Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.09.22
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 & Opinion
Tech Tips and Info
Products and Services
Software
News & Opinion
VirginAtlantic Travelers Must Remove Apple,
Dell Laptop Batteries
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Virgin Atlantic has become the third airline to restrict the
use of Apple and Dell laptop batteries on its flights. Passengers
who want to take their Inspirons, Lattitudes, iBooks, PowerBooks,
MacBooks or MacBook Pros onto the carrier's planes are asked to
remove the battery first.
"Like Korean Air, which recently instituted its own battery ban,
Virgin Atlantic isn't preventing such notebook owners from
operating their laptops, but it is limiting them to seat-side power
supplies. Flying coach or economy without an in-seat power supply?
Then you can't use your Apple or Dell machine."
Link:
VirginAtlantic Tells Travellers to Remove Apple, Dell Laptop
Batteries
Sony to Take on Apple's MacBook
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Sony has rolled out its latest Core Duo-based consumer-friendly
notebook, a compact unit with a footprint the size of an A4 sheet
of paper, a 15.4in widescreen display and more than a hint of the
Apple MacBook about it....
"Like the MacBook, the N10 ships in white, with a recessed,
button-like keyboard. Put 'em side by side and you might almost
think they'd been separated at birth."
Link: Sony
to Take Apple's MacBook Laptop Head On
MacBook Pro Fashionably Late to the Merom
Party
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady says:
"Almost every PC notebook vendor and their brother is hawking
Core 2 Duo powered notebooks these days and Mac-heads are starting
to get a little miffed. Understandably so.
"Didn't Apple jumped into bed with Intel because they had a
great chip pipeline and they could deliver the silicon - fast? Yes
and yes. This time Apple can't blame their inability to ship on
Intel, though. It's their own doing.
"I've previously posted that Apple will release a MacBook Pro
based on the Intel Core 2 Duo (formerly 'Merom') processor in late
October or early November and sources indicate that this is pretty
close to the mark."
Link: MacBook Pro
Arriving Fashionably Late to the Merom Party
Intel Readies Low-voltage Core 2 Duos
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Intel will ship its first Core 2 Duo-derived Celeron M budget
notebook processors in Q1 2007, Taiwanese industry sources have
claimed. At the same time, the chip giant will offer low-voltage
versions of its current 'Merom' line-up, they say."
Link:
Intel Readies Low-voltage Core 2 Duos
New Battery Tech Still Years Away
Reuters' Franklin Paul says:
"Concerns over exploding computer batteries may be heating up,
but alternative power sources for portable devices like laptops,
music players and cellphones could still be up to 10 years
away.
"Sony Corp., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., Hitachi
Ltd., Toshiba Corp., and MTI Micro Fuel Cells are among those
racing to develop fuel cells, which produce electricity from an
external supply of fuel as opposed to a battery's internal storage
capacity....
"'There is nothing in the near term that can satisfy all the
requirements that have to come from a battery, It has to be light,
small, last a long time and relatively safe,' said NPD Group
analyst Stephen Baker...."
Link:
Despite PC Drama, New Battery Tech Still Years Away
White MacBook to Receive Signatures from Tech
Stars
PR: Cambrian House Inc., a Calgary-based software company
with a unique crowdsourcing business model, announced today the
launch of their new fundraising campaign "Follow the White Laptop".
The campaign kicked off by delivering a new white MacBook to Guy
Kawasaki the former Apple evangelist, in hopes of him signing it
and sending it off to another "technology rock star".
"The goal of the campaign is to get as many signatures from
luminaries in the technology sector as possible and then auction it
off on
eBay early next year," says Michael Sikorsky, CEO of
Cambrian House. "This is a great cause that all our employees are
passionate about, and I feel it is important as a company to
sometimes step back from our everyday operations and focus some
energy to giving back to those who are less fortunate."
All proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Youth for
Technology Foundation, an international nonprofit organization that
seeks to bridge the digital canyon among disadvantaged communities
in developing countries, starting with the continent of Africa.
The company is hoping the laptop gets passed onto a diverse
range of technology entrepreneurs including people like Bill Gates
(Microsoft), Kevin Rose (Digg.com), Steve Jobs (Apple), Ze Frank
(zefrank.com), and Chris DeWolfe (MySpace). "We are very lucky to
have Guy Kawasaki kick off our campaign, and we look forward to
seeing who he sends it off to," says Sikorsky.
Tech Tips and Info
Wait for Your Apple Notebook to Fully Shut Down
Before You Close It
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If you decide to shut down your Apple portable computer rather
than putting it to sleep, be sure you allow it to shut down
completely before you close the display."
Link: Wait for
Your Apple Notebook to Fully Shut Down Before You Close the
Display
Products and Services
Glossy Screen Upgrade for 12", 15", and 17"
PowerBooks
PR: TechRestore, Inc. have announced that they have begun
offering an overnight Glossy Screen Upgrade for PowerBook G4
Systems.
PowerBook G4 owners that are scheduling an overnight screen
replacement now have the option of selecting from the standard
matte finish LCD screen or upgrading to a glossy display.
TechRestore's Overnight LCD Screen Replacement service provides a
fast and hassle-free repair method for Macintosh laptop owners that
experience a screen failure due to mechanical issues or accidental
damage. The LCD screen repair program has a 24-hour turnaround time
and flat-rate pricing that includes parts and installation at
prices starting at $449 for PowerBooks and $349 for iBooks.
"The new glossy displays offered on MacBook and MacBook Pro
systems offer rich colors and darker blacks," says Shannon Jean,
Founder and President of TechRestore. "We're thrilled to now offer
existing PowerBook G4 owners the same glossy screen experience as
current models when performing a screen repair."
The TechRestore flat-rate LCD repair service is a complete,
door-to-door overnight service for customers in the continental
U.S. Once a repair is scheduled, a RestoreBox is sent via overnight
courier to the customers home, office or school where their system
is picked up and brought back overnight to TechRestore. Within
24-hours of receipt, a new LCD screen is installed and the system
is sent back to the customer's location via overnight courier.
Customers outside the U.S. can use TechRestore's Self-Restore
service to schedule a screen repair. The Glossy Screen upgrade
option is $79 for PowerBook G4 12", 15", and 17" systems, and it is
available immediately.
Link: Glossy Screen
Upgrade for 12", 15", and 17" PowerBook G4s
The Laptop Stand
PR: The Laptop
Stand is attractive, built with strong materials, lightweight, and
affordable.
As well as mounting to any standard camera or video camera
tripod, it can be used on any flat surface. The Laptop Stand is
fully adjustable for viewing your laptop - a safe surface on which
to mount your laptop.
Available in 3
different models ( Widescreen, Standard, and Mini ) The Laptop
Stand can be packed away with your laptop in your laptop case for
portability and extra stability for your laptop. The Laptop Stand
will support virtually all models of laptops from Mac to PC.
The Laptop Stand is
strong, lightweight, sleek, and totally adjustable. Now you can
bring along The Laptop Stand wherever you go. The Laptop Stand
attaches to any video or standard camera tripod securely and
easily.
Great for business presentations, classrooms, audio video
setups, and countless other applications. The Laptop Stand also
works great for projectors, propping up books, as a writing surface
in bed, or for use on a podium. Its attractive design makes it fit
in with any decor. Bring your laptop virtually anywhere. It also
attaches to your tripod in seconds for an instant work desk for
your laptop. Use it at the airport, in the office for additional
space, or even take it to the park.
The Laptop Stand can match you. Colors available are standard
Clear, Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Black, and White. Custom colors
can also be ordered.
Features:
- The Laptop Stand can be attached to any video or standard
camera tripod for diverse applications.
- The Laptop Stand is attractive, built with strong materials,
lightweight, and affordable.
- The Laptop Stand is built in the USA.
- The Laptop Stand is fully adjustable for viewing your
laptop.
- The Laptop Stand is a safe surface to mount your laptop.
- The Laptop Stand can be packed with your laptop in your laptop
case for portability and extra stability for your laptop.
- The Laptop Stand will support virtually all models of laptops
from Mac to PC.
Add a tripod to your order to create a full kit.
- The Laptop Stand (Standard), $34.95
- The Laptop Stand (Mousepad Kit), $64.95
- The Laptop Stand (Widescreen), $44.95
- Tripod, $59.95
Link: The Laptop
Stand
Kensington Releases Four New Notebook Mice
PR: Si750m Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
Ultramobile comfort
plus laser precision
With a comfortable sculpted design, high-resolution laser
tracking, and 2.4 GHz wireless technology, the Kensington Si750m
provides the ultimate in mobility and precision on the road.
Features
- Micro size and sculpted design ensure comfort and control
- High-resolution laser tracking provides superior precision on
almost any surface
- 2.4 GHz wireless technology ensures high performance and secure
connectivity without interference
- Mini receiver tucks easily inside the mouse and automatically
turns it off when stowed to preserve power
- Battery indicator light blinks green to red as the battery
level is used. Up to 6 months of battery life on 1 AA battery.
Specifications
- Unit measures: 3.25"d x 2.0"w x 1.25"h
- USB dongle measures: 1.75"d x 0.50"w x 0.25"h
- Available USB Port; PC/Mac compatible
- 2.4 GHz wireless technology
- 5 Year Warranty
Dimensions: 3.0"L X 1.0"H X 1.75"W
Si750m Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse is backed by the Kensington
5-Year Warranty
Price: $49.99
Link: Si750m
Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
Si650m Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse
Designed to
use at your desk or on the go
With a comfortable midsize shape, sculpted grips, Performance
Optical tracking and 2.4 GHz wireless technology, the Kensington
Si650m is the ideal mouse for your desktop or notebook.
Features
- Midsize shape and sculpted grips ensure comfort and control at
your desk or on the go
- Performance Optical Technology 1000 dpi optical tracking
provides superior precision and responsiveness
- 4-way tilt-scroll wheel lets you navigate documents or Web
sites easily
- 2.4 GHz wireless technology minimizes interference
- Mini receiver tucks easily inside the mouse and automatically
turns it off when stowed
- Battery indicator signal as battery is consumed. Life
expectancy up to 9 months of life on 2 AA batteries. (Batteries
included)
Specifications
- Performance Optical Sensor for 1000 dpi tracking precision
- 2.4 GHz wireless technology
- Tilt-wheel scroll wheel & Rubberized Grips
- USB receiver; PC/Mac compatible
- 5 Year Warranty
Dimensions: 3.75"L X 1.5"H X 2.0"W
Si650m Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse is backed by the
Kensington 5-Year Warranty and free technical support.
Price: $39.99
Link: Si650m
Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse
Ci65m Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse
Better performance
for the office or the road.
With a flexible design and soft, comfortable grips, performance
optical technology provides 1000 dpi tracking, the Kensington Ci65m
is the perfect companion to your notebook computer.
Features
- Flexible design and soft grips ensure comfort and control
- Performance Optical Technology 1000 dpi optical tracking
provides superior precision and responsiveness
- 3 buttons plus a scroll wheel make it easy to navigate
documents or Web sites
- Snap-in Ultra Slim receiver stores easily inside the mouse and
automatically turns it off when stowed
- Battery level indicators signals when you at 40% usage left,
then 10% giving you ample time to replace. Battery life expected up
to 1 year of use on 2 AA batteries (batteries included)
Specifications
- Unit Measures: 3.75"d x 2.5"w x 1.5"h
- USB Measures: 2.5"d x 0.75"w x 0.25"h
- USB Wireless Receiver; PC/Mac Compatible
- 5 Year Warranty
Ci65m Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse is backed by the
Kensington 5-Year
Price: $29.99
Link: Ci65m
Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse
Ci25m Notebook Optical Mouse
Mobility, comfort,
and convenience
With a flexible shape and soft, comfortable grips, diamond eye
optical tracking, and a retractable cord, the Kensington Ci25m is
perfect for all your travels.
Features
- Flexible design is ideal for left or right-handed use
- Absorbent rubber grips ensure comfort and control
- DiamondEye® optical delivers better accuracy and
responsiveness
- 3 buttons make it easy to navigate documents or Web sites
- Retractable cord eliminates tangles
Specifications
- Retractable cord extends to 30"
- DiamondEye Optical sensor
- Comfort grips for hours of comfort
- Available USB port ; PC/Mac compatible
- DiamondEye optical
Dimensions: 3.5"L X 1.75"H X 2.25"W
Price: $19.99
Link: Ci25m
Notebook Optical Mouse
Wrappers Textile and Fire Retardant
MacBook Covers
PR: Fire Retardant Jumbocord Covers
Wrappers has launched
a range of corduroy covers for Apple MacBooks . The contract
quality sleeves can be personalised with your ID on the tag and are
available now in five autumn colours.
Wrappers jumbocord covers for Apple's MacBook are made from
contract quality corduroy. Contract quality means the fabric has
passed a 100,000 wear and tear rub test. The fire retardant backing
uses the latest graphite granule technology, which as well as a
safety benefit, prevents the corduroy loosing its shape over time.
Sleeves have a layer of cushioning for added protection and a
chestnut coloured microfibre lining.
The autumn collection comes in five, natural fall colours:
Raven, not jet but soft black for a good match with Apple's black
MacBook; Tobacco, a muted, earthy brown; Terracotta, the strongest
colour in the collection more natural brick than electric orange;
classic Ivory and finally Taupe, a soft, subtle colour which is a
slightly darker, cousin to Ivory.
Wrappers' corduroy sleeves feature exclusive
tailoring that avoids leaving one end of the MacBook exposed,
without the need for zips or Velcro.
The new sleeves are tailored to fit Apple's MacBook 13 inch
notebook. In stock now priced from £15.99
MacBook Lap & Laptop Protector
Wrappers has launched a heat resistant rubber sleeve for Apple's
MacBook 13 inch. The cover doubles as an insulated mat that reduces
the heat felt on your legs when using a notebook on your lap. Made
from high quality, heat resistant rubber, the slimline mat is less
than a centimetre thick but insulates against temperatures up to
250 degrees centigrade.
Cool Linen Sleeves for MacBooks
Wrappers has launched a
range of peach skin linen sleeves that you can personalise with
your initial.
Linen is a natural fibre, two to three times as strong as
cotton, so a durable alternative to synthetic fibres
The new sleeves are available in five colours and are tailored
to fit Apple's MacBook 13" notebook. In stock now priced from
£15.99.
Urban Camo MacBook sleeve
Wrappers has launched an Urban Camo sleeve
tailored to fit Apple's MacBook 13 inch notebook. The monochrome
sleeve looks equally good on matte black and shiny white
MacBooks.
In stock now, priced £14.99
Denim MacBook sleeve
Wrappers has added three new lining colours to
its denim MacBook cover. The padded blue denim sleeve is available
with a choice of brilliant white, cherry red, navy blue, army green
or orange lumo microfibre linings ( see picture above).
In stock now, priced £15.99
Canvas MacBook bag
Wrappers has launched a heavy duty matte black
utility canvas sleeve tailored to fit Apple's MacBook 13 inch
notebook.
Priced £15.99
Buy two sleeves and save £5.00
Combine two sleeves including postage & packing for
£35.98 and save £5.00
For a customised cover, Wrappers will add your ID to the tag on
your bag. Personalised tags cost an additional £3.00.
Link: Wrappers
Nova Media Unveils GlobeSurfer ICON
Wireless Modem
PR: Nova Media has introduced GlobeSurfer ICON, a USB
modem to establish mobile Internet connections with any Macintosh
Computer running OS X 10.3.9 or higher. The ICON supports
HSDPA and 3G UTMS speeds in Europe and Asia as well as EDGE and
GPRS connections around the globe.
"We are happy to offer a HSDPA solution for all
Macs without a PC Card or ExpressCard slot!", states Jan
Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media. "GlobeSufer ICON is
USB-powered and extremely handy. It is possible to connect an
external antenna to boost the reception in areas with low signal
quality."
GlobeSurfer ICON includes the Internet connect wizard launch2net
which offers a one-click connection to the Internet without the
need to enter cryptic connection details.
GlobeSurfer ICON is available today for €339 plus VAT at
the company's website.
Link: GlobeSurfer
ICON
Software
Lab Tick Lets You Control Backlit
Keyboard
PR: Lab Tick allows you to turn on your PowerBook,
MacBook, or MacBook Pro's illuminated keyboard in the daylight.
Have you ever been annoyed by your PowerBook's (or MacBook
Pro's) backlit keyboard? You can not control it; you simply have to
deal with the behaviour dictated by the ambient light sensor, which
sometimes does not work really well. The idea of a backlit keyboard
is awesome, but the implementation in Mac OS X has its flaws.
Lab Tick aims to fix them.
Changes in 0.6.1 (2006-09-02):
- Fixed bug: adding the application to the login items did not
work.
Changes in 0.6 (2006-08-28):
- Changed the application to run as a menubar application without
a Dock icon.
- Added automated update checks with Sparkle.
- Redesigned "About" window with updated credits.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, PowerBook or
MacBook with a backlit keyboard.
System support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: Lab Tick
Forget-Me-Not Remembers Window Size,
Location
PR: Forget-Me-Not is a background application that keeps
track of the positions and sizes of your windows. When you change
the configuration of your screens
Users of portable Macs, how many times have you encountered this
scenario? You've connected your laptop to a nice big monitor, you
have your windows arranged for optimal creativity and productivity,
then you realize that there's a meeting in 10 minutes and you need
your Mac for a presentation. Suddenly, you break out into a cold
sweat, knowing that the window arrangement you spent countless
hours on will be lost! (Okay, maybe not hours, but still...)
Fear Not!
Thanks to Forget-Me-Not™, you need not worry!
Forget-Me-Not® will remember your window positions for you!
Forget-Me-Not© will save your window sizes! Forget-Me-Not/
will restore everything for you when you reconnect your monitor! A
picture says a thousand words - take a look at this graphical
representation:
- Before the configuration changes, it saves the states
(positions and sizes) of your windows.
- After the configuration changes, it moves and resizes your
windows to match the way they were laid out the last time you were
in this configuration.
This way you can connect to low-resolution projectors with
confidence, knowing that your windows will be restored to their
current positions and sizes when you disconnect. If you work
dual-head with a large external monitor but take your laptop home
for the night, your windows will go back where you left them when
you reconnect the next day.
Forget-Me-Not is free and open-source, licensed under the GNU
Lesser GPL.
Some Details:
- The current version of Forget-Me-Not is 1.0.2
- Forget-Me-Not is a preference-pane-driven app that runs in the
background.
- It requires "access for assistive devices" to be enabled in the
Universal Access preference pane.
- It does work for X11 windows.
- FMN has been developed and tested with OS X 10.4 Tiger, and
should work with 10.3 Panther.
- To get the FMN source, download and install the DARCS revision
control system and do the following: darcs get
http://www.n8gray.org/darcs/fmn
New in version 1.0.2:
Bug-fix release. Fixed all known memory leaks! Also excluded MS
Word since it can't handle its windows being moved/resized.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.3 or later.
System support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: Forget-Me-Not
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.
60-day warranty.
- 12" iBook G3/500, 320/10/CD, Mac OS 9.2.2, Mac OS X 10.2.8,
$199
- 12" iBook G3/500, 320/10/CD, AirPort, Mac OS 9.2.2, OS X,
$269
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, Mac OS 9.2.2, $259
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, AirPort, Mac OS 9, $329
- PowerBook "Kanga" G3/250, 160/5/CD, floppy, $119
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $325 (add AirPort for $99)
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" PowerBook G4/867, 128/40/Combo, $749.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, Bluetooth, $779.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 256/60/Combo, Bluetooth,
$1,099.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/Combo, $1,249.99
- refurb 13" 1.83 GHz MacBook, white, 512/60e/Combo, $949
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/, SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,199
- refurb 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1024/120/SuperDrive,
$2,399
Not a laptop, but a pretty enticing deal in a flat panel
desktop, especially if you already have a mouse and keyboard.
- 15" iMac G4/700, 256/40/CD-RW, 60 day warranty, $359.99
- Upgrade to 16x SuperDrive (must be ordered at same time as
system), $59.99
- Upgrade to Combo drive (must be ordered at same time as
system), $49.99
- With Keyboard & optical mouse, add $19.99
- RAM upgrade to 512 MB (must be ordered at same time as system),
$29.99
- RAM upgrade to 1 GB (must be ordered at same time as system),
$139.50
- Order an internal Airport card with iMac, free installation
(offer good only with iMac purchase), $109.99
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.
