Brand: MacNews

Power On Software has released a public beta of the Now Up-To-Date & Contact Mac OS X Palm conduits, which enable owners of Palm OS-based handhelds to synchronize their data with the software. Power On provides the beta conduits “as is” without warranty or support. Now Up-To-Date & Contact 4.1.1 sells for US$119.95 (download) or $129.95 (boxed).

Sony today announced the CyberShot DSC-P9, the latest addition to its ultra-compact line of P-series digital cameras. The 4-megapixel P9 offers such features as an AF Illuminator and multi-frame burst mode, although there’s no mention of any zoom. The DSC-P9 will go on sale in May for around US$600.

Malibutu Software has released IcarusDICTionary 1.0, a free application for Mac OS 8/9 and Mac OS X thatlooks up word definitions online using the DICT protocol. The Omni Group distributes a similar tool for Mac OS X, OmniDictionary, which is also available as freeware.

The San Francisco Chronicle has published a head-to-head review of Apple’s high-end iMac and a similarly priced PC model, the HP Pavilion 780n. Columnist Henry Norr admits the iMac represents a better solution for those interested in multimedia, but says he isn’t a fan of the iMac’s design. Meanwhile, a ZDNet UK article lavishes praise on Apple’s sense of branding through superior design.

The Sibelius Group today announced the Mac OS X release of Sibelius 2, the company’s powerful music notation software. Sibelius 2 has been redesigned from the ground up to take advantage of Mac OS X and boasts more than 200 new features, including Arrange, a revolutionary artificial intelligence technology that can automatically arrange and orchestrate music. Sibelius 2 sells for US$599 with upgrades priced at $199. Educational discounts are available.