The 'Book Review

Merom and the MacBook, Apple's Original Duo Laptop, Dell Battery Woes May Impact Apple, iBook G3 SuperDrive, and More

This Week's Mac Notebook News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2006.08.18

This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News

Speculation is rampant that Merom-based MacBook Pro models are just around the corner. The Core 2 CPU should give an impressive power boost, but don't plan on installing one in an existing MacBook. Unless you're very handy with a soldering iron, there's no way to swap the Core Duo in the current MacBook and Pro models for a Merom CPU.

Dell's notebook battery recall, the largest consumer electronics recall in history, could also impact Apple, as both companies use the same supplier: Sony. Long time Mac users may recall that back in the PowerBook 5300 era, a Sony battery burst into flames on the assembly line, forcing Apple to switch to a less combustible alternative battery.

For those who have dual USB G3 iBooks, there's now a slot-loading SuperDrive upgrade available, and a new transceiver doubles wireless performance on the 17" MacBook Pro. For those who find the MacBook's glossy screen - or the screen on any recent 12" to 17" 'Book - there's a new antiglare film available.

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.

Merom & MacBooks

News & Opinion

Tech Tips and Info

Reviews

Products and Services

Software

Bargain 'Books

Merom & MacBooks

MacBook Pro to Get an Early Merom Upgrade?

The Register's Tony Smith reports:

"Apple will not only ship Core 2 Duo-based MacBook Pro notebooks next month, but also versions of its consumer-oriented MacBook fitted with Intel's latest mobile processor - and its first 64-bit laptop chip - Asian reports have claimed."

Merom-based MacBooks to Boost Orders at Asustek and Quanta

DigiTimes' Esther Lam reports:

"Sources at PC and notebook component makers indicated that Apple will launch its MacBook laptops using Intel's new 64-bit Merom CPU in September, with associated OEM makers, such as Asustek and Quanta Computer, expected to benefit from that, according to a Chinese-language Commercial Times report."

MacBooks Not Upgradable to Merom

The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady reports:

"A lot of people wanted to see a new MacBook Pro based on Intel's Core 2 Duo processor (code-name 'Merom') at WWDC, but as I've said here before, it's just too soon. The MacBook Pro (15-inch) was announced less than five months ago - on February 14th and Apple doesn't want to make all their new MBP customers obsolete with a chip upgrade that soon. Not to mention the existing inventory of MBPs they'd be sacrificing."

"The bad news is that although Merom is pin-compatible with Yonah you need a socket interface in order to upgrade to Merom. Both the MacBook and MacBook Pro have Ball Grid Array (BGA) interfaces so upgrading them to Merom is out of the question - unless you really like to solder."

News & Opinion

MacBook Among Laptop Magazine's Top 10 Back-to-School Notebooks

"Just in time for the new school year, Laptop Magazine names the best back-to-school notebooks for students for every need and budget. In an exclusive online feature on www.laptopmag.com/backtoschool , Laptop offers a comprehensive list of appropriate systems for all types of users.

"Laptop's editors hand-picked systems across multiple categories, ranging from Dell's value-priced, dual-core laptop to Apple's chic black MacBook. Whether it's for the cash-strapped, the gamer, the hipster, or the studious student, Laptop takes the guesswork out of the back-to-school shopping season.

"'Students are looking for notebooks with a sense of style and plenty of performance, but they also want to stay within a budget,' said Laptop Editor-in-Chief Mark Spoonauer. 'At the same time, they don't want the same system as everyone else, so we've handpicked several laptops that should appeal to many different types of buyers.'"

MacBookThe top ten notebooks are:

  • The Hipster: Apple MacBook ($1,599)
  • The Cash-Strapped: Dell Inspiron e1505 ($869)
  • The Style Maven: HP Pavilion dv2000t ($1,199)
  • The Lightweight: Toshiba U205 ($1,199)
  • The Studious Student: Gateway M285E ($1,449)
  • The Gamer: Alienware Area-51 5750 ($2,149)
  • The Multimedia Maestro: Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 ($2,999)
  • The Surfaholic: Dell XPS M1210 ($2,356)
  • The Trust Fund Baby: Sony VAIO VGN-AR190 ($3,499)
  • The Klutz: Fujitsu T4210 Tablet PC ($1,729)

Apple's Original Duo-Branded Laptop

The Register's Tony Smith says:

"Even as Apple appears to be preparing to adopt Intel's Core 2 Duo mobile microprocessor, let's not forget the Mac maker's earliest portable computing products with the Duo brand: the PowerBook Duo 210, 230 and 270c.

"Introduced in October 1992, the Duos were Apple's attempt to attract buyers after a notebook that not only offered solid performance but was a darn sight more portable than the feature-packed notebooks of the time. Back then, that meant ditching the integrated floppy disk drive and many of the standard Mac I/O ports, and adopting a slimline casing.

"The Duos were wonderful machines for sub-notebook fans but largely failed to win the support that notebook buyers gave to Apple's standard, fully featured PowerBooks. The 210 and 230 were killed off 12 months after launch with the arrival of the 250, which offered an active-matrix monochrome screen and more hard drive space. The following April, it too was given the chop, replaced by the 280 and 280c, the latter doing for the 270c. The 280 and 280c dropped the old 68030 CPU in favour of the faster 68LC040.

"In the summer of 1995, Apple introduced the Duo 2300c, the first PowerPC-equipped Duo. It was killed in February 1997. The following May, Apple introduced the PowerBook 2400, a sub-notebook co-designed with IBM."

MagSafe Patented to Keep Out Third Parties?

The Apple Blog's Jason Terhorst says:

"My old iBook's power adapter has been the unfortunate victim of my feline friend's wire-chewing habits, which I cannot figure out how to stop. Of course, this was after the original Apple-designed adapter was replaced with a much less expensive one. The Apple adapter suffered the very popular problem of fraying and burning from the inside out after casual use, before the cat could even get to it. The 3rd party one worked well, until furball made it lunch. I am glad that the 3rd party adapters that smalldog.com sells for iBooks and PowerBooks only cost $35, while Apple's are an outrageous price, sometimes $80!

"Apple has patented their new MagSafe design, and it's really cool, but what will this mean for 3rd party adapters?"

Dell, Apple Notebook Batteries Linked

The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady says:

"The world's largest personal computer maker, Dell Inc., announced yesterday that it would recall 4.1 million notebook computer batteries with cells made by Sony Corp. The recall is the largest in Dell's consumer electronics history....

"MacFixIt has inferred that the recalled Dell batteries could be the same Sony batteries are the same as those used by Apple in the MacBook Pro."

Agency Reviewing All Sony Laptop Batteries

eWeek's Philipp Gollner reports:

"Consumer safety officials said on Tuesday they are reviewing all Sony-made lithium-ion batteries in laptop computers for fire hazards after Dell Inc. announced the largest electronics recall in the United States.

"Dell, the No. 1 maker of personal computers, on Monday said it is recalling 4.1 million notebook batteries made by Sony Corp. because they could overheat and catch fire. A battery of the type involved in the recall was in a Dell laptop that erupted in flames in Japan earlier this year."

Tech Tips and Info

Apple Releases ExpressCard Update 1.0 for MacBook Pro

"The ExpressCard Update v1.0 resolves an issue that prevented the system from sleeping when some cards are inserted in the ExpressCard/34 slot.

"System Requirements

  • Mac OS X version 10.4.7
  • MacBook Pro

Reviews

Verizon V640 EVDO ExpressCard Reviewed

Gear Live reports:

"For anyone that has picked up a MacBook Pro, or any other laptop computer that has replaced the PCMCIA card with the newer ExpressCard format, you will be happy to hear that a couple of options have become available for getting on the Internet while on the go. New ExpressCards from both Dell and Verizon have surfaced, giving anyone with an ExpressCard slot the ability to resume their mobile tech lifestyle. We got one of the new Verizon V640 ExpressCards and have set it up and tested it, and we are here to report back with our results. Check out the full review of the WWAN V640 after the jump."

Verizon's EVDO ExpressCard for MacBook Pro: Almost Too Easy

Gearlog's Sascha Segan reports:

"This is the way things are supposed to work. I took Verizon Wireless' new V640 EVDO ExpressCard down to the Apple Store in SoHo, installed the drivers from the included CD, and popped it into a MacBook Pro. Within a few seconds, I had high-speed, go-anywhere Internet access....

"Look for my full review of the V640 card next week on PCMag.com."

Products and Services

iBook G3 Slot-Loading SuperDrive Upgrade

PR: MCE Technologies brings you the World's first slot-loading optical drive upgrade designed for the tray-loading iBook G3. Simple, inexpensive, and elegant . . . like your iBook. Priced at $129

Is your iBook G3 Tray-Loading CD Drive on its last legs or no longer offers you the performance or capabilities you want in order to take full advantage of your Digital Lifestyle? Look no further . . . MCE Technologies has made its highest performing slot-loading CD and DVD burning drive now available for the iBook G3. Replacing your iBook G3's original tray-loading drive, the MCE slot-loading drive allows you to watch DVD movies, play audio CDs, as well as burn blank CDs and blank DVDs at the highest speeds possible. Compatible with iTunes and recording at 24x to both CD-R and CD-RW media and at 8x to both DVD-R and DVD+R media the MCE 8x Internal SuperDrive upgrade actually brings the iBook G3 on par with even the fastest drives Apple offers for their Power Mac G5 towers . . . even more amazing is that the MCE 8x SuperDrive upgrade has true Double Layer and Dual Layer support which means you now have the ability to record up to 8.5 GB of data on a single side of a Double Layer or Dual Layer DVD.

Recording at 8x to both DVD-R and DVD+R media and at 4x to BOTH DVD+R DL (Double Layer) and DVD-R DL (Dual Layer), enabling you to record up to 8.5 GB of data on a single side of either a Double Layer or Dual Layer DVD, this drive eclipses every other iBook optical drive on the market today... even those by Apple. With Tiger (Mac OS 10.4), you can record to 8.5 GB Double Layer discs natively... by dragging and dropping right in the Finder!

The additional storage capacity of the DVD±R Dual/Double Layer discs enables you to record up to 4 hours of DVD-quality video or 16 hours of VHS-quality video, without the need to turn over the disc. You can now archive up to 8.5 GB of computer files on a single disc, which almost doubles the storage capacity compared with the 4.7 GB for the single-layer DVD-recordable discs currently available. Also, new, lighter components enable this drive to weigh 20% less than Apple's current optical drives . . . shaving a tenth of a pound off the overall weight of your iBook G3.

The MCE 8x Internal SuperDrive Upgrade must be installed either by MCE Technologies or one of our worldwide Authorized Upgrade Centers. Order online here only if you will be sending your computer to the MCE Service Center in Irvine, California for installation. Otherwise, contact one of our Authorized Upgrade Centers for their pricing, availability and sales terms.

MCE SuperDrive upgrade for iBook G3Features

  • 8x DVD-R and 8x DVD+R recorder
  • 6x DVD-RW and 8x DVD+RW recorder
  • 4x DVD+R DL Double Layer recorder
  • 4x DVD-R DL Dual Layer recorder
  • Convenient slot-loading mechanism
  • 2 MB Cache Buffer
  • Buffer underrun protection
  • Bootable
  • Compatible with iTunes, iPhoto, Disc Burner and Apple DVD Player

Compatible with All iBook G3 (Tray-Loading/Dual USB) Systems

The New MCE 8x Internal SuperDrive Upgrade is compatible with the 12" and 14" Apple iBook G3.

Double/Dual Layer Technology

The Double/Dual Layer DVD±R system uses two thin embedded organic dye films for data storage separated by a spacer layer (see figure). Heating with a focused laser beam irreversibly modifies the physical and chemical structure of each layer such that the modified areas have different optical properties to those of their unmodified surroundings. This causes a variation in reflectivity as the disc rotates to provide a read-out signal as with commercially pressed read-only discs. Did you get all that?? It just means that there are two recording layers inside the DVD instead of just one... two layers means twice the recording capacity! Now wasn't that easier?

Onboard Liquid Crystal Tilt/Thickness Compensator

Not every disc is created equal. The MCE 8x SuperDrive Upgrade for iBook G3 implements an onboard liquid crystal tilt/thickness compensator... the first time ever in a portable form factor. This cutting edge technology provides accurate, reliable read and write performance with a variety of disc characteristics, even with irregularly curved or thick / thin media. This technology is also effective in recording DVD+R double layer media.

Specifications

  • DVD DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL
  • CD CD-R 700(type 80), 650 MB(type 74), CD-RW, Ultraspeed CD-RW, Highspeed CD-RW

Read Support

  • DVD DVD-ROM, DVD-video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW & DVD+R DL, DVD-RAM
  • CD CD-ROM(Mode 1&2), CD-ROM XA, CD-DA, Video CD, PhotoCD, CD EXTRA, CD-Text, CD-R, CD-RW

Write Speed

  • DVD-R 8x
  • DVD-RW 6x
  • DVD+R 8x
  • DVD+RW 8x
  • DVD-R DL 4x
  • DVD+R DL 4x
  • CD-R 24x
  • CD-RW 24x

Read Speed

  • DVD Max 8x CAV
  • CD-ROM Max 24x CAV

Data Buffer (size) 2 MB

Dimensions (W x H x D) 128mm x 12.7mm x 129mm

Weight 180g

*Supported Media:

  • DVD-R (Version 2.0 for General), 4x speed DVD-R, 8x speed DVD-R
  • DVD-RW (Version 1.0, 1.1, 1.2), 2x speed DVD-RW, 6x speed DVD-RW
  • DVD+R, 4x speed DVD+R, 8x speed DVD+R,
  • DVD+RW, 8x speed DVD+RW
  • DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL
  • CD-R, Multi-Speed CD-RW, High-Speed CD-RW, Ultra-Speed CD-RW, Ultra-Speed+ CD-RW

Media is manufactured with different levels of quality. Please note this product does not guarantee writing at write speeds specified on media.

System Requirements: iBook G3 running Mac OS 9.2, 10.2, 10.3, or Mac OS 10.4 (or later)

Wrist Rug & Track Pad Film Set for MacBook, MacBook Pro

PR: This Wrist Rug is specially designed for Apple's MacBook Pro. With comfort and stylish design in mind, our palm rest protector will shield your hands from the hard metallic palm rest of the MacBook Pro

Wrist RugThis Wrist Rug is specially designed for Apple's MacBook Pro. With comfort and stylish design in mind, our palm rest protector will shield your hands from the hard metallic palm rest of the MacBook Pro. By using the best material possible, your laptop will be more comfortable than ever. Long work sessions will be less strenuous. The suede like feel provides a luxurious comfort. In addition, the Wrist Rug also gives a stylish and more attractive look to your MacBook Pro. Thanks to our unique adhesive, the Wrist Rug will not leave any residue when it is removed.

How to apply your Wrist Rug

Wipe off any dust, dirt, and/or oil from the surface of the palm rest before installation. Properly align the Writs Rug to your laptop and peel off the paper backing and place (do not press) it on the palm rest. Next, gently apply pressure with your finger starting at one end to the other in order to allow air bubbles to escape from beneath your Wrist Rug.

Removing your Wrist Rug

On a flat surface, anchor down your MacBook Pro with one hand. Using the other hand, slowly peel off the Wrist Rug from one corner to another.

Trackpad FilmThe Track Pad Film

Specially designed to protect your MacBook Pro's track pad from dirt, dust, and finger oils, Power Support's Track Pad Film ensures both protection and precision. The surface of the Track Pad Film is smooth and never gets sticky allowing your finger to glide effortlessly across the track pad. The film is made of a special polymer and features a adhesive that eliminates unwanted residue when it is removed. It will help to keep your track pad like new for years.

How to remove your Track Pad Film.

Apply an adhesive tape to the corner of the Track Pad Film. Slowly and steadily peel the film back.

After installation of your Wrist Rug you may need to apply extra pressure on the display lid while closing it. This is normal and will not damage or harm your computer. However if you are uncomfortable with applying the extra pressure, you can cute the right or left edge of the wrist rug 10mm (0.4 inches) and the edge further from the keyboard by 15mm (0.6 inches) to avoid the overlap with the LCD screen frame.

To clean dust and dirt, you can also remove and reapply your Wrist Rug as many times need be. If your Track Pad Film gets air bubbles or dust beneath it, carefully peel the film off the track pad and use adhesive tape to remove the dust particles then reapply. The Track Pad Film can be peeled off and reapplied as many times necessary.

  • PWR-34 Wrist Rug & Track Pad Film Set for new Mac Book 13" - black $19.95
  • PWR-31 Wrist Rug & Track Pad Film Set for new Mac Book 13" - white $19.95
  • PWR-12 Wrist Rug & Track Pad Film Set for new Mac Book Pro 15" - metallic $24.95
  • PWR-22 Wrist Rug & Track Pad Film Set for new Mac Book Pro 17"- metallic $24.95

Antiglare Film for Apple's 'Books

PR: Antiglare film is made from absorbing liquid crystal filter that reduces the glare from fluorescent and sunlight to allow easy viewing. The special antiglare film not only reduces the ultraviolet radiation emitted from the monitor by 70%, reducing the burden on your eyes, but controls the deterioration of your liquid crystal monitor by blocking out ultraviolet light and protects it from scratching and dirt.

Antiglare FilmThe antiglare film is made from a material that does not require tape to apply to the monitor so all you need to do is place over your display.

Installation instructions

  1. Please clean monitor before applying film.
  2. Please peel off protective backing off film and place the top corner in position and use a soft object and lightly press to to apply entire film

Care instructions

  • If there is dust on the back of the film (the part that touches the monitor surface), use Scotch™ tape to gently dab at and remove the foreign object.
  • To clean film, use a gentle household detergent and lukewarm water. Wash gently, then wipe the Film down with a wet soft cloth and allow to air dry in a dust free area.
  • Do not use glass cleaner to wipe the film, as this could leave scratch marks.

Prices

  • PEF-15 for MacBook Pro 15", $35
  • PEF-17 for MacBook Pro 17", $40
  • PEF-33 for MacBook Pro 13" (black and white), $30
  • EF-12 for PowerBook G4 & iBook 12" $24
  • EF-26 for PowerBook G4 15" (aluminium & titanium) $30
  • EF-17 for PowerBook 17" & iMac 17" $33
  • EF-14 for iBook 14" $30
  • EF-15 for iMac 15" $30

Keyboard Shield for MacBook

PR: Macessity has announced a new line of silicone keyboard protectors for MacBook and MacBook Pro. Available in frosted clear at this time, the Keyboard Shield for MacBook is a unique product designed to cover most of the keyboard half of the laptop including the palm rest and mouse click area. The Keyboard Shield for MacBook Pro covers just the keyboard part. The company is shipping two models today, both are priced at $19.99.

Keyboard ShieldKeeps dirt, food, liquid and other junk out.

Your precious MacBook's keyboard can be very delicate, and may not be able to tolerate your clumsiness or any foreign materials. This shield will help to keep your MacBook clicking.

Leaves keyboard keys visible.

MacBook Keyboard Shield is providing a clear frosted protection on the top of your keyboard. It never gets in your way or your vision.

Extend to palm rest for more protection.

Covering almost all of the MacBook's most vulnerable area, this unique design that extends protection to your MacBook all the way to the palm rest and mouse click.

Soft and smooth to the touch.

Soft and smooth protection that you can feel and appreciate every time you use your MacBook.

Price: $19.99

Marware Protection Pack for MacBook

PR: Protection Pack includes two great products to preserve your investment. A removable hand rest protects your MacBook from scratches while adding a layer of cushioning for maximum comfort. The keyboard cover protects the screen against dirt and oil build-up, and also doubles as a screen cleaner.

Marware Protection PackFeatures:

Hand Rest features:

  • Soft PVC leather
  • Custom fitted for MacBook
  • Protects against scratches to the MacBook surface
  • Provides comfort when typing
  • Leaves no residue when removed
  • Features restickable adhesive for easy application

Keyboard Cover features:

  • Soft microfiber
  • Covers keys when MacBook is closed to prevent transfer of oil and dirt
  • Can be used to clean MacBook's screen
  • Washable
  • Reversible

Colors: Black / White

New Transceiver for 17" MacBook Pro Doubles Wireless Performance

PR: MacBook Pro 17" users can now enjoy up to a 100% improvement in wireless signal strength and distance using the new MacBook Pro 17 Transceiver from QuickerTek, Inc. This new Transceiver is fully compatible with all common 802.11b/g wireless networking hardware including Apple AirPort and AirPort Express Base Stations. The MacBook Pro 17 Transceiver is available from QuickerTek dealers for a suggested retail price of $200 .

transceiverA Transceiver only appeals to those who need between 50% and 100% better wireless performance and want to use their 17" MacBook Pro up to twice as far away from the AirPort Base Station or other wireless access point. Not only is the range improved, but also you can expect the see full signal strength and throughput. This new Transceiver offers 500 miiliwatts of RF power which is ten times the power found in most laptops.

The 17" MacBook Pro remains very easy to use when outfitted with the Transceiver. There are no drivers or other changes to the normal wireless connection procedure. The internal antenna and Bluetooth still work - in other words you're not required to reconfigure or disconnect anything to enjoy the dramatically better wireless performance. The antenna end of the Transceiver easily clips onto the top of the case without Velcro and won't mar the finish or alter the case in any way.

You also can connect to any popular wireless networking hardware including access points from Linksys, Belkin, D-link and of course, Apple AirPort and AirPort Extreme Base Stations. That means just about any 802.11b or 802.11g networks are within the wireless power of your new Transceiver.

The MacBook Pro 17 Transceiver attaches internally and a fine cable extends out of the case to the external antenna. This cable exits through the AirPort Express port on your 17" MacBook Pro.

Like most QuickerTek products, the 17" MacBook Pro Transceiver backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Additional product information is found at:

Software

PowerBlinken: Use Your PowerBook or MacBook Pro as a Lightshow

PR: PowerBlinken is a small and incredibly useless Mac OS X application that allows you to use your PowerBook or MacBook Pro as some sort of lightshow. It allows you to set transition, fading and blinking intervals on your PowerBook's backlit keyboard and LCD display. It requires a PowerBook or MacBook Pro to function correctly.

PowerBlinken is a small and incredibly useless Mac OS X application that allows you to use your PowerBook as some sort of lightshow. It allows you to set transition, fading and blinking intervals on your PowerBook's backlit keyboard and LCD display. It requires a PowerBook or MacBook Pro to function correctly.

The backlit keyboard is controlled with the controls within the "BlinkenKey" box, while the LCD is controlled via the controls in the "BlinkenScreen". The "Synchronize" button can be checked to have both the backlit keyboard and screen blink in sync. The gray bars on each side of the window measure the light levels detected by the left and right light sensors on PowerBooks.

This program is based on Amit Singh's sample code, which I found at the following URL: http://osxbook.com/book/bonus/chapter10/light/

System requirements:

  • Mac OS X 10.4 or later
  • PowerBook or MacBook Pro

System support: PPC/Intel

Freeware/donationware

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.

ExperCom

  • used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, BT, $549
  • used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, APX, BT, $599
  • used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 640/40/Combo, APX, BT, $649
  • used 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/SuperDrive, APX, BT, $799
  • used 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT, $899
  • used 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 256/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT, Scratch/Dent, $899
  • used 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT, Scratch/Dent, $899

TechRestore

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 12" iBook G3/800 256/30/CD, $379.99
  • used 12" iBook G3/700 256/20/Combo, $449.99
  • used 12" iBook G3/800 256/30/Combo, $469.99
  • used 12" iBook G3/900 256/30/Combo, $479.99
  • used 12" iBook G4/800 256/30/Combo, $579.99

Baucom Computers

  • used PowerBook Kanga G3/250, 160/5/CD, floppy, $119
  • used 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $335 (add AirPort for $99)
  • used 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $1,049 (add AirPort for $95, add 512 MB for $89)

Apple Store

  • 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

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.

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