Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.12.10
iPod News
iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program
Winding Down
NEWS: The iBook Logic Board Repair
Extension Program is a worldwide program covering repair or
replacement of the logic board in iBook models manufactured between
May 2001 and October 2003 that are experiencing specific component
failures.
The Expanded iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program covers
iBooks that have a specific component failure on the logic board,
resulting in the computer starting up but the built-in and attached
external displays exhibiting one or more of the following
symptoms:
- Scrambled or distorted video
- Appearance of unexpected lines on the screen
- Intermittent video image
- Video freeze
- Computer starts up to blank screen
The program is available for certain iBook models) with serial
numbers in the following range: UV117XXXXXX to UV342XXXXXX
iBooks with the serial numbers listed above may be referred to
as iBook (16 VRAM), iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM), iBook (Opaque 16
VRAM), iBook (32 VRAM), iBook (14.1 LCD 32 VRAM), iBook (800MHz 32
VRAM), iBook (900MHz 32 VRAM), iBook (14.1 LCD 900MHz 32 VRAM),
iBook (Dual USB), iBook (Late 2001), iBook (14.1 LCD)
If you have an affected iBook, there are only 8 more days until
the program is terminated, unless you bought your iBook after Dec.
18, 2001.
The program covers affected iBooks for three years after the
first retail sale of the unit or until Dec. 18, 2004, whichever
provides longer coverage for you. Apple will continue to evaluate
the repair data and will provide further repair extensions as
needed.
PowerBook Keyboard Fault?
NEWS: Macworld's Peter Cohen
says:
"....my past two PowerBook G4s were Titanium models, standard
15-inch systems. And both of them suffered the same problem: The
lettering on the keyboard would rub off after a while. In fact, the
keys themselves would get a glossy sheen to them that wasn't the
result of hand oil or anything like that: It was an actual polish
that would occur after I'd worn away the texture of the key. It was
a precursor to a more serious problem, because usually at about
that time that the keyboard itself would break. The scissor-style
springs underneath the keys would eventually just give out.
"Replacing keyboards on the old Titanium models is trivial. It
takes all of about a minute or two if you have the replacement part
in hand....
"So I got my new PowerBook late this spring, and I love it. This
aluminum-clad 17-inch model is sleek, fast, powerful and big - best
laptop I've ever used.... But the aluminum-colored keys are
starting to corrode again....
"The bigger problem comes in replacing the keyboard, however.
This isn't a Do-It-Yourself project for the faint of heart: Getting
the keyboard out of a new aluminum PowerBook involves a lot more
disassembly than it did with the titanium models....
QuickerTek Debuts Apple iBook Carry
Handles
PR: QuickerTek,
manufacturer of antennas for wireless AirPort Base Stations, has
just announced its newest product: iBook carry handles for the
12-inch and 14-inch iBook computers.
The sturdy aluminum handles are easily
installed on the iBook computer case, allowing consumers to carry
the laptop computers without an additional external carrying
case.
The handles also act as an adjustable stand for the iBook when
it is on a desktop, and feature an incline that allows for more
comfortable keyboarding and better air circulation for the
iBook.
The iBook handles, which will be available beginning in January
2005, are $50 for either the 12" or 14" iBook. They can be
purchased directly from QuickerTek.com or from the following
dealers: Small Dog
Electronics, TechnoWarehouse, MacGurus, PowerBookMedic, and MacMall.
- iBook 12" aluminum, iBookHand-12, $50
- iBook 14" aluminum, iBookHand-14, $50
QuickerTek also manufactures and sells a variety of aluminum
handles for other laptop computers, including the 12", 15", and 17"
aluminum PowerBooks and 15" titanium PowerBooks. (All these models
are shipping now from stock for Christmas)
- PowerBook 15" aluminum, AlHand-15, $50
- PowerBook 17" aluminum, AlHand-17, $50
- PowerBook 12" aluminum, AlHand-12, $50
- PowerBook 15"' titanium, TiHand-15, $40
The really cool thing about these handles are that they're so
light [9 ounces]. In fact, you might ask yourself if they are
strong enough when you feel just how light they are. Rest assured
that they are more than stout enough for your PowerBook or
iBook.
Easy to install. Remember that these handles also offer an
ergonomic tilt when used on the desktop. And, most importantly,
they take the stress off of the attaching screws and place it on
the support. Rubber supports on the handle prevent the 'Book from
skidding across the desk and protect the finish on your
computer.
PaperHub Aluminum USB/FireWire Hub and Paper
Tray
PR: Tasteless, uninteresting peripherals are the catalyst for
today's introduction of PaperHub, the most
stylish USB & FireWire combo hub ever. With PaperHub, Pressure
Drop is launching the Art-Techo movement, a crusade to remove the
drab accessories from the computer market and replace them with
stylish, visionary peripherals that fuse technology with art.
PaperHub, Pressure Drop's first
product, combines a USB 2.0 hub and a FireWire 400 hub within an
elegant aluminum paper tray. It features the latest technology
resulting in high speed data transfer and also provides the most
ports available of any hub on the market today.
Although a combo hub is not unusual, incorporating the hub
within the classiest paper tray ever made is a drastic change in
concept for computer peripherals, which are normally constructed of
cheap, utilitarian plastic. While most hubs clutter and take up
unnecessary desk space, PaperHub fulfills its technological
responsibilities accurately and quickly while handsomely organizing
a person's desk at the same time. Constructed entirely of aluminum,
brushed for beauty, and anodized for protection, PaperHub is pure
quality and workmanship at its best.
"We know that people crave style and art in their lives, so why
does the computer industry continue to offer ugly, plastic boxes as
the only solution?" said David Gawlowski, CEO of Pressure Drop.
"Look around your desk or office and see how technology has
affected the room's personality. When people buy decorations for
their offices, they seek artistic products they are proud to
display. We believe that computer peripherals should have the same
attributes. That's why we're excited about PaperHub. Finally, an
artistic, well-built hub that not only doesn't need to be hidden,
but begs to be displayed."
USB Ports
Connect your USB 2.0 devices to your computer at up to 480 Mbps,
or your legacy USB 1.1 devices at up to a full 12 Mbps per channel.
Whereas most USB hubs restrict all USB 1.1 devices to share one 12
Mbps channel, the PaperHub is built around the new Cypress TetraHub
controller chip, which uses unique Turbo Transaction Translator
Technology to dedicate a fast, 12 Mbps channel to each USB 1.1
device.
Powered by the PaperHub's power supply, a full 500ma of current
is available per port, with over-current detection to protect what
you plug in.
- LED indicator for uplink status
- One upstream Type B port to connect the PaperHub to the
computer or another hub
- Four Type A downstream ports to connect your USB peripherals,
devices, or other hubs. Cascade multiple hubs in series to connect
up to 127 devices.
- Compliant with USB Specifications 1.1 and 2.0, OHCI, EHCI, FCC
Part 15
FireWire Ports
Connect your FireWire 400 devices to your computer at an
auto-switching 100, 200, or 400 Mbps. With plenty of bandwidth and
optimized for large multimedia files, FireWire is the choice for
the demanding audio and video devices of today. Using the
industry-standard Texas Instruments hub controller chip, the
PaperHub intelligently manages all your data to stream or capture
video or access huge files.
Power your devices through bus-powered mode or the PaperHub's
single, shared power supply, all with over-current protection.
- LED indicator for uplink status
- One dedicated upstream port to connect the PaperHub to the
computer or another hub.
- Four downstream ports to connect your external storage devices,
cameras, camcorders, music players, or other peripherals.
- By connecting multiple hubs together, you can connect up to 63
devices.
One year warranty. $150.
No More Combo Drives by Mid-2005?
NEWS: Hardmac's Lionel
says:
"The current competition between notebook-dedicated
optical-drive manufacturers will lead to "end of life" of Combo
drive by mid-2005. At that time, the standard model installed on
notebooks should be a 8x DVD burner. High-end notebooks should be
equipped with multi-format, higher speed and DL DVD burners.
"Let's expect that the future iBook revision in few months will
be the beginning of the "all DVD burner" for Apple notebook
machines."
Laptop Uptimes
NEWS: ie.suberic.net's Kevin
Lyda says:
"John Hegarty wrote: I'm getting used to only rebooting after a
kernel update on servers here but are there any users out there who
use their linux laptop in the manner described above? I support a
number of Windows laptops here and such an uptime is unimaginable.
Is uptime on a laptop important? - Nope, I don't think so but I'm
curious to know how does Linux fares on this one.
With few exceptions, Apple laptops have always been better put
together than their PC counterparts. The power management features
have been lightyears ahead of PC power management. That kind of
uptime isn't surprising to me at all. particularly with their BSD
OS core.
People have gotten used to things with PC's and Windows they
nevershould have. Crashing. Poorly designed hardware. Viruses.
Spyware.
if you really stop and think about it - how it's all evolved
over thepast 10 years or so - it's insane.
Kevin
Yellow Dog Linux's Kai Staats on
PowerBooks
NEWS: In an article, Why
Install Linux on Your Mac?, Giles Turnbull quotes Yellow Dog
Linux's Kai Staats on PowerBooks:
"And how does Staats himself use the OS?"
"I have a 15" aluminum PowerBook. Never thought I could give up
a full desktop with multiple drives and more room for expansion
. . . but now I can't see how I would ever go back. Love
it."
PowerBook Fixit Guides Praised
NEWS: Blogger Jack Barse
says:
"I love it when I save $1000 or so. :-)
"I have an Apple Titanium PowerBook, circa October 2001. Not the
latest and greatest, to be sure, but perfectly fine for my main
portable tasks: email and 'Net access, reading and writing blogs,
plus presentations both desktop and projector-driven. The machine
shows a wee bit of wear on its case, having been around the world
several times and having been plugged into mains and VGA cables
from Singapore to Sweden and back again.
"Recently, however, the TiBook has had trouble waking from sleep
mode. The screen would come back but the cursor would not appear
and neither the keyboard nor trackpad seemed to work....
"I tried everything I know about Macs (which is not
inconsiderable, given that the TiBook is my sixth PowerBook):
permissions repair, software disk repair, PRAM reset, Open Firmware
boot and reset, starting in OS 9, fresh install of OS X,
reverting to an earlier version of OS X. Nada. Which convinced
me it was a hardware problem.
"...Rather than give up and either buy a new machine or send it
to Apple for repair, I decided to replace the hard drive. After
all, the main symptom was that the machine couldn't find the system
on the drive. So I ordered a new drive from Newegg.com
and
installed it according to PBFixIt's excellent guides, and crossed
my fingers."
"I'm happy to report that it's been a week and all appears
well...."
RadTech Announces New Mobile Solutions
PR: New from RadTech:
OmniCleanz
Advanced, nonconductive cleaning technology functions atomically
to dislodge contaminants at the molecular level.
A whole new way to meticulously clean computers, displays,
peripherals and countless other worldly objects. The Houston
Chronicle's Bob, Dr. Mac, Levitus says of RadTech's OmniCleanz
"...it's the best display-cleaning juice I've ever used. It removes
dirt and scuff marks better than other products."
A true breakthrough in cleaning technology, RadTech's OmniCleanz
removes what other cleaners leave behind. While most cleaning
products rely on hazardous and noxious solvents and/or surfactants
to cut-through and float soil and debris, OmniCleanz employs a
revolutionary solvent and VOC free approach to remove soiling,
contaminates and bacteria - and OmniCleanz is 100% Bio,
environmental and child safe. OmniCleanz contains no Alcohols,
Ammonias, detergents, harsh chemicals, dyes or odors
OmniCleanz utilizes an ionic suspension composition to sever
atomic bonds at the molecular level to instantly release soiling
and contaminants from surfaces. This process is so efficient,
nothing larger than 1 micron remains on treated substrates -
bacteria's and most virii are also eliminated. Furthermore, cleaned
surfaces are left with an electrically neutral charge so dust and
dirt are not attracted. OmniCleanz provides a deep clean you can
actually feel.
OmniCleanz is nonconductive to over 1.5M ohm/cm - safe to use on
powered-up, low-voltage circuitry. Can be applied directly to
computer keyboards, LCD displays and other bus-powered peripherals
with no ill effects. Leaves no residue upon evaporation, and
replaces Acetone in many critical PCB cleaning applications
OmniCleanz is available in 2 convenient sizes, with or without a
premium 5 x 8in. RadTech Optex" cleaning and polishing cloth. The
30ml/1oz size makes the perfect travel companion for people on the
move - stows in most any travel or notebook bag for quick and easy
on-the-go use. The 118ml/4oz size is great for home, office or
garage - providing hundreds of perfect cleanings for a multitude of
applications. Pricing starts at $6.95.
PodSleevz for iPod photo
Formfitting protective Optex sleeve case for Apple iPod
photo.
Made from Optex, PodSleevz offer a snug, glove fit for the
popular music player, protecting the beautiful, yet fragile iPod
from scratching and abrasion. The PodSleevz, available in six
shades of 0.8mm Optex, add almost no bulk to the svelte jukebox and
still allow use of Apple's included clip case. Available now, with
an MSRP of $19.95.
Pawz: High-grip Replacement Notebook Computer Feet
Pawz replacement equipment feet provide a solid solution for
missing, worn or inadequate original equipment feet. Made from
transparent Polyurethane and providing 4-8 times the surface area
of OEM equipment feet, Pawz ensure that your equipment stays put,
even on steeply inclined surfaces. Pawz go on in seconds and
provide a 1.3mm cooling boost over most manufacturer-installed
feet.
Pawz provide a great solution for all electronic components
including: notebook computers, printers, scanners, external hard
disks, etc. RadTech Pawz protect work surfaces and furniture from
scratches and scuffs from equipment bottoms too! Available now for
$7.95
LensavRz
Professional-grade Optex wipes expertly clean and polish fine
optics and sensitive electronic devices.
RadTech LensavRz provide unequaled cleaning and polishing for
glass or plastic optics, sensitive electronic devices, or just
about anything that needs to be thoroughly, yet gently cleaned and
protected from potentially harmful ESD (electrostatic discharge).
Put the power of Optex's 1.3 million fibers per square inch to work
for you and discover what thousands of RadTech ScreensavRz users
already know - nothing cleans as brilliantly as Optex.
Used completely dry, LensavRz' incredible Optex super-microfiber
composition wipes pull dirt and other contaminates off surfaces
with unmatched efficiency, without inducing electrostatic charges
which can potentially harm sensitive electronics, or attract dirt
and dust to cleaned surfaces.
RadTech's LensavRz fabric was initially conceived and developed
using advanced optical polishing technology - and this is where the
power of Optex really shines! There is no finer solution available
for cleaning and polishing the high-quality optics used in modern
photographic and video equipment - LensavRz can even be used to
expertly clean negatives, slides and prints! LensavRz make an
indispensable addition to any photographer, or videographer's tool
kit. LensavRz are also perfect for eye-wear, televisions, computer
monitors, CDs/DVDs, cell phones, PDAs, and much more. Available now
in two sizes, starting at $7.95
Non-marking Nylon Pry Tool
Computer case and connector separating tool.
RadTech's tool crib now features the necessary, but hard-to-find
Nylon pry tool called out in Apple's Service Source manuals. This
handy tool allows for easy notebook computer and micro connector
disassembly. A must for all do-it-yourself notebook repairs -
available now for $7.00.
A list of worldwide dealers is available here:
http://www.radtech.us/dealers
TouchStar SlipCover for PowerBooks
PR: Troll Touch introduces
SlipCover for PowerBooks. Touch-enable your 12", 15", or 17" laptop
in mere seconds. Add the benefit of touch computing in the
classroom, office, boardroom, or home. Perfect for POS
applications, data collection, or as an interactive communication
and presentation tool.
Installing the system couldn't be
easier. Simply slide SlipCover over your laptop display, extend and
secure the "kickstand" display support, plug in the USB cable, and
the system is ready for immediate use.
When finished, unplug the USB cable, slide the touchscreen up
and off of the laptop display, and collapse the kickstand.
SlipCover can be stored away until next time touch input is
required.
Built to take it, SlipCover is all but indestructible. The
products all-metal housing and kickstand assembly are powder-coated
to compliment the finish of the PowerBook. Our custom PSRT-1,
non-breakable, analog resistive touchscreen overlay is scratch and
abrasion resistant and can be activated by finger, gloved hand or
stylus touch input. Touchscreen driver and calibration software is
provided.
Featuring all metal construction with powder coat finish, a
non-breakable analog resistive touchscreen overlay and Troll's
proprietary high-resolution touchscreen controller, the SlipCover
17 complements the look of the laptop it enhances. Installation is
easy. Simply slide the SlipCover down over the laptop's display and
plug it into one of the computer's available USB ports. Touchscreen
calibration is easy using the provided software. The touchscreen's
analog resistive technology allows the user to activate the screen
via fingertip, gloved hand or stylus.
"We're very pleased with this addition to our custom Apple
touchscreen product line," states Nick Durso, Troll Touch
president. "Providing an external solution for the Apple PowerBook
maintains the integrity and beauty of Apple's design, while
expanding the computer's functionality. The addition of our
SlipCover product is in response to customer requests for a
touchscreen solution that doesn't require permanent modification of
the computer, is easy to install and maintain, and is cost
effective."
The SlipCover 17 is the first external laptop solution to be
announced and is to be followed by SlipCover models for the
remaining 12 and 15 inch PowerBook and the 12 and 14 inch iBook.
The SlipCover 17 joins the company's line of touch systems for
Apple products which include the the new G5 iMacs, Apple Cinema
displays and the eMac.
Troll Touch has been providing touchscreen systems for Apple and
PC platform products since 1987.
14" iBook G4 Reviewed
NEWS: performancepccanada.com's
Joshua Paul reports on the 14" iBook:
"With notebook prices so low, practically everyone can consider
buying a notebook instead of a desktop. Of course desktops have the
best price/performance ratio - however, I think there is a more
important ratio to consider - price/performance/access - and on
this score laptops always win....
"Compared with the less sytlish PC laptops we've seen from other
vendors, the Apple iBook's fit
and finish is flawless. Apple's G4 processor also achieves much
better - this iBook is rated to go 6 hours - but since I turned all
the energy settings off I actually only got 4 hours - still much
better than PC laptop vendors - that ship their units with inferior
batteries and offer extended life batteries for sale. You can tell
the design of the unit has been carefully thought through. From the
placement of all I/O connections on the left hand side, the slot
loading Combo drive - this unit is almost perfectly smooth. I
especially like the fact that no cables plugged into the back of
the unit....
"However - my biggest complaint is with the build quality of the
LCD. It is not as sharp or as bright as the unit used in the
PowerBook series...."
Editor's note: Go with the 12"
iBook, which has the same spectacular screen as the 12"
PowerBook. I have a 12" iBook and a Pismo PowerBook, which has essentially the
same 14.1" display as the 14" iBook, and the 14-incher seems grainy
and lackluster compared with the 12" unit. CM
14" iBook G4/1.2 GHz vs. 14" iBook
G4/1.33 GHz
NEWS: MacReviewZone has posted a performance
comparo of the current and former top-end 14" iBooks.
FirmTek Ships Full Featured Dual-Bay
Hot-Swappable Serial ATA Enclosure
PR: FirmTek, LLC,
developer of ATA host adapter solutions for Apple's Macintosh, has
announced and begun shipping their new external SeriTek/1EN2 Serial
ATA drive enclosure, providing the ultimate in storage flexibility
when combined with the new SeriTek/1SE2 host adapter on a Macintosh
or PC. The SeriTek/1EN2 delivers two state-of-the-art hot swappable
hard drive bays which support today's media-rich applications. With
key-lockable, hot-swappable drive bays and internal cooling, the
system is designed from the ground up to deliver the ultimate in
Serial ATA power and performance. It also features a case
constructed of aluminum, providing both strength and efficient heat
dissipation, and two fully shielded Serial ATA cables for the most
reliable data transfer at all times.
The SeriTek/1EN2 represents FirmTek"s latest storage upgrade
solution for Macintosh and PC platforms. "Our engineering has
remained at the forefront of ATA technology for the past several
generations," said Chi Kim Stanford, Vice President of Business
Development for FirmTek. "Our expertise has provided the foundation
of many of the industry"s best selling products for Ultra
ATA/33/66/100/133 and now Serial ATA technology. We know that many
knowledgeable users are aware of the role we have been playing, and
we are well positioned to deliver this high performance external
storage solution for their desktop."
The SeriTek/1EN2, combined with your choice of top-performance
drives and a host adapter like the SeriTek/1SE2, can deliver data
transfer rates of up to 150MBytes/sec or 1.5Gbits/sec per drive,
easily supporting some of the most demanding applications like
digital video creation & editing, computer animation, and
digital photography. Its "hot swap" benefit allows users to remove
and replace drives from either bay at any time, without powering
down the computer. This allows for maximum flexibility and provides
fast recovery with RAID-protected volumes.
SeriTek/1EN2 Key Features and Benefits:
- Attractive, durable design will impress in any workspace
- Power and activity LEDs for each hard drive
- Easy to set up: Only 3 steps to integrate each hard drive
- Easy to operate: Simply unlock and move latch to add or remove
drives
- Easy to transport: Compact, portable, lightweight
- Brushed aluminum body for maximum durability and heat
dissipation
- Two lockable drive bays for maximum security
- Hot-swappable, plug-and-play flexibility in switching
drives
- Unprecedented system performance with data transfer rates of up
to 150MBytes/sec or 1.5Gbits/sec per drive (may vary with adapters
and drives)
- Designed as a native Serial ATA solution; no Parallel ATA to
Serial ATA signal converters that might impact performance and
reliability
- All connectors and cables are designed to minimize
electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic emissions, providing
the most secure environment for your data
- Compatible with all Power PC Macintosh and Windows computers
equipped with external shielded Serial ATA ports, native or via PCI
expansion cards
- Supports Mac OS 8.X, 9.X, and OS X version 10.1.5 or later and
Windows 98/98SE/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003
- Ideal for multimedia-intensive applications: audio/video
capture and editing, graphics manipulation and high-end digital
publishing
- Delivers top performance for all Power Macintosh and Windows
computers, especially for Macintosh G5 users who are limited to two
internal drive bays - Includes two fully shielded external Serial
ATA cables and power adapter
FirmTek's SeriTek/1EN2 Serial ATA enclosure is available now for
the estimated retail price of USD$169.95 (SATA-1EN2). A model
bundled with FirmTek"s SeriTek/1SE2 PCI adapter is also available
for USD$259.95 (SATA-1SEN2). For more information or to find out
how to purchase FirmTek products, email sales@firmtek.com or visit
FirmTek's website.
iPod News
Pod Shield
PR: Why hide your iPod in a
bulky case? Show it off and protect it with a Pod Shield. Pod
Shield adds an invisible super-thin second skin to your iPod.
Trendy Geek manufactures the Pod Shield, an invisible iPod
protector for all generation iPods.
Hate those bulky cases? Do you wish there was a way to protect
the beauty of your Apple iPod without covering it in a bulky
concealing a case? Well now you can add an invisible super thin
second skin to your iPod with with Pod Shield!
Pod Shield consists of two ultra-thin
plastic films that adheres to your iPod via high static. The front
film is cut perfectly to cover the iPods Screen. The back film is
die-cut and provides scratch protection to the stainless steel
backing of the iPod. Both films are 100% transparent, so you can
barely see them when applied. Both films adhere strongly to the
iPod via high static, so you can remove them without leaving any
sticky residue behind.
It's time to ditch that bulky iPod case and go invisible with
the Pod Shield
Price: $12.99
And keep your iPod mini's screen scratch free and looking brand
new with the mini Pod Shield. Also $12.99
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.
Special Deals: Apple
Certified
Free shipping.
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and
Best iBook G3 Deals.
