Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.07.15
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. News about Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other
Intel developments is covered in The Macintel Report.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Products and Services
Tech Trends
News & Opinion
Buying a New iBook: To Wait or Not to
Wait?
billpalmer.net's Bill Palmer says:
I may have once again leaned back the other direction in my
ongoing internal iBook-PowerBook debate. I know, this has to be at
least the fourth time I've officially changed my mind, and if that
doesn't make me Mr. Wishy-Washy, I don't know what does. In
defense, though, quite a few of you reading this have been this
indecisive about your product purchases - you just haven't been
silly enough to do so in public.
"....There's quite a bit of attraction to a product that costs
me a thousand dollars less, allows me to not have to carry around
three extra inches of screen space that I no longer need, and isn't
missing a single feature that I need . . . I almost
ordered one.
"And I would have . . . except for the fact that new
iBook models are presumably just around the corner....
"I can't seem to make myself pull the trigger. It's not that I
don't know anything that you don't. In fact, I don't know anything,
beyond the fact that the iBook line almost always gets upgraded
every six months, and this time around it's been nine and
counting...."
iPod to Dock with Laptop, Serve as
Touchpad?
iPod Hacks reports:
"It's hard to guess what Apple will think of next when it comes
to extending both the iPod and its Macintosh line of computers.
According to a recent report, it seems that tighter integration
between the two may be on the horizon.
"A look at Apple's patent application no. 20040224638 reveals a
sprawling description of many detailed aspects of a digital music
player system that, frankly, makes for fairly dull afternoon
reading. A close look, however, reveals the description of a most
interesting docking arrangement; it seems that Apple may be
planning to produce an iBook or PowerBook laptop computer that
allows a future iPod or iPod mini to dock into its surface, with
the iPod's touchpad (or future touchscreen?) serving as the
laptop's trackpad."
Podcast Your Eyes on the Future of Sound
The Independent's Charles Arthur says:
"You'll have heard by now of blogs. (If not, see me at the end
of the column.) You can already get pictures in them, but what if
blogs used the other media formats that web pages do, such as audio
and video? Why shouldn't people who have a thought to impart record
it digitally, so people can download and listen to it in their own
time?
"People have been recording content, principally audio, for
their blogs since 2001. The phenomenon gathered steam in 2003, once
a simple way to contain the audio in the 'RSS feed' of a website
(which lets you monitor it without having to visit the site) was
worked out.
"Thus was born 'podcasting' - because it was sort of like
broadcasting, and because if you had an iPod or another digital
music player you could copy the file to that. Lots of people offer
podcasts via their blogs. The problem is finding a way to keep up
with them."
Reviews
12" PowerBook Thin and Feature Rich
Computerworld's Ken Mingis says:
"The old adage that you can never be too thin or too rich seems
like a tailor-made description of what road warriors want in their
laptops: thin, lightweight machines that are feature-rich and, of
course, inexpensive.
"With its latest generation of PowerBooks, unveiled back in
January, Apple Computer Inc. may have had that adage in mind: It
incrementally updated its aluminum-clad laptop line with faster
processors, faster SuperDrives and hard drives; doubled the memory
- and cut prices. The message was simple: You get more for
less.
"For the past few weeks, I've been using one of the new 12-in.
PowerBooks, loaned out by Apple for review purposes, and I've found
it to be almost everything I'd want in a portable computer...."
Products and Services
MCE 8x DVD±R/RW "SuperDrive"
Upgrade
PR: Tiger is a roaring success! And now, for a limited
time only, get Apple's new Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) for only $79
($50 off the regular price!) when you purchase this drive! The new
MCE 8x DVD±R/RW "SuperDrive" upgrade with both Double Layer
and Dual Layer support for the PowerBook G4 allows PowerBook users
to author professional-quality DVDs as well as create, store, and
share their collections of videos, music, and photography. Plus,
the fast, highly reliable drives are compatible with most computer
and set-top DVD video players and other DVD burners &endash; so
video and data DVDs created using these drives can be shared with
business associates, friends, and family. Starting at just
$199.
MCE Technologies was the first company in the world to engineer
and offer a SuperDrive upgrade for the PowerBook G4. We continue
this long heritage with the MCE 8x Internal SuperDrive Upgrade with
both Double Layer and Dual Layer support... easily the most
technically advanced optical drive ever created for the Apple
PowerBook. Recording at 8x to both DVD-R and DVD+R media and at 4x
to BOTH DVD+R DL (Double Layer) and DVD-R DL (Dual Layer), enabling
you to record up to 8.5 GB of data on a single side of either a
Double Layer OR Dual Layer DVD, this drive eclipses every other
PowerBook optical drive on the market today... even those by Apple.
With Tiger (Mac OS 10.4), you can record to 8.5 GB Double Layer
discs natively... by dragging and dropping right in the Finder!
The additional storage capacity of the DVD±R Dual/Double
Layer discs enables you to record up to 4 hours of DVD-quality
video or 16 hours of VHS-quality video, without the need to turn
over the disc. You can now archive up to 8.5 GB of computer files
on a single disc, which almost doubles the storage capacity
compared with the 4.7 GB for the single-layer DVD-recordable discs
currently available. In addition, the MCE 8x Internal SuperDrive
Upgrade with Dual/Double Layer Support is the ONLY PowerBook Drive
available today that supports 8.5 GB Double Layer Recording in
Apple's iDVD (v5.0.1 & Tiger required). No other PowerBook
optical drive supports this capability... not even Apple's! Also,
new, lighter components enable this drive to weigh 20% less than
Apple's current optical drives... shaving a tenth of a pound off
the overall weight of your PowerBook G4.
The MCE 8x Internal SuperDrive Upgrade is a dual media drive and
records to both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW media. It also reads and
writes standard CD-R/RW media and is compatible with all of Apple's
iApps including iTunes, iDVD, iPhoto, and Finder Burning.
You may install it yourself* or, if you prefer, you may have the
MCE 8x SuperDrive upgrade professionally installed into your
PowerBook G4 by MCE Technologies' worldwide Authorized Upgrade
Centers.
(*) NOTE for 12" PowerBook G4 Owners: MCE highly recommend that
your drive be professionally installed. The installation of the
optical drive into the 12" PowerBook G4 involves the removal of
some 40 plus screws and parts and is not for the faint of heart.
Only an experienced technician should attempt this upgrade into the
12" PowerBook G4.
Features
- 8x DVD-R and 8x DVD+R recorder
- 6X DVD-RW and 8x DVD+RW recorder
- 4x DVD+R DL Double Layer recorder
- 4x DVD-R DL Dual Layer recorder
- 24x CD-R and 24x CD-RW recorder
- Convenient slot-loading mechanism
- 2 MB Cache Buffer
- Buffer underrun protection
- Bootable
- Compatible with iDVD, DVD Studio Pro, iTunes, iPhoto, Disc
Burner and Apple DVD Player
The new MCE 8x Internal SuperDrive Upgrade is compatible with
the 12", 15", and 17" Apple PowerBook G4. Whether you have Aluminum
or Titanium, this upgrade is compatible with your PowerBook G4.
The Double Layer DVD+R system uses two thin embedded organic dye
films for data storage separated by a spacer layer (see figure).
Heating with a focused laser beam irreversibly modifies the
physical and chemical structure of each layer such that the
modified areas have different optical properties to those of their
unmodified surroundings. This causes a variation in reflectivity as
the disc rotates to provide a read-out signal as with commercially
pressed read-only discs. Did you get all that?? It just means that
there are two recording layers inside the DVD instead of just
one... two layers means twice the recording capacity! Now wasn't
that easier?
Not every disc is created equal. The MCE 8x SuperDrive Upgrade
for PowerBook G4 implements an onboard liquid crystal
tilt/thickness compensator... the first time ever in a portable
form factor. This cutting edge technology provides accurate,
reliable read and write performance with a variety of disc
characteristics, even with irregularly curved or thick / thin
media. This technology is also effective in recording DVD+R double
layer media.
The MCE 8x Internal SuperDrive Upgrade with Dual/Double Layer
support is compatible with all versions of Mac OS X, including
Tiger, and is seamlessly compatible with Apple's iApps including
iTunes, iDVD, and iPhoto. In addition, it is compatible with Finder
Burning and DVD Studio Pro, Apple's professional DVD Authoring
software.
Portectorz: Rugged Data Port Protection for
Your 'Book
PR: RadTech, makers of iPod and mobile computing
accessories and more, announced immediate availability of
Portectorz.
RadTech Portectorz provide positive protection for your
PowerBook or iBook's data, video, and audio ports. Ports stay
clean, dry, and positively protected from foreign objects and
debris when fitted with custom-molded Portectorz.
Constructed from the finest high-polymer silicone to eliminate
any tackiness, Portectorz are uni-die molded and lightly frosted
for a smooth and elegant appearance that beautifully complements
your notebook's style.
Portectorz are molded to exacting specifications to ensure a
perfectly sealed and secure fit - sensible insurance for
potentially costly component damage. Low-profile design ensures
compatibility with all sleeves, bags, cases and packs. Use the
entire Portectorz panel, or easily custom cut the strip to create
protection for any of the ports or combinations you desire - like
those you use infrequently. Portectorz provide the protection and
flexibility you need to stay productive!
Portectorz start at $19.95, and are available for 12" and 14"
iBook and 12" and 15" PowerBook. Portectorz for 17" PowerBook
coming soon.
RadTech Updates MacTruck Hard Case, NeoCase
Soft Case
PR:
RadTech, makers of iPod and mobile computing accessories and more,
today announced immediate availability of the next-generation
MacTruck™ work-in notebook case.
Building on the success of the first-generation MacTruck, the
new MacTruck design features enhanced usability while making it
lighter, stronger and more secure than ever.
Constructed from 2.5 mm thick 5052-H32 aluminum alloy the
MacTruck acts as an industrial-grade protective enclosure that
quickly transforms to an ergonomic workstation at the click of a
latch without having to remove the notebook. The open position
allows full access to all ports, optical drives and controls, while
providing the optimal incline for ergonomic keyboarding. A shoulder
strap and D-ring kit option is available for added comfort while on
the go.
Popular with creative and entertainment professionals, the
MacTruck's work-in feature is ideal for session and location work.
And, it is unparalleled in field-use as the most rugged and
functional enclosure available for geologic, construction and
military applications.
RadTech's
NeoCase, constructed from top-grade 3mm Type-W Siliconized
Neoprene, offers sleek and stylish protection while providing the
speed and convenience of work-in capability. Simply unzip, and it's
ready to work anywhere. Durable and water repellent, NeoCase
features retractable Nylon handles and top-grade YKK zippers
throughout flange protected to ensure non-contact with
hardware.
Specifically designed for Apple Notebooks, both the MacTruck and
NeoCase come in a range of sizes. NeoCases fit late model 12" and
14" iBooks and 12", 15", and 17" PowerBooks. MacTrucks fit late
model 112", 15", and 17" PowerBooks with sizes to fit 12" and 14"
iBooks available late July. Only slightly larger than the actual
notebook, they are easily stowed in a conventional bag, backpack or
suitcase.
Starting at $199, MacTruck for PowerBooks comes in a striking
Titanium or Graphite ultra-durable powder coating. Soon to be
released, MacTruck for iBooks will be available in a new Sandstone
color. NeoCase comes in jet-black Neoprene and is priced at
$29.95.
Rebate on surfACE Laptop Stand During Macworld
Boston
PR: This offer, on complete surfACE | 1.5 purchases, is
available to customers in all the 54 countries surfACE ships
to.
surfACE | 1.5 allows for unprecedented mobility for your
notebook, allowing you to use it a chair, on a sofa, on a bed or in
your lap comfortably. The ability to raise the back off the
computer helps with the ergonomics as well as aids in the cooling
of the computer, for longer battery life and a quieter work
environment by allowing the fan to turn on less often.
By making it possible to sit, or lay, in a relaxed position for
hours at end &endash; without heat or pressure transferred to
the legs - this really is the promise of the mobile computer being
fulfilled. Now you can concentrate on getting work done instead of
trying to find a comfortable position.
Conceived as a piece of fine furniture, surfACE | 1.5 is
skillfully designed and crafted out of high quality materials, it
looks great in any environment and works with any notebook computer
including 17" screen models.
surfACE | 1.5 in short:
- The ideal support for your laptop indoor as well as
outdoor.
- For work, web-surfing, gaming, watching DVDs, and much
more.
- Great design, high quality materials and fine
craftsmanship.
- Sturdy, durable, secure, adjustable and expandable.
- Supplies convenient surfaces for a mouse, iPod or coffee
cup.
- Increases comfort, cooling and ergonomics.
- Ability to use it on the desktop to raise screen display.
surfACE | 1.5 available in two models:
- Clear Acrylic with Aluminum hardware, ($159) now $119
- Translucent White Acrylic with Aluminum hardware, ($154) now
$115
- Link: surfACE |
1.5
iToppers Customized Graphic Mods for the
iBook
PR: Now, you can add even more style to the best looking
notebook computer out there with iToppers graphic mods designed
specifically for your iBook. Easy to install, they not only add
more color to your life, but send one more message that you are an
individual who expects more out of life.
iToppers are
customized graphic mods designed for the iBook. Currently, they are
available for the 12î and 14" iBook, but mods will soon be
available for the new Mac mini.
The mods are custom designed graphics with a pressure sensitive
backing that adhere to the cover of the iBook. Our very first
custom designed graphic is reminiscent of the original "clamshell"
iBooks. Now, owners of the white iBooks can enjoy color too! And
the great thing is that they are designed to still show off that
glowing Apple logo.
iTopper mods are a great way to hide scratches and protect an
iBook. They make the iBook stand out. The mods easily apply to any
iBook, plus they can be removed at any time. All this cool
customization at a fraction of the cost of many other modification
techniques.
Antenna Extends Wireless Range for Less
Money
PR: QuickerTek has announced a new antenna for Apple
PowerBook Pismo, Titanium and all 15" and 17" aluminum PowerBooks
under 1.3 GHz CPU speed. This new antenna features 7dbi of RF
power, is omnidirectional and is available for $49.95.
This omnidirectional antenna is ideal for those users who
regularly need the ability to work in various wireless network
configurations and cannot predict the positioning of the AirPort
Base Station or access point. Omnidirectional antennas are designed
to offer the best possible all-around utility for highly mobile
PowerBook users in AirPort and AirPort Extreme networks.
Unlike other omnidirectional antenna designs, this one offers
more power - almost twice as much - providing access to a larger
number of wireless networks from a single point. When PowerBook
users need a simple, reliable and easy-to-use antenna solution,
this new antenna is the answer.
The antenna mounts on the back of the PowerBook screen using a
supplied bracket that does not mar the finish of the PowerBook, yet
secures the antenna when in use. Once installed, this antenna is
available anytime the PowerBook is running. There are no
complicated cables to attach and reattach, nor changes to how
PowerBook users connect to wireless networks.
Like most QuickerTek products, it's backed with a one-year
warranty on parts and labor.
QuickerTek is a recognized leading innovator of antennas and RF
products for Apple desktop and portable computers. QuickerTek
products can be purchased at Mac dealers such as Small Dog
Electronics, TechnoWarehouse, PowerBook Medic, DayStar
Technologies, and many others.
Tech Trends
Hitachi Reduces Power Draw in Mobile
Drives
CNET news.com's Michael Kanellos reports:
"Hitachi Global Storage Technologies has come out with a new
2.5-inch diameter drive, the Travelstar 4K120 that consumes less
power than ordinary drives. As a result, notebooks can get about 20
minutes more life out of a battery charge, said Becky Smith, vice
president of marketing.
"The drive cuts power consumption by, among other tricks,
slowing down during lull times, similar to what notebook chips from
Intel and Advanced Micro Devices do...."
Seagate Preps Built-in Hard Drive
Encryption Technology
IDG News Service's Paul Kallender reports:
"Seagate Technology said today it has developed a security
technology for some of its hard-disk drives that will make life
more difficult for notebook PC thieves to read stolen data, it said
Tuesday.
"The technology, called Hardware-Based Full Disc Encryption
(FDE), will start shipping next year and automatically encrypts all
the data written to the drive, according to Mark Pastor, strategic
marketing senior director at Seagate."
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.
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/ Combo, Mac OS X, $829.99
- iBook G3/500, 128/20/CD-ROM, $375
- iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $599
- PowerBook Pismo G3/400, 192/10/DVD, $399
- PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/12/DVD, $449
- 12" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/40/SuperDrive, $929
- 15" PowerBook G4/800 MHz, 256/40/Combo, AirPort, $1,099
- 15" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/40/Combo, $1,199
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, AirPort, $1,699
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $599.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/800 MHz, 256/40/Combo, DVI Video Output,
$999.99
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/CD-ROM, $699
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/CD-ROM, $799
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo/ AirPort Extreme,
$849
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, AirPort Extreme,
Bluetooth 2.0, $1,699
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort
Extreme, $1,799
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort
Extreme, Bluetooth 2.0, $1,999
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive, AirPort
Extreme, Bluetooth 2.0, $2,299
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.
