Final Cut Studio 2
Final Cut Studio 2 is a solid value; includes new Color app; new open-format timeline; SmoothCam feature; improves integration throughout the suite; includes 5.1 surround sound support; adds effects and templates.
See also: Apple, Education and reference
8 Editors' Rating
Microsoft Encarta Premium 2007
Microsoft Encarta Premium 2007's information includes recent world events; offers rich multimedia content, including atlases, videos, timelines, and educational games; excellent version for young children; sleek interface; regular updates; online component; free tech support.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Education and reference
7.3 Editors' Rating
Encyclopedia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite 2007
Provides a trove of expert information; works with Macs and PCs; offers free monthly updates; includes interactive articles; has rich resources for children and adults; has a new interface; maintains a Homework Helpdesk; includes online component and great, Web-based GeoAnalyzer for comparing international trends.
See also: Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., Education and reference
7 Editors' Rating
Talking Panda iRocker
Talking Panda's iRocker teaches you how to play guitar chords and scales in a clear, easy-to-understand fashion; plus, tunings, chords, and scales have actual audio samples. The software also includes five basic songs to get you started playing with others.
See also: Talking Panda, Education and reference
7.7 Editors' Rating
iPrepPress Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary for iPod (Mac)
The iPrepPress Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary packs a great deal of Merriam-Webster's dictionary on to your iPod, takes up very little disc space, and offers easy navigation. Plus, there's no DRM involved.
Tags: Apple Inc., IBM Lotus Notes, Apple Macintosh
6.7 Editors' Rating
iPREPpress Miriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary for iPod (Windows)
The iPrepPress Merriam-Webster Pocket Dictionary packs a great deal of Merriam-Webster's dictionary on to your iPod, takes up very little disc space, and offers easy navigation. Plus, there's no DRM involved.
Tags: Apple Inc., IBM Lotus Notes, iPrepPress
6.7 Editors' Rating
iLife '06
iLife '06 improves performance and integration between applications. GarageBand 3 has podcast studio capabilities, and iWeb lets you create Web pages easily.
See also: Apple, Education and reference
7.3 Editors' Rating
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is free and easy to access; full of arcane information; evolving constantly; multiple languages; enormous collection of articles and media; works in any browser.
Tags: Open Source, Article, online help
6.3 Editors' Rating
Encyclopedia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite 2006
Deep information; GeoAnalyzer and BrainStormer search features; student help options; language-learning program.
See also: Avanquest USA, Education and reference
6 Editors' Rating
Ableton Live 5.2
Freeze Track feature for saving CPU power; automatic plug-in-delay compensation; support for MP3 tracks; ability to create launchable markers; support for Mackie-compatible mixers; several new effects; new lessons for getting started; great support options; latest version works with Intel-based Macs.
See also: ableton, Education and reference
8.5 Editors' Rating
Fix-It Utilities 6.0 Professional
Provides a wide range of in-depth hard disk utilities; easy-to-navigate interface; detailed printed manual; good in-program help files.
Tags: System Mechanic, Defragmentation, Norton SystemWorks
7.4 Editors' Rating
Microsoft Encarta 2006 Premium
Cleaner interface that lets you better search and sort information; useful Dictionary Tools; extensive articles and multimedia; lower price than last year.
See also: Microsoft Corp., Education and reference
6.7 Editors' Rating
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