Improved PowerBooks, Flash for Fast Booting Laptops, New Laptop Stand, 400 MHz G3 WallStreet Upgrade, 550 MHz G4 Pismo Upgrade, and More

Charles Moore - 2005.10.21

This Week's PowerBook, iBook, and Notebook News

General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod news is covered in iPod News 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

• PowerBooks Improved with Higher-Res Displays, Longer Battery Life
• Intel Shows Instant Booting Laptop Using Flash RAM

Products and Services

• Lapvantage Loft Laptop Stands
• 400 MHz G3 WallStreet Upgrade
• 550 MHz G4 Pismo Upgrade
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 CardBus Adapter
• Milano 12" PowerBook/iBook Case

Bargain 'Books

News & Opinion

PowerBooks Improved with Higher-Res Displays, Longer Battery Life

PR: Apple has enhanced its PowerBook G4 line of notebook computers for business and creative professionals with higher-resolution displays and up to one hour more battery life on the 15" and 17" models.* In addition, every new PowerBook now includes a DVD burning SuperDrive with prices starting at just $1,499.

"The Apple PowerBook continues to deliver the ultimate in portability, performance and innovative features," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "Our mobile customers are going to love working on the new high-resolution PowerBook displays and appreciate the added productivity that one more hour of battery life delivers."

The new higher-resolution PowerBooks provide significantly more screen real estate and include the 17" PowerBook with a 1680 x 1050 pixel resolution - 36% more than the previous generation - and the 15" PowerBook with a 1440 x 960 pixel resolution - 26% more than the previous generation. Ideal for business and creative professionals, the new 15" and 17" PowerBooks make reading text and viewing images even easier with brighter displays - up to 46% brighter on the 17" model. The 15" and 17" PowerBooks also provide up to an additional hour of battery life to get even more work done while on the road.

The PowerBook line includes three models: the 1.5 GHz 12" PowerBook with an 8x SuperDrive and the new 1.67 GHz 15" and 17" PowerBooks with an 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support. Both the 15" and 17" PowerBooks include ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 graphics with 128 MB DDR dedicated video memory and now feature built-in Dual Link support to drive Apple's groundbreaking 30-inch Cinema HD Display as an external monitor, providing more than four million pixels of additional workspace.

Every PowerBook includes built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), integrated AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking**, a scrolling trackpad and Apple's Sudden Motion Sensor technology. Mac OS X version 10.4 "Tiger," the fifth major release of the world's most advanced operating system and iLife '05, Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, are included with every PowerBook.

Pricing & Availability The 12" and new 15" and 17" PowerBooks are available immediately through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The 1.5 GHz, 12" PowerBook G4, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

• 512 MB of PC2700 333 MHz DDR SDRAM, expandable up to 1.25 GB;
• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• an 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 (5400 rpm) hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi fast wireless networking and internal Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• DVI, VGA, S-video and composite video support;
• two USB 2.0 ports and FireWire 400;
• audio line in and headphone out; and
• a scrolling trackpad.

The 1.67 GHz, 15" PowerBook G4, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• 512 MB of PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM running at 333 MHz, expandable up to 2 GB;
• 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 (5400 rpm) hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• DVI (Dual Link for 30-inch Cinema HD Display support), VGA, S-video and composite video support;
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T);
• two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400 and 800;
• analog and optical digital audio input and output;
• illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor; and
• a scrolling trackpad.

The 1.67 GHz, 17" PowerBook G4, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

• a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• 512 MB of PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM running at 333 MHz, expandable up to 2 GB;
• 120 GB Ultra ATA/100 (5400 rpm) hard drive with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• Built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• DVI (Dual Link for 30-inch Cinema HD Display support), VGA, S-video and composite video support;
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T);
• two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400 and 800;
• analog and optical digital audio input and output;
• illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor; and
• a scrolling trackpad.

Additional build-to-order options for the 12" PowerBook include the ability to upgrade to 100 GB (5400 rpm) hard drive, up to 1.25 GB DDR SDRAM, a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive, and the AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional build-to-order options for the new 15" and 17" PowerBooks include the ability to upgrade up to 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive, and the AppleCare Protection Plan. The new 15" PowerBook also offers a 100 GB or 120 GB (5400 rpm) hard drive as a build-to-order option.

• Link: PowerBooks, Apple
• Link: 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz (Oct. 2005), Low End Mac
• Link: 15" PowerBook G4 HR, 1.67 GHz, Low End Mac
• Link: 17" PowerBook G4 HR, 1.67 GHz (Oct. 2005), Low End Mac

*Battery life depends on configuration and use.

**Actual speed will vary based on range from the base station, environmental conditions and other factors.

Intel Shows Instant Booting Laptop Using Flash RAM

Ars Technica's Eric Bangeman reports:

"Intel showed off its new Robson cache technology yesterday, when it gave a demonstration using a laptop that booted up almost immediately. The laptop in the question was equipped with a nice chunk of NAND flash RAM, which made the super-speedy startup time possible. As part of the demonstration, Intel also launched several applications from the flash drive, including Adobe Reader in 0.4 seconds and Quicken in 2.9 seconds.

"Any seasoned road warrior will tell you that when it comes to draining your laptop battery, there's nothing like a constantly spinning hard drive. Intel's Robson cache technology attempts to ameliorate the problem by moving frequently accessed data over to the flash RAM. According to Intel, Robson is at the point where it could be shared with laptop makers, although the company declined to go into detail about how the technology works."

• Link: Flash! Laptop Boot Time Shortened

Products and Services

Lapvantage Loft Laptop Stands

PR: The Plasticsmith, Inc. today announced the release of Lapvantage Loft, a laptop stand designed to improve computing ergonomics while offering a sleek minimalist design. The Loft is a full-featured desktop enhancement unit for anyone whose notebook doubles as a desktop computer. It swivels 360 degrees and sports an extra-thick polished acrylic platform in either iridescent blue-edged, clear or opaque white. The steel pedestal is available in black or metallic, designed to complement Apple's PowerBook line.

More and more people are replacing their desktop computers with laptops. But the inherent design of laptops - a fixed screen and keyboard - violates the most basic ergonomic guidelines. Now laptop users no longer need to compromise on comfort. The Loft lets you show off your laptop while at the same time providing you the ergonomic benefits of optimal viewing height, improved posture and enhanced functionality. Its small footprint saves valuable desk space and allows you to tuck an external keyboard under the platform. This keeps you close enough to your laptop's screen for comfortable viewing while preventing neck, shoulder and back strain.

What's more, you can swivel the Loft to your heart's content, making it easier to plug in peripherals and allowing you to more smoothly turn your laptop screen for presentations or simply showing your work to a colleague. It comes with 3M rubber feet that attach to the top of the platform, keeping your laptop running cooler.

Now you can enjoy the benefits of ergonomics and the look of magic with either the shimmering blue-edged platform that radiates a polychromatic effect, the clear platform that creates its own lighting or the opaque white platform with its clean, modern look.

And because safety is everything, the Loft is sturdy enough to support most laptops and engineered to be exceptionally stable, weight tested to support 15 lbs.

The Lapvantage Loft is available in 6 combinations - metallic base/blue platform, metallic base/clear platform, metallic base/opaque white platform, black base/blue platform, black base/clear platform, black base/opaque white platform. It is selling at the introductory price of $79.95 and sold exclusively at The Plasticsmith's online store.

• Link: Plasticsmith

400 MHz G3 WallStreet Upgrade

PR: Wegener Media says:

We've all loved the WallStreet. But sometimes it's a bit slow. So we decided to overhaul it, and with the Avanti upgrade, we're sure you'll be happy with your PowerBook once again! We've taken the PowerBook WallStreet, inspected it from head to toe, and we've found a great way to speed it up!

• 400 MHz or 417 MHz G3 processor
• 1 MB L2 (backside) 250 MHz cache
• Runs Cooler than other upgrade kits
• 100% OS X compatible
• 100% OS 9 compatible
• No ROM upgrade necessary!
• No software installation!
• Supports from 32 to 512 MB
• Good for Mac OS 8.1 through Jaguar!!
• 1 year Warranty

The bottom line is, will this thing function? The answer is yes! We have been able to reduce processor heat by nearly 50% cooler than even the G3 PowerBook Pismo! Our processor operates at a balmy 50°C (that's 121°F for you Americans!). And cool is good - this means great reliability for your processor, and excellent performance for you!

Since our system upgrades don't require ROM updates, software installation, or any other drivers, you're guaranteed complete 100% compatibility. No need to install ANY software at all! Just plug in the upgrade and restart your computer! Many folks who've bought upgrades requiring ROM installation have experienced problems, requiring them to return the units for reworking. By comparison, our upgrade utilizes the original Apple ROM, therefore completely bypassing the ROM issue, and guaranteeing you complete hassle-free service!

Now one unit fits all WallStreet models! WallStreet Series 1 or WallStreet Series 2!

Price: $99.99

Kit includes processor, installation photo-guide, and upgraded heat dissipation panel.

• Link: Avanti 400 G3 Upgrade for WallStreet

550 MHz G4 Pismo Upgrade

PR: Wegener Media says:

• 1 MB fast 250 MHz L2 caching, for high speed processing & data transfer
• Low power consumption, excellent heat dissipation.

Our upgrade gives you performance surpassing PowerBook Titaniums! With the unique 1 MB L2 cache level at 250 MHz, the performance surpasses all of the early Titaniums, and with our low-power consumption design, you'll see longer battery life, more horsepower, and a cooler running processor than you have ever had before!

• No software to install!
• No firmware modification!
• No issues!
• 100% compatibility with OS 9 and OS X - Jaguar, Panther, Tiger!
• Easy, 10 minute installation with our kit!
• Kit includes: Processor unit, heat dissipation panel, cover plate, cooling compound, tools, and instructions

Buy and install yourself: $199 (core return required - $150 core charge will be refunded after your core is returned)

Order the upgrade and we'll install (you ship to us): $239. You ship your PowerBook in, we'll install & return it to you.

Overnight Full Service: $349. We'll pickup your machine, and have it back in your hands in 48 hours upgraded! Enter your phone number in the Notes section (during checkout), and we'll call you to arrange pickup same day if possible!

Options: Need more RAM? A larger hard drive, Combo drive, or our exclusive SuperDrive? No problem -just order with your processor, or call us when you send your machine - we'll install any extra components from our site at no extra charge.

• Link: G4/550 MHz Upgrade for Your Pismo

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 CardBus Adapter

PR: IOGear introduces the first Dual Port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 PCMCIA CardBus card for Macintosh and PC notebook computers. IOGear's USB 2.0 PCMCIA CardBus card auto configures and requires no additional drivers.

IOGear brings the cutting edge technology of USB 2.0 to your Macintosh PowerBook or PC Laptop. You will enjoy the convenience and newfound speed that has made USB an industry standard. IOGear's USB 2.0 PCMCIA CardBus card will allow you to easily add up to 127 simultaneous USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices. This device will fit into any PCMCIA CardBus slot.

IOGear's USB 2.0 PCMCIA CardBus card will fit the need of any mobile professional who needs the speed and convenience of USB 2.0.

Features

• Fully backwards compatible to USB 1.1
• Supports 32-bit CardBus PC Card Type II slot
• Up to 480 Mbps data transfer rate
• Hot Swappable - Plug-n-Play
• USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 compliant
• 2 built-in type A USB connections
• No software needed
• 3 Year Limited Warranty

Requirements

• For PC Users
• Windows 98SE,2000, ME, XP
• Available 32 bit PCMCIA slot (CardBus slot)
• For MAC Users
• Mac OS 8.6 or greater
• (NOTE: OS X 10.1.x is required for USB 2.0 functionality)
• Available PCMCIA slot

Price: $49.95

• Link: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 CardBus Adapter

Milano 12" PowerBook/iBook Case

PR: The Milano leather case that is as slim and full-featured as your new PowerBook. This high-quality leather case is geared to the executive who wants a slim, stylish case for business use.

Crafted of high-quality cowhide leather, the Milano comes in a 12", 15" and 17" version to ensure a custom fit for all PowerBook models. The 12" and 14" iBook also fit nicely in the respectively sized cases. The Milano is a tight design that avoids the bulkiness found in most other cases.

The Milano has a comfortable, padded non-slip shoulder strap with an attachment for your iPod, digital camera or cellphone. Or you can go strapless and carry the case by its rugged handle. The buckles and handle connectors are all-high quality solid stainless steel hardware.

The interior features a padded laptop pocket, lined with soft plush fabric. A smaller pocket holds your non-digital documents and folders. There is also a pocket for your extra batteries, cables, adapters, etc. The back of the case features a large open pocked for quick access to magazines, plane tickets or other quick-reach items.

The Milano is a slim design with enough storage for the "on the go" professional. Matter of fact, it is so sleek that most people won't even realize that you have a laptop in your bag.

Price: $179.95

• Link: Milano 12" PowerBook/iBook Case

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.

• used 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/CD, $399
• used 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/Combo, $429
• used 12" iBook G3/700, 384/20/Combo, $469
• used 12" iBook G3/800, 128/30/CD, $419
• used 12" iBook G3/800, 384/30/CD, $429
• used 12" iBook G3/800, 384/30/Combo, $529
• used 12" iBook G3/900, 128/40/Combo, $559
• used 14" iBook G3/700, 256/30/Combo, $559
• new 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512+512/80/Combo, AirPort, $1,699
• new 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512+512/80/SuperDrive, $1,899

Special Deals: Apple Certified

• refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $749
• refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $899
• refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $1,299
• refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth 2.0, $1,899
• refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,949

• 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $599
• 15" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $899
• extra 512 MB add $89

• used 14" iBook G3/700, 256/30/Combo, $549.99
• used 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, Airport Extreme, $1,499.99

For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see our best aluminum PowerBook G4 deals, best titanium PowerBook G4 deals, best iBook G4 deals, best PowerBook G3 deals, and best iBook G3 deals.