Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2003.05.09
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
MCE Technologies Expansion Bay DVD-R/RW Video
Authoring and Data Solution for Lombard and Pismo PowerBooks
MCE Technologies
LLC this week released a DVD-R/RW video authoring and data
solution for Apple PowerBook
(FireWire/Pismo) and PowerBook G3
(Bronze Keyboard/Lombard) machines. The MCE Expansion Bay DVD-R/RW
drive includes Macintosh DVD-authoring software for the
creation of DVD-Video discs, playable in most home and computer DVD
players, in addition to software for burning data DVDs of 4.7 GB
and CDs of up to 700 MB. The MCE Expansion Bay DVD-R/RW drive is a
truly portable DVD-Video and data solution that fits into the
PowerBook's right-side expansion bay slot and can be used wherever
the PowerBook is taken. The product is available for immediate
shipment.
"DVD recordable technology has finally reached the point of
miniaturization that we can now offer a complete DVD-Video
Authoring and data solution for previous generations PowerBooks,
which still enjoy a large and very loyal installed base," stated
Arnie Ramirez, president of MCE Technologies. "With our expansion
bay DVD-R/RW solution these users can now join the ranks of
PowerBook G4 SuperDrive owners and can author DVD-Video discs and
store data on DVD data discs of up to 4.7 GB wherever they take
their PowerBooks."
Utilizing the most capable mechanisms available in the
miniaturized DVD-Recordable form-factor, the MCE Expansion Bay
DVD-R/RW drive writes to general-use 4.7 GB DVD-R media and writes
and rewrites to DVD-RW media at 1x speed (1,350 KB/sec). In
addition, it writes to standard CD-R media at 16x speed (2,400
KB/sec) and writes and rewrites to CD-RW media at 10x speed (1,500
KB/sec). The drive reads standard DVD-ROM media at 8x speed (10,800
KB/sec), reads CD-ROM media at 24x speed (3,600 KB/sec), and reads
data stored on DVD-RAM discs at 2x speed (2,700 KB/sec). The MCE
Expansion Bay DVD-R/RW drive is compatible with Apple's iTunes and
Disc Burner software, but also includes Toast Lite, by Roxio, to
facilitate faster and more efficient burning of data DVDs and
CDs.
In addition, the drive includes ImageMixer DVD, an entry-level
DVD authoring software for the Mac. ImageMixer DVD software enables
the creation of DVD-Video discs on both G4 and G3-based machines.
Using this software, users are able to quickly and easily create
customized DVD-Video discs containing video clips and slideshows
using footage and images from a variety of different sources,
including QuickTime movies, iMovie creations, DV video, digital
photos, etc. and then burn DVDs directly from within the
software.
MSRP of the MCE Expansion Bay DVD-R/RW drive is $449.
Comprehensive specification and compatibility information for the
drive is listed on the MCE website.
BooqPaq 3 Laptop Backpack
Resist the ordinary and get the most supercharged laptop
backpack that's got it all. BooqPaq is the ultimate in laptop
backpacks, designed for mobile technology, portable audio, and
comfort.
Based on the successful original, BP3 is the third generation
BooqPaq, with optimized laptop protection, 
now with an entirely separate zippered laptop
compartment lined with non-scratch fabrics. Booq implemented many
customer requests and other powerful design improvements like more
internal padding and interior pockets, we have created a lighter
BooqPaq overall.
BP3 is the state-of-the-art mobility solution for your PC
laptop, 15" PowerBook G4, all your gadgets and gear. More than just
an ergonomically designed laptop backpack, this supercharged gear
center achieves extreme levels of design refinement, with among the
highest quality of materials and finish. With its bombproof 1680D
ballistic nylon exterior, neither the harshest weather nor the most
abusive wear can harm this tough and laptop carrying case.
Designed to be the perfect technology center and versatile
laptop backpack with tons of storage options for your laptop and
gear, MPEG-Player or CD-Player, media, digital camera and
documents, this laptop backpack leaves plenty of cubic space for
all your other stuff you'll need on your next trip.
BP3 also makes for a great school backpack or college backpack
with room for a stack of books six inches high. This backpack is
comfortable to wear - - even for long hikes at heavy loads - - due
to our unusually wide shoulder straps, attention to ergonomics and
human factors in design. In fact, since we've paid special
attention to female ergonomics, BP3 is an extremely comfortable
women's backpack!
While the actual laptop backpack is available in black, navy,
and a cool gray, the pack's detachable front piece "Shell" comes in
a variety of styles, so that you can build your personal BooqPaq,
and change styles whenever you want.
Design
- laptop backpack made from tough, weather-resistant 1680D
ballistic nylon
- high-density polyurethane foam/layered mesh padded back for
extra rigidity, comfort and optimum breathability
- integrates interchangeable cover piece "Shell"
- super comfy, large-surface BodyHuq shoulder strap design for
optimized load distribution
- external front pocket stores up to 10 CDs, disks etc.
Interior
- NEW: Separately zippered laptop compartment (14.25" x 12.0" x
2.0") with more padding and non-scratch lining
- NEW: Interior zippered mesh pocket, Velcro pocket, key
hook
- multifunctional interior pocket array neatly stores disks,
flash cards, business cards, pens
- convenient, protected multimedia pocket for CD or MPEG Player -
listen on the go
Exterior
- attach FonePaq/PDApaq (included in BooqPaq System) to shoulder
straps
- padded carrying handle
- large side pockets hold cables, pens, cell phone, water
bottles, digital camera, etc.
- large back document pocket holds folders and documents -
flat
Design Details
- adjustable hip strap with padded hip flaps for secure active
wear
- sternum strap for additional comfort
- equipped with high-quality zippers
- built with the toughest nylon straps and webbing
Colors: black, navy, gray
shell colors: gray ripstop, khaki ripstop, camo, black ripstop,
orange ripstop, leather-look (PVC-based)
Price: $119
iSkin
iBook/PowerBook Protector
Keep what's over your keyboard from getting under it.
Under the iBook or PowerBook G4 keyboard lie all the important
electronics that make it tick. If anything gets in 
between your keys, it poses a serious threat to your
computer's health. If you love your iBook or PowerBook G4, you will
want to protect it against everyday hazards caused by spills, dirt,
crumbs and other unwanted elements. The iSkin
iBook/PowerBook G4 Keyboard Protector is precisely molded
to fit and protect your keyboard by creating a protective barrier
without restricting use of the keyboard.
When washed regularly or removed before closing, the iSkin
keyboard protector eliminates screen staining by reducing the
occurrence of finger oils and dirt particles being transferred to
the iBook/PowerBook screen.
The iSkin iBook/PowerBook G4 Keyboard Protector is available in
six translucent and two solid colors (skin tones). Skin Tones
add a splash of subtle color to the keyboard.
It is available in Blue Mist (light blue), Bubble Gum (light pink),
Creamsicle (light orange), Lemonade (light Yellow), LimeLight
(light green), or in White Frost (clear frosted). It is also
available in opaque skin tones, Asphalt (black), and Snow (white)
with printed keyboard characters.
Designed to fit the Apple iBook (white 2001) / PowerBook G4 15"
(550 MHz - 1 GHz) North American keyboard layout.
Shinza TiBook Case
The TiBook
Case was specifically designed to carry the 15" PowerBook
G4. 
Both lightweight and durable, the TiBook Case's sleek
appearance is an excellent match with the sophisticated design of
the PowerBook G4. Each case is handmade from 100% brushed aluminum,
making each case one-of-a-kind. The low-profile design means the
case is scarcely larger than the PowerBook G4 itself. This case
features a sturdy metal handle, and the interior is lined with soft
protective felt and features shock-absorbing resistance pads along
the edges. The TiBook Case also comes with two keys which are used
to securely lock down your PowerBook during transport.
The TiBook Case is also available in a clear model, which
features a top lid composed of transparent fiberglass in order to
prominently display your PowerBook.
Features:
- Handmade from 100% brushed aluminum
- Protects your PowerBook G4 from scratches and shock damage
- Low profile design is almost as thin as the PowerBook
itself
- Can be locked with provided keys
- Features a sturdy metal handle
- Clear Case model's lid is composed of 100% fiberglass
- Lightweight and durable
Technical Specifications:
- Lid styles: Brushed aluminum and clear transparent
- Exterior dimensions (W x D x H): 14.6 x 1.3 x 10.7 inches (371
x 33 x 272 mm)
- Materials: Brushed aluminum, fiber glass
- Weight: 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)
Price: $199
WiebeTech Introduces Dual Drive FireWire
Enclosure
WiebeTech
announces DuoGB, which allows users to easily access two drives
within a single external FireWire 
enclosure. The two
drives will mount as separate drives under Mac OS 9 or
OS X. Additionally, DuoGB takes advantage of the built in RAID
capability of OS X, allowing users to effortlessly stripe or
mirror the drives. The starting price of DuoGB is $179.95, making
it very affordable; and it is available in capacities up to 2 x 250
GB (500 GB total).
"Users have been asking for a product that allows two drives to
mount from within one enclosure, and DuoGB fills that role
spectacularly," said James Wiebe, CEO of WiebeTech. "DuoGB will
also function perfectly as a high performance striped or mirrored
RAID under OS X. As a result, we are offering a storage device
with up to 500 GB (unformatted) storage capacity, all achieved
without drivers and with really awesome performance. For OS X
users, the process of creating a RAID is as simple as opening the
disk utility and dragging both drives to the RAID tab, then
assigning a name and clicking on create. It's that easy.
"Performance is also great with this product," said Wiebe. "When
running as a RAID under OS X, users may see benchmarks of up
to 40 MB/sec, making this a speedy storage product for serious
professional users running audio and digital video editing
applications. Users will also enjoy having an enclosure that
contains two drives, allowing massive amounts of storage in one
enclosure."
"We are extremely pleased to see WiebeTech deploy a product
which highlights the ability of the Oxford OXFW911 to support two
really big drives simultaneously," said James Lewis, president,
Oxford Semiconductor. "Users of WiebeTech's DuoGB will take great
advantage of FireWire and the Oxford OXFW911."
Features/Benefits
- OXFW911 bridge: One bridge supports two drives with full ATA-6
support, so that two drives up to 250 GB (each) and beyond may be
used. Users may experience transfer rates of up to 40 MB/sec when
configured as a RAID under OS X.
- Driverless Design: This product is designed to install without
drivers under most operating systems, easing the installation
process.
- Aluminum / Metal Enclosure: Gorgeous case provides EMI
protection and ruggedness in an enclosure which looks great.
- User Configurable: DuoGB is available in a configuration
without drives, so that users may install a pair of their favorite
IDE ATA-5 or ATA-6 drives.
- Fully self contained: Unit contains power supply; just attach
AC cable and FireWire cable.
- 90-264 VAC transformer: World compatible power supply.
- Quiet Cooling: Unit contains quiet fan for great cooling with
minimal noise.
Product / Order Code / Price / Availability
- 0 GB (user configurable), $179.95
- 240 GB (dual 120 GB drives), 7200 RPM, $449.95
- 360 GB (dual 180 GB drives), 7200 RPM, $639.95
- 500 GB (dual 250 GB drives), 5400 RPM, $869.95
In the U.S. and Canada, dealers may purchase any configuration
of MicroGB+ from Dr Bott
LLC or from dealers. All configurations are in stock and
available directly from WiebeTech. Canadian resellers may purchase
products from EMJ.
iBook a Faithful Tool for War
Correspondent
Fabio M. Zambelli of the Italian Mac Website Macity has posted
an
interesting article on being a reporter with an iBook in
wartime. Zambelli chronicles what hardware and software tools and
which tricks John Pendygraft, a reporter for Tampa's St. Petersburg
Times, used to work with his faithful iBook as a correspondent in
Iraq embedded with the US Marine Corps.
John used an iBook 600 with 640
MB of RAM, a 30 GB hard drive, and Nikon D1 and D1H digital
cameras, using Lexar Professional 512 MB Compact Flash memory cards
in each camera, a Lexar FireWire card reader, and a Lexar JumpShot
USB reader as backup. Software used included Adobe Photoshop 5.5,
Camera Bits PhotoMechanic Pro 2.0, FileMaker
Pro 4.1, AppleWorks 6,
FTupperWare 2.3.1, Transmit 1.7, AOL Instant Messenger, Microsoft
Internet Explorer as browser, and web-based Yahoo! Mail account for
email.
To communicate and send digital stuff to his Florida office, he
used a NERA M4 World Communicator ($6,600) connected with the UK
provider Inmarsat system covering the area with its Inmarsat-3 F2
sat. The connection was made through a USB cable, using the
satellite phone as an external serial modem through "old" Mac OS
9's Apple Remote Access software and the "Metricom Wireless 64K
ISDN" compatible modem driver.
FireWire 800 External Hard Drive Enclosure
Introduced
Other World Computing has introduced a new FireWire 800 external
hard drive enclosure kit.
Designed to support all 3.5" ATA/IDE hard drives, the new
Mercury Elite Pro FW800/400 + USB 2.0/1.1 Enclosure Kit
utilizes the Oxford 922 chipset and makes it possible to extend the
usefulness/life of existing drives by making them FireWire and/or
USB compatible.
Priced at $179.95, the Mercury Elite Pro FW800/400 + USB 2.0/1.1
Enclosure Kit includes two nine pin FireWire 800 ports (IEEE
1394b), one six-pin FireWire 400 port (IEEE 1394a), and one
five-pin USB 2.0/1.1 port. This enables data transfer speeds of up
to 100 MBps, 50 MBps, 60 MBps, or 1.5 MBps, respectively.
Samsonite Classic 1000 Portchester 11 cm
Attaché
A timelessly elegant attaché coated with an exclusive
PMMA protective layer to keep its outer gloss for years. Plus a
removable cloth cover.
The
Samsonite Classic 1000 Portchester 11 cm Attaché
is made from a vacuum-formed or pressure-
formed shell. Strong ABS plastic, a
temperature-resistant, highly impact-resistant material, is
combined with a textured finish for the classic hard side look.
Designed to fit in most overhead compartments; may not conform to
some carryon standards.
Removable interior divider panels made of flexible fabric are
designed to help create separate compartments inside your suitcase
for added organization and security. Plus they can be removed and
stored separately when not needed.
Provide a convenient way to make travel more secure. Simply set
your own numeric code and look the case when you've finished
packing. Reenter your secret code when you're ready to unpack.
Price : $349.95
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).
ExperCom/FlyMilesMicro
- 12" iBook 700, 128/20/Combo,
free Kensington Simply Portable One case, $1,099
- PowerBook G4/667, 256/30/Combo,
new with one-year Apple warranty, Macally iceStation laptop tray
and stand, Macally rfMouse USB Optical Wireless Mouse, Macally
iceKey USB Keyboard, $1,950
- PowerBook G4/800,
512/40/Combo/Airport Titanium/refurbished, $2,069
- Refurbished 12" iBook
700,128/20/CD-ROM, EZQuest Cobra Slim 40 5400 RPM Portable
FireWire Drive, EZQuest CD-RW FireWire 52x24x52x w/CharisMac,
$1,299
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
