LA Computer Company: Specials on AppleCare, iMac's, Apple Batteries and Apple A/C Adapters. Also Great prices on Used Apple Computers. Call 1-800-941-7654 Click Here.
OWC: OWC Mercury On-The-Go FW400/800/USB2/eSATA Portables High Performance A/V Rated, **Bus Powered** **Up to 500GB in the Palm of your Hand** Macworld Editor's Choice, CNET 'Very Good' - from $75.99!
IBM has introduced
the world's highest capacity mobile hard drive at 80 GB - made
possible by enhancements to the company's patented "pixie dust"
technology.
IBM also announced plans for a new 7200 RPM performance
category, offering workstation performance with mobility.
The new Travelstar 80GN breaks current areal density records by
allowing up to 70 billion bits of data to be written on each square
inch of disk space. IBM achieved this by adding another coating of
"pixie dust" - an additional ruthenium/magnetic layer to create a
five-layer sandwich called laminated-"pixie dust."
The additional layers bring about an even higher signal-to-noise
ratio, which allows data recording at ultra high densities while
maintaining data integrity. With this new data density record, IBM
is quickly approaching the 100 gigabits/square inch the company
predicted "Pixie Dust" would achieve in 2003.
Announced last year, "pixie dust" is an IBM data storage
breakthrough achieved by sandwiching a three-atom-thick layer of
the element ruthenium, a precious metal similar to platinum,
between two magnetic layers - technically called
antiferromagnetically-coupled media. That only a few atoms could
have such a dramatic impact caused some IBM scientists to refer to
the ruthenium layer informally as "pixie dust."
The Travelstar 80GN is based on proven reliability and a mature
design with high shock robustness and low power consumption. An
8 MB cache contributes to making the 80GN the world's highest
performing 4200 RPM mobile hard drive. In addition, IBM reduced
drive operating acoustics by as much as four decibels, continuing
the Travelstar 80GN's leadership as the world's quietest mobile
hard drive.
Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro
Bring instant messages to life, create and edit videos, capture
high-quality photos, and more no matter where you are. The
QuickCam for Notebooks Pro features an integrated
notebook mount that attaches to any notebook computer and folds up
for compact storage and lens protection. With its studio-quality
image editing software, you can create high-impact movies on the
plane or at the beach. Life isn't stationary and neither are you -
travel light with QuickCam for Notebooks Pro.
Features:
Zoom in or out, even pan and tilt to get the right shot.
Use the carrying case for easy camera storage without cable
clutter.
Enjoy 640 x 480 video resolution with the advanced VGA CCD
sensor and high-quality 1.3 megapixel photo resolution.
Create movies like a pro with studio-quality MGI editing
software.
Add live video to Yahoo! Messenger with integrated
software.
Use Logitech's free IM Video Companion to add live video to
MSN® Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger.
QuickCam for Notebooks Pro sells for $99.95
John Droz Jr. Updates Mac vs. PC Website
John Droz Jr. has just completed a major update of his Mac vs. PC
site, which now includes over a hundred new reports,
studies and articles.
New TiHandle Carry Handle Offers an Easy Way
to Tote Apple's G4 Titanium
Other World Computing and Newer Systems Technology have
introduced the
TiHandle, an ergonomically designed handle plus stand
for the Apple PowerBook G4 "Titanium."
The Newer Tech TiHandle makes it easy to carry a PowerBook G4
and also doubles as a stand, providing an elevated angle that
allows for more natural typing position and better heat dissipation
for cooler operation.
"The TiHandle is a well-constructed, sturdy handle that makes it
much easier for PowerBook owners to tote their G4
Titanium either across the office or across the country," said
Larry O'Connor, president of Other World Computing. "We have
combined the convenience of a carrying handle with the benefits of
an ergonomically correct stand that allows your computer to breathe
while you work comfortably and naturally. If all you need is your
PowerBook when you travel, leave the bulky bag behind and attach a
TiHandle to make traveling easier."
The TiHandle attaches to G4 Titaniums using the supplied Torx
screwdriver and four supplied Torx screws. It also includes clear
heavy-duty rubber tape to protect the paint on the underside of
your PowerBook when using the TiHandle as a stand. The
single-design TiHandle fits all PowerBook G4 models from 400 MHz to
800 MHz.
The Newer Tech TiHandle is available exclusively through
OWC for $39.95. OWC is
actively seeking resellers for the TiHandle.
Dr. Bott announces "Dr. Bott Imports" For
Apple 'Books
Dr. Bott announces
distribution of Micro Solution and Felicidad products from Japan.
Products include iSuit, stylish replacement lids for the iBook,
iWax polycarbonate polishing paste, Junin Toiro II for giving your
iBook a custom color, Twist Protector for the Titanium PowerBook G4
and the popular Groove Jacket for iPod.
"Dr. Bott
Imports fall outside what many people would consider our
core product lines," says Eric Prentice, CEO of Dr. Bott LLC.
"While these products carry a higher price tag, they are great
examples of what Mac users find interesting in different parts of
the world."
Dr. Bott has leveraged their worldwide distribution partnerships
to bring these products to the US market. Dr. Bott Imports are only
compatible with those who are able to think outside the box and
have larger pocketbooks.
Dr. Bott will be adding new "imports" as they become available.
Visit the Dr. Bott web site for products that are currently
available.
In some cases a PowerBook computer may wake from sleep, but the
screen stays dark. Despite the fact that the LCD display is dark,
external VGA monitors connected to the computer work, and the
computer responds to network requests.
Products affected
PowerBook G3 Series
PowerBook G4
Mac OS X
Apple's Solutions:
Close the computer, then open it up again.
Press the brightness buttons (normally F1 and F2) on the
keyboard.
If an external VGA monitor is connected to the computer, open
the Displays pane of System Preferences, then reselect the display
size to turn on the LCD display.
Restart the PowerBook.
CompuCable FireXpress 250 External Hard Drive
Conversion Kit
The CompuCable FireXpress
250 External Hard Drive Conversion Kit allows you to take a
spare 2.5" IDE hard drive (perhaps left over from upgrading your
PowerBook's internal drive) and convert it to a portable external
hard drive. The "conversion" time takes about 10 minutes and the
kit comes with a fully illustrated 32-page user manual that clearly
details each step of the process. The kit is compatible with any
FireWire-equipped Macintosh or PC.
You'll receive a brand new product in the original factory box.
The box is well padded and includes the enclosure, a five foot
high-quality FireWire cable, user's manual (including drivers
necessary for older Mac OS users), a nice padded carrying case for
when you take your FireXpress on the road, and a auxiliary power
adapter for FireWire ports that don't provide power such as add-on
PC Cards.
The enclosure is semi-translucent charcoal color that
complements the look of any Macintosh, old or new. It has two
rubber slide-on bumpers on each end to cushion the unit during
travel. There is a status LED in the front left of the unit that
indicates if the drive is operational.
This enclosure uses the super-fast Oxford 911 chip. It's the
fastest "bridge chip" out there - the chip that converts, in
effect, the FireWire bus to the IDE connector inside the
enclosure.
In addition to the 32-page users manual, which includes simple
installation instructions for Macintosh and Windows-based systems
and a troubleshooting guide, CompuCable offers full technical
support via email and telephone. Details on getting support are in
the user's manual.
2x USB Floppy Disk Drive
This 2x USB
Floppy Drive is claimed to be the fastest of its kind -
double the speed of a normal floppy disk drive.
Features:
Reads and Writes Floppy Diskettes at 2x Speed. The 2X USB
floppy doubles the speed of reads and writes of standard floppy
diskettes.
Sleek and Compact design. At just 280 grams (under 10 oz) and
about / inch thick this drive is ideal for portability and desk
saving.
USB Power. No need to carry a bulk AC adapter. This unit is
powered through the USB port. Simple plug and play without
reboot.
Compatible with all popular OSes. Mac OS 8.6 and higher,
Windows 98 and higher, and Windows CE. As well as other "Mass
Storage Compliant" operating systems including many *nix
systems.
MSRP $69.95
PowerBook Central Free PowerBook and iBook
Classifieds
Now that Apple has introduced updated PowerBooks and iBooks,
you're may want to unload your current laptop so you can buy one of
the new models. Try PowerBook
Central's PowerBook and iBook Classifieds, which are
totally free (no catch).
They have categories for all the PowerBooks and iBooks, from the
newest 1 GHz screamer to the original Mac Portable.
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/2001) and G4/667
(DVI).
new PowerBook Pismo G3/400,
64/10 GB/DVD, $1,099.99. Condition is flawless - new, never used -
in retail box with original CDs, manuals, AC adapter, SVGA video
adapter, and weight saver.
refurbished PowerBook
G4/800, 512/40 GB/Combo, AirPort card and AirPort Hardware
Access Point Base Station, $2,475. PowerBook is factory refurbished
with one year Apple warranty. Airport Base Station is new with one
year Apple warranty.
Mac of the Day: Centris 650, Feb. 1993 - The replacement for the Quadra 700 has room for an internal CD-ROM.
List of the Day: Old Mac MP covers 604-based multiprocessor Macs and clones.
September 7 in LEM history: 98: Banner exchanges - 00: Tips from the Mac manager - Getting a Mac job - 01: Apple and the gray market - Repositioning the 'Books - 04: Tray loading iMac a good choice for OS X? - Pismo CPU upgrades - 06: Mac mini value equation - Setting up a Mac Classic II - Putting the Intel transition in perspective - 07: Region free DVD viewing, - My Newton - Solving Mac disk and hardware problems - 2 apps every MacBook should have
Listen to Just the Music with the V-Moda Vibe Earbuds, Tommy Thomas, Welcome to Macintosh, 09.05.
Well built, the noise canceling earbuds will let you hear all the nuances of your music without letting through background noise.
Best iPod touch Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.05.
Refurb 8 GB, $199; new, $284; refurb 16 GB, $299; new, $370; refurb 32 GB, $399; new, $453.
Best 15" MacBook Pro Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.05.
Used 1.83 GHz Core Duo, $999; 2.16, $1,125; new, 2.2, $1,450 after rebate; refurb 2.4, $1,699; 2.5, $1,999; 2.6 Santa Rosa, $1,849; rebates on new.
Best iMac G4 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.05.
Used 15" 700 MHz CD-RW, $279; 800 Combo, $300; 1 GHz $390; 17" 800 MHz SD, $439; 1.25 GHz, $449; 20", $569.
Tomorrow's Solid State Drives and Notebooks, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 09.04.
Flash drives are great but have some shortcomings. Some thoughts on building better SSDs and notebooks to use them.
Best Mac mini Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.04.
Used 1.25 GHz G4 SD, $549; 1.42 Combo, $409; new 1.83 Core2 Combo, $569 after rebate; 2.0 SD, $769 after rebate.
Best 12" PowerBook G4 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.04.
Used 867 MHz Combo, no APX, $490; 1 GHz, $550; SuperDrive, $625; 1.5 GHz w/o APX, $660; w/APX, $675.
Best 17" PowerBook G4 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.04.
Used 1 GHz, $779; 1.33 GHz, $799; 1.5 GHz, $859; 1.67 GHz, $910.
11 Mac Browsers Compared, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 09.03.
The latest versions of Internet Explorer, Opera, Safari, Shiira, iCab, Radon, Firefox, Netscape Navigator, SeaMonkey, Flock, and Camino tested in Leopard.
Best eMac Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.03.
Used 700 MHz Combo, $120; 1.25 GHz SuperDrive, $150; 1.42 GHz, $349.
Best Mac OS X 10.5 'Leopard' Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.03.
Mac OS X 10.5, single user, $99; 5 users, $140; 10.5 Server, 10 users, $395; unlimited, $850.
Best MacBook Air Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.03.
Refurb 1.6 HD, $1,499; new, $1,690 after rebate; refurb 1.8, $1,699; new, $1,919 a/r; refurb 1.6 SSD, $2,099; new, $2,294 a/r; refurb 1.8, $2,299; new, $2,400 a/r.
Psystar Strikes Back, Countersues Apple, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 09.03.
Psystar is trying to paint Apple as a monopoly and force it to license the Mac OS.
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more no matter where you are. The 
to tote their G4
Titanium either across the office or across the country," said
Larry O'Connor, president of Other World Computing. "We have
combined the convenience of a carrying handle with the benefits of
an ergonomically correct stand that allows your computer to breathe
while you work comfortably and naturally. If all you need is your
PowerBook when you travel, leave the bulky bag behind and attach a
TiHandle to make traveling easier." 
Disk Drive
