Do It Yourself Pismo Screen Replacement, New Laptop Stand, USB Laptop Night Light, New 1.0 and 1.3 GHz G4s, and More

Charles Moore - 2003.02.14

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

• Do It Yourself PowerBook G3 Pismo 14.1" LCD Replacement Tutorial
• Macally ICEStand/ICEStation
• ilum USB Laptop Night Light
• Motorola Introduces 1 GHz and 1.3 GHz G4 Chips - Will They Soon Be In Apple Laptops?
• PC Magazine Reviews 12" PowerBook G4
• Booq Debuts FoleeMessenger17 for Large PowerBooks
• Willow Design Releases Four New Slipcases for 12" PowerBook
• KoolSink Laptop Stand
• Bargain 'Books

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.

1. Conduction: Aluminum or stainless steel surface
   The Aluminum KoolSink and Stainless steel KoolSink sucks heat away and your laptop runs cooler and more efficiently.
2. Convection: The Venturi effect
   The minimum gap under the laptop creates a Venturi effect to help cooling!
3. 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.

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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).

Small Dog Electronics

• 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

Wegener Media

• refurbished PowerBook 3400c, 32/1.3/CD, $189.99
• one year extended warranty, $70 extra

PowerMax

• 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

ExperCom/flymilesmicro

• 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 Week's Best PowerBook G4 Deals and Week's Best iBook Deals.