CoolShield Screen Hood, Pixel Tester, Wireless Networking, PowerBook Service, and More

Charles Moore - 2002.12.13

Except as noted, prices are in U.S. dollars.

• CoolShield Laptop Screen Viewing Hood
• Pixel Tester 2.2 Helps Detect Dead Pixels On LCD Displays
• SMC EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless Access Point
• AeroCard Universal Mac 802.11b LAN Driver
• PowerBook Tech Repairs and Parts Service
• Ratoc Ultra SCSI CardBus CB31 PC Card for PowerBook Pismo
• Belkin Retractable Ethernet Cable
• iBooq 12.1" iBook Case
• iBooq 14" iBook Case
• iCase for 12" iBook
• DataKeeper Case from Shaun Jackson Design
• Bargain 'Books

CoolShield Laptop Screen Viewing Hood

CoolShield has an elegant and efficient design with no need for Velcro or attachments

• Reduces strain on the eyes by preventing washout effect of reflected and ambient light while working outdoors.
• Maintains confidentiality of screen contents while working in public places.
• Equipped with a Smartlyte to allow you to work in low light places.
• Prevents direct sunlight from causing heat buildup in your computer.
• Smartlyte is microprocessor controlled, modular, wireless, energy efficient, cool to the touch, with 35 degree viewing angle.
• Smartlyte brightness is 2200 mcd with a bulb life of 100,000 hours
• It is powered by two lithium ion commonly available user replaceable batteries.
• Lasts approximately 6 months to a year with normal usage of approximately 1 hour per day or continuously 200 hours

Coolshield sells for $39.95

Pixel Tester 2.2 Helps Detect Dead Pixels on LCD Displays

You want to check if your laptop Mac or your screens or LCD displays have any dead pixels? You want to buy a secondhand laptop Mac or LCD display but you want to check it first? You have multiple screens connected on the same Mac and want to check all of them without changing the connections?

Pixel Tester is a screen utility to help you detect any dead pixel on your screens or LCD displays.

• You can test all possible and existing colors on your screen simply by moving the mouse, which is very simple and very fast.
• You can in particular test pure red, pure green and pure blue by moving the mouse at the bottom of the screen, and pure white by moving the mouse at the top of the screen.
• You can test pure black at the end of the test.
• It uses several patterns to help you detect dead pixels more easily.
• It supports multiple monitors and asks you at launch which one you want to test.
• It takes very little memory, CPU and disk space.
• It doesn't need any installation nor configuration, which makes it very easy to use.

New in this version:

• A full recompilation has been made to be compatible with Jaguar.
• It has a new icon.
• The documentation has been updated.

System requirements: Mac OS X 10.0 or higher

Pixel Tester is shareware.

SMC EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless Access Point

The SMC EZ Connect 802.11a Wireless Access Point (SMC2755W) supports up to 64 simultaneous wireless network connections and is fast enough to replace a wired connection. To provide network security, this new 802.11a Access Point supports encryption using both 64-bit and 128-bit WEP, and provides an extra security feature with 152-bit WEP. Designed to operate in the 5 GHz frequency spectrum, this Access Point can communicate without interference from other devices, such as 802.11b devices, Bluetooth products, and cordless phones, which communicate in the crowded 2.4 GHz range. The SMC EZ Connect Wireless Access Point provides connections at such an amazing speed that it can handle such applications as streaming video, voice communication, and other bandwidth-intensive programs. Combine these features with simple Plug-and-Play support and Web-based management and you have the perfect solution for any of your wireless network needs.

Overview

• Easy to install and configure
• 11 Mbps maximum performance up to 150 feet
• Supports industry-standard WEP security
• IEEE 802.11b WiFi Compatible
• Works with Macintosh and Windows laptop computers
• DSL/Cable Modem Compatible

Features Benefits

• WiFi (802.11b) compatible Works with other WiFi compliant products made by manufacturers such as Proxim, Orinoco, Cisco, Apple and 3Com
• Includes Macintosh and Windows drivers Can be used in either Macintosh PowerBooks or Windows based laptops
• Unique user interface, including real-time signal strength, statistics and dynamic configuration Gives users a powerful combination of ease of use and flexibility
• Supports WEP encryption Allows users to setup secure wireless networks
• 11 Mbps maximum data rate Provides Ethernet speed to mobile computers
• Free unlimited technical support and 3 year warranty Gives users the benefit of over 15 years of networking

System Requirements:

• Macintosh: PowerBook 190, 1400, 2400, 3400, 5300, G3 or G4 running Mac OS 7.5.5 or higher
• Windows: Notebook PC with 32bit CardBus slot running Windows 98, ME, 2000 or NT
• Minimum 16 MB RAM
• Available PCMCIA Type II card slot

AeroCard Universal Mac 802.11b LAN Driver  

The freedom of wireless connectivity is here with the advent of wireless 802.11b LAN cards. Wireless connectivity gives you the freedom to work wherever you want. Now Macsense gives you one more freedom - the freedom to use almost any wireless PCMCIA card on your Apple PowerBook. The AeroCard Universal Driver is a universal Mac driver that is compatible with over 30 most popular 802.11b wireless LAN cards on the PC market today. A complete list of supported Wireless 802.11b PCMCIA Cards is listed below.

Now, you can turn any PC-only wireless card into a Mac-compatible card. Enjoy the broad selection of wireless cards in the PC market today; share a card between Mac and PC; or turn your current PC wireless card into a Mac-compatible card as well.

Features

• Supports over 30 wireless PCMCIA cards.
• Free evaluation before purchasing.
• OS 9 and OS X (10.2) native support.
• Simple to install and configure.
• Works with all standard Internet applications.
• AppleTalk printing and file sharing support
• Interoperable with Apple AirPort Base Station.
• Supports AirPort 64 and 128-Bit WEP encryptions for highest security.

Download the free evaluation version and test it for yourself. The evaluation version will function normally and will have full functions for a trial period of thirty minutes. After the trial period, you can reboot to renew the thirty minute trial period, or you can purchase a driver license to remove the time restriction.

Mac OS 9 and OS X native support. Both OS 9 and OS X (up to 10.2) drivers are available now.

AirPort support. AeroCard is interoperable with Apple AirPort Base Station, or other 802.11b Compliant access points. Support AirPort style keys.

AeroCard is compatible with the following Apple PowerBook models:

• PowerBook 2400
• PowerBook 3400
• PowerBook G3 series (FireWire, WallStreet, Bronze Keyboard)
• PowerBook G4 Titanium

The supported PowerBook must support PC Card Manager 3.0. Support for other models may be available in the near future, please check this page for an updated list.

System Requirements

• Compatible PowerBook
• PCMCIA Type II Card Slot
• Mac OS 8.x, 9.x, 10.1.x
• Macsense AeroCard or other supported PCMCIA Card
• Apple AirPort Base Station or any 802.11b-compliant Access Point

Supported PCMCIA Cards (34 cards, updated 11/19/02) The following WLAN cards are compatible with the AeroCard Universal Mac Driver.

• Addtron AWP-100 IEEE 802.11 DS 11Mbps PCMCIA Card
• Asante AL1011 Rev A and B AeroLAN Wireless Adapter PCMCIA
• Avaya Wireless PC Card
• Belkin Wireless Notebook Network Card
• Buffalo Wireless PCMCIA Card (WLI-PCM-L11G)
• Buffalo Wireless/Melco 11 Mbps Wireless LAN AIRCONNECT PC Card (WLI-PCM-L11)
• Compaq WL100
• Compaq WL110
• Dell Truemobile 1150 mini-PCI Wireless PCMCIA NIC Card for Notebooks
• D-Link 11 Mbps Wireless CF Card (DCF-650W)
• D-Link 11 Mbps PC Card Wireless Adapter (DWL-650)
• ELSA AirLancer MC-11
• Enterasys/Cabletron 11 Mbps High Speed Radio Card
• HP 11Mbps Wireless LAN PC Card hn220w
• IBM High Rate Wireless LAN PC Card 128 (09N9904)
• Intel PRO/Wireless 2011
• Linksys WPC11 Instant Wireless Network PC Card (v2.5)
• Lucent WaveLAN Gold (See Note 1)
• Lucent WaveLAN Silver (See Note 1)
• MMC Technology Wavecast (MW-1000PCM)
• NEC Aterm WL11C (PC-WL/11C)
• Netgear MA401
• Nokia C110 Wireless LAN Card
• Nokia C111 Wireless LAN Card
• Proxim/Farallon Skyline 802.11b PC Card for Notebooks
• Samsung MagicLAN SWL-2100N
• Samsung MagicLAN SWL-2000N
• Sony VAIO Wireless LAN Card (PCWA-C100)
• Toshiba Wireless LAN PC Card
• US Robotics 11 Mbps Wireless Access PC Card4
• Yamaha Wireless LAN Card YML-11B5
• Z-Com XI-300 IEEE 802.11(b) PCMCIA card
• Z-Com XI-300B IEEE 802.11(b) PCMCIA card
• Zoom ZoomAir PC Card with Internal Antenna Model 4100

These cards do not yet work with the driver:

• Cisco Aironet 340 PC Card
• Cisco Aironet 350 PC Card
• D-Link 11Mbps PC Card Wireless Adapter (DWL-650-H)
• D-Link AirPlus 22Mbps DWL-650+ Wireless Adapter
• SMC EZ Connect Wireless 11Mbps Wireless PC

The driver is $25.

PowerBook Tech Repairs and Parts Service

PowerBook Tech is a full service PowerBook repair shop, providing the PowerBook community with reasonably priced parts.

PowerBook Tech currently specializes in parts and repair for PowerBook G3s, PowerBook G4s, and iBooks. All parts are shipped free of charge, and come with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

They also buy broken PowerBooks.

PowerBook Tech charges a one time repair service fee of $50 to look at PowerBooks that are sent to them. After that, all labor is included free of cost. After working on your machine, they will ship it back to you at no charge.

Ratoc Ultra SCSI CardBus CB31 PC Card for PowerBook Pismo

Add Ultra-SCSI port to your PowerBook G3 (WallStreet, Lombard), PowerBook 500/400 (Pismo) and PowerBook G4. Get desktop performance and Ultra-SCSI speed up to 20 MB/Sec.

• Supports Ultra-SCSI devices and legacy SCSI devices such as hard drives, CD-RW, flatbed scanners, film scanners, ORB, Jaz, and MO.
• Includes SCSI-2 Hi-Density 50P cable and HD50-C50 Adapter.
• Includes disk formatter and auto mounter utility.
• Includes SCSI configuration Utility.
• Supports softRAID

Includes:

• CB31PB Hi-density 50pin cable
• Centronics 50pin cable
• CB31Pismo Hi-density 50pin cable
• Hi-Density 50F to Centronics 50M adapter.

Features

• Supports Ultra SCSI rates up to 20 MB/sec.
• 32bit databus and 33 MHz operation.
• Supports bus mastering data transfer.
• Ready for Power Management.
• Low power consumption.
• Supports scatter/gather and tagged queue.

System Requirements: Mac OS 8.6 or later, Mac OS X 10.1.x or later

Belkin Retractable Ethernet Cable

The Belkin Retractable Network Cord retracts neatly into its casing in seconds, making packing up your laptop easier than ever. It eliminates your need to carry loose network cords and connection accessories. You simply dispense the needed length of cable and never have to deal with managing and manually winding cable again.

Advantages:

• Eliminates loose and tangled network cable
• Protects RJ45 plugs from breakage
• Fits virtually anywhere with compact, all-in-one mobility design
• Stores 8 feet of network cable.
• Comes with a Belkin Lifetime Warranty

Features:

• Category 5 Twisted Pair wire supports data and multiline phone applications.
• 8 feet of CAT 5 Network Cable
• Patented locking device that allows fast and easy retraction

Belkin On-Line Price: $24.99. The Belkin Retractable Ethernet Cable can also be found at The Apple Store for $19.95.

iBooq 12.1" iBook Case

Looking for a sleek and simple iBook carrying case or small laptop computer case for your 12.1" Apple iBook, just a few small documents and CDs?

Booq's iBook sleeve iBooq12 is a convenient and stylish laptop sleeve made from durable ballistic nylon. This padded, top loading laptop case with Velcro flap not only has room for your iBook's Power Adapter, but it is a custom-tailored protective case for your iBook that serves as a great document folder for your next class or meeting!

One great feature of this product is its detachable shoulder strap - great for kids, too. In fact, this product was designed to meet the requirements of a San Francisco school.

Booq's iBooq12 is a great computer carrying case for your iBook and it also makes for a great gift! Order yours today.

iBooq12 features:

• iBook carry case with padded protection for your small (12.1") iBook
• made from tough and weather-resistant 1680D nylon - virtually indestructible
• front pocket (in Velcro flap) for small items, Power Adapter, disks, or cards
• back pocket for small documents
• padded carrying handle for extra comfort
• comes with strong nylon detachable shoulder strap
• designed to fit into BooqPaq backpack

Color: Gray/White

Price: $35

iBooq 14" iBook Case

This cool iBook case is designed for the 14" Apple iBook, documents and other items.

The iBook sleeve iBooq14, just like its small cousin iBooq12, is a convenient and stylish iBook sleeve made from durable ballistic nylon. This padded, top loading laptop sleeve with Velcro flap not only has room for your iBook's power adapter, but it is a custom-tailored protective case for your iBook which serves as a great document folder for your next class or meeting!

This product features Booq's convenient detachable shoulder strap design. The iBooq14 is a great computer carrying case or iBook case for your 14" iBook. Remember, it's a great gift for anyone with an iBook! Order yours today!

iBooq14 Features:

• 14" case iBook sleeve with padded protection
• made from tough and weather-resistant 1680D nylon - virtually indestructible
• front pocket (in Velcro flap) for small items, Power Adapter, disks, or cards
• back pocket for 8.5"x11" or A4 documents
• padded carrying handle for extra comfort with metal-based reinforcement for extreme durability
• comes with tough nylon detachable shoulder strap
• designed to fit into BooqPaq backpack

Color: Black/Dark Gray

Price: $39

iCase12 for 12" iBook

The IceBookBags are a great offering as far as carrying bags are concerned. However, customer demand inspired a solution à la TiCase that would be more robust in keeping with the iBook and yet preserve the elegant form factor.

A jet black ABS case complements the durable iBook in a very nice way while taking the worries out of rough transit and offering a tidy way to store things.

The interior is specially cutout heat-resistant foam made to measure - it fits the iBook like a custom-tailored suit and protects the valuable content of the entire case.

iCase features the patented LiftoMatic telescopic feet. These lift the iBook into working position right inside the case - with essential ports being directly accessible.

Slide off the lid, press on the far corners of your iBook and presto, your mobile desk is ready!

The LiftoMatic telescopic feet add a slight angle to the iBook that nicely compensates the typical downward slope of your knees in a sitting position, making for a level workspace.

Below the space for the iBook you find cutouts for essential accessories. A spare battery and the power supply have their tailored slots just like the iPod does - Say Hello to iPod!

The slot for the power supply accommodates both the old UFO-style power supply and the new power brick in one convenient location.

With the iBook12 being so compact, it was possible to also provide space for up to 3 CD jewel cases.

The cutouts for accessories are covered by a hard separator that protects the iBook from being scratched by accessories with a hard surface.

For those who require even more space there is an iCase12Plus. The sidebag and carrying strap in iCase12Plus can be purchased individually to upgrade an iCase12 or as part of a complete iCase12Plus package.

iCase12 sells for $299

DataKeeper Case from Shaun Jackson Design

Two great products in one! A well padded laptop case combined with a 3-ring binder and organizer. This versatile product allows you to use your laptop without removing it from the case. It's small footprint and non slip surfaces keep your computer safe and secure on your lap or a small desktop.

The top cover of the computer compartment provides organization for all of your removable media. Corded pulls ease the opening and closing of the case.

When the second half is opened, a 3-ring binder (1.5" rings) and mesh storage pockets are accessible. This versatile case not only provides full time protection for your computer, but saves precious desk space with it's compact design and small footprint. Accepts letter size paper only.

DataKeeper

• 14" x 11" x 1.75" computer compartment
• New cool deck for increased airflow around your laptop
• full padded case, full time protection
• CD/ DVD organizer panel
• non slip surfaces both below computer, and under case
• 3-ring binder
• 2 mesh pockets for smaller items (PDA, cell, calculator, keys, etc.)
• exterior pocket for paper, manuals or magazine storage
• D-rings for optional shoulder strap
• Waterproof coating on Ripstop nylon and Cordura fabrics
• Ergonomic rubber handle for easy carrying

Datakeeper sells for $59.95, ingle shoulder strap $9.95

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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).

Baucom Computers

• PowerBook 1400c w/G3/333, 64/2 GB, $299
• PowerBook 1400c/117, 64/2 GB, $220

Small Dog Electronics

• new PowerBook G4/667, 256/30 GB/Combo, AirPort card installed, plus Nikon Coolpix 2500, $2,279
• iBook 600 12", 128/20 GB/CD refurbished, $795
• iBook 700 14", 256/30 GB/Combo refurbished, $1,295
• new PowerBook G4/667, 512/30 GB/DVD-ROM, AirPort, $1,849
• refurbished PowerBook G4/800, 512/40 GB/Combo, AirPort, $2,095

Wegener Media

PowerBook G3 WallStreet, all 233 MHz with 14.1" screen

• 64/2 GB/new CD-ROM drive, $479
• 288/6 GB/new CD-ROM drive, $549
• Add a 30 GB hard drive installed, $99.99
• Add a 25 GB 5400 RPM hard drive, $90
• Add a new floppy drive module for $29

Allied Computing

• PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60 GB/Superdrive, $2,870

MacResQ

• PowerBook G3/233, 512k cache, 64/2 GB/20x CD, 14.1", $599.99