Brand: MacNews

Chaotic Software has released minor updates to three of its applications: WebDevil 5.4, for downloading Web sites for offline browsing; MP3 Rage 4.1, its MP3 multi-tool; and QuickMovie 1.5, which creates a QuickTime movie from a series of images. The new versions add small enhancements and bug fixes.

O’Reilly has published a list of seven more obscure Mac OS X tips for improving the usability of the operating system.

The Register‘s Andrew Orlowski has written a lengthy piece explaining his reversion to Mac OS 9 after eight months of using Mac OS X. Orlowski’s gripes center primarily on user interface and performance. “It’s been the daily ‘stickiness’ that’s been so infuriating,” he writes. “Aqua has been more a case of a death of a thousand cuts: there’s no big flaw so obnoxious it’s enough to cause a revolt , but it’s felt like a constant hindrance, and the annoyances add up.”

VersionTracker notes that Apple has posted CarbonLib 1.5, an update to its extension for Mac OS 8.6 and later that allows the classic Mac OS to use Carbonized applications. Details of the changes in this version are unavailable.

eWeek columnist Matthew Rothenberg speculates that a flat-panel iMac and 1GHz+ Power Mac G4 will top Apple’s hardware announcements at Macworld Expo, and leaves open the possibility of an Apple handheld finally making its debut at the show.