Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.01.20
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
We're
seeing the first reports - including benchmarks - for the MacBook Pro. According to Craig Wood's
analysis, the MBP ranges from 33% faster than the 15" 1.67 GHz
PowerBook G4 (iTunes encoding) to 3x the performance (1080p video
framerate). Steve Jobs notes that battery life should be comparable
to PowerBooks, and we have links to some info on the ExpressCard
slot used in the MacBook Pro.
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.
MacBook Pro
News & Opinion
Products and Services
Tech Trends
MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro 33% to 200% Faster than PowerBook
G4
Craig Wood says:
"On the last day of Macworld 2006 I revisited the prototype
MacBooks and performed a series
of tests to measure the new system's performance. I conducted four
media-related tests on the new MacBook Pro and previous G4/G5
systems, including audio/video encoding and HD video playback. The
goal was to evaluate the performance of the new MacBook Pro and
compare it to previous Macs.
"Four systems were tested to provide results for a broad range
of Macs, including various generations of Mac laptops and desktops.
Each system was running off its AC power adapter and used the
"Better Performance" power management setting. Only the primary
display was active and it was set to its native resolution. Exact
specifications for each test system and their introduction dates
are as follows:
- MacBook Pro Core Duo 1.83 GHz, 2 GB DDR2, ATI X1600 Mobility
128 MB @ 1440 x 900 - January 2006 Preproduction
- PowerBook G4 15" 1.67 GHz, 1.5 GB DDR, ATI 9700 Mobility 64 MB
@ 1280 x 854 - January 2005
- PowerMac G5 Dual 2 GHz, 2.5 GB DDR, ATI 9800 Pro 128 MB @ 1680
x 1050 - July 2003
- PowerBook G4 Titanium 500 MHz, 768 MB SDRAM, ATI Rage 128
Mobile 8 MB @ 1152 x 768 - January 2001
Brief summary, 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro vs. 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4:
iTunes encoding, 33% faster; QuickTime encoding, 160% faster; 1080p
video framerate, 200% faster with lower CPU utilization; 720p video
framerate, 12.5% CPU utilization at 24 fps vs. 85% on PB G4.
- Link:
MacBook Pro Performance Analysis
MacBook Pro Launched Too Soon?
The Register's Andrew Orlowski says:
"What an ungrateful bunch you are. This week Apple began its
transition to Intel processors six months ahead of schedule, and
all you can do is carp. Don't you know you're supposed to swoon
over every shiny new piece of kit?"
"The catch of course is that only software that has been
compiled into a 'Universal Binary', containing a native x86
executable, will benefit from the speed bump."
"With native Adobe Mac OS X software demanded by professional
users still a year away, and with Rosetta emulation offering no
performance improvements over today's PPC machines, we can expect
no immediate migration."
"The early launch of the MacBook gives Apple's ISVs a strong
incentive to accelerate their plans to introduce x86 native
software.
"They can't blame Apple for lagging, now."
- Link: Après
le keynote, le gulp
Jobs on MacBook Pro Battery Life and Form
Factor
Newsweek's Steven Levy interviewed Steve Jobs last week.
"Steve Jobs foiled the rumormongers once more at last week's
Macworld Expo. Most observers expected that Apple would announce
the first Macintosh computers that partake of powerful and
efficient Intel Core Duo microprocessors, the same used by
top-notch Windows machines. (Jobs had previously promised to make
the shift over his whole computer line by this time next year.) But
almost no one thought that the first of these machines would be the
most popular Macs that Apple makes - the elegant desktop iMac and
the workhorse PowerBook laptop (now renamed the MacBook Pro)."
After his keynote, he spoke to Newsweek's Steven Levy, between
sips of tea....
A couple of snippets:
On the similarity of the new Intel
iMac and MacBook Pro to the
Power PC models they will replace: "The form factors [the physical
design] are perfect, we don't know how to make them any better. And
now we've got Intel processors in them so obviously they run a lot
faster."
On battery life with the MacBook: "About the same - this with a
dual processor [chip]! Each processor is as fast as a G5, and the
battery life will be the same as [the previous PowerBook's]
G4."
- Link: A (New) Chip on
His Shoulder
Notebook Review Analyzes MacBook Pro
Notebook Review has posted an in-depth and thoughtful analysis
of the new MacBook Pro. A few snippets:
"Apple learned a lot from sexy but flimsy and creaky Titanium
PowerBook (I say this as someone that has owned two). For the last
few years Apple has pioneered the use of solid materials and the
MacBook Pro looks like it will
use the same thick aluminum shell that made the final PowerBook so
satisfyingly solid. If you have ever taken one apart, you know that
Apple's notebooks have an exoskeleton-like shell whereas most
Windows notebooks rely on an internal skeleton or chassis. I really
like Apple's approach."
"On a clock for clock basis the Core Duo compares very well with
the AMD Athlon64/Turion. That is a good thing because even the
fastest Pentium 4 processors were poor substitutes for mid-range
Athlon64 processors while consuming significantly more power and
generating much more heat."
"Apple is continuing their policy of offering less RAM in their
standard spec than comparable PCs. With 512 MB of 6 MHz DDR2
the MacBook Pro has half as much RAM as a typical Windows notebook.
I have noticed that the RAM is faster though."
"For DIY up-graders that would want to add their own memory,
keep in mind that Intel's platform has dual-channel memory. Apple
leaves you with an empty RAM slot on the MacBook Pro. When you
upgrade your RAM and populate both slots (and you should on the
standard model) an additional benefit is the increased memory
bandwidth of dual channel."
- Link: Apple
MacBook Pro Preview and a Value Proposition for Buying It
ExpressCard Details
Hardmac's Lionel says:
"Among the changes with the release of the MacBook Pro is the
exchange of the PCMCIA slot by the new ExpressCard slot.
"The format of the new card is dramatically different:
"Apple has chosen to install an ExpressCard 34 in the MacBook Pro, the smallest one. So it will
not be possible to have removable 1.8" HD with this format; only
the ExpressCard 54 allows it (it was in fact developed for this
purpose)
"The other new factor is the connectics: indeed, manufacturers
will have the choice to use either USB 2.0 or PCI-E, since the
ExpressCard is managed natively and will be a hot-plug format."
- Link: MacBook Pro:
ExpressCard Details
PC Card Obsolete
ZD Net blogger Jason D. O'Grady says:
"With Apple's announcement of the MacBook Pro they also obsoleted a popular
notebook technology - the PC Card slot (formerly known as
PCMCIA).
"ExpressCard/34 is a blazing fast replacement for the venerable
PC Card slot found on many notebooks, including several generations
of PowerBook. ExpressCard is a serial interface delivering between
480 Mbytes/sec and 2.5 Gbit/sec/direction of bi-directional
throughput, depending on the interface (USB 2.0 or PCI Express)
while a CardBus PC Card is a parallel interface capable of only
33-132 Mbytes/sec."
- Link: PC Card =
Obsolete
MacBook Pro Requires New Accessories
ZD Net blogger Jason D. O'Grady says:
"If you're in the market for a MacBook Pro to replace a PowerBook, you
need to remember that Apple's new professional notebook requires a
whole new set of accessories.
"If you have any PC Cards (i.e. EVDO cards or flash memory
readers) you'll need to replace them because the PCMCIA slot from
previous PowerBooks has been replaced with an ExpressCard/34
slot.
"Memory from previous PowerBooks and iBooks won't work in the
new MacBook Pro either because it uses faster DDR2-PC5300
6 MHz Low Profile SO-DIMMS...."
- Link: MacBook Pro
Requires New Accessories
Win a MacBook Pro from Layers Magazine
PR: So, you want a MacBook Pro...
Well, here's your chance to win the first Mac notebook with
Intel inside. Powered by a dual-core Intel engine, the MacBook Pro
is up to 4 times faster than the PowerBook G4 and handles up to 8
times the graphics bandwidth.
Layers magazine, in cooperation with CDW, is giving you the
chance to get your hands on this screaming hunk of gear with our
MacBook Sweepstakes.
Just complete the Web page form and you'll be entered in the
Layers MacBook Sweepstakes. Sweepstakes are open through February
28, 2006 and we'll announce the winner on March 1, 2006.
- Link: Win a MacBook Pro
from Layers Magazine
News & Opinion
BlackBerry to Offer Mac Support
PR: Research In Motion (RIM) and Information Appliance
Associates (IAA) have announced a licensing agreement whereby RIM
will offer 'PocketMac for BlackBerry' to Mac users, free of charge.
PocketMac for BlackBerry is a desktop application that enables Mac
users to synchronize data between their BlackBerry devices and
Macintosh applications including core OS X version 10.4
"Tiger" applications and Microsoft Entourage.
"The worldwide popularity of Mac OS X is driving the creation of
many exciting new products and significant growth in the Apple
development community," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's Vice President of
Worldwide Developer Relations. "We're thrilled that IAA and RIM
have collaborated to better support mobile Mac users with
easy-to-use BlackBerry synchronization."
"PocketMac for BlackBerry is easy to install and allows users to
synchronize email, contacts, calendar, tasks and notes with popular
Mac applications," said Terence Goggin, CTO of Information
Appliance Associates. "We are pleased to work with RIM to provide
this robust solution to Apple's mobile customers."
"This licensing agreement will help expand the reach of
BlackBerry to another important market segment," said Mark Guibert,
Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. "There
is significant interest in BlackBerry from Mac users and we look
forward to delivering PocketMac for BlackBerry to customers around
the world."
RIM has licensed the complete version of PocketMac for
BlackBerry from IAA and the companies plan ongoing product
development collaboration. PocketMac for BlackBerry synchronizes
the email, contacts, calendar, tasks and notes of Microsoft
Entourage, OS X's Address Book and iCal, Now Contact and Now
Up-to-Date, DayLite, and Stickies, among other applications. This
easy-to-access solution for Macintosh synchronization is expected
to be available as a free download beginning in February.
Further details of the licensing agreement were not
disclosed.
About Information Appliance Associates
Information Appliance Associates (IAA) is a world leader in
creating unique software solutions, primarily for the Macintosh
platform.
- Link: BlackBerry
Will the Mac mini and iBook Migrate to Intel
Together?
Hardmac's dulrich says:
"Apple has started its migration to Intel x86 processor with the
"mass models" MacMini and iBook are both Apple's entry models, and
have not been modified yet. One can speculate that they will
migrate to x86 with a Yonah single core version.
"If one look closer to the iMacIntel and MacBook Pro specs, on
can notice many common features/points:
- both have the same input and output ports.
- both have a video output supporting dual display and an optical
sound output.
- both are using DDR2 SO-DIMM.
- both are using the same GPU series Radeon X1600(different
version mobility vs. standard)
"If Apple follows this strategy, the future x86-based Mac mini
and iBook could migrate together and use a very similar motherboard
design sharing many common features. For this, Apple and Intel only
need to develop a small motherboard compatible with the EFI and
that could receive the Yonah."
- Link: When Will the
MacMini and iBook Migrate to x86? Together?
Products and Services
Sonnet Introduces 1.2 GHz G4 Processor
Upgrade for TiBook
PR: Sleek. Sexy. Powerful. Just a few of the words used
to describe the lust factor of the Titanium PowerBook G4
("TiBook"). Your 550 or 667 (VGA) TiBook may still be sleek and
sexy, but powerful, well . . . at least iTunes doesn't
seem to have a problem - yet. With each upgrade of Mac OS X
and your favorite applications, your TiBook seems to run just a tad
bit slower. You've been holding out for the mythical PowerBook G5
and now the not-mythical but as yet not shipping MacBook Pro, but
you can upgrade your current TiBook 550 or 667 (VGA) right now with
Sonnet's PowerBook Upgrade Service - power up to a G4 processor
running at 1.2 GHz at the fraction of the cost of purchasing a new
PowerBook.
The upgrade features a Freescale 7457 G4 processor running at
1.2 GHz, and is equipped with 512K L2 onboard cache (twice the
original processor's) running at full processor speed.
Until now, all of Sonnet's processor upgrades have been
standalone products created for DIY installation, and offer users a
simply fast way to accelerate their Macs. Due to the complexity of
replacing these PowerBook CPUs, Sonnet opted to start the PowerBook
G4 TiBook upgrade service and take over the installation task. The
service includes the purchase of the upgrade, and full installation
and testing of the upgraded computer by highly trained
technicians.
The TiBook upgrade service creates a path for PowerBook G4
owners to obtain faster clock speed and higher performance. The end
result is maximum performance gains and 100% compatibility with
existing hardware, RAM, and software - qualities that you have come
to expect from a Sonnet upgrade.
The entire process is simple and worry-free. After receiving the
order, Sonnet sends out a custom, padded shipping box for the
PowerBook. The customer packs the PowerBook, ships it back to
Sonnet, where it is inspected, upgraded and tested, and then packed
and shipped back. The customer merely needs to unpack the upgraded
TiBook and enjoy the extra speed!
OS Compatibility: Compatible with Mac OS 9.2 and Mac OS X
through Version 10.4.x
Hardware Compatibility
Pricing and Availability
The PowerBook G4 TiBook upgrade service cost is $499.95 plus tax
(where applicable) and shipping. It is available exclusively
through Sonnet Technologies for customers living within the United
States.
- Link: TiBook 1.2
GHz G4 Upgrade
etchamac Custom Laser Etching for Your
'Book or iPod
PR: Have us laser etch your Corporate message on an iPod
or PowerBook.
What is Laser Etching? A CO2 laser is used to
etch an image or text onto your product of choice. The process is
done at low power and can not damage your iPod or PowerBook. The
process is quick, clean, and permanent.
From family pictures to corporate logos, line art, or your
favorite team. You give us the art and we will etch your iPod or
PowerBook.
Want your entire PowerBook case etched? etchamac can do that
too. For ideas or assistance, contact sales directly and have one
of etchamac's artists collaborate with you.
[Editor's note: I saw these at the Expo. Top quality
workmanship! dk]
- Link: etchamac
World's First 2.5" Perpendicular
Recording Hard Drive with Hardware-Based Encryption
PR: Breaking new ground in the mobile computing market,
Seagate Technology has announced the world's first 2.5" hard drive
built on perpendicular recording technology the Momentus 5400.3 - a
160 GB notebook PC giant with 25 percent more capacity than the
largest capacity notebook drive currently available. This expansion
of Seagate's family of Momentus notebook drives further closes the
capacity and performance gap between desktop and notebook PC hard
drives as more users replace aging desktop systems with fast,
high-capacity notebook computers.
Seagate also became the first major hard hard drive maker to
announce plans to roll out strong, transparent hardware-based data
protection for notebook computers that prevents unauthorized access
to data. Robust notebook security is increasingly important as
thefts of notebooks with sensitive personal and business
information continue to rise, with companies incurring millions of
dollars of losses in lost or stolen trade secrets and intellectual
property and individuals facing the high cost of identify
theft.
"Mobile professionals are turning to notebooks to satisfy both
their mobile and office computing needs," said John Buttress, IDC's
research manager for hard drives. "They are also demanding
stronger, easier to use encryption solutions to protect their
sensitive information. Drive manufacturers such as Seagate that can
deliver stronger security and higher capacity using technologies
such as perpendicular recording will be in the sweet spot of market
demand for notebooks."
First Perpendicular Recording Technology on a 2.5" Hard
Drive
The new Momentus hard drive will be the first 2.5" notebook
product to use perpendicular recording, a technology that stands
data bits on end on the disc platter, rather than flat to the
surface as with existing longitudinal recording, to achieve new
levels of hard drive data density and storage capacity. Standing
bits on end also improves the reliability of read-write performance
in demanding environments. The Momentus enhancements come without
increases in power consumption or heat generation - crucial as
remote users look to work longer between battery charges and system
builders seek to pack more performance in smaller notebooks.
Protecting Notebook Information - Momentus Now Delivers Strong,
Easy-to-Use Data Security
Seagate has taken the lead in responding to increasing concern
about lost or stolen business and personal data with an easy,
cost-effective way to deliver strong protection against
unauthorized access to data on notebook PCs. Seagate's new Momentus
5400 FDE hard drive will use hardware-based Full Disc Encryption
(FDE) to provide strong data protection and requires only a user
key to encrypt all data, not just selected files or partitions, on
the drive. What's more, Seagate FDE eliminates disc initialization
and configuration required by encryption software, and allows hard
drive data to be erased instantly so the drive can be
redeployed.
Seagate FDE puts all security keys and cryptographic operations
within the drive, separating them from the operating system to
provide greater protection against hacking and tampering than
traditional software alternatives, which can give thieves backdoor
access to encryption keys and are more vulnerable to viruses. FDE
is a key component of Seagate's DriveTrust Technology, a suite of
security features inside the drive that enables robust system-level
security such as key management and recovery.
"Seagate's introduction of hardware-based full disc encryption
is an important step to providing highly secure and easy to use
encryption technology to the broader marketplace," said Martin
Wulfert, CEO of Utimaco, a leading provider of security solutions
to major OEMs. "Momentus 5400 FDE is a perfect complement to our
enterprise key management and recovery solutions, which enable
corporations to centrally define and simplify management of IT
security policies across all mobile platforms."
Momentus Family Meets a Wide Range of Needs
"More office and home users want all the capabilities of a
desktop PC in a notebook computer - high performance and capacity,
stronger security and quiet operation - combined with power
efficiency so they can run longer between battery charges," said
Brian Dexheimer, Seagate executive vice president of Global Sales
and Marketing. "Some prefer lower-cost notebooks with lower
performance and capacity. All of them need products that can take a
pounding during travel and remote use. Seagate is meeting all these
needs with a comprehensive suite of hard drives built on the most
advanced technology platform in the industry."
Momentus 5400.3, a 5400-rpm drive, will be Seagate's first to
bring the higher capacities and performance of perpendicular
recording to mainstream notebook PCs and non-PC applications
including external storage, commercial printers and copiers, and
non-mission critical blade servers. Next year Seagate will extend
the advantages of perpendicular recording to Momentus 7200.1, a
7200-rpm drive designed for mobile workstations and other
high-performance notebook computing applications.
Perpendicular recording is a key addition to the 2.5" Momentus
family - a suite ranging from 4200-rpm drives for mainstream
notebooks to 7200-rpm drives for high-performance computing - as
Seagate redefines mobile computing by delivering rugged,
power-thrifty hard drives that combine whisper-quiet operation with
new levels of performance and capacity.
The Momentus family is built tough to withstand up to 900 Gs of
non-operating shock and 350 Gs of operating shock to protect drive
data, making the drives ideal for environments where systems are
jarred or subject to high levels of vibration. The hard drives are
also lean on power consumption, allowing notebook users to work
longer between battery charges, and are virtually inaudible thanks
to Seagate's innovative SoftSonic fluid-dynamic bearing motors and
QuietStep ramp load technology.
The new Momentus hard drives are among 10 new notebook, desktop
and consumer electronics products Seagate announced today. The
Seagate Momentus 5400 FDE and the Momentus 5400.3 will ship this
winter.
- Link: Seagate
MCE 160 /5400 RPM MobileStor 100GX
PowerBook Hard Drive
PR: MCE recommends this
drive, reportedly with Seagate Momentus 5400.3 internals
(see above), for use with the
PowerBook G4, PowerBook FireWire, and PowerBook G3 Series - 1999
since these computers can take advantage of the drive's high
rotational speed and larger built-in cache. Using this drive,
startup times may be decreased by as much as 35%! This carries over
and correlates with significant speed increases in just about all
areas related to hard drive access.
For All PowerBook G4, PB (FireWire), PB G3 Series 99/98,
Original G3, iBook, 3400, 2400, and 1400 Systems
The MCE MobileStor PowerBook Hard Drive Installation Kit
is included FREE with every MobileStor hard drive upgrade
solution:
- Installation manual with step by step instructions and photos
(makes installation a breeze).
- All of the necessary tools to open your PowerBook and install
your drive
- Antistatic wrist strap.
Note: The MobileStor MS160GX, MS100G72K, MS60G72K , MS80GX and
MS40GX with 8 MB cache and MS60GX with 16 MB cache and at
least 5400 RPM spindle speed, are drives especially well-suited for
the Apple PowerBook G4 (Aluminum and Titanium), the PowerBook G3
(FireWire), and the PowerBook G3 Series - 1999 (Bronze/Lombard),
all of which have high-speed internal hard disk controllers. Other
systems will see some performance increase, but not as
significantly as these systems.
If you have a PowerBook 1400, 5300, 190, or Duo 2300 then you
will need a new mounting bracket in order to properly install any
of the above drives into your system. All of the hard drive
manufacturers that MCE and Apple use as components for their
PowerBook products have changed the location of the mounting holes
on their hard drives to the far corners of the drive to make more
room inside the drive. The original hard drive brackets which are
inside the PB 1400, PB 5300/190, and Duo 2300 systems will not
properly mount the new drives, as they were designed for the older,
lower capacity drives with the older mounting hole positions. The
bracket kit for the PowerBook 5300, 190, and Duo 2300 is available
separately (MCE Part # BRKT5323), as is the bracket for the
PowerBook 1400 (MCE Part # BRKT1400).
The hard drive in the iBook is not end-user, or even
dealer/service center, upgradeable. Just accessing the hard drive
bay is a job involving the removal of over two-dozen screws,
hex-nuts, plastic parts, and very small, sensitive, electronic
components. If the proper level of antistatic protection is not
maintained and the take-apart procedure not properly documented
then a successful upgrade is nearly impossible. This being the
case, installation instructions are not included for the iBook in
the MCE PowerBook Hard Drive Installation Kit. Fortunately we have
the facilities and have mastered the upgrade . . . you
didn't think you'd have to live with that 3.2 GB drive forever, did
you? MCE now offers an iBook hard drive upgrade program just for
you.
The PowerBook G3 Series 1998 (Apple Family Number M4753) has
special internal hard drive requirements. As a result of this, it
is imperative that you specify whether you have this PowerBook
model when you place an order for a MobileStor hard drive to ensure
that you are sent the correct solution for your computer.
MobileStor 160GX
- MCE Certified for: PowerBook G4, PowerBook 2000 (FireWire,
Pismo), PowerBook G3 1999 (Lombard, Bronze), iBook G3 (Dual USB)
and iBook G4*
- Unformatted Capacity: 160 GB (1 KB=1000 bytes)
- Average Seek Time: 12.5ms
- Data Buffer (Cache): 8 MB
- Rotational Speed: 5400 RPM
- Interface: IDE (Ultra ATA/100)
- Sustained MediaTransfer Rate (max): 44 /sec
- Burst Interface Transfer Rate (max): 100 /sec
- Power (max): 5W
- Height: 9.5 mm
- Weight: 3.52 oz, 102 g
- Warranty: 5 year
Installation Kit Contents: Illustrated installation manual*,
Torx screwdriver, miniature Phillips and flathead screwdriver,
antistatic wrist strap
* Installation instructions for PowerBook G4 (15") and PowerBook
G3 (1998-2000) models included.
Other tools may be required for installation on certain
PowerBook models.
Price: $399.00
Add Portable FireWire/USB Enclosure for your old hard drive
(+$49)
- Link:
MCE 160 /5400 RPM MobileStor 100GX PowerBook Hard Drive
New OWC On-the-Go Drive
PR: Steve Jobs, CEO, officially opened the door to the
Intel era at Apple during his keynote address at Macworld in San
Francisco, unveiling the first Macintosh computers to use Intel
chips and embracing the mobile, on-the-go work force.
The MacBook Pro notebook, scheduled to begin shipment in
February, features a built-in Webcam feature for mobile
workers.
"Now you can have videoconferencing on the go," stated Jobs.
Apple's dedication to the mobile, on-the-go work force mirrors
the commitment established by Other World Computing (OWC) with its
portable storage solutions, including the aptly named Mercury
On-The-Go 2.5", pocket-sized drive.
Macworld served as the stage for OWC's introduction of the 160
gigabyte (GB) FireWire 800+USB 2.0 Mercury On-The-Go Pro Series
portable storage solution - the highest capacity ultra-portable
2.5" external drive available, yet small enough to fit in a shirt
pocket and weighing less than 12 ounces.
"Other World Computing is dedicated to always striving to exceed
consumer expectations by providing innovative solutions for today's
technology users that are faster, more powerful, more reliable and
more affordably priced than those available anywhere else," stated
CEO Larry O'Connor. Designed specifically for the mobile worker,
the new On-The-Go introduction is the only 2.5" 160 GB
ultra-portable storage solution on the market. It features a
Seagate drive; FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 interface supports for
compatibility with Apple and PC lines; and is bus powered for total
mobility.
Because mobile work conditions vary, the OWC Mercury On-The-Go
line is constructed with a shock insulation system to prevent any
transfer of impact from the casing to the drive. Units are so
secure they can sustain a table or desk fall without drive
damage.
"Other World Computing respects just how incredibly valuable
your data is. We strive for the undisputable maximum means to
protect your data for you at all costs," says O'Connor.
According to "America On The Go . . . US Business
Travel", a report compiled by the Bureau of Transportation
Statistics, more than 405 million long-distance business trips are
taken each year in the United States alone.
A joint study by Business Performance Management and the Forum
to Advance the Mobile Experience reports that 71% of employers
surveyed are experiencing increased mobile work on-the-go among
employees.
Mercury On-The-Go drives ship with carrying case, FireWire 400
cable, FireWire 800 cable, USB cable, EMC/Dantz Retrospect, Intech
Speed Tools, and a one-year warranty officially supported by Dantz
Retrospect with the EMC/Dantz Retrospect Backup Certification.
On-The-Go plug-and-play drives are compatible with all Apple OS
Versions 8.5 through 9.2.x; Apple OS X 10.0.3 and higher (including
OS X 'Tiger' 10.4.x); Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP; and any
OS or electronic device with FireWire and/or USB data ports,
including digital video and still cameras.
The Mercury On-The-Go line is recognized by technology
authorities including MacAddict, Macworld and Maximum PC for
industry-leading value and performance.
The On-The-Go line features drives with 40- to 160 GB of storage
space running 4200-, 5400- or 7200 RPM starting at $129.99.
- Link: OWC On-the-Go
Drives
Think Tank Photo Airport Addicted
Backpack
PR: Backpack
designed for airport travel, to take the maximum amount of gear
possible on the plane as legal carryon.
Features:
- Airplane carry on size.
- Holds 400 2.8 and 300 2.8 lenses.
- Removable 15" laptop case
- Seam-sealed raincover.
- Tuck away shoulder straps
- Dual main compartment access
- Monopod holder
- Tripod holder
Compatible with Pro Speed Belt, the Speed Belt Packs, or
separately with a regular belt.
Product includes seam-sealed raincover
Internal Dimensions: 13" W x 6.5" - 8" D x 21" H (33cm W x
16.5-20cm D x 53cm H)
External Dimensions: 14" W x 9" D x 22" H (35.5cm W x 23cm D x
56cm H)
Laptop Case Internal Dimensions: 13.75" W x 2" D x 11.75" H
(35cm W x 5cm D x 30cm H)
Base Weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
- Link: Think
Tank Photo Airport Addicted Backpack
18004MEMORY.COM Ships Memory for MacBook
Pro
PR: 18004MEMORY.COM's New MacBook PRO Memory Upgrades
Available Immediately
18004MEMORY.COM, a leading manufacturer and provider of desktop,
notebook, and server memory, has announced the immediate
availability of memory upgrades for Apple's newly released MacBook
PRO. 18004MEMORY.COM provides memory for the MacBook PRO in 2
capacities, 512 MB and 1 GB. Both products are DDR2, 667 MHz,
200 pin, SO DIMMS.
"Offering the maximum memory capacity at the best price is an
ongoing priority at 18004MEMORY.COM," stated Robert Kanoff, VP of
Marketing and Business Development. "Both capacities that we offer
are guaranteed to be 100% compatible with the Apple MacBook PRO and
have a Lifetime Warranty," Kanoff also stated. At 18004MEMORY.COM
customers can purchase the modules for approximately 40% less than
the price of the Apple original versions!
The MacBook PRO is powered by a dual-core Intel engine. It has
four times the speed of the PowerBook G4 and Eight times the
graphics bandwidth. It also comes with built-in iSight for instant
video conferencing on the move.
Capacity Configuration 18004MEMORY.COM Part Number Internet
price
- 512 MB 1x512MB AL26764U/512/Q2P $75
- 1 GB 1 x 1 GB AL26764U/1/Q2P $129
- Link: 18004MEMORY.COM
Memory Upgrades for MacBook Pro
Tech Trends
Widescreen Models to Account for 60% of
Notebooks in 2006
DigiTimes' Emily Chuang reports:
"Notebook panel shipments in 2006 will hit 76 million units,
with widescreen models expected to outpace the traditional (4:3)
segment by grabbing 60% of overall shipments, according to a recent
report from DisplaySearch. By 2007, shipments for widescreen
notebooks are likely to take 70% of the market as TFT LCD panel
makers aggressively push widescreen panels into the
mainstream."
- Link: Widescreen
Models to Account for 60% of Notebook LCD Panels in 2006
(subscription required)
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 and iBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $779.99
- Upgrade to SuperDrive, $129.99
- Add 512 MB RAM, $49.99
- Add 1 GB RAM with purchase of machine, $189.99
- 1 year extended service warranty, $99.99
- Add Airport Extreme card, $39.99
- Upgrade HDD to 80 GB hard drive, $119.99
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/40/CD, $399
- 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $749
- 15" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $798
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX,
$1,049
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,099
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,099
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX,
$1,299
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/90/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,399
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,499
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz 512/90/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,599
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,699
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, BT, $1,199.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,549.99
- used 12" iBook G3/800, 128/30/CD, $369
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, $1,399
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, AppleCare,
$1,639
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our best 15" MacBook Pro deals,
our best 17" MacBook Pro deals,
best aluminum PowerBook G4 deals,
best titanium PowerBook G4 deals,
best iBook G4 deals, best PowerBook G3 deals, and best iBook G3 deals.
