Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.09.03
Macs Are More Expensive, Right?
LinuxInsider's Paul Murphy
says:
"At the low end, therefore, the PC desktops are marginally less
expensive than the Macs - if you can do without their connectivity
and multimedia capabilities - and considerably more expensive if
you can't. At the very high end, however, all of the design focus
is on multimedia processing and the PCs simply aren't competitive
from either hardware or cost perspectives.
"Everyone knows PCs are faster than Macs, but Macs cost more.
Right? There are two issues here: cost and performance. Right now I
want to focus on the cost side of the myth, leaving performance for
another column, possibly in late September.
"For today, I'm simply going to argue that Macs and PCs are
optimized for very different kinds of jobs and thus cater to
different perceptions of what constitutes performance.
Fundamentally, what counts for both is suitability to purpose, not
bits shuffled per second....
"The notebook comparisons are comparatively clean and
decisive.
"Dell's low-end Inspiron 5150 ($1,079 after 10 percent discount)
offers a 15-inch display but is otherwise not competitive with
Apple's 12-inch iBook ($1,099). Dell doesn't offer anything to
compete with Apple's 17-inch Titaniums ($2,799) at the high
end.
"In between, both Apple's 12-inch and 15-inch PowerBooks are
less expensive and include more extensive connectivity capabilities
than do the PCs."
"So, bottom line, are PCs cheaper than Macs? No, despite what
you read in the PC press, it's the other way around...."
Sunflower Oil Adapted for Fuel Cells
Reuters' David Cullen
reports:
"British scientists say they have found a new, greener way to
power cars and homes using sunflower oil, a commodity more commonly
used for cooking fries.
"In a presentation made to members of the American Chemical
Society in Philadelphia on Wednesday, researchers from Leeds
University in England said the popular vegetable oil could easily
be used to make the hydrogen needed to develop fuel cells, a
promising alternative source of energy."
Fuel cells have been touted as an alternative to storage
batteries as a power source for portable computers and other
electronic devices.
Laptop Desktop USB
Forget bulky, expensive monitors
and docking stations. The space-saving, moneysaving Laptop Desktop USB
converts laptops to desktops in seconds. The built-in 4-port USB
2.0 hub provides convenient one-time connection for computer
accessories. And adjustable screen height, tilt, and swivel
features ensure optimal viewing and comfort. For all laptops 16"
and smaller. One year warranty and free technical support.
Features and Benefits
- Space-saving, moneysaving solution eliminates the need for
extra monitors.
- Built-in 4-port USB 2.0 hub provides one-time connection for
computer accessories.
- Adjustable screen height, tilt, and swivel for optimal viewing
and ergonomic comfort.
- Curved back and padded insert ensure constant ventilation and
secure fit, while enclosure offers protection from spills.
- Built-in copyholder positions documents in line with the screen
for easier viewing.
- VESA mounting plate can attach to monitor arms, wall mounts,
and cubicle hangers.
- For all laptops 16" and smaller.
Dimensions: 15.0"L x 4.5"H x 12.25"W
Price: $79.99
Verbatim Unveils High Performance Pro Line of
Store 'n' Go USB Drives
Verbatim Corporation has announced an all-new
Store 'n' Go Pro line of USB flash drives. Offering higher
performance, higher capacities and more advanced security features
than other popular USB flash drives, the ultra-sleek Pro devices
support up to 23 MB/sec read and 14 MB/sec write speeds and are
available in capacities ranging from 256
MB to 2 GB. Ideal for content developers, IT professionals,
digital photo and music enthusiasts, the Store 'n' Go Pro drives
provide the fastest and most innovative way to store, share and
transport large data files, presentations, photos, music and
video.
With a maximum write speed of 14 MB/sec speed (over 90x in terms
of CD speed rating), and a maximum read speed of 23 MB/sec (over
150x), the Store 'n' Go Pro USB drive provides unmatched
performance, and can transfer a 100 MB folder to a host system in
less than 7 seconds.
Verbatim's new Store 'n' Go Pro drives leverage high-performance
flash controllers and US patented technology to deliver what is
currently the world's fastest USB drive read and write speeds as
well as advanced security features and unprecedented reliability.
Key features that position the Store 'n' Go Pro USB drives among
the most unique USB drives on the market include:
- V-Safe Security Software with a user-adjustable security
partition, anti-tamper password entry, and secure data
encryption.
- V-Key File Synchronization Software helps users manage data to
ensure that the most current information is updated between devices
and provides an easy to use onscreen interface for accessing your
Store 'n' Go Pro.
- Customization features let the user personalize the device with
a custom volume name, device icon, or preferred audio sounds.
- An all-new ultra-slim design makes it easier to use in stacked
port arrangements, common in today's compact notebooks and USB
hubs.
- A user label area that can be used with the included labels to
identify or personalize the device.
- Individual serial numbers on the case to make each drive
uniquely identifiable.
"Verbatim's Store 'n' Go Pro USB drives are ideal for users who
routinely work with large files, folders of digital photos, music,
or multimedia files and those who synchronize large amounts of
data," said Mark Rogers, Verbatim Business Development Manager.
"Store 'n' Go Pro's advanced controller is specifically optimized
to move large numbers of files to and from the device as quickly as
possible. The advanced security features make transporting
confidential data less worrisome because protected data is
encrypted and an anti-tamper feature protects your data even if
it's lost or stolen . . . quite unlike a stolen laptop
which can be easily compromised."
For ultra-reliability, Verbatim's new Store 'n' Go Pro drives
feature an onboard 32 bit ARM-7 microprocessor that manages I/O
operations and many of the drive's technical features. An advanced
wear-leveling algorithm is used to distribute writes evenly among
flash storage cells. By evenly distributing the writing, Store 'n'
Go Pro achieves an unprecedented reliability rating of over one
million write/erase cycles. Advanced EDC/ECC (Error Detection
Code/Error Correction Code) furthers the Store 'n' Go Pro's
immunity to failure.
Store 'n' Go Pro is plug & play-compatible with Windows(R)
98SE*/ME/2000/XP or higher as well as Macintosh 9.x OS and higher
operating systems and Linux kernel version 2.6.x (RedHat, Suse, and
Turbo Linux) and higher systems. (*Windows 98SE requires Internet
access for downloading the driver.)
The Store 'n' Go Pro USB 2.0 Drive is now being released to
Verbatim's distribution and retail channels and will be available
in September, 2004. Capacities include 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB
and 2 GB. Suggested list prices range from $74.95 for 256 MB
to $599.95 for 2 GB. The complete package includes the Store
'n' Go Pro USB Drive, Carry Lanyard, User Labels, preloaded V-Safe
Security and V-Key File Synchronization Software, and a Quick Start
Guide. All Store 'n' Go USB Drives are backed by Verbatim's limited
lifetime warranty and toll-free technical support.
New VESA Standards Set Electrical Interface and
Mechanical Dimensions for Notebook LCDs
Newly released standards from the Video Electronics Standards Association
(VESA) have been developed to enable LCD manufacturers and panel
consumers to better control supply and demand cycles.
These specifications will define requirements for the
standardization of mechanical dimensions and selected electrical
interface requirements of 12.1", 12.1" wide, 15.4", and 17" wide
panels intended for use in LCD notebooks. The intent is that panels
built to these specifications will be able to be used in most
applications without requiring alterations in either the product
tooling or the display module.
"The intent is to enable panel suppliers to meet VESA's
objective of transparent usage across various product platforms,
and to do so while maintaining panel product differentiators that
are important to many suppliers, according to Bill Lempesis, VESA's
executive director."
Kanguru Solutions Unveils Battery Powered Flash
Card Burner and DVD Player
Kanguru Solutions has unveiled
the Kanguru Slim
FC-RW, a battery powered portable flash card burner that allows
digital camera users to copy flash card data onto a CD without a
computer.
"We used customer feedback from the first Kanguru FC-RW and
created a better solution. In addition to copying flash card data
onto a CD, the new Slim FC-RW can be connected to a TV and used as
a DVD player or when connected to a computer it can be used as a
DVD-ROM, CD-RW, or Card Reader. Coupled with a rechargeable
battery, this product offers the ultimate in portability," said
Nate Cote, vice president of product management at Kanguru
Solutions.
The Kanguru Slim FC-RW works with eight different media types
including Compact Flash (Type I/II), IBM Micro Drive, Smart Media,
Secure Digital, Sony Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, and Multimedia
Cards. The slim FC-RW supports disc-spanning for duplicating flash
cards larger than 1 GB - so once a 700 MB CD is filled to
capacity, the slim FC-RW will ask for a new CD to duplicate the
remainder of the data.
Additionally, the Kanguru Slim FC-RW can be used as an external
24x USB 2.0 CD-RW, an 8x DVD-ROM or an 8-in-1 Card Reader when
connected to a USB 2.0 port (backwards compatible with USB 1.1) on
a computer. Selling for $249.95, the Kanguru FC-RW also works as a
portable DVD player when connected to a TV and includes a remote
control for media playback and duplication.
"Hook it up to a TV, give your family and friends a slideshow of
your pictures and then burn them to a CD for them to take home.
This product is especially beneficial for mobile users who don't
have easy access to a computer or card reader while on the road,"
said Cote.
Targus Provides Relief for Mobile Consumers
with Rolling Backpack
Targus
Inc., inventor of the notebook case and the preeminent provider
of mobile accessory solutions, has unveiled the industry's first
ever Rolling Notebook Backpack. This versatile carrying case offers
the same protection as Targus' standard cases while combining the
flexibility of a backpack and rolling case into one portable
package. Targus' Rolling Notebook Backpack is ideal for students,
commuters and travelers.
"Targus' Rolling Notebook Backpack is a practical and
professional solution for carrying a notebook in any situation,"
said Sandra Wirth, global business manager, Targus. "Through
research and customer feedback, Targus determined the rolling
backpack form factor was a solution needed by a large number of
notebook users. When used as a backpack it offers convenience and
handsfree portability. But when traveling long distances or when
the case is packed too heavily to wear for long periods of time,
the ability to roll the bag relieves strain on the user."
The versatile Rolling Notebook Backpack can be worn, rolled, or
carried by a co-molded ergonomic handle at the top. When used as a
backpack, a rear flap can be lowered and attached to the underside
of the case, shielding the user from the wheels. In roller mode,
the case glides on inline skate wheels and can be pulled by a
two-tier telescoping, locking handle. The rear flap also secures
shoulder straps in place. Both the shoulder and handle straps are
padded for optimum comfort and a handle grip on the bottom of the
case makes lifting it into a car or plane overhead compartment
easy.
A removable, padded slipcase fits notebooks with screen sizes up
to 15.4". When the slipcase is removed, the notebook backpack can
double as an overnight bag. Organizational features include pen
loops, a key clip, a business card holder, a side mesh pocket for
water bottle storage, a zippered mesh accessory pocket and file
dividers. Users will also appreciate the front pocket with
protective lining to accommodate a MP3 player, PDA, or sunglasses.
The backpack is constructed of ripstop fabric and also includes
protective PVC material on the bottom of the case to protect
against liquid damage.
Targus' Rolling Notebook Backpack is currently available at Best
Buy or on Targus' website. The backpack has a suggested retail
price of $69.99 and includes a limited lifetime warranty.
Digital Age Products Releases iSoundz Product
Line for iPod and MP3 Players
Digital Age
Products announces three new audio products for Apple Computer,
Inc's iPod series that will let an iPod owner take and share their
music anywhere they go.
The three new products include:
- The iSoundz Portable Desktop Mini Speakers
- The iSoundz Sound Wallet Mini Speakers and
- The iSoundz CarCast FM Transmitter
All three products are priced under $40 and can be found at the
Digital Age Products website and at a number of national resellers.
Both the iSoundz Portable Desktop Mini Speakers and the iSoundz
CarCast FM Transmitter will work with other audio devices such as
MP3, CD and Mini Disk players.
The Digital Age Products are designed to combine a quality audio
experience with unique product design that simplifies listening to
your audio devices, like your iPod, that expand your listening
options.
The iSoundz Portable Desktop Mini Speakers need less
than 9 square inches of desk space to operate. These desktop stereo
speakers deliver a clear, crisp sound powered by a built-in,
rechargeable NiMH battery. The speakers cradle the iPod, without
hogging your desktop (or your iPod's battery charge). The speakers
foldaway, making it simple to take them with you anywhere. The unit
includes an AC adapter and an optional USB power cable, which also
lets you charge the speakers by connecting them to your desktop or
notebook computer. The speakers will also work with other MP3 or
PDA devices that have a standard audio jack. The iSoundz Desktop
Mini Speakers have an MSRP of $39.95.
The iSoundz Sound Wallet Mini Speakers combine a handsome and
protective leatherette carrying case with a set of built-in,
self-powered stereo speakers. Like the iSoundz Portable Desktop
Mini Speakers, they are powered by a rechargeable NiMH battery and
also include the AC adapter and optional USB power cable. The
iSoundz Sound Wallet Mini Speakers make it easy to take and share
your music and audio books (from companies like Audible.com, a
Digital Age Products partner) anywhere you go. The case is great
for small group meetings or classroom use. Both the Sound Wallet
and the Portable Desktop Mini Speakers work with all generations of
iPods. It has an MSRP of $39.95.
The iSoundz CarCast FM Transmitter operates wirelessly via your
car's FM radio. Just set your car radio to station 107.7 FM, plug
in the CarCast to your cigarette lighter and its mini-jack plug to
your audio device. CarCast makes it simple. There is no fussing and
fiddling with multiple stations trying to lock in a clear signal.
Because the CarCast FM Transmitter uses power from your car's
cigarette lighter, there is no need to buy expensive batteries to
power the transmitter. And the CarCast doesn't drain battery power
from your iPod or other audio devices. Your listening will never be
interrupted by weak wireless signals due to low battery power
again. Developed with frequency phase-lock loop technology, The
CarCast delivers stable, practically interference free music and
voice from your MP3 player, PDA, CD player or minidisk. The iSoundz
CarCast FM Transmitter has an MSRP of $24.95.
Digital Age Products will be introducing other new products over
the next couple of quarters that will enhance not only your audio
experience but simplify connecting and using all sorts of other
digital devices.
- iSoundz Portable Desktop Mini Speakers, $39.95 MSRP
- iSoundz Sound Wallet Mini Speakers, $39.95 MSRP
- iSoundz CarCast FM Transmitter, $24.95 MSRP
Matias Releases Clear Hardcase for iPod
mini
Matias released its new Clear iPod Armor mini
case at Apple Expo Paris this week. With a clear ABS plastic front
and rugged aluminum back, the new case features docking port access
and iTrip compatibility.
"We wanted to offer iPod mini owners a less expensive option
that still provided great protection and convenience. Voilà:
the Clear iPod Armor mini case," said Vesna Vojnic, Marketing
Manager for Matias. "It is the same design as our high-end,
all-aluminum iPod Armor mini case, but with a plastic front, so now
you can see how great your iPod mini looks."
The Clear iPod Armor mini case is available immediately, and
retails for US$34.95.
Talking Panda iLingo Language
Translation Software for iPod
Talking Panda iLingo
sets a new standard for language translation software. Designed for
the iPod, it's stocked with over four hundred essential words and
phrases of the language you want to speak, organized for instant
access. Download and install the program and begin your adventure
abroad. Virtual fluency available in French, German, Italian,
Spanish. Euro Pack containing four languages for $39.95 or $14.95
per language.
Universal Bathroom Sign Organized for Quickness and Ease
- Talking Panda iLingo is organized into categories such as:
Greetings, Shopping, and Emergency, so if you are lost or stuck
without a bathroom, you can find the sentences you need instantly.
You'll never be caught with your nose in a dictionary again.
US Passport a Lot to Talk About
- Talking Panda iLingo contains all the basic phrases you'll need
while traveling, but to add to the fun we've tailored the
translator for each country you'll visit. You can find a Sumo
Tournament in Japan or eat at a vegetarian restaurant in
Paris.
iPod Headphones Perfectly Pronounced
- Conventional phrase books and dictionaries can't teach you
pronunciation. But with Talking Panda iLingo you can replay the
words and phrases as many times as you like until you can speak
like a native! Or if you're really shy, pop the iPod headphones
into a waiter's ear, press play, and get exactly what you
want!
Talking Panda iLingo products published by XtremeMac:
iLingo Euro Pack Box Multi-Packs ($39.95 each)
- English Euro Pack - English to French, German, Italian, and
Spanish
- Français Euro Pack - français à allemand,
anglais, espagnol, italien
Individual Languages ($14.95 each)
- English to French
- English to German
- English to Italian
- English to Spanish
- français-allemand
- français-anglais
- français-espagnol
- français-italien
Try the Talking Panda iLingo online demo (Requires Flash 6 or
later.). Download a trial version of iLingo English to Japanese
with 65 phrases.
Specifications
- Each translator comes stocked with over 400 phrases.
- Categories include:
- Getting Directions, Dining, Making Friends, and Entertainment,
just to name a few.
- Audio files created by native speakers provide proper
pronunciation for all included phrases.
- Windows version coming soon.
- Installing Talking Panda iLingo will create a numbered backup
of your current notes, accessible when the iPod is mounted.
System requirements:
- iPod with dock connector on the bottom (including the iPod mini
and the Click Wheel iPod).
- NOT compatible with any iPod that was purchased before May
2003, has a wheel that physically moves, a direct FireWire
connection on the top, or buttons around the wheel.
- Mac OS X 10.2 or later
- 30 MB free space on the iPod
- iTunes (version 4.1 required)
- Compatible iPods: 3rd generation iPod, iPod mini, Click Wheel
iPod
Walmart Deal Not Good for Taiwan Notebook
Makers
DigiTimes.com's Steve
Shen reports:
"A recent agreement between US retail giant Walmart and
Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) is not a good deal for ECS and
other Taiwan notebook makers, according to market sources and media
reports.
"Although ECS is estimating that it will post a pretax loss of
NT$645 million in 2004 instead of a pretax profit of NT$598
million, the Chinese language Commercial Times reported the company
has started delivering a WiFi-equipped notebook to Walmart, which
will sell for less than US$600 through online sales.... it will be
difficult for ECS to derive any profit, if any, from its deal with
Walmart...."
Transmeta Enters Chinese Market with New
Ultraportable Notebook
Transmeta Corporation,
the leader in efficient computing, and Amoi Electronics Co., Ltd.,
a leading Chinese electronics manufacturer, announced the
availability of the ultraportable Amoi NBPC V3 notebook powered by
the Transmeta Efficeon processor, ushering in a new eon of
efficient computing in China.
With the successful production of the NBPC V3, Amoi has broken
new ground and expanded the boundaries of traditional notebook
design by using Chinese independent research and development in
addition to its high-quality manufacturing expertise. Additionally,
Amoi engineers worked with the full support of Transmeta engineers
from the local Shanghai office and U.S. headquarters resulting in
the first notebook that has been designed and manufactured by Amoi
in China.
The high performance Efficeon processor and the small,
lightweight, silent operation of the Amoi V3 offers users a quiet
computing experience, with enough performance to run today's most
demanding applications. The magnalium (magnesium/aluminum) case
enables increased strength and durability, and utilizing the
low-power Efficeon TM8600 processor enables the Amoi V3 to run up
to two and a half hours on a standard battery and up to five hours
on the extended battery.
"After an extensive search for the ideal processor, it became
evident that the high-performance and energy-efficient
characteristics of Efficeon were perfectly suited for the
development of the Amoi NBPC V3," said Yale Guan, general manager
of the IT Division at Amoi Electronics, Co. Ltd. "In addition,
Efficeon enabled Amoi to develop the quintessential ultraportable
notebook for today's fast-paced, mobile lifestyle in a sleek,
affordable package."
The V3 features an impressive array of integral connectivity
features for an ultraportable notebook weighing in at less than
three pounds; the Amoi V3 is geared toward on-the-go users who
require an attractive, lightweight and high-performance device for
business and entertainment use anytime, anywhere.
"We are excited that our Efficeon processor has been selected as
the core of the Amoi V3 - a very timely and much anticipated
product for the Chinese market," said Matthew R. Perry, president
and CEO at Transmeta Corporation. "Through this launch, Transmeta
begins a new long term relationship with Amoi, strengthens its
presence in China and continues to expand into new high-growth
global markets with best-in-class technology for efficient notebook
computing."
Specifications
- Transmeta 130nm Efficeon TM8600 1.0 GHz processor with fully
integrated Northbridge
- ULI M1563 Southbridge with HyperTransport I/O
- 32 MB ATI Mobility Radeon graphics controller
- 10.6" WXGA LCD with 1280 x 768 native resolution
- Choice of 30 GB or 40 GB hard drive
- Choice of 256 MB or 512 MB DDR SDRAM
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- IEEE 1394 port
- PCMCIA A Type II slot
- V.92 MDC modem
- 10/100Base-T LAN and 802.11b/g WLAN
- Small 270 x 183 x 25.5 mm form factor design
- Light 1.20 kg (approximately 2.65 lb.) total weight, including
standard battery and WLAN
The official V3 product launch will take place on August 28,
2004 at the Amoi IT Production Line facility in Xiamen City, China.
The V3 is available immediately in China.
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.
Power Max
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and
Best iBook G3 Deals.
