Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2007.02.09
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
Apple Updates
Products and Services
Software
News & Opinion
Faster, More Affordable 'Books Coming in
May?
Hardmac's Lionel says:
"After a quiet period, information is starting to seep through
on the next evolution of Intel's mobile platform, code-name Santa
Rosa.
"The major new feature will be the migration to a 800 MHz bus,
up from the current 667 MHz. it will also integrate the Robson
technology, allowing some processes to be accelerated with flash
memory. Furthermore, GMA 3000 will replace the ageing [sic]
GMA 950.
"It will come along with CPUs made for a 800 MHz bus, but with
similar frequencies to those currently available.
"The fastest will be the Core 2 Duo T7700 running at 2.4 GHz.
However, these CPUs will be more affordable than the current
line."
Link: New Apple Notebooks
Coming in May?
LED Backlight Might Go into MacBooks
The News & Observer's Anne Krishnan reports:
"New MacBook Pro laptops might use the energy-saving lights that
Cree of Durham makes.
"Rumors are swirling among tech aficionados that Cree will light
up the next generation of Apple MacBook laptops.
"A relationship with Apple would be a big deal for Cree, giving
the Durham company cachet within its industry and opening up a
market with huge potential.Updates of the MacBook Pro in the second
quarter will use LEDs to create a more vibrant screen - and Cree is
expected to be Apple's supplier....
"Cree declined to comment on the rumors, but officials have made
it clear that they are interested in laptop displays...."
Link: Cree Lights
Might Go into Apple Laptops
The Great Vista/Mac Showdown: ThinkPad X60 and
MacBook Pro
ZNet Blogger Mitch Ratcliffe says:
"There is a long process between the decision to buy a computer
and actually starting it the first time, before anyone gets the
chance to murmer 'Wow' over the technology itself. There is the
handing over of the boxed computer to the customer, paying for the
system (all the while the customer gazing at it, for this is the
first experience of ownership and where the seeds of buyer's
remorse can take hold), driving home or back to the office, and
then, opening that box. Throughout that time, the packaging is the
only message available to reinforce the value of theApple excels at
portraying quality in its packaging and the experience of opening a
product, an art most PC makers don't understand. purchase and build
excitement and enthusiasm in the new owner....
"Steve Jobs, Apple's chief judge of the design of everything
that goes out the door, on the other hand, understands the sex.
Unwrapping a MacBook Pro is a singular experience in the PC world.
From the moment the salesperson hands over the box, one feels the
convenience and quality of the product purchased.
"Lenovo's ThinkPad comes in a brown corrugated cardboard box. If
you purchase the multimedia base station for the ThinkPad, you get
two brown boxes in a larger box that is an armful to carry. The
irony here is that the ThinkPad is lighter than the MacBook, but
you get several pounds of extraneous packaging with it that makes
the ThinkPad appear clunkier when it's not."
Link: The Great Vista/Mac
Showdown: Unboxing the ThinkPad X60 and MacBook Pro
Sprint Releases First EVDO ExpressCard
Gearlog reports:
"Owners of MacBook Pro, Dell, HP, and Lenovo laptops with those
pesky ExpressCard slots can rejoice: as of next month, Sprint will
be selling an EV-DO Rev A ExpressCard to let you get on the fastest
wide-area wireless network currently available in the nation. The
Novatel Merlin EX720 will sell for $179.99 with a two-year
agreement, and yes, it will support both Windows and the Mac
OS."
Link:
Hey MacBook Pro Users: Sprint Releases First Rev. A
ExpressCard
Case-mate Sweetens Valentine's Day
PR: Case-mate's line of stylish
products just got a little sweeter! Show that special someone how
much you care when you purchase cool accessories to help them
protect their iPod or Apple notebook. Buy ANY red or pink Case-mate
item now through February 18th and receive an extra 20% off!
Choose from red or pink genuine leather iPod Video or nano
cases. Or pick up Case-mate's sleek new Suit for the MacBook and
MacBook Pro in Italian Pebbleston leather. We even have cell phone
cases for some of the hottest new phone models on the market from
Motorola and Sony.
Offer lasts until February 18, 2007.
Link: Case-mate
Apple Updates
Intermittent MacBook Shut Down
An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If your MacBook shuts down randomly during use, a downloadable
firmware update is now available that resolves this issue.
"The MacBook SMC Firmware Update v1.1 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."
Link: MacBook:
Shuts Down Intermittently
Products and Services
QuickerTek Announces New Quicky, Perfect for
TiBook
PR: As an introductory offer, QuickerTek and Untangled
Life are giving a free Titanium PowerBook Handle with the 500mW
Quicky (while supplies lasts).
The new Quicky is a further refinement of an already great
product. This powerful USB transceiver maximizes a Titanium
PowerBook's wireless connection. The AirPort card found in TiBooks
is only 25 milliwatts. The 500mW Quicky increases the signal
strength to 500 milliwatts. Quicky also changes the TiBook from
802.11b to 802.11g. Quicky works with all types and clock speeds of
TiBooks. This gives the TiBook the wireless speed that Apple left
out!
No more taking apart the TiBook for more speed, the Quicky
simply clips on the display and plugs into the USB port. This way
the 500mW Quicky is easily and fully removable. Quicky is powered
either by the USB port and/or the supplied AC adaptor. The AC
adaptor is provided to increase battery life on the TiBook. The new
Quicky also works with any Mac with a USB port. QuickerTek makes
wireless enhancements for other Macs too.
As an introductory offer, QuickerTek and Untangled Life are
giving a free Titanium PowerBook Handle with the 500mW Quicky
(while supplies lasts). Rand Denny from Untangled Life says, "This
is a great deal for TiBook owners to get great wireless and a sweet
handle."
Go to QuickerTek or Untangled Life and get the TiBook Special
while it lasts!
D-Link DIR-450 3G Mobile Router for EVDO
Networks
PR: The D-Link 3G Mobile Router DIR-450 answers mobile
users need for setting up a wireless network on-the-go to share an
Internet connection. The 3G Mobile Router DIR-450 enables users to
quickly create a secure wireless 802.11g network and provide access
to the Internet using a cellular signal*. By connecting an EV-DO
Internet PC card to the 3G Mobile Router, an Internet connection
can be accessed and shared virtually anywhere within a wireless
broadband network.*
Product Features:
- Plug in Your EV-DO Internet PC Card to Share Online Access
- Works Virtually Anywhere EV-DO Cellular Service is
Available
- Create a Wireless Network - Check E-mail, Go Online, and Share
Files
Compatibility
Compatible Service Providers in USA*Compatible Service Providers
in Canada*Compatible 1xEV-DO Internet PC Cards*
- ACS Wireless
- Alltel
- Cellular South
- Embarq
- Sprint
- Verizon Wireless
- Bell Mobility
- Manitoba Telecom Services
- SaskTel
- TELUS Mobility
- Kyocera KPC 650
- Novatel V620
- Sprint PCS Connection Card PC-5740
The 3G Mobile Router creates a secure Wi-Fi network by
supporting the latest wireless security features to prevent
unauthorized access. Support for WEP, WPA, and WPA2 ensure that you
will be able to secure your Wi-Fi network, regardless of your
client devices. In addition, the 3G Mobile Router utilizes dual
active firewalls (SPI and NAT) to prevent potential attacks from
across the Internet.
The D-Link 3G Mobile Router sets up in minutes, making it easy
to use while on - the-go. Remaining backward compatible with
802.11b devices, this router ensures that it will work with legacy
wireless equipment you already own. This eliminates the necessity
of incurring additional expenses with upgrading your current
wireless equipment. You can also directly connect Ethernet-based
devices to its built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 switch.
Set up a wireless network with the D-Link 3G Mobile Router
DIR-450 and provide your users with a secure, high-speed connection
to the Internet anytime, anywhere*.
Typical Applications
Access Private Networks
With the 3G Mobile Router, government employees or corporate
users can create a wireless network and provide colleagues with
remote access to their secure private networks. It is ideal for
off-site situations, such as crime scenes, where sharing
information is critical.
Special Events
Share the Internet while working at special events. Whether you
are at an industry convention, off-site meeting, sporting event, or
backstage at a concert, the 3G Mobile Router can keep your
personnel and guests in touch with the world.
Internet Access for Commuters
By installing the 3G Mobile Router on a bus, train, or even a
boat, you can allow passengers to check e-mail or chat online while
commuting. Enhance their experience and increase the value of your
offered services with the 3G Mobile Router.
Emergency Response
Whether you are providing relief for a natural disaster or
coordinating the rescue of a lost hiker, you can quickly set up a
wireless network and allow your team members to access e-mail, go
online, and share important files.
For the Road
The 3G Mobile Router lets you share a mobile Internet connection
with your group when you are on-the-go for work or play. Stay on
top of e-mails, chat with friends and family, get directions, read
news, download music, or shop online.
Fixed Broadband Solution
The 3G Mobile Router can be used as a fixed broadband Internet
solution in homes or offices that do not have a cable or DSL
service available, but are within a compatible mobile wireless
network. Conversely, if you are already subscribing to a mobile
Internet service, you can simply use the 3G Mobile Router in your
home instead of paying extra for a wired high-speed Internet
connection.
$299.99.
Link: DIR-450 > 3G Mobile
Router for EV-DO Networks
Sony Ericsson PC300 Mobile Broadband
HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE
PR: Don't lose speed when you
leave the office. With support for four wireless technologies -
HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS - the PC300 makes sure you always have
the fastest connection available.
Enjoy the broadband experience. Wherever you are, whenever you
want. The PC300 keeps you connected to clients, colleagues and
family - at full speed.
Stay on top of things
Wireless Manager software lets you control connections, data
usage, messages and contact details, and can be customized for
corporate deployment
Convenient and easy to use
Go online wirelessly, easily. Connect your PC or Apple™
laptop - with hundreds of GSM networks around the globe.
GPRS
GPRS offers fast and effective mobile data transfer. When you
use GPRS, you are only charged for data sent and received and not
for airtime.
DGE - unbeatable coverage and speed
Covering more geographical territory than any other cellular
technology, EDGE offers transfer speeds comparable to those of
basic fixed-line services.
Connectivity you can rely on
Sony Ericsson commits to industry standards, regulatory
approvals and operator acceptance around the world - so you
can rely on superb connectivity.
Small, efficient integrated antenna
Enjoy connection reliability with the PC card's integrated
antenna; suitable models can add an external antenna for
enhancement in low signal areas.
Globally supported
All Sony Ericsson products are supported with regional customer
care centers, offering comprehensive information and support in
local languages.
Specifications
- Size: 101 x 54 x 10.5 mm / 3.9 x 2.1 x 0.4 inches
- Weight: 42 gr / 1.5 oz
Networks
- Quad Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
- Triple Band 850/1900/2100 HSDPA/UMTS
Features
- Environment: operating -10° to +55° C, storage -20°
to +65° C
- Power consumption: < 30mW (inserted), < 150mW (idle),
< 2.2W (transfer)
- Multichannel: 3 multiplexed channels (parallel communication
paths to card)
- SIM toolkit: Class 2 with Call Control
- Compression: MNP5, V.42bis GSM & TCP/IP Header
Compression
- Error correction: End to End MNP2-4, LAPM (V.42), Network
supported RLP
- SIM Card: supports 1.8 and 3-Volt SIM cards
- Power class: GMSK-Class 4 (850/900 MHz), Class 1 (1800/1900
MHz), 8 PSK-Class E2
- Power consumption: < 30mW (inserted), < 150mW (idle),
< 2.8W (transfer)
Link:
Sony Ericsson PC300 Mobile Broadband HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE
Software
Wake Assist Fixes the Stuck-until-clicked Wake
Problem
PR: Wake Assist solves a wake-from-sleep problem on some
Macs.
Wake Assist automatically clicks the mouse a few seconds after
waking from sleep. The mouse click is enough to nudge a stuck Mac
to wake up fully.
The mouse click will only happen if the Mac is not being used -
we made sure Wake Assist stays out of your way.
How Wake Assist helps
Wake Assist is a small Mac OS X daemon; it sits quietly in the
background until your Mac wakes from sleep.
- A few seconds after your Mac wakes up Wake Assist checks for
user activity.
- If no activity has taken place since waking up, Wake Assist
performs a couple of mouse clicks.
- Finally Wake Assist returns to waiting silently for the next
wake from sleep.
Installing Wake Assist
Wake Assist can be installed and removed easily from any Mac
running at least Mac OS X 10.4.
To install Wake Assist, open the DssW Wake Assist installer
package included in the download.
To remove Wake Assist, open the Remove Wake Assist Terminal
command included in the download, then follow the on screen
instructions.
Looking for more?
DssW makes a range of energy saving software. We hope Wake
Assist helps a small group of Mac users with a specific Energy
Saving problem.
Odds are, you do not need Wake Assist, but you might like one of
our other offerings.
Wake Assist - A Mac OS X Energy Saving fix
- v1.0 - February 2007;
- Free;
System requirements: Requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later;
System support: Mac Universal
Link: Wake Assist
CoolBook Monitors Core Duo CPU
PR: CoolBook is a program for the MacBook and MacBook Pro
computers. It lets you monitor the frequency, voltage and
temperature of the notebook.
Registered users can also change the frequency and voltage of
the processor.
For test results see <http://www.coolbook.se/testing.html>
New in version 1.3:
- Added support for a missing iMac model.
- Minor fixes.
- Made some changes to the UI.
- Updated documentation.
System requirements: Core Duo MacBook Pro and MacBook.
System support: Intel
$10 shareware
Link: CoolBook
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.
- refurb 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo,
$799
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/SD, $899
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $949
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 1 GB/80/SD, $999
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB 80/SD, $1,099
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB 80/SD, $1,299
- refurb 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD,
$1,349
- refurb 15" 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD,
$1,599
- refurb 15" 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD,
$2.299
- refurb 17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD,
$1,999
- refurb 17" 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD,
$2,299
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $329
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $295
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/CD, $219
- 14" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $409
- 15" PowerBook G4/667, 256/30/Combo, $579
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/SD, Broken Left Hinge, $679
- Add Airport for $75
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, $1,199 - Add Airport
Extreme for $65
- 12" iBook G3/900, 640/60/Combo, AP, $599
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, AP, $549
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/60/SD, $799
- 14" iBook G4/933, 256/60/Combo, AP, $649
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 640/60/Combo, $699
TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to 'Book Review readers
off any PowerBook or iBook in stock. Just enter the code CWM during
checkout when ordering online. The coupon code is valid from now
through 2007.12.31.
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $499.99
- Clamshell iBook G3/300, blueberry, 64/3/CD, $179.95
- Clamshell iBook G3/300, tangerine, 64/3/CD, $199.95
- PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/20 (new)/DVD, $399.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/CD, $239.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $269.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $299.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $379.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, Minor Case Defect - $379.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, $449.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $499.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $579.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 10/128/CD, $199.99
- 12" iBook G3/600, 15/128/CD, $249.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 20/128/Combo, $329.99
- 12" iBook G3/800, 30/256 /Combo, $399.99
- 12" iBook G3/900, 40/256/Combo, $489.99
$50 rebate on Power Max MP3 Sunglasses with the purchase of any
new or refurbished Mac
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/CD, $599
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1 GHz/256/40/Combo Drive, $879
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz/256/60/Combo, APX, $949
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz/512/100/SD, APX, $1299
- Apple Emate 300 PDA - Touch Screen in great working shape -
$59.99
Computer Geeks
- 12" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, AP, OS X, $479.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.0 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, OS X, $499.99
- 12" iBook G4 1.0 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, OS X, $529.99
- 12" iBook G4 1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, OS X, $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.
