Brand: MacNews

C|net columnist Chris LeTocq opines that Apple must forge a .Net initiative with Microsoft to ensure that Mac users are not left behind by the interactive, online services that .Net will provide to Windows customers, as well as ensuring maximum interoperability between the platforms. [Updated 18:53 ET: MacMinute reader Chris Thomas pointed out a well written rebuttal to LeTocq’s column.]

Aspyr Media has posted The Sims 1.1.4 and The Sims Livin’ Large 1.2.1, updates to the popular simulation games. The updates add Carbonization and resolve bugs found in both the game and expansion pack.

SecondhandMac is a new, international Mac classifieds site. The service is free to everyone and doesn’t even requires users to register, making the selling process that much more straightforward. Localized versions of the site are currently available for Australia, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, UK, South Africa, and the US.

Compaq, whose iPAQ PocketPC gave it the number one standing for gross revenues of a handheld maker, is preparing a new handheld for release that will sport several new capabilities, including support for Microsoft’s next version of Windows CE. Last quarter, Compaq shipped 450,000 iPAQ handhelds.

GraphicConverter 4.0.9 brings countless small enhancements and bug fixes to Lemke Software’s popular US$35 image editor for Mac OS and Mac OS X.