Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.09.08
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
Last week Apple's battery recall,
impacting 1.1-1.8 million 'Book users, was our lead story, and
reports of MacBooks randomly shutting down were just making their
way onto the Web. This week, it's our top story. Apple's official
advice: Call AppleCare.
Jason O'Grady takes a look inside an old iBook battery and finds
AA Li-Ion cells - see Inside Your
Notebook's Battery: Ordinary AA Li-Ion Cells for more on that
subject. Logitech's Revolution laptop mouse has yet another
positive review, and MacMice now has Danger Mouse available in
black. Put that next to your black MacBook, Pismo, or Lombard!
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
MacBook Random Shutdown
News & Opinion
Reviews
Products and Services
Software
MacBook Random Shutdown
Website Confirms MacBook Shutdown Issues
eWeek's Scott Ferguson writes:
"If your MacBook shuts down without warning, a new Web site says
that you may not be alone.
"The site, macbookrandomshutdown.com,
is dedicated to the random shutdown problems encountered by the
owner of a 2 GHz MacBook purchased in the summer of
2006."
Link: New Site
Confirms MacBook Shutdown Issues
Random Shutdowns Caused by a Short
Circuit?
Guardian Unlimited's Charles Arthur says:
"Apple owners have been complaining (my, they're complaining)
about random shutdowns of the new Intel-based MacBooks.
"Now, a German article . . . suggests that it's
because a cable to the heat sensor comes into contact with the
processor's heat sink, melting the insulation and causing a short
circuit - leading to a shutdown. Let the heat sink cool, and it
doesn't touch the cable, and you can boot up. Get too hot
and...."
Link:
Are MacBook Random Shutdowns Caused by a Short Circuit?
MacBook Random Shutdown Syndrome Isolated
PowerPage's Jason O'Grady reports:
"Chris Price has found an update on MacBook Random Shutdown
Syndrome (RSS). Apple has isolated it to a design flaw in the
heatsink. He called Apple and asked why his MacBook repair was 'on
hold' and they said that they were waiting for one part, a
heatsink."
Link:
MacBook Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS) Isolated
Apple: MacBook Shuts Down Intermittently
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If your MacBook is shutting down intermittently, please contact
AppleCare for
service. "
Short and sweet.
Link: MacBook:
Shuts Down Intermittently
News & Opinion
Anatomy of a Notebook Battery
The Apple Core's Jason O'Grady
reports:
"Ever wonder what's inside your Apple battery pack? It turns out
that they're not that complicated inside, but it's amazing how much
power these little cluster of cells can hold.
"I took an iBook G3 (dual USB)
battery apart on the advice of Coconut Battery which told me that
after 496 load cycles, this battery had seen better days."
Link:
The Apple Core: Anatomy of an Apple Battery
MacBook Q&A
MobileTechReview.com says:
"Instead of writing out a full-blown review, I thought it would
be nice to take a look at the new Apple MacBook in a question and
answer type article. Please keep in mind that most of the answers
below are based on the 13" MacBook laptop right out of the box, but
I did answer a few questions based on the upgrades I made to it as
well.
- "How does the MacBook look?"
- "What about that crazy looking keyboard?"
- "Is the iSight camera functional or just another gimmick?"
- "Is the trackpad button really mushy and non-responsive?"
- "Will the MacBook carry on the Apple tradition of frying my
lap?"
- "Why does the white MacBook only have a 60 GB hard drive?"
- "Is the glossy screen a hit or miss?"
- "Does the MagSafe power cord have a habit of just coming
loose?"
- "Now that the lid latch is gone, will my laptop lid constantly
be flying open?"
- "How is the battery life on the MacBook?"
- "Is the MacBook fast?"
- "Will my Intel MacBook run older PowerPC programs?"
- "What can I do to make my MacBook perform even better than it
already does?"
- "How difficult is it to add RAM and change out the hard
drive?"
- "If I already have an iBook or PowerBook G4 is it really worth
upgrading to a MacBook?"
Link:
Apple MacBook - Question and Answer
Reviews
Logitech VX Revolution 'Freewheeling' Cordless
Laptop Mouse
The Register's Lars-Göran Nilsson
reports:
"If you're an avid laptop user, you'll know how clumsy most
notebook touchpads and thumbsticks are and that you really can't go
wrong with a good mouse. Enter the VX Revolution, Logitech's latest
laptop-friendly input device. But this time there's more on off
than just a fancy new design: specifically, the mouse maker's new
MicroGear high-precision, low-resistance scrollwheel....
"So far the biggest improvement anyone's made to a mouse's
scrollwheel was to allow it to scroll sideways by rocking it left
or right. You can still do this with the MicroGear scrollwheel, but
the big thing here is that you can switch it from the normal,
'geared' mode - which is the way all other scrollwheels work - to a
truly free-wheeling style. With a flick of the finger, the
scrollwheel spins freely for up to seven seconds depending on how
hard you spin it. The result is much faster page scrolls. To switch
modes you have to slide a switch at the bottom of the mouse and
this can be a little bit tricky if you don't a suitable prong to
hand."
Link:
Logitech VX Revolution 'Freewheeling' Cordless Mouse
Products and Services
Black Danger Mouse Announced
PR: MacMice announces a
new matte black version of its flagship product, the Danger Mouse
USB laser mouse.
"Since Apple released its black iPod models, and then a black
version of the MacBook, more of
our customers have been asking for black versions of our MacMice
products," says M.H. Peng, CEO of AllSpirit Co., Ltd., manufacturer
of MacMice products, "The obvious place for us to start was to
create a version of our industry leading Danger Mouse to nicely
match the matte black finish of the MacBook."
The Danger Mouse BLK has a matte black outer shell with two
button, scroll button, and scroll wheel functions. Its 1,600 dpi
laser pickup mechanism provides superior tracking performance on
difficult surfaces. And, it's notchless MicroScroll mini scroll
wheel gives an impressive sense of precision. It has a five-foot
black USB cable, and is compatible with the standard mouse drivers
included in either Mac OS X or Win XP systems.
Danger Mouse BLK is available from the MacMice web site or any
MacMice retailer worldwide for $29.99, and will begin shipping on
September 14, 2006.
Editor's note: This should also complement those old black G3
PowerBooks, Lombard and Pismo. dk
Link: Danger Mouse
BLK
Portectorz with MagSeal for MacBooks
PR: RadTech, makers of iPod and mobile computing
accessories and more, today announced immediate availability of
Portectorz for Apple Computer's Intel processor based
notebooks.
RadTech
Portectorz provide positive protection for an electronic device's
power, audio, video and data ports. Ports are positively protected
from foreign objects, debris and liquids when fitted with
custom-molded Portectorz. Constructed from high-polymer Silicone to
eliminate tackiness and uni-die molded for a smooth, mold-line free
appearance that can endure thousands of insertion and removal
cycles.
Portectorz are molded to exacting specifications to ensure a
perfectly sealed and secure fit, and now features MagSeal for
positively sealing Apple Computer's innovative breakaway magnetic
power port. MagSeal consists of an embedded metallic insert, which
draws the Silicone seal into the shallow MagSafe power port.
Portectorz low-profile design
ensures compatibility with all sleeves, bags, cases and packs. Use
the entire Portectorz panel, or easily custom cut the strip to
create protection for any of the ports or combinations desired -
such as those used infrequently. MacBook Portectorz are now
available in black to match this popular notebook's case color.
Portectorz provide the protection and flexibility active users
need to stay productive, while affording sensible insurance against
potentially costly component damage.
Portectorz start at $5.95 US, and are available for all recent
Apple notebooks with displays measuring up to 15.4", all Apple
docking iPods and Apple Airport Express WiFi transceivers.
Portectorz for Apple 17" notebooks coming soon.
Link: Portectorz with
MagSeal for MacBooks
Get a MacBook Pro Handle for $25 with a
QuickerTek Connect or Transceiver
PR: QuickerTek is now offering special $25 Off product
bundle for Apple MacBook Pro Transceiver and Connect customers.
When either of these products are purchased, a carry Handle is
available for only $25 (half off the regular price) for Apple
15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro customers.
"Our customers have had such success with both our Connect
and Transceiver line of Mac wireless performance products that it
just made sense to reward customers with a price deal. The huge
AirPort wireless improvement our MacBook Pro customers get from
both products made the Handle that much more relevant because with
a larger wireless range, you're more likely to take the MacBook Pro
mobile - and that's where the Handle makes obvious sense." said
Rick Estes of QuickerTek.
Like most QuickerTek products, the Handle, Connect and
Transceiver for all sizes of MacBook Pro models are backed with a
one-year warranty on parts and labor. Additional product
information is found:
Free Sprint Merlin S720 EVDO Support for
PowerBook
PR: EVDOinfo.com, the leading EVDO (EVolution-Data
Optimized) wireless connectivity experts who focus on getting your
Mac connected from anywhere using EVDO, announced today that they
are releasing free directions to allow Sprint's newly announced
Merlin S720 EVDO Revision A PCMCIA Card to work with 15" or 17"
Apple PowerBooks.
EVDOinfo.com has a history of releasing free information to
allow EVDO cards to work with Macs, well before Apple or EVDO
carriers add driver support. Last week Sprint was the first carrier
to deliver EVDO Revision A Cards. Unfortunately, these cards are
not currently supported by Apple's Mac OS X 10.4.7, nor does
Sprint provide software or drivers for Mac OS X.
EVDOinfo.com is releasing free directions to allow any 15" or
17" PowerBook running OS X 10.4.7 to use the new Merlin S720
EVDO Rev A card. These directions require some technical knowledge
and familiarity with the Terminal application. A detailed,
step-by-step keystroke-by-keystroke eBook is included when ordering
your Merlin S720 EVDO card and Sprint service from EVDOinfo's
sister site, Booster-Antenna.com.
Link:
PowerBook Sprint Merlin S720 Directions
Software
CoreDuoTemp
PR: Monitor the temperature of your Intel Macintosh
with CoreDuoTemp.
CoreDuoTemp uses SpeedIt.
New in version 1.0:
- CoreDuoTemp become a menubar application .
New in version 0.91:
- Correction of bugs: window position, space folder location
(installer and application).
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4.6
- iMac 2006, Mac mini 2006, MacBook Pro, or MacBook
Now
the CoreDuoTemp Widget
System support: Intel
Free
Link: CoreDuoTemp
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.
14" WallStreet PowerBook G3 Series
- 233 MHz, 64/2/floppy, battery, power adapter/charger,
$199.99
- 233 MHz, 64/2/CD, battery, power adapter/charger, $219.99
- 266 MHz, 288/2/CD, battery, power adapter/charger, $259.99
- 266 MHz, 256/10/CD, battery, power adapter/charger,
$289.99
- 266 MHz, 256/25/CD, battery, power adapter/charger,
$299.99
- upgraded to 400 MHz, 256/20/CD, battery, power adapter/charger,
$399.99
- upgraded to 500 MHz, 160/2/CD, battery, power adapter/charger,
$419.99
Upgrade options, valid only with purchase of Wallstreet:
- 10 GB hard drive, $39.99 installed
- 25 GB 5400 rpm hard drive, $59.99 installed
- 40 B hard drive, $69.99 installed
- 1.44 MB expansion bay floppy drive, $9.99
- CD-ROM module, $29.99
- DVD-ROM module (decoding card not included - required for DVD
Playback), $89.99
- DVD Decoder Card (enables DVD playback). Special order - allow
4 days for shipping, $89.99
- OS X compatible USB adapter PC Card, $29.99
- Add a Targus laptop bag with a lifetime warranty. Bag is in
excellent condition - these could pass as new, 1¢
- ClarisWorks 4.0 Internet Edition, $5.99
- Upgrade to 96 MB total RAM, $19 installed
- Upgrade to 160 MB total RAM, $29 installed
- Upgrade to 288 MB total RAM, $69 installed
- Upgrade to 384 MB total RAM, $59.50 installed
- Upgrade to 512 MB total RAM, $89.99 installed
- 1 year extended limited warranty, $99.99
Note: these WallStreets are all upgradeable to G3/500 for less
than $250 or to a G4/500 for around $400!
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.
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $679.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,399.99
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo, APX, $719
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$799
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,799
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/120/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,899
- PowerBook "Kanga" G3/250, 160/5/CD, floppy, $119
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $325 (add Airport for $99)
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
