Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.01.14
iPod News
Tech Trends
Windows Watch
Apple: Fix Your Hinges!
PowerPage's
Jason O'Grady says:
"My five-month-old PowerBook G4
15-inch 1.5GHz is a total piece of crap. The hinges are
creaking worse than that old door sound effect from Hallowe'en and
I am getting a little tired of it.... Each time I open and close my
PowerBook I am reminded of the innumerable hinge problems that
Apple has with almost every model.
"In fact, hinge problems are so rampant with PowerBooks that an
entire cottage industry has cropped up to fix it. Apple should
bundle a tube of AIGlide from RadTech.us with every PowerBook that
they sell.
"Note to Apple: Please fix the hinges in the upcoming PowerBook
G5 or WE WON'T BUY THEM....
"If the PowerBook G5 turns out to be a US$3000 power-hungry,
furnace with hinges that suck, Do us all a favor Apple and keep it
in the labs. We won't get fooled again."
I agree with Jason. If it wasn't so awful, it would be almost
comical that Apple, with all its industrial design prowess, hasn't
managed to build a laptop with decent hinges.
Notebooks from Apple Enjoy Solid Fan Base
Deutsche Presse's Verena Wolff
reports:
"They're stylish, small and stable. Yet the laptop computers
from Apple often find themselves joining the company's desktop
computers on the sidelines in the arena of mainstream
computing....
"Still, some experts feel that the iBooks for home users or the
potent PowerBooks for businesspeople and other professionals have a
lot going for them....
"Among the advantages of the Mac machine are its user
friendliness and stability. The fact that they are less common
actually offers an unexpected advantage, too.
"They are less frequently the target of virus attacks....
"The community of Mac owners has changed over the years. While
it was once composed largely of graphic artists, photographers and
desktop publishing specialists, the borders are now less
clear."
Apple, IBM Powering Ahead Together
InfoWorld's
Tom Yager reports:
"PowerPC and Power form a continuum of compatible, and now open,
processor designs - and our guess is that the PowerS design will
arrive in some form in an Apple machine in 2005. The companies that
rely on PowerPC will do very nicely betting on the No. 2 horse.
"The PowerS hasn't yet arrived in an Apple machine, despite the
similarly named PowerPC G5, the Mac's latest, greatest CPU. Apple's
CS is actually based on the Power4 - except with a single core, a
smaller die, less heat, and lower power consumption.
"In other words, the PowerPC incarnation of the Power
architecture is optimized for smaller machines. And that plan seems
to be working better than ever: Apple sold 836,000 PowerPC laptop,
desktop, and server systems in its fourth fiscal quarter of
2004....*
"Apple is still the driving force behind discrete PowerPC
engineering. It drove Freescale, a Motorola spin-off, to create the
MPC7447A to replace the inefficient CPU used in the first 17-inch PowerBook G4.
Freescale's next work will be the 7448, which doubles the cache
size of the 7447A and raises the ceiling on the bus and clock
speeds. The company also has a dualcore, 32-bit PowerPC chip coming
up."
- * In their first fiscal quarter of 2005, Apple sold 1,046,000
computers.
Capacity Meter 1.1 Displays & Tracks
PowerBook Battery Capacity
PR: Capacity Meter
displays information about your PowerBook's battery, including
capacity, amperage, current, and voltage. Using this information
and your machine's specifications, Capacity Meter will let you know
the current status of your battery. Battery information can be
saved in the applications history to monitor battery degradation
over time.
The Capacity Meter Helper application, which is included in the
download, is designed to provide feedback at startup. This
application compares your last saved battery capacity to the
current capacity and notifies you if the change is more than the
user-defined percentage. If the change is less, the application
will still show the current and previous capacities but close after
10 seconds.
Using these applications, you can actively monitor and check
your battery to make sure you are getting maximum battery
performance.
New in this version:
- More accurate battery information
- Fixed a minor bug in Capacity Meter Helper
- Added custom maximum battery capacity option
- New Preferences window
- Added new icon, courtesy of Joseph Roland
- Made various fixes
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.1 or later
- PowerBook G3 or later
Capacity Meter is freeware.
Battorox 1.2 Laptop Battery Monitor
PR: Battorox
monitors easy and simple the Battery information in your laptop
including its capacity, amps, current capacity, voltage, flags and
current capacity in percent.
Note: If the battery is charging you cannot get any info on the
battery.
New in this version: Added units. Fixed some little bugs.
System requirements: Mac OS X
Battorox is freeware.
iBatt 1.2 Net-enabled PowerBook Battery
Monitor
PR: iBatt is a battery
monitor for PowerBooks and iBooks. It goes far beyond the basic
charge level information reported by the system and tells you your
battery's capacity, voltage, and overall health. In addition, it
provides a running graph showing trends in your battery's
performance.
iBatt will almost certainly tell you things about your
PowerBook's battery that you never knew. All batteries degrade over
time, and OS X has no built-in way of showing you just how
worn out your battery is. But your PowerBook knows, and iBatt knows
how to get that information.
Have you ever wondered if your PowerBook falls short of others
in terms of battery performance? iBatt is not just a standalone
application, but an Internet-based statistical tool. It reports how
your battery measures up against other PowerBooks of your model and
gives you the option to submit your own battery statistics to
iBatt's Internet database.
iBatt digs deep into the system to get every bit of available
battery data. The OS only reports your charge level, but iBatt
reports total capacity as well as voltage. This lets you know how
worn out your battery is and whether or not it's time to replace
it. Battery data can be viewed in either graph or numerical format.
The graphing window provides a flexible data view, allowing you to
view trends over the course of 10 minutes, up to one month. The
statistical view shows you all the current numbers for your
battery. It covers Capacity, Charge, Voltage, and State.
But what good is all this data without a frame of reference?
Following Rayner Software's tradition for network-enabled programs,
iBatt is completely Internet aware. You have the option to report
your battery statistics to iBatt's server for use as a benchmark -
but even if you opt out of this, you can still view your battery's
stats in comparison with averages collected from PowerBooks around
the world. This will let you know how your battery performs in
relation to the average battery in your model of PowerBook. iBatt
also provides a plain English report and a letter grade to give you
an easy-to-read battery report card. The registered version of
iBatt allows you to check out stats on other PowerBook models.
New in this version:
- French localization added.
- Battery statistics reworked to produce better averages.
For more information, visit:
- Mac OS X 10.2 or higher
- PowerBook or iBook
iBatt is $15 shareware.
RadTech Announces Tekstyle Soft Cases
PR: With the introduction of Tekstyle lightweight
poly-reinforced use-in soft cases to it's line of mobile solutions,
RadTech offers a whole
new level of freedom and functionality to mobile computing.
"My tekmod made it so easy and comfortable to travel with my
laptop. It was a much better experience going through airport
security with quick and easy access to my laptop. I never had to
remove my laptop... I simply unzipped, connected and powered-on -
in a matter of seconds," states Amy Catalano, Marketing Consultant,
George P. Johnson Inc.
The unrivaled design features use-in functionality with full
access to ports and drives while still in the case. The integrated
fold-out stand provides an ergonomic typing angle for comfortable
access to the notebook's keyboard.
Lightweight and ultra slim, the unique construction is
reinforced with high-impact plastic inserts, making the cases ultra
tough for extra protection.
Targus Combines Fashion and Affordability with
Launch of Ladies Notebook Carrying Cases
PR: Targus
Inc. has established another milestone with the launch of
its line of affordably priced notebook carrying cases designed
exclusively for women. Starting at $49.99, the cases offer women an
attractive alternative to the standard black notebook case and
overpriced designer bags that currently dominate the marketplace.
Featuring four distinct designs, the Jackie Leather Tote, Katherine
Carry Case, Liz Tote Deluxe and Jayne Tote will appeal to
fashion-conscious users who appreciate Targus' innovative notebook
protection and practical product design elements. Targus' new cases
will be on display in the Targus booth during the 2005
International CES in Las Vegas from Jan. 6-9, 2005.
"In creating cases specifically
tailored to meet the unique needs of women, we incorporated designs
which would stand the test of time, keep pace with today's fashions
and protect one's mobile computing assets," said Sandra Wirth,
global business manager for Targus. "All four cases in the ladies
line are packed with smart features to handle the demands of female
mobile professionals, while providing protection, convenience and
organization in a contemporary and stylish package."
Targus' new line of cases was designed as a result of extensive
feedback received from Targus' female consumers and focus groups
conducted with executive women from five Fortune 500 companies.
This research revealed that women are increasingly playing a large
role in consumer electronics spending and starting up more small
businesses than their male counterparts, making the demand for a
case designed with a woman in mind greater than ever before.
Targus also sent out surveys to women who carry notebook
computers and travel regularly for business. The surveys and focus
groups revealed a clear demand among females for stylish cases that
would blur the lines between briefcase and purse. In addition, the
feedback Targus received was integral in determining what features
were essential to the design of the bags. Detailing such as
shoulder straps, zipper pulls and lining were designed based upon
what female customers said they desired in a notebook carrying
solution.
Featuring stylish materials and design cues seen more commonly
on handbags and totes, Targus' line of cases allow women to carry
their notebook computers without thinking they are carrying a bag
designed for a man. With several color choices and contemporary
designs, the case names are reminiscent of well-know women
throughout history. The four trendsetting cases meet the carryon
guidelines of all major airlines and include top-loading designs to
give users quick and easy access to the notebook compartment for
security removal. Sturdy, long-rolled handles allow easy, over the
shoulder transport and five stainless steel feet keep the cases
upright and safe from liquid damage when placed on the ground. All
four women's cases include a cell phone pocket, business card
holders, pen loops and a file folder organization compartment.
Targus' ladies case line is currently available on Targus'
website and will be available at national retailers including
Office Depot in early 2005. All four cases include a limited
lifetime warranty. The following cases are now available.
Jackie Leather Tote (TLT008-red or TLT007-black)
With a choice of a sophisticated black or an eye-popping red
exterior, the Jackie Leather Tote features a timeless, elegant
design constructed of fine grain leather with contrasting white
stitching. The leather exterior is stylish enough for the most
fashion-savvy critic, yet deceivingly rugged to withstand the
rigors of travel. The Jackie Tote includes a padded notebook
compartment that accommodates notebooks with screens up to 15
inches. An adjustable strap secures the notebook in place for
maximum protection. The Jackie Tote's zipper closure ensures that
valuables can be stored safely inside the case. The textured,
padded nylon interior contains a PDA pocket, an internal zipper
pocket and an internal key clip. Targus has also included a
removable mini bag with the case that is perfect for making loose
items easy to find, such as change, makeup or credit cards. The
Jackie Leather Tote has a suggested retail price of $149.99.
Katherine Carry Case (TLT005)
With a trendy gray tweed exterior, a functional, roomy interior
and black leatherette handles with silver buckles, the Katherine
Carry Case easily transitions from work to play. Designed to look
like a purse on the outside, the Katherine Case houses a padded
interior compartment that accommodates notebook computers with
screens up to 15.4 inches. Additionally, the Katherine includes a
removable, padded slipcase that accommodates notebooks with up to
15-inch screens. The removable sleeve design allows users to carry
the case without the notebook during weekend or personal travel,
while protecting the notebook computer left behind. In addition to
a notebook, the Katherine Carry Case boasts protective and
organizational features for electronic devices, files and other
daily necessities, including a PDA pocket, an internal zipper
pocket and an internal key clip. A zipper closure ensures all case
contents are secure. The Katherine Carry Case has a suggested
retail price of $99.99.
Liz Tote Deluxe (TLT004)
The sleek exterior of the Liz Tote Deluxe disguises a roomy
interior that accommodates widescreen notebooks with screen sizes
up to 15.4 inches. The tote is constructed of black nylon twill
with stylish contrast stitching and a zipper closure to keep
interior contents secure. The interior features a padded notebook
compartment, a side zippered pocket for storage of loose items and
a key clip for quick access to keys in a safe location. Exterior
pockets on the front and back of the case provide quick access to
travel documents or other frequently used items. The Liz Tote also
includes a removable mini bag for storage of small items such as
money or credit cards. For many women, the additional mini-bag
makes it possible to travel without a separate purse, consolidating
all items into one easy-to-carry bag. The Liz Tote Deluxe has a
suggested retail price of $79.99.
Jayne Tote (TLT001)
The Jayne Tote is an affordable case featuring soft curves, a
professional aesthetic and emphasis on lightweight materials. The
durable tote design allows a notebook to be carried in style while
concealing a vitally functional interior. The tote's black nylon
construction incorporates a padded main notebook compartment to
protect the case in the event of accidental drops and against wear
and tear on the road. A silent magnetic closure secures the
notebook and prevents it from slipping out of the case. Weighing
less than two pounds, the case accommodates notebooks with screen
sizes up to 15.4 inches. The Jayne Tote has a suggested retail
price of $49.99.
Targus Leads Notebook Case Innovation with
Industry's First Sidewall Impact System
PR: Targus
Inc., maker of the world's top-selling notebook cases and
accessories, today announced its latest innovation in notebook
computer case design with the introduction of the Dome Protection
System. Developed by Targus, the Dome Protection System is the
first sidewall impact system to be integrated into a notebook
computer case. The Dome Protection System will dramatically improve
protection for larger format notebook display screens, which are
the most susceptible to costly screen damage.
The first case to incorporate the patent pending Dome Protection
System will be Targus' HP Evolution Ultra Portable Leather Notebook
Case (Model # HP800). Targus plans to roll out its own branded line
of cases featuring the Dome Protection System by the end of the
first quarter of this year.
Designed specifically to shield a notebook's display during
travel, the Dome Protection System is made up of a series of
layered and modulated foam circles built into the walls of the
case. As part of the case's construction, the Dome Protection
System diverts external force toward the edges of the notebook,
where it is stronger, and away from its delicate LCD display. The
new protection system provides up to 350 percent more sidewall
protection than cases without the Dome Protection System.
The HP Evolution Ultra Portable Leather Notebook Case by Targus,
featuring the new Dome Protection System technology, also
incorporates Targus' patented SafePORT Air Cushion System,
providing five times the protection of standard foam padding found
in many cases.
"Our SafePORT technology is one of the top reasons that
corporate IT buyers and consumers trust Targus to protect their
notebook investments," said Ron Smith, chief marketing officer,
Targus. "We initially developed the Dome Protection System out of
sensitivity to larger screen size trends in the notebook industry.
Larger screens are highly fragile, and require a special level of
protection in the center of the notebook case. The Dome Protection
System addresses the vulnerability by redirecting impact forces
toward the edges of the notebook."
"When we realized how powerful the Dome Protection System could
be in protecting notebooks, we knew that we had to offer the
feature in cases of all sizes. The HP Evolution case, our first
product with the system, is designed for notebooks with screens up
to 14 inches," said Smith.
Weighing less than three pounds when empty, the HP Evolution
Ultra Portable Leather Notebook Case incorporates a top loading
case design for easy notebook insertion and retrieval. The case
also incorporates Targus' patented Equalizer Suspension Strap and
signature molded overlapping handles for maximum carrying comfort.
Side access belt loops allow users to clip on a pen or cell phone
for quick access and a luggage strap secures the case to a standard
rolling travel case. A patent pending, retractable airline ticket
and passport holder makes accessing travel documents possible
without having to open the case.
Targus' new case is designed to make high-use items easily
accessible by incorporating features such as business card
compartments, pen loops, accessory pockets, key clips, a
patent-pending, hidden mesh water bottle holder, a protective,
removable CD/DVD sleeve that holds up to four disks, and a
removable accessory pocket that is ideal for power cables.
The HP Evolution Ultra Portable Leather Notebook Case by Targus
is available through authorized HP resellers or direct via the Web
at http://www.hp.com. Targus also
plans to make the cases available on its own website. The case will
include Targus' limited lifetime warranty and is priced at $79.99
(MSRP).
iPod News
MacMice Announces PodBuddy Car
Connection System for iPod
PR: MacMice, a division of DVForge, Inc. showed its new
PodBuddy
car connection system for Apple's iPod at its booth at this week's
Macworld Expo.
"As the originator of using flexible
steel tubing for mounting Apple products, with our SightFlex,
iFlex, and MicFlex products, we decided last year that a flex tube
would be a great solution for mounting an Apple iPod in a car,"
said DVForge Executive Vice President, Chuck Leonard. "So, we have
spent a year doing the needed engineering and design work to build
a great product. That product, the PodBuddy, is the first car mount
solution in the world to work without an adapter with any model of
Apple dock-connector equipped iPod or iPod mini. And, while we were
at it, we completely reengineered the way that FM transmitters have
historically worked in cars. We think we've hit the mark, and that
the PodBuddy is the first car mount FM connection device to come to
market that will please any owner."
The PodBuddy has a high-grip cigarette lighter plug, connected
to an adjustable iPod holding cradle by a 6" length of flexible
steel tubing. The mounting/charging cradle uses a patent-pending
adjusting mechanism to fit any model of dock connector iPod or iPod
mini. The built-in all-original FM transmitter includes a
patent-pending circuit that automatically selects and displays the
best available FM radio frequency, permitting the user to simply
accept that frequency, and tune the car radio to the same station,
avoiding the constant hunt for open stations required by other
music transmitters. PodBuddy also includes a high-quality line
output jack at the lighter plug end of the product, for direct
connection to an appropriate car stereo system.
PodBuddy is offered in both white and Special Edition black
versions and will begin shipping in February at a MSRP of
$99.99.
Tech Trends
75 Million Toshiba 2.5" Hard Drives
Shipped
Toshiba Storage Device
Division (SDD) has announced it has surpassed the milestone
of cumulative production of 75 million 2.5" hard disk drives
(HDDs), demonstrating the increasing popularity of mobile PCs and
other consumer electronics gear such as GPS, MP3 players and
automobile entertainment systems based on the 2.5" form factor.
Toshiba's innovations in the mobile HDD space have allowed the
company to stay in the vanguard of HDD development. Toshiba was the
first company to introduce a 100 GB 2.5" HDD earlier this year,
giving muscle to thinner and more powerful notebook PCs to meet the
growing population of mobile users. As Toshiba integrates
Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR) technology into its 2.5" HDD
in the coming years, the company plans to drastically improve
capacities, while continuing to perfect technical specifications,
particularly for unique operating environments in the consumer
electronics space.
"Our 2.5" platform is the anchor of our mobile HDD lineup," said
Scott Maccabe, vice president and general manager, Toshiba SDD.
"The continued investment in research and development we've done in
this form factor, as well as years of learning and advancing the
technology, have enabled us to bring to market other leading
innovations like the 0.85" HDD. The continued strength of our 2.5"
HDD is a testament to Toshiba's leadership and innovation in mobile
storage."
Toshiba's mobile hard disk drives are available in every
capacity point, including 20 GB, 30 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB. and
100 GB capacities.
Toshiba Introduces First Slim-Line
Optical Drive with LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling Technology
PR: Toshiba
Storage Device Division (SDD), an industry pioneer in
optical storage technology, announced availability of the
industry's first slim-line optical drive equipped with LightScribe Direct Disc
Labeling from Toshiba Samsung Storage Technologies (TSST). This new
technology, developed by HP, will enable mobile computer users to
easily burn silk-screen quality labels onto CD and DVD discs
directly from the drive.
Using LightScribe technology, TSST's TS-L532L drive is
ideal for creating visually appealing and personalized CDs and DVDs
with graphic images such as corporate logos or personal photos.
LightScribe technology eliminates added steps for creating labels
or using pens to identify disc content.
As a leader in the development, design and manufacturing of
optical disk drives, TSST worked closely with the LightScribe team
at HP to successfully integrate LightScribe technology into its
latest drive. The TS-L532L drive has write speeds of 8x for
DVD±R, 4x for DVD±RW, 24x for CD-R, and 10x for US
CD-RW to provide a complete solution for quickly and easily
creating and labeling CDs and DVDs.
"Consumers want simple-to-use technology that gives them more
benefits - and that's the beauty of incorporating LightScribe
technology into Toshiba's optical drives," said Maciek Brzeski,
vice president of marketing at Toshiba SDD. "Mobile computer users
can be more creative while using an easier method for CD and DVD
creation, which ultimately increases the value and functionality of
mobile computers."
Notebook computers incorporating LightScribe technology are
expected to start shipping to customers in Q1 of 2005.
Windows Watch
Lenovo Won't Change ThinkPad Notebooks,
IBM Exec Says
Mobile Pipeline's
David Haskin reports:
"IBM's ThinkPad line has attracted a loyal following in the
enterprise, but IT managers - and users - need not worry about the
line's future despite the sale of IBM's Personal Computing Division
to China's Lenovo.
"At least, that's the strong statement from one IBM
executive.
"'All the (ThinkPad) engineers will remain the same,' Rob
Herman, program director and manager for the Worldwide ThinkPad
brand, said in an interview last week at the Consumer Electronics
Show in Las Vegas. 'The plan is to keep everybody in place.'"
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.
- iBook G3/300, 96/6/CD-ROM,
blueberry/tangerine, $279.99
- Order with AirPort Card installed, add $89.99
- Upgrade to 320 MB RAM, add $39.50
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/CD-ROM, AirPort, $929
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/Combo, AirPort, PC2100 SO DIMM 512 DDR 266, $1,249
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz,
512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express Base Station,
QuickerTek 5.5dbi High Gain Antenna for 15/17" Aluminum,
$2,409
Free shipping.
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.2
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,049
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,099
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,349
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1
GHz, 256/60/Combo, $1,499
- 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.
