Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.04.30
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.
Apple AirPort 3.4.1 Update Released
This
software update provides improved AirPort wireless networking
software and is recommended for all users with an AirPort Extreme
enabled computer or an AirPort Extreme base station.
This software release supports both AirPort Extreme and AirPort
products.
AirPort Extreme is Apple's third generation AirPort product.
It's turbocharged with the latest wireless technology, 802.11g, to
deliver data rates of up to 54 megabits per second (Mbps) - almost
five times as fast as before. AirPort Extreme is compatible with
previous versions of AirPort technology, as well as other WiFi
certified 802.11b products.
For the latest information on AirPort software, check Software
Update in System Preferences.
Internet service provider (ISP) compatibility: Wireless Internet
access requires a wireless-enabled computer, a base station or
other third-party access point and Internet access (fees may
apply). Some ISPs are not currently compatible with AirPort and
AirPort Extreme. For more information on using AirPort or AirPort
Extreme with your Internet account, contact your ISP or go to the
AppleCare Knowledge Base at http://www.apple.com/support
New in this version: Bug fixes
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
Toshiba Debuts 100 GB Laptop Hard Drive
The Register's Tony
Smith reports:
"Toshiba's storage division yesterday introduced a 2.5" hard
drive offering up to 100 GB of storage capacity thanks to an
'industry leading' density of 80 Gb per square inch.
"The 9.5 mm high, 99g unit - dubbed the MK1031GAS - is pitched
at notebook vendors. That's not just because of its size. The drive
features a 'load/unload mechanism that isolates the head from the
disk when it is not executing read-write instructions' the better
to protect the delicate mechanism from shocks."
The drive uses 20% less power than existing 2.5" drives, spins
at 4200 rpm, and contains an 8 MB buffer. Toshiba also plans
to release a 50 GB drive using the same technology.
4x DVD-R/RW/RAM Drive Upgrade for PowerBook G4
and Cube
MCE Technologies, LLC
(MCE) has announced a 4x DVD recordable slot loading internal drive
upgrade for the Apple PowerBook G4 and Power Mac G4 Cube.
The MCE 4x DVD recordable slot-loading drive is a dual drive and
records to both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW media. In addition to reading
and writing to standard DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW media, it reads
and writes to 4.7 GB and 9.4 GB double-sided DVD-RAM media. The MCE
4x DVD-R/RW/RAM drive is available now for immediate shipment.
"Our 4x DVD-R/RW/RAM dual drive upgrade for the PowerBook G4 and
Cube matches the latest PowerBook DVD-R drives offered by Apple in
terms of speed and even goes one better by offering DVD-RAM
drag-and-drop functionality," stated Arnie Ramirez, president of
MCE.
The MCE 4x DVD-R/RW/RAM internal drive upgrade for PowerBook G4
and Power Mac G4 Cube writes to standard DVD-R media at 4x speed,
to standard DVD-RW media at 2x speed, to DVD+R and DVD+RW media at
2.4x speed, and to 4.7 GB single-sided or 9.4 GB double-sided
DVD-RAM media at 2x speed. In addition, it writes to standard 650
MB (74 minute) and 700 MB (80 minute) CD-R media at up to 24x
speed, writes to standard CD-RW media at up to 24x speed, reads
DVD-ROM discs at up to 12x speed, and reads standard CD-ROM discs
at up to 24x speed.
The MCE 4x DVD-R/RW/RAM internal dual drive upgrade is bootable
and is compatible with iTunes, iDVD, Finder Burning, DVD Player,
and also includes DVD Authoring software that enables the creation
of video DVDs directly from the PowerBook G4 or Cube that are
playable on most computer and home DVD players.
Included with the drive is a 9.4 GB DVD-RAM disc with true
drag-and-drop technology providing nearly 10 GB of instant backup
and storage. The drive's DVD-RAM function is also compatible with
Dantz Retrospect and Retrospect Express Backup Software. The MCE 4x
DVD-R/RW/RAM internal dual drive is compatible with all 12", 15",
and 17" PowerBook G4s.
The suggested retail price is $279 (for those PowerBook G4 or
Cube systems with a CD-R/RW drive, CD-R/RW-DVD-ROM combo drive, or
DVD-R drive) and $329 for those systems currently with a DVD-ROM or
CD-ROM only drive.
MCE develops and markets a wide range of Macintosh related
products and solutions to distributors, dealers, and end users.
Tips on Maximizing PowerBook and iBook Battery
Storage Life
A new Apple
Knowledge Base Article says:
"Apple uses four different types of batteries for PowerBook
computers: sealed lead acid (SLA), nickel cadmium (NiCad), nickel
metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium ion (Li-Ion). iBook computers use
lithium ion batteries. Each type of battery has different storage
life characteristics.
Sealed Lead Acid Batteries (SLA)
- 2 to 3 months - Battery should still have minimal charge to
operate the PowerBook
- 12 to 18 months - Battery can still be charged
- 24 months or more - Uncertain
Nickel Cadmium Batteries (NiCad)
- 1 to 2 months - Battery should still have minimal charge to
operate the PowerBook
- 6 to 12 months - Battery can still be charged
- 24 months or more - Uncertain
Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)
- 1 to 2 months - Battery should still have minimal charge to
operate the PowerBook
- 6 to 12 months - Battery can still be charged
- 24 months or more - Uncertain
The PowerBook Intelligent Battery (NiMH) has improved charging
abilities. A fully charged battery has a 6-month shelf life. If the
battery is discharged in sleep as far as it will go to the point
that the computer shuts down, the computer can stay in this state
for 6 weeks.
Lithium Ion Batteries (Li-Ion)
- 1 to 2 months - Battery should still have minimal charge to
operate the computer
- 6 to 12 months - Battery can still be charged
- 12 months or more - Uncertain
Batteries may be damaged if stored for prolonged periods with a
closed circuit. The environmental temperature also affects the
storage life of any battery. Cool environments are best, and are
assumed for the above estimates. All storage times are based on
storage starting with the battery fully charged.
For example, schools that may not use their iBook or PowerBook
computers during the summer should fully charge the batteries,
remove them from the computers, and store them in a cool location
for the duration of the summer.
Illustrated 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz
Teardown
The Japanese Kodawarisan site has posted photos
of a 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz tear down. (Photo labels are in
English.)
QuickerTek Wireless Antenna and PC Card Bundle
Improves Wireless Range
Titanium PowerBook G4 users now get four times the effective
wireless range - a new antenna and PC Card bundle makes it happen
for wireless 'Book users
QuickerTek, a developer of wireless antenna products for
PowerBook users, has just finished testing its Whip antenna with
the Buffalo 802.11g PC Card for wireless networking. The results
are in, and Titanium PowerBook G4 users can expect a 4x wireless
performance improvement when using both products. This bundle,
available from QuickerTek's resellers, is priced at $169.95 before
rebate.
The very efficient QuickerTek Whip external antenna attached to
the antenna port of the Buffalo 802.11g PC Card produces
unprecedented wireless range and flexibility. QuickerTek is so
confident in the wireless enhancement that they will send a $35
rebate upon receiving your working Apple AirPort PC Card, making
the final cost of the bundle only $134.95.
The Buffalo card is Mac OS X 10.2.6 and newer compatible, and
future Mac support by Buffalo is assured. First introduced to
computer users at the fall COMDEX in 2002, the 802.11g PC Card has
been very popular in the Windows world. In fact, high-speed
wireless cards represent the majority of Buffalo's business across
Europe and North America as well as in their native Japan.
"For most speed-related products, while an improvement is
welcomed, but a huge boost in performance really gets wireless
PowerBook users excited. Customers who have purchased our antenna
products have been ecstatic with the performance improvements,"
said Rick Estes, President of QuickerTek. "We have had several
customers who have requested a further wireless range extension for
PowerBook G3 Pismo, Titanium
PowerBook G4, 15" and 17" aluminum PowerBook G4s, as well as the
PowerBook G3 Lombard and
WallStreet. This product bundle
works for all these wireless PowerBook users," Estes continued.
This product bundle is "plug and play" and requires no drivers
beyond the Apple AirPort drivers already installed. By using a
solid, brand name card from Buffalo, customers have the comfort and
assurance of a warranty and future compatibility with OS X
10.2.6 as well as later software upgrades by Apple. Thus customers
get the best of all worlds.
The other obvious benefit to many PowerBook users is that they
now have access to the improved speed offered by the 54 Mbps
AirPort Extreme-level 802.11g wireless gear.
QuickerTek realizes
that there is a lot of confusion and misinformation about how to
get the most out of your wireless network. QuickerTek strives to
offer the most comprehensive solutions with clear explanations and
"friend-in-the-business" guidance of how to maximize Apple wireless
performance.
QuickerTek is the recognized leading innovator of antennas for
Apple computers with antennas for Titanium PowerBooks, aluminum
PowerBooks, Apple Cube desktops, including antennas for AirPort
Graphite, Snow, and Extreme Base Stations. QuickerTek is the only
company with antennas for the new Power Mac G5 desktops.
This product is available for $169.95 and is in stock for
immediate customer delivery from dealers including MacAnywhere,
TechnoWarehouse, Small Dog Electronics, Harmonic Inversion
Technology, and Alta Technology in London.
The $35 rebate is earned when customers send in a dated sales
receipt and a working Apple AirPort card. The website has complete
rebate details.
ATI Sets Standards for Graphics on New Apple
Laptops
ATI Technologies Inc.
continues to build on its wide range of offerings for the Mac
market now shipping in new Apple products, including the PowerBook
G4 professional notebook and eMac desktop for consumers and
education customers. Offering powerful performance improvements to
the Mac lineup, these new graphics systems, which include the
Mobility Radeon 9700 and the Radeon 9200, provide Mac users with
the high-end graphics experience they expect from ATI and
Apple.
Continuing ATI's leadership in the mobile sector, the 15" and
17" PowerBook G4 notebooks will feature the new Mobility Radeon
9700, the world's fastest mobile graphics processing unit. ATI's
Mobility Radeon 9700 uses Low-k process technology to reduce the
strain on battery life and at the same time provide accelerated
performance. The Mobility Radeon 9700 sets a new standard for
processing power in a notebook, which enables users to perform a
wide range of graphics functions, ranging from gaming, to digital
video editing.
"With the introduction of the Mobility Radeon 9700, notebook
performance no longer takes a back seat behind desktop products,"
said Phil Eisler, Vice President and General Manager, Mobile and
Integrated Products, ATI. "By addressing the two key issues for
notebook users, performance and power consumption, the Mobility
Radeon 9700 demonstrates ATI's commitment to user's needs."
The overwhelmingly successful eMac, geared to educational
customers and consumers, will now be powered by the Radeon 9200,
enabling first class graphics at a low, entry-level price. With a
quad pipe architecture, eMac users will enjoy compelling 3D content
and gaming.
"Apple continues to lead the industry with innovation, design
and customer experience; including industry-leading graphics," said
Greg Joswiak, Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Apple.
"We chose high-quality graphics processors from ATI for new eMacs,
iBooks and PowerBooks to continue with our tradition of offering
the ultimate in graphics experience to Apple customers."
Backlit LCDs Require a Warm-up Period
A new Apple
Knowledge Base Article notes that LCD panels require a warm-up
period to reach normal brightness.
"When you first turn on a backlit display, or wake it from a
lengthy sleep, its brightness gradually increases until it reaches
a normal operating temperature. This warm-up period can range from
several minutes to over an hour, depending on display's size and
the environment in which it is being used."
Interestingly, while my G3 iBook very much manifests this
warm-up phenomenon, my Pismo and WallStreet PowerBooks do not.
iBatt 1.0.1 PowerBook Battery Monitor
iBatt is a battery monitor
for PowerBooks. It goes far beyond the basic charge level
information reported by the system, and tells you your battery's
capacity, voltage, and overall health report. In addition, it will
provide a running graph showing trends in your battery's
performance.
iBatt will almost certainly tell you things about your
PowerBook's battery that you never knew. All batteries degrade over
time, and OS X has no built-in way of showing you just how worn out
your battery is. But your PowerBook knows, and iBatt knows how to
get that information out. Have you ever wondered if your PowerBook
falls short of others in terms of battery performance? iBatt is not
just a standalone application, but an Internet-based statistical
tool. It reports how your battery measures up against other
PowerBooks of your model, and gives you the option to submit your
own battery statistics to iBatt's Internet database.
System requirements:
- PowerBook or iBook
- Mac OS X 10.2 or higher
iBatt is $15 shareware. You can download it free for evaluation
purposes. The demo version will quit after 10 minutes of use, and
it will not allow you to view battery statistics on any PowerBook
model other than your own.
12" iBook/PowerBook Essential Accessory
Kit
You've got a 12" iBook/PowerBook, but there are a few
accessories you've always wanted but just never got around to
purchasing. This
Small Dog Electronics bundle keeps your laptop looking good
longer and gives you the extra CDs that are always nice to have on
hand.
Included:
- Marware Sportfolio II Black neoprene case for 12" iBook and
PowerBook
- Macally Screen Protector for 12" screen
- iSkin ProTouch PB Sonic Blue Keyboard protection for iBook and
PowerBooks
- Imation CD-RW Media 25-pack Spindle 4x certified
Price: $85
Installing Earlier System Software on
iBook May Cause Display Image to Shrink
A new Apple
Knowledge Base Article notes:
Each iBook comes with system software of a certain version. If
an earlier version of system software is installed on that iBook,
the display image may appear very small and not fill the
screen.
Display issues, shrinking video, video issues, older software,
distorted video.
Not all system software of the same version is exactly the same.
For example, while you may have an earlier software disc that is
labeled Mac OS 9.2.2 and your iBook came with Mac OS 9.2.2, the
iBook may very well have additional software specific to that
computer that is not present on the earlier disc. This can be true
for both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. Because of this, you should always
be sure to use the original software discs that came with your
computer when reinstalling software.
PowerBook/iBook Power Manager Reset
Guidelines Updated
Apple has updated its instructions for resetting
the Power Manager Unit in PowerBooks and iBooks to include the
models released last week.
The Power Manager is an integrated circuit (computer chip) 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 include 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 unresponsive. 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.
Opening Your iBook's Optical Drive Tray
and Ejecting a CD or DVD
A new Apple
Knowledge Base Article tells you how to Eject a CD or DVD or
Open the Optical Drive Tray of an iBook with a tray-load optical
drive. For iBook models with slot-load drives, see Mac Help for
your model of iBook.
- Make sure the disc is not in use.
- Quit all applications that are using files on the disc.
- Press the Media Eject key at the top-right corner of the
keyboard.
- If that doesn't work, hold down the function key and press the
Media Eject key.
- If that doesn't work, drag the disc's icon to the Trash.
- If that doesn't work, restart the computer, and hold down the
mouse button as the computer starts up.
- To restart, choose Restart from the Apple menu.
If the disc still won't eject, eject it manually
Carefully insert the end of a straightened paper clip into the
emergency eject hole on the drive tray.
Ejecting a Disc from a PowerBook G4 Disc
Drive
A new Apple
Knowledge Base Article says:
There are three ways to eject a disc from the disc drive of a
PowerBook G4 computer.
F12, or Media Eject Key
You can press the F12 key, also know as the Media Eject key,
located at the top-right corner of the keyboard to eject a disc
from the DVD-ROM drive. Press and hold down this key for a few
seconds until the drive ejects the disc.
Restart the Computer
You can eject a disc from the drive by restarting the computer and
holding down the trackpad button while the computer starts up.
Press the trackpad button until the drive ejects the disc.
Emergency Eject Button (original PowerBook G4 only)
The original PowerBook G4 computer has an emergency eject button.
If other means of ejecting the disc do not work, try using the
emergency eject button. This is only available on the first
PowerBook G4 model.
- Make sure the computer is turned on. You cannot use the
emergency eject button if the computer is turned off.
- Insert the end of a paper clip into the emergency eject hole
(located on the right side of the drive slot).
- Press the emergency eject button.
PowerBook G4, iBook G4: Troubleshooting
the Slot Load Disc Drive
A new Apple
Knowledge Base Article says:
iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 computers come with several different
types of optical disc drives: CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo
drives", and DVD-R/CD-RW "SuperDrives". All of the iBook G4 and
PowerBook G4 drives are called slot-loading drives, which means the
disc is drawn directly into the computer rather than being put on a
tray that is pulled into the computer.
The drive doesn't accept any discs
The drive doesn't eject discs
The drive is noisy, vibrates, or scratches media
Marks at Base of PowerBook Display
Screen
An Apple
Knowledge Base Article says:
"Because of the PowerBook computer's slim profile and lighter
weight, there may be small vertical marks on its display where the
edge of the keycaps touch the glass that covers the display.
The marks may appear on these computers
"These marks are the result of the edges of the keycaps on the
keyboard touching the glass that covers the display due to the
tight tolerances required by the slim profile and lighter weight of
the PowerBook computer. These marks are not permanent and can be
removed by gently wiping off the display with a clean cloth.
Periodically wiping off the keyboard and display will reduce the
visibility of any marks on the display screen."
New Aluminum PowerBooks Take on Fastest
Power Macs and "Rev A" AlBooks
Bare Feats' rob-ART morgan answers the question: "Do
I really need a Power Mac or will a PowerBook do the job?"
"Are you lusting over the new "Rev B" Aluminum PowerBooks (15"
or 17")? If you are planning to use one for "Pro" Applications
and/or "Extreme" 3D Gaming, you might want to take a look at the
graphs below."
Engineered Audio Introduces RemoteRemote
2 for iPod
Engineered Audio,
LLC has announced its RemoteRemote 2, the newest in RF wireless
remote control for Apple's iPod. Like its predecessor, the
RemoteRemote, the RemoteRemote 2 uses RF technology, allowing the
consumer to control an iPod around corners and through walls.
RemoteRemote 2 is scheduled for delivery this spring and will
retail for $49. Engineered Audio is taking preorders.
Belkin Digital Camera Link for iPod with
Dock Connector
Storing digital photos is fast and easy using
Belkin's Digital
Camera Link for iPod. Now you can leave your PC at home and
stop worrying about using up your camera's memory. With this
portable innovation you'll easily transfer thousands of digital
images from your camera to your iPod, and free up memory to take
more pictures. Belkin brings a new dimension to your iPod device -
it's not just for tunes anymore.
Simply connect the Belkin Digital Camera Link to your iPod, and
connect your USB mass-storage-class camera device. Using software
support that's already built into your iPod (with software version
2.1 or later), your pictures transfer quickly and you're ready to
start shooting again. When you get home, just connect your iPod to
your computer to retrieve the images. It's like having virtually
unlimited storage space for all your photos.
Advantage:
- Provides easy connection to your USB mass-storage-class camera
when used with your cameras USB-A to 5-Pin Mini-B cable.
- The Belkin Digital Camera Link supports all mass-storage
DCF-format cameras and PTP-compliant cameras.
- Works with third-generation iPod players (software version 2.1
or later)
- Activates data transfer easily with recessed transfer
button
- Features 3-stage LED indicator
- Stows cable conveniently when not in use
- Includes 2 AA batteries
- Includes Type A USB connector
- Comes with a 3-Year Warranty
- NOTE: Not compatible with iPod mini.
Color: White
palmOne Introduces Two Color Zire
Handhelds
Building on the success of the best-selling Zire handhelds,
palmOne, Inc. has announced
two color Zire handhelds.
- The Zire 72 handheld with a built-in digital camera,
audio/video capture and playback ability, and Bluetooth wireless
technology offers affordable multimedia capability at an estimated
U.S. street price of $299.
- Adding color, expansion and MP3 functionality to the
record-breaking Zire handheld, the Zire 31 handheld is designed for
students, super parents and seniors. It has an estimated U.S.
street price of $149.
"The Zire 72 handheld works as hard as it plays. Now you can
shoot photos, capture and watch video clips or create and edit
Word- and Excel-compatible files," said Ken Wirt, palmOne senior
vice president and general manager of the Handheld Business Unit.
"And, the Zire 31 handheld, with its bright, colorful screen, is
the first color, full-featured handheld launched at under
$150."
Zire 72 Handheld
The Zire 72 handheld, with a built-in 1.2-megapixel camera and
MP3 player, includes what users need for work and play. In addition
to capturing photos, the Zire 72 handheld is the first PDA from
palmOne to enable video capture. Users can watch video clips on a
brilliant 320 x 320 color screen, and the MP3 player allows users
to carry the tunes they enjoy and listen in stereo. The Zire 72
handheld enables users to create and edit Word- and
Excel-compatible files, as well as synchronize with Microsoft
Outlook (Windows only). With the Zire 72 handheld, users can even
share files, and get wireless email and Internet access with
built-in Bluetooth technology.
- Built-in 1.2-megapixel camera
- Ability to capture photos and video clips
- One-button access to MP3 player
- High-resolution, 320 x 320 color screen
- Ability to create and edit Word- and Excel-compatible
files
- Synchronization with Outlook (Windows only)
- Built-in Bluetooth technology
- 32 MB of memory (24 MB user-available)
- Expansion slot
- High-performance Intel ARM processor
Zire 31 Handheld
The Zire 31 handheld from palmOne is designed for
value-conscious students, super parents and seniors. It can store
thousands of phone numbers, addresses, lunch dates, meetings,
birthdays, doctors' appointments and shopping lists. Its bright,
colorful screen is perfect for viewing photos of family and
friends. Zire 31 handheld owners can select from more than 20,000
available applications(5) and use the expansion slot for adding
more memory, applications or MP3 tunes.
- Bright color screen
- MP3 player
- Photo viewer
- New PIM (Personal Information Management) software
- Expansion slot
- 16 MB of memory (14 MB user-available)
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)
and the titanium vs. aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz.
- The Apple Store has a limited supply of brand new iBooks and
PowerBooks at fantastic prices. For example, get an iBook G4
starting at only $1,249, or a 12" PowerBook G4 for only $1,499.
Also available is the beautiful 17" PowerBook G4 for only $2,599,
and the 15" PowerBook G4 starting at only $1,799. These are brand
new, unopened products covered by Apple one-year limited warranty.
In addition, customers may purchase an AppleCare Protection Plan
for their new iBook or PowerBook. All details on these offers
available at the following URL under the "Special Deals" tile:
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.
