Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.02.06
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.
iBook G4s Benchmarked
MacSpeedZone's
David Engstrom says:
"On paper there is very little to separate these three iBooks,
other than processor speed and screen size. Even in processor
speed, you don't see the kind of performance gaps that exist
between the Tower Power Macs. No, the iBooks take only baby steps
in terms of clock-speed, with the high-end 1 GHz Book clocking
in only 25% faster than the low-end 800 MHz iBook.
"This is reflected in the raw processing capability of each
model iBook. Setting the 800 MHz
model at 100%, in basic processing prowess, the 933 MHz iBook
comes in between 12% to 14% faster, and the 1 GHz machine 17% to 24%
faster.
"All three machines have the same graphics card, but the extra
processing muscle of the two higher-end models does help them best
the 800 MHz machine in most of our graphics tests . . .
even if it is by a small margin."
Seven Best Mac Laptops?
Gene Steinberg,
writing for USA Today, says, "No list of the greatest Macs of
the past 20 years would be complete without a selection of Apple
laptops."
Gene's choices:
Interesting selection. I don't think I've ever seen a PowerBook
190 (68040 version of the PowerBook
5300) on a best 'Books list before.
The 140 and 190 would not make my seven best list. I agree about
the PowerBook G3, which I think is the best-ever Apple 'Book so
far, and the 17-incher is delicious.
For my own most recent "best 'Books" column, read
Ten Great 'Books on Mac Opinion.
Daystar MAChSpeed G4 Pismo Upgrade Progress
Report
For those who have been following the progress of my Daystar Pismo G4 upgrade, I've
had the computer back in service for a bit more than 24 hours at
this writing, and so far the transformation is a rip-roaring
success.
The speed improvement is substantial and pretty much across the
board. Finder actions like menu access and opening documents and
dialogs are much livelier, scrolling is faster, and programs start
up quicker. Browser performance has speeded up as well.
Compatibility and stability appear to be both excellent. I
haven't encountered any issues with either so far. The computer
does run a bit hotter (I can't say how much, because the new G4
chip is not supported by Temperature Monitor, but the palm rest
does get warmer than it did with the G3 CPU), but that was to be
expected.
With the Daystar 550 MHz
G4 upgrade card and running OS X 10.3.2 Panther, the old
Pismo is definitely faster now than
my 700 MHz G3 iBook, even though
the latter has 150 MHz more clock speed, twice as much video RAM,
and supports Quartz Extreme. I expect that the PowerBook's full MB
of level 2 cache helps.
This upgrade makes performance sense, but does it make economic
sense? You can buy a brand-new 800 MHz
G3 iBook from Apple for $799 on the Special Deals page of the
Apple Store. The 550 MHz G4 upgrade from Daystar costs $329
dollars, and a used Pismo from Wegener Media (see
below) will set you back $599.
Based on my observations, the 550 MHz G4 Pismo will almost
certainly outperform an 800 MHz G3 iBook, and it offers certain
niceties that the iBook doesn't, like a PC card slot, a removable
device expansion bay, two FireWire ports, and an IrDA port. There
is also a less expensive 500 MHz Daystar G4 upgrade for $289. As
the owner of both a G4-upgraded Pismo and a G3 iBook, I have no
hesitation in saying that I now prefer the Pismo without
qualifications.
A Keyboard You Can Stuff in a Laptop Bag
The CoolMacKeyboard
is the world's most flexible keyboard - in more ways than one. This
silicone-cast keyboard is completely rollable and liquid resistant,
making it perfect for travel or harsh conditions. Type quietly
without the clicking of regular bulky keyboards. USB interface. Ice
White. $59.99.
SpyMac Introduces New Line of Notebook Cases;
Opens Online Shop
SpyMac has introduced its
new line of notebook cases designed specifically for Apple's iBook
and PowerBook. The cases were designed by the same team responsible
for Spymac.com and include details such as an integrated screen and
wrist protector, a shock protection system, and special iPod and
power-adapter compartments. They are available in 12", 15", and 17"
versions and will begin shipping on Feb. 12. Special savings are
currently being offered to customers who preorder.
All SpyMac Shop items are currently only available for USA
distribution, but international distribution will follow shortly.
All products come with a 30-day, no questions asked, money-back
guarantee.
The Spymac.Case is compact, luxurious, and designed and produced
exclusively by SpyMac. It features a large comfort grip handle,
oversized buckles and Teflon coating for premium spot protection.
All Spymac.Cases feature an integrated shock-protection system and
include a matching numerical-security lock, a detachable shoulder
strap with anti-slip padding and an integrated keyboard and screen
protector. Available sizes include 12", 15", and 17" versions.
A diagonal zipper-cut was implemented for easy operation of a
notebook computer directly from the Spymac.Case. What's more, soft
fabric folds over the front zipper area to provide a comfortable
wrist-rest, and buckled-straps keep the backside of the case
propped up when needed. For ultimate convenience, the Spymac.Case
has a special iPod pocket that allows for Apple's MP3 player to
stay connected to a notebook computer even when packed away, thanks
to open-ports at the bottom of the pocket just big enough to
accommodate the iPod's wired connection.
Constructed with 1000-D nylon and reflective 3M piping, the
Spymac.Case features an identifiable black and white design.
Externally, the front contains a hidden pocket - perfect for the
transportation of manuals or publications. On the inside, several
large pockets provide space for an iPod, a power adapter, a wired
mouse and any extra cabling required for the voyage.
Spymac.Pack
The Spymac.Pack is lightweight, versatile, and designed to
accommodate Spymac's line of notebook cases. It features a large
comfort grip handle, retractable trolley system, Teflon coating, a
spacious interior and generous padding and protection. It can
function as a notebook trolley and a traditional backpack.
The Spymac.Pack includes compartments for work and travel. An
oversized garment and cosmetic compartment (with elastic X-straps)
shares the interior with a divided notebook compartment, allowing
for easy storage of a Spymac.Case (the 12", 15", and 17" versions
all integrate effortlessly) or a third-party notebook case. The
Spymac.Pack also features an expandable design (squeeze out every
last bit of space with a zipper-extender function) and a large
front-pocket organizer.
When used as a backpack, the inline wheels are hidden away by an
attached wheel cover. The plush back and strap padding provide a
comfortable ride. The Spymac.Pack carries IATA (International Air
Transport Assoc.) measurements of 40 cm x 20 cm x 55 cm (15.7 in x
7.9 in x 21.7 in).
Iomega Claims Problems with USB 2.0 Ports in
Apple Laptops
MacFixIt
reports, "We received a report from Iomega representative Wayne
Linder that the USB 2.0 ports found on Apple's PowerBook G4
(Aluminum) and iBook G4 models do not wake from sleep properly,
resulting in a lack of functionality."
Juice 70 Combination AC and Auto/Air Notebook
Power Adapter
iGo's
Juice 70 is an all-in-one mobile adapter connecting notebooks
plus a mobile phone or handheld simultaneously to any power source.
(Accessory required for mobile phones and handhelds).
Juice supports most major notebook brands, including Apple,
Compaq, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Toshiba, Dell, Fujitsu/Siemens,
Gateway, and Sony Models, and was named Handheld Computing's Best
Product of 2003
Juice comes prepackaged with the following tips: 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A,
6A, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15.
Specifications
- AC Input: 100-230 V ~2A 50/60 Hz
- DC Input: 11.75-16 VDC ~8A MAX
- Continuous power output: up to 70 watts
- Safety features: over voltage protection, current limit, over
temperature protection, short circuit protection
- Unit dimensions: 5.40"L x 2.15"W x 0.85"H
- Unit weight: 7.5 oz.
- Cord lengths:
- AC Input: 3.0'
- DC Input: 3.0'
- DC Output: 6.0'
- Peripheral Powering System power output: 7.5 watts DC
maximum
- Peripheral Powering System cord length: 3.0'
- Warranty: 2 years
ice90 Universal AC Notebook Power
Adapter for Home or Office
Versatile, convenient and simple to use,
iGo ice90 adapter is a perfect
solution for powering all of your mobile gear. Delivering up to 90
Watts of power through our patented tip technology, multiple ice90
adapters in your home and office settings reliably keep the power
on no matter where you are, or what applications you might be
running.
Features:
- Compatible with most major notebook brands including Apple,
Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP, IBM, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba,
Winbook and others
- Sleek industrial design
- Peripheral Powering System port (accessory sold
separately)
- Cable management belt
- White status indicator light
- Major safety certifications
- Over voltage, temperature, and short-circuit protection
- 2 year limited warranty
Specifications:
- AC Input: 100-240V AC; 50/60 Hz
- DC Output to Notebook: Up to 90 Watts Continuous
- Unit Dimensions: 5.67"L x 2.6"W x 1.25"H
- Unit Weight: 15 ounces
- DC Adapter Power Cord: 60"
- Output Power Cord: 48"
- Price: $90
Keyspan Ships New Retractable Sync + Charge
Cables for Leading PDAs
Keyspan has announced it
is now shipping ZIP LINQ retractable sync + charge cables for
leading PDAs including Sony Clie, Toshiba Pocket PC, Dell Axim, and
for the Visor PDA and Treo 600 smartphone from palmOne.
Road warrior friendly, the retractable cables enable users to
sync as well as charge their PDAs via a laptop's USB port. The
cable extends to 30 inches by pulling on both ends. Simply pull
again and the cable retracts back into its durable housing. About
the size of a quarter, the cables feature a remarkably compact form
factor that helps eliminate the tangle of wires and power cords
needed for mobile computing.
The new ZIP LINQ cables distinguish themselves from competitors
in two ways. First, the cables are more compact than cables
available from other companies. Second, the ZIP LINQ line offers an
unmatched breadth of retractable cabling solutions.
Priced from $17.99, the new PDA cables expand Keyspan's "ZIP
LINQ" retractable cable line that consists of dozens of USB,
FireWire, PDA, Cell Phone, digital camera, modem, and Ethernet
connectivity solutions for mobile computing.
The ZIP LINQ line of cables is a result of Keyspan's partnership
with Cables
Unlimited, a Concord, CA-based manufacturer and distributor of
cables. Keyspan and Cables Unlimited are collaborating to market
ZIP LINQ cables in the United States and Pacific Rim markets.
Keyspan's ZIP LINQ cables are available to resellers via Ingram
and to consumers through leading catalogs and online resellers.
How to Make a Better Mac Laptop?
Dan Gillmor muses, "I return to a recurring fantasy.
"Now that IBM is making the chips Apple will use in
new-generation computers, why can't Apple acknowledge, and take
advantage of, Big Blue's supremacy in making laptops? The ThinkPads
have set a standard for years in the hardware department. Apple
makes elegant machines, but they're hardly perfect and quality
control has been slipping lately.
"Marry the ThinkPad hardware
with Mac software, ease of use and style, and you'd have an almost
perfect laptop. I realize there's no chance that this will happen.
But that's how fantasy works."
Well, it's a fantasy not entirely without precedent. The
PowerBook 2400c was designed and
built by IBM Japan.
iBreeze Laptop Stand Reviewed
PowerPage's
Bob Snow says:
"The iBreeze laptop stand is a bent, clear acrylic platform with
active cooling powered by the USB bus of your laptop.... At
US$29.99 from MacMice.com, it seems like a real bargain....
"I am a big advocate of stands for several reasons. I think that
the ergonomics involved in using a laptop computer are highly
problematic. If the built-in keyboard is at proper typing height,
the screen is too low. Conversely, if you raise the screen up to a
good viewing height, the keyboard is too high for typing....
"Another reason to use a stand is to allow air to circulate
under the laptop for better cooling. I prefer passive cooling as
long as it is adequate and keeps the internal fan from coming
on...."
I agree, Bob. Laptop stands are a must-have for desktop
substitute use.
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).
- new 12" iBook G3/800,
256/30/CD-ROM, LaCie FireWire Pocket CD-RW 24x10x24x, InCase Small
Laptop Sleeve Soft-Tech, $999
- new 14" iBook G3/900,
640/60/Combo, AirPort, $1,169
- new 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/Combo, Bluetooth, Apple Bluetooth Wireless Mouse, Macally
USB Flash Drive 256 MB, $1,759
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals
and Best iBook Deals.
