Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.01.21
The week's portable Mac and iPod news - now covering the Mac
mini
'Book News
Mac mini News
iPod News
'Book News
PowerBook G5 "the Mother of All Thermal
Challenges"
NEWS:
The Mac Observer's Misha
Sakellaropoulo reports:
"When Rob Steerum of Fulcrum Global Partners asked Tim Cook,
Apple's VP of Worldwide Sales and Operations, about the chances of
a G5-based PowerBook anytime soon, Mr. Cook admitted Wednesday such
a project 'would be the mother of all thermal challenges.'
"When asked if he meant there will never be a G5-powered
PowerBook, Mr. Cook said, 'I don't want to go further in the
comment.'
"The comments came during Apple's conference call
. . . discussing its first quarter fiscal earnings with
analysts."
PowerBook "End of Life" at the FNAC
NEWS: Hardmac's Lionel
reports:
"We have just been informed that PowerBooks as well as eMac
SuperDrive have been declared "End of Life" at the FNAC (largest
multimedia consumer shop in France).
"PS: this is not a rumor, simply a fact. We let you draw your
own conclusions."
Mac mini, iPod shuffle, and G5 'Book
Production
NEWS: Digitimes' David Tzeng
and Steve Shen report:
"Foxconn Electronics (the registered trade name of Hon Hai
Precision Industry) is the contract manufacturer for Apple's newly
launched Mac mini computers, while Asustek Computer is making the
iPod shuffle for the vendor, according to sources close to the
deals. The Chinese-language Commercial Times reported yesterday
that Asustek had secured the orders for both the items....
"Foxconn is expected to ship at least 100,000 Mac mini computers
per month to Apple, the sources noted....
"Shipments of the iPod shuffle from Asustek, which currently
also produces iBook notebooks for Apple, are expected to reach
400,000 to 500,000 units a month...."
Now, here's the bombshell:
"In addition, Asustek will also start shipping iBook G5
notebooks to Apple in the second quarter of this year."
And "PowerBook G5, Quanta Computer, 30k-50k/month, 2Q 2005."
I'm skeptical. I don't think a PowerBook G5 is that close to
production, let along an iBook G5. A typo perhaps? Or has there
been a breakthrough in cooling the G5 for laptop use that Apple and
IBM haven't been letting on?
iLap Laptop Stand
PR: iLap is a
versatile stand that keeps your laptop cool and lets you work
comfortably on your lap as well as your desk. Designed to match
Apple's PowerBooks, the iLap laptop stand is made of aluminum with
sandblasted and silver anodized finish. iLap is also suitable for
other laptops. iLap comes in five sizes: 12", 14", 15", 15"
widescreen and 17" widescreen versions.
iLap keeps your laptop cool by using light weight aluminum as a
cool sink, allowing it to to run more efficiently and last longer.
The iLap's all aluminium thermal conductivity is 13 times more than
stainless steel, and thus the more surface that it has in contact
with the notebook, the more heat that it draws away (in the same
conceptual way that heat sink works on the CPU).
Aluminum is chosen for its light weight, elegance and higher
heat conductivity (compared to steel and plastic), although the
cost of aluminum is 4 times more than plastic and 2 times more than
steel. In addition, luxury velvet is chosen to give comfort and
style.
iLap raises your laptop to keep your lap cool, and is padded
with cushions for extra comfort. The front cushion is detachable
for switching between lap work and desk work, but the back cushion
should remain for either use.
iLap is ergonomically designed to suit both lap and desk works,
so you stay cool even on prolonged use, raising your laptop screen
higher to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.
Unlike some tall laptop stands that are designed for desk use
only and require an external keyboard, the iLap is catered for lap
use as well - with the convenience of typing directly on the laptop
keyboard.
Rain Design provides a one year warranty against manufacturer's
defect and workmanship.
Pricing:
- 12 inch, $49.90
- 14 inch, $59.90
- 15 inch, $59.90
- 15 inch W (widescreen), $59.90
- 17 inch W (widescreen), $69.90
SideTrack 1.1 Advanced Trackpad Driver for
PowerBook/iBook
PR: SideTrack
is a replacement driver for the PowerBook and iBook trackpads. With
SideTrack installed your standard trackpad becomes a powerful
multi-button scrolling mouse.
Leave your external mouse at home and take full control over
your trackpad:
- Vertical scrolling at left or right edge of pad.
- Horizontal scrolling at top or bottom edge of pad.
- Map hardware button to left or right click.
- Map trackpad taps to no action, left click, left click drag
(with or without drag lock), or right click.
- Map trackpad corner taps to mouse buttons 1-6 or simulated
keystrokes.
- Extensive control over accidental input filtering.
SideTrack is multiuser aware and fully compatible with Mac OS X
10.3 fast user switching (FUS). Every user on your PowerBook can
have different settings depending on their needs.
Extended control over the trackpad button and tap gestures. Use
trackpad taps for left click, drag gestures, or right click.
Complete scrollwheel mouse emulation with customizable scrolling
speed. Place your scroll zones on either side of the pad, or both
sides simultaneously.
Turn the corners of your trackpad into independent tap actions.
Use the corner zones to emulate up to a 6-button mouse or generate
custom keystrokes. Customize SideTrack's sensitivity and accuracy.
Calibrate to your own trackpad style and adjust filtering to reduce
accidental taps while typing. Choose from several mouse
acceleration options.
System Requirements
- PowerBook or iBook (G3 or G4 processor)
- Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) or 10.3 (Panther)
SideTrack 1.1 does not support prerelease builds of Mac OS X
10.4 (Tiger). Tiger compatibility will appear in a future release
of SideTrack.
SideTrack is $15 shareware.
Mac mini News
Taking Apart the Mac mini Disassembly
Video
NEWS:
Ben Guild says:
"Somebody leaked me this video . . . it demonstrates
how to crack-open the Mac mini's casing, which makes all parts
available to the user via further disassembly screws. I'm not sure
if it's legal for me to post this or not, but here it is! (until I
hear differently, this will remain available here.)
"Requires QuickTime to view. it's free....)
"I am not responsible for any damage to your Mac mini. This is
purely for instruction ONLY.
"Apple states that as long as you do not BREAK your Mac mini
while working on the inside, it is still covered under
warranty."
How to Upgrade a Mac mini
NEWS: creationrobot.com
says:
"People have asked me a lot of questions about the Mac mini. The
number one question they ask is: Can I upgrade it? My assumed
answer has always been the memory will be upgradable, nothing
else.
"That's inaccurate: you can upgrade the hard disk, too. Apple
states that as long as you don't break the mini when you open it
the warranty is still OK.
"The video above shows how to open the case with a putty knife,
anything similar will do. Just slide the knife carefully down into
the gap at the sides of the case and the mini sucker pops
open."
smash's world 6.7b: taking-apart the Mac mini (how-to
disassembly video) _ the official homepage of Ben Guild (smash)
http://www.smashsworld.com/2005/01/taking-apart-mac-mini-how-to.php
Also, hop over to http://www.mini-itx.com/news/13909018/
for more mainboard shots.
Mac mini: Memory Specifications and
Upgrades
NEWS: Apple has released memory
info for the Mac Mini
Mac mini computers have a single memory slot. This slot accepts
a standard PC2700 or PC3200 184-pin DIMM with the following
specifications:
- PC2700 or PC3200 Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
- 2.5 volt
- 8-byte
- non-parity
- 64-bit wide
- 184-pin module
- maximum of 16 memory devices on the DIMM
- unbuffered - do not use registered or buffered SDRAM
- maximum height of 50 mm
Using PC3200 memory does not provide additional speed benefits.
Although the Mac mini supports PC3200 DIMMs, the PC3200 RAM will
operate at PC2700 (333 MHz) speeds.
The Mac mini has a 256 MB base memory configuration, which can
be expanded up to a maximum of 1 GB. The Mac mini can be
configured to order (CTO) with 512 MB or 1 GB of SDRAM.
Additional memory should be installed by an Apple Authorized
Service Provider.
Video memory: The Mac mini has 32 MB DDR of soldered SDRAM
dedicated for video. Video memory cannot be upgraded.
Tom Bihn eM2
Case - Mobility for the mini
PR: The eM
2 was designed specifically for the
Mac mini, Apple's new computer.
Though technically a desktop computer, at only 6.5" x 6.5" x 2"
it's a natural for Mac mini owners to transport the computer from
home to the office and back, to friends' houses, on business trips,
to school, and maybe even on vacation (if your vacations are like
ours).
Just like a laptop, the
Mac mini must be protected from scrapes, scratches, dings and drops
and that is why we designed the eM
2. At only 7.5" x 7.5" x 2.75" (200mm x
200mm x 80mm) and weighing 6.7 ounce (190 gr.) , the eM
2 does not add significant bulk to the
slender computer but does add the protection of a .25" thick layer
of padding.
The eM2 features a
splash-resistant zipper and simple webbing handles for easy
carrying. One side has a stretch mesh pocket that will accommodate
a cable or two, or a couple of jewel cases. It fits nicely fit
inside the Tom Bihn ID messenger bag, Smart Alec backpack, Brain
Bag backpack, Empire Builder briefcase, Buzz sling bag, and even
the Large and Medium Café bags. Of course it fits into just
about any daypack, briefcase, or messenger bag you may have. Makes
a sporty, albeit expensive, Bento Box as well.
Features:
- 500 denier Geosung Musora exterior
- .25" / 6mm closed cell foam padding
- #8 YKK Uretek "splash-proof" zipper
- Designed specifically for Mac mini
- Overall dimensions: 7.5" x 7.5" x 2.75" / 200mm x 200mm x
80mm
- Weight: 6.7 oz./ 190 grams
- Made in Port Angeles, Washington, USA
- Colors: deep blue, crimson, steel, solid black
- Price: $40
In-car Mac mini Plans Emerge
NEWS: Macworld UK's
Jonny Evans reports:
"The automobile industry isn't just considering iPod/vehicle
integration - the new Mac mini's attracting interest, too.
"For around the price of mounting an iPod in your car, you get a
whole Macintosh computer," said Melvin Benzaquen, president of
Classic Restorations in Sloatsburg.
"He observes that the Mac mini could easily fit into a car
stereo compartment, creating a powerful 'brain'? for any car, he
said. He's convinced the new Mac mini could be 'one of the hottest
innovations the car enthusiast market has seen in years.'"
Mobile Computing: Custom Mac mini Auto
Installation
NEWS: Geekzone
reports:
"Classic Restorations believes that the newly introduced Apple
Mac Mini (2 x 6.5 inches) could easily fit into a car stereo
compartment
"'We had been completing the design and prototypes of our
modified iBook and PowerBook car installs when rumors of the Mac
Mini began to circulate earlier this month,' said Benzaquen. 'We
immediately began working on a new design and plan for car
conversions on the new Mac Mini platform. We are pleased to be the
first to offer the exciting Mac Mini conversion at a price far more
accessible than any mobile PC alternative.'
""Classic Restorations' design provides either a touch screen or
conventional LCD display options. Although the the Apple Mac mini
mounts in a single-DIN slot in dash, Classic Restorations can
customize installation to fit under the seat, in the glove box or
any other location in the car."
Mini-box Releases Smart Power Supply for Car
PCs
PR: Not mini-specific, but mini-related - Mini-box.com, a subsidiary of
Ituner Networks Corp., has solved one of the most difficult
problems in building automotive PCs by creating a stable,
noiseless, intelligent power supply that eliminates battery drain
and prevents damage from power surges. Mini-box's just released
M1-ATX is the lowest cost, intelligent Mini-ITX power supply
available for vehicles. The M1-ATX is designed to power VIA
Technologies Inc.'s small form factor native x86 Mini-ITX
mainboard, which is increasingly being adopted for entertainment
systems in automobiles and boats as well as in the home.
The M1-ATX protects vehicle PCs from over-voltage and
under-voltage conditions and power surges from engine cranks that
can damage or destroy vehicle-based PCs. The M1-ATX can operate as
low as 5.7V and as high as 30V while providing strict regulation,
input voltage clamping and reverse protection.
Computers consume anywhere from a few milliwatts to several
watts when they are turned off, which can quickly run down a car
battery. The M1-ATX manages downtime battery use by using
intelligent schemes for cutting off various functions at
predetermined times and shutting the computer down completely when
the car battery drops below 11 volts.
The M1-ATX has an 'anti-thump' control that will keep amplifiers
turned off while the PC starts, eliminating annoying thumps and
pops.
The M1-ATX is a fanless power supply unit, providing ultra-quiet
power for the entire range of VIA mini-ITX mainboards.
"Car PCs have always been a dream that has been fraught with a
multitude of power problems," says Andrei Bulucea, president of
Mini-box.com. "Our M1-ATX has solved those issues in one, mass
produced, low cost package."
Macminicolo.net Mac mini-based
Colocation Service
PR: Patrick Dayton of Underwriters Technologies says:
"When we saw the press release for the mini, we thought of a use for it
that no one else seems to have considered. It's incredibly small,
with reasonable power, and at this point the only solution for
collocation for Mac users is either ripping apart a perfectly good
iMac and putting it into Marathon
Rack Mounted case or spending the money on an Xserve.
"We have been doing this sort of thing since 1999. Now with the
release of the Mac mini we have a new solution that can provide
hi-end collocation for small to medium size businesses. Even though
the Mac mini is slightly taller than a typical 1u in a cabinet, the
ability to place several in a 2u space creates a more efficient use
of space in a single cabinet. We see the potential to allow
customers to collocate at a fraction of the cost of traditional
collocation and with a suit of tools that allows the customer to
access and monitor their mini from remote locations."
macminicolo.net
is a data center based, colocation service. We provide you with a
menu of services including multiple redundant very high speed
Internet connections, remote control electrical power, a highly
secure location to house your Mac mini, remote monitoring and
remote human hands. You can then control your server via any remote
protocol you like.
All the infrastructure is ready to go. macminicolo.net just need
minis. If you have one they will colocate it now. As soon as they
get their hands on a few mini's they will start selling/ renting
them.
To control the Mac mini there are a variety of remote control
tools available such as Timbuktu and Apple Remote Desktop.
Yes. Each Mac mini colocated at macminicolo.net has a unique,
routable IP address. In addition to a static, routable IP address,
each Mac mini is given a unique host name like:
yourchoice.macminicolo.net
The company have been working with colocating Macs since 1999.
At that point in time, the only thing you could do was rip apart a
perfectly good iMac and mount it in a Marathon rack mount case.
They also managed to use old ATA power supplies to get Blue and
White G3s crammed into 2U cases (Most of these are still in
service!)
Along the way they built lots of tools to take care of their non
standard collocated Macs. These tools are perfectly applicable to
the Mac mini. Many of these are deployed as part of
macminicolo.net.
These days they do complex Mac-based hosting for a number of
large corporate entities. Current projects include Underwriters
Technologies and Pure Static.
"The mini is the first product in a long time to make us really
exited," they say. "The fun is back!"
macminicolo.net is housed in the Data Foundry facility in Austin
Texas. Their focus on both physical and network security, combined
with ready accessibility for our key people made their selection an
ideal one. While many data centers are little more than warehouses
with wires, this facility is extremely clean and well managed.
This facility is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a
group of dedicated network engineers. These individuals monitor the
condition of the networks, the physical plant, and even the local
weather and news; watching for events which could disrupt service.
Your equipment is rack mounted roughly fifteen feet from the
Network Operation Center.
Built inside what used to be a bank vault, security is first
rate. Once you enter the foyer all individuals must be identified
by the network administrators before passing through a second set
of doors to reach the racked equipment inside.
All traffic flowing to macminicolo.nets sites passes through
this array of cutting edge routers. Multiple independent fiber
channels bring the network to the building. Bandwidth is provided
by three OC12 circuits.
iPod News
TuneJuice Battery Backup for iPod and
iPod mini
PR: Ever run out of iPod battery without a power source
in sight? TuneJuice
is perfect for extending the play time of your iPod for those times
when you just gotta have more than what your iPod battery can give
you.
TuneJuice works with any dockable iPod
or iPod mini. If your iPod has some charge, the TuneJuice will
provide up to 8 hours of additional play; a completely drained iPod
will get up to 4 hours. Pop a standard 9-Volt battery into the
TuneJuice and keep rocking.
It's the perfect carryon for airplanes, road trips and ski
trips. Anytime you need some serious play time and don't have
access to charge your 'Pod, TuneJuice is a lifesaver.
Griffin Technology recommends the use of rechargeable batteries
to help reduce waste.
Price: $19
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
- new 12" iBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/CD-ROM, AirPort Extreme, $929
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/Combo, AirPort, PC2100 SO DIMM 512 MB DDR 266, $1,249
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/60/Combo, Bluetooth, PC2700 SO DIMM 512 MB DDR 333, Leather Lap
Protector with Small Dog Logo, $1,759
Free shipping.
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2
GHz, 256/30/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $849
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,349
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,099
- 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.
