Except as noted, prices are in U.S. dollars.
Do It Yourself PowerBook G3 Pismo 14.1" LCD
Replacement Tutorial
Pismo screen woes? Check out this illustrated tutorial
that could save you hundreds of dollars.
Macally ICEStand/ICEStation
Macally's soon to be released ICEStand/ICEStation
(the name seems to be in flux as yet) facilitates using your iBook or PowerBook like a desktop computer.
ICEStand will raise your 'Book to comfortable eye level, plug in a
keyboard and mouse, and voilà - you have a space saving desktop
computer.
Features
- Converts PowerBooks or iBooks into desktop computers.
- Specially designed air ventilation to reduce heat from PowerBooks
and iBooks
- 6 adjustable height levels
- Adjustable paper holder
- Foldable for easy storage
- Also can be used as book stand
MSRP will be $19.99. Coming soon.
ilum USB Laptop Night Light
The Irxis ilum
is a USB night light that is compact, portable, and created
specifically to fit every laptop. It's designed to shed a
soft glow on the keyboard and eliminate "bright screen" blindness.
Never strain to see your keyboard at night again! The LED used to
illuminate the keyboard has an extremely long life and uses an almost
unnoticeable amount of power.
The ilum's glow is of sufficient strength to illuminate your laptop
keyboard in complete darkness. It's glare free cannon swivel design
allows you to direct the light where it's most needed, including
documents beside your computer. The ilum is powered from the USB port
and is completely plug and play, no software needed.
The ilum comes with a convenient carrying case (pictured at right),
so that it can easily travel with your laptop wherever you go.
- 3.6v 30mA. The ilum immediately powers on after connection, no
software needed
- Clip with rubber pads designed for a good grip
- Adjustable swivel bracket allows for directing the light on the
keyboard or documents beside the computer
- Perfect for late working students and business professionals
Price: $24.95
Motorola Introduces 1 GHz and 1.3 GHz G4 Chips -
Will They Soon Be In Apple Laptops?
Motorola, Inc. this week released two
new members of its G4 family of PowerPC processors; the MPC7457 and
MPC7447, running at speeds up to 1.3 GHz, making them the highest
performing G4 host processors available for embedded applications - and
presumably Apple portables.
The MPC7457 and MPC7447 can function at 1 GHz while consuming
less than 10 Watts, making them ideal for high-performance, power
dissipation-sensitive applications.
Motorola has benchmarked its 1.3 GHz MPC7447 processor in five
different application areas using Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark
Consortium's (EEMBC) out-of-the-box certification type:
automotive/industrial, consumer, office automation, networking, and
telecommunications.
The MPC7447 achieved the highest benchmark scores to date in EEMBC's
five application areas:
- Automotive/Industrial: 1128.8
- Consumer: 172.2
- Office Automation: 1531.2
- Networking: 39.5
- Telecommunications: 37.7
"Previously, the highest performing embedded processor, according to
EEMBC benchmarks, was our award-winning MPC7455 processor. With today's
introduction and the certified MPC7447 EEMBC scores, we have again
raised the high performance embedded processing bar," stated Bill
Dunnigan, corporate vice president and general manager of Motorola's
Computing Platform Division. "Motorola continues to deliver higher
performance and a footprint-compatible migration path that preserves
our customers' architectural investments without sacrificing power
consumption."
The MPC7457 processor is footprint-compatible with Motorola's
MPC7455 processor, providing an easy migration path for OEMs seeking
higher performance for their new or existing PowerPC processor-based
applications. The MPC7457 is designed to reach speeds of 1.3 GHz with a
core voltage of 1.3V and includes 512 KB of on-chip L2 cache (a 2X
increase over the MPC7455's L2 cache), with support for up to 2 MB
of backside L3 cache.
The MPC7447 processor delivers the same performance and features as
the MPC7457, except that it does not provide backside L3 cache support.
The MPC7447 is footprint-compatible with Motorola's MPC7445 device and
is available in a 360-pin CBGA package, an ideal choice for
space-constrained applications requiring a smaller embedded CPU
footprint. Lower-power versions of the MPC7457 and MPC7447 processors
are available, operating at speeds of up to 1 GHz with a core
voltage of 1.1V.
Both of these new devices are manufactured using Motorola's
0.13-micron HiPerMOS silicon-on-insulator copper interconnect process
technology, enabling the processors to deliver superior performance
over bulk CMOS technology. In addition to increased performance, SOI
technology offers excellent low power capability, making the devices
ideal for embedded applications in the wired and wireless
telecommunications, networking, and imaging arenas.
The MPC7457 and the MPC7447 offer the following features and
capabilities designed to optimize the processors' functionality in
embedded applications All members of Motorola's G4 family of PowerPC
processors include a full 128-bit implementation of Motorola's advanced
AltiVec Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) vector processing
technology. AltiVec technology allows designers to leverage existing
PowerPC code and add AltiVec performance as market and customer
requirements change-helping speed time-to-market and increase system
performance without upgrading hardware.
General market sampling is planned for March, with production
expected to commence in Q4 2003.
PC Magazine Reviews 12" PowerBook G4
From PC
Magazine: "Road warriors whose needs center on images, music, and
video should pay close attention to the $2,098 (list) Apple PowerBook
G4 12-Inch, the smallest PowerBook yet. This PowerBook has no
significant drawbacks despite its small size, and its multimedia
capabilities are just about the best you can expect from a small
notebook."
Booq Debuts FoleeMessenger17 for Large
PowerBooks
Booq announces the introduction of its most innovative product to
date, FoleeMessenger17.
Designed with the serious PowerBook user in mind, FoleeMessenger17
has room for some of the largest laptops on the market, including
Apple's 15-inch G4 and the new 17-inch PowerBook. Made from extremely
durable and lightweight 1680D ballistic nylon, the heart of this case
is its innovative suspended laptop compartment. Neoprene-based and
metal reinforced, this fully padded laptop compartment with non-scratch
lining can be easily adjusted to custom-fit almost any size laptop.
FoleeMessenger17 incorporates a series of compartments, pockets and
dividers to store virtually anything the serious PowerBook user might want to bring along,
including large-format magazines or envelopes, iPod, headphones, power
adapter, cables, media, sunglasses, cell phone or other accessories. On
top of that, FoleeMessenger17 has room for an additional iBook or 12"
PowerBook in a padded, zippered compartment.
Details like Booq's cool new zipper pulls, a high quality
seatbelt-style 2" shoulder strap and the adjustable, padded shoulder
pad made from tough breathable fabrics exemplify the benchmark Booq has
set with their latest product.
With its bombproof and lightweight 1680D ballistic nylon exterior
and adjustable floating laptop compartment to protect your precious PowerBook or other laptop from shocks and
rough handling, neither the harshest weather nor the most abusive wear
can harm this tough and sleek computer briefcase or its cargo.
Designed to be the perfect PowerBook case with tons of storage
options for your laptop and gear, iPod, MPEG Player or CD player,
media, digital camera and documents, this laptop messenger bag leaves
plenty of space for folders, large format (FedEx) envelopes, and all
your other stuff you'll need on your next trip.
FoleeMessenger is a great computer carrying case for the serious
business environment, college or school. This multi-padded case for
laptop computers can organize a number of folders, envelopes, iPod,
power adapter and all your other gadgets - even a second iBook or
compact laptop.
FoleeMessenger features
- Laptop messenger bag with fully adjustable floating laptop
compartment for any size notebook
- Securely stores your 17-inch PowerBook or small laptop or notebook
(up to 15.4" x 11.5" x 2")
- Cool Messenger-style design made from tough, lightweight
weather-resistant 1680D nylon
- Large side pockets hold cables, pens, cell phones, zip drives,
water bottles, etc.
- Multifunctional frontal interior pockets neatly store disks, cell
phones, flash cards, wallets, business cards, pens, keys, PDAs
etc.
- large, breathable, and non-slip shoulder strap pad
- Padded reinforced top carrying handle set into metal-reinforced
main flap
- Adjustable, removable hip strap for secure active wear
- Large back and front document pocket with dual internal
organizers/dividers lets you neatly store large folders, magazines,
many shipping envelopes and documents
- External front pocket in outer flap designed for airline tickets,
passports, etc.
- sized to stay within FAA carryon requirements
- Equipped with high-quality Booq™ zipper pulls
- Built with the toughest nylon straps and webbing
- Seatbelt nylon shoulder strap
Priced at $149, this full-featured carrying case may prove to be the
prime choice of many PowerBook users.
Willow Design Releases Four New Slipcases for 12"
PowerBook
Willow
Design has several new cases for Apple's new 12" PowerBook G4.
Ashcroft Sylph 12" PowerBook Slipcase
The Ashcroft 12" PowerBook Sylph slipcase offers the smallest
possible package for your 12" PowerBook which still offers a measure of
protection. Two convenient outer pockets give room for accessories
while the shortened protective flap allows easy access while the Sylph
is in your carry sack or backpack.
Ashcroft 12" PowerBook Features:
- a clean, very lightweight and very compact size.
- reasonable protection for your Titanium afforded by 3 mm (0.25")
soft "gushy" foam with an extra protective 3 mm foam layer sandwiched
around the perimeter of the case.
- additional protection without extra bulk afforded by a very thin
but stiff layer of high density polyethylene sandwiched between the
outer fabric and soft protective foam layer.
- great carrying comfort insured by a removable foam padded wrap
handle.
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special stickly bottom to
keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the
safety of your notebook.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the slipcase off the ground if you're
leaning it against your leg or chair in the office or on your
commute.
- front zippered pocket for smaller accessories.
- rear flat pocket which can expand to two and a half inches deep
when needed.
- stylish and protective reflective strips on slipcase front and
sides for superior nighttime visibility.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Fits: 12" PowerBook
Price CDN$90/US$61
SC-27: Nelson 12" PowerBook Slipcase
The Nelson slipcase is a lightweight, compact solution for safely
transporting your 12" PowerBook offering excellent protection while its
'end' opening makes it particularly convenient for those using with a
top opening pack with its easier access.
Nelson 12" PowerBook Features:
- excellent protection for your PowerBook afforded by 1.2 cm (0.5")
soft "gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the top and
sides.
- a clean, very lightweight and relatively compact size.
- great carrying comfort foam wrapped, polyethylene cored padded
handle designed with the seam at the top for maximum comfort.
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special stickly bottom to
keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the
safety of your laptop.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the slipcase off the ground if you're
leaning it against your leg or chair in the office or on your
commute.
- outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards, pens,
calculator plus extra space at the bottom for the Apple power supply,
power cord and a separate mouse.
- convenient flat rear magazine or map pocket.
- stylish and protective reflective strips on slipcase front and
sides for superior nighttime visibility.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Fits: 12" PowerBook
Price CDN$98/US$66
SC-38: Courtenay 12" PowerBook Slipcase
The Courtenay 12" PowerBook slipcase offers a lightweight, compact
yet flexible solution for carrying your notebook, power supply and cord
and some accessories. The stylish design offers excellent protection
for your PowerBook in a very compact and expandable case.
Courtenay 12" PowerBook Features:
- excellent protection for your PowerBook afforded by 1.2 cm (0.5")
soft "gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the top and
sides.
- a clean, very lightweight and relatively compact size.
- great carrying comfort foam wrapped, polyethylene cored padded
handle designed with the seam at the top for maximum comfort.
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special stickly bottom to
keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the
safety of your laptop.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the slipcase off the ground if you're
leaning it against your leg or chair in the office or on your
commute.
- outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards, pens,
calculator plus extra space at the bottom for the Apple power supply,
power cord and a separate mouse.
- rear flat pocket which can expand to four inches deep when
needed.
• convenient under lid pocket which can be flipped up to access
change, tickets or other smaller items.
- very handy, covered outer key chain clip to allow home or office
keys to be immediately accessed on the daily commute.
- stylish and protective reflective strips on slipcase front and
sides for superior nighttime visibility.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Available colours: black, charcoal, navy, taupe, burgundy
Fits: 12" PowerBook
Price CDN$118/US$79
SC-39: McLeese 12" PowerBook Slipcase
The McLeese Slipcase offers a lightweight, compact yet flexible
solution for carrying your notebook, power supply and cord and some
accessories. The stylish design offers excellent protection for your
PowerBook in a very compact and expandable case. The vertical
configuration also minimizes the volume taken for tight commuting.
McLeese 12" PowerBook Features:
- excellent protection for your PowerBook afforded by 1.2 cm (0.5")
soft "gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the top and
sides.
- a clean, very lightweight and relatively compact size.
- great carrying comfort foam wrapped, polyethylene cored padded
handle designed with the seam at the top for maximum comfort.
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special stickly bottom to
keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the
safety of your laptop.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the slipcase off the ground if you're
leaning it against your leg or chair in the office or on your
commute.
- outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards, pens,
calculator plus extra space at the bottom for the Apple power supply,
power cord and a separate mouse.
- rear flat pocket which can expand to four inches deep when
needed.
• convenient under lid pocket which can be flipped up to access
change, tickets or other smaller items.
- very handy, covered outer key chain clip to allow home or office
keys to be immediately accessed on the daily commute.
- stylish and protective reflective strips on slipcase front and
sides for superior nighttime visibility.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Available colours: black, charcoal, navy, taupe, burgundy
Fits: 12" PowerBook
Price CDN$118/US$79
KoolSink Laptop Stand
The makers of the 'Original' KoolSink have made an even better
KoolSink from
anodized aluminum. The new anodized aluminum KoolSink
is lightweight, making it the perfect match for Apple's new line of 15"
and 17" G4 PowerBooks.
The anodized aluminum KoolSink is claimed to dissipate heat faster
than any other product on the market. Users of laptops that generate
high temperatures such as music mixing and recording, can greatly
benefit from this new 'super' cooling laptop stand.
KoolSink provides a comfortable tilt for typing while at the same
time keeping your computer cool in the simplest, most efficient manner
by using natural convection air movement combined with the heat sink
properties of metals. Now, with the use of anodized aluminum, the
laptop cooling is even better and lighter than ever.
But the KoolSink does more than just tilt your laptop to let air
flow underneath: there are 3 main features at work on the KoolSink
(conduction, convection, and ergonomics) which provide numerous
benefits to the laptop user.
- Conduction: Aluminum or stainless steel surface
The Aluminum KoolSink and Stainless steel KoolSink sucks heat away and
your laptop runs cooler and more efficiently.
- Convection: The Venturi effect
The minimum gap under the laptop creates a Venturi effect to help
cooling!
- Ergonomics: Tilting and lifting
Reduces user strain by straightening the arm-to-wrist position.
KoolSink also provides a comfortable tilt for typing while at the
same time keeping your computer cool in the simplest, most efficient
manner by using natural convection air movement combined with the heat
sink properties of metals. Now, with the use of anodized aluminum, the
laptop cooling is even better and lighter than ever.
Turning the KoolSink upside down, some customers have found that
their Laptop fits perfectly into the KoolSink's metal return, providing
added protection when taking their laptop on the road.
No more noisy fans, or painful burns, and increased battery life and
performance by running your CPU cooler. No other laptop stand available
on the market does ACTIVE cooling for under $40 US.
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).
- refurbished 12"
iBook 700, 128/20/Combo, 512 MB additional RAM, Macally icePad
laptop tray and stand,The Sims Unleashed, one year Apple Warranty,
$1,239
- refurbished 14" iBook
700, 256/30/Combo, $1,249
- new PowerBook G4/667 (DVI), 256/30 GB/Combo, $1,899
- refurbished PowerBook
3400c, 32/1.3/CD, $189.99
- one year extended warranty, $70 extra
- refurbished PowerBook G4/667, 256/30/Combo, free Epson C42UX
printer (after dual rebates, $1,888
- refurbished PowerBook
G4/667 (DVI), 512/30/Combo, free carrying case, free Epson C42UX
printer (after dual rebates), $2,088
- refurbished PowerBook
G4/800, 512/40/ Combo, free Epson C42UX Printer (after dual
rebates), $2,099
- PowerBook G4/1
GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, AirPort, $2,499
- refurbished 12" iBook
600, 128/20/CD-ROM, free Epson C42UX printer (after dual rebates),
$799
- refurbished 14" iBook
800, 256/30/Combo, $1,349
- refurbished 14" iBook
800, 256/30/Combo, AppleCare, $1,548
- refurbished PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, $2,029
- refurbished PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, AppleCare, $2,289
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see our
Best PowerBook
G4 Deals and Best
iBook Deals.