Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.07.07
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.
MacBook Discoloration
News & Opinion
Products and Services
Software
MacBook Discoloration
Some MacBooks Have Premature Age Spots
CNET News.com's Michelle Meyers reports:
"What began as a few isolated reports of mysterious stains
appearing on the wrist rests of Apple Computer's MacBooks looks to be more widespread
and the impetus for a growing Web community of displeased
owners.
"Reports of the discoloration, which seems to take place on the
most frequently touched plastic areas of the white MacBooks, first
surfaced in early June. A related post on an Apple discussion board
got hundreds of replies - including many from MacBook owners
experiencing the same problem - before it was locked by the company
five days later."
- Link:
Some MacBooks Have Premature Age Spots
Apple Comes 'Clean' on MacBooks
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady reports:
"Apple has apparently admitted that the discoloration on the
wrist rests of some MacBooks
(mostly white ones) is actually a manufacturing defect as opposed
to a 'cosmetic' problem caused by improper handling by the owner
(whatever that means)....
"Apple changed the formulation of plastics in the production
line already, so the newest models arriving in retail stores
shouldn't have the same problem. The newer top case is reportedly
much smoother to the touch than the previous MacBooks which feel
slightly rougher."
- Link: Apple Comes
'Clean' on MacBooks
Apple Acknowledges MacBook Stains as
Manufacturing Defect
SoftPedia.com's Victor Mihailescu reports:
"It looks like all the complaints about the white MacBooks have
finally gotten through to Apple....
"Those with discolored MacBooks should contact AppleCare and
inform them of the stain problem. The replacement top case should
no longer have this issues, nor will the newest MacBooks as Apple
seems to have changed the plastic, the newest MacBooks having a
much smoother feel to them in those areas, while the ones with the
problem feel rough."
- Link:
Apple Acknowledges MacBook Stains as Manufacturing Defect
Apple Replacing Stained MacBooks?
gadgets.elliottback.com's Danielle reports:
"After many complaints from disappointed MacBook Users, who bought brand new
MacBooks and found - to their dismay - that their brand new
MacBooks had begun discolouring at an alarming rate (within 1-3
weeks), it appears that Apple is beginning to replace
stained/discoloured MacBook top cases (the plastic covering of the
area around the keyboard). You can see some photos of
discolouration below. The discolouration ranges in colour (it has
been reported normally grey or orange, but sometimes can be pink or
even blue). There are several theories to the cause of
discolouration, including: 'Porous plastics used in the MacBook
allow tiny skin cells and sweat to accumulate within the
microscopic openings, Skin melanin rubbing off and staining surface
plastics, Acidic sweat damaging the plastic, or even Chemical
reaction between the polymer and skin oils.'"
- Link:
Apple Replacing Stained MacBooks?
News & Opinion
You Can Make Book on MacBook's Success
The Boston Herald's Eric Convey says:
"Seldom is a computer's most obvious feature among its more
important, but the first thing you notice about Apple's new MacBook
- if you take advantage of the new chance to get one in black - is
a key one indeed.
"It's been too long since Apple sold a black notebook computer,
and framing a computer screen in flat black rather than silver or
white makes it a lot easier to look at in the humble opinion of
your friendly gadget columnist.
"But to suggest the MacBook's major changes are only cosmetic
would be a huge mistake. The replacement for the iBook is superior
to its predecessor in every way and a worthy younger sibling to the
superb MacBook Pro."
- Link:
You Can Make Book on MacBook's Success
Apple Notebook Sales to Hit 39% Growth in
2006?
Macworld UK reports:
"Apple has experienced stronger than expected MacBook sales, according to
DigiTimes.
"A report published today claims that the success has been so
great that MacBook sales have given a significant boost to business
from Apple's Far East manufacturing partner Asustek....
"The report also predicts that Apple may launch a 15.4-inch
widescreen MacBook later this year."
- Link: Apple
Notebook Sales Hit 39% Growth in 2006?
Brisk MacBooks Sales Boost Shipments for
Asustek
DigiTimes.com's Celia Lin and Steve Shen report:
"Sales of Apple Computer's Intel Core Duo-based MacBook laptops have been stronger
than expected, boosting monthly shipments of 13.3-inch MacBooks
from Taiwan-based Asustek Computer to about 120,000 units in June,
up from about 100,000 units when the company started shipping the
new computers in April, according to sources at Taiwan-based
notebook makers....
"...For all of 2006, Apple may deliver two million iBook and
MacBook laptops in addition to one million MacBook Pro
notebooks.... [which] would represent a 39% increase from the 2.16
million units shipped in 2005....
"Sources contacted by Lin . . . also noted that Apple
may expand its MacBook family by introducing a 15.4-inch widescreen
lineup...."
- Link: Brisk Sales
of Apple MacBooks Boost Shipments for Asustek (registration
required)
Keep Your Mac Cool This Summer
The Seattle Times' Jeff Carlson says:
"Sure, your new black MacBook is cool, but is it really
cool? The hot summer weather this week got me thinking about one of
a computer's biggest enemies: heat.
"As computer processors have gotten faster, they've also
dramatically increased their heat output, making that MacBook more
hot than cool. In fact, Apple no longer uses the term 'laptop' when
describing its portable line, because the new Intel-powered Macs
can get too hot to rest on your lap for an extended period.
"Now that summer is upon us, here are some ways to keep your
Macs cool."
- Link:
Keep Your Mac Cool This Summer
Throwing Another Dead Apple on the Pile
The Sunday Herald's Sylvia Patterson says:
"This week, the computer died. After months of gyp, of sticking,
crashing and refusing to turn on altogether, the ghost in the
machine finally gave up, no fight whatsoever, to try to save
several years' worth of written work (we say we'll back-up
'tomorrow' and 'tomorrow' turns into 'twerp') and blinked it's way
to oblivion.
"So, today I'm writing on a pal's PC, which is technologically
alien and temple-poundingly annoying because my fingers keep
pinging on to the wrong keys because they've been trained for years
to the Apple way of life, a laptop life now cruelly taken away, the
lovely, shiny, spiffy-new Apple Mac iBook sensation which once
defined the techno-universe, what with being all white and small
and cute and everything, and you couldn't move on transport for its
pristine presence twinkling away like a jewellery box."
- Link: Forced by
Consumerism to Throw Another Dead Apple on the Pile
Laptops Have Been Really Hot Lately
The Globe and Mail's Alex Dobrota reports:
"Cindy Brown wrapped an Apple laptop and put it under the
Christmas tree last year, thinking about the future of her
11-year-old son in an increasingly digitalized world.
"Instead, her gift turned into a flaming nightmare....
"...A string of laptop fires, sparked by faulty or overheated
batteries, is raising concern with industry experts and computer
manufacturers. As many as 43 laptop fires have been reported in the
United States since 2001, according to statistics compiled by the
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. No one died, but some
laptop users were severely injured, CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese
said.
"To curb this trend, laptop companies have recalled more than
150,000 batteries since Jan. 1, 2005. Hewlett-Packard recalled
15,700 of them in April alone. Dell retrieved 22,000 batteries in
December and Apple recalled about 120,000 batteries in 2005."
- Link:
Laptops Have Been Really Hot Lately
10.4.7 Update Adds Two-Finger Right
Click
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady reports:
"A nice little bonus arrive with yesterday's release of Mac
10.4.7: two-finger right clicking for 15-inch MacBook Pro owners.
Originally reported at TUAW Apple's 113 MB update for OS X
included this nice little feature for MacBook Pro users that
previously had to install a hack to get the functionality."
- Link: Mac OS
10.4.7 Update Bonus: Two-Finger Right Click
Apple Extends MacBook Line-up
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Apple has begun shipping a pair of new MacBook configurations through its
retail chain, bumping up the specification and upping the price
accordingly, it has been claimed. The two new models sit,
respectively, above the current white and black 2 GHz
MacBooks."
- Link:
Apple Extends MacBook Line-up
MacBook
Pro Biometrics
edahc.blogspot.com says:
"Just having a MacBook wasn't enough for me sooo....
"Using a Dremel, 2.16 GHz
MacBook Pro, a Sony Puppy FIU-600 and some skill I just put a
fingerprint scanner in my MacBook Pro. The only one in the world to
do this I guess I have yet to see anyone else do it."
- Link: MacBook
Pro Biometrics
Maine and Apple Sign Contract to
Continue iBook Program
Apple to equip 32,000 students and 4,000 teachers with iBook
notebook computers, wireless networks, training, and technical
support in order to transform teaching and learning through the
Maine Learning Technology Initiative.
The Maine Department of Education has signed a four-year, $41
million contract with Apple to continue to supply the technology,
training, and support to Maine's groundbreaking initiative that has
equipped all the State's 7th and 8th grade students and teachers
with one-to-one access to wireless notebook computers and the
Internet for the past 4 years.
The Initiative is still considered the single largest 1:1
educational technology program in the world. Maine's Education
Director of Special Projects, Bette Manchester notes, "The strength
of the program is that the focus is on education. This is an
educational project, not a technology project."
The Maine Learning Technology Initiative has become a national
and international model for 1:1 educational technology programs.
Since its inception in 2002, many other U.S. states have
implemented or are about to implement similar programs including
Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, New Hampshire, and North
Dakota. In January of 2005, Nicholas Negroponte of the MIT Media
lab cited Maine's program in his announcement at the World Economic
Summit of the creation of One Laptop Per Child initiative that is
working to put laptops in the hands of millions of students around
the world.
A more detailed summary of the terms of the contract is
available on the website at http://www.maine.gov/mlti/
Products and Services
Trans Intl Releases miniXpress Portable
SATA to FireWire Drive
PR: Trans International announces it's first SATA to
FireWire miniXpress portable external drive. The miniXpress will
begin shipping on July 10th 2006.
Utilizing the latest Serial-ATA
to FireWire, hot pluggable, and bus powered technology, the
miniXpress solves the MacBook and MacBook Pro internal drive
upgrade issue of utilizing the replaced drive and allows the
FireWire drive to be plugged or unplugged without turning-off or
restarting the computer. The drive mounts automatically when
plugged into the FireWire port of the computer.
With Trans' miniXpress portable enclosures, users can upgrade
their MacBook and MacBook Pro with larger capacity drives. They can
then install the replaced drive in a miniXpress and use it as back
up or added storage.
Portable, rugged, and stylish cases are made with aluminum,
assuring durability and excellent heat dissipation. Equipped with
an anti shock mechanism and a triple interface (FW 800/FW 400/USB
2.0) making the miniXpress an ideal and versatile answer for
portable external storage.
- Link: miniXpress
portable FireWire Hard Disk Drive
TruePower High Capacity Battery Upgrade
for White iBooks
PR: The TruePower iBook battery is priced at $99.95 and
offers up to 50% more capacity than the original
FastMac today announced it has begun shipping TruePower laptop
batteries for all models of the iBook (G3 and G4). The TruePower
iBook battery is priced at $99.95 and offers up to 50% more
capacity than the original.
All
customers who placed preorders through the company's website will
receive their shipments in the next few days. FastMac offers a
variety of high-quality and high-capacity batteries for: PowerBook
G4 Aluminum (all models), iBook (all models), and PowerBook G3
(Wallstreet, Lombard and Pismo).
The TruePower batteries start at an introductory price of $99.95
and offer up to 56% more capacity than the original. All models
including the iBook (G3 and G4) are now shipping.
The TruePower batteries are engineered using the highest
quality, highest capacity Lithium cells available. FastMac utilizes
custom form factors and materials to achieve a superior fit and
finish, matching the original battery while increasing capacity.
Each battery is individually tested and includes safety features to
protect against overcharge, short circuit, and power surges. All
TruePower laptop batteries come with a 1-year warranty and 30 day
money back guaranty.
Compatibility & Pricing
- PowerBook G4 Titanium, $99.95
- PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12", $99.95
- PowerBook G4 Aluminum 15", $99.95
- PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17", $119.95
- PowerBook G3 (1998) Wallstreet, $99.95
- PowerBook G3 (2000) Pismo, $119.95
- iBook G3 Clamshell, $99.95
- iBook G3 & G4 12", $99.95
- iBook G3 & G4 14", $99.95
- TruePower
Batteries
QuickerTek Intros Handle for MacBook
Pro
PR: MacBook Pro users now have latest in carrying
handle technology for their new laptops. QuickerTek has just made
available a specially designed MacBook Pro Handle that not only
makes it easier to carry, but also aids ergonomics and in heat
dissipation. The new MacBook Pro Handle is $48 and is in stock
now.
This handle has several new features including:
- Brushed and anodized finish to match the MacBook Pro case
- Slotted mounting holes to insure perfect snag-free
installation
- Non-slip handle grip makes it more comfortable to carry and
prevents scratches to the MacBook Pro case or the desktop
surface
- Easy grip thumb screws (patent pending design) allow the tilt
angle to be locked in for consistent placement
- All aluminum construction for strength, heat dissipation and
light weight
The
QuickerTek MacBook Pro Handle is designed for the Apple 15-inch
MacBook Pro and comes with all hardware and required tools. The
padded handle not only makes carrying easier, but also helps secure
the laptop to any smooth desktop work surface. Improved ergonomics
are made possible through the larger possible tilt angle
adjustment.
Like most QuickerTek products, the MacBook Pro Handle is backed
with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Additional product
information is found at:
- Link: MacBook Pro
Handle
Marware Protection Packs for 'Books
- Protection Pack for PowerBook 15": Wrist rest and a microfiber
laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Protection Pack for MacBook Pro 15": Wrist rest and a
microfiber laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Protection Pack for PowerBook 17": Wrist rest and a microfiber
laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Protection Pack for PowerBook 12": Wrist rest and a microfiber
laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Protection Pack for iBook 12": Wrist rest and a microfiber
laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Protection Pack for iBook 14": Wrist rest and a microfiber
laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Protection Pack Black for MacBook 13": Wrist rest and a
microfiber laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Protection Pack White for MacBook 13": Wrist rest and a
microfiber laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Protection Pack for MacBook Pro 17": Wrist rest and a
microfiber laptop keyboard cover, $19.95
- Link: Marware
Protection Packs for Apple Portables
Tom Bihn Introduces Imago Messenger
Bag
PR: Tom Bihn, a designer, manufacturer, and retailer of
laptop bags, backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases, has
introduced the Imago, a small, messenger/shoulder bag available in
two models with distinct styling - different fabrics, different
colors, and different design - and multiple personalities - a
shoulder bag, messenger bag, or laptop messenger bag.
The Imago Yin
The Imago Yin, made of 1000 denier Cordura, features a sexy
recurved on the flap and is available in color combinations
Cocoa/Cocoa/Wasabi, Plum/Crimson/Steel, and Olive/Steel/Wasabi.
The Imago Yang
The Imago Yang, made of 1050 Ballistic nylon model, has a more
conservative look, and is available in color combinations
Black/Black/Wasabi, Steel/Kiwi/Deep Blue, and
Crimson/Steel/Crimson.
Both models
are lined with 500 denier Cordura, and, other than the flap design,
feature the same basic architecture.
The Imagos are open-top bags that close with a flap and a
2"/50mm plastic side release buckle. Under the flap, on the front
of the bag, are two pockets: one curved open-top and one zippered,
plus three places to snap your key strap (included) or Organizer
Pouch (optional; order here). Inside the main compartment are two
deep pouch pockets that are good for organizing power adapters, or
energy bars. On the back, a flat pocket is perfect for magazines or
a newspaper.
On both sides of the bag are small pockets designed to securely
carry portable electronic devices such as cell phones, iPods/MP3
players or PDAs. Lined with Ultrasuede and closed by #8 YKK
"splash-proof" Uretech zippers, these snug little pockets also
provide scratch-free storage for eyewear.
The Imago rides on your shoulder with a 1-1/2" (40mm) nylon
webbing strap and a comfortable, soft grip pad that matches the
main body color of your Imago. A removable waist strap secures the
bag to your body when you're the move, making the Imago useful for
riding a bike (push or motor).
Size-wise, the Imago falls between our Large Café bag and
our ID messenger bag. The main compartment can carry a spiral-bound
notebook, a medium-sized book, a light wind/rain shell, and some
lunch. While the Imago does not have a built-in spot for a laptop,
you can slip our Soft Cell laptop sleeve or Brain Cell laptop case
inside the main compartment, transforming it into an efficient and
protective laptop messenger bag. Only smaller laptops that will fit
in our Size 5 or Size 6 (for the 13" MacBook) Soft Cell or Brain
Cell will fit in the Imago.
Will your laptop fit in the Size 5 or 6 Soft Cell or Brain Cell,
and thus the Imago? Use our Laptop Bag Fit Guide to find out.
The Imago is available immediately from Tom Bihn for $85, with
sleeve inserts for $30-$50.
- Link: The
Imago
Software
iCooked Overclocks 600 MHz and Faster G3
iBooks
PR: iCooked is a GUI for the iCook kernel extension by
Patrick Swieskowski (included in package).
iCook is a small OS X kernel extension that allows simple
overclocking of the IBM 750FX processor, found in some of the G3
iBooks (600 to 900 MHz).
Features
- Shows current CPU clock speed in menu bar.
- Keeps user-defined CPU clock speed after sleep.
- Automatically loads iCook.kext at launch.
New in version 1.2.7
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4.7.
- (For Mac OS X 10.3.x use iCooked 1.2.3 103)
System Support: PPC
iCooked is donationware.
- Link: iCooked
CoreDuoTemp 0.9.1
PR: Monitor the temperature of your Intel Macintosh with
CoreDuoTemp.
CoreDuoTemp uses SpeedIt.
New in version 0.91:
- Correction of bugs : window position, space folder location
(installer and application).
New in version 0.9:
- Package Installer
- main window 33% smaller
- no password at launch and no keychain
- statistic feature for save computer infos
- uptime info
- bugfixes
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.6, iMac 2006, Mac mini 2006,
MacBook Pro, MacBook.
System support: Intel
Free
- Link: CoreDuoTemp
Tech Trends
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.
- refurb 13" MacBook 1.83 GHz, 512/60/Combo, white, $949
- refurb 13" MacBook 2.0 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, white,
$1,099
- refurb 13" MacBook 2.0 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, black,
$1,299
- 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
It's interesting to note refurb. 12" PowerBooks selling for more
than refurb. MacBooks. cm
- new 15" MacBook Pro 1.83 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive - $1,799.99
less $150 mail-in rebate (ends July 18)
- PowerBook "Kanga" G3/250, 160/5/CD, floppy, $139
- iBook G3/500, 256/15/CD, $259
- iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $335
- PowerBook G4/667 VGA, 256/20/Combo, $529
- Add Airport for $99
- used 12" iBook G4/800, 256/30/Combo, $579.99
- used 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $749.99
- used 14" iBook G4/933, 256/40/Combo, $779.99
- used 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $729.99
- used 12" iBook G3/500, 10/192/CD, $329.99
- used 12" iBook G3/600, 15/192/CD, $399.99
- used 12" iBook G3/700, 20/192/Combo, $469.99
- used 12" iBook G3/800, 30/256/Combo, $539.99
- used 12" iBook G3/900, 40/256/Combo, $589.99
- used 14" iBook G3/800, 30/256/Combo, $479
- used 14" iBook G3/900, 40/256/Combo, $529
- used 12" clamshell iBook G3/366, graphite, 192/6/CD,
$279.95
- PowerBook Wallstreet G3/300, 128/6/CD, $279.95
- PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/20/DVD, $429.95
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.
