I am no graphic artist nor do I have the skills to do simple graphic designs but nonetheless, I want to be able to do more graphic editing than plain paint brush functionalities. Given that I am no graphics designer and would not be an amateur editor anytime soon, I do not want to spend money on heavyweight graphic applications like Adobe Photoshop.

For people like me I welcome the Inkscape open source vector graphics editor which is free and contain the same features as most drawing applications. Inkscape is no Abode photoshop but this is just right for people like …read more

I tried Pixelmator before but didn’t really use it much ever since. Probably, because I never really had enough time to play with it. The makers of Pixelmator recently released a new version and a new learning section in their web site which aims to teach and showcase the powerful editor that Pixelmator has become.
The Colorful Bokeh Effect tutorial was the one that caught my interest. I like these types of images and saw it as a great opportunity to learn how to create one. So I downloaded a copy of Pixelmator again since the last copy I downloaded was …read more

I’ve been working with a friend lately trying to find an affordable copy of Adobe Photoshop to be used in coordination with a non-profit’s efforts to do some graphic work. In this case the very talented person would be doing some work for both a church and another faith-based organization associated with a large state university. I will admit that if you’re doing serious, professional quality graphic design, you’re probably going to be using Adobe Photoshop. Yet, I’ll also say that you need to be charging professional rates to afford to use and maintain that Photoshop license use. That’s why …read more

[image courtesy of Apple]
Apple recently began shipping its new 24″ LED display. Macworld reviewed the display and gave it a 4 out of 5 rating.
The new display currently has a limited audience, it being owners of the new aluminum MacBooks and the the new MacBook Pros. Both of which sport the new Mini DisplayPort.
Since the new display is using LED panels, startup or warm-up times are faster, energy consumption less and it should last longer. The glossy screen also should give a more vibrant image although it also comes with glare.
Macworld says its strengths lie in great …read more

There’s a great piece of software that allows you to view certain web sites in a 3D wall. Have you seen the iTunes commercial with the wall of album art? It’s similar to that.
CoolIris is a browser plugin for both Mac and Windows that allows you to transform your browser into a 3D viewing wall. It’s perfect for viewing youtube videos, photos at flickr. etc.
It currently works with Google Image Search, YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, MySpace and other sites. Check here for the full list.
The plugin is currently available for Firefox 2 and 3 for both Windows …read more

I stumble across Tritton Technologies a couple of years ago when searching for easy multi-monitor solutions for my computer. About the time I discovered them I switched to Mac and none of their products were Mac compatible. Until Now.

From the Press Release:
VISTA, CALIF. – August 5, 2008 – TRITTON Technologies, a pioneering leader in USB external video card technology, today announced the launch of the SEE2 Xtreme. The long awaited Mac-compatible version delivers on the promise of providing an external USB 2.0 video card solution for Apple users. An ideal solution for multi-tasking, the SEE2 Xtreme enables users …read more

There is Free Mac stuff available for Snoop Dogg Fans. And you don’t even have to be a Snoop Dogg Fan. You just have to be willing to do a little design work for him.
Snoop Dogg is teaming up with the guys over at Crestock images and holding a design contest. Winners in each round get Mac merchandise, recognition on Snoop Dogg’s site, and Limited Edition Exclusive Snoop Dogg merchandise.
So head over to the site, take a look at the requirements, and get designing. And if you win, don’t forget to tell everybody that the guys at The After …read more

One of the things I’m asked most about is Photoshop. It’s great tool and as far as image editing tools for professionals go, Photoshop sets the bar. It’s the creme of the crop. However being that stature commands a hefty price tag. Unless you’re really making money out of Photoshop or seriously loaded, then Photoshop is best left to the professionals.
However there are free or cheap alternatives to Photoshop that will satisfy the needs of most users. Photoshop is very powerful but most users won’t have a need for all that power. Think of it as using a Ferrari to …read more