Archives: October 2005

Linotype FontExplorer X

I posted about this before on evolvefuel, but I want to devote a little more time to reviewing the product. Linotype FontExplorer X is a new font management utility, much like Suitcase X1 or Apple’s Font book. I’ve been using Suitcase for a few years now and it usually works pretty good, though the PC version lacks some additional features that are in the OS X version. Font Book sounded really good when it was first introduced but I found it difficult to manage a large library of fonts without my system slowing to a crawl or Font Book crashing out right. In comes FontExplorer, a sleek interface reminiscent of iTunes brushed metal, and easy to use tools. Font organization is quick, featuring multiple preview options, auto-activation with an option to buy missing typefaces directly through the application. Searching for fonts is as easy and quick as using Spotlight. I’d recommend this alone on the how its features are equal to or better than the competition, but the last selling point is that it is completely free, free forever, no ads or nagging, pretty generous of Linotype in my opinion.

Are music labels getting too “greedy?”

Steve Jobs said they’re “greedy,” Warner Music Group CEO Edgar Bronfman has his own thoughts on Apple and now Microsoft said no to a subscription service because they don’t want to pay the labels’ price tag. If prices are too high, consumers may go back to stealing/illegal downloading, which could hurt the record industry (though I doubt they’re hurting much, some CEO may not get a new Learjet for the Holidays). If prices stay the same, the record companies are going to incestantly complain and possibly withhold music from online retailers. Seems to me that the consumer is hurt either way, thanks for leaving us out of the equation.

Typetester

Preview screen fonts, wheter Mac or PC, also preview any active system fonts, give Typetester a spin.