Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.11.11
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
Reviews
Products and Services
Software
Tech Trends
News & Opinion
Macintel PowerBooks, Widescreen iBook Sooner
Than We Thought?
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Apple's notebook lines look set to spearhead the Mac maker's
shift to Intel processors next year, with the launch of updated
PowerBooks and iBooks coming in the Q1/Q2 2006 timeframe.
"So claimed 'extremely reliable sources', cited by AppleInsider,
though the report is short on detail.
"Updated PowerBooks are likely to be announced first. Expect a
new 15in widescreen model first, based to an extent on the current
design but with much-reduced thickness....
"Alas, the report reckons there will be no replacements for the
compact and Register-favoured 12in PowerBook G4.
"One ray of light is the anticipated widescreen iBook, which has
been rumoured to be in the pipeline since April 2005, when
Taiwanese contract manufacturer sources said Apple had been out
looking for a partner to produce the machine."
Link:
Intel-Based PowerBooks; Widescreen iBook; Sooner Than We
Thought?
Power Users Choose PowerBooks for Personal
Use
Blogger Alex Hutton says:
"Most deep-geeks I know now use an Apple. Maybe not as their
daily driver when forced by work to use a Windows machine, but two
CSO's I know have admitted to me when I've opened my PowerBook in
front of them 'Oh, I'll never buy anything else with my own money'.
PowerBook adoption is also inevitable due to the status symbol
factor. It's like a friend that chartered the adoption of OS X
in a big ol' chemical company told me, 'when I opened my PowerBook
up in a meeting for the first time, it was uncomfortable, because
it was like having a key to the executive washroom - everyone
thought that the PowerBook was a sign of, well, power - those who
were upwardly mobile got PowerBooks and the rest of you saps are
stuck with crappy plastic Dell boxes.'"
Link: Why Open
Source Needs Apple, or, How Apple is killing Linux on the
Desktop
More on MicroAdapter and Big 'Books
TidBITS' Travis Butler says:
"After last week's article on PowerBook AC adapters was
published (see 'Comparing Three AC
Adapters' in TidBITS-803), I've received several messages from
people about the MadsonLine MicroAdapter and the Macally adapter -
specifically, about the amount of power they provide.
"I wrote that the MicroAdapter wasn't recommended for use with
newer PowerBooks (the 1 GHz PowerBook G4 Titanium, and all of the
15-inch and 17-inch PowerBooks) because it provides only 45 watts
of power, compared with the 65 watts provided by the adapter Apple
ships. Several people wrote in to say they were, in fact, using the
MicroAdapter with those machines, and that it appeared to work
fine...."
Link: More on AC
Adapters
Advice
External Battery Chargers vs. In-'Book
Charging
The Apple Core's Jason O'Grady says:
"If you're like me you probably charge your PowerBook's battery
in the PowerBook itself and don't worry too much about it. While
this is fine in most cases, it's going to deplete the charge
capacity of your battery over time. Especially if you constantly
unplug and re-plug your machine....
"If you're constantly partial charging your 'Book, each of these
counts toward your total cap of charges before the performance of
your battery begins to drop off.
"Apple has finally begun to acknowledge this fact:
"'A properly maintained PowerBook or iBook battery is designed
to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after 300 full charge
and discharge cycles. You may choose to replace your battery when
it no longer holds sufficient charge to meet your needs.'
"I avoid this unnecessary battery abuse by running my PowerBook
battery down to empty as often as possible and when a battery dies
I charge it in my groovy external battery charger from
NewerTech."
Link: Battery Chargers vs.
In-PowerBook Charging
Upgrade Your iBook to Match a PowerBook
Hardmac's Gui92 has posted a step-by-step tutorial to turn your
12" iBook into a 12" PowerBook killer.
"The iBook 12" is an excellent compromise between mobility,
robustness, performance and price. It can also be transformed to
become a strong competitor for its brother, the PowerBook 12".
However, it is impossible to equip the iBook 12" as a PowerBook 12"
via the BTO from the Apple Store. So, it can be tempting to buy a
basic iBook 12" model and upgrade it yourself into a highly
performing mobile computer. This article is intended to provide you
help to perform such transformation. This transformation is not a
'piece of cake', and requires skills, knowledge and tools. So read
this article many times to ensure that you understand properly each
step and the action performed. If you have a doubt, do not
start!
"Required materials:
Reviews
Macworld Reviews New 15", 17" PowerBooks
Macworld's Henry Norr has posted a full review of the new 15"
and 17" PowerBooks:
"In announcing the latest changes to its PowerBook family, Apple
highlighted the new models' higher-resolution screens and longer
battery life but made no mention of their lower prices. Indeed,
base prices for each of the three models haven't changed. But
because the company has amplified the base configurations - with
brand-new features and others previously available only at extra
cost - the machines are now better values than ever."
Link: PowerBook
G4s boost screen resolution, battery life
17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz vs. 15" PowerBook
G4/1 GHz
macreviewzone.com's Johnny AppleSpeed reports on PowerBook G4/1
GHz 15" (#M8859LL/A, Released November 2002) and PowerBook G4/1.67
GHz 17" (#M9689LL/A, Released January, 2005):
"Even though PowerBook performance has been lagging, it's
interesting to see how far it's come in two years."
Link:
PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz 17" vs. PowerBook G4/1 GHz 15"
Benchmarks
October 2005 and January 2005 PowerBook Models
Compared
macspeedzone.com says:
Major technological changes from last generation of
PowerBooks
12 Inch PowerBooks
- Low-end model with Combo Drive dropped
- Price drops $200
15 Inch PowerBooks
- Low-end 1.5 GHz model with Combo Drive dropped
- Price drops $300
- RAM Type moves from PC2700 (333 MHz) DDR to PC2-4200 DDR2 (333
MHz)
- Graphics memory doubles from 64 MB to 128 MB
- More advanced SuperDrive, is also slightly faster
- 26% Higher screen resolution
- Optical digital audio in/out
- Support for external display moves from 2048 by 1536 pixels to
2560 by 1600 pixels
- Estimated battery time increases one hour, from 4.5 hours to
5.5 hours
- Very slightly lighter
17 Inch PowerBook
- Price drops $200
- RAM Type moves from PC2700 (333 MHz) DDR to PC2-4200 DDR2 (333
MHz)
- 20 GB larger hard drive ... Now 120 GB
- More advanced SuperDrive, is also slightly faster
- 36% Higher screen resolution
- Estimated battery time increases one hour, from 4.5 hours to
5.5 hours
Link:
October 2005 and January 2005 PowerBook Models Compared
Products and Services
Zero Downtime DIY PowerBook Lombard G4 CPU
Upgrade from Daystar
PR: Adds complete "DIY" upgrade kits to its popular line
of Apple PowerBook G3 based upgrades.
Daystar Technology has announced the expansion of its XLR8
MAChSpeed G4 Lombard product offering. This new offering allows
owners of the PowerBook G3 Series (Bronze Keyboard) USB - M5343,
often referred to as the "Lombard", to upgrade onsite.
Previously limited to "system based upgrades", where the user
had to send their PowerBook to Daystar for installation, the
company now offers complete upgrade kits. The kits allow Apple
Techs or technically savvy endusers to install the XLR8 MAChSpeed
G4 Lombard, without having to send their unit to Daystar
The new product offering allows customers to upgrade in a few
minutes, without any substantial downtime. No need to send their
systems out, no need to ship their existing card out.
"Our G4 upgrade transforms the Lombard into an excellent OS X
performer," says Gary Dailey, president of Daystar. "The addition
of our zero-downtime kits, delivers a simple and fast worldwide
solution for extending the life of the user's current
PowerBook."
The XLR8 433 MAChSpeed G4 Lombard Upgrade Kit includes all
components and tools needed for completing the upgrade onsite:
- XLR8 Upgraded 450 G4 CPU Card with 250 MHz Cache
- XLR8 MAChSpeed Control CPU Software.
- Daystar Modified High-Performance Metal Heat Sink.
- Flathead and Philips Screwdrivers.
- Arctic Silver Premium Thermal Compound.
- Instruction / Installation Sheet.
- Daystar $55 Rebate Form
- Free Telephone Installation Information
The kit also includes a rebate, form which allows customers to
send the old CPU, EMI Shield and Heat Sink back to Daystar. In
return, Daystar sends them a rebate check for $55 US.
The Total Cost of the Upgrade, Before the Rebate is $299 (Users
can take advantage of the $55 rebate after upgrading... a net cost
of $244).
Link:
MAChSpeed G4 Lombard
Targus Urban Cases Designed for Young
Professionals
PR: Targus, Inc., maker of the world's best-selling
notebook cases and accessories, today launched the Urban series of
laptop cases with an edgier look and feel, aimed towards young
professionals. The four styles in the Urban collection include the
Urban Messenger, Urban Topload, Urban Backpack and Urban Travel
Roller. Targus has coupled brighter colors with an urban-like
design to offer young professionals an alternative to the
traditional, uniform notebook cases.
"The Urban collection's edgier appeal offers a unique and
stylish alternative in the marketplace for young professionals
carrying notebooks," said Steven Robert, Targus general manager.
"We created a more trendy and fashionable line of cases to appeal
to the young professional's desire for design and functionality,
featuring vibrant colors and personalized pockets that carry a
notebook and all essential mobile accessories."
Targus personalized the Urban collection to include pockets to
accommodate the accessories and consumer electronics products
typically carried in a young professional's notebook case, such as
an iPod, six-slot CD/DVD holder, removable accessory pouch, and key
holder. The custom iPod/MP3 pocket includes a headphone port for
added convenience.
All four styles feature fashionable silhouettes, designed with
padded interior compartments lined with a soft, scratch-resistant
fabric to protect notebooks with up to 15.4" screen sizes. The
cases are made from quality nylon with rugged, weather-resistant
bottoms, and are lightweight.
Urban Messenger (#TSM005US)
The Urban Messenger is top loading for easy access to the
notebook compartment and includes a removable padded slipcase and
file section, as well as pen/pencil holders, ID holder, key clip,
headphone port, six-slot CD/DVD sleeve and removable accessory
pouch. The ergonomically designed handles and padded,
slip-resistant shoulder strap allow maximum comfort and
versatility. External dimensions are 16.5" x 4.25" x 12.25" and the
weight is 3.31 lbs. MSRP is $59.99.
Urban Topload (#TST004US)
Organization is made easy with a padded notebook compartment,
separate file sections, ID holder, pen/pencil holders, key clip,
headphone port, six-slot CD/DVD sleeve and removable accessory
pouch. Designed to enhance the safety of digital devices, this case
also includes an easy-access compartment for an iPod or MP3 Player.
The Urban Topload can attach to luggage with a pass-through trolley
sleeve for added convenience while traveling. External dimensions
are 16.5" x 4.25" x 12.25" and the weight is 3.31 lbs. MSRP is
$69.99.
Urban Backpack (#TSB013US)
Functional, fashionable and fun, the Urban Backpack is ideal for
busy young professionals with many electronic accessories. Equipped
with dual side pockets for carrying an iPod or MP3 Player and a
mobile phone, the Urban Backpack also offers internal mesh pockets
for notebook cables and accessories. The ergonomically designed
shoulder strap and chest straps ensure maximum comfort while on the
go. External dimensions are 15.75" x 8.5" x 17.75" and the weight
is 3.31 lbs. MSRP is $69.99.
Urban Travel Roller (#TSR001US)
The Targus Urban Travel Roller is an all-in-one travel case,
designed with a separate, padded easy-access notebook compartment
in the storage area to provide the ultimate in protection. A
spacious inner compartment easily accommodates clothing and
overnight personal items. Front zippered pockets feature custom
compartments for accessories such as a mobile phone, ID, files and
electronic devices. The Urban Travel Roller's lightweight design
makes traveling easier with a telescoping handle and inline skate
wheels that deliver smooth performance. External dimensions are 16"
x 8.26" x 19.5" and the weight is 8.82 lbs. MSRP is $119.99.
Each case in the Urban collection includes a lifetime-limited
warranty.
Link: Targus
Software
Capacity Meter Now Compatible with
Tiger
PR: Capacity Meter displays and tracks information about
your PowerBook's battery, including capacity, amperage, current,
and voltage. Using this information and your machine's
specifications, Capacity Meter will let you know the current status
of your battery and track degradation over time.
New in version 1.1.1:
- Tiger compatible
- Fixed issues with the 10.3.8 update
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 or later, PowerBook G3 or later.
Free
Link: Capacity Meter
1.1.1
Tech Trends
Lower Consumption LED Backlights to
Penetrate Notebook Market
DigiTimes' Ida Chen and Jessie Shen report:
"The adoption of LEDs as a backlight source for 12- and 14-inch
notebooks should begin in the second quarter of 2006, when the
price gap between CCFL- (cathode fluorescent lamp) and LED-based
backlight modules narrows to less than NT$100 (US$3), according to
LED maker Everlight Electronics.
"Currently, available notebooks that feature displays based on
white LED technology are Sony's VAIO TX series, the Libretto U100
from Toshiba and the T70 (only in Japan) from Fujitsu....
"Compared to CCFLs, LED backlighting has various advantages for
notebook use, including slimmer profile, less power consumption,
and mercury-free requirement in line with the EU's Restriction of
Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation that will take effect on
July 1, 2006. In order to reach equal brightness as CCFL
backlighting, a 12-inch notebook needs about 45 white LEDs and
2,400 RGB LEDs for a 32-inch LCD monitor...."
Link: LED
Backlights to Penetrate Notebook Market in 2Q06 (subscription
required)
Surging Notebook Demand Creates 2.5"
Drive Shortage
DigiTimes' Kevin Hsu and Jessie Shen report:
"The supply of 2.5-inch mobile hard disk drives (HDDs) will
continue to be short of demand in 2006, due to surging sales of
entry-level notebooks, according to Daven Chiang, Seagate general
manager and director of Sales & Marketing for Taiwan. Toshiba
Taiwan expects the shortage to carry on throughout the first
quarter of next year....
"Besides 4,200-5,400 RPM (revolutions per minute), 40-80 GB,
2.5-inch drives, the high-end segment 7,200 RPM, 100-120 GB drives
are also experiencing strong demand at present, said Chiang from
Seagate....
"Currently, demand for 2.5-inch drives is exceeding supply by
about 25%, Toshiba Taiwan indicated. The gap will likely expand in
the fourth quarter of this year, when notebook shipments peak on
seasonal effects...."
Link: Surging
Entry-level Notebook Demand Driving 2.5-inch HDD Shortage Into
2006
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.
- 15" PowerBook G4/400 MHz,
128/10/DVD, $599.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/500 MHz,
128/20/DVD, $609.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/550 MHz,
256/20/DVD, $639.99
- Upgrade to a 24x Combo drive, $149.99 installed
- Upgrade to 1 GB of RAM, $209.99
- Upgrade to 512 MB of RAM, $59.50
- Upgrade to 40 GB hard drive, $79.50
- Upgrade to 60 GB hard drive, $99.50
- Upgrade to 80 GB hard drive, $119.50
- Add an AirPort card, $109.99, installed
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX, $899
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,049
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT,
$1,199
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,149
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $1,299
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX,
$1,299
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, BT,
$1,449
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,599
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,999
- used 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, $1,474
- used 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,649
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.
