Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.08.13
This week's PowerBook, iBook, and iPod news
Apple Aces PCMag's User Survey Again
PC Mag's Sebastian
Rupley reports:
"Can all of Apple Computer's survey success be chalked up to
fanatical users? Once again, the company turns in a top-notch
performance. Apple has enough responses to qualify for the desktop
and notebook categories, and it receives the best 'overall rating'
score in both: 8.8 in desktops, significantly better than the
industry average of 7.8, and 9.0 for notebooks, also significantly
better than the 8.0 average. These scores qualify as excellent on
our 1-to-10 scale, earning the company Readers' Choice awards for
both categories.
"At 9.0 for desktops and 9.2 for notebooks, Apple's impressive
reliability scores are at least a point higher than the industry
averages. Nearly all respondents to our survey who supplied quotes
about their Apple desktops found them extremely reliable. Compared
with other brands, a much lower percentage of Apple desktop systems
needed repairs over the last year.
"A great number of the readers who sent in comments regarding
Apple said that their older desktop systems were so dependable that
they upgraded them instead of buying new systems."
Apple 'Books Ace Academia
BusinessWeek Online's
Alex Salkever reports:
"Steven P. Jobs and his troops have clearly been on a college
roll. In each of the past three quarters, Apple has posted 40%
increases in year-over-year sales for this segment.
"During the first half of its current fiscal year, Apple posted
an 18% bump in year-over-year education sales. And most of that has
come from higher education, since the K-12 market has remained
almost flat for Apple....
"What's behind the college revival? Credit Apple's one-two
laptop punch - the lower-end iBook and the more powerful PowerBook,
which are packing a wallop....
"....Jobs & Co. sold 193,000 Macs into higher education in
2003, up 17.7% over the previous year. During that period, the
entire higher-education market grew by only 11%.
"The biggest reason for Apple's expansion is the growing
popularity of notebook computers on campus. According to collegiate
market researcher StudentMonitor, 36% of all university students
had laptops by the fall of 2003, up from 21% in 2000...
"Apple laptop sales rose by a whopping 58.5% in that same
period.
"Surprisingly, this laptop explosion for Apple came without
major product introductions....
"Indeed, the pricey PowerBook has become the favorite portable
workstation of the campus Unix clique....
"Then there's the music factor.
"If Apple can stay on a roll at college, then the Mac could well
become a campus fixture once again."
Pismo Survives Close Encounter with Iced
Tea
Bruce Brown
says:
An 'Innocent Blunder,' and the Misery Begins...
"....my G3 PowerBook (vintage
2000; a.k.a. 'Pismo' and 'PowerBook G3 FireWire') was in bad shape
- it wouldn't even turn on, let alone boot. The battery was fully
charged, and the AC adapter/charger was working, was connected to
the PowerBook, and was receiving AC power, as evidenced by the
green glow of the pilot light on the AC adapter/charger. On the
PowerBook itself, though, there was no sound, no disk drive noise
or other noise of any kind, nor was there any light on the LCD
screen. Nary a photon was emitted from even the green "sleep" light
- the light near the display hinge on this model that pulsates when
the machine is in sleep mode. Nothing. Nada. Totally dead.
"You see, only minutes earlier, I'd finally succeeded in
performing my first-ever serious act of boneheaded PowerBook
clumsiness: I somehow managed to spill a goodly amount of a glass
of iced tea all over the PowerBook while it was up and running;
unfortunately managing to hit portions of the keyboard, the LCD
display, and the innards below in the process. I watched with
horror and dismay as the screen made sizzling sounds, not to
mention showing weird lines and display 'glitches.'"
Believe it or not, this story has a happy ending. Those old
Pismos are tough babies. Bruce summarizes:
"In addition, because my PowerBook has never needed service (by
anyone other than me) in the four years I've had it, and because it
survived the tea-spilling incident and is still going strong (even
as I type this very chronicle), my PowerBook has now picked up a
new nickname in the process: 'Old Reliable!'"
LapBottom Takes Your Laptop to a New Level of
Comfort
The new
LapBottom offers a
sleeker profile, a more secure work surface, and gives you more
options so that you choose the position that works best for you and
the way you use your portable.
The LapBottom has a comfortably padded underside which grips
your lap. The underside is now thinner yet a bit more rigid and
firmer with the same comfortable feel. This thinner profile makes
the LapBottom more portable than ever before. The top combines
raised ridges and non-slip "feet" to provide air flow under your
laptop while holding it in place. It is made of light weight and
durable materials. Measuring 12-1/4" x 9-1/2", it compresses to
under an inch thick.
The LapBottom now comes with three different size self adhesive
"feet" which allow you to choose a variety of "tilts" or choose
more or less air space under your laptop. The new polyurethane
"feet" are more durable and hold your laptop more firmly in
place.
This effective accessory provides:
- A comfortable and ergonomic way to use your laptop where it was
meant to be
- Added stability at home or while traveling
- The air flow your laptop needs to cool itself and last
longer
- Additional padding and protection when included in your carry
case
For a limited time you can buy direct from LapBottom Products
for just $24.95 with free shipping via Priority Mail anywhere in
the USA.
LapWorks Expands Laptop Desk Family with New
UltraLite
LapWorks Inc., specialist in
ergonomic mobile computing accessories that reduce the heat in
laptops, announced a thinner, lighter addition to its Laptop Desk
family: the Laptop Desk UltraLite. Compared to its heavy-duty
counterpart, the Laptop Desk (LTD) v2.0, the UltraLite's weight has
been reduced from one pound 6 ounces to just 14.6 ounces while the
thickness has been cut in half to 5/16" thin. LapWorks' Laptop Desk
UltraLite will retail for $29.95 under the Targus brand later this
year, but it is now available direct from http://www.laptopdesk.net for an
introductory offer of $19.95 after a $10 instant rebate.
"In response to our road warrior customers' desire for a
thinner, lighter Laptop Desk, we engineered the UltraLite for
travelers using the less weighty, 5-pound-and-under Ultra Portables
and Thin and Light notebooks, Tablet PCs and PDAs with external
keyboards," said Jose Calero, LapWorks' president.
While adding several new improvements, the UltraLite retains the
key design features of the award-winning, dual-purpose LTD v2.0
that take the hassles and hazards out of using laptops on a desk or
while mobile.
As a lap tray, the UltraLite creates a spacious 22" x 11"
workspace (1.5" longer than v2.0) that:
- Prevents "hot lap" and the tensed body posture otherwise
necessary to balance a laptop.
- Includes a larger, more workable mousing area than the LTD
v2.0.
- Cools laptops by 8% to 10% via ventilation channels that allow
increased airflow beneath the computer.
As a desktop stand, the UltraLite folds into a wedge shape that,
like the LTD v2.0:
- Offers 5 typing angles that incline the notebook's keyboard for
more ergonomically comfortable use than when set flat on a
desk.
- Elevates the screen 3-1/4" closer to eye level at maximum
incline.
- Cools laptops by 15-20% by allowing more hot air to
escape.
The UltraLite also:
- Grips the computer with strategically positioned nonskid rubber
pads.
- Folds in half to 11" x 11" and a thickness of 5/16" for easy
traveling in any computer bag.
- Stabilizes an external PDA keyboard to type on a lap or
inclines it to type on a desk.
- Is made of the same durable polycarbonate material as the LTD
v2.0, and is a steel gray color.
"We'll continue to offer our LTD v2.0 which was designed to
support any notebook, including heavier desktop replacements," said
Calero.
"With a minimal research-and-development budget, we rely on
mobile accessory inventors like Calero for products to satisfy
customers' demand for the next great gadget," said Ron Smith, chief
marketing officer for Targus Inc. "LapWorks' LTD v2.0 has been a
good seller so we look forward to picking up the UltraLite."
Whip Antenna and Handle Bundle for 15"
PowerBooks
QuickerTek, developers of PowerBook antennas for Apple
PowerBooks and AirPort Base Stations has just announced special
pricing on a pair of popular products for 15" titanium PowerBook
owners. The Whip Antenna
and the new aluminum carry handle bundle is now available from
QuickerTek dealers for $120.
The Whip Antenna is a 5Dbi omnidirectional antenna which
typically doubles the wireless networking distance and signal
strength for PowerBook owners. The new aluminum carry handle is a
big hit with mobile PowerBook users who want not only an easy means
of carrying the PowerBook but also raise the computer to a more
ergonomic angle when used on the desktop.
"We try to develop and package products to meet the needs of
thousands of our PowerBook users from around the world," said Rick
Estes, president, QuickerTek. "Carry Handles and wireless antennas
are a natural product duo that PowerBook users are beginning to
purchase together, so we created this bundle to make it easier for
all 15" titanium users to upgrade," Estes stated.
QuickerTek is the recognized leading innovator of antennas for
Apple products. Popular products include the titanium PowerBook
antennas as well as AirPort antennas for Graphite, Snow, and
AirPort Extreme Base Stations and most Power Mac G4 models.
QuickerTek is the only company with wireless external antennas for
Power Mac G5 desktop computers.
Orangeware Wireless Driver for Mac v3.0
For several years now, Apple users have chafed at the issue that
most wireless cards (CardBus and PCI) don't work with Apple's
AirPort access points. Why is that? It's because the Apple client
driver only works with the Broadcom chipset. Recently, Orangeware
developed a Mac OS X Wireless Driver for the 3Com wireless line of
cards which use the Atheros chip and licensed the driver to 3Com.
As a result, the Atheros based 3Com cards are now compatible with
Macintosh. This Macintosh compatibility is offered by 3Com at no
charge to its users.
Orangeware's Wireless
Driver for Mac broadens the driver availability to all users of
Atheros-based wireless cards. They include D-Link, Netgear, Aztec,
Elecom, Fujitsu, IBM, Linksys, NEC, Samsung, and Sony, and many
more. All their current wireless offerings listed below can use the
new Orangeware Driver. This means that the Mac user can now link up
with Mac and PC access points by using a variety of now-compatible
wireless add-on cards. These solutions, coupled with the Orangeware
driver, are faster than Apple's AirPort Extreme cards and can cost
half as much.
Another unique benefit of this driver is for the Mac users who
need to connect to PC based "802.11a" wireless access points.
Orangeware's driver is the only solution available to Mac Users -
nothing else works.
Features:
- Fully compatible with Atheros based CardBus and PCI cards (see
compatibility list below)
- Wireless 802.11a/b/g/Super G/Turbo Super G/Turbo A
- Supports 64, 128, and 152 bit WEP security
- Multiple profile support
- Adjustable transmit power levels
- Adjustable power save mode
- Software radio disable
- Able to filter preferred wireless mode
- 114 selectable countries
Technical Specifications:
- Atheros 5002 series chip compatible
- Macintosh OS X 10.2 or later
- Hardware requirements: Desktop PCI slot or PowerBook with
CardBus slot
- Short and long 802.11b preamble
- ADHOC support for 802.11a/b/g
- For Turbo Super G performance only, an Atheros based router is
required
The Wireless Driver for Mac is available to users as a free
trial download. If users are satisfied, they can purchase a
permanent license by selecting "purchase" after the 10 minute trial
has expired or by going to the wireless configuration panel and
clicking on "register."
The driver is priced at $15.
If you already own this driver and wish to upgrade, you only
need to download and install over your existing version.
CMS Introduces First Portable 100 GB
Backup Solution for OS X
CMS Products, Inc. has
announced the immediate availability of a new 100 GB capacity for
their award-winning portable ABSplus, the industry's first
complete, portable backup and recovery solution offering 100 GB of
storage.
Now for the first time, Mac OS X users have an integrated backup
and restore solution that provides automatic backup, single-button
restore and now a large 100 GB capacity, yet fits in a shirt
pocket. The new 100 GB capacity ABSplus portable is list priced at
$419 and is available directly from CMS Products, as well as
through major distributors and corporate resellers.
"The ABSplus, powered by BounceBack Professional, is the world's
easiest backup and restore solution," said Ken Burke, president of
CMS Products, Inc. "We're pleased to be the industry's first
company to provide a 100 GB capacity in a complete solution that
can fit in the palm of your hand. A must-have for laptop users and
mobile professionals, the new 100 GB ABSplus is also perfect for
backing up large iMovie and iDVD files, big iTunes libraries and
irreplaceable iPhoto collections."
Powered by BounceBack Professional software, the ABSplus
provides the ability to boot from the device in a single keystroke
from any Mac OS X machine. As with lower-capacity portable ABSplus
models, the new 100 GB ABSplus is shock mounted to withstand up to
1400 Gs of force, and comes with a three-year warranty.
ABSplus Makes Backup and Restore A Breeze A complete backup
solution, the solid ABSplus hardware is integrated with CMS
Products' award-winning BounceBack Professional software to make
backup and restore extremely easy. CMS Products' patent-pending
"Automatic Launcher" technology makes backing up a breeze by
automatically sensing when the ABSplus device is connected and
backing up the system. The ABSplus' BounceBack Professional
software activates incremental backups automatically, by simply
plugging in the ABSplus device. Constantly connected ABSplus
devices also conduct automatic, incremental backups on a
predetermined schedule.
Bouncing back from disaster is easy too, with capabilities to
boot externally in a single keystroke, restore an entire system
with one button click, or just drag-and-drop desired files and
folders. Booting from the external backup allows users to "run"
their system on any Mac OS X machine and quickly restore files or
an entire system. To take advantage of this Mac-only feature,
simply hold down the Option key while powering-up or restarting the
computer.
Temperature Monitor 2.1 Displays Current
CPU Temperature
Temperature
Monitor is an application to read out all available temperature
sensors in Macintosh computers. The program can display and
visualize measured values in a large variety of fashions. The
application supports the following operations on the measured
readings:
- display in a default window
- display in a floating window
- tabular display in an overview window
- display in the menu-bar
- display of a maximum of two readings in the Dock
- graphical display of short-term and long-term history
curves
- speech output of readings
- export to text files
Moreover, the application can display additional technical
information about your computer. Among other information this
includes:
- Processor type
- Processor and bus frequencies
- Manufacturing information
Of course the application can read out the data only if your
computer is equipped with the necessary sensors, and if Mac
OS X can access them without needing third-party device
drivers. Beginning in summer 2002, Apple has begun to massively
drive forward the use of monitoring probes in the PowerMac series,
the Xserve series, and in portable computers. Some models are
equipped with 38 and more sensors. But Temperature and Hardware
Monitor can detect sensors on many older systems as well if they
are available.
We try to detect all sensors on as many Macintosh computer types
as possible. However, a prediction which sensors are available in
which models is not possible, because Apple very often releases
"silent product updates", where the hardware equipment of some
models are changed but the names are not (specifications are
"subject to change without notice"). The particular graphics card
and hard disk configuration used is also important because these
parts can include independent sensors, too.
Please note that Apple does not support an official or
standardized way of reading out sensor data in Mac OS X (the
only exception is the Server Monitor application for the Xserve
series). Moreover, there is no documentation or other technical
note about the individual function of the sensors. For this reason,
the development of Temperature Monitor and Hardware Monitor is very
costly because the necessary data has to be determined by reverse
engineering and tests run on a variety of computer models. Please
support the development of the applications by purchasing a
registration key for Hardware Monitor.
New in this version:
- Support for new voltage and fan sensors has been added
(Hardware Monitor only).
- Support for temperature sensors on the hard disk models Seagate
ST340015A, Fujitsu MHT2080AT and Western Digital WD800JB-00FMA0 was
added.
- Font types and font sizes for the sensor window and the
floating window can now be set by the user.
- Horizontal and vertical layout of the sensor window can now be
set independently of the floating window.
- A new function was added which tests for systems with variable
clock frequencies.
- The System Info window now differentiates between nominal and
actual clock frequencies at startup time.
- A new menu item was added to the Lite version which allows to
launch the "big" version.
- If multiple monitors are connected in a vertical setup, the
floating window can now be dragged to the screen "above" the menu
bar.
- The FAQ section in the documentation has been extended.
- A problem was corrected which could prevent the hwmonitor
command line program from being unlocked.
- The command line program tempmonitor which was missing in some
distribution packages was added.
- A problem affecting the incorrect display of production data
for some particular models manufactured for the US markets has been
corrected.
- An incorrect multiplier for the amperage display of batteries
has been corrected.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2.5 or later
Temperature Monitor is freeware.
Has the Time Come for a Linux
Laptop?
BusinessWeek's
Jim Kerstetter says:
"Linux is tiptoeing into the PC mainstream. On Aug. 3,
Hewlett-Packard execs said the Silicon Valley giant will be the
first major PC manufacturer to ship a laptop computer that comes
preinstalled with the open source operating system. HP execs call
the new Linux laptop a "market test," and figure it will sell well
among software developers interested in working on Linux
computers.
"The $1,140 notebook is the latest - and perhaps the most
important - product debut in a year-long stream of Linux-PC
developments. Over the last year, HP rival Sun Microsystems has
aggressively been marketing a Linux PC, even selling it on retail
king
Walmart's Web site. IBM is also starting to push Linux PC
sales internationally.
"However, HP is the first major PC maker to put Linux on a
laptop computer, the fastest-growing segment of the PC
market....
"By dribs and drabs, Linux is gaining some traction on the
desktop. Depending on who's counting, Linux claims nearly 3% of PC
sales. That's expected to double within the next three years,
easily overtaking Apple's sales...."
Lacklustre Tablet PC Sales Suggest No
Mac Version
PC Pro's Simon Aughton
and Steve Malone report:
"The chances of Apple introducing a tablet-style Mac appear to
be slim to nothing, following the latest figures to show how the
Windows-powered version has failed to make much of an
impression.
"Despite hefty marketing budgets when they were introduced,
Tablet PCs are being outsold 100 to one by traditional notebooks,
according to market analysts Canalys. Whilst 3.5 million notebooks
were shipped in the EMEA region in the second quarter of this year,
only 35,000 Tablet PCs were shipped."
Fuel Cell Compatibility Considered
IDG News Service's Martyn
Williams reports:
"The International Electrotechnical Commission has formed a
working group to draw up standards that will ensure compatibility
between micro fuel-cells, Toshiba says.
"The company is among several that are developing such devices
as alternative power sources for handheld electronic devices.
Development of a standard could mean the micro fuel cell could be
launched in music players, digital cameras, and other devices as
early as next year. "
Targus' Cases for 17" Notebook Computers
Targus
Inc. offers a complete line of carrying cases to meet the sales
increase of 17" notebook computers. In 2003, the number of 17"
notebooks sold in the United States rose drastically, from 492 in
Q1 to 55,252 in Q4, or more than 11,000%, according to the NPD
Group. Targus' 17" cases include the TXL line, a Notebook Slip Case
and selected models of the Platinum Deluxe family.
"Bringing a line of larger cases to market was a simple decision
for Targus because we found consumers were using bags not
explicitly designed to carry notebook computers, which was
resulting in unnecessary wear and tear on their expensive computing
assets," said Sandra Wirth, product manager for Targus. "Targus'
larger cases are the first notebook carrying cases designed
specifically to safeguard the trendy 17" notebook computers.
Targus' cases provide protection for these larger screens while
keeping the cases lightweight and easy to carry."
Currently, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard and Apple manufacture
notebooks with 17" screens, which are too large for standard
notebook cases, but fit perfectly into Targus' specially designed
cases. Since last October, the TXL417 notebook case ranks among the
top five notebook cases sold on-line and/or at retail, according to
NPD, a company that collects information technology sales
transaction data from over 12,000 participating cooperator
locations across the U.S. Due to popularity and demand for these
larger notebook cases, additional 17" products from Targus are
slated for Q3 this year.
The company's 17" cases are available in several formats-a
traditional over-the-shoulder carrying case, a roller case, a slip
case and a backpack. Cases include compartments to accommodate
additional files and any accessories a mobile computing user needs
to carry.
Targus' cases are available through major retailers, including
Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry's Electronics and CompUSA, as well as
online at http://www.targus.com. The manufacturers suggested retail
price (MSRP) for the cases ranges between $29.99 and $99.99.
CVR217 Notebook Slip Case
The CVR217 features a neoprene exterior, which provides extra
protection for large 17" notebooks. Even with its ultra slim
design, the case features ample space in the front pocket and
interior storage sections for business cards, pens, keys and files.
This one-pound case can either be carried by its convenient,
comfortable handles or its unique shock-absorbing EqualizerStrap,
which evenly distributes weight over the user's shoulder for
greater comfort. This top-loading, lightweight, affordable case is
available in both black and blue. The MSRP is $29.99 and includes a
limited lifetime warranty.
CPT400 Platinum Deluxe Notebook Case
The CPT400 contains a front flap with convenient pockets and
loops to store keys, business cards, pens, airline tickets and
passports. The case features a sleek gray and black exterior, a
side-access mobile phone pocket, and extra storage in each
compartment. This cases' large padded notebook compartment is
designed to protect 17" notebooks and features an elastic security
strap-adjustable to various notebook sizes-to further safeguard the
computer. The main compartment panel includes a mesh pocket for
easy contents visibility, three padded pockets for accessory
storage and scratch-resistant CD or DVD sleeves. Weighing 4.2
pounds, the $59.99 MSRP includes a limited lifetime warranty.
TXL417 Notebook Case
Despite its large size, the TXL417 is one of the world's
lightest padded notebook cases, weighing just 3.5 pounds. With a
locking zipper, the notebook compartment fits most notebooks with a
17" screen and comes with nonskid shock absorbing feet. A zip-down
workstation for business cards, media, pens, a comfortable
ergonomic handle and a padded detachable shoulder strap accentuate
the case. The TXL417 also provides a side-access zippered pocket
for a mobile phone. The case is priced at $59.99 MSRP and comes
with a limited lifetime warranty.
TXL617 Notebook Backpack
This comfortable, stylish backpack is suitable for students or
mobile professionals. The TXL617 contains a large, separate, padded
notebook compartment that fits most notebooks with up to 17"
screens. It also features a main compartment for files and
accessories, with a soft organizational shelf and padded shoulder
straps. There are additional storage areas, including pockets
designed for a water bottle, sunglasses, and mobile phone. The MSRP
is $69.99 and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
TXL717 Rolling Notebook Case
Ideal for the business traveler or student - the rolling case
makes it easy to transport a mobile computing solution and
accessories. The TXL717 fits most notebooks with a 17" screen and
has a two-section expanding file area with two removable accessory
pouches. The TXL717 features smooth ball bearing, in-line skate
wheels and a four-stage telescoping handle that extends to 36
inches for easy transport. With an MSRP of $99.99 the case also
comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
foofbags' Handmade foofpod Sleeve Bags for
iPods Are a Go
foofbags are selling a very
limited run of foofpods before they leave for Australia. If you
want one, order now.
In the meantime, they have stopped production of foofbags until
after they relocate to Sydney in mid-September. There will be a new
range of foofbags and foofpods available then. All existing foofbag
orders will be completed before they leave Ireland.
foofbags & foofpods are handmade using a 1963 singer sewing
machine
foofbags are cozy sleeves that protect your laptop from dust and
scratches when used inside a backpack or ugly computer bag.
foofpods are cozy sleeves that protect your iPod from scratches.
Ideal for protecting it from keys and coins in your pockets.
foof sleeves are available in:
- 'AfterImage', 'Convergence' & 'DaisyChain' are colourful
polar fleece (subtly fluffy)
- 'WellSpotted' is short pile faux fur (the fabric has differing
fur directions)
- 'Connemara' is classic high quality Irish tweed containing 100%
wool (On occasion, we can obtain tweed varieties that contain 7%
Silk - 93% Wool).
- 'Herringbone' is classic high quality Irish tweed containing
100% wool with a distinctive herringbone design. (very hard to
obtain reliable stock).
- Inner lining - All foofbag insides are made with a black
quilted inner lining made with Polyester and Polyester
wadding.
There is only a foofpod for the 3rd generation white Dock iPod.
foofpods will be a snug fit for that model and also the latest 4th
generation white iPod. They are not doing iPod mini at this time.
When they say snug, your iPod should not fall out unless you
squeeze it or shake it out.
Limited edition foofpods: $12 USD
new foofbag orders: Mid September
For more information, visit: http://foofbag.com/
StylusCentral.com Launches Accessories
for iPod
StylusCentral.com, an online etailer of accessories for mobile
devices, has launched a complete line of
accessories for Apple's iPod digital music player. Those who
enjoy listening to their tunes on their iPods can fully accessorize
their devices at StylusCentral.com, including cases/holsters,
battery chargers, car adapters, FM transmitters, media readers and
voice recorders. Prices for accessories start as low as $9.99.
Featured products in StylusCentral's iPod collection
include:
- The iPod 12 Volt Car Charger keeps the iPod's battery charged
anywhere there is a 12-volt power outlet, such as a car or boat.
Regularly priced at $24.99, the 12-volt car charger is currently on
sale for $17.99.
- The Metal Deluxe Case for Apple iPod mini is made of anodized
aircraft grade aluminum and designed to specifically fit the
profile of the iPod mini. The interior of the case is lined with
neoprene to cushion the iPod mini from impact shocks. The Metal
Deluxe Case is regularly priced at $34.99 and can be purchased now
for $27.99.
- The Belkin TuneDok enables users to play tunes on their iPod
devices in the car by simply placing the iPod into the TuneDok
unit. It comes equipped with AirGrip suction-cup functionality to
hold the unit in position for easy access to controls. With its
innovative height-adjustment capability, the ratcheting neck
feature lets users reposition the iPod easily. Regularly priced at
$29.99, StylusCentral has discounted the TuneDok to $19.99.
- iPod users can now listen to their favorite tunes through any
FM stereo receiver with the Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter.
This tiny adapter wirelessly connects portable music players to car
or home stereo quickly and easily. StylusCentral has discounted the
TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter by 25% from $39.99 to $29.99.
- The Piel Frama Apple iPod Leather Case is hand-stitched by
craftsmen in Spain and features a snap closure, removable belt
clip, two credit card slots, a money pocket and soft leather
lining. This luxurious case is regularly priced at $49.99 but is
currently discounted to $44.99.
Altec Lansing Introduces iMmini Portable
Audio System Designed for iPod mini
Altec Lansing
Technologies, Inc., the leader in the design and manufacture of
Powered Audio products, today announced the debut of a portable
audio system designed specifically for users of the iPod mini - the
new iMmini. Featuring digital amplification, high quality neodymium
micro drivers, and MaxxBass technology, iMmini - 41% smaller than
Altec Lansing's flagship product, inMotion - is a complete speaker
system.
iMmini is based on the same advanced technology and engineering
that has made the original inMotion a sensation since its October,
2003 unveiling. Recipient of numerous awards and reviews, inMotion
established the iPod portable audio accessory segment and helped
set the standard for quality and overall audio performance.
"iPod has changed the way people listen to music and is now the
number one digital music player in the world. iPod mini owners now
have a choice for full spectrum, room-sized sound - either the new,
smaller Altec Lansing iMmini or the original inMotion," said Mark
Lucas, CEO and President of Altec Lansing Technologies.
"The iPod has revolutionized the way people listen to music and
spawned a vibrant 'iPod economy' with hundreds of accessories
designed specifically for the iPod," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's
vice president of Hardware Product Marketing. "We're delighted that
Altec Lansing is bringing out another breakthrough accessory with
the iMmini to provide a great sound system designed specifically
for the incredibly successful iPod mini."
Altec Lansing's iMmini, at just 7" x 4.4" x 1", is small enough
to easily drop into a briefcase, backpack, or suitcase. The unit
features two 1" and two 18mm neodymium micro drivers encased behind
perforated aluminum grilles. An onboard 4-watt Class D digital
amplifier pumps out rich, full sound with no outside power source
needed - in fact, four AA batteries can power the inMotion mini for
more than 24 hours.
Contributing to the cross-range performance of the iMmini's
micro drivers is the unit's use of MaxxBass technology. This
remarkable audio concept, which uses specialized harmonic
techniques borrowed from the professional audio world, delivers
strikingly deep bass without a subwoofer. The result is sound far
more robust than you'd ever expect from such a small package.
Attaching an iPod mini to iMmini couldn't be easier. Simply
insert the player into iMmini's front-mounted docking bay and begin
playback through the system's high-tech speakers. As with inMotion,
iMmini gives iPod mini users complete control over data transfer
and synchronization, even taking advantage of the auto-shutoff and
alarm clock features. It also recharges the iPod as it sits in the
docking bay when the AC power is supplied. Top-mounted controls on
the iMmini provide easy access to on/off and volume.
Although it is designed for the iPod mini, Altec Lansing's
iMmini lets users of any portable audio device put away their
headphones and let everyone hear the music. Music enthusiasts can
listen to a CD player, MP3 player, laptop, or other product via the
auxiliary input while simultaneously inserting their iPod mini into
the docking bay for synchronization or recharging.
Altec Lansing's inMotion iMmini comes with an 3.5mm auxiliary
input cable that plugs into multiple audio devices for playback.
The product also ships with an AC power supply, and soon will be
updated with a universal power supply and plug set for
international use.
Altec Lansing's inMotion iMmini portable audio system for the
Apple iPod mini is priced at $129.95 (MSRP) and will be available
in late summer at all Apple store locations as well as the Apple
online store.
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.
- iBook 300, 96/6/CD-ROM,
blueberry or tangerine, $339.99
- AirPort Card installed, add $89.99
- Upgrade to 320 MB RAM, add $44.50
- Get OS X Jaguar for $19.99 with purchase of iBook
- refurb 12" iBook G4/800,
128/30/CD-ROM, $749
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1 GHz,
256/30/Combo, $949
- refurb 15" aluminum PowerBook G4/1
GHz, 256/60/Combo, $1,499
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/Combo, $1,099
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,349
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz,
512 /80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $2,399
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.
