish, Dutch, Arabic, Polish, Irish Gaelic, Chinese, Japanese, and English (for native Spanish speakers).

The deluxe retail version includes: a microphone, for recording and comparing the learner's voice to native speakers, to use advanced speech analysis, and to participate in interactive dialogs; the Accent () Multilingual Word Processor, with foreign language keyboard layouts, accented and special characters, spell checking and thesaurus capabilities, and more; and the Berlitz Interpreter Word Translator (with a 50,000 word vocabulary), for quick translations in English, Spanish, French, German or Italian.

The uniqueness of the training series lies in its use of user interaction with authentic literature, video, and sound. The LanguageNow! series is used by the U.S. Department of Defense and in over 10,000 schools in the United States and Canada. The programs provide over 10,000 words of authentic native language material as compared to competing products that include from 500-2000.

A part of each LanguageNow! package is a collection of exercises and games, which are randomly generated, providing the user with a different experience each time they use the program, even if they are reviewing material.

Every word and full sentence is provided as recorded sound. The user can slow the speaker by using the Slowsound feature, reducing the normal speed by 10-50%. User can also visually compare their speech to that of the native speaker. This capability is based on technology originally designed to help hearing impaired English speakers improve their English pronunciation. $49.95

Jacobs, Marvin; Linda Studer

One of the few books on the subject of forms design, incorporating both traditional manual techniques, and personal computer-based methods. The major topics include: Forms Management and Forms Analysis, Overview of the Paper Forms Manufacturing Process, Basic Forms Design Principles, Form Typography and Graphics, Step-by-Step Forms Design, Speciality Forms Design, Advanced Forms Design Techniques, An Overview of Electronic Forms, and a Bibliography and Resources List.

The book, designed as a college textbook, and used as a standard reference book by business forms managers, analysts and designers, is the most complete compendium of forms design information available.

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The Kleper Report on Digital Publishing is (c)opyright 1999, Graphic Dimensions, Pittsford, NY, all rights reserved. You may distribute the SoftLocked version of this document, unmodified and in its entirety. You may distribute portions of this document, up to 200 words in length, unmodified, provided that you also include this copyright notice and subscription information.