Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.08.30
World's Best New 12" 1 GHz PowerBook G4
Deal?
An
anonymous PowerPage poster says:
"I just got an incredible deal on an iBook that I wish to share
with you.
"I'm a student studying in Hong Kong. Last week I was planning
to get a new iBook for my Mom so that she can get rid of her old PC
and virus. When I opened the newspaper last Friday, I saw there was
an advert with a huge heading HKD 6960 (US$892) for an
G4/12.1-inch/iBook. I was shocked by that and immediately I dropped
by the booth that held by Apple to have a look....
"PowerBook G4 12-inch with the 1 GHz processor, if you wish to
add an Airport Extreme card, it cost only extra HKD 300, which is
US$39. So altogether US$933 you get a brand new iBook which should
be selling at US$1,178. A good deal right?"
Students Crazy about iPod Follow the Music to
Apple Laptops
USA Today's Jefferson Graham
reports:
"Apple's trendy iPod digital music player, which has revitalized
the company, is giving laptop sales a boost during back-to-school
season.
"Many students, after falling in love with the iPod, are packing
for college with new Apple Macintosh computers.
"'This is my third student rush season,' says Jason Thorpe, a
sales associate at the University of Oregon's computer store. 'When
I started, people wouldn't even look at Macs. Everyone came in
wanting a PC. This year, two-thirds of them want Macs.'
"In Tucson, at the University of Arizona's on-campus store,
salesman Jeff Guba says Apple sales are way up from last year, when
4 of 10 computers sold were Macs. This year, it's 6 of 10....
"Overall, 74% of new computer sales are desktops, says market
tracker IDC. But Apple does more business in laptops - 53% of sales
in the third quarter.
"Apple's share of the education laptop market has risen to 26.7%
from 22.6% earlier this year, IDC says."
The Tech Challenges of Going on the
Road
The San Diego Daily Transcript's
Phil Baker says:
"Frequent notebook users on the road are constantly dealing with
battery power, easy and fast connectivity to the Internet, and
protecting important data.
"Ultimately we'll have computers with 20 hours of battery life,
fast online backup storage and free low-cost connectivity from
virtually anywhere. But until that time arrives, we'll need to deal
with reality, and use some of these products to help us."
NuPower MaxCapacity Replacement Battery for
Pismo, Lombard
Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) and Other World Computing
(OWC) have introduced the NuPower MaxCapacity
replacement battery compatible with the PowerBook G3 FireWire (2000/Pismo) and
PowerBook G3 Lombard (1999/Bronze
Keyboard) models.
Utilizing the latest Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) cell technology, the
new 7200 mAh PowerBook battery provides 50 percent more capacity
than the Apple stock battery for PowerBook G3 Lombard and FireWire
models and is available immediately for $159.95.
"The NuPower MaxCapacity battery gives Pismo and Lombard owners
even more use out of their laptop without having to recharge," said
Larry O'Connor, president of OWC. "Batteries don't last forever,
and some people may even just like to have a second battery on
hand. The MaxCapacity offers phenomenal battery run time and makes
a great replacement whether your stock battery is past its time or
not."
The new NuPower MaxCapacity battery rounds out the line of
additional NuPower replacement batteries for G3 and G4 PowerBooks,
including the NuPower 6600 mAh (now priced at $149.95, formerly
$159.95) and 5400 mAh (now priced at $139.95, formerly $145.99)
batteries also available for Pismo and Lombard models.
"These batteries are the 'once you try 'em, you'll love 'em'
kind," O'Connor said. "Who wouldn't like more battery life for
their laptop? NuPower replacement batteries give users crucial
added time as their primary power source when no electric outlet is
near."
The NuPower MaxCapacity battery, as well as the full line of
high capacity batteries, including models for the PowerBook G3
WallStreet and Titanium PowerBook G4 are available through OWC.
MadsonLine Core Charger XK-series
Announced
MadsonLine has
announced a series of PowerBook and iBook battery chargers that can
can charge and recalibrate batteries for the 12 and 14-inch iBook,
and the 15-inch Aluminum PowerBook.
Core
Charger XK-10
Benefits:
- External charge 1.25 hrs.
- Recalibrate batteries to match fuel gauge.
- 10 bays.
- Will charge 12" & 14" iBooks, 12" & 15" AL PB's.
Features:
- Rails supplied to align smaller batteries.
- 2 recalibration bays.
- Amber light on right side of each bay is "on" when battery
needs to be recalibrated.
- Fully SMBus compliant.
- Draws 3.8 amps when charging 10 dead batteries.
- Wake up feature if battery falls below 2.8 volts per cell.
- Each bay is independent. Each bay has it's own circuit board
and power supply (UL 240 - 100V AC).
Price: $1,288
Shipping late September.
Core Charger XK-4
Benefits:
- External charge 1.25 hrs.
- Recalibrate batteries to match fuel gauge.
- 4 bays.
- Will charge 12" & 14" iBooks, 12" & 15" AL PB's.
Features:
- Flashing green when charging. Solid green when done.
- Amber light on right side of each bay is "on" when battery
needs to be recalibrated. Put batteries into the recalibration bay
on the right side, press the red button. The middle light then
starts flashing amber. Flashing amber means it is going through the
recalibration cycle. This will take 10 hours. Be patient. Solid
amber means it is done.
- Fully SMBus compliant.
- Draws 2.4 amps when charging 10 dead batteries.
- Wake up feature if battery falls below 2.8 volts per cell.
- Each bay is independent. Each bay has it's own circuit board
and power supply (UL 240 - 100V AC).
Price: $628
Core Charger XK-12
Benefits:
- External charge 1.25 hrs.
- Recalibrate battery to match fuel gauge.
- Will charge 12" iBooks, 12" AL PB's.
Price: $188
Targus Announces New Line of Apple Compatible
Mobile Computing Accessories
Targus
Inc., inventor of the notebook case and the preeminent provider
of mobile accessory solutions, today announced a suite of products
compatible with Apple PowerBook and iBook notebook computers
running Mac OS X operating systems. Targus' new products unveiled
today include the Wireless Ultra-Mini Optical Mouse, Mobile 70
Universal AC/DC Adapter, Podium CoolPad and the Notebook Portable
LapDesk.
"Targus continues to develop a wide range of innovative product
offerings compatible with all major notebook brands," said Paul
Collas, director of product management for Targus. "As a pioneer of
the personal computing revolution, Apple has continued to deliver
high-quality products that are a perfect companion to Targus' line
of accessories. Our mobile products are a natural fit with Apple's
commitment to user-friendly computing environments."
Wireless Ultra-Mini Optical Mouse
As the leader in mobile mice for Windows-based notebooks,
Targus now offers a mouse specifically for the Apple notebook
marketplace. Mimicking the aesthetics of the iBook, the mouse
features the familiar white coloring and silver accents. Wireless
RF technology, coupled with a compact, lightweight design, makes
this mouse perfect for notebook users seeking to maintain an
uncluttered workspace and carrying case. The 800-dpi optical
resolution provides optimum precision and accuracy while the
thumb-sized USB receiver enables precise data transmission. Also
included is an on/off switch for effective power management, a
three-button scrolling wheel and a carrying pouch. The mouse is
compatible with Macintosh OS X as well as Windows 98, 2000, ME
and XP. When used with Macintosh operating systems, the mouse does
not require installation of a driver, making it plug-and-play. The
Wireless Ultra-Mini Optical Mouse has a suggested retail price of
$49.99 and can be purchased at online and at major retailers, such
as Best Buy.
Mobile 70 Universal AC/DC Adapter
Targus' Mobile 70 Universal AC/DC Adapter powers and
charges iBooks and PowerBooks from a standard AC wall outlet, car
cigarette lighter or commercial airplane power port. Weighing just
8.5 ounces, the compact device offers a three-in-one adapter for
Mac users on the road. The Mobile 70 adapter includes two charging
tips compatible with most iBooks and PowerBooks, a three-foot AC
input cord, a three-foot DC (auto/air) input cord, and a six-foot
DC output cord. Targus plans to introduce an optional accessory
power adapter this fall with charging tips for the Apple iPod and
other mobile devices. This accessory can be used in conjunction
with the Mobile 70 Adapter to simultaneously charge a cell phone,
PDA, or iPod from the same power source while at the same time
powering a PowerBook or iBook. Targus' Mobile 70 Universal AC/DC
Adapter is available at major retailers, including Best Buy, as
well as online with a suggested retail price of $119.99. The
additional charging tips will be available exclusively on the
Targus website.
Podium CoolPad for Mac
One of Targus' more popular
accessories, the Podium CoolPad increases airflow to improve the
cooling efficiency of any notebook computer, including an iBook or
PowerBook. The CoolPad works by raising the back edge of a notebook
off the desk to allow the notebook's fan to easily pull air and
cool the internal components of the notebook. By increasing heat
dissipation the CoolPad prevents the system from overheating and
reduces the amount of time that a computer's internal fan operates,
thus potentially extending the life of the notebook. While a
notebook is on the CoolPad, users can swivel the iBook or PowerBook
360 degrees, and six small rubber pads on the bottom provide a
tight grip on most work surfaces. Height on the CoolPad is
adjustable for optimal ergonomics, and the unit weighs less than 15
ounces. The Podium CoolPad for Mac is available exclusively at
CompUSA or on the Targus website with a suggested retail price of
$29.99.
Notebook Portable LapDesk for Mac
Another popular ergonomic accessory,
the Targus Notebook Portable LapDesk is a folding tray that
supports a notebook computer while on a user's lap, plane service
tray or other surface that can benefit from added stability and the
LapDesk's cooling properties. The unit converts to an ergonomic
desktop notebook stand with one quick fold, and completely
collapses to fit into a briefcase when not in use. The suggested
retail price of the Notebook Portable LapDesk for Mac is $29.99 and
is available exclusively at CompUSA or on the Targus website.
O'Sullivan Furniture Releases New 'SmartDesk'
in OfficeMax Retail Outlets
O'Sullivan Furniture, the second largest manufacturer of
Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) furniture in the world, announced today the
release of its new Macintosh- and PC-compatible SmartDesk, a
beautifully crafted piece of furniture featuring O'Sullivan's
Digital Satellite
and starting at $199. Installed in O'Sullivan's Apex and
Intelligent Designs' Maestro Collections, the Digital Satellite is
a USB/ethernet portal that acts as a hub, a power strip, and a
surge protector, eliminating the tedious process of reaching around
the back of the computer tower in order to connect and switch
peripherals.
"An explosion of USB-enabled devices such as digital cameras,
MP3 players, and PDAs have made it essential for PC users to have
multiple USB connections readily available," states Michael Franks,
director of strategic planning for O'Sullivan Furniture. "Until the
advent of the SmartDesk with Digital Satellite, the computer desk
often has been more of a hindrance than a help in the connection of
peripheral devices with a PC."
The Digital Satellite, which retails separately for $49, is a
desktop electronic device that is integrated into the SmartDesk's
cable management system, allowing for desktop access to USB ports,
AC power, Ethernet and phone connections. These connection points
will allow desktop PC users to use multiple USB-based devices, and
laptop PC users to completely connect their PC at the desktop. The
patent-pending Digital Satellite features two 110 -volt electrical
outlets, an RJ-45 Ethernet (high speed) jack, an RJ-11 phone jack,
a USB 2.0 Upstream port, four USB 2.0 Downstream ports and a
lighted on/off switch.
"The most important aspect of understanding the affect of USB
technology is to realize that the U stands for universal," says
William Bonner, manager of marketing and communications for
OfficeMax, a leading office furniture retailer. "And that fact is
responsible for the growing array of USB-enabled products and the
consumer's need to connect these products to their computer. This
is why we welcome new office furniture innovations like the Digital
Satellite, which connect the computer desk to the computer
itself."
GarageBand Microphone Cable Connects XLR Mic to
GarageBand
Professional microphones for sound and music recording
typically have a 3-pin XLR connector designed to work with most pro
music gear. The Griffin iMic USB Audio Interface has a built in
preamp and is an effective and inexpensive way to connect a
microphone to a computer and incorporates the computer standard
stereo mini jack input.
XLR microphones have previously required a combination of
awkward adapters and cables that can also cause potential audio
problems. The release of the new
GarageBand Microphone Cable, with its XLR connector at one end
and stereo mini jack at the other, makes a clean and simple
recording setup for GarageBand.
The GarageBand Microphone Cable also works great with the
Griffin iTalk iPod Recording module. The Griffin iTalk turns any
compatible iPod into a convenient voice recorder. Now even low
impedance professional XLR microphones can connect directly into
the Griffin iTalk.
Price: $24
Edge Tech Corp Releases 9-in-1 Card Reader with
xD Slot
Edge Tech Corp, a leading
supplier of RAM and Flash memory upgrades, portable computing
products, storage devices, and other experience-enhancing
technology solutions announced today the launch of a 9-in-1 Card
Reader with xD Slot. This new product is the latest addition to the
company's fast-growing digital media product line.
The new 9-in-1 Card Reader with xD Slot is now available for
purchase at the company's reseller and distribution partners. It
supports xD-Picture Cards, SD Memory Cards, MultiMedia (MMC) Cards,
Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo, SmartMedia Cards,
Type I/II CompactFlash Cards, and IBM Microdrive. The
manufacturer's suggested retail price is $24.95 after rebate.
"This product is a real compliment to our existing digital media
offering, as it's our first reader solution for the xD user. Its
support of nine card formats, including xD, provides the user a
complete digital media reader solution. This product allows us to
meet more of our customers' needs, which is the ultimate force
driving our constantly evolving product mix," stated Simon
Crossley, Director of Sales.
The Edge 9-in-1 Card Reader with xD Slot utilizes a USB 2.0
interface for high-speed data downloads from digital media cards to
a PC or Apple Macintosh system. No additional adapter is required
to support the xD format. The reader is built to easily transition
from one type of card to another, allowing for easy card insertion
and removal.
The product is available for purchase at PCConnection.com,
PC Mall, eCOST,
Tech Depot (an Office Depot Company),
CDW.com, Zones.com,
and Insight.com, and through distribution at Tech Data, Ingram
Micro, and D&H Distributing.
Pentax Optio X 5.0 MP Camera
Pentax Imaging Company has
announced the new Optio X digital camera featuring a new twist in
design innovation. Offering twice the versatility in digital
imaging, the Pentax Optio X opens with just a twist of the hand and
positions the lens on one side for shooting freedom and the
generous LCD monitor on the other side for viewing ease. With 5.0
effective megapixel clarity, a 3X optical zoom and a unique design
that allows both above-the-head and hip-level shots, the Optio X
also features a high-performance, 2.0 inch, low-temperature poly
silicon TFT color LCD monitor.
Optio X users will not sacrifice size for innovation. The Optio
X body is a mere 7/10 inch thick making it the thinnest model in
the entire Optio series. The Sliding Lens system - a unique Pentax
feature that allows the lens to be completely retracted inside the
body as soon as the power is turned off - makes the Optio X so easy
to carry in a bag or pocket.
Along with the 5.0 megapixel clarity, a newly developed ASIC
(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) improves image quality
and enhances processing speed. The Optio X also features a new "My
Menu" function, which allows users to group together frequently
used functions for easy future access.
Pentax will unveil the Optio X and other new digital products on
September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York
City.
As with all newer Pentax Optio digital cameras, the Optio X
includes the latest version of ACDSee 5.1 software. With a $150
value, ACDSee digital camera software makes it easy to retrieve,
view, manage, print, enhance and share your digital photos.
The Optio X will ship along with the software to major camera
retailers in September 2004.
iSkin Inc. Announces New eVo 2 for Click Wheel
iPod
iSkin Inc.
introduces eVo 2, an update of the popular protector for Apple's
dominant music player designed to offer all round surface
protection while maintaining the natural beauty of the iPod.
iSkin has left in place all the things you like about the eVo
such as the form fitting design, rear heat release pores, elegant
lines and combined them with upgrades and other refinements in key
areas of design to create the iSkin eVo 2.
The iSkin eVo 2 now ships with an upgraded reinforced rotary
RevoClip, and improved screen protector that maintains an
ultra-clear view of the iPod's screen with an all-new six point
soft contact base that reduces the possibility of your screen
scratching. The eVo 2 allows devices like the iTrip to connect
seamlessly while maintaining solid protection by featuring a
thinned down top surface with beveled edges. iSkin has maintained
the available color selection including the Ultra-Glo
(glow-in-the-dark) skin tones with future plans for limited edition
skins and an even greater selection of colors.
The eVo 2 is re-eVolutionary through redesign and attention to
customer feedback.
The iSkin eVo 2 sells for $29.99. It is now available online at
iSkin.com and will soon be available at Apple Retail Stores and
other fine iSkin resellers worldwide.
Altec Lansing's inMotion Spawns New iM3 for
iPod Family
A short ten months ago, Altec Lansing Technologies,
Inc., the leader in the design and manufacture of powered audio
products, redefined portable sound with the debut of the inMotion
audio system for the Apple iPod. Now Altec Lansing does high
quality, compact audio one better: introducing the next generation
inMotion iM3 for the iPod family, including its little sister, the
iPod mini.
Building on the audio and design breakthroughs that made
inMotion an instant hit with critics from Rolling Stone, PC
Magazine, Cnet, the Wall Street Journal and many other
publications - as well as iPod customers the world over - Altec
Lansing has given the new iM3 greater features and functionality.
The updated iM3 design, for example, sports a perforated aluminum
grillwork over its four full-range, custom-designed 1" neodymium
micro drivers. A brand-new hinge system makes the unit easier to
open and close; also included are an assortment of docking bay
adapters for the growing iPod family of products.
Playback convenience on the iM3 has been improved with the
addition of a wireless remote that controls power, volume, and song
navigation from across the room. International travelers will find
the iM3 more convenient thanks to an innovative universal power
supply with a changeable plug set.
What hasn't changed in the inMotion iM3 is the audio quality
that vaulted the original inMotion to the top of the portable
speaker category. Simply insert an iPod or iPod mini and be amazed
at the powerful, full-frequency output that enriches any kind of
music.
Key to the inMotion iM3's powerful sound output is a 4-watt
Class D digital amplifier, generating a surprising dynamic range
for a unit only 8" by 5.4" by 1.2" in size. The iM3 also includes
patented MaxxBass technology for impressive bass response. Founded
on the principle of the "missing fundamental," MaxxBass creates
harmonics that mimic the original bass sound - a strategy often
used in the professional audio world where large speakers are
impractical.
A wealth of handy features make the new iM3 as easy to use as it
is to listen to. By placing an iPod or iPod mini into the docking
bay, users can fill their room with music while synchronizing
files, transferring data, and recharging their device. The iM3 also
provides more than 24 hours of battery life.
The wireless remote, when not in use, stores in a specially
designed slot atop the unit. Other handy features include
front-mounted on/off and volume controls, a 3.5 mm jack with cable
for auxiliary input from any suitable device, and padded carrying
case.
Altec Lansing's inMotion, upon which the new iM3 is based, has
been an instant hit since its debut in October, 2003. PC Magazine
and Cnet both picked the inMotion as an 'Editor's Choice' Rolling
Stone gave the inMotion 3 out of 4 stars, while Wired magazine
scored it 8 out of 10 and Network World tallied a perfect 5 out of
5.
Altec Lansing's inMotion iM3 portable audio system is priced at
$179.95 (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.
Editor's note: Interesting juxtaposition here. You could add a
FastMac or DayStar 550 MHz processor upgrade to the Pismo and have
a faster, more rugged machine with expansion bay support for the
same or less money than the TiBook
Power Max
- new 12" iBook G3/800, 128
/30/CD-ROM, Sonnet Piccolo 256 MB USB Flash Drive, $838
- 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/SuperDrive, $1,199
- new 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/SuperDrive, Bluetooth, $1,399
- new 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
768/40/ SuperDrive, MacCase Messenger Bag w/12" sleeve, $1,545
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.
