ILife '04, the second generation of Apple's digital-media suite, contains updated versions of iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, and a fifth application called GarageBand, which transforms your Mac into a veritable recording studio.
The mini iPod may have stolen the spotlight at Macworld San Francisco 2004, but the unveiling of iLife '04, the second generation of Apple's digital-media suite, made for a worthy sideshow. In addition to updated versions of iTunes, iMovie, iPhoto, and iDVD, iLife '04 contains a fifth application called GarageBand, which transforms your Mac into a veritable recording studio.
Upside: While some of us prefer to pick and choose our media apps, it's hard to deny the allure of a well-integrated suite. We haven't tested GarageBand yet, but if it delivers on its promise to transform your Mac into a recording studio, it may make iLife '04 a must-have upgrade--if your machine has guts (G4s only, please). The memory-intensive program lets you compose and record music using built-in loops, prerecorded instrumentals, and beats that you create on the fly. In addition, iLife '04 offers better title tools in iMovie; improved time-based organization in iPhoto; and major updates to iDVD, where you'll find redesigned themes, support for 99 chapters, and supposedly enhanced performance.
Downside: At AU$79, iLife '04 won't break the bank but is certainly more expensive than the once free iMovie and iPhoto downloads, though you can still download a standalone version of iTunes at no cost. Also, even though this suite has a lot to offer, you may need more-robust programs for certain tasks (say, Photoshop for image editing).
Outlook: So, should you get an iLife? We'll put iLife '04 through its paces once it ships on January 16, but based on what we saw at Macworld, '04 looks to be a very good year.
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