New OS X Disk Utility, CharisMac Adds AAC Support, PB G3 Batteries, iBook SuperDrive, and More

Charles Moore - 2003.05.16

Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.

• SubRosaSoft Ships Disk Guardian 2.0, New OS X Disk Utility Software
• CharisMac Adds Support for Apple's New iTunes Music Store Audio Format in Discribe
• PowerBook G3 Lombard/Pismo and WallStreet Batteries
• MCE Internal DVD-R/RW "SuperDrive" Upgrade for Dual USB iBook
• Other World Computing Introduces Mercury Elite 320 GB FireWire/USB Combo Drive
• "Slim" PowerBook Case From Acme
• Willow Somerset Laptop Backpack
• SportFolio for TiG4 & 14" iBook
• Bargain 'Books

SubRosaSoft Ships Disk Guardian 2.0, New OS X Disk Utility Software

SubRosaSoft, Ltd., a software company based in New Zealand focusing on disk utility and privacy software, announced the availability of SubRosaSoft DiskGuardian 2.0. DiskGuardian is a collection of tools that alert users of imminent hard drive failure in addition to performing volume repairs, backup and restore, benchmarking, surface scanning for media defects, and verification of data integrity on storage subsystems.

"DiskGuardian utilizes a feature called Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology, or SMART, that is built into most modern hard drives to monitor and alert users before the drive starts to fail," explained Marko Kostyrko, SubRosaSoft's founder. He continued, "DiskGuardian will alert the user on screen, with sound, by email, by updating your personal web server, or FTP to a destination of your choice. This allows users to respond before their data is lost no matter where they are."

"DiskGuardian not only predicts problems before they occur but can diagnose and repair disks as well," explained Ben Slaney, co-author of DiskGuardian and author of FWB SMART Toolkit. "It includes a comprehensive suite of tests for the physical media of the drive and the drive subsystem. Tests can be set to run for extended period of time to determine consistent performance of a storage subsystem. The tests analyze the overall integrity of the transfer data by writing, reading, and comparing the data. And if you do have a problem with the drive data, you can use DiskGuardian's Volume Repair feature for repairing most faults."

DiskGuardian also features the ability to backup a partition to an image and restore the image to create a volume identical to the original. "DiskGuardian Backup/Restore is a tool to backup and restore every block on your disk." Marko Kostyrko explained, "Unlike other backup systems, SubRosaSoft DiskGuardian can even backup many disks that are known to have physical faults. For example, scratched CDs and disks with bad blocks."

"And for the performance-oriented users, Disk Guardian includes a benchmarking feature for measuring the performance of hard drives under different types of test and load. The Benchtest feature gives the user the ability to make sure the drive is up to par for usage. The test results can be exported either as a text file for detailed analysis, or a JPEG file which users can easily post online," concluded Marko Kostyrko.

SubRosaSoft DiskGuardian 2.0 is now available at the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $69.95.

Competitive upgrades are available. Utilities such as Drive10, TechTool Pro, SMART Toolkit, Norton Utilities, and Disk Warrior all qualify for the $54.95 crossgrade.

System requirements:

• SubRosaSoft DiskGuardian 2.0 requires Mac OS X 10.2 or higher.
• SMART feature requires internal IDE drives.

CharisMac Adds Support for Apple's New iTunes Music Store Audio Format in Discribe

CharisMac announced support for Apple's new digital audio format, AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) in their Discribe V5.0.36 CD/DVD burning software.

Music purchased and downloaded from Apple's new iTunes Music Store is stored in the new format. Users can now simply drag and drop AAC tracks over the Discribe interface in order to burn the files to a standard audio CD that can be listened to in all car and home audio CD players. Converted files can also be saved to the user's hard drive in AIFF format for future use.

Using any iTunes Music Store authenticated machine, a user may purchase a song from the iTunes music store and then burn the downloaded file to CD using Discribe. Discribe V5.0.36 requires OS 10.2.5 or higher as well as QuickTime 6.2 or higher. Prior to adding support for this new file format, Discribe users could only burn songs to CD from Apple's iTunes.

When burning songs through iTunes, the purchased files can not be saved to the users hard drive as AIFF files. Using Discribe, the customer can convert them to AIFF and then save the file for future use.

Discribe V5.0.36 is available for $69.95 directly from CharisMac Engineering. A demo version is also available on the CharisMac website. The demo version allows users to burn up to five CDs. Upgrades from previous versions of Discribe are available for $39.95. Competitive upgrades from any competing CD burning packages are also available for $39.95.

PowerBook G3 Lombard/Pismo and WallStreet Batteries

If you work on the road, you want a second battery for your PowerBook. These batteries are the ideal spare or replacement for your G3 PowerBook.

These batteries (equivalent to Apple part #M7318) will fit the 1999 Lombard (also known at Bronze) G3 PowerBook or the 2000 Pismo (also called the FireWire G3 PowerBook). (The WallStreet G3 PowerBook requires a different battery that sells for the same price.)

Price: $147.95

MCE Internal DVD-R/RW "SuperDrive" Upgrade for Dual USB iBook

The new MCE DVD-R/RW "SuperDrive" upgrade for the iBook (Dual USB) allows iBook owners to author professional-quality DVDs as well as create, store, and share their collections of videos, music, and photographs. Plus, the fast, highly reliable drives are compatible with most computer and set-top DVD video players and other DVD burners - so video and data DVDs created using these drives can be shared with business associates, friends, and family.

The MCE DVD-R/RW "SuperDrive" upgrade must be professionally installed into your iBook (Dual USB) by us, or at one of our worldwide MCE Authorized upgrade centers. Once installed you'll be able to easily record up to 4.7 GB of data, video or audio onto recordable DVD discs right from your iBook!

Features

• 1x DVD-R/RW recorder
• Tray-loading mechanism
• 2 MB Cache Buffer
• Buffer underrun protection
• Bootable
• Ships with DVD Authoring software for your iBook for creating Video DVDs and Video CDs.
• Bootable
• Compatible with iTunes, Disc Burner, and Apple DVD Player

Specifications:

• DVD Authoring Software compatible with Mac OS 9.x only. Customers who purchase now will also receive a free copy of the Mac OS X version set to be released May 1.
• MCE Internal DVD-R/RW SuperDrive Upgrade for Apple iBook (Dual USB)
• DVD Speeds (maximum): Write, Read 1x DVD-R, 1x DVD-RW, 8x DVD-ROM
• CD Speeds (maximum): Write, Rewrite, Read 16x CD-R, 10x CD-RW, 24x CD-ROM
• Writing Compatibility 4.7 GB DVD-R, 650 MB CD-R/RW, 700 MB CD-R/RW
• Disc Format DVD-ROM, DVD-R (General Use), DVD-RW, DVD-RAM (Read Only), DVD-Video, CD-ROM (Mode 1, Mode 2 Form 1), CD-ROM XA (Mode 2 Form 2), CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-Text, Photo CD (Single and Multisession), Video CD
• Buffer Size 2 MB
• Dimensions (LxWxH) 5.0" x 4.9" x 0.5" (128 x 126 x 12.7 mm)
• Loading System Tray-loading
• System Requirements: Apple iBook (Dual USB) running Mac OS 9.1 or later; 64 MB RAM (256 MB or greater recommended)
• Warranty: 1 year

Suggested Retail Price $399

Other World Computing Introduces Mercury Elite 320 GB FireWire/USB Combo Drive

Other World Computing (OWC) has expanded its popular line of Mercury Elite external FireWire (1394a)/USB 2.0+1.1 combo storage solutions with the introduction of a 320 GB model priced at $459.99.

Additionally, OWC reduced prices on all of the company's Mercury Elite external FireWire/USB storage solutions, with the exception of its 250 GB 7200 RPM model with 8 MB cache memory that debuted in March. The new prices are from $10 to $50 lower and constitute reductions of up to 14 percent.

New pricing for the Mercury Elite FireWire/USB combination drives range from $149.99 for a 40 GB 7200 RPM model w/2 MB cache up to $339.99 for a 200 GB 7200 RPM model w/8 MB cache.

"Technology continues to progress at an extremely quick pace, which makes the introduction of this 320 GB storage solution and these price reductions possible," said Larry O'Connor, president of OWC. "Advancing technology translates into better products appearing in the marketplace. It also means the high-quality technology already on the market is becoming much more affordable."

Also new from OWC is a 250 GB 7200 RPM model, which is being introduced at $439.99. Each Mercury Elite drive measures 1.5" x 9.0" x 5.5", weighs less than three pounds, and ships with Intech HD SpeedTools, a FireWire cable, an external power adapter, and a two-year OWC warranty. The drives are compatible with Mac OS 8.6 and up as well as Windows 98, 2000 and XP.

Mercury Elite FireWire/USB combo drives are available exclusively from OWC.

"Slim" PowerBook Case From Acme

It's called the Slim, and it's here to protect your Apple PowerBook. The Acme Bags Slim is designed to be thin enough to fit within your daily bag or carried on its own. It's here in 12", 15", and 17" sizes - designed protection.

The Slim is Acme Made's new bag/sleeve hybrid designed specifically for the Apple PowerBook line of laptops. The streamlined design allows the Slim to be inserted into another bag or carried with or without it's removable shoulder strap (included).

Product features:

• Shell: Ballistic nylon w/waterproof coating
• Padding: 3/8" and 1/4" closed cell foam and "high impact" plastic
• Lining: Quilted satin
• Zipper: YKK "Splash-proof" zippers
• Handles: Genuine leather
• Hardware: Black anodized nickel
• Strap: 1.5" webbing w/black anodized hardware
• Designer Shells: Heavy duty woven textiles

While minimal in design, the Slim maintains a high standard of protection utilizing closed cell foam, high impact plastic, "Splash-proof" zippers and a quilted lining all encased in a water-resistant, ballistic nylon shell or designer textiles .

Constructed entirely in the United States. Warranted for 1 year.

The iBook 12" fits within the Slim 12" model.

The Slim sells for $79.99 to $94.99. The Designer Slim sells for $129.99 to $149.99.

Willow Somerset Laptop Backpack

Willow's Somerset laptop backpack briefcase is designed for those with shorter backs or those who want a more compact case. The Somerset carries your laptop and accessories, up to three inches of letter sized paperwork and features our convenient outer organizer pocket system.

Somerset Features:

• Elegant design - at home on the road and acceptable in the boardroom in its briefcase form.
• Increased personal security by making your case not look like a briefcase or laptop case
• Properly, securely, and safely fits many large display laptops such as the 14" iBook, NEC Toughbooks, Dell Latitudes, Toshiba Portégé, and ThinkPad 240, among others.
• Extreme carrying comfort with contoured, padded shoulder straps
• Convenient shoulder strap flap to hide away shoulder straps which can double as an easy to get to newspaper or magazine pocket
• Removable sternum strap for increased stability and comfort with additional doubling of shoulder strap material for extreme durability
• Contoured pack back and bottom that will not allow anything to dig into your back, especially in your low back area
• Additional thickly padded removable wrap handle for extra comfort in briefcase or vertical handle carrying mode
• A thickly padded traditional single shoulder carrying strap when you want to look more cosmopolitan
• Superb laptop protection through a centrally protected location surrounded by thick, single piece foam padding on the back, sides and bottom
• Front protection is assured by three separate levels of foam layers
• .090 thickness of high density polyethylene reinforcement underneath the web handles with quadruple rivet reinforcing for even greater strength and durability
• Easy storage of adapters, cables, etc. with convenient Velcro secured, fold-down
• Accessory divider/pocket system
• Room in the paperwork compartment for a eight centimeter (3") depth of legal sized file folders or other items
• Lots of organizer pockets in the outer pocket and throughout the case
• Security pocket on back panel hidden under shoulder strap flap
• Convenient shallow outer zippered pocket for airline tickets, change or other items you want fast access to
• Lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or craftsmanship.

Available colors: black, charcoal, navy, teal, purple

Pricing: $215 Cdn., $153 U.S.

SportFolio for TiG4 & 14" iBook

The SportFolio laptop case offers rugged, high-tech neoprene construction with a built-in plastic shell for impact protection. The exterior features an easily accessible front pocket, a back zippered pocket and a vulcanized rubber bottom and sides for a secure grip.

The case zips closed to hold its contents securely. The all-black interior features a soft, plush fabric, and a large pocket. A removable black shock-absorbing shoulder strap is included. All in all a great combination of features that make this case stand out from the crowd.

Case features:

• Easily accessible exterior front pocket
• Roomy, zippered back pocket
• Large, secure interior pocket
• Dual zippers for easy opening
• Rugged 3 mm neoprene construction
• Plastic inner shell for impact protection
• Plush-lined interior with document pocket
• Easy-grip bottom for carrying as a folio
• Padded for all-around protection

Shoulder strap features:

• Easy-grip, shock-absorbing design
• Swivel clips prevent twisting
• Adjustable length for maximum comfort
• Easily removable

Inside case dimensions: 13.75" x 10.5" x 2" (35 cm x 26.7 cm x 5.1 cm)

Price: $39.95

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).

Baucom Computers

• PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 384/20/DVD, $988
• PowerBook Pismo G3/400, 288/6/DVD, $836
• PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 192/4/CD-ROM, $495

ExperCom

• Refurbished 12" iBook 800, 128/30/Combo, $999
• Refurbished PowerBook G4/800, 512/40/Combo, AirPort, $1,949

MacSolutions

• 12" iBook 600, 128/20/CD-ROM, OS X, free ground shipping, free 256 MB ($39 install fee), $799

MacResQ

• Refurbished PowerBook G4/550, 256/20/DVD, 90 day warranty, $1,349.99

Small Dog Electronics

• New PowerBook G4/667 (DVI), 256/30/Combo, $1,799 
• Refurbished PowerBook G4/800 512/40/Combo, AirPort, $2,069 
• Refurbished 12" iBook 700, 128/20/CD-ROM, $879

Wegener Media

• 14" PowerBook WallStreet G3/233, 64/2/floppy, $399.99
• PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 128/4/CD-ROM, $569.99
• PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 128/10/DVD, $899.99

For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see our Week's Best PowerBook G4 Deals and Week's Best iBook Deals.