Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.07.28
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
Tech Tips and Info
Products and Services
News & Opinion
Apple Doubles Laptop Market Share to 12%
Ars Technica reports:
"Apple's share of the U.S. laptop market seems to be taking off
with even more steam than the Mac's marketshare increase overall,
according to a new report by TMO. While news of Apple's increased
marketshare in the United States to a recent high of 4.8 percent
just came out last week, it appears as if sales of Apple's new
Intel-based laptops, the MacBook
and MacBook Pro, are seeing very strong retail sales and growth
amongst laptop buyers."
Link: Apple
Doubles Laptop Marketshare to 12 Percent
Laptops in Tow, More Americans Work on
Vacation
Reuters' Ellen Wulfhorst reports:
"The number of Americans who work during their vacations has
nearly doubled in the last decade, with the laptop computer
replacing the cellular phone as the most useful tool for working on
holiday.
"Some 43 percent of office workers said they work on vacation,
compared with 23 percent in a survey taken in 1995, said the poll
conducted for Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Steelcase Inc., a designer and
maker of office furniture."
Link:
Laptops in Tow, More Americans Work on Vacation
MacBook Pro's 'Daft Power Source' Doesn't Work
with Planes, Cars
The Inquirer's Nick Farrell reports:
"More problems have been spotted with Apple's super soaraway
MacBook Pro. Already bedevilled with claims that it stains too fast
and its batteries swell up, the poor MacBook Pro apparently can't
be charged with some aircraft or car sockets.
"According to MacFixIt, the issue appears to be excessive power
draw, as units can be charged from the inverters while powered off,
but have issues about charging when turned on.
"A MacBook Pro draws a staggering 85W of power, while most
airline power inverters supply 75W or less."
Link: MacBook Pro
Has Daft Power Source - Doesn't Work with Planes or Cars
Pimp Your MacBook
Uncrate says:
"Apple's new MacBook is easily
the best laptop for the money currently being sold. It packs in
spectacular power and some of the most advanced features available.
That said, there's always room to accessorize. Being longtime Mac
users and new MacBook owners, we've rounded up our top 10 products
to help you pimp your MacBook.
- Incase Nylon Sleeve
- OWC 2 GB RAM Upgrade
- STM Small Alley Bag
- Colorware Custom Painting Service
- Parallels
Desktop
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2 (OEM)
- Incase Neoprene Sleeve
- Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP 24-inch Widescreen LCD
- InvisibleShield
- Logitech Cordless Desktop S530
Link:
Pimp Your MacBook
MacBook Mooing Gone, but Now It's
Squeaking
iLounge's Larry Angell reports:
"A lot has happened since the last update to my ongoing MacBook saga. I'll try to make this as
brief as possible, but it's a long story . . . and still
isn't over.
"After taking the MacBook to the Apple Store, the Mac Genius
confirmed that it had major internal problems and that I would need
to send my MacBook to Apple to have repairs done....
"So, I called Apple and set up the return. They received my
MacBook on July 7th. On Tuesday, July 18th, my online repair status
still said 'Parts on order.' Great. Nearly two weeks and my MacBook
is just sitting around waiting on parts. I called Apple Support to
see what was up. The woman said she was very sorry and that she was
putting me on some sort of priority list where they would locate
the parts within 48 hours or they would discuss 'other options'
with me if they couldn't find them. She basically said that because
of the large amount of MacBook repairs going on right now that
parts were scarce.
"On Thursday, July 20th, my repair status jumped to 'Repair
completed' and then 'Pending shipment.' Awesome. All of my
'unacceptable' comments finally worked. Then this morning at my
door, the FedEx man cheerily handed me my MacBook, which was
shipped via FedEx Air . . . I first looked at a piece of
paper with the service details on it. I'm not sure what all they
replaced, but it sure looks like a lot. I can make out words like
fan, heatsink, 2.0 GHz, and (strangely) camera.
"But as I triumphantly opened the lid of the MacBook, I heard
something I had never heard before. Not a moo this time, but a
loud, high-pitched squeak...."
Link: Noisy
MacBook: Mooing Gone, but Now Squeaking
Notebooks Go Large
BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl reports:
"As people switch from desktops in droves, they're using
notebooks to do it all: DVDs, games, and a full range of computing
tasks
"In the computer business, notebooks are where the money is.
What used to be a secondary sibling to the desktop is now
increasingly the only computer anyone wants or needs. That has PC
makers adding top-shelf features designed to attract the attention
of power users, serious gamers, and others who need a notebook that
is anything but secondary. Often they're called 'desktop
replacements' because they are large enough to include full-size
keyboards and have large 17-inch screens that for the most part
look gorgeous."
Charles Moore says: Indeed they do. I work on one every day. I
guess I was way ahead of the curve for once, making the switch from
desktop Macs to laptops as my main production workhorses back in
1996, since which I've been advocating them as "the logical Mac"
for most users to anyone willing to listen.
Link:
Notebooks Go High-End
Dell: Dozens of Burned Laptop Incidents on
File
Reg Hardware reports:
"Dell's December 2005 battery recall followed the recording of
dozens of incidents over a two-year period of overheating
notebooks, many resulting in melted or burned computers, it has
been alleged this week as the company continues to investigate the
case of a laptop that burst into flames in Japan.
"The incidents are detailed in a series of documents leaked to
US trade paper CRN by a source said to be close to the computer
vendor. According to the paper, the records list examples of
machines with melted or charred casings. Signs of overheating were
not always visible near the battery. However, many appear in places
associated with high temperatures during the operation of any
laptop.
"CRN's latest report comes shortly after another which
highlighted a second case of computer combustion, this time
concerning a Dell notebook which caught fire inside a building in
Novell's Provo, Utah facility. The building was evacuated. Novell
later said the offending laptop had been fitted with a battery
supplied not by Dell but purchased from a third party."
Link: Dell
Said to Have 'Dozens' of Burned Laptop Incidents on File
Nvidia Working on Switchable GPU Tech for
Laptops?
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Nvidia is working on technology that would allow notebooks
equipped with an integrated GPU and a dedicated graphics chip to
flip between the two engines at will. Even though the system
doesn't appear to allow the two GPUs to render co-operatively, it's
claimed Nvidia will dub the technology 'SLI Power'.
"According to a Laptop Logic report, the technology is designed
to provide graphics horsepower when its needed, and more basic,
battery-friendly rendering at other times."
Link: Nvidia
Working on Switchable GPU Tech for Laptops?
Tech Tips and Info
White MacBook Palm Rest Discoloration
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If your MacBook is exhibiting
discoloration on the top case after some use, please contact
AppleCare for service."
Short and sweet, what? cm
Link: About White
MacBooks' Palmrest Area
15" MacBook Pro: Noise Under the Keyboard
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says, cryptically:
"If your 15-inch MacBook Pro
emits a high-pitched buzzing sound, please contact AppleCare for
service."
Link: MacBook Pro
with Noise Under the Keyboard
Products and Services
Softpads Palm Rest Protectors for iBook,
PowerBook, MacBook, MacBook Pro
PR: The AVA Softpads are specifically designed to protect
iBooks, PowerBooks, MacBooks, and MacBook Pros from scratching.
Made of
the highest quality microfiber, they add a thin layer of protection
to the wrist rest area of your notebook, saving it from daily wear
& tear & scratches from your wristwatch, etc.
The soft, smooth pads are designed to be removable &
washable. The revolutionary adhesive allows you to reuse your
Softpads again & again to extend the good looks of your
notebook with no residue.
As an added bonus, included is a light & supple microfiber
cleaning cloth. This effective & economical cloth will help
keep your notebook looking fresh & clean for years to come
(also works on phones, PDAs, MP3 players etc.)
Features
- Scratch & stain protection
- Improves comfort
- Removable & washable
- Will not affect lid closure
- Includes microfiber cleaning cloth
Removes with no Residue
Compatible with all iBooks, PowerBooks, MacBooks, and MacBook
Pros
Price: $14.99
Link: Softpads
Mercury On-the-Go FireWire 800/400 + USB
2.0 2.5" Portable Case for 2.5" SATA Hard Drives
PR: Install any 2.5" SATA hard drive, or upgrade the
drive in your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or Mac mini Intel and use your
old drive in this case!
The OWC
Mercury On-The-Go FireWire 800/USB 2.0 Portable Kit packs an
incredible punch into a 3" W x 5.5" L x 1" H 11 ounce package!
If you're looking for one of the most compatible mass storage
solutions made, look no further! The OWC Mercury On-The-Go drive is
all you'll need! Packing a one-two punch of super fast FireWire 800
and USB 2.0, the OWC Mercury On-The-Go has what it takes to truly
work cross platform.
The OWC Mercury On-The-Go features the latest in performance
with an Oxford 924 combination FireWire and USB chipset creating
one perfectly integrated storage solution.
The OWC Mercury On-The-Go keeps everything running silent while
still keeping your drive cool with a built in aluminum heatsink
underneath the hard drive, and passthrough cooling vents on the top
of the case.
The On-The-Go External FireWire Case kit is ready to accept your
own 2.5" SATA Hard Drive! Why not upgrade your PowerBook's internal
drive and put your old drive in an external case? This solution
will give you an excellent transportable storage device, or a
backup option that you may have not had!
Bus Interface:
- FireWire 1394B (IEEE 1394A/B/iLink Compliant), 2 9 Pin
(powered) ports. Connects via FireWire 400 1394A via included 9 Pin
to 6 Pin FireWire 400 Cable
- USB 2.0 / 1.1 Backwards compatible 5 pin mini "A" port.
Chipset:
- Oxford 924 FireWire 800 & USB 2.0 chipset
Max Data Transfer Rate:
- 800 Mbps (or 80 MB/sec) - FireWire 800/1394B
- 480 Mbps (or 60 MB/sec) - USB 2.0
System Requirements:
FireWire:
- Macintosh: Macintosh with FireWire Interface and OS 8.6 and
above.
- PC: PC with FireWire interface and Windows 98 or other OS with
FireWire Support.
USB 2.0:
- Macintosh: Macintosh with USB interface, either built in or via
3rd party card. USB 2.0 drivers required for use with Mac OS X, USB
2.0 not supported on any other Macintosh OS. Mac OS 8.6 and above
for use with USB 1.1. USB 2.0 is fully backwards compatible with
USB 1.1.
- PC: PC with USB interface and Windows 98 or other OS with USB
support. USB 2.0 drivers required for USB 2.0 use. Check with your
OS manufacturer for the availability of USB 2.0 drivers for your
system, and if your USB card supports USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is fully
backwards compatible with USB 1.1.
Power Supply
- Bus Power via FireWire 800 supported on all models equipped
with an available FireWire 800 port either factory stock or via add
on FireWire 800 PCI Card
- Bus Power via FireWire 400 on all models made in 2001 or later
via Factory ports or any model with add on FireWire 400 PCI
Card.
- Bus Power via USB on all models with USB 2.0 port factory
stock, or any system via add-on USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 PCI Card.
- Use of included AC Adapter is optional; units are designed for
Bus Power and do not require the use of external power source.
External Case Dimensions: 3.5" (W) x 5.5" (D) x 1" (H)
Total Shipping Weight: Less than 2.5lb. including Power
Transformer
Operating Environment:
- Temperature: Dependent on mechanism installed
- Relative humidity: Dependent on mechanism installed
- Vibration: Dependent on mechanism installed
MTBF: Dependent on mechanism installed
Warranty: 1 year
This OWC Mercury On-The-Go FireWire Case Kit Includes:
- OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro FireWire 800 / USB 2.0 storage
solution for SATA 2.5" Hard Drives
- High Quality Double Shielded FireWire 800 connecting cable (9-9
Pin cable)
- High Quality Double Shielded FireWire 800/400 connecting cable
(9-6 Pin cable)
- High Quality Double Shielded USB 2.0 (5 pin mini A - B)
certified connecting cable
- 110V-240V 50-60 Hz Universal Power Transformer (Not required
for all computers)
- Carrying Case
Hard drive not included.
OWC Mercury On-The-Go Oxford 924 equipped 2.5" Portable FireWire
800 (with FireWire 400 support) + USB 2.0 interface Hard Drive
Enclosure Kit for SATA Hard Drives. Carrying Case, FireWire 800,
FireWire 400, and USB 2.0 Connecting Cables Included!
(OWCMSTG800U2K) $89.99
Link: Mercury
On-the-Go
SecuriKey Professional Multiuser Edition
- Fast and Intuitive Laptop Data Protection
PR: SecuriKey, a leading provider of laptop and computer
information security solutions for data protection and user
authentication, announced today the launch of its new Multiuser
Edition.
SecuriKey
Professional Multiuser locks down laptops in groups large and
small. Multiuser fits nicely between SecuriKey's popular single
user Professional product and the larger, server-based Enterprise
Edition. Multi- User is based on SecuriKey's award winning
technology, further expanding user- friendly solutions now for
smaller work groups.
Speed of deployment, strength of protection, ease of use and
excellent cost/benefit ratios are the hallmarks of this addition to
the SecuriKey technology family. Supported platforms include
Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Windows 2003 Server and both PowerPC
and Intel-based Macs. Windows Vista support is being developed for
2007.
"Protecting mobile data has become the highest priority for
aware organizations today," said Bennett Griffin, CEO and founder
of SecuriKey. "SecuriKey Professional Multiuser solves the problem
with terrific capabilities in a compact, simple to deploy
package."
SecuriKey is an encryption-based USB security key system,
combining a password and an ignition key for the computer.
Intuitive SecuriKey requires almost no user training. SecuriKey
Professional Multiuser provides meaningful administrative control
without the IT complexities of back end infrastructure.
SecuriKey Professional Multiuser is currently shipping
worldwide. To purchase any of the SecuriKey products, call
SecuriKey at +1-800-986-6578 or visit the SecuriKey website.
Link: SecuriKey
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, iBook, and MacBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
- used 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $335
- used 15" PowerBook G4/667 VGA, 256/20/Combo, $529
- used 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $1,049
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo, APX, $719
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT 2.0,
$999
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,199
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,349
- 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, $1,799
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.
- used 15" aluminum PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, BT,
$999.99
- used 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, BT,
$1,199.99
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,169
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive,
AppleCare, $1,769
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,499
- PowerBook 12.1" G4 Aluminum 1 GHz, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB HDD, 24x
Combo Drive - $749.99
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.
