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The biggest news of Macworld week for Apple portable fans didn't
come from the keynote, in which there were no laptop hardware
announcements at all, but rather from Sonnet and Newer Technology, both
of which released 500 MHz G4 processor upgrades for WallStreet G3 Series PowerBooks from the
former and a WallStreet/Lombard G4
upgrade from the latter, joining the existing G4 WallStreet/Lombard
upgrade solution from PowerLogix.
Sonnet G4 500 WallStreet Upgrade
The Crescendo/WS G4
500 is the latest addition to Sonnet's line of Crescendo/WS
processor upgrades for PowerBook G3 Series WallStreet computers. This
upgrade offers a Motorola G4 processor running at 500 MHz, with
1 MB Level 2 backside cache, which more than doubles the
performance of a stock 233 MHz machine. The Crescendo/WS G4 500 also
corrects a Mac OS "sleep mode" issue that can prevent these machines
from waking up from sleep mode under OS 9 and earlier operating
systems - the only G4 upgrade that fully supports sleep mode under Mac
OS 9.x and earlier
The Crescendo/WS is compatible with the PowerBook's existing
hardware, software, peripherals, and RAM. This product supports a total
RAM capacity of 512 MB and accommodates SO-DIMMs from 32 MB to 256 MB.
It supports Mac OS 8.1 and higher, including the latest innovations of
OS X without any additional software or plug-ins.
The Crescendo/WS is easy to install with step-by-step, illustrated
instructions. Launch the included Sonnet Installer application to take
advantage of the original system software. Shut down and open the
system, remove the original processor, move the RAM to the
Crescendo/WS, then simply pop the Crescendo/WS into place. Restart the
system and you're up and running!
Crescendo/WS G4 500 is available now and has an estimated street
price of $399.95.
Newer Technology Announces 500 MHz G4 for
WallStreet and Lombard
Newer Technology's NUpowr 500 MHz PowerPC G4 processor upgrade for
PowerBook G3 systems supports both WallStreet and Lombard 'Books. The
NUpowr G4 upgrade retains the stock backside cache, which means that
owners of 233 MHz WallStreet LE and Lombard 333 MHz units retain their
512 MB cache.
For owners of the early "MainStreet"
233 MHz PowerBook G3 Series units with no Level 2 cache, Newer can
also add the G4 card and 1 MB of Level 2 cache running at 250
MHz(at extra cost). That will be quite a dramatic performance boost for
MainStreet owners.
As with Newer's Pismo PowerBook G4 upgrade, the NUpowr G4 for the
WallStreet and Lombard computers requires the customer to ship the
computer to Newer Technology to perform the upgrade on the stock CPU
card. Newer then removes the processor daughtercard card, solders in
the G4 processor and reinstalls the card in the PowerBook for testing
and shipment back to the customer.
Mac OS X is supported, and the upgrade product is covered by a two
year warranty.
The price of the NUpowr WallStreet/Lombard G4 upgrade is $350.
NUpowr 500 MHz G4 supports all WallStreet/PDQ/Lombard PowerBook
models.
Granite Digital Ships Smart Drive FireWire
Enclosures
Granite
Digital has announced it has begun shipping its new Smart Drive
Series of FireWire enclosures. The Smart Drive Series includes
low-profile, external storage enclosures with built-in LCD+keypad user
interfaces.
The Smart Drive user interface incorporates a 2-line by 20 character
LCD and a 2-button keypad. By default the user interface shows the
enclosure's real-time status or performance. Using the keypad, users
navigate menus offering information on the FireWire-IDE bridge, the
hard disk, the FireWire connection, and the host computer. Additional
diagnostic and utility menus allow testing, verifying, and even erasing
the hard disk without a host computer.
Granite Digital's Field Update Utility is available for Apple
computers running OS X or OS 9.
Each Smart Drive enclosure uses a Granite Digital FireVue 1394-IDE
bridge controller. Customers can order Smart Drives with or without
3.5" hard drives. FireVue bridge controllers use the industry-leading
Oxford Semiconductor OXFW911, and Granite Digital's proprietary
firmware and hardware enhancements enable unique features like ATA-6
compatibility for hard drives larger than 137 GB.
Griffin Introduces iCurve Stand For iBooks And
PowerBooks
Griffin Technology has introduced its newest Mac accessory,
the iCurve. The iCurve is a clear laptop stand designed specifically for Apple's PowerBook and iBook
computers. Its main purpose is to place a PowerBook or iBook in an
ergonomically correct position when using the laptop as a desktop
computer. It achieves this goal in several key ways.
When positioned on iCurve, a PowerBook screen is raised to a height
of 16 inches. This is the recommended height for computer screens as
specified by the TCO 95 ergonomic standards. It greatly reduces neck
strain caused by looking down at your laptop screen for extended
periods of time.
The iCurve elevates an iBook 4" above the desk surface - freeing up
significant space for a full size keyboard and mouse. Although you can
type directly on a laptop while it rests on iCurve, the addition of a
full size keyboard and mouse makes for the most comfortable and healthy
desktop experience. This also allows your laptop screen to be
positioned the recommended distance - an arm's length away.
Other highlights of the iCurve include:
iCurve's rounded clear surface is perfectly matched to Apple's LCD
monitors
When placed on iCurve, a PowerBook screen tiles perfectly with the
height of Apple's LCD Cinema Displays
iCurve greatly increases airflow underneath your laptop - keeping
running temperature low and CPU performance high
PowerBook's back access door is fully exposed and easily accessible
while resting on iCurve
The curved base of the iCurve doubles as a handle, allowing a
laptop to swivel and glide easily into any position
With its unobtrusive form and clear design, iCurve is practically
invisible when in use
The iCurve is priced at $39.99 and will begin shipping in September.
Pre-orders are being accepted now.
WiebeTech LLC introduces NanoGB Pocket Drive in
FireWire or USB
WiebeTech LLC
introduces NanoGB, an extremely fast, extremely small FireWire pocket
drive. NanoGB is available in capacities to 40 GB. The FireWire version
utilizes the Oxford Semiconductor OXFW911 FireWire bridge in
conjunction with proprietary WiebeTech technology to produce highest
performance OS X transfer rates.
The USB version supports USB 2.0 and is also backwards compatible
with USB 1.1, which is on virtually every computer shipped in the last
three years.
NanoGB FireWire's feature list is as follows:
NanoGB uses a proprietary implementation of the Oxford OXFW911
FireWire bridge for best performance. WiebeTech has measured burst
transfer rates of 30+ MB/sec utilizing high speed 2.5" notebook drive
mechanisms.
Tough, Good Looking Industrial Design. NanoGB's case is 100%
aluminum.
Small Size. Case dimensions are a wafer thin 0.47 in x 2.92 in x
5.60 in, for a total volume of only 7.68 in3. (11.9 mm x 74.2 mm x 142.7 mm, with volume of
125.6 cm3.)
Self Powered. NanoGB exclusively operates off of FireWire bus
power. There is no power jack or power switch.
NanoGB is available in capacities of 20 GB, 30 GB, and 40 GB.
Rotational speeds of both 4200 and 5400 RPM are available.
Full Size FireWire Port. NanoGB utilizes a full size six pin
FireWire port, so that standard FireWire cables can always be
used.
NanoGB-USB is based on the high speed USB 2.0 standard, which is up
to 48 times faster than USB 1.1. As a result, it provides speedy
transfers for large files.
Tough, Good Looking Industrial Design. NanoGB's case is 100%
aluminum.
Small Size. Case dimensions are a wafer thin 0.47 in x 2.92 in x
5.08 in, for a total volume of only 6.97 in3. (11.9 x 74.2 x 129.0mm, with volume of 114
cm3.)
Self Powered. NanoGB-USB operates off of USB bus power or from a
keyboard pass through power adapter. It also has a +5V DC power
jack.
NanoGB-USB is available in capacities of 20 GB, 30 GB, and 40
GB.
NanoGB-USB Pricing
0 GB, $79.95
20 GB/4200 RPM, $199.95
30 GB/4200 RPM, $239.95
40 GB/4200 RPM, $279.95
(Basic product includes: Enclosure; pouch, installation software,
two USB cables, pass through cables, manual.)
In the U.S. and Canada, NanoGB may be purchased from dealers. NanoGB
is also available directly from
WiebeTech or from WiebeTech's distributor, Dr. Bott.
Dr Bott T3Hub
T3Hub is the first USB hub to pick up the design of the new
generation of portables from Apple.
Typically T3Hub will be used when the internal USB connections of
the computer no longer satisfy the needs of a growing array of USB
peripherals.
T3Hub is available in the colors Ice (iBook 2001), Titanium (G4
PowerBook) and also in the already classical translucent Graphite.
T3Hub is equally useful when it comes to quick expansion of the
number of USB ports on a desktop computer as it is on a
notebook. In either setup T3Hub will expand a single USB port on the
computer into 3 USB ports. T3Hub plugs directly into the USB connector
on the computer. An optional USB extension pigtail is provided to
reduce strain on the built-in port.
Like all mobile USB hubs, T3Hub cannot be connected to another
non-powered hub such as the hub that is integrated into every USB
keyboard for the Mac. As a result, T3Hub is always connected directly
to one of the computer's built-in USB ports.
Features
T3Hub can be installed without turning your computer off.
T3Hub is compatible with all USB devices.
T3Hub is platform-independent, Mac OS, Win98/ME, Win2k and Linux
are all fully supported.
includes a separate USB extension cable to reduce strain on
built-in USB ports.
Technical Features:
compliant with USB 1.1 specs
Plug-and-Play compatible
bus error recognition and correction
12 and 1,5 Mbps transfer rate available on all 3 connectors.
3 USB Type A Ports for USB-devices, active devices indicated via
LED.
The only tool required for this procedure is a jeweler's flat-blade
screwdriver.
Bargain 'Books
There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233 MHz,
the cacheless MainStreet version and
the later Series II with a level 2
cache. It's not always possible to determine from the vendor's listing
which is being offered, so we've included links within this paragraph
to the two models. The same goes for the PowerBook G4/667 (Gigabit Ethernet) and G4/667 (DVI).
Mac of the Day: Quadra 700, Oct. 1991 - The successor to the Mac IIci ran a 'wicked fast' 25 MHz 68040 processor.
List of the Day: Apple TV List The Apple TV List is a forum to discuss the Apple TV.
August 29 in LEM history: 00: My lowest low-end Mac - 01: Uncluttered organization - Microsoft wins over Mac user - 02: Salute to SatireWire - 03: Wireless Internet popping up everywhere - 05: World domination, online or off - A 3-dimensional Dock replacement - 06: Productive at the low end - PowerPC vs. Intel - Secure wireless
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auction and is selling them for $199 each.
Pen
"Drive"
designed specifically for Apple's PowerBook and iBook
computers. Its main purpose is to place a PowerBook or iBook in an
ergonomically correct position when using the laptop as a desktop
computer. It achieves this goal in several key ways.
is on a
notebook. In either setup T3Hub will expand a single USB port on the
computer into 3 USB ports. T3Hub plugs directly into the USB connector
on the computer. An optional USB extension pigtail is provided to
reduce strain on the built-in port.
