Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2003.07.03
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
PowerLogix Reduces Prices on Blue Chip
PowerBook Processor Upgrades
PowerLogix has
announced lower pricing on its Blue Chip WS and LS (for PowerBook
WallStreet and Lombard models, respectively): G4/500 formerly $399,
now $379.
IBM Announces 1.1 GHz PowerPC 750GX Chip
This week,
IBM announced its latest G3 750 family chip, the 750GX,
code named "Gobi," and described as "offering world-class 
performance at very low power levels
utilizing its leading-edge process technologies to meet these
requirements."
Sampling for this new processor is scheduled for July 2003, with
production targeted for December 2003. It would seem like a logical
candidate to power the iBook, but no word from Apple on that
yet.
Manufactured using IBM's advanced 0.13-micron copper process
with Silicon-on-Insulator technology that are used in the current
750FX "Sahara" G3s, the 750GX will be offered at frequencies up to
1.1 GHz. The 750GX expands the capabilities of the IBM PowerPC 7xx
processor family to support more performance-demanding and
power-sensitive applications.
An even faster IBM 750 series chip of 1.4 GHz and up are
reportedly in the works, code named "Mojave," and rumored to
incorporate a vector processing engine (AltiVec-style). Since the
most substantial difference between a G3 and a G4 is the vector
engine, it is probable that iBooks (or even PowerBooks?) with the
Mohave chip could be marketed as G4s, although that's just
speculation at this point
FlexUSB - World's First Fully Adjustable USB
Adapter
Are your USB connections flexible? Do your USB devices extend
beyond your limited workspace? Are you USB ports difficult to
access?
Ideative Product Ventures has another bright idea: FlexUSB, the
world's first fully adjustable USB adapter. FlexUSB™ provides
unparalleled access to all USB ports on notebook, Tablet PC, and
desktop computers.
FlexUSB is a small, lightweight accessory that provides a means
to position USB devices, allowing their use with notebook computers
in even the most cramped environments.
FlexUSB is designed to work with all USB devices, including
Hi-Speed.
There are thousands of existing USB devices available today and
thousands more being introduced into:
- Portable USB storage devices
- CD/DVD Drives, MP3 Players
- Wireless Devices
- External input, mice etc.
However, notebook users experience unique challenges using USB
devices:
- Inconvenient location
- Limited number ports
- Awkward orientation
- Restrictive notebook
Notebook work areas often have limited space - airline tray
tables, small coffee shop tables, a person's lap - all of which
limit the user's ability to effectively connect one or multiple USB
devices.
FlexUSB is a patent-pending flexible adapter allowing USB
devices to plug into notebooks
- +/- 90° horizontal hinge
- Single Port Adapter
- +/- 90º vertical hinge
- Ratcheting positions for stability
System requirements: FlexUSB is compatible with USB cables,
hubs, and all other USB devices, including devices that use the new
hi-speed USB 2.0 specification.
FlexUSB is the only product of its kind on the market - and it
is available exclusively from Ideative Product Ventures website for
$12.99 + shipping.
Cheaper PowerBook G4 Hinges
An anonymous reader writes:
Charles,
Saw your article on TiBook
Hinge Repair Options and thought I'd show you where it is less
than half that price!
http://www.dttservice.com/applepowerbook/pbg4.shtml
Never tried them, but nice to know such a cheaper price
exists.
NoSleep 3.0 Lets PowerBooks/iBooks Run with a
Closed Lid
NoSleep
enables Apple PowerBooks and iBooks to run with the lid closed. It
provides a menu extra to enabled and disable automatic sleep on lid
close. NoSleep needs to patch the Mac OS X system. Your system
is automatically detected, and a link to the patch is provided.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2.6 or higher
NoSleep is freeware.
Temperature Monitor 1.2 Displays Current CPU
Temperature
Temperature
Monitor is a Mac OS X application that displays the current
processor temperature with selected Macintosh computers. It will
only work on hardware equipped with temperature sensors.
For example, it works with my PowerBook G3 Pismo (FireWire), and not with
my iBook (Opaque 16 VRAM).
The temperature can be displayed in a variety of formats and
styles, selectable by the user. You can choose between one or more
of the following options:
- display in a standard window
- display in the Dock
- display in the system menu
- display in a "floating" transparent window hovering on top of
your applications
- display in a history graph that shows measurements in a
selectable time interval
- talking thermometer that will speak the current value whenever
the temperature changes
- ASCII output, usable at the Terminal command line or in any
script language supported by Mac OS X
Temperature Monitor supports the following units to display its
values:
- degrees Celsius
- degrees Fahrenheit
- Kelvin
You can download Temperature Monitor for free. However,
redistribution is not permitted. The software is provided "as is,"
without any further warranties or support.
Supported Hardware
The following Macintosh models are definitely supported by
Temperature Monitor, because they are equipped with dedicated
temperature sensors:
- Power Macintosh G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors)
- Power Macintosh G4 (FW 800)
- Xserve
- Xserve (Slot loading)
For all other models, there is no easy answer: Analysis of over
hundred Macintosh systems shows that there is no
one-to-one-relationship between model name and support status
possible. Apple appears to have shipped Macintosh product lines
with same labels but different hardware inside. For example, in the
product series known as "Power Macintosh G4 Cube", some systems are
capable of providing temperature values and others are not. The
computers known as "iBook (Late 2001)" may have a PowerPC 750cxe v
2.4, or a PowerPC 755 v3.1 inside, and so forth...
Unfortunately, this means it is impossible to predict if
Temperature Monitor will run correctly on your hardware. Your only
option is to let the software analyze your particular computer.
It is very likely that your hardware is capable of providing
temperature values if your computer uses one of the following
processors:
- PowerPC 745 (G3)
- PowerPC 750 (G3)
- PowerPC 750cxe (G3)
- PowerPC 755 (G3)
- PowerPC 7400 (G4)
Your Macintosh system is very likely not capable of providing
temperature values if it uses one of the following processors:
- PowerPC 750fx (G3)
- PowerPC 7410 (G4)
- PowerPC 7450 (G4)
- PowerPC 7455 (G4)
New in this version:
- The shadow of the floating window can be switched off to
improve readability.
- Documentation has been updated.
- The hardware survey was completed. Application development will
now be frozen until Apple ships new hardware that makes changes
necessary.
Temperature Monitor is freeware
High Speed Mac OS GlobeTrotter Edition
GPRS
Wireless online with your PowerBook and GlobeTrotter GPRS Modem.
To use GPRS wizard for Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, you connect
your GlobeTrotter, Vodafone Mobile Connect, or T-Mobile
GlobeTrotter Data Card to the PowerBook, and the software will do
the rest and completely set up a GPRS location. After pressing
"connect" in the Internet Connect program or in Remote Access you
are instantly online. No long searches for modem scripts, APN
numbers, DNS, and GPRS settings any more!
Mobile High
Speed for GlobeTrotter supports a variety of networks
worldwide. GPRS is supported in more than 170 networks worldwide.
This means you can not only use GPRS Roaming but travel to any
country, take a SIM card there, and again do not have to worry
about any phone or network settings.
If no GPRS connection is available, a GSM connection is always
possible. Select GSM in the Mobile High Speed Software and use the
settings of your existing ISP to go online.
System requirements:
- Mac OS 10.1.5 or 10.2.6 and a PowerBook with PC Card Slot as
well as a GlobeTrotter Modem or a Vodafone Mobile Connect Card
- Mac OS 9.2.2 and a PowerBook with PC Card Slot as well as a
GlobeTrotter Modem or a Vodafone Mobile Connect Card
- A valid GSM-Data/GPRS subscription of a supported network
provider
FriendlyNET AL5402-XG 802.11g Wireless
Adapter Card
As your wireless networking demand grows, you'll need
Asanté's AeroLAN-XG
High-Speed Wireless CardBus Adapter to help you speed up
transfers of digital pictures, video, music, and other data files
wirelessly at speeds up to 5x faster than conventional 802.11b
wireless connections.
By taking advantage of the new IEEE 802.11g wireless standard,
you'll be moving data and digital multimedia files on your wireless
networks at a blazing fast 54 Mbps. The AL5402-XG adapter is also
backwards-compatible with the older IEEE 802.11b standard, which
means that by using the AL5402-XG adapter, you will be able to
connect to either wireless standard to give you greater versatility
and flexibility.
To protect your valuable data and privacy, the AL5402-XG is
equipped with the highest wireless security technology available.
It supports both 64-bit and 128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
encryption to safeguard all wireless.
You'll also be able to connect with any of the growing number of
public wireless hotspots springing up in coffee shops, airport
lounges, hotels, and convention centers. And as those hotspots
upgrade to the new high-speed 802.11g standard, you'll be ready to
take advantage of the increased speeds.
Features
- Blazing fast wireless network connection up to 54 Mbps (IEEE
802.11g)
- Interoperable with Apple AirPort and AirPort Extreme
- High-gain 15.5 dBm design extends your wireless connection
range
- Share broadband and network resources from home, office, and
public hotspots
- Simplify wireless connections with built-in site manager
System Requirements: PowerBook G3 and G4 (with 15" screen) with
available CardBus slot running Mac OS X 10.2.5 and AirPort 3.1
or later.
FireWire Depot Shipping New FireWire and USB
Peripherals.
FireWire Depot has announced its latest FireWire/USB2 enclosure
and various cable accessories.
The first product announced is the AMS
MPD 2.5" 9.5mm FireWire/USB2 hard drive enclosure. Based on
the best selling AMS 2.5 FireWire enclosure, the AMS mini drive
enclosure is designed for convenience and ease of use.
It has a built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery that will last 10+
hours before needing a recharge. This powerful feature is perfect
for a Windows laptop with an iLink connector that does not pass bus
power; USB connectors that do not provide enough power to spin a
hard drive; laptops with a CardBus card that does not pass bus
power; or a PowerBook/iBook without draining your laptop
battery.
The enclosure kit includes a power supply to recharge the
battery and supports all 9.5mm drives including the new IBM 80G
Travelstar laptop hard disk drive.
AMS Rechargeable FireWire/USB 9.5 mm enclosure will be available
July 8, 2003 with a SRP of $114.95.
FireWire Depot has also announced the immediate availability of
the FireNEX
1394b Optical Repeater.
The world's first 1394b optical repeater is the FireNEX 1394b
Optical Repeater. It is capable of sending IEEE1394 signals across
an optical fiber cable up to 500 meters in length. It takes only
minutes to setup, and there is no configuration necessary. The
compact FireNEX800 is ideal for professional audio and video
transmission applications such as broadcasting, scientific
research, military, and medical monitoring systems where high-speed
transfers over a long distance are of concern.
The FireNEX800 will work with 1394b and with 1394a, and it's now
available for $888.95 for a pair of optical repeaters. Optical
cable is also available.
FireWire Depot also announces the immediate availability of
DB-35U
6in1, a 6-in-1 USB Flash Card Reader. The DB-35U 6in1
supports six different kinds of storage cards: CompactFlash,
SmartMedia, IBM Microdrive, Memory Stick, MultiMedia, and Secure
Digital.
DB-35U 6in1's key features include an advanced power management
scheme, ability of hot swapping for all cards, auto-detection of
card removal & insertion, support of inter-copying among all
cards, and USB 1.1. Operating Systems support includes Windows XP,
Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows 98, Mac OS, and Linux. The unit
is available immediately at an inexpensive price of $49.
Granite Digital Ships SMART Hot-Swap
Drive
Granite
Digital has begun shipping its SMART Hot-Swap Backup IDE
Drive Systems. The new Granite Hot-Swap Drive is the 
most versatile storage systems on the market. With
the low cost of IDE hard drives, you can now affordably use hard
drives to backup your computer, transport large amounts of data,
dedicate drives for projects, and completely eliminate the need for
tape drives and other archival systems. Its the ideal solution for
your removable storage needs and it is faster than all other types
of archival systems.
Combined with Granite Digital's SMART user interface - a unique
LCD display built into every SMART Hot-Swap Drive bay - the
S.M.A.R.T. technology gives users the unprecedented ability to
monitor the performance and reliability of their hard disks.
"Our major benefits over tape are speed, affordability,
reliability, and ease of restoring and sharing data." said Frank
Gabrielli, President of Granite Digital. "You can even boot from
these drives, it's so simple and easy."
S.M.A.R.T. is an industry standard for monitoring performance
and reliability parameters in ATA hard disks. Granite Digital's
FireVue 1394-IDE bridges - at the heart of every Granite Digital
SMART Drive product - incorporate proprietary, patent-pending
technology which allow the FireWire bridges to use S.M.A.R.T. to
monitor hard disk reliability. The unique, built-in LCD display in
each SMART Drive product allows the user to view performance and
reliability data in real-time - without the need for any software
on the host computer.
Granite Digital SMART Hot-Swap Drive check S.M.A.R.T. status
periodically during periods of hard disk inactivity. Using the
built-in LCD display users can manually view S.M.A.R.T. parameters
and error logs and run S.M.A.R.T. self tests. Granite Digital SMART
Hot-Swap Drive enclosures have been tested with hard disks from
Maxtor, IBM, Seagate, and Western Digital; and SMART Drive products
are compatible with Apple's OS X and OS 9 operating
systems and Microsoft's Windows operating systems.
PlasmaDesign Expands Widescreen Desktop
Wallpaper Collections
Five new, painstakingly rendered desktop wallpapers suitable for
use on Apple Cinema Displays and PowerBooks have been added to the
PlasmaDesign widescreen collections. Each image is available to
members as 1920 x 1200 pixel and 1440 x 900 pixel wallpapers. You
can view these superbly detailed images by visiting either the
PlasmaDesign 'Abstract' or 'Landscape' widescreen galleries.
These stylish images are designed to look great on the new
generation of widescreen LCD displays found in all Apple Flat Panel
monitors, Titanium PowerBook 15", and the all new Aluminum
PowerBook 17".
These wallpapers are available to members only. Lifetime
membership costs only $5 and provides access to Rob David
Randtouls' entire catalogue of artwork, past, present and future.
This currently comprises of....
- Instant access to the entire collection of standard ratio, 4:3
images (over 90 images at present and growing at the rate of one
per week) rendered at a beautifully detailed 1600 x 1200
pixels.
- Access to the new 'widescreen collection' suitable for use on
Apple Cinema displays and PowerBooks. All images rendered at 1920 x
1200 and 1440 x 900.
- Access to a growing collection of dual-monitor wallpapers all
rendered at 3200 x 1200 pixels
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).
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $1,399
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
512/60/SuperDrive, AirPort, $2,299
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
512/60/SuperDrive, AppleCare, $2,599
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, AppleCare, $1,998
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, $1,699
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
