Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.08.25
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
This week's biggest news is Apple's battery recall, which
covers 1.1 to 1.8 million 12" iBook G4, 12" PowerBook G4, and
15" PowerBook G4 batteries. And the next most important has
to do with Apple's solution to MacBook overheating, which is
to patch the notebook's firmware so that the fan is always
running.
In other news, Apple's built-in AirPort Express hardware
and OS X's WiFi drivers have been exonerated in the widely
publicized MacBook WiFi hack. All indications point to
misunderstandings, shoddy research, and second rate reporting.
Apple takes home an A for tech support from Laptop, Newer Tech
has 50% longer batteries for 12" G3 and G4 iBooks, and the
Lapinator is a notebook support designed to keep the 'Book's
heat away from the user.
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.
Apple Battery Recall
MacBook Cooling Fix
News & Opinion
Products and Services
Software
Apple Battery Recall
Burning Batteries: After Dell, Apple?
Hardmac's Yoc reports:
"As you might have heard on the news, Dell has decided to recall
4.1 million laptop batteries following a series of impressive
accidents. Here's some more information: Sony has reportedly been
introducing some kind of metal crap during the manufacturing
process of its batteries, and is therefore to be blamed for these
fires and explosions. All the batteries sold between 1st April 2004
and 18 July 2006 are therefore likely to short-circuit."
Link: Burning Batteries:
After Dell, Apple?
Sony Laptop Batteries under Investigation
Bloomberg reports:
"All Sony Corp. batteries made for laptop computers are being
reviewed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission after Dell
Inc. this week recalled 4.1 million units that may burst into
flames.
"The commission is in discussions with Sony, said Scott Wolfson,
a spokesman for the organization that investigates products which
may put consumers at risk....
"Apple Computer Inc., maker of the Macintosh computer, is
investigating whether the recall affects current or previous
models, Lynn Fox, a spokeswoman at the Cupertino, California- based
company, said today."
Link:
Sony Laptop Batteries under Investigation by U.S.
Apple Recalls 1 Million Plus iBook G4 and
PowerBook G4 Batteries
PR: Apple has determined that certain lithium-ion
batteries containing cells manufactured by Sony Corporation of
Japan pose a safety risk that may result in overheating under rare
circumstances.
The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003
through August 2006 for use with the following notebook computers:
12" iBook G4, 12" PowerBook G4, and 15" PowerBook G4.
Apple is voluntarily recalling the affected batteries and has
initiated a worldwide exchange program to provide eligible
customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge. This
program is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other international safety
authorities.
Identifying Your Battery
Please use the chart below to identify the battery model and
serial numbers that apply to your iBook or PowerBook. If the first
5 digits of your battery's 12-digit serial number fall within the
noted ranges, please order a replacement battery immediately.
To view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of
the battery, you must remove the battery from the computer. The
battery serial number is printed in black or dark grey lettering
beneath a barcode. See photos below.
|
Computer model
|
Battery model number
|
Serial number range
|
|
A1061
|
ZZ338 - ZZ427
3K429 - 3K611
6C519 - 6C552
|
|
A1079
|
ZZ411 - ZZ427
3K428 - 3K611
|
|
A1078 and A1148
|
3K425 - 3K601
6N530 - 6N551
6N601
|
Note: After removing the recalled battery from the iBook
or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the
computer until a replacement battery arrives.
If you participated in a previous battery recall for any of
these computer models or recently purchased or received from Apple
an extra battery for an iBook G3, please check your battery serial
number in case you received a replacement battery that is affected
by this program.
National and regional resellers, catalogers, and Apple's on-line
and retail stores sold the computers with the batteries from
October 2003 through August 2006. These batteries were also sold
separately and may have been supplied as service replacement
units.
The Exchange Process
To begin the battery exchange process, you will be asked for the
serial number of your iBook G4 or PowerBook G4, the serial number
of your battery and a shipping address.
Customers in Australia and Asia (excluding Japan) should contact
their local Apple Authorized Service Provider to obtain a
replacement battery.
After serial number verification, a new battery will be shipped
to you, free of charge. When you receive the replacement battery,
please use the same shipping packaging and included prepaid
shipping label to return the recalled battery to Apple for proper
disposal.
Note: If your battery serial number does not match any of
the ranges listed above, you do not have to exchange your
battery.
Link: Battery
Exchange Program iBook G4 and PowerBook G4
Feds Clear Some Apple MacBook Pro Batteries of
Safety Defects
CRN's Edward F. Moltzen reports:
"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reviewed
substandard batteries for Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro notebooks but
determined they didn't pose any safety threat, a commission
spokesman told CRN Wednesday.
"Apple has voluntarily launched an exchange program for
batteries sold in some 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops, but the
Cupertino, Calif., company said on its support Web site that it was
doing so only because it discovered the batteries 'do not meet our
high standards for battery performance.'"
Link: Feds
Clear Some Apple MacBook Pro Batteries of Safety Defects
MacBook Cooling Fix
MacBook SMC Firmware Update Released
PR: The MacBook SMC Firmware Update adjusts fan behavior
in the MacBook.
The SMC Firmware Update adjusts fan behavior in the MacBook.
After this update has completed successfully, your SMC Version
will be: 1.4f10.
The updater application will be installed in the
/Applications/Utilities folder.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X
- Version 10.4.7
- MacBook
Link: MacBook SMC Firmware Update Released
Apple Fixes Overheating MacBooks by Always
Running Fans
TechWeb Technology News's Gregg Keizer reports:
"Apple on Thursday issued a firmware update for its entry-level
MacBook notebooks to adjust 'fan
behavior.' And it wasn't talking about Apple users.
"The firmware update, which can be downloaded from the
Cupertino, Calif. company's support site, is in response to ongoing
customer complaints about overheated and/or noisy MacBooks, the
newest model in the Intel-based portable line....
"According to users commenting on Apple's own discussion groups,
the MacBook firmware update makes a notebook's fans run
continuously, albeit at a low speed. When necessary, the fans will
speed up to move more air through the case.
"Some didn't care for the change."
Link:
Apple Fixes Overheated MacBooks by Always Running Fans
Apple Changes MacBook 'Fan Behaviour'
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Apple has posted a firmware update for its MacBook
consumer-oriented laptops, the latest in a series of 'fan
behaviour' adjustments made to the company's Intel-based computers.
The patch adjusts the machine's System Management Controller (SMC),
a device that monitors and manages Intel-based Macs' power-related
functions."
Link:
Apple Patches MacBook 'Fan Behaviour'
News & Opinion
Apple's AirPort Express Exonerated in WiFi
Hack
IT News Australia's Stan Beer reports:
"The company employing two security specialists who caused a
sensation in early August at the Black Hat security conference in
Las Vegas when they demonstrated how to hack an Apple MacBook wirelessly has been forced to eat
humble pie. It turns out that the two hackers did not use the
native MacBook wireless driver in their hacking demonstration."
"The demo was akin to loading Windows XP on a Macintosh,
exploiting unpatched vulnerability MS0-060, then saying that this
was a demonstration of how a Mac could be hacked."
Link: MacBook Wireless
Driver Exonerated in Wi-Fi Hack
Mountain MacBook: RIP?
My Mac's John H Farr says:
"The article description says it all. My beautiful new MacBook essentially died after about six
weeks of heavy use, and now it's on its way to Small Dog to see
what their tech department has to say.
"But imagine my surprise this a.m. when I saw that Marc Zeedar
has precisely the same problems with his own MacBook (read
the full MacOpinion post). His article sounds like I wrote it.
How utterly uncanny. That means my MacBook wasn't the only one,
obviously, and since the symptoms absolutely match my own, Apple
has a problem."
Editor's note: Marc ended up happy with Apple's warranty service
and a new MacBook - see part
2 of his article series. I hope John (former Applelinks News
Editor) fares as well. cm
Link: Mountain
MacBook: RIP?
Apple Tops in Tech Support
"When something goes wrong, who delivers the best service?
Whether it is insufferably long hold times, by-the-script
technicians, language barriers, or transfers between untrained
reps, the inability to find a quick fix can add to your
frustration. Laptop went undercover to assess just how good or bad
the tech support of the major laptop vendors is, and to see how
well and swiftly each was able to solve our problems.
"We tested the phone and online tech support of each of the
following laptop vendors: Acer, Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP,
Lenovo, Sony, and Toshiba (in alphabetical order). We then graded
each vendor based upon the availability of information and the ease
with which it was located. Phone grades were based upon wait times,
the quality of service, and a positive resolution of the problem.
Of the nine vendors tested, two received the Laptop Editors' Choice
Award for excellence in tech support."
Apple and Lenovo both earned top marks. dk
Link: Tech
Support Showdown
MacBook Discoloration Solved (via
Peeling)
PowerPage Contributor Tim Nevits reports:
"I thought you might find this interesting. I bought my MacBook the day they came out at the San
Francisco Apple store. I've had major discoloration with it (partly
because my work environment is so dusty).
"I was going to take it to the Apple Store (as noted they will
replace or do whatever with the plastic). Then, today, I looked at
the dirty edge of my MacBook, and it was - for lack of a better
word - fraying. With a little nudging, the 'surface' of my dingy
MacBook began to peel away, revealing a beautiful white plastic
underneath."
Link: MacBook Discoloration
Solved (via Peeling)
Foxconn Seeks to Become Third MacBook
Manufacturer
DigiTimes' Rodney Chan reports:
"Apple Computer is said to be looking for a third contract
manufacturer in Taiwan for its MacBooks, with Foxconn Electronics
(the registered trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry) standing
a good chance of becoming the new partner, according to the
Chinese-language Economic Daily News (EDN)."
Link: Foxconn
Seeking to Become Apple Notebook Manufacturer (subscription
required)
Products and Services
Up to 50% Longer Battery Life for 12"
iBook G3/G4
PR: Listen to more music, watch more videos, get more
work done with more run time between recharges. NuPower Batteries
by NewerTech, better than the your other battery - when it was
new!
Compatibility:
For the Longest Runtimes Ever
Longer battery life from top quality lithium-ion cells
Less worry, no hurry with longer unplugged time
- NuPower 45.5 Watt-Hour Battery, $99.95
- NuPower 55.5 Watt-Hour Battery, $129.99
Link: NuPower
Batteries for 12" iBook G3/G4
Lapinator Insulates User from Laptop
Heat
PR: Lapinator, Inc.'s Lapinator is a portable insulated
computer laptop desk. The Lapinator terminates the heat given off
when using laptop computers, maximizing comfort and preventing
possible injury.
The
Lapinator, an insulated support for your laptop computer, is a
portable, comfortable, lightweight, and inexpensive solution to the
heat and stability problems associated with using a laptop. And,
with dimensions of 12 x 13 x 1 inches, the Lapinator can easily be
stored in most laptop cases.
How hot does your laptop computer get? Some laptops can reach
temperatures in excess of 150 degrees, potentially creating injury
to the user. According to a widely covered news story, a Swedish
scientist burned his private parts while writing a report on his
laptop, amusing readers yet illustrating the potential dangers:
"The unnamed 50-year-old father-of-two had balanced his computer
on his lap while he wrote the report in an armchair at home, taking
about an hour to do it" The following day, he started to develop
painful blisters on his genitals, which become infected but
eventually cleared up without the need for antibiotics... the
patient had been wearing trousers and underpants." - Herald Sun
How does the
Lapinator work? Weighing in at a meager 11 ounces, the Lapinator
uses 3M's space age Thinsulate™ Insulation to block laptop
heat from reaching the user. The Lapinator employs a special
pre-compressed Thinsulate so it will never lose its insular
qualities. The Lapinator also has open cell foam rubber "legs" to
lift the entire unit three quarters of an inch off of the lap,
creating a "chimney" effect between the legs allowing the user's
body heat to quickly dissipate.
- Thinsulate™ blocks 95% of laptop Heat
- Only 11 ounces (13 x 12 x 1 inches)
- Keeps your Laptop cooler
- Comfortable and Stable
- Ergonomic - helps prevent CTS
- Slips into your laptop bag
- Use it anywhere
The Lapinator not only protects you, but it protects your
computer, too. Each Lapinator comes with two half-inch
self-adhesive rubber bumpers that can be permanently attached to
the top of the Lapinator. These bumpers lift the back of the laptop
off the Lapinator surface, creating convection currents that allow
your laptop to run cooler. These bumpers also provide a more
ergonomic angle for typing.
The Lapinator's sturdy polypropylene top provides a safe and
secure non-slip surface and the bottom of the unit consists of
durable yet comfortable crosslinked foam wrapped in a pique cloth
that will not slide off of clothes or skin. The back of the
Lapinator includes a piece of One-Wrap™ Velcro that securely
wraps the power, modem and network cords attached to many
laptops.
The Lapinator is designed to provide the highest degree of
stability for laptop use. The Lapinator can be used while waiting
in an AirPort, on the plane, commuting by train, in a car, or
sitting in your favorite easy chair at home.
Lapinator, Inc. conducted a recent test running a Dell Inspiron
8000 laptop on the Lapinator for two hours. The laptop reached a
rather warm temperature of 115 degrees. But in a 70 degree room,
the temperature between the Lapinator legs and the desk where the
Lapinator rested was a cool 73 degrees.
When a laptop runs on a desk, the wood or metal surface acts as
a "heat sink." This is never more evident than when using your
laptop in your lap. It doesn't take long to realize that your legs
also act as a heat sink. This heat conductivity creates a "hot
spot" right under your laptop that makes it much more difficult for
your laptop's cooling system to work efficiently.
The Lapinator's surface and core plastic layers are not heat
conductors. This means that laptop heat dissipates. Your laptop is
not sitting on a "hot spot" so it's cooling system works much more
efficiently. Almost all of our competing products claim that
resting your laptop on heat conductive materials is a good thing!
It isn't.
The Lapinator provides two levels of ventilation. First, in
addition to the insulation, the Lapinator delivers more airspace
between it and your laptop than any other "in your lap" product.
That space is created by two 3M self-adhesive bumpers that lift the
back of your laptop 1/2 an inch off the Lapinator's surface. The
combination of the non-conducting plastics and added air space
maximizes heat dissipation.
This ventilation is especially critical for the many laptops
whose fan vents heat directly through the bottom! One of our
customer's bottom venting Hewlett Packard laptops would simply turn
itself off when it go too hot! The Lapinator solved her
problem.
The second level of ventilation is provided by the Lapinator's
offset "legs" that lift the insulation up and off of your lap. This
space created between your lap and the Lapinator permits body heat
to dissipate keeping your lap extra cool!
The Lapinator's durable polyethylene top provides a nonskid
surface that still allows for easy laptop position changes during
use. For those laptops without their own rubber feet, or if an
extra measure of stability is desired, please use the self-adhesive
bumpers which prevent any movement. Though the Lapinator's surface
may distort a little bit during use as it dissipates the heat, it's
melting point is well over 200 degrees.
Another problem that frequently occurs during "in your lap"
laptop use is the tendency for the unit to slide towards your body.
This slippage results in a rather uncomfortable typing position.
The bottom of the Lapinator consists of a flame-laminated colorfast
pique cloth that will neither slide on nor snag your clothing. Its
also comfortable when wearing shorts.
The laptop/Lapinator combination easily slides across across a
desk or table when the need for space arises. Our customers pointed
out that during a phone call or meeting they no longer had to
stand, lift, and move their laptops.
For quick and portable storage the Lapinator's legs compress,
allowing the Lapinator to easily slip into the outside pocket of
your laptop bag. However, when weight is distributed across the
Lapinator during use, the legs will not compress.
Each Lapinator employs a 4 inch strip of One Wrap Velcro in the
center of the back of the unit. This strip will neatly and securely
contain the power, modem and network cords often attached to your
laptop at home or in the office. Through the stress of normal use,
laptop power connectors and cables can contribute to failure of the
receptacle or be damaged themselves. The Velcro strip secures your
cables and prevents this stress.
Lapinator, Inc. is committed to providing innovative and
well-designed products that help solve everyday problems. Our goal
is to ensure that every customer is completely satisfied with each
product they purchase.
- Weight: 11 ounces / 15 ounces
- Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 1 inches / 18 x 12 x 1 inches
- Color: All black
- Style: Rigid platform, flexible edges, compressible legs
- 3M logo Thinsulate Ultra™ Insulation
$24.95
Only $5.20 or $6.70 (for one Lapinator) Priority Mail shipping
anywhere in the United States and Canada!
Link: Lapinator
ProTouch Keyboard Protector for MacBook,
MacBook Pro
PR: iSkin has released a version of its ProTouch keyboard
protectors for the MacBook and MacBook Pro.
Lets face it. Hours upon hours at your computer
exposes your keyboard to an endless barrage of particles that range
from dust to food - not to mention key wear. That's why iSkin
created ProTouch keyboard protectors for MacBook and MacBook Pro.
They are specially made from a high-grade silicone that is far
beyond yesterday's plastic keyboard protectors and are precision
molded to fit over and protect each key without sacrificing the
normal typing experience. Since silicone is moisture resistant it
creates an effective barrier between you and your keyboard
protecting it and ultimately your computer from possible harm.
ProTouch is designed to maintain a clear
view of the keyboard so that you can enjoy safe typing without
sacrificing functionality.
ProTouch Keyboard Protectors work great to protect your MacBook
or MacBook Pro keyboard in just about every environment. Whether
it's at home, work or school, it does an effective job of keeping
damaging elements from entering the keyboard and causing
damage.
Millions of particles fall over your keyboard over time. iSkin's
ProTouch protectors will effectively stop these particles from ever
reaching the surface of the keyboard resulting in a longer life for
both the keyboard and the computer.
Protects against :
- Food particles
- Dust
- Hairs / Dandruff
- Sweat
- Ketchup (and similar liquids)
- Sand
- Spills
- Finger oils and dirt
- Key wear
ProTouch is made from a flexible yet durable high-grade silicone
that conforms to the contours of each key to provide a natural
typing experience. It is also coated with a slick finish so fingers
slide effortlessly during speedy typing.
ProTouch keyboard protectors are easy to install. Simply place
over the keyboard and massage into position. Its unique design
allows it to stay securely in place and may be left on at all
times.
Keeping ProTouch clean is as simple as removing and washing with
warm water and mild soap. Washing routinely also helps to prevent
the spread of germs.
- ProTouch for MacBook - $24.99
- ProTouch for MacBook Pro - $24.99
Also available for PowerBook G4 Titanium and G3/G4 iBook,
PowerBook G3 and Clam Shell iBooks.
Link: ProTouch
Keyboard Protector for MacBook, MacBook Pro
Software
SlimBatteryMonitor Now Universal
PR: SlimBatteryMonitor is a replacement power gauge for
Apple's Mac OS X that tracks both laptop batteries and many
UPS batteries. Multiple-battery systems (e.g. older PowerBooks) are
supported as well. A graphical icon shows the power remaining, and
can be accompanied by a text description (battery charge in
percent, or time remaining). Colours can indicate whether the
system is fully charged, charging or on battery.
- Takes up to 70% less space than Apple's gauge.
- Monitors laptop batteries and many UPS batteries as well.
- Select different views for when powered, charging or on
battery.
- Monitor can hide itself automatically when desired.
- Three different text display show percent full or time
remaining
- Five different shape options
Best of all, you can choose different display options for each
battery state (fully charged, charging or on battery). You may wish
to see the time remaining while on battery, for example, but show
only the icon during charging, and hide SlimBatteryMonitor entirely
when batteries are fully charged.
Agrees closely with Apple's meter, as both are producing a gauge
from the same raw data. SlimBatteryMonitor is a better choice
because it presents the same information in a much more space
efficient manner, allowing you to fit other menu bar items on the
screen as well.
SlimBatteryMonitor operates as a background application, so it
won't use up a space in your dock. It is compatible with Apple Mac
OS X 10.3 and up, and it is very easy to configure.
New in version 1.4:
- Universal binary supports both PowerPC and Intel-based
Macs
- New Horizontal shape with integrated text display
- Text-only options allow display with no graphical icon
- A few structural changes to further reduce memory usage
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
- PPC/Intel
Free
Link: SlimBatteryMonitor
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 G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, APX, scratched,
$599
- used 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, APX, $659
- used 14" iBook G3/800, 128/30/Combo, scratched, $399
- used 14" iBook G3/900, 128/40/Combo, scratched, $449
- used 14" iBook G4/933, 256/40/Combo, APX, scratched, $649
- used 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, $679
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 G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $629.99
- used 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,399.99
- used Pismo PowerBook G3/500, 256/15/DVD, $429.95
- used 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD, $299.95
- used 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $449.95
- used 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $599.95
- used 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1024/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,399.95
- used Kanga PowerBook G3/250, 160/5/CD, floppy, $119
- used 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $335 (add AirPort for
$99)
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our MacBook deals,
15" MacBook Pro deals,
17" MacBook Pro deals,
12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" and 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.
