Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2003.09.19
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
AppleCrap Warns of iBook Logicboard
Failures
An AppleCrap hardware
review has posted a warning about the reliability of iBook
laptops, noting:
"The iBook, overall is a fantastic low end laptop. It isn't
horrifically expensive, but reasonably powerful and stays true to
the idea that a laptop should be a portable machine. However, there
are a good number of those who purchased an iBook a year or so ago
that are finding their machines as very large paperweights. Why is
this? Faulty motherboards.
"Imagine doing some work and your screen suddenly goes insane.
The screen redraw starts ghosting, odd colors fly up on the screen
and your machine locks up. Many iBook owners don't have to imagine
this at all. They remember when it happened to them. It happened to
me, if your iBook is between 12-18 months old, it may happen to you
too....
"So if you have an iBook that is rapidly approaching the end of
its 1 year warranty, and you haven't bought your AppleCare warranty
- you may want to. Of course if you do, you'll probably be spared
the death of two motherboards in three months or maybe not. Too bad
Apple hasn't decided to take a more appropriate course of action to
fix this problem. If it only happened to a couple of people, no one
would care. But when it seems fleets of iBook have gone bad like
this, there is a problem."
As the owner of a nine month old iBook that has so far been
flawlessly reliable, I have a more than casual interest in how
widespread this problem is. AppleCrap isn't the only Mac Website
that has sounded the alarm over this issue.
My
Road Warrior column this week on MacOpinion addresses
the conundrum of whether to purchase AppleCare extended warranty
coverage or not, particularly if you own an iBook.
Newer Tech and OWC Launch High-Capacity
Battery Line for PowerBooks
Newer Technology Inc. and Other World Computing have
introduced a new line of high-capacity
batteries designed for Apple's PowerBook G4 and G3
models.
The NuPower line of Lithium Ion batteries from Newer Tech offer
up to 30% more capacity than stock PowerBook batteries - and at
prices as low as $139.99.
"The NuPower batteries set a new standard for battery life for
G4 and G3 users everywhere," said Larry O'Connor, president of OWC.
"Everyone knows that battery life is a very critical aspect of
successful on-the-go computing. Whether you'd like to replace an
older battery that just isn't performing like it used to or are in
the market for a spare, our NuPower Li-Ions deliver the longest run
times of any stock replacement batteries available today."
The NuPower Li-Ion G4 Titanium Battery works with all 15"
PowerBook models (400 MHz to 1 GHz) and delivers 14.8 volts
and 4400 mAh, providing 65 watt-hours and making it the longest
lasting PowerBook G4 battery available today by as much as 30%
compared to the original battery. Retail price: $139.99.
NuPower Li-Ion G3 Batteries for G3
Lombard (1999/Bronze Keyboard) and G3 FireWire (2000/Pismo) PowerBooks are 10.8
volts and 5400 mAh, providing 12.5% more capacity versus stock
Lombard and FireWire batteries. Retail price: $149.99.
The NuPower Li-Ion G3 Battery for G3 WallStreet (1998/Black
Keyboard) series PowerBooks delivers 14.4 volts and 4500 mAh,
providing 25% more capacity than the stock Apple WallStreet
Battery. Retail price: $139.99.
"You really don't think about your laptop battery until you need
to," O'Connor said. "It's when you're dimming your screen and
engaging every last power-saver mode to get those extra minutes
that you're wishing your battery lasted longer. In those situations
our NuPower batteries come in mighty handy."
Newer Tech NuPower batteries are available through OWC and at other fine
resellers in the United States and around the globe.
Willow Macintosh Handbags Match Form to
Function
Willow
Design has released a line of handbags
for the 12" PowerBook and iBook that match its sixteen year
tradition of superb protection and 
function with the style of an internationally inspired
handbag. Four different handbags feature removable 12" PowerBook or
iBook sleeves, along with pockets for paperwork, personal items,
accessories, and two key chains plus a business organizer
panel.
"My initial reaction is 'very cool.' It doesn't look as big on
the outside as it really is on the inside. I 'wore' the handbag and
asked my husband what he thought and he said, 'Sleek.' He said it
didn't advertise the fact that I was carrying a computer. It can
definitely pass as a large handbag," said K. Puckett of
Maryland.
Similarly, S. Kostman of Illinois remarked, "I like it very
much. It gives the appearance of a woman's sling bag or tote. I
used it this morning, and I was able to fit my small purse in the
bag along with my 12" PowerBook. In fact, I really don't need to
carry a separate purse at all. Everything can fit in the bag! One
last thing . . . I like the exterior design. It is simple
and stylish and looks very professional without being
overwhelming."
Features:
- Elegant, clean, and very stylish handbag style exterior.
- Light weight for maximum carrying comfort.
- Carrying comfort assured by a wide integrated padded shoulder
strap.
- Accentuated security for your laptop by a handbag style that
doesn't advertise it's holding a laptop.
- Excellent protection for your iBook or PowerBook afforded by a
specially designed sleeve with 0.6 cm (0.3") soft "gushy" foam
reinforced by high density polystyrene reinforcement on all
sides.
- Removable computer sleeve with its own shoulder strap for times
when you want to carry only the 'Book.
- Exterior 600 denier polyester and interior 200 denier nylon
both of which are urethane coated for waterproofedness. The fabrics
give an excellent balance between superb protection and durability
and light weight.
- Extra carrying comfort for extra long or heavy loads is
provided by an extra wide foam padded shoulder cushion which can be
secured to the shoulder strap top.
- Able to fit able to get in without creating unsightly bulges
. . . the 'Book, of course, the AV cable, extra battery,
power adapter and grounded cord, a Podium Pad, my iPod, iPod dock
and connecting cord, iPod wall and auto car power adapters, iPod
car FM transmitter, my cell phone, some money, credit card,
hairbrush, and a partridge in a pear tree. (Okay, just kidding
about the last one.)
- Contoured, thickly padded shoulder strap with a special sticky
bottom to keep it on your shoulder.
- Integrated organizer panel with pockets for business cards,
pens, pencils, cellphone, iPod, notepad, etc.
- Convenient zippered accessory or make-up pocket.
- Smaller accessory item and change pockets on side.
- Two separate, removable keychain clips for home and office, or
house and car key separations.
- Zippered inside of outer wall pocket for paperwork, letter
sized folders or other items.
- Lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Suva 12" iBook Handbag
The Suva 12" iBook Handbag safely and efficiently carries your
iBook, while also doubling as a stylish and sophisticated
professional bag. The handbag is lightweight but offers a range of
pockets for business items, computer accessories, make-up, change,
and other items.
Fits: 12" iBook. A 30" shoulder strap makes it most suitable for
shorter or smaller framed persons.
Price: $228 Cdn/$165 US
Brefa 12" PowerBook Handbag
The Brefa 12" PowerBook Handbag fulfills the roles of a stylish
handbag plus a highly protective 12" PowerBook carry bag. The
handbag is lightweight but offers a range of pockets for business
items, computer accessories, make-up, change and other items sorted
out.
Fits: 12" PowerBook. A 30" shoulder strap makes it most suitable
for shorter or smaller framed persons.
Price: $228 Cdn/$165 US
HB-03: Plesa 12" iBook Handbag
The Plesa 12" iBook Handbag is the same as the Suva Handbag but
with a shoulder strap two inches longer for taller or fuller framed
persons. As with the Suva, it helps to simplify professional life
by combining the needs of a laptop case and personal handbag.
Fits: 12" iBook. Its 34" shoulder strap makes it most suitable
for taller or larger framed persons.
Price: $228 Cdn/$165 US
HB-04: Lief 12" PowerBook Handbag
The Lief 12" PowerBook Handbag functions superbly as a handbag
and as a protective laptop case. The bag component duplicates the
Brefa but offers the longer shoulder strap for larger persons.
Fits: 12" PowerBook. Its 34" shoulder strap makes it most
suitable for taller or larger framed persons.
Price: $228 Cdn/$165 US
The handbags are available in black, charcoal, navy, burgundy,
and taupe and feature Willow's lifetime guarantee against defects
in materials and craftsmanship.
Dr. Bott Releases Updated TiCase 17 for 17"
PowerBook G4
TiCase
has been updated for the 17" version of the PowerBook G4. While
this laptop is structurally robust, its sheer size makes it
vulnerable to twisting in conventional soft laptop bags.
The TiCase has long been identified as the ultimate in style,
elegance, performance, and protection. The TiCase is ideal for the
sophisticated 
traveler. These cases may look
sleek and satin-smooth, but they're also tough and durable, with a
brushed aluminum shell, combination lock, and an interior that
combines elegance with ease of use.
The TiCase is built with precision to hold all of your laptop
essentials. The closed cell foam padding has cutouts for securely
stowing power adapter, cables, and your iPod. There are additional
compartments for other items as well, and the accessory
compartments are covered to keep everything in place. A fully
loaded TiCase (including PowerBook and a full complement of
accessories) weighs in at less than 15 pounds.
TiCase sports a skin of brushed aluminum. The size, shape, and
color perfectly complimenting the PowerBook G4. TiCase includes 2"
of closed cell Styrofoam that provides the necessary
protection.
Lift off the lid, press gently on the rear corners of the
TiCase, and your trusty laptop glides into working position.
The "Lift-o-Matic" telescopic feet raise the rear of the TiBook
so that the natural decline of your knees is properly balanced and
the TiBook comes to a level rest at desk height.
As a side effect, Lift-o-Matic makes room for ample air
circulation under the TiBook which helps it run cooler and more
quietly.
With the Lift-o-Matic engaged, the ports at the rear of the
TiBook are accessible, whether you need a mouse, additional
monitor, power, a network connection, or FireWire.
Price: $549
ATI Flagship Mobile Graphics Selected for
Apple's New 15" and 17" PowerBook G4s
ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that the Mobility Radeon
9600 mobile visual processor, which uses advanced 0.13-micron
technology, is now shipping in Apple's newest 15" and 17" PowerBook
G4 notebooks.
"The Mobility Radeon 9600 drives incredible realism in the most
advanced games and latest 3D workplace applications," said Phil
Eisler, Vice President and General Manager, Mobile and Integrated
Business Unit. "We have once again delivered a mobile VPU that
offers immersive 3D environments, cinematic realism and
earth-shattering performance to PowerBook notebook users - ATI is
truly the driving force behind the mobile planet."
"The all-new 15" PowerBook with its sleek aluminum design and
high-performance architecture offers the ideal balance of power and
portability, while the 17" PowerBook provides mobile professionals
with the largest display available in a notebook computer," said
Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Hardware Product Marketing.
"The ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 graphics processor delivers
revolutionary 3D performance with vivid, cinematic quality graphics
that enable PowerBook customers to do studio-quality work on the
go."
The Mobility Radeon 9600 enables digital content creators (DCC),
graphic designers, video editors, power notebook users and gamers
to experience Smartshader 2.0 graphics on a mobile platform at full
speed, with full image quality and color precision for both work or
play without compromise. It also supports a comprehensive array of
external display options including Apple's all digital 23"
flat-panel Cinema HD Display and provides hardware acceleration for
multiple video formats.
QuickerTek Announces Base Station Antenna
Kits For Apple AirPort Base Stations
QuickerTek, developers of PowerBook antennas for Titanium
PowerBooks and external antennas for both the Graphite and Snow
wireless base stations, 
is now
shipping their
AntennaKit, an external antenna that works with Apple's
Snow and both versions of Apple's Extreme Airport Base Stations.
The AntennaKit typically increases signal strength up to 50%,
increases line-of-sight distance by an average of 250 yards, and
makes it easy for users to install their own antennas, even on base
stations that do not provide external antenna ports. The price of
the AntennaKit is $129.
The kit includes a 5Dbi Omni directional antenna along with the
necessary connections, brackets, and illustrated installation
instructions. Installation in Snow Base Stations requires drilling
a small hole in the cover (a hole guide is provided in the
kit).
"Customer's who bought our existing Base Station antennas have
been thrilled with the performance improvements," said Rick Estes,
President of QuickerTek. "However, they either had to send us their
Base Stations for upgrading or they had to reprogram the upgraded
one we sent them - now with our AntennaKit, they can easily and
quickly install the antenna, greatly increase their performance and
they don't need to reprogram anything."
QuickerTek recommends that owners of Titanium PowerBooks
purchase a Whip Antenna either along with their AntennaKit or prior
to buying the kit. Bernice, a recent QuickerTek customer, writes,
"I think the Whip Antenna is terrific. It makes my AirPort card
usable at last. I get a very strong signal!"
Couple the Whip Antenna with the Base Station AntennaKit and the
results are truly impressive. The website has a chart with
performance data.
Advanced CSR BlueCore Chips Selected for
Apple's New PowerBook G4 Notebooks
CSR (Cambridge
Silicon Radio), a market leader in Bluetooth silicon, today
announced that Apple has selected CSR's BlueCore chips with
Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) to Bluetooth-enable its line of
PowerBook G4 notebooks. Apple offers its PowerBook G4 customers
Bluetooth wireless technology to easily enable wireless exchange of
data between other Bluetooth-enabled devices including computers,
cellular phones, PDAs, and the new Apple Wireless Keyboard and
Wireless Mouse.
The BlueCore chip offers AFH, a system that eliminates
interference between Bluetooth and other RF devices, such as WiFi
(802.11) that operate in the 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, by
coordinating the frequency channels of all 2.4 GHz devices. As the
number of computers fitted with both Bluetooth and WiFi wireless
connectivity increases so does the value of AFH. Interoperability
prototypes were made available first by CSR and were used by the
Bluetooth lead adopters including Apple to validate the new AFH
standard.
"Apple has lead a number of introductions of communications
technologies to the personal computer world including Ethernet,
AirPort (802.11b) and FireWire (IEEE 1394)," said Glenn Collinson,
Sales Director & Co founder, CSR. "Apple's integration of
Bluetooth into their computers will likewise accelerate its mass
market adoption and CSR is delighted to be supplying Apple's
computer division with Bluetooth ICs for its PowerBook G4
notebooks."
"Apple was first to integrate Bluetooth into its operating
system with Mac OS X and now the first to make it a standard
feature across our entire line of professional notebooks," said
Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Hardware Product Marketing.
"We've worked with CSR to be first to deliver adaptive frequency
hopping to our PowerBook customers to provide an exceptionally
reliable and interference free wireless experience."
CSR's BlueCore silicon was the first single-chip to provide
Bluetooth functions, and, alongside the development and
implementation of AFH, demonstrates the progressive approach that
CSR has taken with its technology. CSR's technology and the ability
to deliver in high volumes are important deciding factors when
companies like Apple are looking for quality Bluetooth
solutions.
CSR (Cambridge Silicon Radio) is a leading provider of
single-chip radio devices for Bluetooth wireless communication. CSR
offers developed hardware/software packages based around BlueCore,
a fully integrated 2.4 GHz radio, baseband and microcontroller.
BlueCore features in 60 percent of all qualified Bluetooth v1.1
enabled end product designs with international names such as
Microsoft Corp, Panasonic, Audi, NEC, Toshiba, Samsung and Sony
already using BlueCore in their range of Bluetooth products. In
June 2003, CSR launched the third generation BlueCore devices with
full support for v1.2 of the Bluetooth specification.
CSR is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with offices in
Richardson, Texas, USA; Tokyo, Japan; Singapore; Seoul, Korea;
Taipei, Taiwan; and Aalborg, Denmark.
iRac Computer Keyboard Rack
You got rid of that huge CRT monitor, but now your keyboard
is eating up your workspace. The solution is to park your keyboard
on the iRac when your
computer's not in use and enjoy a tidy desk - write letters,
sketch, pay bills, and put your feet up.
The iRac is made of solid steel and finished with a white powder
coat paint that matches the iMac or iBook computers. Each end is
covered with a rubber cap to protect the keyboard. This design
rests perfectly on any G4 flat screen iMac.
The product is made in the USA and shipped from Ohio for
delivery to anywhere in the world for $19.95 - with free shipping
for a limited time,
IBM Previews New ThinkPad
Prototypes
Cnet's John G. Spooner reports:
"IBM designers, envisioning the next generation of the
10-year-old notebook ThinkPad line, have been studying how to make
ThinkPads easier to use, without sacrificing important
characteristics such as their performance, light weight and battery
life....
"Notebooks are gaining in popularity with consumers and
businesses, and more people use them as their primary computer. But
the characteristics that draw people to notebooks, such as their
small size, result in undesirable features, such as fixed keyboard
and screen positions, which aren't always as comfortable to use for
hours on end."
"One ThinkPad design almost metamorphoses into a mini-desktop.
It opens like a clamshell, but once open, its keyboard can be
detached and the height of its screen increased to a more
comfortable level with a special hinge. The machine allows more
options as to where to place the screen and where to locate the
keyboard relative to it...
"The second ThinkPad prototype has a special double hinge that
allows the keyboard to tilt upward and slide forward for more
comfortable typing. The height of the display simultaneously rises
by about 3 inches. The keyboard does not detach, however...."
LaCie Debuts Ultra-Thin Dual DVD±RW
Drives Specially Created by Porsche Design GmbH
LaCie
will begin shipping a new lightweight, ultra-portable DVD±RW
drive designed by the talented team at Porsche Design GmbH at the
end of September. The agency is known for creating striking designs
for objects as various as motorcycles, cameras, lamps, sunglasses,
furniture, street lighting, and tramways. Porsche Design evokes a
style based on purity, simplicity, and elegance, the subtle balance
of function and form.
This all-in-one drive combines four DVD formats in a slender,
handheld device, affording customers the benefits of DVD recording
while on the go. LaCie's first mobile device to combine DVD-RW and
DVD+RW technologies, this drive comes equipped with FireWire or
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for easy connection to any PC or
Macintosh.
Featuring a slim, travel-sized body, the LaCie Hi-Speed USB 2.0
Slim DVD±RW Drive is ideal for use with notebook PCs, and
for a variety of applications including backing up files on the
road, sharing information with clients, or transferring data from
home to the office. The included software package also allows
customers to create and view personal DVD-Video discs.
The LaCie FireWire Slim DVD±RW Drive comes complete with
a comprehensive software suite that includes CaptyDVD for Mac for
creating professional-quality, interactive video DVDs. Using the
power provided by the FireWire bus, this drive can operate without
an AC adapter, providing further mobility when travel is
required.
Also available is the LaCie Slim Combo CD-RW Drive with fast
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection. With 24x write speed, this drive lets
you record a full disc in a little more than three minutes, and is
capable of reading standard DVD-ROM discs. This drive also comes
with an MPEG-2 decoder for viewing DVD-Video discs.
The LaCie Slim DVD±RW Drive is available at prices
starting at $349. A software suite will ship with the Hi-Speed USB
2.0 LaCie Slim DVD±RW Drive that includes Sonic™ MyDVD
Video Suite, ArcSoft ShowBiz®, InterVideo WinDVD, and Roxio
Easy CD Creator Basic. A software suite will ship with the FireWire
Slim DVD±RW Drive that includes CaptyDVD, and Roxio Easy CD
Creator Basic and Toast Lite for Mac.
Pricing
- LaCie Slim DVD±RW Drive USB 2.0 $349
- LaCie Slim DVD±RW Drive FireWire $369
- LaCie Slim Combo CD-RW Drive $159
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" iBook 700,
128/20/CD-ROM, $729
- refurb 12" iBook 800,
128/30/CD-ROM, $799
- refurb 12" iBook 800,
128/30/Combo, $999
- refurb 12" iBook 900,
128/40/Combo, $1,079
- refurb 14" iBook 800,
256/30/Combo, $1,199
- refurb 14" iBook 900,
256/40/Combo, $1,249
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, $1,199
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/SuperDrive, $1,399
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, $1,599
- refurb 15" PowerBook
G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, $1,999
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
512/60/SuperDrive, $2,499
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/SuperDrive, 512 MB additional RAM (installed), Macally
screen protector, $1,509
Wegener Media
- PowerBook WallStreet G3/233, 64/2, $399.99
- PowerBook WallStreet G3/233, 64/2/CD-ROM, $424.00
- PowerBook WallStreet G3/266,
288/2/CD-ROM, $449.99
- PowerBook WallStreet G3/266,
256/10/CD-ROM, $499.99
- PowerBook WallStreet G3/266,
256/25/CD-ROM, $539.99
- PowerBook WallStreet G3/500, 160/2/CD-ROM, $619.99
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
