Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.02.03
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
Apple
once had an enviable track record with reliability, but these days
it seems they can't come up with a new PowerBook without something
going wrong. In the case of their most recent models, those
problems include lines in the display, sound problems, and
underperforming SuperDrives. Add to that the RAM slot defect
covered last week, and we're hoping
against hope that the MacBook
Pro will emerge unscathed by Apple's recent spate of 'Book
gremlins.
In other news, the MacBook Pro's battery life is apparently
going to be at least as good as the 15" PowerBook.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
PowerBook Defects
News & Opinion
Tech Tips and Info
Reviews
Products and Services
- General Apple and Mac desktops 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.
PowerBook Defects
15" PowerBook Sound, Display, and SuperDrive
Defects Panned
ZD Net blogger Jason D. O'Grady reports:
"Apple is having some serious, documented issues with the
15-inch PowerBook G4s that were released in October 2005 (a.k.a.
'High-Resolution' or 'Double-Layer SD') and it appears that they
are ignoring them.
- There are profound issues with audio: it skips and stutters
randomly....
- There are issues with the display....
- There are issues with PowerBook (and Mac mini) SuperDrives
being unable to burn DVDs at more than 2x regardless of the media
used...."
Hi-Res PowerBook Sound Defect
The Inquirer's Nick Farrell reports:
"Apple's latest PowerBook G4 seems to have a glitch which causes
an intermittent audio echo/loop.
"Although the gear is jolly nice to look at, the loop, which is
emitted from the internal speakers and the line/headphone out jack,
makes listening to the thing a bit uncomfortable.
"According to a new site called powerbookdefect, the problem
seems to occurs on the high-resolution 12, 15 and 17-inch
models."
Editor's note: There is no "high-resolution" 12" PowerBook.
dk
- Link: Apple
PowerBooks Have Sound Defect, Claim
News & Opinion
The MacBook Pro Isn't Just a PowerBook
MacBook Garage's Bill Palmer says:
"So what's the big deal about a MacBook site? Isn't the MacBook Pro just a rebranded
PowerBook? Isn't this just the same old thing but faster?...
"When the PowerBook first launched fifteen years ago, Macintosh
laptops became 'real' computers instead of merely being toys
bearing the Macintosh logo. But at every point along the line,
PowerBooks have always been a step or two (or five) behind their
desktop cousins. To own a Macintosh laptop, you've always had to
make (usually significant) concessions on both speed and
functionality. It's become less immediately noticeable in recent
years because the whole platform has been moving forward so
quickly, but the gap between desktop Macs and Mac laptops has
remained nonetheless - until now, that is."
- Link:
Why the MacBook Pro Is Not Just a PowerBook
Why "MacBook"? Because Some Didn't Realize a
PowerBook Was a Mac
MacGarage's Bill Palmer says:
"It seems quite a few PowerBook users are still up in arms over
the name 'MacBook Pro,' even
after having had a couple of weeks to digest the announcement of
the PowerBook's rebranding effort....
"As per usual, the geekiest of the geek Mac users are forgetting
what it's like to be a member of the other 99.9 percent of the
population....
"To the Mac geeks out there, I encourage you to consider this:
the name change wasn't made with you in mind. You're important to
the community, but Apple knows that it could have called the new
laptop 'Sugarboat Banana Pops' and you guys would still have
gravitated toward it. No, this name change was made for the
non-geeks...."
- Link:
Too Many People Thought the "PowerBook" Was a PC
MacBook Pro Battery Life as Good as Expected
from Apple
MacBook Garage's Bill Palmer reports:
"There have been several folks scratching their heads at Apple's
'no comment' during the Expo when it came to the MacBook Pro's battery life. Was it
because there was some kind of bad news coming, or was it simply
because the company hadn't had the chance to test the battery life
in enough detail to certify its official lifespan, and didn't want
any preliminary (read: incorrect) info out there in the
meantime."
- Link:
Apple: MacBook Pro Battery Life "as Good or Better" than
PowerBook
Monitor Spanning Suddenly Makes Sense
- Editor's note: The Mac has had monitor spanning since the first
Radius monitors allowed Mac users to use the Mac's 9" internal
display in conjunction with Radius' full-page display. Apple has
officially supported it since 1987, when the Mac II allowed you to put up to six video
cards in a single computer and create a seamless desktop that
spanned monitor to monitor. More recently this feature has become
popular for presentations, so you can see the main PowerPoint or
Keynote window on one screen while displaying the current image on
a large monitor or LCD projector. dk
MacBook Garage's Bill Palmer says:
"One feature I've never had any use for is monitor spanning,
which is the ability to connect a second monitor to your computer
for the sake of having two separate desktops on the same computer.
Surf the Internet on the left screen while you're working on a term
paper on the right screen. I've tried it at various points, but
just didn't care for it. How many applications can I type in at the
same time? One. So how many applications do I need to see in the
foreground at the same time? One....
"Suddenly, an actual use for a second monitor has presented
itself to me, and it'll definitely influence my purchasing decision
next time around."
- Link:
Why Monitor Spanning on a Mac Suddenly Makes Sense
Core Duo Battery Life 'a Mixed Bag'
BusinessWeek's Stephen H. Wildstrom says:
"Intel's Duo chip boosts power, but it may compromise battery
life, especially if your computer uses a separate graphics
adapter
"Desktop computers have always outperformed laptops, and lately
the gap has been widening. A new family of Intel (INTC) processors,
branded the Core Duo, is designed to bring desktop-like performance
to the latest laptops....
"Laptops need a boost.... The Core Duo (branded Centrino Duo
when bundled with other Intel chips) follows the lead of the
Pentium D desktop chips released last year, squeezing two
processors onto a single piece of silicon.
"All laptop makers will be bringing out Core Duo models in
coming weeks....
"Battery life is a mixed bag...."
- Link:
Amping Up Your Laptop
Red Hat Adds Muscle to One Laptop Per Child
Movement
PR: Red Hat , the world's leading provider of open source
to the enterprise, today formally announced its founding corporate
membership in the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative. The OLPC
project aims to create and distribute inexpensive laptop computers
to students around the globe for educational purposes, particularly
those in developing countries. Red Hat is focused mainly on the
software aspects, and plans to drive the development of the
operating system for the OLPC machines. The company's design plans
also encompass larger issues of open source community
participation, training, support, providing updates,
certifications, and integrating additional technologies over
time.
Initially started as a research project at MIT Media Lab, and
formally announced at the World Economic Forum at Davos,
Switzerland in January 2005, the OLPC initiative has grown to
include an elite group of contributors standing shoulder to
shoulder to bring modern tools for learning to children around the
world.
"At Red Hat, we believe that open source technology can change
the world, and is still in its infancy. It's a guiding principle
that is embodied in everything we do," said Matthew Szulik,
chairman, president and CEO of Red Hat. "Beyond a founding
corporate sponsorship, we've put engineering and other strategic
resources behind the One Laptop Per Child initiative to add our
expertise, global reach and focus to the project. It's another
real-world example of our mission to democratize technology, while
helping to make knowledge and education more available for children
everywhere."
"Red Hat's experience and core strategy of open collaboration
made them a natural fit with this project," said Nicholas
Negroponte, chairman and Cofounder of MIT's Media Lab. "Open source
and Linux will both reach and engage people in the rest of the
world."
Red Hat first embraced the OLPC project when Nicholas
Negroponte, the chairman and cofounder of MIT's Media Laboratory,
expressed an interest in making the laptop based on open source
software. Using an open source software platform is critical to the
success of the OLPC initiative, to both encourage local
participation in the software projects, and to to allow students to
customize and expand their machines as their learning needs and
skills grow.
According to the MIT Media Lab, the proposed $100 machine will
be a "ruggedized" laptop, approximately the size of a textbook,
featuring a Linux-based system with a dual-mode display. The
laptops will have wireless broadband that allows them to work as a
mesh network - each laptop will be able to "talk" to its nearest
neighbors, creating an ad hoc, local area network. The laptops will
also incorporate innovative power structures - including wind-up -
and will be able to do most everything that "fat" clients can do,
except store huge amounts of data.
Nicholas Negroponte will discuss the OLPC initiative and Red
Hat's role at this year's Red Hat Summit on June 2 in Nashville,
Tenn.
- Link: Red Hat
Summit
Tech Tips and Info
Updating Battery Firmware for 15" PowerBook G4
(SuperDrive DL) and Some Earlier PowerBooks
An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"This battery firmware update is required for PowerBook G4
(15-inch Double-Layer SD) computers. You will find instructions
below on how to determine if your PowerBook requires this update.
This firmware update is required to keep your battery life up to
specification, may recover battery life in some batteries that have
developed short run times, and in some cases can recover batteries
that are not recognized by the system.
"To run the firmware update, your PowerBook needs to be plugged
in to AC power. The update may take up to 15 minutes to
complete."
- Link: Updating
Battery Firmware for PowerBook G4 (15" Double-Layer SD) and Some
Earlier PowerBooks
Reviews
Daystar's 1.9 GHz Upgrade for Aluminum
PowerBooks
Bare Feats' rob-ART morgan says:
"We've all been frustrated with the lack of top performing CPUs
in the recent G4 PowerBooks. Apple's answer is to switch to the
Intel 'Core Duo.' Daystar Technology has another solution: upgrade
your PowerBook's G4 CPU to run as high as 1.92 GHz.
"We sent our 15" Aluminum G4/1.5 GHz PowerBook to Daystar to be
upgraded. Although we were hoping for 1.92 GHz, our PowerBook could
only achieve 1.83 GHz. But if you have a 1.33 GHz or 1.5 GHz
PowerBook, you'll welcome any increase in speed."
- Link: Review:
Daystar's CPU Upgrade for Aluminum PowerBooks
Products and Services
Scratched iBooks and iPods Revived with
NewerTech Polish Kit
PR: Newer Technology Inc. (NewerTech) has introduced the
NewerTech Clean and Polish Kit, engineered to remove scratches,
restore color, and return original off-the-shelf shine to Apple
iPods, iBooks, and all high quality plastic technology
products.
Each easy-to-use, three-component kit literally makes plastics
look like new again and includes a specially formulated Heavy
Scratch Remover solution, Fine Scratch Remover solution, and
Plastic Clean and Shine protection polish. A valued-added free
polishing cloth and step-by-step instructions are included.
Packaged in three convenient, long-lasting one-ounce application
bottles, all NewerTech polish components are nontoxic and
nonflammable, ensuring safety to iPods, iBooks, and users.
The NewerTech Clean and Polish Kit utilizes advanced chemistry
bonds to remove heavy scratches, abrasions, fine marks and delicate
cuts from virtually all plastics and acrylic surfaces without
unsightly filling. The scratch remover elements also restore faded
and discolored plastic.
A state-of-the-art, Level 3 plastic polish leaves a lustrous
shine that resists fogging, repels dust, resists fingerprint marks,
and eliminates static.
Retailing at NewerTech.com, through source distributor Other
World Computing at www.macsales.com and (800) 275-4576, and through
fine technology retailers and resellers, the NewerTech Clean and
Polish Kit is priced at $17.99.
Rolling Lite Rolling Laptop Case from
Pacific Design
PR: One of the lightest and most compact business rolling
cases available. Full-featured organization, protection and
easy-access storage, including two places to store your laptop. In
addition, it features a 2-position single arm trolley handle,
removable cable storage pouch and optional shoulder strap. Even
compact enough to fit under most airline seats. Travel smart,
travel lite! Meets all international airline carryon requirements.
Fits all 15" laptops.
Model Number PD0373
- Dimensions 7.5" x 16" x 14.5"
- Weight / Volume 6 lbs / 1525 cubic inches
- Material Durable 1680D Ballistic Nylon
Computer Compartment Description
- Maximum Laptop Size: 2" x 13.5" x 10.5"
- Spacious General Storage Compartment for Brochures, Binders and
Change of Clothes
- Elastic Secure Straps
- Locking Zippers
Features/Organization
- 2 Padded Computer Pockets/Main & Front Organizer
Compartments
- Business Organizer Compartment with Removable Cable/Accessory
Pouch
- Ultra-Lite Construction with 2-Position Single Arm Trolley
Additional Features
- Satin Nickel Hardware with Self-Repairing Zippers
- Shoulder Strap for Shoulder Carrying
- In-Line Skate Wheels
- Link: Rolling Lite
Rolling Laptop 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.
PowerBook and iBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD, $329.99
- 12" iBook G3/600, 192/15/CD, $399.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 192/20/Combo, $469.99
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $539.99
- 12" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $589.99
- 14" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $599.99
- 14" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $649.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $725
- 15" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $775
- extra 512 MB, add $89
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, BT, $799
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,049
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,199
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo Drive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,399
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,699
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,849
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, /512/120/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $2,149
- used 14" iBook G3/800, 384/30/Combo, $589
- used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $699
- used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/SuperDrive, $749
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our best 15" MacBook Pro deals,
our best 17" MacBook Pro deals,
12" PowerBook G4 deals,
15" aluminum PowerBook G4 deals,
17" PowerBook G4 deals,
titanium PowerBook G4 deals,
iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.
