Reprinted from TidBITS#963/02-Feb-09 with permission. Copyright (C) 2009, TidBITS. All rights reserved. http://www.tidbits.com/ TidBITS#963/02-Feb-09 ===================== Issue link: Google features heavily in TidBITS this week, thanks to Adam's look at the release of offline access support for Gmail and Doug McLean's article about the inclusion in Google Earth of ultra-high resolution versions of 14 masterpieces from the Prado Museum in Madrid. That's right, you can fly around a painting and zoom in far enough to see cracks in the paint. But don't let Google Earth distract you for too long - Doug anchors this issue with a far more practical article about programs you can use to get your work done while minimizing distractions. Adam also notes that Coinstar machines will turn loose coins into iTunes credit, and Joe Kissell relates how he managed to get one of his current email addresses mentioned in a song recorded 10 years ago. Notable software releases this week include PersonalBrain 5.0.2, Typinator 3.4, iPhone 2.2.1 Software Update, Apple's iLife Media Browser Update, iDVD 7.0.3, HoudahSpot 2.4, and SpamSieve 2.7.3. Articles Coinstar Machines Turn Change into iTunes Credit Google Earth's Virtual Prado Museum DealBITS Drawing: Win a Copy of MathMagic 6 Gmail Gets Offline Access with Gears Log In to Me Minimize Desktop Distractions TidBITS Watchlist: Notable Software Updates for 02-Feb-09 ExtraBITS for 02-Feb-09 Hot Topics in TidBITS Talk for 02-Feb-09 ------------ This issue of TidBITS sponsored in part by: -------------- * READERS LIKE YOU! Support TidBITS with a contribution today! Special thanks this week to Mike Vlasman, Tony Meyer, William A. Riski, and Erik Carlson for their generous support! * Fetch Softworks: Fetch 5.3 has a new look for Leopard, and new support for Leopard technologies. And you can upload with the oldest technology of all, Copy and Paste! Download your free trial version! * WebCrossing Neighbors Creates Private Social Networks Create a complete social network with your company or group's own look. Scalable, extensible and extremely customizable. Take a guided tour today * Bare Bones Software's BBEdit 9.1 -- A burly upgrade introducing new capabilities like Projects, non-modal Find and Multi-File Search, editing in browsers, text completion, Scratchpad, new Ruby module, better JavaScript, ObjC, Obj-C++, YAML * MARK/SPACE, INC: If you have a smartphone, we can sync it! Sync your address book, calendar, notes, music, pictures, and more from your BlackBerry, Windows Mobile or Palm OS mobile phone to your Mac. * VMware Fusion. The most seamless way to run Windows on your Mac. Backed by nearly a decade of proven virtualization technology. Try VMware Fusion today for free, or order online for only $79. Visit: * Microsoft's MacBU: Supporting Mac users with Office 2008. Straighten up your Office with the latest updates to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Entourage. Update today at Mactopia! * ConceptDraw Office adds real business power to Microsoft Office and Apple's iWork. Whether you need project management, business graphics, or mind mapping, it's all easily created on your Mac! Buy today for only $499! * Speak up with MacSpeech Dictate! Get the all-new MacSpeech Dictate with spelling and phrase training. Speech recognition so good, about the only thing it can't do is speak for you. Learn more: ---------- Help support TidBITS by supporting our sponsors ------------ .