Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.09.10
PowerBook G4 Titanium Motherboard Upgrade
DT&T
Computer Services, Inc. is offering a motherboard upgrade for
the "Ivory" and "Gigabit Ethernet" versions of the Titanium
PowerBook.
This is an upgrade of the new Apple logic board to a 1 GHz
(p/n 661-1800). The models that are compatible for the upgrade are
667 MHz (DVI), 800 MHz, and 867 MHz. The upgrade requires that you
have a good working board in exchange. If your current Titanium has
a problem with the logic board,then it cost you additional $50 more
on top of the upgrade cost. Outright purchase, no exchange cost
$750. These logic board are available, quick turnaround 1-2 days
turnaround. 6 months warranty on parts and labor. You can get the
board and install yourself or just send in whole computer to
DT&T to install for you, installation is free.
Cost for upgrade with exchange
- 667 MHz (DVI), $650
- 800 MHz, $550
- 867 MHz, $495
- Purchase w/o exch, $750
Remember there will be a $50 additional charge if your board has
problem or bad.
Samsung Launches 16x DVD Rewritable Drive
Samsung Electronics Ltd., the worldwide digital consumer
electronics and information technology leader, announces the newest
entry in its award-winning optical disc drive family, the Writemaster
TS-H552B 16x DVD Rewritable drive. The double-layer TS-H552B
supports all the popular DVD recordable/rewritable formats, and
provides computer users with greater storage power and even more
flexibility to enjoy favorite movies and music, and archive data
without regard to format variations.
The TS-H552B provides double-layer data storage up to 8.5 GB in
one disc, which is two times more than single-layer DVD and 12
times more than a CD disc. To reduce noise when recording or
reading at high speeds and ensure outstanding functionality, the
TS-H552B features Samsung's Silent Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM)
technology and an Automatic Ball Balancing System (ABS).
Fast and reliable performance of the TS-H552B is ensured through
several high-end technologies including: Speed Adjustment
Technology (SAT), which automatically optimizes the speed according
to the disc quality; Tilt Actuator Compensation (TAC), which gives
the disc a tilt with the objective lens for the most reliable
writing condition; and Double Optimum Power Control (OPC), which
strengthens the writing performance by controlling the laser power
in the inner and outer sides of the disc. The drive also includes a
power save function and technology to prevent Buffer Under Run
Error.
The TS-H552B is capable of recording DVD+R media at 16x, DVD-R
at 12x, DVD+/-RW at 4x, and double layer DVD+R. The new 16x
rewritable disc drive is now shipping with an estimated price of
$200.
Millennium Cell to Power Notebook PC with
HOD/PEM Fuel Cell System
Millennium Cell
Inc., a technology development company which offers a
proprietary technology to safely store, generate and deliver pure
hydrogen as an energy source, has announced that it is
demonstrating a prototype hydrogen fuel cell system to power a
notebook PC at the Intel Developer Forum from September 7th through
September 9th at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.
The system is on display in the Intel Pavilion in the technical
showcase.
The system consists of a disposable Millennium Cell Hydrogen on
Demand ("HOD") fuel system combined with a hydrogen fuel cell. In
this initial demonstration, the battery pack has been removed from
a Dell C400 notebook PC and the computer is directly powered by the
HOD and a Proton Exchange Membrane ("PEM") fuel cell system. The
sealed, disposable cartridge containing the HOD system is similar
in size and shape to a traditional battery pack. Also on display,
will be the Company's vision of the next generation HOD and fuel
cell system and how it will be integrated into a notebook personal
computer without any loss of portability or functionality of the
device.
"We are delighted to showcase our HOD technology at this
prestigious forum," said H. David Ramm, Millennium Cell President
and CEO. "We are excited to demonstrate the combined power of
HOD/PEM technology to help realize the vision of 'all-day'
computing."
"The Extended Battery Life Working group is actively working
towards all-day battery life of mobile PCs. We encourage power
source companies like Millennium Cell to work on and bring to
market new power source technologies for notebook PCs," said Kamal
Shah, Mobility Enabling Initiative Manager, Mobile Platforms Group,
Intel Corporation and Chairman, Mobile PC Extended Battery Life
(EBL) Working Group.
Millennium Cell Inc. is engaged in the development of a next
generation energy source for use primarily in consumer electronics,
portable power devices and standby power systems as well as in
selected transportation applications. The Company's innovative and
proprietary Hydrogen on Demand systems safely generate high-quality
hydrogen through the use of sodium borohydride. This chemical
compound is noncombustible, high in energy density, easily
distributed, and convenient for consumer use. Millennium Cell is
developing technology in partnership with corporate and government
entities.
Avoiding the Microsoft Tax
ibm.com/developerworks blogger
Grady Booch says:
"Today's news reports that Microsoft has set the release date
for Longhorn in the second half of 2006, with a more modest
collection of features relative to its initial announcement. I've
yet to install Windows XP SP2 as I'm waiting for a few more
pioneers to blaze the trail, letting them fall into the dark
shadows first.
"It may be the case, however, that I'll never bother installing
SP2. I've decided to make the move to a Microsoft-free computing
environment, having tired of the time I spend on the care and
feeding of XP as compared to my relatively worry-free network of
Linux appliances and Macs. My latest acquisition is a 17" Apple
PowerBook powered by the IBM G4 processor which I'll use to replace
my XP laptop and an older G4 tower. In addition to a breathtakingly
beautiful form factor, this machine has every feature I need, from
DVD-R to Airport and Bluetooth connections. More importantly,
there's no essential application I need that doesn't run on this
platform. In this manner, I'll avoid the Microsoft operating system
tax, although I will break down and install the Microsoft Office
suite (which actually is nicer on the Mac than it is on XP).
Eclipse runs quite handily on the Mac already, thank you: I've been
developing beans with it for over a year now.
"Is it therefore curious for me, an IBMer, to be carrying around
a non-IBM laptop?"
Fans Keep Newton in Motion
Wired's Leander Kahney
reported last week:
"This weekend, fans of Apple's long-discontinued Newton will
gather in Paris to celebrate the PDA that will never ever die.
"Six years after Apple Computer terminated the Newton, the
Worldwide Newton Association is holding its first conference to
determine the future of the platform.
"Indeed, the Newton may be getting a new lease on life.
"The first Newton hardware emulator will be unveiled at the
show, which may allow the Newton operating system to run on other
hardware, including full-color handhelds or Tablet PCs."
Milano 12" PowerBook/iBook Case
The Milano
high-quality leather case is geared to the executive who wants
a slim, stylish case for business use.
Crafted of high-quality cowhide leather, the Milano comes in a
12", 15", and 17" version to ensure a custom fit for all PowerBook
models. The 12" and 14" iBook also fit nicely in the respectively
sized cases. The Milano is a tight design that avoids the bulkiness
found in most other cases.
The Milano has a comfortable, padded non-slip shoulder strap
with an attachment for your iPod, digital camera or cellphone. Or
you can go strapless and carry the case by its rugged handle. The
buckles and handle connectors are all-high quality solid stainless
steel hardware.
The interior features a padded laptop pocket, lined with soft
plush fabric. A smaller pocket holds your non-digital documents and
folders. There is also a pocket for your extra batteries, cables,
adapters, etc. The back of the case features a large open pocked
for quick access to magazines, plane tickets or other quick-reach
items.
The Milano is a slim design with enough storage for the "on the
go" professional. Matter of fact, it is so sleek that most people
won't even realize that you have a laptop in your bag.
Price: $139.95
Tunewear Announces Tunemax iPod Case with
Embedded Battery
Nothing is worse than when you are on the town or on the road
and your iPod runs out of juice.
Tunemax is a product that looks and weighs about the same as a
protective case for the iPod, yet it is actually a powerful 16
hours of additional power for your iPod. The beauty of Tunemax is
the design. The case actually is the battery.
Simple yet elegant, the case
sandwiches the iPod inside the side covers which are filled with
850 mAh Lithium Ion cells. Each cover holds 425 mAh worth of power.
A lightweight and sturdy hooking belt clip designed onto the case
allows you to clip it to your waist belt, bag, or anywhere you
like. It is wide enough be used as a belt loop, and unlike
conventional clips, opens at a wide angle for easy clipping onto
thick surfaces.
The Tunemax Controller is also a unique feature. It has an
on/off switch allowing you to control when you want the charging
mechanism to be active. When set to on, Tunemax begins charging the
iPod, allowing you up to 28 hours of continuous music playback.
When switched off, you are using the iPod's internal battery.
The Controller has 4 LED lights (3 green and 1 red) to show you
exactly how much power is left on Tunemax. Four lit green LED
lights indicates that power storage is 100%. Three lit green LEDs
indicates 75% power, and so forth.
One of the most revolutionary features of Tunemax is it's
ability to sync with iTunes even when connected to your iPod. You
do not have to remove the 30 pin cable from your iPod to access
synching with iTunes, because a USB port is provided to do just
that. Simply attach a standard USB cable to Tunemax and the
computer, and you are ready to sync. You can also charge during
synching by connecting the FireWire port of your computer to the
Tunemax power port.
Charging the Tunemax battery cell is a piece of cake. There are
no big power supplies to carry or use, just one simple lightweight
cable you attach to the FireWire 400 port of your computer, or
straight into your iPod power supply.
Tunemax is compatible with the whole iPod line of products from
Apple Computer. The thick industrial strength rubber on the sides
hug thin 20 GB iPods, and expand to allow thick 40 GB iPod's to
stay put. Used with the Tunewear silicone case called Icewear, even
iPod mini fits perfectly inside Tunemax.
Specifications:
- Size: 60(W) x 42(L) x 110 (H) - measured with iPod 20 GB
inside, dimensions do not include belt clip
- Weight: 145g (iPod and cable not included)
- Color: Black leather, white plastic controller
iPod Compatibility:
- iPod (Click Wheel)
- iPod (Dock Connector)
- iPod mini (when used together with Icewear)
- iPod (FireWire), 6-pin FireWire cable not included
Tunemax will be available for sale worldwide starting in
September.
Depending on usage conditions, especially temperature where the
product is used, hours of playback may vary.
Contour Design Announces Showcase 4G for Apple
and HP Click Wheel iPods
Contour Design, a market leader in the iPod hardcase
accessories, announces the Showcase 4G.
Based on the original top selling Showcase for Apple generation 3
iPods, the Showcase 4G offers an innovative design and advanced
protection for Apple and HP's newest member of the iPod family.
"iPod users want a case that will not only protect their iPod,
but will also show off its aesthetic design. Our Showcase 4G does
just that! It's a true work of art!" says Mike Jackle (of Contour
Media Products Group). "Jackle goes on to state, at Contour Design
we focus on quality in all aspects of our products, from strength
and durability to look and feel. The development of the Showcase 4G
involved complex design and manufacturing processes coupled with
strict attention to detail, delivering a product that will lead the
market for iPod Cases."
To achieve this ultimate style and protection, the Showcase 4G
is created using superior materials and crafted with the latest
double injection molding technology. Shock-absorbing rubber
supports the iPod; protecting it from hard impacts while providing
a soft, smooth feel, and a colorful expression. The clear
scratch-resistant plastic protects the screen without hiding the
iPod beauty. Designed to fit the active lifestyle, this case allows
for easy access to all the controls and can be taken anywhere with
its comfortable, horizontally mounted belt clip.
Key features
- Sleek, clean design: a seamless integration of clear,
protective, durable, and shock-absorbing materials
- iPod display screen perfectly visible yet protected behind
impact-resistant clear plastic
- Click wheel easily accessible
- Top and bottom openings provide access to connectors, headphone
jack and hold switch
- Strong, detachable belt clip provides a secure, comfortable
fit
- Available in two colors, Black or White
The Contour Showcase 4G MSRP is $32.99, and it will be available
through Contour Design's extensive distributor and reseller
partners.
IBM Recalls 500,000 Melting Notebook
Adapters
The Register's Ashlee
Vance reports from Chicago:
"More than 500,000 notebook power adapters sold by IBM are being
recalled to offset the threat of melting plastic and even fire.
"IBM and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the
recall, saying at least six consumers have reported incidents with
the power adapters. The adapters were produced by Delta Electronics
and sit in systems shipped between January 1999 and August
2000...."
Hmmm. That's roughly the same vintage as the batch of PowerBook
G3 power adapters Apple recalled in 2001.
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
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.2 GHz,
256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,299
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,549
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,699
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and
Best iBook G3 Deals.
