iLife ’09
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iLife ’09
All good, except iMovie 09- still really lame
Written by SB
Mar 6, 2009
Apple usually has a good idea as to providing easy to use products that are very helpful and yet, powerful. One of the best software Apple programs that we still use (one of the best of all time) is iMovie HD, which was replaced last year by the light version, iMovie 08 (which is but a mere shadow of the full version features in iMovie HD). Unfortunately, Apple has stuck with this bare bones version of iMovie in the new version that is part of iLife. It has a few more features, but is still fairly useless for creating a more professional movie. Do not believe those who say to upgrade to Final Cut Express if you want the full features that were part of iMovie HD. Final Cut Express is VERY hard to learn and not at all like iMovie HD. After trying to figure out how to use Final Cut Express, we gave up went back to iMovie HD, which we still use. I just wish Apple would offer a new version of iMovie HD; I would buy it in a second.
(125 of 161 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
Just enough
Written by RC from Knoxville
Mar 5, 2009
I just love this set of software. I had 06 installed new on the imac, but when I read an early review, it looked like time to upgrade, it was worth it. iMovie is much more stable than 06. iPhoto is neat, really does more than I ever will.
The iBooks (on 06) were the hit at Christmas last year, the product and packaging and the quality make them the perfect gift for Mom.
Have fun and take pictures.(46 of 64 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
Nothing but genius!
Written by RF from Eagle Pass
Mar 5, 2009
This upgrade is worth it. Beautifully designed and remastered compared to the 08 version. 10 thumbs up.
(93 of 127 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
Good for the money
Written by RS from Olympia
Mar 4, 2009
Folks, you must see the tutorials for iMovie. They demonstrate that this upgrade alone is worth the money. Features are superb. I am still learning. You won't get this right away because this new software is totally redone. Making a movie can be fun (but time consuming)
I have always used iPhoto and love it. If you REALLY need to seriously adjust a digital picture use Graphic Converter in conjunction with iPhoto.
I used to hate the fact that Apple changed for this package of software BUT the advancements are NOW worth it.(37 of 60 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
iMovie 09 Very Disappointed
Written by NM from North Vancouver
Mar 3, 2009
I'm very disappointed with this version. I was horrified with '08 and was excited when I heard '09 would be released with upgrades. I was sadly mistaken. This program still has issues importing the basic movie files (.avi, mpeg4, etc). Files that iMovie HD handled with ease. I have tried converting to different codecs but have had moderate success and generally the raw video quality is lost. It says it can import HD's projects but have had no success with that either. I just get the title of the project, no clips, no music, nothing. The precision editor is laughable. Precise is using the arrow keys to move Frame by Frame to do actual Cuts! Not this sliding with my mouse, yes I can go to 1/2 a second but when cutting video 1/2 second can still mess up the timing. What happened to Save Project As? I keep files on my computer only when I'm working with it. I'm never quite sure if all the files are fully removed or not and what actually is being deleted (one of the reasons why I also stopped using iPhoto). The New Event is not useful at all, I don't like the way all my projects are contained like Albums within the program.
I liked iMovie HD because it was an easy editing program to learn, it made sense with its linear timeline, flexible codec support, precise cutting feature, separate file saves and affordable price tag. iMovie 09 does have some nice features like the cropping tool, video stabilizer, and some stunning titles but due to the short falls of the program as a whole I'm finding I can't take advantage of them. Sorry Apple you had a good idea with 09 but it still fails miserably in my opinion. You should have improved off of HD not trashed it. As the saying goes "Why fix something that's not broken?"
(133 of 168 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
Many performance issues need to be resolved.
Written by MC from Oakville
Mar 3, 2009
iPhoto has may new great features, (great ideas) but don't work the best. The places feature takes a while to load, and sometimes it hangs for a second or two (this is on the Aluminum MacBook 2 GHz). They can also train the faces feature a bit more. Whenever i introduce a new 'face', the first bunch matched are usually the right person, but down the list, the faces that iPhoto think are of the person I specified are completely different.
However, iMovie seems to be a very good improvement. The new stabilization feature has great potential, but be prepared to sit it out for a while.
iWeb's new FTP uploader seems to work good for many people, but I'm having a few troubles with this. Accordingly it doesn't work with Windows Hosting Accounts...hmmm(30 of 37 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
AWFUL
Written by LS from Richmond
Mar 3, 2009
The beauty of iLife in the past has been its simplicity. A staple of Apple products is how easy they are to use. iLife '09 does NOT fit the bill. Apple completely overhauled the old programs (iPhoto, Garageband, iMovie, etc.) that were perfectly fine, and replaced them with confusing and complicated models of software that are not high quality enough for professionals, but too difficult for amateurs and fun seekers to understand. As a frequent user of all of iLife's applications previously, I absolutely do not recommend this product.
(68 of 90 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
imovie is much better in '09
Written by KH from plano
Mar 2, 2009
I really wish people would stop crying about how much better imovie '06 was, if you are that stuck on it you should have upgraded to Final Cut Express by now. I wish there were some iDvd updates but overall I am impressed with the new iLife suite.
(21 of 40 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
GarageBand Review
Written by KH from Memphis
Mar 2, 2009
GarageBand has by far been the best feature of my upgrade to Leopard and iLife '09. Finally, there is a way for a true novice to learn the guitar including chords, strumming patterns, and picking. Features such as being able to loop the playback and to make it slow down are indispensable. The lessons are thorough and well done. I have checked the Apple Store multiple times merely to see when there will be more lessons added. I'm very excited about the artist lessons and look forward to tackling those when I make it through the basic lessons. I would love it if Apple would add more basic lessons and artist lessons.
(18 of 26 people found this review useful)
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iLife ’09
A good upgrade, except iMovie
Written by LK
Mar 2, 2009
Overall, this version of iLife is a nice upgrade from last year's product. We love iWeb and iPhoto, and use them a lot. These two products alone are worth the price of iLife 09. Like many others on this forum, the biggest disappointment is iMovie 09; totally a waste. For new Mac users, it is probably OK, but Apple still leaves us shaking our heads as to why one of the best software programs ever created, iMovie HD, was discontinued (and used to be part of the iLife suite). We tried using Final Cut Express, but it was so hard to use that to this day, we treasure our old version of iMovie HD (which requires paying for classes to use), as it has most everything needed to make awesome movies. The best features that the current iMovie 09 has omitted (the timeline- this is essential, the audio mixing controls, the special effects, and a very easy interface). I wish Apple would roll out a new version of iMovie HD, as it is so useful (perhaps replace the hard to use Final Cut Express with a heftier iMovie HD?). Please, Apple, bring back the full version of iMovie (HD)!!
(54 of 59 people found this review useful)
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