Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.12.23
iPod News
Editor's note: This is the last 'Book Review column of the year. Low End
Mac will be closed next week, and new content will resume on
January 3, 2005, and the next 'Book Review should be posted on
Friday, Jan. 7. dk
iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program
Extended Again
NEWS: Apple's iBook Logic Board Repair
Extension Program, originally announced 11 months ago and
originally scheduled to end December 18, 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. It has now been extended
for another three months.
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 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 (800 MHz 32
VRAM), iBook (900 MHz 32 VRAM), iBook (14.1 LCD 900 MHz 32 VRAM),
iBook (Dual USB), iBook (Late 2001), iBook (14.1 LCD)
The original program began on January 28, 2004. This expansion,
which adds certain models, is effective immediately. The program
covers affected iBooks for three years after the first retail sale
of the unit or until March 18, 2005, whichever provides longer
coverage for you. Apple will continue to evaluate the repair data
and will provide further repair extensions as needed.
Pismo Processor Card PowerLogix G3/900
Tutorial
NEWS: Philippe Helman has posted a thorough, illustrated
tutorial on installing a PowerLogix 900 MHz G3 upgrade card in
his PowerBook Pismo 400.
Used Laptops: Why to Buy Them and How to Buy
Them
OpEd: Notebook Review's Perry
Longinotti says:
"It is tough being a geek. We're faced with a never-ending
stream of interesting new technologies that we would like to try
out. But the reality is that unless you are an uber-geek, chances
are you do not make enough money to purchase and enjoy all of these
new technologies. The good news is that you do not have to forsake
food and shelter in order to be able to purchase those interesting
new gadgets that you so desire. There is an easier way. This
article will expose you to the seedy underbelly of used laptop
buying and selling (it isn't really all that seedy actually).
"Beware! Once you have gained access to a plentiful supply of
cheap used laptops there may be no going back. People in serious
relationships should seek the permission of their significant
others before embarking on this adventure....
"Your problem is that you want the $3,000.00 computer for the
price of a $999.00 computer (or less - actually mostly less).
So what can you do?
"The answer is; you turn to the used market....
"For most people a three-year-old machine is still a very useful
item. Unless you are playing a lot of games or doing demanding work
like photo or video editing you do not need the latest technology
to enjoy your computer.
"Among laptop cognoscenti there are a few brands that standout.
IBM has a well-earned reputation for building incredibly durable
and sexy laptops under the ThinkPad brand.... Toshiba, Panasonic,
and Fujitsu also have excellent reputations for building solid
business-class laptops.
"The other brand that is worth investigating is Apple. Apple has
been making good quality laptops for as long as IBM. You can run
Linux on most Powerbooks, or choose from Apple's Classic or Unix
based offerings. Apple's highly vertical approach to computers
results in very well integrated and elegant laptops. They also tend
to come right out of the box with most of the software you will
need (iLife being a good example)....
TechRestore Launches Worldwide 24-Hour
PowerBook & iBook Repair Program
PR: PowerBookRestore
brings together the expertise of a team of technicians and product
specialist that have been providing repairs and support for the
Macintosh community since 1994. With an unmatched depth of
knowledge in supporting both current and older PowerBook and iBook
models, PowerBookRestore provides a valuable resource for Mac
owners seeking a reliable and fast method to keep their systems
running strong. The 24-hour turnaround on repairs and upgrades
assures that users have the shortest amount of downtime possible
during what could otherwise be a long drawn out ordeal.
"Over the last decade, our repair team has performed tens of
thousands of PowerBook and iBook repairs," said Shannon Jean,
Founder and President of TechRestore. "With our new
PowerBookRestore program, Mac users worldwide can take advantage of
our 24-hour turnaround time and our technicians unmatched
expertise."
PowerBookRestore offers both a complete, door-to-door overnight
service for U.S. customers, as well as a Self-Restore program for
customers wishing to send in their system on their own and for
international Mac users. The Full-Restore program starts with a
phone call to 1-888-5PB-Repair or a visit to TechRestore.com. Once
a repair is scheduled, a RestoreBox is sent via overnight courier
to the customers home, office or school where their system is
picked up and brought back overnight to TechRestore. Within
24-hours of receipt, the customer is contacted with a complete
diagnosis and a repair price for their approval. The repair is
completed the same day and the system is sent back to the
customer's location via overnight courier.
The Full-Restore repair program cost is $99 for 24-hour
turnaround, or $79 for 48-hour turnaround, which includes all
overnight shipping charges, the RestoreBox and the complete
diagnosis. The Self-Restore program is $19 for the diagnosis and
return shipping.
"We run our entire organization on PowerBooks, and we couldn't
imagine having downtime with a delayed repair," said Jean.
"PowerBookRestore is the solution to the problem of long repair
delays and hard to find parts for older systems. We're thrilled to
bring our service to Macintosh users worldwide."
Created out of a passion for the products we sell and service,
the TechRestore team has been selling and repairing mobile products
since 1994. Founded in 2004, TechRestore brings together a repair
and product expertise team to provide sales and support for
portable electronics devices such as PowerBook and iBook computers,
iPod audio players and more.
- Phone: 1-888-5PB-Repair
- Int: 925-689-9487
New High Capacity Replacement Batteries for G3
iBooks
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) and Newer Technology, Inc.
(NewerTech) have announced availability of NuPower high-capacity
replacement batteries for all 12" iBook G3 "Dual USB" models
and all iBook G3 "clamshell" models.
The 3600mAh "Dual USB" battery is available for $119.99 and
provides 9% more capacity than the original Apple battery, while
the 4800mAh model for $139.99 provides 45% more capacity. The
"Clamshell"-compatible 4400mAh battery is available for $129.99 and
allows for 37.5% more capacity, with the $139.99 4800mAh model
boasting 50% more capacity.
"It is a pleasure to add these outstanding batteries to our
NewerTech NuPower line of replacement batteries," said Larry
O'Connor, president of OWC. "They offer owners of G3 iBooks what
they have been craving - longer runtimes and less dependence on a
connected power source."
As with all NuPower batteries, the G3 iBook-compatible models
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 are built to last.
"Considering the low cost and long runtimes of our NuPower
batteries, an upgrade from an aging stock battery makes good
economic sense," O'Connor said. "And since we really do build these
batteries to last, they make good environmental sense as well."
NewerTech's full line of the highest capacity Apple laptop
replacement batteries available can be purchased through OWC and
other fine retailers.
OWC and NewerTech Introduce New AC Power
Adapter
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) and Newer Technology, Inc. have
introduced the NewerTech
AC Power Adapter.
Available online for $49.95, the 65-Watt, 100-240 volt, 50/60
Hertz auto-switching NewerTech adapter is compatible with all Apple
iBook G3, iBook G4, and PowerBook G4 computers. Unlike some
third-party adapters currently on the market, the NewerTech adapter
provides constant wattage output to specifications that meet or
exceed Apple's own adapters.
"The high standards we hold our NewerTech adapters to ensure
that operation will be safe and reliable for your precious iBook or
PowerBook computer," said Larry O'Connor, president of OWC. "The
NewerTech product also provides proper charging of the main
internal battery even while the computer is being used, which is
surprisingly something that not all AC adapters do."
As with all NewerTech products, including its high-capacity
PowerBook and iBook batteries, the NewerTech adapter is built not
just to perform, but also to last. It comes standard with a
three-year NewerTech warranty.
"The truth of the matter is that not all AC adapters and laptop
batteries are created equal, and the NewerTech brand tops them
all," O'Connor said. "Our NewerTech products are manufactured using
only the highest-quality parts, rigorously tested and are intended
to last longer than any other similar product. You can't go wrong
filling your portable computing power needs with NewerTech
solutions."
The NewerTech AC Adapter is available online or your favorite
retailer.
Iomega Triple-Interface External Hard Drive
Shipping
PR:
Iomega Corporation has begun shipping three triple-interface
models of the newly redesigned Iomega External Hard Drive. All
three models, which come complete with backup and disaster recovery
software, include FireWire 800 connectivity for Mac users who want
the highest speeds available. Designed for individual Mac users or
Windows users in small businesses and at home, the new drives are
the fastest external hard drives ever from Iomega and are ideal for
managing and protecting large files.
"This is Iomega's third-generation external hard drive design,
so we have incorporated a lot of good customer feedback and
insight," said Brad Nelson, product general manager, consumer
products, Iomega Corporation. "More and more computer users are
working with massive data files-digital photos, downloadable music,
and digital video clips to name a few-and they appreciate an
external hard drive because it is so convenient for storage and
backup. Iomega's External Hard Drive includes award-winning backup
software too, so it's a great value."
Several best-in-class features distinguish Iomega's
triple-interface drives, which range in capacity from 160 GB to 400
GB. All are 7200 RPM drives and are whisper-quiet in operation. All
include USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed USB), FireWire 400, and FireWire 800
interfaces. All are packaged in a sleek and functional new
enclosure with a high-gloss black finish, giving users two desktop
placement options: horizontal, which lets users stack drives on top
of each other; and vertical, which maximizes desktop space. The
vertical drive stand stows away in the drive enclosure when not in
use.
Other features include a Kensington security slot for
high-traffic locations and an on/off switch for powering down the
drive at night or on weekends. Each drive also comes complete with
Dantz Retrospect Express for Mac users, as well as the
award-winning Iomega Automatic Backup software and disaster
recovery software for Windows users.
Iomega Automatic Backup Software
Iomega Automatic Backup software provides advanced real-time
backup that is automatic and "touch-free" - users do not have to
count on remembering to push a button or run a program. They simply
select the files and folders to protect, set the backup schedule,
and let Iomega Automatic Backup software do the rest. And restoring
data is easy - just drag and drop.
Iomega Automatic Backup software includes these advanced
features:
- Enables touch-free backups whenever a file changes
- Allows personalized backup schedules
- Supports multiple backup locations
- Saves multiple file revisions (user selectable)
- Supports DVD, CD, hard drives, network drives, and solid-state
memory cards
- Caches backup data when backup media is unavailable
- Simplifies file restoration with drag and drop convenience
Also included is Windows-based disaster recovery software that
lets users create a comprehensive disk image of the primary hard
drive. If the system crashes, or gets a virus, or the drive ever
needs to be replaced, the user can easily restore all software and
settings from the disk image, without the need to reinstall the
operating system or individual programs.
New triple-interface drives (USB 2.0, FireWire 400, FireWire
800) are now shipping for availability at major retailers and
online, with pricing starting at $199 for the 160 GB model, $279
for the 250 GB model, and $429 for the 400 GB model. All prices are
U.S. suggested retail.
iPod News
New High Capacity iPod Battery
PR: Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) and Other World Computing (OWC) have
introduced a new high-capacity 1800mAh Apple iPod replacement
Lithium-Polymer (Li-Polymer) battery for all first- and
second-generation iPod models.
This new 1800mAh NuPower battery
model offers 46% more capacity than the battery installed in first-
and second-generation iPods and is available for the same $29.95
the original 1600mAh battery was offered at. The ultrahigh capacity
2100mAh NuPower offering 70% more capacity for the same models also
remains available for $39.95.
"The demand for our high-capacity iPod battery line has been
quite intense since its introduction a few months ago," said Larry
O'Connor, president of OWC. "In keeping with our traditions, we've
had no problem ramping up to supply the ever-increasing demand, and
we have further improved our product line with this new 1800mAh
model. The exponential growth in both our retail and dealer sales
for all of our NewerTech batteries is no surprise, being that they
offer the longest runtimes available."
NewerTech's replacement batteries for 1G and 2G iPods are the
highest capacity iPod batteries available, and may be purchased
from OWC or other fine retailers. Similarly, NewerTech's 850mAh
replacement battery for 3G iPods is the highest capacity battery
for that popular model of the ubiquitous music player as well.
NewerTech iPod batteries, while using the same Li-Polymer
technology as the Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPod batteries they replace,
take advantage of today's technology advances for longer runtime
and operational lifetime. NewerTech iPod batteries also include two
non-scratching installation tools and a detailed instruction manual
to guide users smoothly through the installation process.
"This is the ultimate win-win situation," O'Connor said. "Not
only are our batteries very cost effective and easy to install,
they also give iPod owners more freedom to 'jam' longer without
external power. We've made a lot of first-, second- and
third-generation iPod owners very happy, and even make it easy to
listen your iPod via your car stereo with our $19.99 RoadTrip!( FM
transmitter. Now anyone can jam at home or on the road for longer
than ever with the solutions by NewerTech."
For more information on the full line of NewerTech Batteries
available through OWC and other fine retailers.
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.
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD-ROM,
OS X ready as well as OS 9, includes AC adapter and battery, &
backup CD kit, 60 day guarantee! $429.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/Combo,
$529.99
- Order AirPort, $79.50
- Order AirPort Base Station, $39.50
- add 256 MB (total of 320 MB), $41
- add 512 MB (total of 576 MB), $93
Order your iBook with a Targus carrying case (lifetime
warranty!) for 99¢ extra. iBooks are fully tested, and include
a 60 day warranty
Power Max
Special Deals: Apple
Certified
Free shipping.
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,349
- 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
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz,
512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $2,099
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz,
512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $2,399
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and
Best iBook G3 Deals.
