Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.11.04
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
Advice
Products and Services
Software
News & Opinion
New PowerBooks Slightly Faster
Macworld's James Galbraith reports:
"The latest PowerBooks feature higher-resolution displays,
longer battery life, and dual-layer SuperDrives - but not much in
the way of substantial jumps in performance over their predecessor
in Macworld Lab testing.
"The subtle effects on performance weren't surprising, given the
nature of the changes introduced by Apple earlier this month. After
all, the update to the 15-inch and 17-inch laptops didn't include
any increase in speed from the 1.67 GHz PowerPC G4 chip featured in
previous models. Meanwhile, two of the most prominent additions -
increased battery life and the ability to burn dual-layer (DL+R)
DVDs - are not measured by Macworld's Speedmark performance testing
tool. Other improvements, like increased drive capacity, higher
screen resolution, and faster DDR2 memory contributed to only minor
differences from the results posted by the previous generation of
1.67 GHz G4 PowerBooks."
Link: PowerBooks
See Subtle Gains
Advice
Fixing a Broken Power Adapter Tip
Leander Kahney says:
"Apple's PowerBooks and iBooks are generally well-made,
value-for-money machines, but they suffer from a critical design
flaw - the tip of the AC power adapter is prone to breaking off
inside the power port.
"It's a costly and time-consuming repair, and it's almost
impossible for owners to fix themselves. I know, because it's
happened to me three times in the last three years.
"The last time was just last week, and the story of how I fixed
it is a saga you can read after the jump. Long story short: I
finally dug it out in a frenzy of rage and frustration that almost
ruined a $2,500 computer."
Link: Fixing
a Broken Power Adapter Tip
Products and Services
SimpleDrive Mini 1" Hard Drive
PR: SimpleTech, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and
marketer of custom and open-standard memory and storage solutions,
today announced the addition of the SimpleDrive Mini 1-inch
External USB Hard Drive to its line of storage products. With this
addition, SimpleTech continues to provide cutting-edge, affordable
storage solutions to meet the needs of its customers.
The demand for computer storage is greater than
ever. A rise in storage requirements for digital files and consumer
demand for mobility has focused the spotlight on high-capacity
portable storage devices.
"We are proud of our expanding storage line that extends from
portable USB Flash Drives and SD Cards to the stationary mass
storage solutions for the desktop and home," said Patrick Wilkison,
vice president of marketing and business development at SimpleTech.
"The release of the SimpleDrive Mini brings multiple storage
technologies together to create a storage solution with ultimate
flexibility. We can now say with confidence that we have a storage
solution for every consumer storage need."
Initially available as a 4 GB model, the new SimpleDrive Mini is
a hard drive with the coveted compactness and portability of flash
technology. With business card-like dimensions, and no thicker than
a pack of gum (2.05". x 2.56". x 0.55".) the SimpleDrive Mini tips
the scales at a featherweight 45g, and easily fits into a shirt
pocket or briefcase. Important files and digital keepsakes can be
safely stowed on one's person as a mere afterthought. As an
important feature, the SimpleDrive Mini is powered by, and
communicates with the host computer via a built-in retractable USB
cord, eliminating the need to carry additional cables.
Designed to meet the needs of mobile users, the SimpleDrive Mini
is a durable, shock-resistant external USB hard drive that works
seamlessly between both Windows and Mac platforms. The SimpleDrive
Mini is a plug-and-play device that doesn't require additional
drivers, providing quick and easy transfer between multiple
computers. As a result, mobile users can have the confidence of
knowing that no matter where they are or what computer is available
their files are both safe and easily accessible.
Staying in step with the latest in file transfer technology,
hours of digital music and thousands of photos can be backed-up in
a matter of minutes, in credit to the speed and convenience of USB
2.0. To mobile users, USB 2.0 represents on-the-fly peace of mind
by allowing files to be transferred at speeds up to 480 MBps.
The SimpleDrive Mini 4 GB model is currently shipping with a
manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $149.00. The
SimpleDrive Mini is scheduled to be available at Amazon.com,
Buy.com, Costco, CompUSA, CDW, D
& H Distributing, Insight, PC
Connection, PC Mall, Tech Data,
Tech Depot, and SimpleTech's online retail store,
SimpleTechDirect.com
Link:
SimpleDrive Mini
RadTech Omni Work-in Armored Sleeve and I-Sight
Personal Illuminator
PR: RadTech, makers of iPod and mobile computing
accessories and more, have announced immediate availability of Omni
work-in armored sleeves, and I-Sight Personal Illuminator.
Omni is a lightweight,
poly-reinforced work-in armored notebook sleeve - a follow-on to
the successful tekmod work-in messenger brief. With Omni, RadTech
offers a whole new level of freedom and functionality for mobile
computing.
Omni's unique design features work-in functionality with
unrestricted access to all ports and drives, while in the case! The
integrated flip-out riser stand provides an ergonomic typing angle
for comfortable and efficient keyboarding. The Sleeve incorporates
two surface-mounted handles, and an adjustable and detachable,
minimalist shoulder strap.
Omni's are available now in two sizes and six colors, and will
fit most sub-17" notebooks. Pricing starts at $42 .
I-Sight is an ear-worn personal illuminator, which replaces
RadTech's popular eyelighter product and provides numerous
enhancements. The overdriven, super-bright Nichea LED module
features a parabolic reflector and precision focusing lens to
provide a phenomenally bright and uniform beam pattern, with no
hotspots - just pure and even lighting. I-Sight's reversible and
adjustable ear loop allows use with or without glasses on left or
right ears.
Weighing a scant 18 grams, and
featuring a useable, continuous runtime of over 36 hours, I-Sight
illuminates the wearer's field of vision, with no distracting side
flare - while keeping both hands free. An easy to use push-button
power switch, fully aimable lamp module and tool-less battery
replacement round out the feature enhancements.
RadTech's former eyelighter product has been used extensively by
astronomers, photographers, mechanics, engineers, electricians,
plumbers, backpackers, campers, law enforcement and others.
I-Sight is available in two illumination colors: bright white
for general tasks, and green for situations when dark vision needs
to be maintained. Affixes to right or left ear; compatible with
eyeglasses and most Bluetooth headsets.
I-Sight is available now for $12.95
Newer Tech's Intelligent Battery
Charger/Conditioner for iBooks and PowerBooks
PR: Adding to the firm's successful line of innovative
performance accessories for Apple Macintosh laptops, Newer
Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) has released a line of Intelligent
Battery Charger/Conditioners for select iBook G3/G4 and all
PowerBook G4 models.
"We already make
industry-leading batteries for these laptops," said Larry O'Connor,
president of NewerTech. "Now we give our customers the means to
best maintain and even restore both stock and after-market
batteries - and at an affordable price."
The NewerTech Intelligent Battery Charger/Conditioners are
available immediately for $149.95 for all Apple PowerBook G4 and
select Apple iBook G3/G4 models.
The Intelligent Battery Charger/Conditioners have been designed
with a dual purpose in mind: to charge and condition. Both bays
charge the batteries, allowing two batteries to be fully charged at
all times. The second bay also conditions new or 'abused' batteries
- those that may have incomplete charging cycles that prevent full
cell use - providing for full utilization of available run-time
capacity.
"NewerTech NuPower™ batteries offer the highest capacities
and longest run-times available for Apple laptop models," O'Connor
added. "And now NewerTech's intelligent battery charging stations
allow users to maximize their use of stock or NewerTech
high-capacity batteries."
Link: Battery
Charger/Conditioner
Booq Python XL Backpack Fits 17" PowerBook
PR: Python XL is not for everyone. If you want large
capacity and lots of pockets, a rugged design and solid laptop
protection, Python may just be the backpack for you.
In terms of utility, Python is one of finest laptop backpacks
available: Waterproof zippers, weather-resistant ballistic nylon
exterior and tough, seatbelt nylon straps, a rigid-frame laptop
compartment designed to protect the world's largest laptops, lots
of padded pockets and compartments for items large and small, a
dedicated iPod pocket with non-scratch lining, a stand-alone
removable accessory bag, removable waist strap, sternum strap, and
much more.
In terms of capacity, Python is hard to beat:
You'll have room for a stack of books 6" high, a complete set of
clothes with shoes, large document folders and shipping envelopes,
water bottles, (SLR) camera with lens, plus your complete set of
typical laptop accessories like cables, mouse, power adapter and
more. Python even has a secure iPod pocket completely lined with
non-scratch fabrics, protected by two layers of zippers.
Python comes with a small clip-on accessory bag called Ecto,
convenient for those times when you want to keep your valuables
close to you. Featuring a variety of pockets and compartments for
your iPod, wallet or checkbook, a small digital camera, cell phone
and a few other small items, Ecto ships with a 1" wide, removable
nylon shoulder strap. Clip Ecto to your Python backpack for
additional storage or leave it at home. Or, take your valuables
with you inside the Ecto bag and leave your backpack behind -
whatever suits your needs.
Like all BOOQ bags, Python has been designed by BOOQ in
California with the professional user in mind, and every bag is
covered by BOOQ's Lifetime Repair Warranty, which shows our
commitment to creating products with the most refined design and
highest quality.
Again, Python XL is not for everyone, but if you are looking for
the most rugged, most versatile backpack that can hold your laptop
and everything you need, this backpack's for you.
The complete large-capacity laptop backpack solution for 17-inch
laptops. Rugged, large-scale performance and virtually unlimited
storage options come standard. Includes a sleeve of choice and two
accessory cases.
- High-end materials and hardware, rugged construction,
waterproof zippers
- Various padded accessory pockets for items large and small
- Rigid-frame laptop compartment with 0.75" hd foam padding and
non-scratch lining
- Room for a stack of books 6" high, shoes, water bottles, SLR
camera etc.
- Detachable shoulder bag "ecto" for small items
- Ergonomic, breathable shoulder strap design with sternum strap
and waist belt
- Dedicated and secure iPod pocket, accessible from the interior
only
- Color: Black
- Exterior Dimensions: 20.0" x 17.0" x 8"
- Laptop Compartment: 17.0"x 12.25"x2.0" (432 x 311 x 51mm)
- Weight: 5.4 lbs
- Ships Nov 15, 2005
Price: $199.95
Link: Booq Python
XL
EDGE Tech DDR2 and DDR2 with ECC for New
PowerBooks
PR: EDGE Tech Corp, a leading supplier of DRAM and flash
memory upgrades, portable computing products, storage devices, and
other personal technology solutions, is pleased to announce its
DDR2 and DDR2 with ECC memory for the Apple series of computers.
EDGE Tech Corp's DDR2 memory modules are the industry's only Mac
memory modules to undergo the rigorous testing and vetting process
necessary to ensure lightning speeds and ultra stability to the Mac
user's experience. Manufactured to the needs of the power user,
EDGE Tech's memory modules will be available in memory
configurations from 512 MB to 4 GB of DDR2 RAM and DDR2 with
ECC and will be available to consumers immediately.
EDGE Tech qualifies all DDR2 modules by thoroughly testing them
under a variety of environmental conditions such as extreme heat
and bitter cold while performing under load with the latest Mac
software. EDGE Tech's modules are designed under compliance with
the industry's JEDEC semiconductor engineering standard and
assembled in ISO-compliant conditions while tested with the lowest
possible latencies and highest bus speeds.
PowerBook (15" and 17" screen models)
- Memory Size: 512 MB to 1 GB DDR2 (single module)
- Memory Speed: PC2-4200 (533 MHz)
- Memory Type: Dual Channel DDR2
- Pins: 200 pin SODIMM
- Lifetime Warranty with 24/7 tech support
EDGE products are available through resellers including CDW,
Insight, PC
Connection, PC Mall, Zones,
eCOST,
Tech Depot (an Office Depot Company),
Walmart, and Staples.com, and through distribution at Tech
Data, Ingram Micro and D & H Distributing. This specific EDGE
product is also available for purchase through the company's
website.
Link: EDGE
Tech
Software
One Finger Snap Right Mouse Button for Single
Button Mice and Trackpads
PR: One Finger Snap is a Preference Pane that brings up
the contextual menu whenever you click and hold down the mouse
button. This means that you can do everything with a single-button
mouse that you can do with a 2-button mouse.
Don't throw away that 1-Button Mouse:
Many new Mac buyers find that the first purchase they make is
for a 2-button mouse so they can have quick access to the
contextual menu. Sure, you can hold down the control key when you
click, but let's face it, a two button mouse makes the contextual
menu so much easier to get to. Now with One Finger Snap, you can
just click and hold down that one button to get to the contextual
menu. And that way you can hold onto that beautiful Apple mouse,
too.
Great for PowerBook users:
- At the office, you have a nice two-button mouse, and you use it
every day. Now you take your PowerBook on the road, and your right
mouse button finger is just twitching. You get things done so much
faster with the contextual menu. Don't you wish there was an easy
way to get to it from the track pad? One Finger Snap works as well
with a one-button track pad as it does with a one-button mouse. So
you can click and hold the trackpad button rather than carry along
another piece of equipment.
For ex-Windows users:
- So you took the plunge and switched to the Mac. Good for you.
While you like Mac OS X on your new Mac Mini, you can't help but
miss that old 2-button mouse. Don't go back to Windows, just try
One Finger Snap. It's much cheaper, and it has fewer viruses.
But I already have a 7-button, wireless mouse with a scroll
wheel:
- One Finger Snap can still help you. Wouldn't it be nice to have
just one more button? Turn on One Finger Snap, and you no longer
need that right mouse button for the contextual menu. Now you can
reassign it to something more useful (like launching your browser
or opening AppKiDo or reading Joy of Tech).
New with One finger snap 1.3
- The click feedback sound volume is now adjustable.
- Fixed an issue with the contextual menu not always coming up
when drag-selecting in Safari & Apple Mail
- Lots of under-the-hood redesign
- Added a Japanese Localization - Thank you (Masamichi
Kagechika)
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
$6.85 shareware
Link: One
Finger Snap
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 WallStreet G3/233 MHz, 128/4/CD, $185
- PowerBook WallStreet G3/266 MHz, 128/6/CD, $205
- 12" Book G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX $900 with $100 mail-in
rebate
- used PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, Mac OS X, $799.99
- Upgrade to Super Drive, $129.99
- Add 512 MB RAM with purchase of machine (total of 768 MB),
$49.99
- Add 1 GB RAM with purchase of machine (total 1.25 GB of RAM),
$189.99
- 1 year extended service warranty, $99.99
- Add Airport Express card, $39.99
- Upgrade to 80 GB hard drive, $119.99
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/CD, $699
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo, APX, $719
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX,
$1,099
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, Bluetooth
2.0, $1,199
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,149
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX,
$1,299
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,799
- used 14" iBook G3/600 MHz, 256/20/Combo, $519.99
- used 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/CD, $629.95
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.
