Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.11.03
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
Good news: Apple has released firmware updates for the MacBook
and MacBook Pro. These should resolve the random shutdown problem
some MacBook owners have been experiencing and help the MacBook Pro
run cooler.
Speaking of cooler, Jason O'Grady discovered that the Core 2
MacBook Pro runs 40°F cooler than the original model, Logitech
has a laptop stand with a built-in keyboard optimized for cooling
and ergonomics, and CoolBook lets you monitor any Intel 'Book's
CPU, decrease voltage, and manage fan speed - seems a very clever
solution!
In other developments, O'Grady explains why the Core 2 MacBook
Pro and iMac are limited to 3 GB of RAM when you should be
able to install 4 GB, iFixIt has a MacBook Pro Core 2 teardown,
Hitachi is about to release a 250 GB notebook hard drive, and - so
we don't leave G3 PowerBook owners completely out in the cold this
week - FastMac has a high capacity battery for the PowerBook
"Pismo".
And one more thing: There are rumors of a 15" MacBook coming out
in May 2007. Much as we'd love to see such a beastie, it seems odd
to have a model rumored that isn't expected to ship for six months.
dk
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
Fixing MacBook Random Shutdowns
15" MacBook Rumors
News & Opinion
Tech Tips and Info
Products and Services
Software
Fixing MacBook Random Shutdowns
Apple's Cure for the Shutdown Blues
eWeek's Scott Ferguson reports:
"Apple Computer is offering a firmware update that the company
claims will help alleviate random shutdown issues with its MacBook notebooks.
"The Cupertino, Calif., computer maker posted the update -
MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.1 - on its Web
site Oct. 26. The update, according to Apple, will help a MacBook's
internal monitoring system and stop the computer from shutting down
at random."
Link: Apple Says It
Has Cure for the Shutdown Blues
Apple's Fix for Random MacBook Shutdowns
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady reports:
Apple yesterday released MacBook SMC Firmware
Update 1.1 which 'improves the MacBook's internal monitoring system
and addresses issues with unexpected shutdowns.' The update was
released to address RSS or Random Shutdown Syndrome that has
plagued MacBook owners.
"You must be running Mac OS 10.4.7 or 10.4.8 to install SMC
Firmware Update 1.1. If you're running the required version of the
OS the update will appear in Software update, alternatively you can
download it directly from Apple (<1 MB). The update is
recommended for all MacBook systems, including those that received
warranty repair."
Link: Apple Issues
Fix for MacBook Random Shutdowns
Apple MacBook SMC Firmware 1.1
The SMC Update improves the MacBook's internal monitoring system
and addresses issues with unexpected shutdowns.
The SMC Update improves the MacBook's internal monitoring system
and addresses issues with unexpected shutdowns. This update is
recommended for all MacBook systems, including those that received
warranty repair.
Note: If your MacBook is running Mac OS X 10.4.6, you won't
be able to install the SMC Update until you update to Mac OS X
10.4.8.
MacBooks running Mac OS X 10.4.7 will be able to download and
install the SMC Update, so it is not essential that you update your
system software, although Apple always recommends updating to the
latest version of the system software.
After this update has completed successfully, your SMC Version
will be: 1.4f12.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
- MacBook
Free
15" MacBook Rumors
Foxconn to Ship 15" MacBook to Apple in
May
DigiTimes' Celia Lin and Carrie Yu reports:
"Foxconn Electronics (the registered trade name of Hon Hai
Precision Industry) will produce a 15.4-inch MacBook model for
Apple for the first time, with shipments to commence in May 2007,
according to sources at notebook makers.
"Because of the new order, Asustek will no longer be the sole
supplier for Apple's MacBook, the sources said.
"Both Foxconn and Asustek declined to comment on the news."
Link: Foxconn to
Ship 15.4-inch MacBook to Apple in May 2007 - Report
(subscription required)
Apple to Ship 15" MacBook in May?
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Apple is gearing up to launch a 15.4in MacBook next May, a year
after the Intel-equipped consumer notebook first came to market. So
claims a Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia analyst, who also names
Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn - a.k.a. Hon Hai Precision
Industry - as the manufacturer.
"Analyst Vincent Chen's claim was relayed via Chinese-language
newspaper the Commercial Times and subsequently through local
websites who note the deal, if true, means Asus will see its
MacBook orders cut by a third. It's currently believed to be the
exclusive supplier.
"However, it seems an odd move for Apple to make. The current
MacBook, fitted with a
13.3in display, sits neatly below the metal-cased 15.4in MacBook Pro, itself
second only to the 17in Pro
model. Apple this week upgraded the Pro machines to Intel's
Core 2 Duo processor, and it seems likely it will do the same with
the MacBook, using form-factor rather than performance to
distinguish the consumer machine from the pricier model.
"If Apple ships a 15.4in MacBook, either it's going to drop the
15.4in MacBook Pro - unlikely, since this has become the line's
defining form-factor - or it expects functionality to give buyers a
reason to opt for the much more expensive model beyond the odd port
or two. And that probably means keeping the MacBook's spec well
behind the Pro's."
Link: Apple
to Ship 15.4in MacBook Next May?
News & Opinion
MacBook Pro Core 2 Runs 40°F Cooler
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady reports:
"I received my brand new MacBook Pro 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo
yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to learn that it runs much
cooler than my previous MacBook Pro.
"My Core Duo MacBook Pro 2.0 GHz (2 GB RAM and 160 GB hard
drive) would frequently reach temperatures of 162° Fahrenheit
after running for more than an hour. It would become so hot that it
required me to run Fan Control 1.1
if I needed to use my machine anywhere near my lap.
"I've been using a new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro 2.33 GHz for over
four hours straight (10+ hours on and off) and the temperature
hasn't gone higher than 122° Fahrenheit (average is around
115°F) according to CoreDuoTemp - a drop
of more than 40° Fahrenheit without using software like Fan
Control."
Editor's note: This is very good news, although living with
caterwauling fans is still less than congenial to comfortable
computing. 115°F equals about 46°C, which is a little
cooler than my 1.33 GHz G4
PowerBook runs since updating to OS X 10.4.8. Happily, my
'Book's cooling fans don't cut in until 58.5°C, so I'm not
hearing them very often any more. Depending on cooling fans to keep
temperatures down is still very much a band-aid solution that I
don't find really satisfactory, but it's better than running at
egg-frying temperatures. The 162°F Jason's older MacBook Pro
ran at is 72.2°C, which is way too hot. cm
Link: Core 2 Duo
MacBook Pro Runs 40 Degrees (F) Cooler
Gap Between MacBook and MacBook Pro
Expands
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady says:
"Apple's announcement of the new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro did more
than raise the performance bar for their portables. The addition of
the new, faster Intel chip in only the Pro model serves as a key
differentiating factor between the consumer MacBook and the
professional MacBook Pro.
"Prior to the announcement of the Core 2 Duo, the MacBook easily
had the best price/performance ratio of any Mac in history....
"Now that the Core 2 Duo is shipping in the MacBook Pro the gap
between the two portables has widened considerably...."
Editor's note: In generally, the Core 2 is about 10% more
powerful than the original Core Duo. Factor in 2.16-2.33 GHz speeds
on the pro models vs. 1.83-2.0 GHz on the MacBook, and the overall
gain is in the 25-30% range. dk
Link: The MacBook
Chasm Expands
How to Make Your MacBook Pro Run Cooler
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Love your oh-so-quiet MacBook or MacBook Pro but hate the heat
it puts out? Quite apart from the sheer discomfort of it, an overly
hot MacBook may be to blame for the random shutdowns quite a few
users have reported, now hopefully fixed with Apple's latest SMC
Firmware update. Enter utility smcFanControl, a tool to help you
take control of your Mac's temperature....
"I came across smcFanControl while reading a software Pick of
the Week posting on Mac OS X Hints the other week. I
downloaded it, but didn't get round to giving it a try. Later, I
saw it mentioned again, this time in a DailyTech report, so I
decided to take it for a spin."
Link:
How to Make Your MacBook Pro Run Cooler
MacBook Pro's 3 GB RAM Limitation
Explained
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady reports:
"One of the big new features in the Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro is the
new 3 GB RAM maximum that it supports. But 3 GB is a
funny number for a machine with 2 RAM slots. Why not max that puppy
out with two 2 GB sticks - for a total of 4 GB?
"MacFixIt has learned that it's not a physical space limitation
and that both of the new MBP's RAM slots are large enough to
accommodate the bigger 2 GB modules."
Link: Inside the
MacBook Pro's 3 GB RAM Limitation
MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo Teardown
iFixit has posted the first internal photos of Apple's Core 2 Duo 'Merom' MacBook Pro.
The MacBook Pro disassembly is immediately available online.
Kyle Wiens of iFixit says:
We
disassembled a new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro.
The disassembly features high resolution images of the
redesigned logic board and Intel's new Merom chip. Also included is
the first photos of Apple's 802.11n draft board for the MacBook,
and Apple's new 6x dual-layer 9.7mm SuperDrive.
FixIt Guides for every iPod and Mac laptop are available free
online at iFixit.com/Guide/
iFixit is the Mac+iPod
do-it-yourself company. iFixit launched in 2003 and instantly
became a leader in the Mac laptop part industry, and introduced
iPod parts in 2006. iFixit is dedicated to helping people
everywhere keep their Macs and iPods running longer. For more
information, visit iFixit.com or call 1-866-61-FIXIT.
Photos courtesy iFixit.
Link:
MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo
Inside Apple's New 200 GB Notebook Drive
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady reports:
"Apple slipped another nice upgrade out with the announcement of
the new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro's yesterday: a 200 GB hard drive
option. When configuring a new MacBook Pro at Apple's online store
you'll notice the new option.
"For US$200 you can upgrade from the standard 120 GB to Apple's
new 200 GB mechanism. The previous highest capacity drive available
was 160 GB. It is very rare for Apple to utilize drives that are
not even on the market yet. They are usually a step behind in terms
of HDDs.
"It's interesting to note that the new 200 GB mechanism spins at
only 4200 rpm but with that much data compacted on those tiny
2.5-inch platters they can actually have a better transfer rate
than 5400 rpm drives since there is actually more data flying past
the heads at any given moment."
Link: Inside Apple's New
200 GB Notebook Drive
Glossy vs. Matte: The Debate
Continues
Graceful Flavor says:
"A new MacBook Pro release, a new rash of forum posts across the
Internet in which prospective buyers agonize over whether they
should get a glossy or matte screen on their new MacBook Pros. I
see it everywhere: Ars Technica, SA's SH/SC, Digg/Slashdot
comments.
"From where I sit, I think this discussion has taken a life of
its own, a life created by community zeitgeist. What that means is
that there's a very prevalent opinion out there (which is: avoid
glossy because the reflection is so bad it will (a) kill your baby,
and (b) render you blind), but largely, the opinion feeds itself
because a few people hear it, perhaps believe it, and then repeat
it to others, and from there it grows. It's a tipping point of
sorts.
"It's a lot like the love ThinkPads get. Yes, they're nice
laptops, but not that nice. Still, if you read around people will
wax downright religious about ThinkPads. I had one, a top-end T60p
with every conceivable option, and it was nowhere near as nice as
the 1st-gen MacBook Pro that replaced it."
Link:
Glossy vs. Matte: The Debate Continues
MacBook Glitches Testing Apple Users'
Patience
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Bob Keefe says:
"Even as it does damage control on the random shutdown problem,
Apple is trying to address other MacBook flaws, ranging from
discoloration and cracks in some of its computer cases to strange
sounds that come from inside them. At the same time, the Cupertino,
Calif.-based company is in the middle of a monumental recall of
laptop batteries that could catch on fire.
"Apple Computer has a well-earned reputation of being solid to
the core when it comes to quality.
"As it struggles to keep up with dizzying growth, however, Apple
is beginning to show some bumps and bruises.
"Even as it boasts in advertisements about the relative
stability and reliability of its newest computers ('I'm a Mac
. . . and I'm a PC'), the company last week quietly
acknowledged that an undisclosed number of its best-selling MacBook
laptops have a flaw that causes them to inexplicably shut down,
potentially causing the loss of important work and damage to other
programs.
"Apple late Thursday issued a software patch that is supposed to
solve the random shutdown problem, but only after thousands of
MacBook buyers complained about the issue and Apple offered a
lackluster response."
Editor's note: This is fair ball criticism where the case issues
and random shutdowns are concerned, but the battery recall is a
Sony OEM problem that is affecting virtually the whole notebook
computer sector. cm
Link: MacBook Glitches
Testing Apple Users' Patience
Hitachi to Anchor 2.5" Leadership with
250 MB Hard Drive
PR: Following a 36% quarter-over-quarter growth in unit
shipment1, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies (Hitachi) is today
unfolding a 2007 product strategy intended to secure the company's
position as segment and technology leader for 2.5" hard drives.
With two new products offering capacities in excess of 200
gigabytes (GB) of storage and a sustained track record of
technology leadership in this product segment, Hitachi is
positioned to continue its undefeated 2.5" leadership record into
2007 and beyond.
The Hitachi Travelstar product line has maintained its position
as the world's most popular 2.5" hard drive for nearly 15 years2.
Over the next several years, the opportunity in the 2.5" segment is
expected to grow significantly, and Hitachi is preparing to capture
that growth. By 2010, industry analyst firm IDC predicts 2.5-inch
hard drive annual shipments will double to 224 million units from
118 million in 20063. At that time, Hitachi believes the
highest-capacity 2.5" product may be in the 750-GB range.
In the near term, the anchor element of the Hitachi 2007 2.5"
plan is a new product that is expected to offer leadership
performance and storage capacity in a 200-GB, 7200 rpm package,
slated for availability in the first half of 2007. This combination
of high capacity and high performance underscores Hitachi's
established position as manufacturer of the most powerful 2.5" hard
drive.
The second Travelstar product, a 5400 rpm hard drive, will offer
storage capacity in the quarter-terabyte range and is expected in
the second half of 2007. The new products will also provide
hard-drive-level data encryption as a new feature for added
security. In addition, Hitachi is offering a flash memory/hard
drive hybrid option for enhanced battery life, greater performance
and increased reliability.
Hitachi's new 2.5" hard drives are expected to continue the
industry-leading performance characteristics of their predecessors.
Both Travelstar drives will use perpendicular magnetic recording
(PMR) technology, building upon the highly successful volume ramp
of Hitachi's debut PMR hard drive, the Travelstar 5K160.
"The Travelstar products we have planned for 2007 give insight
to what Hitachi believes are important to end-users in a mobile
storage product: ample capacity for video and other rich content,
superior performance and reliability, and greater confidence in the
safety of their data as users are increasingly on the move," said
Shinjiro Iwata, chief marketing officer, Hitachi Global Storage
Technologies. "The 2.5" hard drive segment represents Hitachi's
flagship product line, and we're working to ensure that Hitachi
continues to set the pace of technology advancement for this
category."
2.5" Segment Acceleration
Hitachi's new product developments will put the company in
position to take advantage of IDC's projected 22% compounded annual
growth rate (CAGR) of the 2.5" segment from 2005 to 20104.
"A growing number of mobile PC users are placing a high value on
storage capacity, performance, reliability and security while on
the go," according to John Rydning, IDC's Research Manager for hard
disk drives. "There is a tremendous opportunity for HDD OEMs such
as Hitachi to establish market leadership by delivering high
capacity mobile 2.5" disk drives equipped with value-added features
to meet these challenging requirements."
IDC's projection of the 2.5" hard drive growth shows the
greatest opportunity to be in the portable PC category, followed by
gaming consoles, external storage and automotive applications5.
Hitachi participates in all of those segments and leads segment
share in the portable PC category.
Hybrid: A Higher-Value Hard Drive
The hard drive industry has used low-capacity flash memory for
many years to store the firmware that controls the entire hard disk
drive. With the decreasing cost of flash, Hitachi believes there is
greater opportunity to increase the value of hard drives by storing
some system functions to flash memory rather than on the disk. The
potential benefit of a hybrid storage solution - especially for
mobile devices - ranges from longer battery life, faster bootup
time and recovery from hibernation, to greater reliability and
higher performance.
Combined with low-cost, high-capacity storage, the hybrid
solution presents a significantly higher-value hard drive,
especially in mobile product segments. New 2.5" products shipped in
2007 will offer hybrid as an option on the same base platform.
Hard Drive Bulk Data Encryption
Today, users are able to protect their hard drive with password
security which prevents access to the drive but does not encrypt
the data itself. Traditionally, for those who wished to secure
their drives, the only viable solution was to use a software-based
tool, which could slow down the system performance.
With the rise in notebook theft and the relative ease in which
software-based password security can be compromised, Hitachi is
responding with a hard-drive-level encryption solution that is
virtually impenetrable. In addition, Hitachi's introduction of full
data encryption at the hardware level, allows data security to be
carried out with little to no impact to system speed. Hitachi's
version of hard-drive-level data encryption scrambles data using a
password-generated key as it is being written to the disk and then
descrambled with the key as it is retrieved.
In hybrid hard drives, Hitachi's security technology encrypts
data in both the flash memory and hard drive for the highest level
of security. Hitachi employs the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
algorithm, the industry standard for data encryption
technology.
Hitachi's data encryption technology will be offered as a new
feature on all new 2.5" hard drives shipped in 2007 and beyond.
Notebook manufacturers and other customers will have the choice of
whether to implement this feature on their systems.
1 Based on Hitachi 2Q06 to 3Q06 shipment data (7.1 million to
9.6 million units)
2 IBM entered the 2.5" hard drive business in January 1991 and
maintained the number one share position until selling the business
to Hitachi in 2003; Hitachi has since defended this leadership
share position
3, 4, 5 IDC, Worldwide Hard Disk Drive 2006-2010 Forecast and
Analysis: Record-Breaking Years Lie Ahead, Doc #201478, May
2006
Link: Hitachi
Tech Tips and Info
15" MacBook Pro Core 2 External Ports and
Connectors
A new Apple Knowledge Base article describes the 15" MacBook
Pro's I/O ports.
"The external ports and connectors of a MacBook Pro (15-inch Core 2 Duo)
can be found on both sides of the computer."
Link: MacBook Pro
(15-inch Core 2 Duo): External Ports and Connectors
15" MacBook Pro Core 2 Developer Note
Released
"This developer note describes the 15-inch MacBook Pro computers
based on the 2.16 GHz or 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessor
and introduced in October 2006. The purpose of this note is to
provide information about the computer's internal design,
input-output features, and expansion capabilities to help
developers design products compatible with the 15-inch MacBook
Pro."
Link:
15-inch MacBook Pro Developer Note
17" MacBook Pro Core 2 Developer Note
Released
"This developer note gives a technical description of the
Intel Core 2 Duo 17-inch
MacBook Pro computer introduced in October 2006. The purpose of
this note is to provide information about the computer's internal
design, input-output features, and expansion capabilities to help
developers design products compatible with the 17-inch MacBook
Pro."
Link:
17-inch MacBook Pro Developer Note
Products and Services
Alto Notebook Stand Includes
Keyboard
PR: Logitech has made using a notebook computer more
comfortable. The company today announced the Logitech Alto notebook
stand, a one-piece notebook riser with an integrated, full-size
keyboard - a product that levels the notebook screen with people's
eyes and frees people's hands from the constraints of a cramped
notebook keypad.
Notebook
PCs are fast-becoming the standard PC choice in homes around the
world. But the compact form of a notebook PC often comes at the
expense of comfort as people assume awkward postures to type on the
small built-in keyboards, often with non-conventional key layouts,
and stare down at the low-lying screens. The Logitech Alto
addresses these comfort issues with a simple, all-in-one solution
that opens like a book to reveal an integrated full-size keyboard
on one side and an angled platform for the notebook PC on the
other. The keyboard gives people the typing experience they are
accustomed to having with a desktop PC, complete with a number pad,
a media panel and a standard key layout, while the easy-to-set-up
platform raises the monitor to eye level and establishes an ideal
distance between the monitor and the user's eyes.
Perfect for use at the desk or the kitchen table, the Logitech
Alto takes less than 30 seconds to set up; it's as simple as
placing a notebook PC on the stand and plugging in the USB cable.
And it's designed to be equally as simple to put it away; by
collapsing the stand and folding the product in half, reducing the
size of the product to a slim and compact 9.33 by 16.84 by 1.41"
(23.7 by 42.8 by 3.6 cm), making it easy to tuck away and clear
valuable surfaces in the home.
"Notebooks offer a tremendous advantage because people can use
them around the house and take them on the road - but when it comes
to sitting and using a computer for an extended period of time,
people miss the comfort and advantages of the raised monitor and
the full-size keyboard that a desktop PC offers," said Denis
Pavillard, Logitech vice president of product marketing for
keyboards and desktops. "The Logitech Alto notebook stand helps
solve the comfort problem. And unlike a more complex and expensive
docking station, Alto is simple to fold up and stash away when the
notebook is not in use, so that people can also enjoy the benefits
of open desk space."
In addition to the ergonomic benefits offered by a full-size
keyboard and having a monitor at eye level, the Logitech Alto keeps
people's hands away from the heat generated by a notebook PC. In a
recent study of 1,000 U.S. notebook users by research firm GfK
Custom Research Inc. in conjunction with Logitech, 49% identified
heat from a notebook PC as a drawback to using it. To offer
additional wrist support, the Alto also includes a soft palm rest
at the base of the keyboard.
To further enhance the comfort of their notebook experience,
people can use the premium new Logitech VX Revolution™
cordless laser mouse for notebooks. The VX Revolution mouse
includes the revolutionary MicroGear™ Precision Scroll Wheel,
sculpted contours, a rubber thumb grip, and low-resistance
polytetrafluoroethylene feet that make navigating complex digital
content more comfortable than ever.
Unlike a docking station, Logitech Alto is compatible with many
notebook PC brands; it can accommodate multiple computers and can
be shared among household members. Because it uses USB to connect
the built-in keyboard and USB hub, the Logitech Alto works with the
vast majority of Windows-based notebook PCs on the market. Its
hinge is designed to support notebook PCs that weigh up to 9 pounds
(4 kilograms), which includes most notebooks currently
available.
The space-saving Logitech Alto is simple enough to set up and
use on the kitchen counter on a moment's notice, and it's easy to
pack it up and put it away. But it's also versatile enough to serve
as a hub for other devices if people want to connect and use their
notebook in a more permanent location. Three built-in Hi-Speed USB
ports are available for connecting a variety of peripherals, such
as one of Logitech's award-winning cordless mice for notebook PCs,
a webcam, or even an external drive or printer, to the notebook.
The Logitech Alto also includes a cable-management system that
makes it easier to connect other corded peripherals without
creating cord chaos.
The Alto offers a sense of style to the notebook experience with
its solid black surfaces and glossy black dashboard, which includes
orange backlighted icons. The keyboard also includes one-touch
media and volume controls and additional hot keys that deliver
quick access to favorite applications, folders, and Web pages.
Logitech Alto is expected to be available in Europe beginning in
December and in the U.S. beginning in January. Its suggested retail
price in the U.S. is $99.99.
Link: Logitech
FastMac Announces Highest Capacity
PowerBook Pismo Battery
PR: FastMac has announced the highest capacity extended
life battery upgrade for Apple's PowerBook "Pismo" computer. The
new 84 Whr battery uses Lithium-Ion cells (with integrated charge
indicator LEDs) that are manufactured to the highest quality
standards and utilizes TruePower technology to provide up to 68%
more capacity than the original Apple battery. FastMac's TruePower
battery for the PowerBook Pismo is scheduled to ship within 10 days
and is available for preorder for a special introductory price of
$139.95. Each battery carries a 1 year warranty and a 30 day money
back guarantee.
FastMac's TruePower line of battery upgrades replace the
computer's original battery with a larger capacity and longer
lasting advanced power cell battery that utilizes TruePower
technology. This technology incorporates sensors in the integrated
circuit inside the battery that detect undesirable levels of
swelling or a short circuit that will power off the battery in
certain extreme conditions. TruePower batteries do not contain or
use any Sony cells that are subject to the recent series of recalls
issued by major computer manufacturers.
"Get ready for extra innings," said Edward Savio, President of
FastMac Performance Upgrades, Inc. "Whether you're watching the
World Series or traveling the world, this is the best battery for
your PowerBook, period."
FastMac's TruePower battery can also be combined with a G4 550
MHz processor upgrade to obtain the ultimate PowerBook Pismo.
Combining FastMac's low voltage, low-power and cooler running G4
Processor design with the highest capacity battery on the market
yields even longer battery run times than a stock PowerBook Pismo.
"With 2 battery bays and our G4 upgrade, you can literally go
halfway around the world without a recharge," said Michael
Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager for FastMac Performance
Upgrades, Inc.
FastMac's line of TruePower batteries for laptops are engineered
using the highest quality, high-capacity Lithium cells, keeping
safety in mind at all times. FastMac utilizes custom form factors
and materials to achieve a superior fit and finish, matching the
original battery whilst increasing capacity. Each battery is
individually tested and includes safety features to protect against
overcharge, overheating, short circuits and power surges. All
TruePower batteries carry at least a 1 year warranty and in some
cases, a 2 year warranty. FastMac's TruePower line includes battery
upgrades for all iPods & all Apple portables released after
1997, including the world's longest lasting PowerBook battery with
up to 68% more capacity than the original. FastMac is also first to
market a replacement battery for Apple's latest MacBook
portables.
TruePower is the name of an innovative new technology designed
to extend the life of ordinary Lithium Ion cells, commonly used in
most rechargeable batteries. More than 4 years in development, this
patented technology allows tiny ceramic particles (each less than a
millionth of a millimeter in size) to be integrated into the
molecular structure of the chemical binding agent found inside each
Lithium Ion battery. These particles then link-in with each other
& a proprietary energy management circuit to create an
extremely dense and highly conductive layer on the surface of a
capacitor-enhanced battery pack. This combination delivers the
power necessary to satisfy the pulse demands placed on most
batteries, whilst ensuring the protection of the Lithium cell
matrix. This results in battery packs that can be recharged many
more times as well as yielding longer run times per charge. Whereas
ordinary battery packs start losing their power within a few
months, TruePower-enhanced battery packs continue giving consistent
power for long periods, allowing OEMs to offer warranties of 2
years or more. More information about TruePower is available via
the website.
FastMac's battery upgrades utilize TruePower technology- a
patented material & energy management circuit that is designed
to protect the battery's internal lithium crystal matrix from
damage caused by power spikes. These spikes occur when the computer
demands a sudden high current peak- for example, to turn on the
backlight or to load the next data sectors. Over time, these power
spikes decrease capacity, runtime and battery life, eventually
rendering the power cells unusable. Through the use of TruePower
technology, the energy management circuit is able to smooth out the
power spikes and lower the rate of decay. This protects the battery
and leads to a longer life cycle. Not only does this extend the
usability of the computer, it also helps the environment by curbing
the depletion of chemicals and plastic materials used in battery
products and reducing the number of waste batteries sent to
landfills. More information about FastMac's battery upgrades is
available via the website.
200 GB Hard Drive Upgrade Service for
MacBook, MacBook Pro
PR: TechRestore, Inc. has announced that they have begun
offering a 200 GB drive upgrade as part of their overnight hard
drive upgrade service for MacBook and MacBook Pro systems. The new
upgrade features the first 200 GB Serial ATA drive upgrade
available for notebooks.
The high-speed overnight service includes installation of the
new drive into the users notebook and data transfer from the old
hard drive onto the 200 GB SATA drive. An exact clone of the users
old hard drive is transferred to the new drive, ready for immediate
use when their notebook is returned to them via overnight courier.
Nationwide door-to-door pickup service is available for the
upgrade, with personal couriers picking up customers notebooks from
virtually any location. An option is available to install the users
old drive into a portable external enclosure.
"The new Toshiba 200 GB SATA notebook drive uses perpendicular
recording technology to maximize storage capacity and insure long
term integrity of your data," said Shannon Jean, Founder and
President of TechRestore. "We're thrilled to add this drive to our
Overnight Upgrade program to give MacBook owners the highest
capacity drive upgrade with minimal downtime."
The 200 GB overnight upgrade is $399 including the hard drive,
installation and data transfer. The upgrade includes a 1-year
warranty from TechRestore and a 5-year warranty on the hard drive
from the manufacturer. The service is available immediately.
Link: 200 Gigabyte Hard
Drive Upgrade Service for MacBook and MacBook Pro
Ruckus Laptop Bag Collection Merges
Fashion and Function
PR: Pacific Design, an industry leader in iPod cases and
cutting edge laptop bags, is proud to introduce The Ruckus Laptop
Bag Collection, an innovative line of laptop backpacks and
messenger bags designed for urban, professional and student
lifestyles.
The Ruckus Laptop Bag Collection merges
fashion and function with its innovative, lightweight and slim
design, coupled with laptop protection and multiple storage
compartments to accommodate all of today's communication and
entertainment devices. Both the Ruckus Laptop Backpack and the
Ruckus Laptop Messenger Bag are up to 30 percent lighter than other
similar laptop bags, super slim, constructed of water-resistant
materials and loaded with thoughtful and functional organizational
features.
Features include an ergonomic shoulder strap structure, 360
degree laptop protection, dedicated media storage, an AC/cable
zipper pouch, a protective iPod/MP3 pocket, a "seamless"
water-resistant compartment, and a felt-lined luxury items pocket.
Customers who register their Ruckus products online will receive a
free removable cell phone/iPod pouch. Both Ruckus laptop bags come
in striking color combinations including: olive/bold black /super
yellow, rose white/granite gray/posey pink, bold black /slate
gray/pearl gray, and coming in March 2007, slate gray/sand/tiger
orange.
The Ruckus Laptop Bag Collection will be
available at North American retailers including Sony Canada in
November 2006 and Staples in January 2007. The Ruckus Laptop
Backpack will retail for $69.95 and the Ruckus Laptop Messenger Bag
will retail for $59.95. Online retailers that will be taking
preorders today include Ebags, CDW, and Pacific Design, which just
launched a commerce-enabled website this month.
Product Features for Ruckus Laptop Backpack, $69.95:
- Weight-repositioning design places the computer flush on the
user's back to evenly distribute weight so pack feels lighter in
use
- Super lightweight design, up to 30% lighter than other laptop
bags
- Slim profile - only 6 inches thick
- Fits most 15.4" notebook PC's
- Laptop protection including fully-armored compartment
- EVA foam base enables backpack to stand while empty *
Side-loading laptop compartment provides easy access during
travel
- Moisture-resistant zipper pocket
- Deep 3" main storage compartment for books & files
- Ergonomic straps with breathable mesh Airflow Channel
- Water bottle, key clip and pen holders
- Dedicated media storage for CD's and DVD's
- AC adapter/Cable zipper pouch
- Easy access felt-lined luxury items pocket to protect
sunglasses and other easily scratched items
Product Features for Ruckus Laptop Messenger Bag, $59.95:
- Super lightweight design, up to 30% lighter than other laptop
bags
- Slim profile - only 4 inches thick
- Fits most 15.4" notebook PC's
- 360 degree laptop protection including fully-armored
compartment and
- EVA molded foam case bottom
- Moisture-resistant zipper pocket
- Water bottle, key clip and pen holders
- Dedicated media storage for CD's and DVD's
- AC adapter/Cable zipper pouch
- Easy access felt-lined luxury items pocket to protect
sunglasses and other easily scratched items
- Optional: Removable iPod/mobile phone pouch
- Formed, breathable mesh-covered back panel for comfort with
thin item storage
Pacific Design, a privately-held firm, is a certified
Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). For more information, visit
the website or call 888-797-8755.
Link: Pacific
Design
difusi maxim, medius, and mini
Notebook Cases
PR: difusi's medius laptop carrying case designed for the
MacBook 13.3-inch (Widescreen) and MacBook Pro 15 and 17" Laptops
from Apple Computer. The difusi medius case is built using (9) nine
panel construction which in turn provides a compact, very spacious
interior for carrying all of the items you could possibly want in a
carrying case.
Beautiful, yet tough as nails.
Designed from the ground up specifically for 13.3 Widescreen and
15" or 17" notebooks and tablets PCs.
The medius case has built-in "Travel-Safe" protection that
provides an extra layer of rugged padding to protect your laptop
from the everyday hazards of on-the-go mobility, with extensive
testing to make sure your laptop is protected from everyday hazards
of use.
difusi fully guarantees the
quality of their cases with a pretty simple return policy. The
medius and maxim cases come with an unprecedented money back
guarantee that if you don't absolutely love the your difusi case,
return it to us in new condition within 30 days of purchase for a
full-refund.*
(*Excludes Shipping and Handling costs)
The medius and maxim cases have dedicated pockets for everything
from office/school papers, personal accessories including your
video iPod, cellphones and PDA.
The main computer compartment has built-in travel-safe padding
which provides drop protection up to (5) five feet on concrete
surfaces.
All difusi cases provide
protection from the hazards of everyday use including compression
tests and the five (5) foot drop test onto concrete. Because of the
reinforced construction, difusi cases not only look great, they are
setting a new standard in case security and reliability. This is
one accessory you won't want to hide under your desk.
A radical change in case design.
These cases have over-padded handles, adjustable leather straps
and padded leather zipper pulls for ease of use and comfort. They
use solid steel mounting and interlocking face plates with rear
panel reinforcement to guarantee these cases will last through a
lifetime of use.
The cases have (6) built-in compartments including an iPod
holder for storing most items in your mobile office.
Award winning design for durability and styling.
The pocket organizers accommodate full size file folders with up
to 300 sheets of paper.
Made from the best top grain leather available and durable /
lightweight Jacquard Nylon.
We offer color choices with Gray or Black interior fabric
choices.
Optional interior illumination "Bright" 8 LED, light
fixture.
Mounting for "Bright" interior lighting and several "difusi
only" cases add-ons.
Durability includes nylon reinforced exterior double stitching
and 4 areas of memory foam padding construction between panels.
Comes with a lifetime parts/defect replacement warranty.
Custom designed for the MacBook Pro 15-inch.
Fits perfectly with most manufacturers 15-inch laptops.
difusi builds cases with options to fit any budget. Purchase the
Nylon and leather case at an affordable price or move up to the
full-leather exterior pro edition. Either way you are getting the
best case for your dollar.
difusi medius (Product Specification)
Model Number DIFUSIMDCr1 (Nylon / Leather)
Base Price $99.95
Interior Light Fixture $32.95
Dimensions
Weight / Volume 4.55 lbs / Approximately 1200 cubic inches
Material Soft Black Napa Leather with Gray Jacquard Nylon
Interior.
Computer Compartment
Description
- Perfect fit for the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch
- Works with 99% of 15-inch or smaller laptop's
- Travel-Safe:Is a reinforced frame with shock-absorbing
internal-frame and padding.
- Full sized file-folder storage pocket's
- Secured zipper mesh pockets for cables, Etc.
Organizer Compartment Description
- Large front drop pocket for accessories and personal / business
items
- 2 zipper mesh pockets
- Icon labeled cell phone and iPod™ pockets
- 20 Business card + Credit card slips
- File folder (letter-size holder)
- Key clip/grasp
- (3) Three pen holders
Storage/File Compartment Description
- 3 Section expandable file pockets
- 2 Accessory pockets
- 1 Large zippered pocket
- Large general storage compartment
- Extra zippered stash pocket on back
Additional Features
- Ergonomic over padded handle
- Adjustable, padded leather shoulder strap
- Adjustable Luggage Strap
- Optional Lighting array featuring Eight (8) Ultra-white SMD
LED's runs on a single 21/23, 12-Volt battery(Included) with click
on/off control.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Supported Platforms
- Designed for most 15-inch laptops including the MacBook Pro 15,
iBook 15-inch and PowerBook 15-inch lines.
DIFUSIMDCr2 (Full Leather)
Base Price $139.95
Interior Light Fixture $32.95
Dimensions
Weight / Volume 4.55 lbs / Approximately 1200 cubic inches
Material Soft Black Napa Leather with Gray Jacquard Nylon
Interior.
Computer Compartment
Description
- Perfect fit for the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch
- Works with 99% of 15-inch or smaller laptop's
- Travel-Safe:Is a reinforced frame with shock-absorbing
internal-frame and padding.
- Full sized file-folder storage pocket's
- Secured zipper mesh pockets for cables, Etc.
Organizer Compartment Description
- Large front drop pocket for accessories and personal / business
items
- 2 zipper mesh pockets
- Icon labeled cell phone and iPod pockets
- 20 Business card + Credit card slips
- File folder (letter-size holder)
- Key clip/grasp
- (3) Three pen holders
Storage/File Compartment
Description
- 3 Section expandable file pockets
- 2 Accessory pockets
- 1 Large zippered pocket
- Large general storage compartment
- Extra zippered stash pocket on back
Additional Features
- Ergonomic over padded handle
- Adjustable, padded leather shoulder strap
- Adjustable Luggage Strap
- Optional Lighting array featuring Eight (8) Ultra-white SMD
LED's runs on a single 21/23, 12-Volt battery(Included) with click
on/off control.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Supported Platforms
• Designed for most 15-inch laptops including the
MacBook Pro 15, iBook 15-inch and PowerBook 15-inch lines.
difusi Maxim (Product Specification)Model Number DIFUSIMXCr1
(Nylon / Leather)
Base Price $119.95
Interior Light Fixture $32.95
Dimensions
Weight / Volume 4.55 lbs / Approximately 1200 cubic inches
Material Soft Black Napa Leather with Gray Jacquard Nylon
Interior.
Computer Compartment
Description
- Perfect fit for the Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch
- Works with 99% of 17-inch or smaller laptop's
- Travel-Safe:Is a reinforced frame with shock-absorbing
internal-frame and padding.
- Full sized file-folder storage pocket's
- Secured zipper mesh pockets for cables, Etc.
Organizer Compartment Description
- Large front drop pocket for accessories and personal / business
items
- 4 zipper mesh pockets
- Icon labeled cell phone and iPod™ pockets
- 20 Business card + Credit card slips
- File folder (letter-size holder)
- Key clip/grasp
- (3) Three pen holders
Storage/File Compartment Description
- 3 Section expandable file pockets
- 4 Accessory pockets
- 1 Large zippered pocket
- Large general storage compartment
- Extra zippered stash pocket on back
Additional Features
- Ergonomic over padded handle
- Adjustable, padded leather shoulder strap
- Adjustable Luggage Strap
- Optional Lighting array featuring Eight (8) Ultra-white SMD
LED's runs on a single 21/23, 12-Volt battery(Included) with click
on/off control.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Supported Platforms
- Designed for most 17-inch laptops including the MacBook Pro 17,
PowerBook 17-inch and most PC17-inch lines.
DIFUSIMXCr2 (Full Leather)
Base Price $159.95
Interior Light Fixture $32.95
Dimensions
Weight / Volume 4.55 lbs / Approximately 1200 cubic inches
Material Soft Black Napa Leather with Gray Jacquard Nylon
Interior.
Computer Compartment Description
- Perfect fit for the Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch
- Works with 99% of 17-inch or smaller laptop's
- Travel-Safe:Is a reinforced frame with shock-absorbing
internal-frame and padding.
- Full sized file-folder storage pocket's
- Secured zipper mesh pockets for cables, Etc.
Organizer Compartment Description
- Large front drop pocket for accessories and personal / business
items
- 4 zipper mesh pockets
- Icon labeled cell phone and iPod™ pockets
- 20 Business card + Credit card slips
- File folder (letter-size holder)
- Key clip/grasp
- (3) Three pen holders
Storage/File Compartment Description
- 3 Section expandable file pockets
- 4 Accessory pockets
- 1 Large zippered pocket
- Large general storage compartment
- Extra zippered stash pocket on back
Additional Features
- Ergonomic over padded handle
- Adjustable, padded leather shoulder strap
- Adjustable Luggage Strap
- Optional Lighting array featuring Eight (8) Ultra-white SMD
LED's runs on a single 21/23, 12-Volt battery(Included) with click
on/off control.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Supported Platforms
- Designed for most 17-inch laptops including the MacBook Pro 17,
PowerBook 17-inch and most PC17-inch lines.
Link: difusi maxim,
medius, and mini
Software
CoolBook Monitors, Manages Core Duo CPU
and Fan
PR: CoolBook is a program for the MacBook and MacBook Pro
computers. It lets you monitor the frequency, voltage, and
temperature of the Core Duo CPU.
Registered users can also change the frequency and voltage of
the processor, which can greatly reduce heat buildup. And that
means less fan usage, and thus increased battery life.
Download and try CoolBook before you buy the license. That way
you know it works with your Mac.
For test results see http://www.coolbook.se/testing.html
System requirements: Core Duo MacBook Pro and MacBook.
System support: Intel
$10 shareware
Link: CoolBook
MenuTemperature Gauges Your Mac's CPU
Temperature
PR: CPUs tend to sweat a lot. But the OS won't
easily tell you exactly how warm your processor gets.
MenuTemperature will:
- Your CPU temperature directly in the menu bar - so you'll
always have an overview.
- Average values of the past 10 minutes.
MenuTemperature is free. You have nothing to lose by giving it a
try.
Works on (almost) any computer with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.
MenuTemperature is a Universal Binary, and thus runs on both
PowerPC- and Intel-based Macs, supporting the temperature sensors
of numerous different models.
New in version 1.5:
- Much of the code has been rewritten for more efficiency
- Many additional models are introduced
- The AuthHelper isn't needed any more
- MenuTemperature can now keep track of the CPU frequency as
well
- Several smaller changes have been made
- Please note that this version does not have French and
Traditional Chinese localizations. 1.0.6 is the latest version for
those localizations. Do not update to 1.5 if you rely on these
localizations.
New in version 1.0.6:
- This version has French and Traditional Chinese localizations.
Do not update to 1.5 if you rely on those.
New in version 1.0.5
- Sparkle 1.1.
- Solved a problem concerning paths with spaces.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later and a supported
machine.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: MenuTemperature
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.
- clamshell iBook G3/366, 256/10/CD, $199
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $425
- PowerBook "Pismo" G3/400, 256/20/DVD, $305
- Add AirPort for $90
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,099
- refurb 13" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$949
- refurb 13" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, white, 512/60/SD, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,099
- refurb 13" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, black, 1 GB/80/SD, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,299
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SD, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,349
- refurb 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,399
- refurb 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,449
- refurb 15" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,599
Editor's note: Interesting how strongly the prices are holding
up on those G4 PowerBooks, especially when you can get a refurb
MacBook for $949. cm
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 G4/800, 256/30/Combo, $549.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $629.99
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $729.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, APX, $1,099.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/SD, Scratched, $549
- 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, APX, BT, $899
- 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/CD, Scratch/Dent, $399
- 15" PowerBook G4/867, 512/30/SD, $699
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, APX, BT, $999
- PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/40/DVD, $449.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/40/DVD, $599.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, APX, $1,299.95
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.
