Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.11.24
iPod News
Tech Trends
High-Capacity NewerTech Battery for 15"
Aluminum PowerBook/G4
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. and Other World Computing have
announced availability of the
NuPower AL15 high-capacity replacement battery for the 15"
aluminum PowerBook G4.
The 53.3 watt-hour NuPower AL15 battery is available immediately
for $129.99 and offers the longest run-time of any battery
currently on the market for 15" aluminum G4 PowerBook models.
"We have had such significant demand for a 15" aluminum G4 model
PowerBook battery that when we first made the AL15 available, all
we could do was list it on our Web site without a formal news
release and try to keep it in stock," said Larry O'Connor,
president of OWC. "It's only now, three months after we first began
shipping, that our supply is ramped up to the point where we can
let the 'rest of world' know about this great product."
The NuPower AL15 batteries are built in the United States using
premium Li-Ion cells manufactured in Japan and/or Canada. By using
only the best components and building them in the U.S., NewerTech
is able to ensure that its batteries run longer at full charge and
last longer compared to other batteries built to lesser standards.
The high-quality cells also allow for more charge cycles than other
batteries, and stringent quality control measures make sure that
the batteries will not be recalled as others have been.
"We believe these and all of our laptop batteries are honestly
the very best batteries you can buy," O'Connor said. "We build them
not only to run longer, but also with lasting reliability in mind.
This makes good economic sense, and it certainly benefits the
environment with less waste as well."
The NuPower AL15 batteries, as well as NewerTech's full line of
the highest capacity PowerBook batteries available, can be
purchased through OWC and other fine retailers. Also available are
the longest lasting and highest capacity NuPower iPod batteries
(with some models reported to provide more than 21 hours of
continuous playback).
iBook Specifications Page: October 2004 &
April 2004 iBooks Compared
NEWS: Poste at MacSpeedZone, these
tables show the major specifications and features for Apple
iBooks. Different configurations for the iBooks are based on
Apple's Online Store. Vendors' configurations may vary.
Configurations and prices reflect that of the machines when they
were introduced.
Major technological changes from last generation of iBooks:
- Processor speed moves from 1 GHz and 1.2 GHz to 1.2 GHz and
1.33 GHz, respectively
- $100 price drop on low-end model
- Hard drive of middle model moves from 40 GB to 60 GB
- SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW) now standard on high-end model
- 54 Mbps AirPort Extreme now comes installed as stock, rather
than optional
OWC FireWire Solutions 100% Compatible with Mac
OS 10.3.6
PR: Other World Computing has announced that its highly regarded
FireWire
solutions are completely compatible with all versions of
Apple's OS X 'Panther,' including 10.3.6.
While some other companies have had to issue fixes in order for
their FireWire products to operate on a machine upgraded to 10.3.6,
OWC drives have required no such update or fix.
"For the record, OWC's FireWire solutions are 100 percent
compatible with Apple OS 10.3.6," said Larry O'Connor, president of
OWC. "We have literally had customers write and thank us for
providing them with drives that didn't take a nosedive when they
upgraded to 10.3.6. And in fact, we have actually seen an increase
in sales on all of our FireWire solutions and empty enclosure kits.
This is a result of the positive discussion taking place in online
forums with regard to our drives' resiliency to problems that have
plagued other FireWire products since 10.3.6 was released."
OWC's FireWire products include its Mercury line of storage
solutions, including Mercury Elite FireWire 800/400/USB solutions,
Mercury On-The-Go portable solutions, and Mercury Pro CD/DVD
optical solutions. Also, OWC has its own line of FireWire drive
enclosures, as well as the OWC Neptune line of FireWire solutions
for "value done right."
iPod News
youPod v1.1: Sync Your Work, Back Up Your
Mac
PR: You've got a Mac and an iPod. It's pretty cool that you can
sync your calendars and export your addresses to your iPod to use
when you're "on the go" - but what about when you "get there"? You
can't use them on another Mac, even though it's "right there" on
your iPod!
youPod changes
all this. youPod lets you take your real AddressBook and iCalendars
with you, as well as your bookmarks for Safari, Firefox, or
Explorer. You can even take your Keychain so you don't have to
remember all of those passwords and logins.
youPod even turns your iPod into an iTunes Music Share when
you're away so you can play and share your music as well as makes
all your music visible to the Finder in a well organized directory
structure with the My Music button.
Just use youPod's super-easy interface to
pick what you want to take with you, and when you get back, just
click on the youPod icon to sync any changes you made while
away.
youPod is like .mac for your iPod, but so much more!
When you're away, youPod knows and adjusts accordingly. Run
youPod from your iPod when you get where you need to go, and it
adds a handy menu to the menubar without "hacking" the system
you're using.
Choose whatever you want - your bookmarks, keychains, addresses,
and calendars are waiting, just like at home. Click again, and
everything is set back. It's that simple. Nothing is left behind.
No rebooting, no admin privileges, no drivers no logout. It just
works.
youPod lets the music play, even when you are away
You carry your music with you; it's why we have iPods. Wanna
"get your groove on" at another Mac? youPod can help. Click 'My
Music' when you're home, and youPod makes a youMusic folder that is
visible on your iPod. Your music is organized by Artist and
Album.
When you are away, youPod turns your iPod into an iTunes Music
Share. You, and everyone else on the network can enjoy the music on
your iPod, without altering the playlists on the Mac your iPod is
connected to.
youPod does even more - on all of your iPods
One youPod license allows you to use it with any and all iPods
you may have. It works with all iPod models.
Need to send your Mac for repair? youPod makes sure your
personal info is safely stored.
Backing up your personal data is not routinely done, or, if it
is, there's an additional charge. Often, Service Centers run
Restore Utilities to set the machine back to the factory default.
You may have your apps backed up, but the tedium of reentering your
ISP settings, appointments, and other custom info is left to you.
youPod takes care of safely storing this info with one click. Click
SafeKeeping when you're home, and your settings are saved to your
iPod in case of emergency.
youPod can also run AppleScripts when you insert and/or eject
your iPod. If you're like us, when you're ready to go, you grab
your iPod and run - right after you close this app, set your iChat
to "Away," and lock your screen. You've got stuff you usually do.
youPod can help! AppleScripts that automate all sorts of things are
available for free all over the Web. Try this feature out, its
really helpful!
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.3+ and an iPod
youPod is $12.95 shareware.
H2O Audio Launches
Waterproof MP3 Player Housing and Speaker Headset for iPod
mini
PR: H2O Audio has announced the launch of the
H2O Audio SV-iMini, the first fully
waterproof and submersible housing for Apple's iPod mini. The
SV-iMini includes a unique dial and push button assembly for use
underwater, providing full access to the iPod mini's proprietary
Click Wheel controls.
Watersports enthusiasts can now take
their iPod mini with them while participating in sports such as
wakeboarding, surfing, snowboarding, swimming and kayaking.
H2O Audio's patented waterproof headset is
lightweight and designed to stay securely fastened through the
wipeouts, flips and turns endured by today's surfers, snowboarders
and wakeboarders.
"Having music in the water is simply amazing," said Peter Mel,
professional surfer and world-class big wave rider. "Big props to
H2O for creating a product that could be the
biggest technological advancement in surfing since the short
board."
Designed for extreme wear and tear, the new H2O Audio SV-iMini includes H2O
Audio's durable waterproof housing featuring easy-to-use controls
and a comfortable waterproof headset. Patented technology allows
the device and headphones to play clear music both in and out of
the water.
"Apple's iPod mini has made waves in popular culture," said
Kristian Rauhala, CEO of H2O Audio. "Our
SV-iMini lets customers enjoy their iPod mini in places they never
before imagined, such as the ocean, ski slopes or swimming
pool."
Key Features
- Waterproof housing for the iPod mini
- Waterproof speaker headset
- Unique watertight scrollwheel control assembly
- Impact-resistant design
- Compatible with standard headphones for land use
- Allows easy access to iPod mini functions
- Sleek, lightweight design
MSRP for the H2O Audio SV-iMini housing
and headphones is US$149.95. The H2O Audio
SV-iMini will be available in December at selected retailers and at
the H2O Audio eStore.
MCE Launches TuneWear iPod 4G (Click Wheel) and
iPod mini Product Line
PR: MCE Technologies,
LLC has entered into an exclusive agreement with TuneWear to
sell and distribute their products in the United States, Canada,
and Latin America.
The initial product lineup will consist of IceWear, a
transparent case made from high quality silicone, and PRIE, an
upscale and fashionable case that is available in four different
colors. TuneWear cases are designed in Japan by hfo:design.
TuneWear cases are built using materials, features and
craftsmanship that you would see in much more expensive cases, but
at a fraction of the price.
"We are excited to launch TuneWear products exclusively in the
United States, Canada, and Latin America," said Arnold Ramirez,
president of MCE. "These are world-class products, crafted with
extremely high quality, and best of all, they are affordably
priced. iPod owners will be thrilled by the workmanship and design
of these cases."
Unlike existing silicone cases, IceWear uses the same silicone
found in diving masks, which allows for both scratch protection and
a crystal clear view of your iPod 4G (Click Wheel) or iPod mini's
original color. The IceWear design allows access to all ports
including the headphone jack, dock connector, hold switch and click
wheel.
The shock absorbing ribs on the sides not only serve to protect
your iPod 4G (Click Wheel) or iPod mini during falls, but they also
function as a grip when held in your hand or when placed on most
any surface. IceWear can also be attached to a belt or shoulder
carry bags, with the added functionality of a belt loop
feature.
Finally, IceWear was designed to protect the screen, but not
obstruct the LCD view by covering it up. To accomplish this,
IceWear has a raised border around the screen area made from
extruded silicone around the LCD. The result is both crystal clear
screen viewing and excellent protection.
PRIE is available in four different colors: Key Lime, Ruby Pink,
Canvas Gray, and Jet Black. With the exception of Jet Black, each
case is two toned with an eye-catching white accent on the front
panel.
PRIE cases provide excellent protection for your iPod mini
against dirt and scratches. With the top flap down, the iPod is
completely surrounded and protected.
The TuneWear product line is available immediately from The MCE
Store.
TuneWear products will be available from MCE resellers within
the next 30 days.
IceWear highlights:
- Now available for iPod 4G (Click Wheel) and iPod mini, iPod 3G
version coming soon
- High-density transparent silicone
- Easy to put on, easy to take off
- Shock absorbing ribs
- Complete access to iPod's controls and connectors
- Unobstructed view of the screen
- Grips in your hands and grips to most surfaces
- Belt loop for use with belts or shoulder carry bags
- Washable with water and soap!
- Suggested retail price of $24.95
PRIE highlights:
- Now available for iPod mini, iPod 4G (Click Wheel) version
coming soon
- 4 color choices - Key Lime, Ruby Pink, Canvas Gray, Jet
Black
- Full access to headphone jack and dock connector
- Top cover flips open for access to controls, or flips closed to
cover and protect controls
- Highest quality cut, stitching, and craftsmanship
- Packaging allows for a 360-degree view of the product
inside
- Suggested retail price of $39.95
MCE develops and markets a wide range of Apple Macintosh related
products and solutions to distributors, dealers and end users. MCE
is based in Irvine, California.
Tech Trends
ATI Extends Notebook Graphics Leadership with
Additions to Mobile PCI Express Portfolio
PR: ATI Technologies Inc., the
global leader for PC graphics, announced two powerful new PCI
Express-based graphics processors for notebook PCs - the Mobility
Radeon X300 and Mobility Radeon X800. Addressing the needs of thin
and light notebook PCs, Mobility Radeon X300 delivers the perfect
blend of DirectX 9 performance and power management for consumer
and commercial notebooks. At the other end of the spectrum,
Mobility Radeon X800 is a 12 pixel pipeline mobile gaming
powerhouse designed for today's most visually intensive DirectX 9
games and applications.
Complementing Mobility Radeon X600, the industry's first mobile
PCI Express VPU, Mobility Radeon X300 and Mobility Radeon X800 give
ATI the broadest and fastest portfolio of mobile PCI Express
graphics processors for next-generation notebook PCs.
"As the mobile market begins the transition to PCI Express, it
is imperative that OEM designers have increased choice, flexibility
and performance in the design of next-generation notebook PCs,"
said Phil Eisler, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mobile
and Chipset Business Unit, ATI Technologies. "With the introduction
of these new products, ATI continues its tradition of delivering
industry-leading visual performance, highly efficient power
management and broad usability across all segments of the
market."
"The market for mobile gaming platforms continues to grow
rapidly, with users now able to enjoy the same level of 3D
performance as high end desktop PCs," said Robert Lusk, Vice
President of Sales and Marketing for Alienware. "By offering mobile
systems based on Mobility Radeon X800 we can offer a best-in-class
mobile gaming experience with a highly scalable architecture to
push DirectX 9 gaming performance to levels never thought
possible."
"Mobility Radeon X800 represents a giant leap in where the
future of upgradeable notebook technology is going," said Mark
Bialic, President, Eurocom Corporation. "Eurocom Corporation is
always first to offer its clients the most powerful solutions to
meet the needs of the most demanding users in the world. Mobility
Radeon X800 will help our company continue this tradition and serve
the needs of gamers and high end desktop replacement enthusiasts
everywhere."
Designed for mainstream thin and light users, Mobility Radeon
X300 offers a wide range of features including:
- Four pixel pipeline DirectX 9 performance
- PowerPlay 5.0 with new PCI Express based power management
capabilities
- LRTC and LCD-EE for improved video quality on notebook
panels
- Automatic Display Configuration technology for automated
display setup
- HyperMemory for increased system performance with smaller
amounts of memory
- A range of integrated memory options for thin and light
designs
Targeting the gaming enthusiast segment, Mobility Radeon X800
delivers increased visual performance with such capabilities
as:
- 12 pixel pipeline DirectX 9 performance
- Six vertex engines
- 3Dc technology for increased performance and improved image
detail
- GDDR3 memory for lightning fast memory speeds
- VideoShader HD with programmable video performance
- 256-bit memory interface for support of 256 MB mobile
designs
From December 2004 onwards, Mobility Radeon X800 will be
available from such industry leading notebook designers as
Alienware, Eurocom, Rock and Velocity Micro, with additional
designs to be announced over the coming months. Mobility Radeon
X300 will also be featured in many upcoming next generation
mainstream OEM designs.
Batteries Better, But Are They Still Guilty As
Charged?
NEWS: Cnet News.com's
Michael Kanellos says:
"During the holiday season, many wish for greater understanding
between people and nations. Others just want better batteries.
"Although electronics manufacturers have made substantial
strides in getting their devices to eke more life out of a battery
charge, one of the chief complaints among consumers remains the
perceived short run time of audio players, notebooks and other
devices....
"Batteries in notebooks, which five years ago typically lasted
only two hours, now can run up to five or more hours...
"On the other hand, devices are getting more complex and
requiring more power. Wireless connectivity and 15-inch screens,
baroque excesses less than four years ago, are now standard
notebook features. Customers also expect companies to live up to
their claims."
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.
- PowerBook WallStreet G3/233, 192/4/CD-ROM, $209
- 12" iBook G3/300, 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, add $19.99
- new 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz,
256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth, PC2700 SO DIMM 512 MB DDR
333, iSkin ProTouch PB Arctic White Keyboard Protector, $1,725
- new 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz,
256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, PC2100 SO DIMM 512 MB DDR 26,
Red Timbuk2 Laptop Tote, $1,675 (NOTE: to purchase this special you
must be a Top Dog Club Member)
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.
