Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2007.01.05
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
Reviews
Products and Services
Software
News & Opinion
Mac Sales Up 18%: 'Books Skyrocket while
Desktops Decline
TechWeb's Gregg Keizer reports:
"Nearly lost among the results of Apple Computer's stock option
investigation in the Cupertino, Calif., computer maker's annual
10-K report was news that revenue from sales of its Mac computers
increased 19% during the second quarter over the same period in
2005 and climbed 18% for the year ending Sept. 30....
"Like many other computer manufacturers, Apple saw its desktop
sales drop dramatically as buyers continue to shift to portables.
During the second quarter, the number of desktops sold plummeted by
23% from the previous quarter, while notebook sales soared by 61%.
Year-end totals were less sensational: Desktop sales were off only
3% for the year ending Sept. 30, and portable sales were up
42%."
Link:
Apple Sees Mac Sales Surge
Apple and HP to Launch LED-based Notebooks
DigiTimes' Max Wang and Carrie Yu report:
"Although US-based brands such as Apple and Hewlett Packard (HP)
are expected to launch notebooks using LEDs as the backlight source
starting from the second quarter 2007, Taiwan-based LED makers will
not be the major beneficiaries, according to industry sources.
"HP's new LED-based notebooks will feature Microsoft's Vista
operating system (OS) and will aim at high-end, multimedia uses,
the sources said, adding that using LEDs as the backlight source
for large-size applications will become more popular thanks to more
models of such kind from US-based notebook brands."
Link: Apple and
HP to Launch LED-based Notebooks
Ode to the 12" PowerBook and Wishes for a
Hyper-Portable MacBook
AppleMatters' Hadley Stern says:
"I've had a few Mac portables over the years although granted I
arrived to the scene a tad late with a Pismo. It was a work machine but I coveted
it like it was my own. Suddenly I was free to go everywhere and
anywhere with all my stuff. The Pismo, in hindsight, was a great
machine and offered some of the flexibility that my MacBook Pro doesn't offer now. In
particular the ability to have hot swap bays wherein I could have
two batteries going at the same time for cross country flights was
a godsend....
"My next PowerBook was one that I bought myself, a 12" PowerBook. Being a designer it was a
secondary machine mostly for writing. Apart from penning many
thousands of words for Apple Matters it also became the machine I
did all the writing for iPod and iTunes hacks on. The 12" PowerBook
is an absolutely fantastic portable machine....
"...I've looked at the MacBooks. Nice machines and all but that
extra inch makes a huge difference. The 12 inch PowerBook was a
power-users hyper-portable machine, and Apple needs to bring
something back like it. I don't want the hyper-miniature Sharp like
experience (I already have a Blackberry, thank you very much) but I
do want an Apple portable that is truly portable...."
Link:
Ode to the 12" PowerBook: 14 Wishes for a New Hyper-Portable
MacBook
Hybrid Flash Hard Drives for Next Gen MacBook
Pro?
apcmag.com's David Flynn reports:
"One year on from the introduction of Intel's made-for-mobile
Core Duo 'Yonah' processor in its MacBook Pro line, Apple looks set to
integrate another member of the Centrino technology family into its
next-gen notebooks.
"This time around it's Robson, Intel's codename for an on-board
module which uses NAND flash memory as a 'smart storage' buffer
between system RAM and the hard drive.
"The flash chip is used to store system boot files as well as
the most often-used data files, which can be written and retrieved
at several magnitudes faster than any mechanical hard disk -
especially when the drive itself has to spin up to speed before
disk access can take place."
Link:
'Robson' Hybrid Flash Hard Drives for Next-Gen MacBook
Pros?
'Best Tech Gadgets of 2006' List Includes
MacBook
All Headline News' Jacob Cherian says:
"For software and gadget fans, 2006 was year of high-profile
launches.
"While Apple's MacBook took a
unique place on the market early in the year, others are eagerly
waiting to change from XP to Vista, Microsoft's latest
offering."
Link: The Best Tech
Gadgets of 2006 Include Apple's MacBook, PSP3, and Wii
Apple Care vs. Dell Support: Dead Hard
Drives
oreillynet.com's Todd Ogasawara reports:
"I had an interesting (ok, that may not be the right word)
opportunity to compare Apple and Dell support handling recently.
The results may surprise you (I know I was surprised). My Dell
Latitude D600 notebook (about 2.5 years old at the time) had a
sudden hard drive failure about 2 months ago. Last night, my 8
month old MacBook hard drive died just as suddenly. But, let's see
what happened after that."
Link:
Apple Care vs. Dell Support: Dead Hard Drives
Reviews
Core 2 a 'Welcome Improvement' for 17" MacBook
Pro
Macworld's Henry Norr reports:
"When it comes time to update its 17-inch laptops, Apple always
faces a challenge: how to improve a machine that already has just
about everything?
"In the case of the latest 17-inch MacBook Pro (Best Current
Price: $2550.00), the company stuck to the basics: It added the
latest and fastest Intel mobile processor available (a 2.33 GHz
Core 2 Duo, replacing the 2.16 GHz Core Duo), doubled the standard
memory (now 2 GB), and boosted hard drive capacity (from 120
GB to 160 GB)....
"...graphics pros who have been hesitant about upgrading to an
Intel-based model should note that the latest MacBook Pros handily
outperform the fastest-ever G4-based PowerBook when running Adobe
Photoshop CS2, even though the application has to run through
Apple's Rosetta code-translation technology."
Link: 17-inch
MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo/2.33 GHz
17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro vs. Power Mac
G4/1.25 GHz Dual
MacSpeedZone benchmarks both and reports on how much faster the
new MacBook Pro is on all but one test.
Link:
MacBook Pro 17" 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo versus Power Mac Dual
G4/1.25 GHz
Products and Services
AutoNet Mobile Turns Your Car into a WiFi
Hotspot
PR: The first Internet service provider specifically
designed for cars. Fasten your seatbelt. Because the driving
experience will never be the same again. With Autonet Mobile, the
first ever, always-on mobile broadband network, you and your
passengers can now enjoy internet services and WiFi connectivity
whenever you want to by turning your car into a WiFi hotspot on
wheels. IM, chat, stream media, email, games, on-line listen to
music and more.
Look ma! No wires, no software, no cell cards.
Simply turn on, log on and surf. No cellular data cards or
special software required. And because Autonet mobile makes your
car a WiFi hotspot, you can pull off the road, go sit under a tree
and stay connected outside your car.
Hear it, see it, surf it for yourself.
We're unveiling Autonet mobile in Las Vegas on January 8 at CES
International 2007, where you can test drive it for yourself. To
get more information or to find out how you can be among the first
to get yourself, your family, or your driving fleet connected,
please enter your email address.
Why Autonet Mobile:
- Easy to use for everyone.
- Great for families.
- Connect to any WiFi device.
- Connect to multiple users.
We will begin shipping Spring '07 - sign up for early
delivery
Link: AutoNet
Mobile
Netgear 802.11g Extreme & SuperG PC Card
for PowerBooks
PR: Enjoy fast transfer
speeds and extended range with Wegener Media's modified Netgear
WG511T Wireless PC CardBus.
Up to 108 Mbps speeds (10x faster than 802.11b) with Super GTM
Technology, giving you total mobile access to your AirPort or
AirPort Extreme base station, office networks, and wireless
hotspots.
It's compliant with 802.11g standards and is interoperable with
802.11b and 802.11g networks. This PC card is easy to use and
simple to install. Just slide it into your notebook's PC CardBus
slot, load the software, and get connected right away.
This card fully OS X compatible. Includes all drivers for OS X
installation. 1 year warranty.
This card offers full 10bT networking capabilities, full
compatibility with AirPort base stations, and the entire 802.11
network system.
108mbs transfer rate 10x faster
than standard AirPort, 2x faster than AirPort Extreme.
Fully compatible with AirPort web surfing, encryption software
(WEP), and firmware.
Fits any G3 or G4 PowerBook with PCMCIA slot & OS X
Compatible with:
- G3 WallStreet, Lombard, or Pismo
- G4 Titanium, G4 Aluminum 15 & 17"
- (not OS 9 compatible)
- Automatically connects to any AirPort Base station
- 802.11b
- 802.11g
- 802.11g SuperG
Available for $49.95 from Wegener Media.
Launchpad Laptop Stand
PR: The Launchpad has been
designed by 604 using the most advanced space-age technology to
compliment the way we use our notebooks. It allows for better
cooling and protection in a portable, on-the-go format for the
travelling spaceman.
The Launchpad comes in three convenient sizes: the A13 (MacBook
13.3"), the A15 (MacBook Pro 15"), and the A17 (MacBook Pro 17").
For the more discerning astronaut we have also included both
silver, and black anodized finishes.
Ergonomic!
By creating an angled typing surface, the Launchpad allows for
more comfortable and ergonomic use of your laptop while on the go,
or using it at home on your desk.
Cooling!
The Launchpad has been designed with cooling holes along the
entire face of the unit. This allows the heat generated by your
notebook to dissipate through this newly created airway.
Protection!
You can easily store your notebook inside the Launchpad for
transportation. Just flip the stand over, and slip your notebook
inside. This provides solid protection for your computer's case and
screen. It will even fit inside your favourite notebook case.
Sexy!
Here at 604 Labs, we find form to be just as important as
function. That's why the Launchpad is sleekly designed to subtly
compliment your notebook.
$49.95
Link:
Launchpad Laptop Stand
Griffin Elevator Desktop Stand for
Notebook Computers
PR: Back in the day - that would be about four years ago
- Griffin introduced a very elegant laptop stand called the iCurve
- a sensuously bent and curved (hence the name) single bar of
crystal clear plastic that formed a skeleton platform on which a
laptop computer could be perched.
Griffin pitched it as "the invisible laptop stand," but the
iCurve was so attractive it was almost a shame to hide it under a
computer. It could stand on its own as a piece of modern
sculpture.
Unfortunately, the iCurve had some functional deficiencies,
mainly that the flexibility of the plastic made it a less than
rock-steady perch, especially for heavier laptops.
Now Griffin has introduced a new laptop stand called The
Elevator, whose minimalist design concept owes much to that of the
iCurve (which has been discontinued for some time), but instead of
molded clear Lexan, The Elevator is made from sturdy brushed
aluminum. It's not as pretty as the iCurve, but it should be
substantially sturdier and more solid-feeling.
With Elevator you can lift
your laptop to a comfortable viewing height and reclaim your
desktop. Elevator holds your portable computer safely and securely
at just the right height to match external monitors - and to save
your aching neck.
Elevator is claimed to conform to health and safety standards,
making your laptop safer and more comfortable to use all day
long.
Healthycomputing.com, the premier source for office ergonomics,
recommends positioning the top of your screen level with your eyes
and sitting at least an arm's length distance from the screen. Both
of these key ergonomic standards are made possible using Elevator
with an external keyboard.
Features:
- Elevates laptop screen to the ideal height while providing
valuable desktop real estate for your keyboard and mouse
- Keeps laptop cool with 360 degrees of air circulation
- Fits all laptops - Mac or PC
Elevator sells for $39.99
Link: Griffin
Elevator
RadTech Improves ScreenSavrz Screen
Cleaners and Protectors
PR:
Protect your laptop computer screen from damage. Clean, Protect and
Repair / Refinish Your LCD Display Screen with RadTech
ScreenSavrz
RadTech ScreenSavrz protect delicate LCD display screens from
abrasion caused by the close tolerances in modern ultra-thin
notebooks. ScreenSavrz positively shield and protect your display
screen from oils, dirt, keyboard marks and top case abrasion when
closed. ScreenSavrz also expertly clean and polish LCD displays
without sprays or wet wipes - dampen ScreenSavrz with water and
easily remove existing keymarks and scuffing.
Made from
RadTech's exclusive, super-soft Optex fabric, a non-woven,
ultra-thin advanced polishing fabric developed specifically for LCD
panel care and cleaning. ScreenSavrz allows you to safely clean the
screen or any surface of your notebook. So thin, soft and supple,
they stow as easily as a dollar bill - and they're machine washable
too. For late model Apple and PC notebooks, combine with Wildeepz
Display Cushions for the ultimate in hard-wear.
Show off your style by choosing the
ScreenSavrz color or pattern that fits you best.
RadTech ScreenSavrz - the best thing next to your screen.
Features:
- Shields and protects notebook LCD's from oils, dirt, scratching
and abrasion
- No oily residue or shedding as with leather or commercial
microfiber protectors
- Expressly designed to protect, clean and polish LCD displays -
never buy another wet wipe
- Easily removes prior LCD screen damage, abrasions and key
marks
- Ultra-tough and lightweight cloth lasts for years - won't ever
wrinkle, fray, run or tear
- Optex construction provides the most safe, effective and
economical screen cleaning solution available
- Polish and clean your entire notebook, your peripherals,
accessories, iPod, eyeglasses, CD's, DVD's and more
- Sizes for all brands and models of notebooks. If you don't see
it, please contact us
- Combine with Wildeepz Display Cushions for maximum protection
on MacBook Pro, PowerBook and iBook
- Make a splash with stunning colors and patterns, or get your
own custom logo -
Notebook ScreenSavrz sizes are meticulously researched. RadTech
performs extensive mechanical testing for screen, case, and
keyboard contact, notebook cooling, and display face pressure as
well as ergonomics and performance testing using an experienced 200
member focus group. Closed notebooks are load tested to 90 kg. to
simulate a person sitting on the machine. RadTech certifies that
notebook computer LCD's are protected to the highest degree
possible when used with our full-size ScreenSavrz for
Notebooks.
ScreenSavrz Dimensions:
Universal Series:
- Fits: All 11 x 27cm - 4.5 x 10.8in
Full-Size Series:
- Fits: Apple 12in PowerBook - iBook - PC: 12-13.8in Standard
Screen: 26 x 20cm - 7.8 x 10.3in
- Fits: Apple 13in MacBook - PC: 12-13.8in Wide Screen: 29 x 19cm
- 7.3 x 11.5in
- Fits: Apple 14in iBook - PowerBook G3 - PC: 14-17in Standard
Screen: 29 x 23cm - 9.0 x 11.5in
- Fits: Apple 15in MacBook Pro - PowerBook PC: 14-15.5in Wide
Screen: 32 x 21cm - 8.3 x 12.5in
- Fits: Apple 17in MacBook Pro - PowerBook PC: 16-17.5in Wide
Screen: 36 x 23cm - 9.0 x 14in
Material: OptexSuper60
Colors: Gray - Fuchsia -
Indigo - Green - Grape - Black - Shagwire
Price Range: $9.95 - $16.95
Link: ScreenSavrz
RadTech Releases Tiny DriveMate External
Drives
PR: Rugged, portable,
and compact 1" hard drive based data storage module combines
compact size and multilayer hardware protection with ultra-fast
data transfer speeds. DriveMate provides security conscious users
with high-performance, compact and attractive solutions for their
secure, portable data storage requirements.
DriveMate compact data storage modules provide the ultimate
physical protection and security for your valuable data. Protection
starts with DriveMate's compact, tough and lightweight form-factor.
The internally gusseted enclosure features a HDD shock-chamber to
provide exceptional drop protection and physical crush resistance.
A captive USB cable neatly stows inside DriveMate's housing and
provides versatile connection options.
Each DriveMate module features a
generous 2.0 gigabytes (GB) of data storage capacity, and is
available with 64-bit patented Enova X-Wall hardware encryption
technology - the most effective way to secure your valuable and
sensitive information. A low profile write-protect switch prevents
inadvertent data transfer when required.
DriveMate also includes OnSync - A Mac/PC compatible backup and
synchronization application which combines scheduled sync and smart
backup capabilities. OnSync sports a user-friendly and intuitive
interface, detailed analysis of files to be synchronized and
error-proof confirmation dialogs to prevent unintentional
overwrites and duplicate file changes or deletions. When quality
and dependability count, DriveMate delivers - don't trust your data
to anything less.
Features:
- Rugged protection and security with blazing hi-speed USB 2.0
data transfer performance.*
- Compact and lightweight enclosure provides exceptional drop and
impact protection.
- Integrated USB cable stows inside housing and provides
versatile connection options.
- Low-profile USB connector and flexible cable won't block
adjacent ports on computer.
- Available 64-bit hardware encryption ensures that your data is
safe and protected.
- Low profile write-protect switch prevents secondary users from
writing to module.
- Includes OnSync - synchronization and data backup utility for
Mac and PC
- Perfectly sized module fits easily into pocket, purse or
luggage.
- Formats easily as Mac, Unix, or MS-DOS volume(s).
* Backward compatible with USB 1.1
Encrypted Hard Drives Available with 64-bit Hardware-Based
Encryption
Infinitely more secure than software or biometric-based
encryption. The Enova X-Wall engine provides real-time,
hardware-based encryption and decryption.
X-Wall shuttles encrypted data as fast as the installed HDD
reads and writes.
Unlike easily circumvented and platform dependent software or
biometric encryption, X-Wall strongly encrypts every bit and byte
on the drive, including the directory. The included secure key must
be present to mount the drive. Without the key, the drive and its
data are rendered useless and unreadable.
Two keys are included with each DriveMate, additional keys
available for purchase on request.
Enova's X-Wall technology provides the world's most secure
method to encrypt digital data:
- Hardware key must be present at drive mount time - after drive
mounts, the key can be removed
- Attempts to crack X-Wall receive no 'bingo' answer to key
injections, and a mount attempt must follow each try
- Would require decades or even centuries to crack 64-bit Enova
X-Wall hardware encryption
- 192-bit software or biometric HDD encryption can be readily
cracked in hours or days
DriveMate Specs
- Material: Polystyrene
- Enclosure Wall Thickness: 1.2mm
- Dimensions: 76 x 66 x 15mm
- Weight: Std: 57g Encrypted: 59g
- Power Source: USB Bus Power
- Bus Interface: USB 1.1 and/or 2
- Data Transfer Rates:
- USB 1.1: ² 12 Mb/s
- USB 2.0: ² 480 Mb/s
Product of Taiwan
Price: $74.95 - $144.95
Link: DriveMate
Software
CoreDuoTemp Widget
PR: CoreDuoTemp Widget is the companion widget for
CoreDuoTemp.
Monitor the temperature of your Intel Macintosh with
CoreDuoTemp.
CoreDuoTemp uses SpeedIt.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.6, iMac 2006, Mac mini 2006,
MacBook Pro, MacBook.
System support: Intel
Free
Link: CoreDuoTemp Widget
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.
Newly available - Core 2 Duo 17" MacBook Pro
- refurb 1.83 GHz MacBook Core Duo, White, 512/60/Combo,
$799
- refurb 2.0 GHz MacBook Core Duo, White, 512/60/SD, $899
- refurb 2.0 GHz MacBook Core Duo, White, 1 GB/80/SD, $1,049
- refurb 2.0 GHz MacBook Core Duo, Black,1 GB/80/SD, $1,099
- refurb 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro Core Duo, 512/80/SD,
$1,299
- refurb 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro Core Duo, 512/80/SD, $1,349
- refurb 15" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro Core Duo, 1 GB/120/SD,
$1,599
- refurb 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro Core Duo, 1 GB/120/SD,
$1,999
- refurb 17" 2.33 GHz MacBook Pro Core 2, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,299
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SD, $1,599
- 12" iBook G3/900, 640/40/Combo, AirPort, $599
- 12" iBook G3/900, 640/60/Combo, AirPort, $619
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, APX, $599
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, APX, $599
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, $599.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, Bluetooth, $699.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/SD, Bluetooth, $799.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD, $199.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $279.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 192/20/Combo, $379.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, Minor Case Defect, $379.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, $429.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, Minor Case Defect,
$479.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $529.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/CD, $479.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $579.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/SD, $629.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, BT $629.95
- PowerBook 1400cs (11.3" DS LCD),
16/775 MB/floppy, new battery, AC, $99.99
- Newton eMate complete with power pack, $59.99
- eMate complete, NO power pack, $39.99
- NEW eMate battery (Just in-new OEM batt's!), $21.99
- Extra eMate charger/power pack, $19.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $355
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $415
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 Ghz, 256/30/Combo, $619
- 14" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $385
- 14" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $455
- 14" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $485
- Add AirPort for $75
- Apple Emate 300 - Touch Screen in great working shape -
$59.99
Computer Geeks
- 12" iBook G4 1/.0 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, $529.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, $579.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, $749.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, OS X, $209
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/30/CD, OS X, $279
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/30/CD, OS X, $329
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.
