Finally, thinking about buying an iPhone? Your friends have one and wondering how you have lived without it. Well stop right there. Patience is the key now. That is because a new really enhanced version of the iPhone is due out in June or July.

As terrific as the iPhone is, the new one will offer some major changes, and much needed enhancements. Here are a few things to look for when it is released. Although still up in the air, its becoming more likely that AT&T will lose its exclusive arrangement with Apple, and Verizon will get there chance to market a version for their network.

Here are some highlights of what to expect:

So you might as well just get the iPad while you are waiting, but more on the iPad in a future column.

Larry C. Zinox  |  larry@softaventures.com  |  anytimecard.com

Creating Your Own Podcast - Part 2
Now that you have the topics for your podcast and a way to get the audio into your computer, we are ready to open up GarageBand. GarageBand is part of the iLife suite of applications and comes pre-installed on all new Macs. Note: these instructions are based on GarageBand '09 but previous versions will be very similar.
 
When you first open GarageBand (GB) you will be shown a window with several options. Choose "New Project" and then click on podcast. You'll be asked to give your podcast project a name. Go ahead and do so and click "Create." You are now in the GarageBand interface.
 
First, if you will be using a mic other than your Mac's internal microphone, you'll need to tell GB what mic to use for recording. Go into GB preferences, and under the "Audio/Midi" tab select the audio input device you want to use.
 
On the left hand side you will see 4 different tracks. One says male voice and another female voice. Click on the appropriate track for your gender, and click the record symbol within that track. Now, begin talking into your microphone. You should see the volume level indicators within the track move as you talk. If so, you have confirmed your mic is working.
 
Now, do a test recording by clicking on the red record button at the bottom of the screen and begin talking. Talk for a few seconds and then click the record button again to stop the recording. You should now see audio waveforms from your recording. Play it back by clicking the |<| button and then play |>|.
 
If you hear your audio back, you have begun successfully recording and can continue recording your podcast. Next month we'll work on editing your audio to get a flaw-free podcast once you have it in GarageBand.