Beta Monkey Music has released several of their most popular drum loop and sample libraries in Apple Loops format for use in GarageBand, Soundtrack, Logic Express 7, Logic Pro 7 and Final Cut Pro 4. Nearly 3000 brand new Apple Loops and song starters in total.

New Apple Loop releases is $29.99. More info on BetaMonkey web site.

Easy Sounds starts the new series „Content Software for MIDI-/Audio Sequenzer" combining MIDI-sequences, audio-loops, phrases, sounds, Plug-In Settings, Channel Strips and other contents for Apple Logic, Garage Band, Ableton Live and Cubase SX. "Quick Phrase - Construction Kit", "Arpeggio Kit" and "Mega Loopz" are now available for 25 or 29 euros each.

Apple today unveiled the new PowerBooks line featuring PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.67 GHz, faster hard drives and a faster 8X SuperDrive :

- the 1.67 GHz, 17-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $2,699 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 100GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, optical digital audio input and output; a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.67 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $2,299 includes 512MB SDRAM, 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive (DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.5 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 with 512MB of SDRAM, a 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW), AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,699 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad.

- the 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 60GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load Combo optical drive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth and a scrolling TrackPad.

More info on the AppleStore

Behringer announces two new digital desktop monitors MS20 & MS40 available in 2x20 or 2x40 W, with both analog and digital inputs. They feature 24-bit/192 kHz D/A converters, optical and coaxial inputs, two stereo analog inputs featuring 1/8'' TRS and stereo RCA, and headphone connector.

They will cost $129.99 and $169.99 for the MS40, and should ship in second quarter 2005.

VSamp is a software sample player by Malcolm Haylock. This 3.5 update adds support for WAVE files and support for 32-bit samples, imports SoundFont banks, minor interface changes and minor bug fixes.

More info and download in the MM Softs section.