Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.06.16
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. News about Apple's
transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is covered in
The Macintel Report.
News & Opinion
Products and Services
News & Opinion
MacBook a 'Shocking Bargain'
Media Workstation's Dave Nagel says:
"The 13-inch MacBook from
Apple is a budget-priced laptop that offers screaming-fast
performance and features that you won't find on any laptop from any
manufacturer for anywhere near the price....
"In all the time I've been a Mac user (since 1986 for those of
you compiling notes for my biography), there has not been a Mac
like the 13-inch MacBook. Certainly there's never been a Mac
notebook like it. With processing power to rival desktops and even
high-end quad Opteron workstations, this machine blazes through
CPU-intensive tasks like rendering 3D scenes and After Effects
sequences, applying Photoshop filters, encoding MPEG-2 and H.264
and even rendering out video from applications like Final Cut Pro
and Motion.
"What's more, the 13-inch MacBook is only the
second line of Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Windows XP
natively (the first line being the MacBook Pro).
"What's even more, it's fully loaded with just about all the
goodies you'd want in a notebook, from built-in 802.11g wireless
networking (at no additional charge) to digital optical audio in
and out (plus analog lines in and out).
"And on top of all that, it's a shocking bargain. The 13-inch
MacBooks start at $1,099 and range up to $1,499. The model we're
reviewing today is just $1,299. That's not just cheap for a
fully-loaded Mac. That's cheap for a laptop offering these kinds of
features from any manufacturer.
"All of these aspects of the MacBook make it not just a
fantastic machine but the best bargain for a Mac that I've
encountered in my 20 years as a Mac user."
- Link:
Review: 13-Inch MacBook
MacBook Pro Wholeheartedly Recommended
BusinessWeek's Cliff Edwards reports:
"Apple's switch of its mainstream products to Intel chips was
completed in May with the release of the MacBook.* I've been testing its more
expensive sibling, the MacBook
Pro, for a couple months and am reviewing it as part of a
series on high-end notebooks....
"There's little not to like about the MacBook Pro. It doesn't
look much different from the now-retired PowerBook. The same sleek
silver casing is there, with white trim beneath the cover. The only
noticeable differences are the built-in iSight camera above the
display and a new power-cord technology called MagSafe....
"It's what's under the hood that sets the MacBook Pro
apart."
* Edwards seems to forget the Power Mac, which is definitely a
mainstream product and still based on PowerPC technology.
dk
- Link:
An Apple MacBook Gone Pro
17" MacBook Pro 'a Dream'
reviews.cnet.co.uk's Michelle Thatcher says:
"Following on the heels of the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro and replacing
the 17-inch PowerBook G4, the
17-inch MacBook Pro delivers
many of the same beloved features as its little sibling, such as a
scrolling track pad, the Sudden Motion Sensor and an excellent
software package, and adds a huge, bright 17-inch display that's
great for graphics work.
"Better still, our fully loaded test configuration powered
through most of CNET Labs' performance tests, exhibiting only a few
of the growing pains encountered by other Intel-based Apple laptops
and desktops, such as the iMac Core Duo. Of course, such
performance doesn't come cheap - the 17-inch MacBook Pro's default
configuration costs £1,899 (upgrades on our review unit
brought the price up further still). But for graphics professionals
and other Mac users who have money to spare, the 17-inch MacBook
Pro is a dream."
- Link: Apple
MacBook Pro (17-inch)
Keeping Your Laptop Like New
NoteBook Computer Guru's Ismael D. Tabije says:
"Laptops are expensive. Therefore you need to take real good
care of it. And laptop maintenance is not a one time thing. It
should be a regular exercise. To prevent your notebook's LCD from
becoming smudged or dirty you should clean it regularly. We
recommend spraying a diluted window cleaner onto a soft,
non-abrasive cloth and then lightly wiping the screen with it. It
might be simpler to just spray the detergent directly on the screen
but it's not recommended as the fluid can trickle down into the
bezel at the screen's bottom which could in turn damage the
computer's circuitry.
"When it comes to getting rid of dust, dirt and food crumbs off
the keyboard, a vacuum cleaner's brush attachment is ideal. There
are handheld vacuum cleaners, specifically intended for PCs that
can remove the dust and food from in between the gaps on the
keyboard....
"However, there's more to the maintenance of a laptop than just
making sure that the exterior is clean and neat."
- Link: Keeping Your
Laptop Like New Always
On the Death of the Laptop
Gene Steinberg, the Mac Night Owl, writes:
"I know that I sometimes take a little while to get to the
point, but this time I'll try to be brief. Way back when, you could
accurately refer to a portable personal computer as either a laptop
or a notebook. The vision of sitting on the beach, with the
computer in your lap, was a common reality."
- Link:
On the Death of the Laptop
Products and Services
Daystar 1.4 GHz Upgrade for 12" PowerBook
G4/867
PR: 1.4 GHz upgrades for the 12" PowerBook G4/867 now shipping!
Daystar's newest XLR8 PowerBook CPU upgrades delivers over 50% more
speed - Runs cooler, faster and longer with all shipping and labor
included.
Daystar Technology has added the 867 PowerBook G4 12" to its
list of PowerBook Aluminum Upgrades.
New 1.4 GHz PowerBook 12" CPU Upgrade Option
The new MAChSpeed G4 CPU
Upgrade allows any 12" PowerBook
G4/867 to be upgraded to supercharged 1.4 GHz speeds. The
upgrade doubles the size of the internal cache, and also delivers
up to 60% more speed. Like other XLR8 PowerBook CPU upgrades, the
12" version is factory installed by Daystar's Apple Certified
Technicians.
3-Way Shipping Included... Free
Daystar has also simplified the 3-way shipping choices;
- Container to customer,
- PowerBook to Daystar, and
- PowerBook back to customer. Free US Ground shipping is now
included. 3-way 2-day, 3-way overnight and Daystar's Weekender
service are available at an additional cost.
Pricing
12" PowerBook G4/867: $449
3-way shipping, all parts, labor, testing and detailing is
included. Easy one step ordering is available online.
- Link:
Daystar 1.4 GHz Upgrades for 12" PowerBook G4/867
Daystar Titanium PowerBook 1.25 & 1.4 GHz
Upgrades Coming
PR: Order an upgrade now and save 10%
Gary Dailey of Daystar Technology tells me:
"We will be announcing the
Titanium Upgrades in the next week or so: We have them running
great in the labs: The 550-667 (VGA) are upgraded to 1.25 GHz, the
667-1 GHz DVIs are upgraded to 1.4 GHz. These are done in
partnership with Wegener Media, so users will have the opportunity
to order and have completed by either of us.
"XLR8 MAChSpeed Control is required for operation on the 1.4 GHz
upgrades (it uses XLR8's Virtual Firmware to manage the L3). Our
price will be $469, shipping included.
"Anyone that wants to get their Titanium upgraded before the
official announcement, can send me an email. We'll upgrade
immediately at 10% off."
- Gary@Daystar-Tech.com
1/8" Thin Credit Card Sized USB Drive
with 16 GB Capacity
PR: PQI Corporation, a leading manufacturer of digital
media solutions, has introduced Card Drive™ U510, a state of
the art portable storage device with breakthrough in USB technology
and innovative design. The drive itself is only 0.12 in. thin
credit card sized, holds a maximum capacity of 16 GB.
Card Drive uses PQI's own patented
Intelligent Stick technology; it is compatible with USB 2.0/1.1
ports. The Card Drive with Intelligent Stick retractable connector
can be stowed away to retain a credit card format. "For consumers
who crave for flash based storage device with large storage
capacity and sleek design, Card Drive™ is the perfect
choice," said Lindy Chan, Product Manager of USB Drive at PQI. With
16 GB capacity, Card Drive™ is many times the storage
capacity of the largest USB drive available on the market today.
Light and durable, its shock proof and low power consumption
characteristics outweigh traditional hard drives.
Card Drive comes preloaded with USB Notebook Professional-
Personal File Manager software. With the file synchronization
center, users can configure the drive to one's needs to store
portable personal emails, personal backup, IE favorites, web
accounts and security functions such as password protection and
host lock functions.
PQI Card Drive will be available in silver, grey, and limited
soccer ball edition. Available now are 1 GB at $49.99,
2 GB at $89.99, and 4 GB at $139.99 (MSRP). The 8 GB
and 16 GB version of Card Drive U510 are expected to ship early
next month with suggested retail prices to be announced.
Card Drive U510 Features:
- Interface: Intelligent Stick (compatible with USB 2.0/1.1)
- Capacities: 16/8/4/2/1 GB
- OS supported: Windows XP, 2000, ME, Mac 10.1 and above
- Dimensions: 2.13(L) x 3.35(W) x 0.12(H) in.
- Weight: 0.7 oz.
- Link:
Card Drive U510
iLevel Laptop Stand with Height Adjustment
PR: Designed to match the Apple MacBook Pro and
PowerBook, iLevel is made of steel with silver paint finish
Because
you don't sit at your desk in a fixed position, RainDesign has
engineered the iLevel stand to be dynamic. Drag iLevel's slider to
adjust the screen height to your new eye level whenever you shift
position. Rotate iLevel's built-in turntable whenever you want to
share ideas with others. Designed to match the Apple MacBook Pro
and PowerBook, iLevel is made of steel with silver paint finish, so
you can work comfortably in a stylish and solid desktop
setting.
Designed to work with external keyboard and mouse.
iLevel 12"+ for:
- PowerBook 12"
- iBook 12"
- Other 12" and 13" laptops (3 lbs and heavier*)
iLevel 14"+ for:
- MacBook Pro15"
- PowerBook 15"
- PowerBook 17"
- iBook 14"
- Other 14" and 15" laptops (5 lbs and heavier*)
Size and weight for both models:
- Width: 10.9" (276mm)
- Depth: 8.5" (213mm)
- Height: 7" (178mm)
- 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)
* Laptops lighter than specified weight will stay at 7" height
only
- Link: iLevel
Laptop Stand with Height Adjustment
iLap Laptop Stand Keeps Your Lap Cool
PR: iLap is a versatile stand that keeps your laptop
cool, and lets you work comfortably on your lap as well as your
desk. Designed to match the Apple PowerBooks, the iLap laptop stand
is made of aluminum with sandblasted and silver anodized finish.
iLap is also suitable for other laptops. iLap comes in five sizes:
12 inch, 13 inch. 14 inch, 15 inch, 15 inch widescreen and 17 inch
widescreen versions.
iLap keeps your laptop cool
by using light weight aluminum as a cool sink, allowing it to to
run more efficiently and last longer. The iLap's all aluminium
thermal conductivity is 13 times more than stainless steel, and
thus the more surface that it has in contact with the notebook, the
more heat that it draws away (in the same conceptual way that heat
sink works on the CPU).
Aluminum is chosen for its light weight, elegance and higher
heat conductivity (compared to steel and plastic), although the
cost of aluminum is 4 times more than plastic and 2 times more than
steel. In addition, luxury velvet is chosen to give comfort and
style.
iLap raises your laptop to keep your lap cool, and is padded
with cushions for extra comfort. The front cushion is detachable
for switching between lap work and desk work, but the back cushion
should remain for either use.
iLap is ergonomically
designed to suit both lap and desk works, so you stay cool even on
prolonged use, raising your laptop screen higher to reduce strain
on your neck and shoulders.
Unlike some tall laptop stands that are designed for desk use
only and require an external keyboard, the iLap is catered for lap
use as well - with the convenience of typing directly on the laptop
keyboard.
Rain Design provides a one year warranty against manufacturer's
defect and workmanship.
Pricing:
- 12 inch $49.90
- 13/14 inch $59.90
- 15 inch $59.90
- 15 inch W (widescreen) $59.90
- 17 inch W (widescreen) $69.90
- Link: iLap
Laptop Stand Keeps Your Lap Cool
ExpressCard Serial ATA Adapter for MacBook Pro,
PC Notebooks
PR: FirmTek Announces First Shipments of the World's
First Serial ATA ExpressCard Adapter for MacBook Pro SeriTek/2SM2-E
equips Macintosh and PC notebooks with the power needed to perform
as portable digital video studios (June 08, 2006)
The SeriTek/2SM2-E extends
SATA's performance beyond the desktop, enabling content producers
to capture, develop, edit and create content in almost any
environment when using Apple's new MacBook Pro notebook computers.
With transfer rates up to 3 gigabits per second per port, this
breakthrough solution sets a new standard for handling data in a
remote setting. FirmTek's established hot-swap compatibility also
makes it easy for users to move entire drives and arrays from the
MacBook Pro to any FirmTek-equipped desktop system in seconds.
The SeriTek/2SM2-E is designed to work with ExpressCard/34
equipped Macintosh, Windows, and Linux notebook computers. It is
also compatible with Boot Camp and Windows XP.
FirmTek's SeriTek/2SM2-E ExpressCard adapter for the Macintosh
is available now, with estimated retail pricing of $119.95. It is
also available in specially priced bundles with selected
hot-swappable drive enclosures. For more information about the
SeriTek/2SM2-E and the bundles, please visit FirmTek's website.
- Link: FirmTek
SeriTek/2SM2-E ExpressCard Adapter Serial ATA for MacBook Pro and
PC Notebook Computers
Jupiter 2.5" Hard Drive Enclosure
PR: Addonics Technologies has announced a complete and
advanced family of hard drive enclosures for 2.5" IDE hard drives
with the debut of its Jupiter enclosure series.
Jupiter includes all the important features required in a
portable hard drive: a rugged anodized aluminum housing for use in
harsh environment; light weight and compact size for portability;
shock mount technology to protect the drive against vibration and
drop from the top of a desk. The Jupiter enclosure accepts any
manufacturer's 2.5" IDE hard drive with drive height of 10 mm or
less.
The Jupiter drive enclosure also comes with
choice of hardware encryption, called Jupiter Cipher, which
encrypts and decrypts the entire hard drive in real time. The
hardware encryption shares the same level of security and user
convenience that first appeared in the Addonics Saturn Cipher for
the 3.5" hard drive. There is no software to install or password to
remember. Encryption and decryption is activated by the simple
insertion of a physical cipher key into the enclosure. As a result,
the operation of the encrypted hard drive is OS and platform
independent, which makes the data easily accessible and highly
secure on any system.
The Jupiter drive enclosure, designed with an Addonics USIB
interface connector, can be used as an external hard drive via a
USB, eSATA, FireWire or CardBus connection by attaching different
Addonics USIB interface cables. Using the optional drive cradle
that mounts easily into any standard 3.5" drive bay, the drive
enclosure can also be used as an IDE removable hard drive or as a
hot swappable drive cartridge via USB or SATA connection. The drive
enclosure is designed to be powered either by the USB port,
FireWire port or an external power adapter. With a large assortment
of components and accessories, the Jupiter drive kit enables users
to build practically any kind of storage solution using the small
2.5" hard drive.
The Jupiter Cipher and the regular Jupiter hard drive kit also
share the same drive cradle and accessories. This allows users to
mix encrypted and regular hard drives in the same system. Users can
access encrypted hard drive data as long as they have the Addonics
Cipher key.
One of the common Jupiter Drive kit applications is the external
hard drive. The standard bundled package with USB 2.0 connection,
model AJEDIU, with Jupiter drive enclosure, Addonics USB 2.0 USIB
interface cable and 110/220V power adapter, is listed at $59.95.
The equivalent encryption version, model JCEDIU64, with Jupiter
Cipher 64-bit DES drive enclosure, a pair of 64-bit Cipher keys and
the same accessories, is listed at $79.99.
Addonics products are available through the company online store
www.shopaddonics.com , major catalog companies, resellers, VARs and
distributors, including Amazon.com, PC
Connection, CDW,
Buy.com,
Provantage.com, Insight, and Ingram Micro.
- Link: Jupiter Hard
Drive Enclosure
MacBook Sleeve and Lap Protector
PR:
When using your MacBook, Apple's recommends: 'Do not leave your
MacBook in contact with your lap or any surface of your body for
extended periods. Prolonged contact with your body could cause
discomfort and potentially a burn. Do not place your MacBook on a
pillow or other soft material when it is on, as the material can
block the airflow vents, in particular the rear vents and cause the
computer to overheat.' (MacBook User's Manual, page 106)
- Tailored sleeve for MacBook
- 76% rubber 24% cotton
- Trim in six different colours: black, purple, red, blue, green
and orange
- Spongey exterior protects your notebook against scratches and
light bumps
- Not machine washable. Sponge clean. Sharp implements can damage
rubber exterior
- Super soft cotton lining that won't scratch your MacBook
- Insulates against temperatures up to 250 degrees
centigrade
- Place between laptop and your lap to prevent discomfort and
skin damage from MacBook's heat
Machine washable MacBook covers also available
Price: £17.99
- Link:
MacBook Sleeve and Lap Protector
Chrome Introduces New Line of
Rugged Laptop Sleeves
PR: Chrome, a domestic bag manufacturer located in the
SOMA district of San Francisco, has been producing messenger bags
used by professional bicycle couriers worldwide for the past 12
years.
Chrome has taken their extensive experience designing bags to
withstand the rigors of the urban environment and released a line
of laptop sleeves that will accommodate both Macintosh and PC
portable computers.
Known best for its indestructible messenger bags,
Chrome designed the sleeves with the same utilitarian aesthetic and
durability.
Features include a time-proven 1000 Denier Cordura shell and a
soft neoprene liner.
The sleeve consists of a fully padded body with a Velcro™
top-loaded enclosure, which allows for easy laptop access when
stowed in Chrome's messenger bag or utilizing an existing bag.
Other features include a metal Chrome logo and a slit pocket for
storing papers, cables or a WiFi card.
When minimal travel is needed a carrying handle and an optional
quick adjust removable shoulder strap will allow the sleeve to be
used independently.
Sleeves are available in five sizes. The 12", 15", and 17"
sleeves will hold all Macintosh laptops including the PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, and the MacBook Pro. All PC laptops will fit in the
oversized 15" and 17" sleeves.
Padded Laptop Sleeve
A simple accessory to transport your laptop safely in any bag.
Velcro closure and front slit pocket. Fits most wide format laptops
including the 15" PowerBook.
- Dimensions: 15" x 10" x 2.5"
- Laptop Sleeve : $20
- Color: Black
- MSRP: sleeve, $34
- MSRP: shoulder strap, $14
Chrome's products are available nationwide at select retailers
as well as online.
- Link: Chrome
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.
TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to 'Book Review readers
off any PowerBook or iBook in stock. Just enter the code CWM during
checkout when ordering online. The coupon code is valid from now
through 2007.12.31.
- 15" titanium PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive,
$899.99
- 15" aluminum PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, BT,
$1,049.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/60/Combo, BT, $1,149.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $749.99
- Upgrade to SuperDrive (available only with machine),
$99.99
- Upgrade to 8x SuperDrive (available only with machine
purchase), $129.99
- Add 512 MB RAM with purchase of machine (total of 768 MB)
(available only with machine), $49.99
- Add 1 GB RAM with purchase of machine (total 1.25 GB)
(available only with machine), $189.99
- 1 year extended service warranty (w/purchase of machine),
$99.99
- Add Airport Extreme card (valid only with purchase of machine),
$39.99
- Upgrade HDD to 80 GB hard drive (available only with machine),
$119.99
- 12" PowerBook "Kanga" G3/250, 160/5/CD, floppy, $155
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/15/CD, $259
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $335
- 15" PowerBook G4/667 VGA, 256/20/Combo, $575
- Add Airport for $99
- 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 G4/1.5 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,099
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, /512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,199
- 12" PowerBook Kanga G3/250, 96/2/floppy, $229.95
- 14" PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 128/3/CD, $329.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/40/DVD, $599.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $369
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $389
- 14" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $499
- 14" iBook G3/700, 640/40/Combo, $499
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $599
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 128/40/SuperDrive, Scratch & Dent,
$629
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 768/40/Combo, Scratch/ Dent - $779
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, $949
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/ SuperDrive, Scratch/ Dent,
$949
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.
