Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.01.16
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars, bold links are to
outside sites, and regular links lead to 'Book profiles on Low End
Mac.
PowerBooks Apple's Biggest Money-Earner
Apple on Wednesday announced financial
results for its fiscal 2004 first quarter, which ended December
27, 2003. For the quarter, the company posted a net profit of $63
million, or 17¢ per diluted share. These results compare to a
net loss of $8 million, or 2¢ per diluted share, in the
year-ago quarter. Revenue for the quarter reached a four-year high
of $2. billion, up 36% from the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was
26.7%, down from 27.6% in the year-ago quarter. International sales
accounted for 44% of the quarter's revenue.
The quarter's results include an after-tax investment gain of $3
million which increased earnings per diluted share by 1¢.
Apple shipped 829,000 Macintosh units during the quarter, up 12%
from the year-ago quarter, as well as 733,000 iPod units, up 235%
from the year-ago quarter.
"It was an outstanding quarter for Apple, with double-digit unit
and revenue growth and over 730,000 iPods sold," said Steve Jobs,
Apple's CEO. "We're kicking off 2004 with strong momentum,
especially for Mac OS X, which is now used by almost 40% of
our installed base, iPod and the iTunes Music Store, which has a
70% share of the legal music download market."
"We are very pleased to have exceeded our revenue and profit
targets for the first quarter," said Fred Anderson, Apple's CFO.
"Continued strong asset management enabled us to increase cash by
$225 million to just under $4.8 billion. Looking ahead to the
second quarter of fiscal 2004, we expect our third consecutive
quarter of year-over-year double-digit growth in both revenue and
earnings, with revenue of about $1.8 billion and earnings per
diluted share of 8¢ to 10¢."
Portables now represent 48% of total Mac CPU sales. In the
quarter Apple sold 195,000 PowerBooks (nearly twice the 101,000
units in the same quarter last year).
Ideative's FlexUSB Fully Adjustable USB
Cable
Ideative, Inc.
announces the release of FlexUSB Cable, the second product in their
FlexConnex family of flexible products. FlexUSB Cable is a USB
cable with a flexible connector, and with the smallest profile in
the industry. FlexUSB Cable made its World debut at the
International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV on
Jan. 8-11, 2004.
Who says all USB cables are created equal? FlexUSB Cable blows
away the competition with patent-pending FlexConnex technology,
allowing USB cables to be used in difficult to reach and confined
spaces. FlexUSB utilizes less than half the footprint of
traditional USB connectors. Its fully adjustable design allows for
cable direction to be set and locked in all four directions,
without the long "loop-around" required by other cables. Like the
original FlexUSB adapter, FlexUSB Cable is designed to work with
both Windows and Macintosh computers, and all USB devices.
"Based on the overwhelming response our FlexUSB adapter received
since last year's CES, we expect great things for FlexUSB Cable,"
says Tavis Schriefer, President of Ideative, Inc. "FlexUSB Cable
allows anyone to securely position their cables, save space and
save money at the same time. FlexUSB actually costs less than many
of the competition's standard USB cables."
FlexUSB Cable is designed for today's high speed USB
requirements and is made with a premium lightweight cable that is
USB 2.0 Certified. FlexUSB Cable is currently shipping and is
backed by a one year warranty. FlexUSB Cable is available on
Ideative`s website in Standard, Mini, and USB Extension cables.
FlexUSB Cable joins the original FlexUSB adapter as the second
product in the FlexConnex family of products. FlexUSB is the
World`s first and only fully adjustable USB adapter. FlexUSB is a
small, lightweight accessory that provides a means to position USB
devices, allowing their use with all computers in even the most
cramped environments. FlexUSB is rapidly becoming a standard for
all computer users needing an easier and more adaptable way to
connect their expanding collection of USB computer peripherals.
Patent-pending FlexUSB bends, rotates and flexes in response to the
changing needs of the user.
Ideative's FlexUSB adapter is currently available in nearly 50
retail stores nationwide, including Fry's, Micro Center and
J&R. With sales in 11 countries to date, Ideative is well on
their way to make FlexUSB available in retailers worldwide. FlexUSB
Cable will join FlexUSB in wide retail distribution soon, at a
price comparable to other premium USB cables.
Keyspan Introduces USB Server for PCs and
Macs
Keyspan has announced its
revolutionary USB Server that connects USB devices to a Mac or PC
via a wired or wireless ethernet-based LAN. The USB Server will
ship in late Q1 2004 with an MSRP of $129.
Much like a USB print server, the USB Server enables attached
USB devices to be used and shared by client PCs on a LAN. In
addition to printers, the USB Server supports other USB devices
such as hard drives, scanners, and more.
The USB Device Server provides 4 ports for connecting to USB
devices at Full Speed USB (12 Mbps). It connects to 10/100 ethernet
networks via an RJ-45 connector and supports static IP, DHCP, and
Apple's Rendezvous address assignment. Client PCs must be running
Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher.
"This USB Server makes it possible to use and share USB
printers, scanners, and hard drives across a LAN," noted Mike
Ridenhour, president of Keyspan. "Yet, its most innovative use may
be to enable WiFi-based laptops to connect to remote USB
devices."
Kano Intros Super Fast 8x Dual-Format DVD+RW/R
and DVD-RW/R Drive for Macs and PCs
Kano
Technologies introduced its super-fast 8x dual-format DVD+RW/R
and DVD-RW/R drive today. The K8Xtreme has an 8x write speed for
both DVD+R and -R media and can record an entire DVD in less than
15 minutes. At this time, it is the only drive capable of 8x
recording on Verbatim 4x DVD-R media, which allows users to take
advantage of 4x media availability and pricing.
K8Xtreme can also write to and read CD media at 32x16x40x
speeds, and can read DVD-ROM at a 12x speed. A complete storage
solution, with a capacity of 4.7 GB per DVD, the K8Xtreme is the
perfect choice for video and audio archiving, and data backup and
archiving. The new drive is available now in three versions: an
internal model for PCs and external models for PCs and Macs.
"This is simply the fastest DVD recording system currently
available," said Robert Young, Kano's director of national sales.
"At the same time, the dual-format recording capability allows
users to create home movies in either the DVD+R or DVD-R format
used in most set-top DVD players. We are extremely pleased to be
one of the first companies to introduce an 8X +R and -R Dual format
recorder."
"Using a USB 2.0 or FireWire 400 (1394A) connection, a user can
easily add K8Xtreme DVD burning capability to a PC or Mac laptop or
desktop," Young continued. "PC users opting for the internal model
can connect with an IDE interface."
The K8Xtreme PC models include Roxio DVD Creator 6 for quickly
creating photo and video archives, or business training and
promotional videos on DVD. Roxio features drag-and-drop video, menu
backgrounds, video transitions and titles. The K8Xtreme Mac model
includes Roxio Toast Lite for audio and video recording and
playback.
The K8Xtreme comes complete with cables for the external models,
drive mount screws, DVD+R media and an instruction manual. MSRPs
are $199 for the K2500RI-WHT internal model for Windows and $299
for the K2500RU external USB 2.0 Windows model and the K2500RF
external FireWire model. All models are available now from Kano
storage-solution providers.
Zip-Linq Road Warrior Kit
The perfect travel kit for the urban commando, the Zip-Linq Road
Warrior Kit includes a USB Light, a USB Optical Mouse with a
retractable mini 5 pin USB cable, a retractable phone/modem cable,
a retractable Cat5 networking cable, and a retractable USB A male
to A female extension.
Mouse Specifications:
- Buttons: 2+ 1 Wheel
- Encoder: Opto-Mechanical
- CPI: 1500
- Cable: Retractable USB A to Mini 5 pin
- Windows 98/2000/ME/XP
Light Specifications:
- Length: 17"
- LEDs: 1 white, super bright
- Connection: USB A male
Cable Specifications:
- Durable ABS housing.
- Max data transfer rate: 12 MBps.
- USB Expands from 4" to 30"
- Modular Expands from 4" to 48"
ZIP-ROAD-KIT MSRP: $59.99
Willow Garibaldi 17" PowerBook Backpack
The Garibaldi Backpack is
Willow's largest backpack specifically designed to fit the 17"
PowerBook with lots of extra room for accessories, peripherals or
other paperwork. It offers superb protection in an understated pack
which does not draw attention to the fact it's holding a very
expensive laptop.
Features:
- particularly suitable for those who are taller than 5'7" or
1.72 metres in height and who wish to carry a good quantity of
extra items.
- elegant design - at home on the road and acceptable in the
boardroom in its briefcase form.
- increased personal security by making your case NOT look like a
briefcase or laptop carry case.
- superb laptop protection through a centrally protected location
surrounded by thick, single piece foam padding on the back, sides
and bottom.
- additional protection ensured by internal PowerBook compartment
corrugated dividers sandwiched to a "gushy" foam padding to isolate
the 17" PowerBook from the external pack walls.
- front protection is assured by three separate levels of foam
layers plus corrugated paneling and soft protective foam on the
PowerBook upper surface.
- 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.
- easy storage of cables, and some accessories with a convenient
Velcro secured, fold-down accessory divider /pocket system in the
laptop compartment.
- additional storage for the power supply and other accessories
by a removable, mesh topped zippered pocket located in the upper
section of the paperwork compartment.
- extreme carrying comfort with contoured, padded shoulder straps
which are quadruple layered at the back panel connection line for
extreme durability.
- removable sternum strap for increased stability and comfort as
well as a removable waist belt for shifting your load to the hips
and legs.
- contoured pack back and bottom which will not allow anything to
dig into your back, especially in your low back area.
- additional thickly padded removable wrap handle for extra
comfort in briefcase or vertical handle carrying mode.
- .090 thickness of high density polyethylene reinforcement
underneath the web handles with quadruple rivet reinforcing for
even greater strength and durability.
- a thickly padded traditional single shoulder carrying strap
when you want to look more cosmopolitan.
- room in the paperwork compartment for a eight centimetre (2.5")
depth of letter sized file folders or other items plus a centimetre
(0.5") of legal sized file folders.
- lots of organizer pockets in the outer pocket and throughout
the case.
- convenient shoulder strap flap to hide away shoulder straps
which can double as an easy to get to newspaper or magazine
pocket
- security pocket on back panel hidden under shoulder strap
flap.
- convenient shallow outer zippered pocket for airline tickets,
change or other items you want fast access to.
- new easy access cellphone pocket which can be attached securely
to either of the two shoulder straps. (A second pocket for
sunglasses or other items can be ordered for an extra $15 Cdn ($10
US).
- highly reflective Scotch strips on the pack front, sides, and
cell phone pocket for increased nighttime safety.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Available colors: black, charcoal, navy
Price: $243 Cdn/$181 US
Willow Vermillion 17" PowerBook Slipcase
The Vermillion 17" PowerBook
slipcase offers a lightweight, compact yet flexible solution
for carrying your 17" PowerBook, power supply and cord and some
accessories. The stylish design offers excellent protection for
your 17" PowerBook in a compact but expandable sleeve style
case.
Features:
- the cables shown in the main photograph are the security cables
of Macworld SF in January. They would not come off - but the Apple
rep was much impressed with the fit and with the case.
- excellent protection for your PowerBook afforded by 1.2 cm
(0.5") soft "gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the
top and sides.
- a clean, very lightweight and relatively compact size.
- great carrying comfort foam wrapped, polyethylene cored padded
handle designed with the seam at the top for maximum comfort.
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special sticky bottom
to keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure
the safety of your laptop.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the Whumph! off the ground if
you're leaning it against your leg or chair in the office, on the
train or in the ballroom.
- outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards,
pens, elasticized pocket for the Apple power supply plus room for
the power cord and an ethernet cable.
- rear flat pocket which expands to 2.8 inches of space when
needed.
- convenient under lid pocket which can be flipped up to access
change and smaller items.
- very handy, covered outer key chain clip to allow home or
office keys to be immediately access on the daily commute.
- stylish and protective reflective strips on slipcase front and
sides for superior nighttime visibility.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Available colors: black, charcoal, navy, taupe, burgundy
Price: $127 Cdn/$95 US
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).
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet G3/233, 64/2, $329.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet G3/233, 64/2/CD-ROM, $399.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet
G3/266, 288/2/CD-ROM, $429.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet
G3/266, 256/10/CD-ROM, $499.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet
G3/266, 256/25/CD-ROM, $539.99
- 14" PowerBook WallStreet
G3/500 (upgraded), 160/2/CD-ROM, $619.99
Note: these WallStreets are all upgradeable to G3/500 for less
than $250 or to a G4/500 for around $400
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/Combo, $1,199
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/SuperDrive, $1,399
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/Combo, $1,349
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/SuperDrive, $1,549
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/60/Combo, $1,699
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.25
GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $2,099
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
512/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $2,199
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $2,499
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
