Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2003.05.23
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
iBook 900 MHz Benchmarks Posted at
MacSpeedZone
MacSpeedZone says: "The new 900 MHz iBook does not break any
performance barrier, but it is a solid performer. For a portable it
does well in drive performance, and in CD-R burning it stomps the
competition by coming out 19% faster."
"Although the iBook has a good sized, speedy, L2 cache, it does
not, unlike most of the latest PowerBooks, have a L3 cache (neither
does the 12 Inch 867 MHz
PowerBook). You will see this have an effect on some of the
scores . . . such as the Large Document tests."
The G3 iBook performs surprisingly well against its G4
stablemates for many tasks, with the exception of running
applications that are optimized to take advantage of the G4's
AltiVec engine (mainly Apple's own iApps and Photoshop). If you are
not a heavy user of such software, you probably won't miss G4 power
a whole lot, and you will benefit from the G3's lower cost, lower
heat-generation, and lower power consumption.
FireWireDirect Offers First FireWire 800/1394b
CardBus Adapter
FireWireDirect.com has
announced the industry's first FireWire 800 CardBus/PCMCIA adapter
for Type II slots. The new FireWire
800/1394b CardBus Adapter offers two ports, a 9-pin
FireWire 800 port for connecting new 800 Mbps FireWire 1394b
devices and an independent legacy 6-pin port for 400 Mbps FireWire
products.
The separate legacy and 800 Mbps ports are each capable of
supporting up to 63 devices with no negative performance impact on
the newer, faster FireWire devices while maintaining compatibility
with existing cables.
800 Mbps FireWire possesses all the same features that make
FireWire the standard for digital data 
transmission and storage,
but FireWire 800/1394b doubles the performance. The new card is
fully compliant with this new implementation of the FireWire
standard, offering speeds of up to 800 Mbps (twice as fast as the
existing FireWire standard) along with enhancements to data
integrity that will make FireWire 800 even better suited to digital
video and audio work.
Daniel Jackson, FireWireDirect's Chief Technical Officer, says
FireWire 800 is cause for excitement: "FireWire is already the
technology of choice for high speed peripherals. This new CardBus
brings this technology to a more portable format."
The new FireWire 800/1394b CardBus employs the latest and most
powerful Texas Instruments (TXN) OHCI-Lynx chipset.
Keyspan Ships New Line of Retractable Computer
Cables
Keyspan is now
shipping a new line of retractable computer cables. Keyspan's
ZIP-LINQ
retractable cable line consists of over a dozen USB,
FireWire, PDA, camera, phone, and ethernet connectivity
solutions.
Keyspan's ZIP-LINQ cables are available to resellers via Ingram
Micro and to consumers through leading catalogs and online
resellers. Pricing for the cables ranges from $13.99 for
retractable USB cables to $15.99 for retractable Palm or iPaq
Sync+Charge cables.
"Mobile computing is on the rise", noted Mike Ridenhour,
president of Keyspan. "Many computer users need to have USB,
FireWire, phone, and ethernet connectivity when traveling - yet the
tangle of cables can quickly fill their laptop bag. Our ZIP-LINQ
retractable cables are quite small - about the size of a quarter -
yet expand to 30" or more. They are easy to carry and convenient to
use."
The cables feature a remarkably compact form factor. The cable
extends to 30" or more by pulling on both ends. Simply pull again
and the cable retracts back into its durable housing.
The new ZIP-LINQ cables distinguish themselves from competitors
in two ways. First, the cables are more compact than cables
available from other companies. Second, the ZIP-LINQ line offers an
unmatched breadth of retractable cabling solutions.
The ZIP-LINQ line of cables is a result of Keyspan's partnership
with Cables Unlimited, a Concord, California-based manufacturer and
distributor of cables. Keyspan and Cables Unlimited are
collaborating to market ZIP-LINQ cables in the United States.
VTBookDD: First 32 MB DVI Graphics Card for
Notebook Computers
Village
Tronic's VTBookDD
CardBus graphics card [link was not working when we posted
this article] makes it possible to connect a digital or analog
high-end second display, converting a notebook computer into a full
desktop workstation driving two displays simultaneously.
People have been discovering the joy of ever smaller notebook
computers. The more compact 
they are, the more comfortable it is to carry them
everywhere. However, the majority of the time the notebook is used
on our workdesk at the office. In this situation, after hours of
working, many users prefer a larger display.
VTBookDD (short for Village Tronic Book Desktop Doubler) plugs
into your CardBus PC Card slot and allows the connection of high
resolution displays, both digital (DVI) and analog (VGA). Thanks to
32 MB of memory, it supports even the highest resolutions in
maximum color depth (16 millions of colors) with very fast refresh
rates to ensure maximum comfort.
The display controlled by the VTBookDD is a true second display.
This means that it offers additional display space for your use.
You can move and arrange windows from the notebook's display to be
shown on the display being driven by the VTBookDD. Mirroring,
primarily for use in presentations, is also supported.
No other device will impact the way you work like a second
display. Use more display space. Forget about workarounds such as
closing and reopening multiple windows or zooming and scrolling
simply because your notebook display is too small. Keep palettes,
your email-client and other applications continuously open to stay
focused on your main project window. This enables you to
concentrate on the project and not on navigating to squeeze out
display space.
Features:
- Compact one piece CardBus (without cable dongle) allows
installation and removal in seconds
- 32 MB DDR high speed memory improves the performance of your
notebook
- Trident XP2 graphics chip ensures performance and low power
consumption (3W)
- Support of any VGA or TFT Display (analog or digital: DVI-I,
DVI-A, DVI-D)
- Support of very high resolutions in high refresh rates with
maximum colors
- Village Tronic's unique display sense automatically configures
VTBookDD resolution to properly support your display
- Software compatibility: MS-Windows 98/2000/Me/XP, Apple
Macintosh OS 9 and X
- Card type: CardBus PC Card Type II
The Macintosh version is scheduled to ship in July 2003 at a
suggested retail price of $99
iGlide Chassis Enhancement Kit for Aluminum
PowerBook and Dual-USB iBook
Noisy hinges on your iBook bugging you? Silence them with
iGlide.
iGlide is a do-it-yourself kit for silencing 
noisy, creaking iBook hinges without disassembly.
The kit contains an exclusive metal conditioner formula that works
in ways oils and lubricants can't. A 2 mm hex wrench is also
included for re-seating the case fasteners.
Features:
- Prolongs hinge, display and case life.
- Quiets noisy, creaking display hinges.
- Extremely long-lasting hinge lubrication - benefits remain even
if washed off!
- Works in ways oils and lubricants can't - iGlide outperforms
them all.
- Unaffected by heat or cold.
Easily user applied in 5-10 minutes.
iKlear SuperClean Kit with PowerPad LCD
Protector
iKlear safely cleans all LCD/laptop displays & computer
monitors with a unique 3-step liquid polymer-based formula that
lifts and dissolves surface contaminants and fingerprints, floating
debris off the screen surface, leaving an antistatic coating which
dramatically reduces surface friction & wear, resists
fingerprinting and provides a renewable protective screen
barrier.
Don't clean your expensive laptop or computer screen with a $2
glass cleaner & a paper towel! iKlear's award-winning formula
is antistatic, 100% nontoxic, environmentally friendly and is the
most "recommended", non-damaging, alcohol & ammonia-free screen
cleaner you can buy. Klear Screen is a BMUG Choice Product award
winner.
Soon after the first "slim" Lombard PowerBooks were released in
1999, users noticed distracting marks on their LCD screens after a
short period of use. These marks result from the LCD screen coming
into contact with the PowerBook's keyboard when the lid is closed.
Oil from your fingertips transfers from the keyboard to the screen,
leaving the unsightly marks.
The PowerPad is a thin piece of leather which slips between your
keyboard and screen when your PowerBook is closed. No more marks on
the screen!
Challenge after challenge was created and met utilizing iKlear
Apple Polish technology when the new Flat Panel iMac was introduced
in January 2002 at Macworld. A full-size Flat Panel display screen,
clear acrylic screen surround for adjusting optimal viewing angle,
high-luster chrome pivot tube, low-luster designer case materials
and DVD players in every model. iKlear Apple Polish will clean,
protect and preserve every surface you can either see or touch on
the new iMac.
The iPod also benefits directly from iKlear Apple Polish surface
preservation technology - removing oil and fingerprints while
cleaning and preserving the clear acrylic front panel and controls,
LCD display and chrome back.
Ultimately virtually every Apple Macintosh product benefits
directly from iKlear Apple Polish surface preservation
technology:
Bundle includes:
- iKlear LCD, CRT Monitor & TV SuperClean Kit with Micro
Chamois (NewFS) - regular price $19.99
- PowerBookResQ PowerPad Screen Protector for all PowerBook G3
& G4 Systems( New) - regular price $12.99
Bundle price: $24.99 from MacResQ
New Color Ltd. Announces Laptop Screen
Protector
New
Color Ltd. specializes in selling Apple computer
accessories and peripherals online.
Features
- Shields notebooks from oils, dirt and abrasions.
- Expressly designed to clean LCD Displays
- never buy another wet wipe! Clean CDs/DVDs, too.
- Removes prior LCD screen abrasion (keycap marks).
- Ultra-tough and light cloth lasts for years. Won't wrinkle,
fray, frock, run, or tear.
- Effective and economical screen cleaning solution.
- No oily residue or shedding like leather.
- Polish your entire notebook
- especially good for iBooks.
Price: $12
PowerSleevz Formfitting Sleeve Case for
PowerBook G4 or Dual-USB iBook
PowerSleevz
notebook cases elegantly protect the exterior finish of your
computer from all of life's 
little bumps
and grinds. Made from a heavier-gauge version of our ScreensavRz
fabric, the case stretches on like a glove, hugging every
curve.
Extremely lightweight, flexible and durable like our popular
ScreensavRz, the case weighs just 40 grams. This case folds up
small enough to easily fit in your pocket. Protects exterior
painted finish of PowerBook G4 and the iBook's polished plastic
from your larger case's zippers and hardware, or anything else
lurking out there.
A great, hassle-free tote when you just need to take the 'Book.
Elegant debossed "PowerBook" or "iBook" text on one panel.
Features:
- Superlight, formfitting protective sleeve.
- Made from our exclusive Optex fabric. Clean and polish anything
with it, including the screen!
- Fits your 'Book like a glove.
- Enhances your grip when carrying.
- Debossed "PowerBook" or "iBook" logo on one side. Even get your
own custom logo! Click here for details.
- PowerSleevz Specs: Material: Optex 100% synthetic
ultra-microfiber (>1 million fibers/sq. inch)
- Sizes: 34 x 24 x 2.5 cm (PB G4), 29 x 23 x 3.5 cm (12" iBook),
32 x 26 x 3.5 cm (14" iBook)
- Thickness: 0.9 mm
- Weight: 40g, 34g, 41g (specific to above sizes)
SFBags Sleevecase
The sleek, minimalist SleeveCase
keeps your laptop out of harm's way without taking up much valuable
space. A plush layer of high grade neoprene wrapped in a Ballistic
shell surrounds and protects your computer. The ultra smooth
neoprene skin makes sliding your laptop in and out a snap.
Available in twelve sizes with the lead indium trim. Optional
upgrades include a flap, suspension shoulder strap, and
piggyback.
Horizontal or vertical orientation
Prices: $35-42
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).
- 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
- 12" iBook 700, 128/20/CD-ROM,
$879
- new PowerBook G4/667 (DVI),
256/30/Combo, one-year Apple warranty, Macally iceStation laptop
tray and stand, Macally rfMouse USB Optical Wireless Mouse, Macally
iceKey USB Keyboard, $1,950
- new PowerBook G4/667 (DVI),
256/30/Combo, $1,799
- PowerBook 5300cs/100, 8/775
MB/floppy, $59.99
- One Year Extended Warranty, $40 extra
- 16 MB RAM expansion, $29
- MV16-EN internal ethernet/video card with 1 MB VRAM
expansion, $20
- Megahertz XJACK 56k PCMCIA modem card, $24.99
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
