Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2003.10.03
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
Apple Updates PowerBook/iBook Resetting Power
Management Unit Article
Apple has updated its Knowledge
Base Article #14449 describing the PowerBook and iBook
Power Manager and and how to reset it. Resetting the power manager
also resets the Date and Time. After the reset, the system clock on
some iBooks and PowerBooks is set to 00:00, 1904-01-01 for
computers with Mac OS 9 or 00:00 (GMT) and 1970-01-01 for
computers with Mac OS X.
The Power Manager is an integrated circuit that is usually on
the logic board of the PowerBook and iBook. As the name implies, it
is responsible for power management of the computer. It controls
backlighting, hard disk spin down, sleep and wake, some charging
aspects, trackpad control, and I/O as far as looking at the serial
port and modem so it does not sleep when connected.
Over time, the settings in the Power Manager may become
unusable, which can result in operational anomalies with the
computer. Examples would be not turning on, not waking from sleep,
not charging the battery, or not seeing the AC Adapter, among
others.
Resetting the PMU is not intended for resolution of a stall or
situation in which the computer is non-responsive. A PMU reset
should not be necessary except as a last resort in cases where a
hardware failure of the power management system is suspected.
Performing a PMU reset returns the iBook and PowerBook hardware,
including NVRAM, to default settings and forces the computer to
shut down.
Bare Feats Tests Hitachi 5K80 Notebook Drive
vs. Other PowerBook Drives
Bare Feats' rob-ART morgan says:
"Apple is shipping the new 15" (and 17") Aluminum PowerBooks
with the Fujitsu MHT2080AT 80 GB 4200 rpm 2 MB cache drive as
standard equipment. For an extra $125, you can get the optional
Hitachi 5K80 80 GB 5400 rpm 8 MB cache drive.
"Many of you are asking which drive is the best choice for your
PowerBook. Some of you are like me. You want to go faster still.
With the Hitachi 7K60 7200 rpm 60 GB 8 MB cache drive dropping
as low as $235 in recent days, it's tempting to order the cheapest
drive from Apple and replace it with the 7K60.
"Others are thinking they want maximum capacity. Maybe the 80 GB
5K80 is fast enough. Maybe the stock 80 GB drive is sufficient,
too."
IOGear Unveils Wireless Mini Mouse for Mobile
Users
IOGear has launched
its wireless Mini Mouse 800 RF, enabling mobile computer users to
work more easily and accurately in space-restricted locations, such
as airplanes, cars, and coffee shops. A recent survey conducted by
IOGear revealed that 72% of laptop users said they would rather
purchase a separate mouse than use a touchpad.
The PC and Mac compatible wireless Mini Mouse makes it simple
for mobile users to work from a computer or laptop without dangling
wires. Mini Mouse 
RF comes equipped with a unique on/off
switch to prolong battery life. In addition, there is a motion
sensor that puts batteries on "idle" when there is no movement
detected, also saving battery life. The compact ergonomic design
and optical sensor offer comfortable use on most surfaces without
the need for a mousepad. The symmetrical design makes it an ideal
tool for left- and right-handed users.
Ideal for users in need of precision computing, the device
offers 800-dpi resolution, twice the accuracy of standard mice. The
high resolution also requires less cursor movement, an advantage
for travelers working in confined spaces. The product is priced at
$49.95 (MSRP) and is available immediately from all major catalog
resellers, online resellers, and selected retail outlets.
"Situations often arise when you find yourself needing
additional space to work, such as on a plane or in the car. The
size and physical connections necessary with traditional mice make
it difficult to work in these locations," said Miranda Su, vice
president of sales and marketing at IOGear. "Mini Mouse RF allows
mobile professionals to work in virtually any situation without
wires getting in the way, making it the ultimate tool for today's
road warrior."
Mini Mouse 800 RF is compatible with Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, ME,
and XP operating systems, as well as Mac OS X or later. The
mouse is USB and Plug and Play ready. It also comes with a carrying
case, USB battery charger cable, and USB extension cable.
New PC Card Connects External Monitor to
PowerBooks, Adds VGA, DVI, and ADC Monitor Support
Harmonic
Inversion Technology has announced that the new VTBook PC Card video card for
PowerBooks is shipping. VTBook works with any 
Type II PC Card slot equipped PowerBook
running Mac OS 9 or OS X and a VGA, DVI, or ADC monitor
(with a DVI to ADC adapter). VTBook is a product of VillageTronic of
Germany and imported by Harmonic Inversion Technology. The
suggested retail price is $249.
Additional display space is ideal for those PowerBook users who
need an easily transportable notebook but also need to use a
full-size monitor when sitting at a desk. Road warriors,
programmers, creatives, and many other PowerBook users will find
the additional display space provided by a second monitor
invaluable in order to maximize productivity. VTBook supplies more
than simple video mirroring - it is a complete second video card.
Windows can be dragged from the PowerBook display to the external
monitor seamlessly.
PowerBook users can get as high as 1920 x 1200 resolution with
VTBook's 32 MB of 266 MHz DDR memory. VTBook supports resolutions
from 512 x 348 through 1920 x 1200 at millions of colors. Screen
Doubler technology provides a virtual desktop that is double the
size of the display itself - autoscrolling when the edge of the
screen is reached.
VTBook is hot swappable under OS 9 and supports both Deep Sleep
and Hibernation. VTBook ships with a DVI connector as well as a VGA
adapter. Mac OS X is supported with Quartz 2D
acceleration.
There are few competitive products. The Margi Display-To-Go PC
Card (SRP $224) supports thousands of colors at 1600 x 1200
resolution with 4 MB of video memory. A less-capable 2 MB
card is also available that produces millions of colors at a
maximum resolution of 800 x 600 - but Mac OS X is not
supported. There are three refresh rates 60, 75, and 85 Hz. This
card requires a different dongle to attach to various types of
monitors.
VTBook and the other products of Harmonic Inversion Technology
can be found at retailers such as Small Dog Electronics, Red Dye
#3, TechnoWarehouse LLC and MacMall.
Hughes Network Introduces New DirecWay
Broadband Satellite Terminal Supports Macs
Hughes Network Systems, Inc. has introduced the latest member of
its family of DirecWay
broadband terminals, the DW6000. The DW6000 is self-hosting,
eliminating the requirement to install any special software on
customers' computers and extending DirecWay service to Apple
Macintosh PCs, beyond Windows-based systems.
The DW6000 incorporates an advanced, single-board architecture,
offering ethernet output for easy connection to networks and
satellite-based service activation, which eliminates the need for a
terrestrial line. In addition to high-speed Internet and
intranet/VPN access, it supports all of the feature-rich DirecWay
services offered to current customers, such as content delivery,
multicasting, music distribution, training, digital media
streaming, and distance learning and training. Key features of the
new equipment include:
- Ethernet interface for quick installation and easy connection
to any hub/router;
- No dedicated PC/server required for sharing connection with
multiple PCs;
- One-step "plug-and-play" networking eliminating the need to
install drivers or other software;
- Compatibility with Windows and Macintosh operating systems
- The service supports a rate of 500 kilobits per second
downstream and 120 kbps upstream
The DW6000 is available to subscribers of DirecWay residential
services in the United States and will be offered through all
DirecWay U.S. sales channels, including independent and national
retailers, as well as online.
Internationally, the DW6000 will be sold to enterprise customers
by HNS' regional sales offices and also will be available from
authorized value-added resellers and service providers. For more
information, email globalsales@hns.com.
The cost is US$60 per month for standard service, which allows
for two simultaneous broadband connections. Business users that
want a static IP address and dialup access for remote connections
will pay $80 per month for HNS's Professional DirecWay option.
However, monthly service charges are just part of the picture. HNS
charges $600 for its DW6000 terminal. But for users in rural areas,
DirecWay may be the only broadband service option.
LowePro Stealth AW Backpack
The original Stealth
- a premium backpack for on-the-go digital photojournalists and
sports photographers - is now sized to fit the PowerBook G4.
Beneath the discreet exterior, there's room (and protection) for a
notebook, digital camera system, overnight essentials, and a small
virtual office. And with all the pockets on the backpack and the
notebook case, it's easy to stay organized. You can adjust the
removable, padded notebook case for left or right access - or use
the case separately on its own shoulder strap.
The Stealth AW II has an adjustable backpack harness; sternum
strap and back pad with DryFlo mesh; and an all weather cover for
protection from rain, snow and dust. The included cell phone pouch
can be detached and fastened to a belt.
- Capacity: 1&endash;2 digital or 35mm pro SLRs,
3&endash;4 lenses, notebook computer (up to 16", most makes),
cell phone, file folders, change of clothes, toiletries, and
accessories
- Size (exterior): 15.5" W x 6" D x 22" H (39.5 x 15 x 56
cm)
- Size (interior): 15" W x 3.5" D x 20" H (38 x 9 x 51 cm)
- Notebook case size (interior): 11" W x 2" D x 14" H (28 x 5 x
35.5 cm)
- Outer fabric: water-resistant 600D TXP™ ripstop and 2000D
ballistic nylon
Booq BP3 Laptop
Backpack
Based on the successful original, BP3 is the
third generation BooqPaq, with optimized laptop protection, now
with an entirely separate zippered 
laptop
compartment lined with non-scratch fabrics. While Booq implemented
many customer requests and other powerful design improvements like
more internal padding and interior pockets, they have created a
lighter BooqPaq overall.
BP3 is the state-of-the-art mobility solution for your PC
laptop, 15" PowerBook G4, all your gadgets and gear. More than just
an ergonomically designed laptop backpack, this supercharged gear
center achieves extreme levels of design refinement, with among the
highest quality of materials and finish. With its bombproof 1680D
ballistic nylon exterior, neither the harshest weather nor the most
abusive wear can harm this tough and laptop carrying case.
Designed to be the perfect technology center and versatile
laptop backpack with tons of storage options for your laptop and
gear, MPEG -player or CD player, media, digital camera, and
documents, this laptop backpack leaves plenty of space for all the
other stuff you'll need on your next trip.
BP3 also makes for a great school backpack or college backpack
with room for a stack of books 6" high. This backpack is
comfortable to wear - even for long hikes at heavy loads - due to
unusually wide shoulder straps, attention to ergonomics and human
factors in design. In fact, because Booq has paid special attention
to female ergonomics, BP3 is an extremely comfortable women's
backpack.
Design
- laptop backpack made from tough, weather-resistant 1680D
ballistic nylon
- high-density polyurethane foam/layered mesh padded back for
extra rigidity, comfort and optimum breathability
- integrates interchangeable cover piece "Shell"
- super comfy, large-surface BodyHuq shoulder strap design for
optimized load distribution
- external front pocket stores up to 10 CDs, disks, etc.
Interior
- separately zippered laptop compartment (14.25" x 12.0" x 2.0")
with more padding and non-scratch lining
- interior zippered mesh pocket, Velcro pocket, key hook;
multifunctional interior pocket array neatly stores disks, flash
cards, business cards, pens; convenient, protected multimedia
pocket for CD or MPEG Player - listen on the go
Exterior
- attach FonePaq/PDApaq (included in BooqPaq System) to shoulder
straps
- padded carrying handle
- large side pockets hold cables, pens, cell phone, water
bottles, digital camera, etc.
- large back document pocket holds folders and documents
flat
Design Details
- adjustable hip strap with padded hip flaps for secure active
wear
- sternum strap for additional comfort
- equipped with high-quality zippers
- built with the toughest nylon straps and webbing
While the actual laptop backpack is available in black, navy,
and cool gray, the pack's detachable front piece "Shell" comes in a
variety of styles, so that you can build your personal BooqPaq, and
change styles whenever you want.
- Colors: black, navy, or gray
- Shell Colors: gray ripstop, khaki ripstop, camo, black ripstop,
orange ripstop, leather-look (PVC-based)
- Interior Dimensions: 14.25 x 12.0 x 2.0"
- Exterior Dimensions: 16" x 14" x 6"
- Laptop Compartment: 36 oz.
- Price: $119.95
Jumsoft Updates Keynote Themes
Package
Jumsoft Keynote
Themes 2.8 includes 15 high-quality themes for Apple's
Keynote presentation software. New themes (Elegant Pro and
PorTable) and old themes (Black, Geography, Grass, GridWay,
RedWine, Black Table, Old Paper, Photo Artist, Network, Wood,
Developer, Valentine, and Simple) are available in both (1024 x 768
and 800 x 600) sizes.
"PorTable" theme is exclusively created for 15" PowerBook G4
screens, while Elegant Pro is a professional theme and comes with
extras and many different layouts. A majority of themes includes
custom bullets. Keynote Themes 2.8 fits all business, scientific,
educational, informative, persuasive, and creative purposes - and
now they are even portable.
Keynote Themes 2.8 also includes a little application for
controlling Keynote using a cell phone, Keynote Buddy 1.0 Beta.
A downloadable (120 MB) version of Keynote Themes 2.8 is US$25.
Version 2.8 is free for already registered customers.
FireWire Depot Introduces New 2.5"
Enclosure
FireWire Depot has introduced the PDS2GO
2.5" enclosure. This enclosure features 1394a (FireWire)
and USB2 capabilities utilizing the Oxford 911 chip for FireWire
and the NEC controller for USB2. The new enclosure is all aluminum,
except for the interchangeable front bezel and foot stand (for
placing the enclosure in a vertical orientation instead of
horizontal).
Three interchangeable front bezels and foot stands are included
(blue, clear and grape). Also included is a combination lock and
cable for securing your drive at trade shows or other locations
where someone could walk away with your valuable information. And,
finally, a leather carry case is also included.
New Cutter 800 1394b FireWire 800 USB2 Combo
2.5" Enclosure
FireWire Depot has introduced the
Cutter
800, a new 1394b FireWire 800 USB2 combo 2.5" enclosure to
its extensive line of 1394b products.
The Cutter 800+ (1394a/USB2) provides cutting-edge technology
with maximum durability, flexibility and portability. Extra slim
design (9.5 mm hard drives only) and aluminum casing make for high
performance at your desktop and on the go.
The kit includes:
- User manual
- Enclosure carrying case
- External power adapter (the enclosure can be bus powered from
the FireWire bus)
Seagate Spacer 160 GB External Drive
The Seagate
Spacer 160 GB external drive connects to your PC or Mac
with USB or FireWire. Highly advanced, yet easy to use, this
external drive features push button backup, a convenient on/off
switch, and stunning good looks. It runs much cooler than other
external drives. You can connect and disconnect your drive without
turning off your computer. You can even stack your drives, thanks
to the unique interlocking design.
From video and photos to MP3s, today you have more digital files
than ever. This wonderfully compact drive is the ideal way to store
those files safely. With sophisticated features and software, it's
amazingly easy to store movies and pictures of family and friends,
the latest computer games, your favorite music, and all the
treasures of your digital lifestyle.
Store more with Seagate:
- 40 two-hour DVD quality movies
- 160 hours of VHS-quality video
- 108 days of around-the-clock MP3 audio
- 40,000 high-res digital photos
- 228 must-play games
160 GB external drive components
- 160 GB External Drive
- External drive
- USB 2.0 cable
- FireWire (1394) cable
- AC adapter and power cord
- Quick-installation guide
- Backup software CD
inMotion iPod Speaker Companion
Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. has announced the debut of
inMotion, the first portable audio system designed expressly for
the Apple iPod. Combining compact design, extra-low battery power
consumption, powerful Class D amplification, patented MaxxBass
technology, and a unique, built-in iPod dock, inMotion gives iPod
owners enhanced audio performance.
inMotion features four full-range, custom-designed neodymium
micro drivers for clear audio output - but the sound surprises
don't stop there. Using principles borrowed from the professional
audio world, inMotion also delivers incredible, natural-sounding
bass at frequencies far below those otherwise possible by small
speaker sets. The result is a revolutionary step in portable audio
- and a must-have accessory for every iPod user.
"inMotion takes the iPod to a whole new level of excitement,"
said Bob Garthwaite, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing
for Altec Lansing Technologies. "No bigger than a paperback book,
inMotion turns the iPod into a platform for convenient,
headphone-free listening anytime, anywhere. Its sound quality
rivals systems many times its size. We're grateful to the team at
Apple for working with us to create the perfect iPod
companion."
Sleek in design like the iPod itself, inMotion matches the iPod
color scheme and offers a built-in docking bay located between the
system's two speakers. When placed in inMotion's docking bay, the
iPod can perform all the same data transfer and synchronization
functions possible via Apple's standard, freestanding iPod dock.
inMotion even takes advantage of iPod's alarm feature to create a
fully functioning alarm clock that plays wake up music of the
owner's choice - perfect for travel or dormitory use.
Other convenient features of inMotion include a headphone jack
for private listening; an auxiliary input jack for connection to
other audio devices such as laptops, older iPods, and other MP3
players (3.5 mm stereo cable included); and built-in, flush-mounted
power and volume controls.
The secret to inMotion's strikingly deep bass is a combination
of specially designed neodymium micro drivers and MaxxBass
technology. Founded on the principle of the "missing fundamental,"
MaxxBass generates a specific set of harmonics in response to bass
input; the brain then interprets these harmonics as the intended
bass sound. The technique is used in commercial audio systems for
restaurants, high-end retail environments, clubs, and other venues
where exceptional fidelity is essential, but where large speakers
or subwoofers are impractical.
inMotion's Class D Amplification provides maximum sound with
minimum power consumption. Smaller, cooler, and more efficient than
other amplifier alternatives, inMotion's onboard amp can support up
to 24 hours of continuous playback on just four AA batteries (not
included). For desktop or other indoor use, inMotion also includes
an AC power supply that recharges the iPod anytime it sits in the
inMotion docking bay.
Altec Lansing's inMotion portable audio system is priced at $149
and will be available exclusively at
Apple's online store through the month of October, 2003.
Beginning in November, inMotion will also be sold through Apple
retail stores nationwide. Customer orders for inMotion will be
accepted starting October 1, 2003.
XtremeMac Updates Car Charger for Apple's
latest iPod
XtremeMac has
announced that the Premium
iPod Car Charger for Apple's newest generation of iPods is
now shipping to dealers and customers worldwide. This new product
joins the original XtremeMac Premium iPod Car Charger to provide
the ultimate in mobile charging for all Apple iPods.
The Premium iPod Car Charger is a study in graceful
understatement with a focus on function. From the inception of the
XtremeMac Premium iPod Car Charger for the first generation iPods,
it has been the #1 choice of discerning iPod users worldwide,
outpacing sales of all other brands. Popularly priced at $19.95,
the Premium iPod Car Charger delivers the iPod user exactly what is
required, in a beautiful package unhindered by superfluous features
that add unneeded complexity and increased cost.
The XtremeMac Premium iPod Car Charger is:
- Beautiful: Styled to precisely match the iPod.
- Simple: The Ultimate in plug-and-play simplicity. A single red
LED illuminates to indicate that the Premium iPod Car Charger is
plugged into a live power source. The iPod's internal charging
circuitry manages the power to the battery and displays charging
status on its screen.
- Safe: The Premium iPod Car Charger features a removable fuse
for over current protection, as well as diode protection against
backflow current.
- Durable: Features an impact resistant shell and integrated
cable strain relief on both ends, as well as using the finest
expandable coiled cable.
- Protected: Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The new Premium iPod Car Charger is available alone for $19.95
or as part of the new value priced Get Connected Kit for $49.95.
The Get Connected Kit contains six essential items to maximize the
ways the iPod can be used.
The new Get Connected Bundle contains:
- Premium iPod Car Charger, for iPods with a Dock Connector
($19.95)
- iPod Cassette Adapter, to play your iPod through a cassette
deck ($19.95)
- iShare Earbud Splitter, connects iPod to 2 pairs of earbuds
($12.95)
- 7' Male/Male Audio Cable, to connect typical powered speakers
($12.95)
- 7' Male/Female Audio Cable, to extend your iPod's reach
($12.95)
- 7' RCA Audio Cable, to connect to typical hi-fi equipment
($12.95)
The Get Connected Kit saves customers over $40 on these items if
purchased separately.
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 500, 128/10/DVD,
$679.99
- PowerBook Lombard G3/400,
192/6/CD-ROM $719.99
- PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD,
$1,149.99
- PowerBook G4/667, 512/30/DVD,
SVGA video, $1,349.99
- PowerBook G4/667, 512/30/Combo,
SVGA video, $1,399.99
- iBook 300, 32/3.2/CD-ROM,
$429.95 (available early October; taking preorders)
- PowerBook 3400c, 48/1.3/CD-ROM,
$189.99. One year extended warranty $70 extra.
- PowerBook 3400c, 48/1.3/CD-ROM,
$239.99. One year extended warranty $60 extra.
Machines are refurbished and include a 30 day guarantee - or buy
an extended 1 year warranty.
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
