Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2003.10.31
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
Reports from Pismo Owners with G4/500 and
G3/900 Upgrades Posted
Accelerate Your Mac has posted
some user feedback from owners of Pismo PowerBooks with G4/500 and
G3/900 processor upgrades, including from folks who have installed
Panther.
The intro notes:
- You're always more likely to hear about problems than from
those with none (that's human nature) and web sites generally cover
problems trying to find a solution and/or determine if the problems
are common to a specific model/configuration or not. After a few
Pismo owner reports on 10.3 problems previously (some noting the
failure to eject the 1st CD for instance - this may be a suspect CD
set, although I wonder if it might be an issue only with some OEM
optical drives in the Pismo), I thought I'd post some reports from
Pismo (PB G3 FireWire/2000) owners that are running 10.3 OK, even
with a G4/500 and/or G3/900 CPU upgrade. (There may be other mails
on this in my inbox though, these 3 are just ones I ran across that
mentioned Pismos and CPU upgrades).
RoamAbout Wireless Card for $28
Why did you get a PowerBook
anyway? Cut that cable and be free!
The RoamAbout Wireless
Card offers full 10Base-T networking capabilities, full
compatibility with AirPort base stations and the entire 802.11b
network system!
- 11 Mbps transfer rate - cruise the Web wirelessly as fast as
your cable or phone line can connect.
- Compatible with PowerBooks 5300, 1400, 3400c, 2400, G3
("Kanga"), G3 WallStreet, G3 Lombard, G3 Pismo, G4 Titanium
- Fully compatible with AirPort software and firmware.
- Apple, Windows, XP, and Linux drivers included.
Note that AirPort software requires OS 9.0.4 or higher (this is
standard no matter which cards you use). Certain machines may
require upgrades or software to be compatible with AirPort, but
this card will work in any AirPort compatible PowerBook that has a
PC card slot.
Price: $27.99
ThermographX 0.9.1 Temperature Monitoring
Utility
ThermographX
monitors the various temperature sensors inside your modern
Macintosh G4 or G5.
- Records maximum and minimum temperatures.
- Shows temperature records over time, using a zoomable display
so you can analyze short-term or long-term.
- Shows individual sensor temperatures on models that have
them.
ThermographX compatibility is still being determined. So far, it
is known to provide accurate sensor readings on these models:
- 12" & 17" PowerBook G4
- Aluminum 15" PowerBook G4
- Mirror Door Power Macintosh G4
- Power Macintosh G5
Note: Motorola's MPC7450CE/D Rev 5 errata indicates: "The
thermal assist unit (TAU) is no longer supported on the MPC7450,
MPC7451, or MPC7441." Because of this you will not be able to
measure the junction temperature on any system with these
processors. This includes the "Gigabit" PowerBook G4 and the "2001
Quicksilver" Power Mac G4s.
New in this version:
- Optimized drawing performance.
- Fix bug storing data that would cause data to be presented
incorrectly.
- Fixed restoring of short-term sensor list.
- Added identification of iBook G4.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2.4 or later; requires a
Macintosh with compatible thermal sensors (so far these have been
found on the Aluminum 12", 15", and 17" PowerBooks, the
"mirror-door" G4, the G5, some G3 PowerBooks, and G4 Cube
models)
ThermographX is $7 shareware.
Online Petition Regarding Defective Apple
PowerBook LCDs Launched
Nitesh Dhanjani has posted a Defective
Apple PowerBook LCDs Petition to Apple Computer. It
reads:
To: Apple Computers
We, the undersigned, demand that Apple Computers immediately
acknowledge and address the manufacturing defect on the LCD screens
of its PowerBook G4 laptops. The LCD screens of these laptops are
susceptible to random "White Spots" appearing on the display. These
spots are very distracting and are an obvious manufacturing
defect.
PowerBook owners around the world have been complaining of this
problem. Evidence of this can be seen on Apple's own discussion
group website located at http://discussions.info.apple.com
and on various message board discussion groups on the Internet. Due
to the extremely large number of PowerBook owners that have been
sending their newly purchased laptops for repair under warranty, it
is OBVIOUS that Apple is aware of this defect. However, most
customers have been noticing this problem reoccur within hours or
days of their PowerBook being repaired under warranty. This is
completely unacceptable.
Demands:
- Apple must immediately acknowledge that it is aware of this
manufacturing defect.
- Customers should be given the option to return the product for
a complete refund even after the usual 10 day refund policy. A 10
day refund policy should not apply to customers who have been sold
a product that is known to be susceptible to manufacturing
defects.
- If the customer opts for a repair, then Apple must ensure that
the LCD screen is replaced with one that does not seem susceptible
to this problem.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Willow Saga 14"
iBook Handbag
The Saga 14" iBook
Handbag safely and efficiently carries your iBook while
also doubling as a stylish and sophisticated business case. The
handbag is lightweight but offers a range of pockets for business
items, computer accessories, personal items, change, and other
articles.
Fits: 14" iBook, PowerBook G3 Pismo/Lombard
Saga Handbag features:
- Fits, without creating unsightly bulges, the iBook, the iBook
AV cable, extra battery, power adapter and grounded cord, a Podium
Pad, iPod, iPod dock and connecting cord, iPod wall and auto car
power adapters, iPod car FM transmitter, cell phone, and other
personal items.
- Shoulder strap is 34" (86 cm) long so is suitable for larger
framed persons or for those taller than 5' 4" (161 cm).
- Elegant, clean and very stylish handbag style exterior.
- Light weight (2.25 lb.) for maximum carrying comfort.
- Carrying comfort assured by a wide integrated padded shoulder
strap.
- Accentuated security for your laptop by a handbag style which
doesn't advertise it's holding a laptop.
- Excellent protection for your iBook afforded by a specially
designed sleeve with 0.6 cm (0.3") soft "gushy" foam reinforced by
high density polystyrene reinforcement on all sides.
- Separate shoulder strap for iBook sleeve times when you want to
carry only the iBook.
- 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, 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 key chain 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.
Available colours: black, charcoal, navy, taupe, burgundy
Pricing: Can $195, US $140
Willow Legend 15" PowerBook Handbag
The Legend 15" PowerBook
Handbag offers a dual role of a stylish handbag, a personal
organizer bag and a highly protective 15" PowerBook carry bag. The
handbag is lightweight but offers a range of pockets for business
items, computer accessories, personal items, change and other
stuff.
Fits: 15" PowerBook
Legend Handbag features:
- Fits, without creating unsightly bulges, the 15" PowerBook,
PowerBook AV cable, extra battery, power adapter and grounded cord,
a Podium Pad, iPod, iPod dock and connecting cord, iPod wall and
auto car power adapters, iPod car FM transmitter, cell phone, and
personal items.
- Shoulder strap is 34" (86 cm) long so is suitable for larger
framed persons or for those taller than 5' 4" (161 cm).
- Elegant, clean and very stylish handbag style exterior.
- Light weight (2.25 lb.) for maximum carrying comfort.
- Carrying comfort assured by a wide integrated padded shoulder
strap.
- Accentuated security for your laptop by a handbag style which
doesn't advertise it's holding a laptop.
- Excellent protection for your 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.
- Separate shoulder strap for PowerBook sleeve times when you
want to carry only the iBook.
- 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.
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 key chain 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.
Available colours: black, charcoal, navy, taupe, burgundy
Pricing: Can $200, US $145
PowerLogix Ships PowerCube Aluminum
Enclosure
Not a Mac portable item, but PowerLogix has announced the
PowerCube,
an aluminum alloy enclosure for the PowerMac G4 Cube.
The PowerCube offers both up-to-date styling and functional
improvements over the original acrylic Cube enclosure. Cube owners
can now realize significantly enhanced CPU and graphics performance
without the risk of additional heat.
Manufactured in the USA, the
PowerCube is precision machined using 5052 aluminum alloy, then
hand-assembled. Three finishes are available: "G5-style" anodized
aluminum, glossy black powder coat, or cool white powder coat. Two
optional perforated cooling grilles are offered; anodized aluminum
or mirror chrome.
The all-metal PowerCube offers superior cooling over the
original Cube. With the PowerCube, the system can be safely
upgraded with a faster processor and a high-performance video card.
For virtually silent operation, the PowerCube retains the "fan
less" design of the original cube.
Cubeowner.com, the preeminent online community for the PowerMac
Cube, commented: "PowerLogix has graced us with a unique,
functional, yet still-stylish spin on our beloved Cube and should
be applauded for their efforts. The potential performance gains and
customization options of the outer shell make the PowerCube a
welcome update to a timeless classic."
The system is compatible with all versions of the original
PowerMac Cube.
The PowerCube is available direct from PowerLogix and is
shipping now.
Lexar Media Expands USB Flashdrive Portfolio
with JumpDrive Music
Lexar Media,
Inc. has introduced JumpDrive Music, a portable USB flash
storage device that enables people to easily store, carry, and
transfer data files, while also serving as a full-featured MP3
player. JumpDrive Music, Lexar Media's first JumpDrive with MP3
player capability, furthers the company's well-established position
as a leader in the USB flashdrive media category by delivering
reliable storage capacity for mobile computer users, while
satisfying the growing number of consumers seeking a portable
digital music solution.
"JumpDrive Music is a natural extension of our popular JumpDrive
USB flashdrive products," said Dave Klenske, director of product
marketing, Lexar Media. "Since entering this category Lexar Media
has satisfied different audiences with highly sought after features
including high-speed capability and security software. JumpDrive
Music will appeal to active people who desire storage capacity for
all of their valuable information including music."
JumpDrive Music will be available in 128 MB and 256 MB
capacities and can store approximately two to four hours of high
quality music, or the data equivalent of 88 or 176 floppy disks,
respectively. Affordably priced at $89.99 and $159.99, JumpDrive
Music is ideal for students and mobile professionals who have the
need to transport valuable document files but also enjoy traveling
with their favorite music. The USB connection and compact size
allow users to quickly download personalized music selections to
enjoy throughout the day.
JumpDrive Music includes a host of MP3 player features to
enhance the user's experience, including an easy-to-use single
navigation button for accessing all player controls, an equalizer,
and an easy to read backlit LCD display. JumpDrive supports MP3 and
WMA, the most popular digital audio formats on the market
today.
JumpDrive Music will be available at retail locations nationwide
in November 2003 and includes one AAA battery, earbud headphones, a
lanyard, and a USB cable for quick and easy connection to a PC or
Macintosh. JumpDrive Music is compatible with Windows 2000/Me/XP,
Mac OS X, and Mac OS 9 operating systems with no drivers
required.
Packard Bell to Introduce Athlon 64
Notebook
The Register's Tony Smith reports
that Packard Bell will beat Apple to market with a 64 bit
laptop:
- Packard Bell is set to become the first major notebook vendor
to offer a portable PC based on AMD's Athlon 64 chip.
According the company's German web site, the EasyNote M3308 will
contain an Athlon 64 3000+, along with 512 MB of DDR SDRAM, a 60 GB
hard drive and a DVD-RW optical unit. The machine's 15.4" 1280 x
800 screen is powered by an ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 chip with 64
MB of dedicated graphics memory.
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/SuperDrive, $1,399
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
512/60/SuperDrive, AirPort, $2,499
- refurb 12" iBook 900,
128/40/Combo, $919
- refurb 14" iBook 900,
256/40/Combo, $10,99
Previous generation iBook G3 (Dual boot, OS X/OS 9
configurations). These iBook products are new and unopened
units.
Refurbished PowerBooks
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, $1,199
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/SuperDrive, $1,399
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
512/60 GB/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $2,499
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
