Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.04.08
This Week's PowerBook, iBook, and Notebook News
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod news is
covered in The iNews
Review.
'Book News
Tech Trends
Windows Watch
iCaddy Laptop Case/Workstation
PR:
Selected by Laptop Magazine as one of the "Innovations that
Redefine Mobility," the iCaddy was introduced at the
Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to an enthusiastic
reception. With the warning last October that the use of laptop
computers can cause infertility in men, the iCaddy has become the
right product at the right time.
On the outside, the iCaddy sports a ultra stylish
sculptured shell made out of light weight yet durable ABS type
plastic. The top and bottom are finished with a soft feel
rubberized material for added luxury and protection.
What makes the iCaddy truly unique is its dual function double
hinged foam padded lid. When closed, the foam padding secures and
protects the computer. When opened, the lid flips all the way under
to become a cushioned base as part of an ergonomically correct lap
cradle. And, this transformation takes less than 5 seconds without
having to remove the computer from the case.
The iCaddy can be adjusted to hold any size computer up
to a 15.4" screen. The back panel automatically opens up for easy
access to the slots and plugs. The side panel can be folded down
for access to the drives. Air vents will help keep the computer
running cooler. The sculptured handle doubles as a wrist support
and a padded shoulder strap is included.
Need to carry your other stuff? Then, snap on the optional
iCaddy Saddlebag. Price: $25.
The iCaddy will be available this summer for about $160.
Price Drop on Sonnet's 500 MHz G3 WallStreet
Upgrade
PR: Crescendo/WS
G3 500 MHz now 199.95 (was $249.95). The Crescendo/WS G3 500 MHz is
compatible with the PowerBook Series 233, 250, 266, 292, 300 MHz
(WallStreet).
Seagate USB 2.0 Pocket Hard Drives
PR: These elegant,
palm-sized drives are small enough to fit in your pocket,
yet they safely store large amounts of data. You can even
password-protect your files (Windows only). They're also extremely
durable, with a sleek round shell that absorbs shocks, so you never
have to worry about your data.
- Powered by your computer, so you don't need a power
supply.
- Hot-pluggable USB 2.0 interface enables data transfer up to 480
Mbps.
- 3600-RPM drive with 2-Mbyte cache consistently delivers the
high performance you need.
- Worry-free one-year warranty, plus free technical advice even
after your warranty ends.
- Comes complete with built-in, retractable 2.0 cable, quick
connect guide and utilities CD.
PowerBook Medic's Slot Loading Internal
SuperDrive for Pismo, Lombard
PR: This is a brand new
Slot Loading SuperDrive (DVD & CD burner) for the
PowerBook G3 Pismo and Lombard.
This drive installs into your current DVD drive module and will
work as a replacement to a dead drive or an upgrade from a working
drive.
Installation instructions are included, and the process takes
less than 5 minutes!
The faceplate on this drive is not identical to the faceplate on
your current drive. This bezel is black in color and does match
nicely. However it will not have the contoured look of your current
bezel.
This item does not printed installation instructions.
The drive is fully compatible with iTunes and Disc Burner after
drivers are installed. (Instructions cover driver installation)
This drive is bootable in the Pismo G3. The drive is not
bootable in a Lombard. (For the Lombard model, If you needed a
drive to boot from, you would need to keep your current drive as an
emergency startup device.)
System requirements: Compatible with OS 9.x and OS X 10.2
& 10.3 (currently not compatible with 10.1)
Drive Highlights:
- 8x DVD-R Recording, 24x Recording (CD-R), 16x Recording
(CD-RW), 8x DVD Read, 24x CD-ROM Read
- Power-Burn Technology with 2 MB buffer for improved data
throughput
- Records all popular CD formats, including CD TEXT
- Direct Over Write (DOW) recording of CD-RW discs
Compatible with PowerBook G3 Pismo (400 & 500 MHz) and
PowerBook G3 Lombard (333 & 400 MHz)
Items for Installation: Installation Guide (Included), Driver CD
(Included), Philips Head Screwdriver
Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty + 60 Day PBMEDIC
Warranty
Have a dead drive? Get $20 or a credit on your purchase of a new
drive!
Price: $239.95
PowerBook Medic's Slot Loading Internal Combo
Drive for Pismo, Lombard
PR: This is a brand new
Slot Loading Combo drive (CD burner) for the PowerBook G3 Pismo
and Lombard.
This drive installs into your current DVD drive module and will
work as a replacement to a dead drive or an upgrade from a working
drive.
Installation instructions are included, and the process takes
less than 5 minutes!
The faceplate on this drive is not identical to the faceplate on
your current drive. This bezel is black in color and does match
nicely. However it will not have the contoured look of your current
bezel.
This item does not printed installation instructions.
The drive is fully compatible with iTunes and Disc Burner after
drivers are installed. (Instructions cover driver installation)
This drive is bootable in the Pismo G3. The drive is not
bootable in a Lombard. (For the Lombard model, If you needed a
drive to boot from, you would need to keep your current drive as an
emergency startup device.)
Compatible with OS 9.x and OS X 10.2 & 10.3 (currently
not compatible with 10.1)
Drive Highlights:
- 24x Recording (CD-R), 16x Recording (CD-RW), 8x DVD Read, 24x
CD-ROM Read
- Power-Burn Technology with 2 MB buffer for improved data
throughput
- Records all popular CD formats, including CD TEXT
- Direct Over Write (DOW) recording of CD-RW discs
Compatible with PowerBook G3 Pismo (400 & 500 MHz) and
PowerBook G3 Lombard (333 & 400 MHz)
Items for Installation: Installation Guide (Included), Driver CD
(Included), Philips Head Screwdriver
Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty + 60 Day PBMEDIC
Warranty
Have a dead drive? Get $20 or a credit on your purchase of a new
drive
Price: $169.95
MaxProtect Impact Resistant Carrying Bag for
PowerBooks, iBooks
PR: 
MaxProtect is an impact resistant carrying bag for
PowerBooks and iBooks that provides maximum shock protection while
carrying your computer. MaxProtect is made of Visco-Elastic Memory
Foam which exhibits excellent resistance against impact and
shock.
MaxProtect tightly envelopes the whole notebook, providing
padded protection on all sides from external impact or shock during
daily usage.
Features:
- High Impact resistance polyurethane foam for shock absorption
from all sides.
- Thick Foam padding throughout the entire surface of the
notebook.
- Two zippers pull apart design.
- Protected zipper closure, zippers don't come in contact with
the Power book.
- Handles for easy Transportation.
- Tight Form fitting design for all PowerBook and iBook sizes for
maximum protection.
- Ultra Thin.
- Unsurpassed quality.
Waterfield Cargo Laptop Bag
PR: Look Ma, One
Hand! Cavernous main compartment. Tons of oversized pockets. Highly
organized. One-handed access to everything. Includes non-slip
Shoulder Pad. The Cargo Laptop
Bag is the biggest, boldest bag we make. Flaps come in
eye-catching Indium or distinctive leather. Choice of cool aluminum
aircraft buckle or aluminum para-gliding buckle.
Available in three sizes:
- Large with Indium Flap, $209, with Leather Flap $249 - 16" x
12" x 5" / 4.3 lb.
- Medium with Indium Flap, $189, with Leather Flap $229 - 16" x
12" x 3" / 2.9 lb.
- Small with Indium Flap, $169, with Leather Flap $199 - 13" x
10" x 4" / 2.3 lb.
Waterfield Cozmo Laptop Bags
PR: Cosmopolitan.
Go first class, even if you're just going down the block. Smart
design and smart style includes offset D-rings for auto-balance and
"weightless" suspension shoulder strap. Same great shape, empty or
full.
Cozmo Laptop
Bags are available in three sizes:
- Large Cozmo, $149 - 16" x 12" x 5" / 2.7 lb.
- Medium Cozmo, $144 - 15" x 11" x 4.5" / 2.4 lb.
- Small Cozmo, $139 - 14" x 10" x 4" / 1.9 lb.
Lind Electronics Announces Release of T Series
Laptop Power Adapters
PR: Too much excessive drain on a vehicle battery can
ultimately degrade or ruin it. This problem intensifies when
installed mobile equipment such as laptops are left on and not
turned off.
The Lind T Series Adapter is an ideal 12VDC power adapter to use
for laptops that are permanently mounted in fleet or public safety
vehicles. The integral timer will shut off power to the laptop
within a factory-set time limit after the automobile has been
turned off, thus protecting the vehicle battery from excessive
voltage drain.
Many installations will have a separate protective timer device
wired into the voltage circuit to shut off peripherals. If the
timer is only needed to shut off power to a laptop, this function
as part of the adapter eliminates the need for wiring in a separate
timing device. This simple connectivity will save an installer time
and money.
The rugged design of Lind laptop power adapters make them
ideally suited for use in harsh mobile environments. The adapter
electronics is protected by an ABS or Aluminum housing which is
filled and sealed with epoxy that protects the internal circuits
from damage due to shock, vibration and spilled liquids. Efficient
power conversion circuits with extensive protection circuitry
provide reliable and continuous laptop power conversion in the most
demanding military, commercial and public safety environments.
Lind Electronics, Inc. will be available at the IWCE
(International Wireless Communications Expo) in Las Vegas
Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, April 4-8, 2005. Booth #5071
Lind is a leading supplier of DC-DC conversion products for a
wide range of laptops manufactured by companies including Apple,
Dell, Harris, Motion, Motorola, NEC, Panasonic, IBM, HP, Compaq,
Toshiba, and many others. Ruggedized construction, multiple
protective circuits and optimal mobility make Lind the first choice
for reliability.
Tech Trends
MIT Developing $100 Laptops for Children Around
the World
The position of Associated Press (AP) is that you may
not quote more than 5 words from any of its copyrighted articles
without paying $12.50 or more for a "quotation license". Rather than
pay this fee or risk the wrath of AP, we are removing all AP quotes
from the site along with links to those articles.
We regret any inconvenience to our readers, but we will never pay
for what is considered Fair Use under copyright law. We consider brief
quotations in our news roundups to be Fair Use and a benefit to the
site that we quoted from and linked to. (We adhere to the Open Link policy, and our Fair
Use policy specifically allows quoting up to 50% or 300 words of
our original content, whichever is less.)
Toshiba's New Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Battery Recharges in Only One Minute
PR: Toshiba
Corporation has announced a breakthrough in lithium-ion
batteries that makes long recharge times a thing of the past. The
company's new battery can recharge 80% of a battery's energy
capacity in only one minute - approximately 60 times faster than
the typical lithium-ion batteries in wide use today - and combines
this fast recharge time with performance-boosting improvements in
energy density.
The new battery fuses Toshiba's latest advances in nano-material
technology for the electric devices sector with cumulative know-how
in manufacturing lithium-ion battery cells. A breakthrough
technology applied to the negative electrode uses new
nano-particles to prevent organic liquid electrolytes from reducing
during battery recharging. The nano-particles quickly absorb and
store vast amount of lithium ions, without causing any
deterioration in the electrode.
The excellent recharging characteristics of new battery are not
its only performance advantages. The battery has a long life cycle,
losing only 1% of capacity after 1,000 cycles of discharging and
recharging, and can operate at very low temperatures. At minus 40
degrees centigrade, the battery can discharge 80% of its capacity,
against 100% in an ambient temperature of 25 degree
centigrade).
Toshiba will bring the new rechargeable battery to commercial
products in 2006. Initial applications will be in the automotive
and industrial sectors, where the slim, small-sized battery will
deliver large amounts of energy while requiring only a minute to
recharge. For example, the battery's advantages in size, weight and
safety highly suit it for a role as an alternative power source for
hybrid electric vehicles.
Toshiba expects that the high energy density and excellent
recharge performance of the new battery will assure its successful
application as a new energy solution in many areas of society.
Major Specifications of New Battery
- Excellent Recharge Performance. The thin battery
recharges to 80% of full capacity in only a minute. Total recharge
takes only a few more minutes.
- High Energy Density. Small and light, the new battery
offers a high level of storage efficiency. The prototype battery is
only 3.8mm thick, 62mm high and 35mm deep and has a capacity of
600mAh.
- Long Life Cycle. A prototype of new battery (a laminated
lithium ion battery with 600mAh capacity) was discharged and fully
recharged 1,000 times at a temperature of 25 degrees centigrade and
lost only 1% of capacity during the test.
- Temperature. The new battery operates well in extremes
of temperature. It discharges 80% of its capacity at minus 40
degrees centigrade, against 100% at an ambient temperature of 25
degrees centigrade, and loses only 5% of capacity at temperatures
as high as 45 degrees centigrade after 1,000 cycles. These
characteristics assure the wide applicability of the battery as a
power source for products as diverse as hybrid vehicles and mobile
phones.
- Eco-friendly Battery. The new battery can quickly store
energy produced by locomotives and automobiles. This speedy and
highly effective recharge characteristic of the battery will
support CO2 reduction, as the battery can save and reuse energy
that was simply wasted before.
Windows Watch
Dell Delivers Its Smallest, Lightest
Notebook: Latitude X1
There has been quite a bit of discussion lately on the Mac Web
about whether Apple will, or should, introduce an iBook mini. We
have no idea whether Apple is even considering such a product, but
Dell
just released a new laptop that is in the
size and weight class that an iBook mini, if one ever arrives,
would occupy.
Dell has introduced its notebook for traveling professionals,
the Latitude X1. Starting at 2.5 pounds, the Latitude X1 is
designed for mobile users who demand the lightest possible weight
without sacrificing performance or durability.
In delivering the Latitude X1, "Dell is responding to the
demands of our most frequently traveling business customers," said
Alex Gruzen, senior vice president of Dell's Product Group. "While
lighter than any other Dell notebook, the Latitude X1 combines the
latest mobile processors, wide screen displays, optimal for viewing
for the multiple windows found in the latest productivity
applications, and an outstanding keyboard that focuses on
usability."
The Latitude X1 is designed and built for the rigors of life on
the road and meets the full scope of Dell's quality and reliability
testing. The LCD back is reinforced to counter the pressure of an
overstuffed bag placed under seat or in an overhead bin. The
keyboard is sealed to protect against spills.
The 12.1", wide-aspect display has shorter height than
traditional screens and fits easily in tight spaces, including tray
tables pinched by fully reclined seats. For the lightest travel
weight possible, the Latitude X1 comes with an extremely small
power adapter that is almost 50 percent smaller than the typical
Latitude power adapter. When configured with the optional six-cell
battery ($129), users can expect up to six hours of battery life
while adding only 0.3 pound.
According to a recent research study by Gartner, Inc. across all
countries/markets, the first reason for purchasing mobile PCs (by
large businesses) was "increasing number of traveling/field
workers."
"The new class of ultralight notebooks offers mainstream
performance in an impressive form factor that will appeal to
business travelers for whom size and weight are the primary
decision criteria," said Leslie Fiering, Research Vice President,
Gartner, Inc.
Starting at $1,699, the Latitude X1 is powered by Intel's
Centrino Mobile Technology, featuring the Pentium(R) M Ultra-Low
Voltage processor 733 (1.1 GHz). Customers can stay connected with
integrated WiFi(TM) 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR wireless
capability and Gigabit(e) Ethernet. Like other Latitude notebooks,
the X1 features the Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.1) for
generating and storing onboard encryption keys.
The Latitude X1 comes standard with industry-leading service
offerings including three-year limited warranty and, if necessary,
Next Business Day Onsite service. Customers can get next business
day, on-site service and support in the United States.
Additionally, customers traveling overseas can have their systems
serviced or repaired abroad with Dell's International Travelers
warranty.
Technical Features of the Latitude X1 include:
- Intel Pentium M processor 733 (1.1 GHz ULV) combined with the
Intel 915GMS chipset
- 12.1" WXGA (1280 x 768) display
- 256 MB to 1.28 GB of DDR2 400 MHz shared SDRAM
- Choice of 30 GB or 60 GB hard drives
- Standard internal Intel PRO wireless 2200 802.11b/g and Dell
Wireless Bluetooth 350
- Choice of optional 8X DVD-ROM, 24X CD-RW/DVD combination and 8X
DVD+/-RW optical drives, floppy disk drive, and 40 GB second hard
drive
- Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet and 56K V92 modem
- Ports include: two USB 2.0, VGA, headphone and microphone,
SD/IO, CompactFlash, IEEE 1394
- Optional 6-cell, 53WHr Smart Lithium Ion Battery
- Choice of Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional Operating
System
- Three Years Next Business Day On-site Service
- Dimensions: 0.98" high, 11.26" wide, 7.7" deep; 25.0 mm high,
286 mm wide, 196.8 mm deep
Latitude X1 From $1,748 to $2,387.
Intermec Introduces Its Most Rugged
Mobile Computer
PR: According to recent research conducted by Venture
Development Corp., mobile device failure frequently is a result of
organizations deploying devices that are not suitable or rugged
enough for the environments in which they are used. These failures
in direct store delivery/route accounting applications, where
replacement units are not readily available, can result in as much
as $125 in lost revenue per hour. To help keep mobile workers on
the road, Intermec
Technologies Corp. introduced the company's most rugged
mobile computer, the CK60, designed specifically for the physically
demanding requirements of the DSD market.
The Intermec CK60 is constructed with a magnesium top cover,
rubber bumpers on each corner to cushion against drops, and a case
that is sealed against water and dust to IP64 standards. It is
designed for fast input and retrieval of information with a QVGA
touch screen display, enabling it to run both text-based
applications and graphical interfaces, and a large, easy-to-use
keypad that allows one- and two-handed input of large amounts of
data.
To avoid loss of data, the Windows CE 5.0-based CK60 has
onboard, nonvolatile memory, called Persistent Storage, which
preserves applications and databases, even if the battery becomes
depleted. The mobile computer also has an SDIO card slot that
enables the use of removable storage cards providing more memory
for large databases.
"The Intermec CK60 takes advantage of the advanced networking
and communications technologies in Windows CE 5.0, which
dramatically increases data-processing speeds and provides mobile
professionals with reliable access to information on the road,"
said Jane Gilson, director for the Mobile and Embedded Devices
Division at Microsoft Corp. "We're pleased to see Intermec basing a
new era of rugged mobile computers on Windows CE."
The CK60 uses Intermec's SmartSystem, the ADC industry's most
comprehensive system for complete device management. With
SmartSystem, installation, routine maintenance and application
software updates, security adjustments and device settings can be
performed automatically and managed remotely, dramatically reducing
field downtime and increasing efficiency.
"Mobile workers require devices that won't quit on them, no
matter what the working conditions," said Intermec Vice President
Mike Colwell. "With its rugged construction, long battery life, and
Persistent Storage, the CK60 keeps route drivers productive for
their entire shift while protecting the valuable data they
collect."
A variety of connectivity methods are integrated into the CK60,
including high-speed Ethernet, USB and RS232 serial connections as
well as Bluetooth wireless personal area communications.
- Rugged design offers years of reliable service for DSD/route
management applications
- Nonvolatile storage protects valuable data
- Quarter VGA (QVGA) display with touch screen enables both
text-based applications and graphical interfaces
The CK60 will be available for delivery in Q2.
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible
for AppleCare.
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 (VGA) and G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs. aluminum
15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz 15"
PowerBooks.
- PowerBook Pismo G3/400,
320/10/DVD, AC, battery, $579.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/400,
256/10/DVD", AC, battery, OS X, $599.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/400,
768/10/DVD, AC, battery, OS X, $699.95
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1
GHz, 256/30/Combo, $799
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2
GHz, 256/30/CD-ROM, $799
- 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 14" iBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,299
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, Best PowerBook G3 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.
