It’s time to get caught up on some random news from in and around the Mac ecosystem. One of the most common email questions I get in the MacMaineiac mailbag is “where can I go to see a Mac in action?” The best place to go to really see what a Mac can do is one of Apple’s Retail Stores. Now, one would think that our beloved state, with its ground-breaking Maine Learning Technology Initiative (an iBook in the hands of every 7th and 8th grader), would be an ideal location for an Apple Retail Store. Perhaps the Maine Mall? Alas, although Apple currently has 104 stores open in three countries, there just aren’t enough people, I guess to warrant a store in Maine.

Apple recently boasted that 90% of the nation’s population is within 45 minutes driving time (37 to 48 miles) of an Apple Store. I did a little research using Google Maps. From my front door in Bath to the nearest (Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H.) Apple Store is exactly 125.8 miles (or 2 hours and 14 minutes driving time). Interestingly, I am almost equidistant from the store in the Northshore Mall in Peabody, MA (126.9 miles or 2 hours and 16 minutes, but who’s counting).

Just when we think we’ve got it bad, however, a web site that tracks current and potential Apple Retail Stores has calculated what they believe to the be town furthest from any Apple Store in the U.S. The unlucky burg? Atomic City, Idaho. Population: 26. Atomic City is over 700 miles from the nearest Apple Store. Thank goodness for overnight delivery.

I mentioned I used Google Maps (maps.google.com). If you haven’t checked out their service, you should. It’s currently in beta testing, but it has some great features. On the surface, it’s much like other web map sites like MapQuest. Type in an address, and you’re taken to a map. Type in a “From” and “To” address, and you get directions. What sets Google Maps apart from other services is what you can do with the map.

After inputting the address, you get a detailed map with the point of interest in the center, with quick links to get directions. Place your pointer over the map and click and drag, and the map moves north, south, east or west. You can literally drag the viewable area to the ends of the world (almost).

© 2005 Peter F. Zimowski