Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2003.08.01
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
MCE Technologies Introduces 2x DVD-R/RW/RAM
Internal Drive for PowerBook G4
MCE Technologies,
LLC (MCE) has announced an internal 2x DVD-Recordable drive
for the PowerBook G4. In addition to reading and writing to DVD-R
media at up to 2x speed and DVD-RW media at 1x speed, the new MCE
Internal 2x DVD-R/RW/RAM drive for PowerBook G4 reads and writes
with true drag and drop, random-access functionality to
single-sided or double-sided DVD-RAM media at up to 2x speed. The
MCE Internal 2x DVD-R/RW/RAM drive for PowerBook G4 is bundled with
Macintosh DVD authoring and CD burning software and is expected to
begin shipping in quantity on August 18.
"In addition to slicing DVD-R write time in half, we are
bringing a new experience to the PowerBook G4 owner . . .
true, drag and drop DVD-RAM data storage for complete
random-access, hard drive-like functionality," stated Arnie
Ramirez, president of MCE Technologies.
The MCE Internal 2x DVD-R/RW/RAM drive for PowerBook G4 writes
to 4.7 GB DVD-R media at up to 2x speed, to 4.7 GB single-sided or
9.4 GB double-sided DVD-RAM media at up to 2x speed, and to 4.7 GB
DVD-RW media at 1x speed. In addition, the MCE drive writes to
standard 650 MB and 700 MB CD-R media at up to 16x speed, writes to
standard CD-RW media at up to 8x speed, reads DVD-ROM discs at up
to 8x speed, and reads standard CD-ROM discs at up to 24x
speed.
The MCE Internal 2x DVD-R/RWRAM drive for PowerBook G4 is
compatible with Apple's iTunes, Disc Burner and DVD Player
applications, and also includes DVD authoring software that enables
users to create video DVDs that are playable on most computer and
home DVD players. The easy-to-use DVD authoring software allows for
customizable menus, backgrounds and even background music in the
creation of video DVDs. The MCE Internal 2x DVD-R/RW/RAM drive for
the PowerBook G4 also includes Roxio Toast Lite software to
facilitate faster and more efficient data DVD and CD recording.
The MCE Internal 2x DVD-R/RW/RAM drive is compatible with all
12", 15", and 17" PowerBook G4 models. The suggested retail price
is $349 ($389 for 400 MHz and 500 MHz TiBooks). Because of the
delicate nature of the installation procedure, installation must be
handled by MCE Technologies or by an MCE Technologies Authorized
Upgrade Center. A complete list of upgrade centers is located at
the MCE Technologies web site. Contact MCE for complete details and
product specifications.
MacResQ Announces PowerBook G4 "SuperDrive"
Upgrade Program
MacResQ
announced today a new PowerBook G4 "SuperDrive" upgrade as part of
their PowerBookResQ repair program. The new service offers
PowerBook G4 owners an affordable way to upgrade their G4 PowerBook
with a DVD/CD burner with PowerBookResQ's famous 24-hour turnaround
and nationwide convenience.
Owners of the PowerBook G4 (400 MHz to 1 GHz) can now
easily replace their built-in CD-RW-only or DVD-only drive with a
drive that can burn CDs and DVDs that can be played in most
consumer CD/DVD players. The slot-loading "SuperDrive" DVD-R/CD-RW
is bootable and compatible with Mac OS X, OS 9, iDVD,
iTunes, Disc Burner, and Apple DVD Player, as well as other third
party applications. The drive reads at 24x, writes CD-R at 16x,
writes CD-RW at 8x, and writes DVD-R/RW at 1x. A 1-year warranty
applies.
The price for this "SuperDrive" upgrade is only $399 and
includes pickup at the customer's location, overnight delivery to
the PowerBookResQ service center, expert installation within 24
hours, and return overnight shipping to the customer.
PowerBookResQ and PowerMacResQ also offer fast, convenient, and
affordable Mac repairs for just $99, which includes 3-way overnight
shipping, the initial diagnostic service, and the unique PowerBox,
which the customer may keep for future use. For even faster
service, same-day pickup is available in most areas of the
country.
For computer resellers and repair centers, PowerBookResQ and
PowerMacResQ offer discounted rates on products and services.
Computer dealers can send overflow service work or seamlessly
outsource their entire Mac repair operation. Volume discounts are
available for schools, corporations, and government agencies.
Trans Intl. Announces 1 GB DDR333 Memory
Module for 17" PowerBook
Trans Intl. has announced the worldwide availability of a
1 GB
DDR333 (Double Data Rate) memory module for the Apple
PowerBook G4 (1 GHz 17" model). Trans Intl's 1 GB memory modules
double the system's main memory in Apple 17" PowerBook (1 GHz G4
Models) to 2 GB of RAM. This makes the PowerBook equal in memory
capacity to the current desktop Power Macintosh computers.
As the number of Macintosh users looking to replace desktop
models with slim PowerBooks grow, Trans Intl. DDR333 modules
provide PowerBook users with desktop-like power by offering
1 GB of memory density for each memory expansion socket. The
17" PowerBook has two memory expansion sockets for main memory
expansion.
Trans Intl. memory modules conform to Apple's stringent
electrical and mechanical design guide lines. The 1 GB DDR333
Memory Module operates at a clock rate of 166 MHz and transmits
data at 333 Mbps.
MacMice iPerch Plus Stand With Cooling Fan For
PowerBooks
MacMice announced the iPerch Plus
fan-cooled acrylic PowerBook desk stand.
The iPerch Plus is a 5.5" tall
clear acrylic desk stand that holds any model Apple G4 PowerBook at
a 15-degree angle, for improved screen viewability when in desktop
usage. The product includes an innovative PowerBook cooling system,
based around a clear 80mm acrylic ball-bearing fan, coupled with
proper air ducting between the product and the PowerBook.
The iPerch Plus creates an average PowerBook surface temperature
reduction of between 15° and 30° Fahrenheit. It does this
by pouring a constant stream of room temperature air upward into a
carefully chosen open space between the clear polymer bumpers on
the top of the iPerch Plus and the bottom of your PowerBook. This
spacing determines the distribution and velocity of the cooling air
flow and is precisely matched to the uniquely designed fan system.
The result is simply an incredibly efficient cooling mechanism for
your overtaxed PowerBook. MacMice says that their test PowerBook's
noisy internal cooling fan never cuts in while running on the
iPerch Plus - even under heavy use.
The product creates only 20 dB
of sound at 2' distance, which is extremely quiet. MacMice claims
it is the quietest fan-powered laptop cooling product on the
market. This low operating noise level makes the product uniquely
suited for use in audio or video production settings, classrooms,
meeting areas, or other areas demanding maximum quietness.
The low noise level was achieved by running the large-bladed
(80mm) fan at a lower DC voltage than its designed operating
voltage. By using a lower voltage, the fan runs slower and makes
less noise. However, MacMice had to make certain that the fan used
would always develop enough torque to start and run properly at the
lowered voltage, as well as continue to operate properly for many
years. The uniquely precise ball-bearing fan used meets these
requirements.
The iPerch Plus is specifically designed for Apple's G4
PowerBooks, and works with the 12", 15", and 17" models. It also
works with Apple's "ice" iBooks, both 12" and 14" models.
The iPerch Plus is fabricated from 3/8th inch Acrylite brand
clear acrylic material and is specifically designed to be stable
enough to type on, should you choose to do so. Your PowerBook will
rest on four clear soft-polymer bumpers that raise your notebook up
above the product's surface just enough to enable proper air flow
between the top of the iPerch Plus and the bottom of your
PowerBook.
The clear acrylic 80mm ball-bearing fan is operated by a
removable power cord connected through an RJ-45 modular jack on the
rear panel of the iPerch Plus. The included power adapter allows
leaving the system running full time without tying up any ports on
your PowerBook or requiring plugging in and unplugging a cable each
time you move your computer. The elegantly styled iPerch Plus power
adapter complements the high style approach MacMice has taken with
the overall system and includes a 6' low voltage cord to the iPerch
Plus, terminating in an RJ-45 modular plug. (Those really are
chrome plated hex-socket machine screws mounting the fan to the
body of the iPerch Plus.)
The iPerch Plus is available now for US$69.99 from the MacMice
website.
Dexia Rack
Use the Dexia
Rack on your desk with a secondary keyboard and mouse for a
heads-up display, with your laptop raised 7.6". The Rack straddles
full size keyboards - the legs spread to 20.6". The sculpted legs
allow you to reach for the mouse without bumping the frame.
The Dexia Rack frame is made from aircraft-grade aluminum welded
in 16 places, with diagonal flexible steel cables, and finished in
4 available colors: blue, black, gold, and aluminum.
The top surface is a generous 10" x 13"
to handle virtually any size laptop and has a large bottom opening
for heat dissipation.
You can take the Dexia Rack to bed, the floor, a sofa, or out on
the lawn.
Currently the Dexia Rack is only available directly from Dexia
Design or through major U.S. college bookstores and campus computer
stores.
Price: $44.95 + shipping.
BackOffice for 17" PowerBook Released
When open, the Back Office from Shaun Jackson
Design becomes a comfortable, well organized, portable
workplace for your lap or desk. The side pockets hold all of the
computer's accessories, making them easily accessible. A DVD/CD
organizer panel sits just behind the screen.
The padded, contoured shoulder straps can be discreetly
stored in there own zipper pocket. A single shoulder strap may be
attached at the D-rings located on the top of the case for the
times that a backpack may not be appropriate. The horizontal
configuration of the case makes navigating crowded and cramped
areas such as busy hallways or airlines a walk in the park. A
second rear pocket provides ample room for paperwork, a portable
printer, or even a second laptop computer.
Big BackOffice accommodates larger laptops like the 17"
PowerBook.
Features:
- 14" x 11" x 2" computer compartment
- 15.75" x 12" x 2" computer compartment (Big BackOffice)
- new cool deck for increased airflow around your laptop
- designed for use on your lap or desktop surface
- shock absorbing foam padding throughout
- military spec hardware and fabric
- all seams are edge bound
- all stress points are reinforced
- constructed using the finest expedition grade fabrics
- all fabrics coated with heavy waterproof coating
- unique non-slip Gripdeck computer surface
- shields your lap from excessive heat build up
Prices:
- BackOffice $149.95
- Big BackOffice $159.95
- single shoulder strap $9.95
Trans Intl. Offers 7200 RPM Laptop Hard
Drive
Trans Intl. earlier this month released the
fastest 2.5" drive (7200 RPM) for PowerBooks, iBooks, and
notebook PCs. The drive is available as an internal drive upgrade
and as an
external portable drive with dual ports for easy
connectivity, FireWire 400 and USB 2/1.1, making portable computers
equal in storage I/O performance with desktop systems.
StarBand 480 Pro Satellite Internet Modem Now
Supports OS X
StarBand, a
high-speed, two-way satellite Internet provider to residential and
small office customers, has announced the national expansion of the
StarBand 480 Pro service with a professional-strength,
network-ready, business-grade satellite modem delivering faster
speeds, instant networking capability and compatibility with a wide
array of computer operating systems including Windows, Macintosh,
Unix, and Linux.
The StarBand 480 Pro provides high performance Internet service
with peak download speeds of up to one megabit per second (Mbps)
and upload speeds of 100 kilobits per second (Kbps) in Turbo Mode,
which is available for most large file uploads.
"We committed our time and resources to delivering this highly
demanded solution to the marketplace and are now ready to fulfill
the pent-up demand for it," said StarBand Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer Zur Feldman. "The StarBand 480 Pro, our fourth
generation product, shows once again that StarBand listens to the
customer and delivers on their needs."
"StarBand has a history in being first to market in this
category and today we are doing so again with the StarBand 480
Pro," said Howard Lossing, VP of Sales and Marketing. "Our
commercial customers asked for, and we delivered, a product that
works with all operating systems, has faster upload speeds,
includes a built-in router making networking easier, offers
multiple static IP addresses, and does not require PC-based
software."
The initial limited rollout to several hundred customers in the
First Quarter of 2003 resulted in very high customer satisfaction
with more than 90% claiming they would recommend the StarBand 480
Pro Small Office service to other businesses because of its
reliability, faster upload speeds and networking ease.
The StarBand 480 Pro satellite modem includes a four-port
Ethernet router enabling instant networking of multiple personal
computers to provide maximum flexibility for networked
environments. With the product software and intelligence now
embedded on the satellite modem, business customers with Windows,
Macintosh, Unix, Linux and many other Operating Systems supporting
TCP/IP can enjoy networked high-speed Internet access from
StarBand.
FireWireDirect Ships First 800 Mbps FireWire
Hard Drives and Storage Enclosures
FireWireDirect has
announced the introduction of the first in a series of new 800 Mbps
external hard drives and enclosures with the debut the StingRay
800, a powerful dual interface USB 2.0 and FireWire 800 3.5"
desktop hard drive storage system.
FireWire 800, or 1394b, is a new, faster FireWire standard
rolled out in highly anticipated new products from FireWireDirect.
The improved standard offers dramatically increased speeds and
enhancements that will be immediately attractive to digital video
and audio producers, multimedia creators, and every personal
computer user demanding cost effective and speedy storage for the
digital life style.
FireWireDirect was first to market with several 800 Mbps
products, and the StingRay 800 is their first storage offering,
available in up to 320 GB in a single volume and already offering
the huge speed gains promised by the new standard. Most users will
see sustained reads of over 50 MB/s and writes of over 40 MB/s,
about double the possibilities of traditional FireWire.
Like all FireWireDirect products, the drive plugs and plays
without special drivers. The dual USB 2.0 FireWire 800 interface
enables it to connect to virtually any computer. The drive
separates itself from the pack with a whisper quiet fan for
efficient and noiseless cooling, and a built-in power supply
&endash; no bulky power brick cords. These and other attributes
make the StingRay a powerful 800 Mbps FireWire solution that's
especially attractive for mobile personal computer users.
The drive is available and shipping now, in sizes ranging from
an Enclosure Kit for users building their own, to the huge 320 GB
HDD, the only single volume FireWire 800 external drive of this
size available to consumers.
The StingRay 800 is a truly cross platform solution, complete
with software for both Mac and Windows users.
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).
- 15" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, $1,849.95
- 12" iBook 600, 256/20/CD-ROM,
$699.95 (available mid-August; taking preorders)
- 12" iBook 500, 128/10/DVD,
$699.95 (available mid-August; taking preorders)
- iBook 300, 96/3.2/CD-ROM,
blueberry, $519.95
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet G3/233, 64/2/floppy, $399.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet G3/233, 64/2/CD-ROM, $424.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet
G3/266, 288/2/CD-ROM, $449.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet
G3/266, 256/10/CD-ROM, $499.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet
G3/266, 256/25/CD-ROM, $539.99
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
