Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.12.23
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.
HD PowerBook Screen Problems
News & Opinion
Reviews
Products and Services
Software
HD PowerBook Screen Problems
Some users of the new, higher-resolution 15" and
17" PowerBooks are reporting problems with darker horizontal lines
in the new displays. This has been an ongoing problem with some
PowerBooks since the new models were introduced.
Some PowerBook Customers Unhappy with New
Screen
CNET News.com's Ina Fried reports:
"Some Apple Computer users are complaining that although the new
15-inch PowerBook packs in more pixels, the screen also displays
unwanted horizontal lines.
"Debate has raged for some time on Apple's online forums, with
differing opinions as to how severe the issue is and whether Apple
should be responsible for replacing the displays....
"The Mac maker introduced the higher-resolution screen
PowerBooks on Oct. 19, the same day it unveiled new PowerMacs and
its Aperture photo-editing software. Both the 15-inch and 17-inch
models were updated with new, higher-resolution screens. However,
complaints have centered on the 15-inch model."
- Link:
Some PowerBook Customers Unhappy with New Screen
PowerBook Screen Riles Apple Customers
CNET News.com's Ina Fried reports:
"Some Apple users are complaining that, although the new 15-inch
PowerBook packs in more pixels, the screen also displays unwanted
horizontal lines.
"Debate has raged for some time on Apple's online forums, with
differing opinions as to how severe the issue is and whether Apple
should be responsible for replacing the displays....
"The debate is reminiscent of another screen-quality issue - the
battle over dead pixels. On any given LCD (liquid-crystal display)
screen, sometimes pixels are either always on (bright) or never
light up (dark). Manufacturers have different policies, with some
setting specific pixel limits, others using a more complex formula,
and still others taking things on a case-by-case basis."
- Link: PowerBook
Screen Riles Apple Customers
News & Opinion
Apple Will Rule Notebook Roost
The Taipei Times' Jason Tan reports:
"Among all brand-name notebook-computer makers, Apple Computer
Inc. is set to take center stage next year, mainly bolstered by its
new light-weight models as well as the iPod effect, a recent study
found.
"Apple is projected to ship 3.27 million notebook computers
worldwide next year, an increase of 42 percent compared to 2.29
million units this year, according to study results released by the
Topology Research Institute.
"This translates to Apple's market share in the worldwide
notebook market rising to 4.7 percent from 3.9 percent this
year.
"According to Yang, Apple notebooks are poised to grab
consumers' attention next year as the company will unveil
light-weight models with a stylish design aimed at luring female
users.
"Compared to its current bulky and older models, the upcoming
Apple lineup will include 12-inch notebooks weighing in at 1.5kg as
well as 14-inch models below 2kg, he said."
- Link:
Apple Will Rule Notebook Roost: Study
ThinkPad and PowerBook Users Most
Satisfied
PCWorld reports:
"Laptops from Lenovo (née IBM) and Apple topped the
satisfaction charts in reliability for the second year in a row.
eMachines, another of last year's chart toppers, lost momentum this
year, ranking at the low end of average for system reliability.
Sony's products showed marked improvement from last year, when
readers criticized both the company's service and the reliability
of its products. As in the last survey, Compaq's ratings were among
the lowest of any notebook manufacturer. Oddly, even though HP and
Compaq are one company, HP-branded notebooks scored in the middle
of the pack for both reliability and service, beating those with a
Compaq logo."
- Link: Notebook
PCs: ThinkPad and PowerBook Users Most Satisfied
A Pitch for a Cheap Laptop
Gene Steinberg, the Mac Night Owl, writes:
"To some degree, you might compare Apple with Acura, a luxury
car maker that sells loaded models, with all or most of the options
as standard equipment. There is no such thing as the stripped down
model, which is one reason why Macs are believed to cost more than
their counterparts from the land of Windows."
- Link: A
Pitch for a Cheap Laptop
Nortel to Sponsor 'One Laptop per Child'
Initiative, Help Bring Technology to Educate Emerging Markets
Nortel announced today that it has become a corporate member of
the "One Laptop per Child" (OLPC) initiative. OLPC, a nonprofit
organization, was formed earlier this year by Nicholas Negroponte
and other faculty members from the MIT Media Lab.
By joining OLPC, Nortel, an existing sponsor of the Media Lab
through its University Interaction Program, extends its
long-standing relationship with the Lab. As a corporate member,
Nortel will provide an annual fee for purposes of funding OLPC
initiatives.
The objective of OLPC is to develop a fully functioning,
connected laptop to give the largest number of the world's children
- especially those in developing nations - an innovative learning
tool for independent interaction, revolutionizing information
delivery to schoolchildren globally.
According to OLPC, the laptop, currently in the early stages of
development, is designed to be the size of a standard school
notebook and will use wireless networking capabilities to allow
children to interact with each other and access the Internet and
community resources. It is expected to leverage built-in wireless
capabilities that support WiFi and voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) and be used as a conventional computer, electronic book,
handheld game console and even function as a TV.
According to OLPC, currently government agencies in Argentina,
Nigeria, Brazil, Thailand, China, Egypt, and India are in
preliminary discussions with OLPC to distribute the $100 laptops
through pilot programs in each of these countries.
"The goal of OLPC is to actively engage children in their own
education. The $100 laptop will belong to each child and be part
his or her life, in and out of school, for study and for play. By
providing Internet access and tools to think with, a child has the
opportunity to learn about learning itself. By virtue of all
children in a school having their own laptops, a connected
community emerges," says Negroponte, who serves as chairman of
OLPC.
Involvement with OLPC reinforces Nortel's "Connecting Community"
initiative to help improve education, health care and trade in
developing markets. Nortel seeks to help develop communities that
have little or no existing communications infrastructure and
capabilities, and is committed to digital and social inclusion in
emerging markets.
"Nortel has a firm belief in the power of communications
technology to enhance the lives of people around the world. Our
sponsorship of initiatives such as the OLPC can help address some
of the greatest challenges in emerging markets," said Martha Bejar,
president, Caribbean and Latin America and Emerging Markets
Solutions, Nortel. "We believe that wireless broadband technology
will be the bridge to connect communities that are today
disconnected. These technologies are already being leveraged to
address the digital divide that exists between developed and
developing markets."
Over one billion people globally are still without access to
basic telecom services and 800,000 communities have no connection
to global voice or data networks, according to statistics from the
International Telecommunications Union (ITU). (Source: ITU, May
2004 and June 2005).
One Laptop per Child (OLPC) is a Delaware-based, nonprofit
organization created by faculty members from the MIT Media Lab to
design, manufacture, and distribute laptops that are sufficiently
inexpensive to provide every child in the world access to knowledge
and modern forms of education. The laptops will be sold to
governments and issued to children by schools on a basis of one
laptop per child. These machines will be rugged, Linux-based, and
so energy efficient that hand-cranking alone can generate
sufficient power for operation. Mesh networking will give many
machines Internet access from one connection. The pricing goal is
to start near $100 and then steadily decrease.
OLPC is based on "constructionist" theories of learning
pioneered by Seymour Papert and later Alan Kay, as well as the
principles expressed in Nicholas Negroponte's book, Being Digital.
The corporate members are Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Brightstar,
Google, News Corporation, Nortel, and Red Hat.
Reviews
17" PowerBook Big, Not Bulky
The Independent's Stephen Pritchard reports:
"It is a testament to Apple's design team that its updated,
large-screen laptop can be so big without appearing bulky. This is
helped by the smooth lines of the aluminum case and the fact that
there are no protruding buttons, switches or catches to snag on
luggage. The computer is also surprisingly slim, and not much
heavier than a standard 14- or 15-inch display portable.
"Nonetheless, the ergonomics are not perfect. The large screen
would be hard to use in cramped environments such as on a plane or
train, and the larger casing means the keyboard is not positioned
as well as on Apple's 15-inch model.
"This is unlikely to be too much of a drawback for Apple's main
target market, professionals in the creative industry. It would be
hard to justify buying a 17-inch display laptop just for word
processing, but the raw horsepower of the PowerBook, along with the
display, makes it ideal for video editing, sound production,
graphic design or visualisation....
"This computer is designed for the niche, rather than the mass
market. It might not sell in huge quantities, but the creative
professionals who need its capabilities will be happy."
- Link:
Tools of the Trade: The Apple 17-inch PowerBook
Longer-lasting, Higher-res PowerBook a
Winner
Laptopmag.com says:
"When Apple announced the release of updated 15- and 17-inch
PowerBooks back in October, one question seemed to drown out the
rest: were the refreshed models just place holders before the
company's much talked-about decision to switch to Intel processors
finally takes effect? We had the chance to test the 17-inch model,
and the upgrades to Apple's flagship line of notebooks are
certainly not trivial.
"The two largest enhancements being touted by Apple are improved
battery life and screen resolution. The notebook's souped-up
battery promises to give you up to 5.5 hours of use. When we tested
the notebook's life by running a DVD, the PowerBook stayed alive
for just under three hours, which should give you more than enough
time to watch almost any movie not directed by Peter Jackson. It
also suggests you can get at least an hour more of endurance if all
you're doing is basic productivity chores."
- Link: Apple
PowerBook G4 - Even Without Intel Inside, This Longer-lasting and
Higher-res Mobile Mac Is a Winner
Products and Services
iDrops Cleaner/Polish for iBooks, iPods, eMacs,
and More
PR: PodShop, makers of specialized accessories for
portable audio electronics and computing devices, today announced
the immediate availability of their updated iDrops product - an
all-in-one cleaning, polishing, and scratch removing solution
specifically designed for use on the plastic/acrylic surfaces of
Apple's iPod (all models), iBook, eMac, and iMac (G3/G5), Mac mini,
and Power Mac (G3/G4).
iDrops is a two ounce bottle of "liquid health" for
plastic/acrylic surfaces that features a dropper top, allowing
easy, mess-free use for helping to repair and restore your
blemished, scuffed, or scratched product. iDrops can also be used
on the plastic/acrylic surfaces of CD/DVD media, cell phones, Game
Boy, PSP, and numerous other items.
iDrops - introduced in November 2004 - features improvements
throughout the entire product, including updated iDrops solution,
bottle, dropper, and label. Priced at $14.95, iDrops is available
from the company's website.
- Link: iDrops
The Laptop Stand Fits Desktops, Camera
Tripods
PR: Pfeffer Industries' new The Laptop Stand is a strong,
lightweight, sleek, and totally adjustable laptop stand. Ever take
your laptop somewhere but have nowhere to set it? Now you can bring
along the "Laptop Stand".
The "Laptop Stand" attaches to any standard camera or video
camera tripod securely and easily! It also looks attractive sitting
on its desktop stand on any flat surface. Great for business
presentations, classrooms, audio video setups, and countless other
applications. The laptop stand also works great for projectors,
propping up books, as a writing surface in bed, or for use on a
podium. Its attractive design makes it fit in with any decor. Bring
your laptop virtually anywhere . It also attaches to your tripod in
seconds for an instant workdesk for your laptop. Use it at the
airport, in the office for additional space, or even take it to the
park.
As well as mounting to any standard camera or video camera
tripod, it can be used on any flat surface. The Laptop Stand is
fully adjustable for viewing your laptop! The "Laptop Stand" is a
safe surface on which to mount your laptop.
The Laptop Stand can be packed away with your laptop in your
laptop case for portability and extra stability for your laptop!
The Laptop Stand will support virtually all models of laptops from
Mac to PC.
With the Laptop Stand, you have all the choices for anywhere you
go. You can use it on your desk, or mount it securely to any
standard camera or video camera tripod.
When you order the Laptop Stand, specify what color you would
like. Colors available are Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Black, and
White. Custom colors can also be ordered.
The Laptop Stand does not come with a tripod. But, if you need a
tripod to attach yours, you can order one from Pfeffer
Industries.
Also check out the optional Mousepad Attachment.
The Laptop Stand (Standard Model)
- High Quality / Laser Cut / Clear / 11"x13"
- Made in the USA
- Fits most laptops
- $39.95
The Laptop Stand (Widescreen Model)
- High Quality / Laser Cut / Clear / 11"x16"
- Made in the USA
- Fits widescreen up to 17" monitor laptops
- $49.95
The Laptop Stand (Mini Model)
- High Quality / Laser Cut / Clear / 7.25"x10"
- Made in the USA
- Fits mini laptops and other presentation devices
- $29.95
Mousepad Attachment
- High Quality / Laser Cut / Rigid Gooseneck / Clear /
7.5"x8"
- Made in the USA
- Works with the Laptop Stand (Standard and Widescreen)
- $19.95
- Link: The Laptop
Stand
Notebook Arm Unlocks Full Use of Docked
Displays for PowerBook, iBook Users
PR: A new, first-of-its-kind LX Notebook Arm mounting
accessory, designed to enable Apple PowerBook and iBook users to
obtain full use of their notebook computers when docked in a
desktop environment, is being introduced by Ergotron at the 2006
Consumer Electronic Show (CES) show in Las Vegas this January 5 -
8.
The new Ergotron LX Notebook Arm, available in either black or
silver, is especially useful for high-intensity home office or work
applications where multiple kinds of information need to be viewed
onscreen. This ingenious 12-pound space- and timesaving accessory
enables Apple users to tilt, turn, swing and lift their notebook
computer off their desk to place it side-by-side with their LCD
monitor.
The Ergotron LX Notebook Arm is compatible with any Apple laptop
computer and docking station weighing up to 17.5 lb., including the
12-, 15- and 17-inch PowerBooks, and the new iBook G4. Available in
early-February 2006 through CDW.com and other retailers, the LX
Notebook Arm will have a sugg. retail price of $179.00.
The LX Notebook Arm incorporates Ergotron's Constant Force (CF)
lift-and-pivot motion technology, which converts a conventional
spring's linear force curve into a constant flat force through the
entire range of lifting or pivoting motion for the PowerBook or
iBook. As a result, Apple users exert less effort to noiselessly
adjust their computer display with up to 24-inches of expansion and
contraction.
"We're thrilled to offer an ergonomically designed accessory
that adds unprecedented adjustability for PowerBook and iBook
users," said Lee Schalk, VP of North American Sales for Ergotron.
"Now you can come into the office where you keep your docking
station, open up a docked PowerBook or iBook notebook, and position
it next to your flat-panel monitor on the desk - enjoying a dual
display benefit that's been available all along, but hasn't been
functional before this product launch. Plus, Apple users are going
to love the sleek visual design of the Notebook Arm's brushed
aluminum exterior."
- Link: Ergotron
Software
ThermographX
ThermographX monitors the various temperature sensors inside
your modern Macintosh G4 or G5.
- Records maximum and minimum temperatures.
- Shows temperature records over time, using a zoomable display
so you can analyze short-term or long-term.
- Shows individual sensor temperatures on models that have
them.
- Graphs customer-submitted temperature results for comparison
with your own system.
ThermographX is compatible with many recent Macintosh models. It
is known to provide accurate sensor readings on these models:
- 12" & 17" PowerBook G4.
- "Aluminum" 15" PowerBook G4.
- "Mirror Door" G4 (see note #2 below).
- Power Macintosh G5.
- iBook G4.
- G4 Cube (see note #2 below).
- iMac G4 & G5.
- Motorola's MPC7450CE/D Rev 5 errata indicates "The thermal
assist unit (TAU) is no longer supported on the MPC7450, MPC7451,
or MPC7441.". Because of this, you will not be able to measure the
junction temperature on any system with these processors. At
current, this includes the "Gigabit" PowerBook G4 and the "2001
Quicksilver" G4s.
- Mac OS X 10.3.5 eliminates compatibility with some older Mac's,
like the G4 Cube. I'm investigating if there is a workaround.
- Some of the most recent PowerBooks don't have updating
temperature sensors, and thus their readings may not vary in
realtime. This includes the 1.5 GHz and 1.67 GHz models.
New in version 1.3.1:
- Added support for dual-core G5's.
- Fixed some sensor readings on older G5's.
- Added measurements for iMac G5's with iSight.
- Updated user measurements for all other models.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 or later.
ThermographX is $7 shareware.
- Link: ThermographX
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.
- Lombard PowerBook G3/333, 128/4/CD, $319.99
- Lombard PowerBook G3/400, 128/4/CD, $369.99
- G4 processor upgrade, only with machine purchase. Upgrade
installed & setup at time of purchase. $179.99
- RoamAbout Wireless Card (special only with machine purchase),
$24.99
- Upgrade to a 20 GB HDD (valid only with machine purchase),
$49.99
- One full year of coverage against issues from date of purchase,
$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" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$799
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX, $899
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, APX, $999
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz ,512/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,049
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX,
$1,099
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,149
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,199
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,299
- used 12" iBook G3/600, 384/20/CD, $389.49
- used 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $429.49
- used 12" iBook G3/800, 128/30/CD, $399
- used 12" iBook G3/800, 128/30/Combo, $419
- used 14" iBook G3/700, 256/30/Combo, $459
- used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $699
- used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, AirPort, $779
- used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 640/40/Combo, $799
- used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/SuperDrive, $849
- used 15" PowerBook G4/667, 256/30/Combo, $649
- used 15" PowerBook G4/800, 512/40/Combo, AirPort, $849
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.
