Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2007.03.09
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
The most important news this week is this weekend's change in
Daylight Saving Time, particularly in Canada and the US, where the
time change comes 3 weeks earlier than usual. Digital watches,
televisions, VCRs, and many other electronics that have reliably
switched to and from DST in the past won't make the change this
weekend.
However, your Mac can. Any Mac running OS X 10.3 or 10.4 with
the latest software updates installed will ride out the time change
with no problems. This also applies to Classic mode when used with
these versions of OS X.
The University of New Hampshire has released a
software fix for Mac OS X 10.0 through 10.3, and Apple has
released a Knowledge Base article that explains
how to handle the change in OS X 10.0 through 10.4 as well as
Mac OS 9.2.2 and earlier.
In other news, Samsung has begun shipping the first
hybrid hard drives, which include a 128 MB or 256 MB Flash RAM
cache. This should improve boot and wake-up times and greatly
reduce the amount of time a notebook drive spends spinning and
drawing power, which should significantly reduce battery drain.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
The Time Change
News & Opinion
Reviews
Apple Updates
Tech Trends
Products and Services
The Time Change
Daylight Saving Time Fix for Mac OS X 10.0
through 10.3
Mac OS X Daylight Saving Time Software Fix updates Macs running
Mac OS X 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 to properly recognize the
daylight saving time switch, moved up in March 2007.
Here are the steps to follow to download and install the CIS DST
Fix package for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and below
- Download "DST_Update.mpkg.zip" and the Installer will
automatically start the update process.
- Select your Startup Disk - usually "Macintosh HD".
- Click on the Install button on the lower right side of the
window.
- You will need to type in your password to authenticate the
installation. If the authentication fails, please try again and/or
contact the person(s) responsible for your Macintosh.
- The Installer will notify you that you will need to RESTART
after it is finished.
- When the Installer is finished, you should click the RESTART
button.
- Your DST Software Fix is complete!
New in version 1.0:
- This is the first and likely final version of this software as
it fixes the Daylight Savings Time issues in all versions of Mac OS
X 10.3.9 and lower versions which were previously unfixable.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, or 10.3
only.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: Mac
OS X Daylight Saving Time Software Fix 1.0
2007 Daylight Saving Time Changes and the Mac
OS
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"In 2007, several countries and regions will change the dates on
which they observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). In the United
States, all states except Arizona and Hawaii will begin observing
Daylight Saving Time on March 11. Many provinces in Canada will
also adjust their DST observance, as will some states and provinces
in other countries. Daylight Saving Time observances vary between
countries and regions and are subject to change by national and
provincial governments.
"DST rule changes for the United States and most of Canada are
already available in Mac OS X 10.4.5 or later
"That's right, the 2007 time zone and Daylight Saving Time rule
changes for the United States and most of Canada are already
available in Mac OS X 10.4.5 (released February, 2006) or later.
However, some additional regions that recently adopted time zone
and DST changes are available in the February, 2007 Daylight Saving
Time Update, detailed below.
"February, 2007 Daylight Saving Time Update
"Apple is providing software updates for Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4 and
later based on worldwide time zone information available as of
January 8, 2007. To make sure that your clock maintains the proper
time, simply install the updates that are shown for your computer
in Software Update. You should install these updates even if your
computer is used in a time zone that is not affected. For more
details about the available updates, or if you have an earlier Mac
OS version, see below.
"Mac OS X 10.4 and Mac OS X Server 10.4 Tiger
"The 2007 time zone and Daylight Saving Time rule changes for
the United States and most of Canada are already available in Mac
OS X 10.4.5 or later.
"Some additional regions that recently adopted time zone and DST
changes are available in the February, 2007 Daylight Saving Time
Update. This includes rule changes (as of January, 2007) for
Australia, Brazil, the province of Alberta, Canada and several
other regions.
"If you've not already done so, install Mac OS X Tiger 10.4.8
and the Daylight Saving Time Update.
"Mac OS X 10.3 and Mac OS X Server 10.3 Panther
"All time zone and Daylight Saving Time changes described above,
as of January 2007, are included in the Daylight Saving Time
Update, released in February, 2007. If you've not already done so,
install Mac OS X Panther 10.3.9 and the Daylight Saving Time
Update. For more information about this update, see this
article.
"Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server versions 10.0.x through
10.2.8
"If you're still using Mac OS X 10.2.8 or earlier, you can
adjust your clock manually using Date & Time preferences.
Deselect the option to set date and time automatically, then set
the time for your local time zone as needed.
"Mac OS 9.2 or earlier
"Still using Mac OS 9.2? Use the Date and Time control panel to
deselect the option to observe Daylight Saving Time changes
automatically, then enable Daylight Saving Time manually.
Applications that run in the Classic environment of Mac OS X
will honor the Daylight Saving Time setting in Mac OS X.
"Classic environment in Mac OS X
"Applications that run in Classic will honor the Daylight Saving
Time setting in Mac OS X."
Link: About
Daylight Saving Time Changes in 2007 for OS X
News & Opinion
Maynor Demos MacBook Wi-Fi Hijack, Admits
Mistakes
ZNet blogger Ryan Naraine reports:
"Looking to put to rest one of the most bizarre vulnerability
disclosure disputes in recent memory, hacker David Maynor offered
an apology for mistakes made, provided a live demo of the
controversial MacBook Wi-Fi takeover and promised to release email
exchanges, crash/panic logs and exploit code to clear his tarnished
name.
"Maynor kicked off a presentation at the Black Hat DC 2007 with
a demo of the attack against a MacBook running Mac OS X
10.4.6, proving that he was able to crash the machine via a device
driver flaw in Apple's AirPort Atheros."
Editor's note: Apple has moved on to 10.4.8 and introduced
several security updates since releasing the 10.4.6 version that
Maynor was able to compromise. If you're running the latest
updates, you should be safe from this exploit. dk
Link: Maynor
Demos MacBook Wi-Fi Hijack, Admits Mistakes
Slim Pickings in MacBook Options
OSViews' Norman Shutler says:
"Talk about a contrast in strategies. Apple's iPods are the best
MP3s in the business, bar none. The company's left nothing to
chance and virtually nothing to want for, as a result their iPods
sell like hotcakes to lumberjacks on a cold winter's morn. But good
golly Miss Molly, when it comes to options for their MacBooks - which are like maple
syrup and country fresh butter to pancakes, making them utterly
irresistible - 
compared
to Alienware's amazing banquet of optional enhancements, Apple's
slim pick'ns look like those being offered by a money-strapped,
startup company, with Mister Magoo heading up the MacBook
department.
"Hello Apple! Where's the choice in performance hardware that
will transform MacBooks, most especially MacBook Pros, into every
customer's dream machine? Nowhere, that's where. The inescapable
fact is, compared to the abundant cornucopia of power options being
offered for Alienware's laptops, Apple's scant selection is
reminiscent of the The Emperor's New Clothes . . .
uninspiring to say the least, as there are virtually none to be
seen, making for a sufficiently curious puzzler that's both piqued
the interest as well as raised the ire of many a Mac fan, if not
the eyebrow of Star Trek's imperturbable Mr. Spock. Eh
Leonard?"
Link: MIA: MacBook Options
LCD Displays: Glossy vs. Matte
Popular Mechanics' Joel Johnson reports:
"Apple offers MacBook Pro buyers a choice of glossy or antiglare
(matte) displays....
"Each screen has its advantages and disadvantages....
"Glossy screens produce an image that's generally regarded as
'richer.'"
"On the downside, glossy screens are more susceptible to
glare....
"Matte screens tend to handle glare better...."
Link: LCD
Monitors: Glossy vs. Matte
MacBook Battery Mystery Solved (Kind of)
MacUser's Dan Moren reports:
"On Saturday I journeyed to the Apple Store to find out what
precisely was the deal with the marks on my MacBook battery that I
discovered while preparing to upgrade the RAM. The Genius on hand
said that he'd seen this on a lot of MacBooks, and that he thought
it was something in the manufacturing process. When I mentioned my
theory about the the MacBook being reassembled slightly off, he
agreed that the keyboard was slightly curved, and offered to have
it checked in and looked at more closely, though he didn't think it
was related to the battery problem; he said that it had probably
just been put together a little too tight."
Link:
MacBook Battery Mystery Solved (Kind of)
Reviews
17" MacBook Pro's 'Supersized Glory'
MacLife's Roman Loyola says:
"This supersized MacBook Pro is not for wimps - or wimpy
wallets.
"If you like big stuff, you'll love the 17-inch MacBook Pro.
"While the 17-inch MacBook Pro was in our care, it became
affectionately known as 'the cafeteria tray.' No, there's no
relation between sloppy joes and Apple's high-end notebook. It's
just that the size and shape of this MacBook Pro reminds us a lot
of the dimensions of a typical cafeteria tray - although using it
like one wasn't part of our battery of tests. We love the 17-inch
MacBook Pro in all its supersized glory.
"The novelty of 17-inch notebooks has worn off, since you've
probably spotted a few extra-large models at your local coffee shop
or on the boss's desk. But because of its size, toting around a
17-inch MacBook Pro is a serious commitment. It won't fit in your
usual notebook bag or backpack, it can easily take up all of your
table space at Starbucks, and it weighs nearly 7 pounds. But even
with all these considerations, the willing and able will enjoy the
17-inch MacBook Pro when out and about. For most people, except the
very weak-shouldered, this laptop is a desktop replacement that you
can take with you."
Link: New: 17-inch
MacBook Pro
Apple Updates
Troubleshooting Slot-loading Drives
An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"iBook G4, PowerBook G4, MacBook and MacBook Pro (both 15-inch
and 17-inch) computers come with several different types of optical
disc drives, including CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-ROM/CD-RW 'Combo
drives', and DVD-R/CD-RW 'SuperDrives'. All of the iBook G4,
PowerBook G4, MacBook and MacBook Pro drives are called
slot-loading drives, which means the disc is drawn directly into
the computer rather than being put on a tray that is pulled into
the computer.
"Always be sure to check your disc to make sure it is flat. You
can check this by putting the disc upside-down on a flat surface.
If the disc is bowed up on any side or in the center, do not use
the disc as it may get stuck in the drive. Also, while the disc is
upside down, check to make sure the center hole is smooth and burr
free, as this can cause the disc to get stuck and not eject from
the drive.
"Always check to make sure your computer has the latest firmware
updates installed. You can find the latest updates from the Apple
Support Downloads page. If you try to install a firmware update
that has already been installed or that is not meant for your
computer model, the installer will notify you and halt the
installation.
"Below are several possible symptoms you may see. Follow the
steps for the appropriate symptom to figure out whether the issue
stems from the drive or the media.
- The drive doesn't accept any discs
- The drive doesn't eject discs
- The drive is noisy, vibrates, or scratches media"
Link: MacBook Pro,
MacBook, PowerBook G4, iBook G4: Troubleshooting the Slot Load Disc
Drive
Tech Trends
Samsung Ships World's First Hybrid Hard Drive
with Flash RAM
PR: Samsung Electronics Ltd has announced the shipment of
its hybrid hard drive to the commercial marketplace. Samsung's MH80
Series hybrid hard drive is offered in 80 GB, 120 GB and 160 GB
capacities. Samsung is a leader in hybrid hard drive technology and
is one of the first companies to offer a commercially available
unit. The MH80 hybrid hard drive is currently shipping to select
OEM customers and will soon be available in retail and commercial
outlets.
Optimized to work in conjunction with Windows Vista capable
notebook PCs, Samsung's MH80 is a 2.5" hybrid hard drive with 128
or 256 megabytes of flash memory. It combines a hard disk drive
with a OneNAND Flash cache and Microsoft's ReadyDrive software,
offering faster boot and resume times, increased battery life and
greater reliability compared to traditional magnetic media
technology.
"As a leader in both hard drive and flash memory technologies,
Samsung brings to market a unique hybrid hard drive that is sure to
revolutionize the notebook computing experience," Albert Kim,
national sales manager, Storage Systems for Samsung Semiconductor,
Inc. "The MH80 hybrid hard drive provides the ideal solution for
two major issues that notebook PC users continually face: faster
boot and resume performance and extended battery life."
The MH80 hybrid hard drive preserves the high densities of
magnetic storage technology, while the advanced NAND flash
technology enhances the overall value with lowered power
consumption, higher reliability and faster read/write access than
traditional hard drives. The MH80 features Samsung's ReadyBoot
technology that offers up to a 50% reduction in boot and resume
times from traditional magnetic media technology. In addition, the
drive consumes 70-90% less power than a traditional hard drive,
which extends the battery life by 30 minutes before a recharge is
needed.
The MH80 also offers up to five times the reliability of
traditional notebook PC hard drives. As the drive's platters are
idle 99% of the time, the MH80 eliminates the need for the hard
disk to constantly spin whenever a computer is operating on battery
power. As a result, the drive is much less susceptible to shock
damage, resulting in less data loss and fewer needed repairs.
Furthermore, the drive operates at a lower temperature than a
regular hard drive, reducing the likelihood of damage and hard
drive failure.
Link: Samsung
Fujitsu Delivers 160 GB 2.5" 7200 rpm SATA Hard
Drive
PR: Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc.has
announced the global launch of its MHW2160BJ series mobile hard
disk drives (HDDs). The newest Fujitsu products feature impressive
storage capacities of up to 160 GB1 and industry leading
performance with 7200 rpm speed. This is also the 3rd product
family Fujitsu has developed using perpendicular magnetic recording
(PMR). The MHW2160BJ series attains the industry's highest capacity
points while utilizing an industry first SATA 3.0Gb/sec interface
on a 2.5" HDD. The MHW2160BJ series will begin shipping in second
quarter 2007.
With the introduction of the 7200 rpm product, Fujitsu now
offers a comprehensive portfolio of notebook hard disk drives
featuring capacity points up to 300 GB and spindle speeds from 4200
rpm to 7200 rpm. Engineered using PMR technology, the new mobile
HDDs will address the growing demand for higher performance and
higher capacity laptop storage solutions. Laptop PCs continue to
overtake desktop sales and market share, and high-performance
mobile hard disk drives are required to help run graphic intensive
applications and the increasing capacity of audio and video
files.
"Fujitsu has positioned itself well to capitalize on the growing
demand for higher performance 7200 rpm laptop hard disk drives that
replace the functionality found traditionally on desktop PCs," said
Joel Hagberg, vice president, marketing and business development,
Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc."Since we exited the
desktop hard disk drive market in August 2001, we have focused on
building desktop functionality and performance into rugged mobile
products that serve the changing professional and consumer
markets."
Fujitsu has been an industry leader in the research and
development of PMR technology to support capacity expansion.
Valuing the reputation for high quality that Fujitsu HDDs have
earned to date, the company has successfully developed
perpendicular hard disk drives that maintain the same high quality
standards and going forward, plans to steadily expand and enhance
its lineup of high performance, large-capacity PMR products.
Hard Disk Drive Specifications
Fujitsu designed the MHW2160BJ hard disk drive series to provide
specifications that are vital for today's mobile computing
applications, including:
- Capacity: 80/120/160 GB
- Rotational Speed: 7200 rpm
- Interface: SATA 3.0 Gb/sec & 1.5 Gb/sec
- Buffer to Host Transfer Rate: 300 MB/sec max.
- Disk to Buffer Transfer Rate: 102.8 MB/sec max.(160 GB)
- Read/Write Seek Time: 10.5/12.5 ms typ.
- Track to Track Seek Time: 1.5ms typ.
- Idle Power Consumption: 0.8 W typ.
- Acoustic (Idle): 2.5 bels typ.
- Operating Shock: 300G (2ms)
- Cache size: 8MB
Link: Fujitsu
Lenovo Recalls 200,000 Thinkpad
Batteries
The Register's Chris Williams reports:
"Updated Lenovo is recalling more than 200,000 Thinkpad
batteries after some caught fire when owners dropped their
laptops.
"The firm alerted America's Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) when it got four reports of notebooks catching fire,
following a forceful impact to the corner. One owner suffered
'minor eye irritation' as a result, the CPSC said today."
Link:
Lenovo Recalls 200,000 Thinkpad Batteries
Products and Services
FreshBattery Breathes New Life into
Aging Notebook Computers
PR: New batteries can give aging notebook computers a
refreshed life with longer run times and enhanced performance. In
the United States today, there are more than 60 million notebook
computers with batteries getting very close to the end of their
lifespan. Now FreshBattery is pleased to introduce its new reliable
online source for built-to-order laptop batteries, offering
healthy, long-life lithium ion batteries at competitive prices.
With the life expectancy of a notebook battery averaging 1 to 3
years depending on usage, and some 60 million laptops sold in the
United States from 2004 - 2006(a), the need for replacement
batteries for popular computer models has reached a high point,
particularly as some of these OEM batteries are no longer available
from the original manufacturer.
"A brand new and healthy replacement battery is sometimes all
that is needed to rejuvenate an old laptop and boost performance,"
said Bob Schaffer, FreshBattery VP of business development. "Our
goal is to offer the highest quality batteries at the best value,
and at the same time provide a trustworthy online knowledge base
dedicated to battery care and handling."
FreshBattery guarantees each battery will be brand new,
built-to-order and never refurbished. To support this promise, each
FreshBattery is stamped with a "Born On" date to ensure freshness.
These high-performance lightweight batteries are always fresh and
always tested in the United States to provide maximum runtime and a
longer battery life.
"We guarantee our batteries have not been sitting on a shelf for
months," said Schafer. "Not all batteries are the same. Always
tested and always fresh, a FreshBattery is custom-built using the
most advanced lithium ion cell technology. With our batteries,
notebook users will have the freedom to enjoy working wirelessly
for hours."
The FreshBattery online store, at www.freshbattery.com , offers
a one-stop source for popular models including Apple, Acer, Dell,
Fujitsu, Gateway, HP-Compaq, IBM-Lenovo, Sony, Panasonic and
Toshiba. The site is user-friendly and provides multiple search
tools to ensure each customer can quickly locate the correct
battery to fit his or her computer model.
In addition, FreshBattery is a reliable Internet knowledge base
for the mobile professional, on-the-go student or even a casual
user seeking information on battery maintenance, optimizing
performance, recycling options and customer support.
FreshBattery is a global citizens company that works to ensure
fair living conditions and wages for the individuals manufacturing
its batteries. In addition, FreshBattery recognizes the importance
of recycling and has partnered with the Rechargeable Battery
Recycling Corporation (RBRC) to demonstrate to consumers how simple
it is to contribute to a clean and healthy environment.
"FreshBattery is more than just a notebook battery supplier. We
are a company that is committed to improving the lives of others,"
Schaffer said. "This site is for the mobile computer user not only
interested in finding the best notebook batteries available, but
for those who seek information on how to care for the battery and
dispose of it the most environmentally friendly way possible."
FreshBattery also values the lives of those in need and has
partnered with Share Our Strength (SOS) by donating $1 of every
battery sold to a national charity that feeds children.
Today, SOS's priority is to end childhood hunger in America
ensuring that the nearly 14 million American children facing hunger
have access to the nutritious food they need to learn, grow and
thrive.
About FreshBattery
A reliable online source for built-to-order notebook computer
batteries, FreshBattery offers healthy, long-life lithium ion
batteries at competitive prices. FreshBattery guarantees each
battery will be brand new, built-to-order and never refurbished.
FreshBattery is headquartered in Irvine, Calif.
Link: FreshBattery
802.11n Wireless Upgrade for MacBook,
MacBook Pro, and Intel iMacs
PR: QuickerTek has just announced the availability of
802.11n wireless upgrade cards for MacBook and MacBook Pro models
and Intel iMacs. Users can choose to buy the card and install it
themselves for $149 or send their computer to QuickerTek to have
the card installed for only $199.
The latest 802.11n wireless network gear just announced by Apple
has left many users lagging in wireless performance options. This
new upgrade for QuickerTek customers allows MacBook and iMac users
to stay current with the benefits of the fastest wireless. These
wireless networking cards are made to the same specifications as
the Apple factory cards and install into the AirPort card slot.
They work with all 802.11/b/g/n WiFi equipment including Apple
AirPort, AirPort Extreme and the latest 802.11n version of AirPort
Extreme introduced at Macworld Expo.
The user-installed upgrade option includes the 802.11n upgrade
card, tools and illustrated installation manual - everything needed
to complete the upgrade at home.
The installation upgrade service is available using any shipping
option the customer chooses with shipping and handling charges
added to the $199 product cost. The nice part about this option is
it allows the customer to pay for the exact shipping speed and
company they prefer.
Since this wireless upgrade uses standard parts, no drivers or
other changes need to be made, nor are additional steps required to
use the higher speed 'N' upgrade.
Compatibility
- Intel, flat-panel iMacs
- Intel MacBooks
- Intel MacBook Pros
Like most QuickerTek products, the 802.11n wireless upgrade card
itself is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Link: 802.11n
Upgrade
Antec USB-Powered Notebook Cooler
PR: So you're catching up on a little work at
your favorite outdoor café, enjoying the scents of summer.
Like the mouthwatering aroma of freshly-grilled burgers. The
bracing scent of newly-cut grass. But your nose twitches as the
smoky odor of overheating electronics reaches it. Then your trusty
laptop locks up, leaving you thoroughly in the lurch. You see, heat
is your laptop's most dangerous enemy.
Overheating laptops are a bigger problem than most people
realize, as heat reduces system stability and harms the lifespan of
your electronics. To combat this problem, you need the Antec
Notebook Cooler! Increasing the cooling your laptop gets can help
it last longer, and may reduce or even eliminate system
crashes.
Features
- Protect your valuable investment and reduce heat-related
instability
- USB-powered cooler with pass-through connector included
- Draw power from any USB port without losing use of the USB
port
- Low power consumption
- No batteries or power adapter needed
- 2 double ball-bearing fans for reliability
- Quieter than a whisper, only 25.9 dB(A)
- AQ3 Antec Quality three-year warranty
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 16.2 x 13 x 0.8 inches; 2.4 pounds
- Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the
U.S.
- ASIN: B0000BVYTV
- Item model number: NOTEBOOK COOLER
List Price: $54.60
Amazon Price: $29.17 & this item ships for free with Super
Saver Shipping
Link: Antec
USB-Powered Notebook Cooler
MogoMouse Bluetooth Mouse Charges Inside
PC Card Slot
PR:
MoGo MouseBT is a business-card sized, Bluetooth-enabled mouse that
stores and recharges neatly inside - that's right, inside - your
laptop computer's PC Card slot when it's not being used. MoGo
MouseBT is a technologically advanced wonder, featuring
patent-pending optics and a system that automatically levers the
mouse up into your hand as you work. With no batteries to replace,
the MoGo MouseBT recharges in less than an hour in the PC Card slot
of your laptop.
MoGo MouseBT is specifically designed for road warriors who hate
carrying around full-sized, bulky mice, but who also despise laptop
trackpads and trackpoints. MoGoMouseBT provides them with a
solution to their problem, making it easier for them to work on the
road.
Other mice, even those meant for road warriors, just don't cut
it. Mini-mice (the "walnut shells") get lost in your hand and are
difficult to manoeuvre, and the ideas of carrying a full-sized
mouse defeats the entire purpose of mobility on the go, making MoGo
MouseBT a natural.
MogoMouse Bluetooth Mouse sells for £49.99 (£42.54
ex. VAT)
Link:
MogoMouse Bluetooth Mouse
Sonnet 2fit Laptop Sleeve Plus Screen
Protector for MacBooks
PR: Sonnet Technologies announces the immediate
availability of the Sonnet 2fit Laptop Sleeve plus Screen Protector
for MacBook and MacBook Pro computers.
Apple notebook computers are as beautiful as they are powerful,
but their finish is far from bulletproof. Even so, many owners
choose convenience over protection - MacBook, MaBook Pro, and
PowerBook G4 notebooks often travel in a backpack or briefcase
sharing space with an iPod®, phone, keys, and pens - leaving
their pricey cargo vulnerable to scuffs and scratches. Choose
convenience and protection - get 2fit. Stylish and practical, the
Sonnet 2fit sleeve is a form-fitting cover that provides a durable
layer of protection that helps prevent damage to your computer's
finish.
Stylish and practical, the Sonnet 2fit sleeve is a
form-fitting cover for Apple notebook computers that helps prevent
damage to the computer's finish. The 2fit sleeve feels marvelous,
meanwhile providing a durable layer of protection for notebooks
stowed together with pens, keys, and iPods® in backpacks or
briefcases. Each 2fit sleeve is constructed of plush microfiber
material, custom-tailored for specific MacBook Pro and MacBook
models. The machine-washable sleeve stretches to provide a snug
fit. When not in use as a cover, the 2fit sleeve can function as a
heat shield between laptop and lap.
The 2fit screen protector buffers the screen from keyboard rubs
during transport. Made of the finest-quality optical cloth, it is
also perfect for cleaning the MacBook display. Enjoy a perfect fit
in notebook protection wherever you store your MacBook-secure it
with 2fit!
Each
2fit sleeve is constructed of plush microfiber material,
custom-tailored for specific MacBook Pro and MacBook models. This
machine-washable sleeve stretches to provide a snug fit, and it
even can function as a heat shield between laptop and lap when not
in use as a cover. The 2fit screen protector buffers the screen
from keyboard rubs during transport. Made of the finest-quality
optical cloth, it is also perfect for cleaning the MacBook display.
Enjoy a perfect fit in notebook protection wherever you store your
MacBook - secure it with 2fit!
Pricing and Availability
- 2fit will be available March 6, 2007 for the suggested retail
price of USD $29.95.
Model number information is as follows:
- Black sleeve and titanium screen protector for 13" MacBook
(Part No. 2FIT-13B)
- Titanium sleeve and screen protector for 13" MacBook (Part No.
2FIT-13T)
- Titanium sleeve and screen protector for 15" MacBook Pro (Part
No. 2FIT-15T)
- Titanium sleeve and screen protector for 17" MacBook Pro (Part
No. 2FIT-17T)
Link: 2fit
Spire Dart Laptop Sleeve
PR: More than just a plain-Jane sleeve, but still
sleek and slim. The new Dart has a large, expanding compartment
that holds your power supply and other cords. Padded main
compartment holds your laptop snugly and securely. External pocket
(under Spire label in photo) offers quick access to cell phone and
other small items. Rear pocket holds papers and magazines.
- Available in 4 sizes, perfect for widescreens.
- Tough Ballistic nylon exterior
- Removable key fob
- YKK zippers with glow-in-dark zipper pulls
- Padded, comfortable carrying handles
- Removable, padded shoulder strap with unique "push button"
swivel buckles
Size Internal Dimensions
- Dart 13: 13.0" x 9.50" x 1.25" Dart 14 12.5" x 10.5" x
1.5"
- Dart 15: 14.5" x 10.25" x 1.25"
- Dart 17: 15.5" x 11.25" x 1.25"
Colors: Black or Grey
$50
Link: Spire Dart
Laptop Sleeve
Slappa Launches New V2 Spyder Laptop
Backpack
PR: Slappa has announced it has launched a new
version of its very popular Velocity Spyder Laptop BackPack. The V2
Spyder was re-engineered to better meet the demands of Road
Warriors, while also incorporating more advanced features and
qualities into the bag.
The new V2 Velocity Spyder bags now include the following
features:
- Patented CORE3 Protection (Rubber molded EXO Skeleton
- Hydro-Repellant BuckBlast material
- X-dense Internal Padding) Dedicated inner laptop sleeve,
cush-pad accommodates laptops with 17" screens Cush-pad Padded,
Comfort -collar backpack straps tested to 50 lbs.
- E.Z. access storage areas lined with super-soft jersey
material
- rear storage pocket with ìstay cool" lining for drinks 2
bump-n-run underguards
- Etched alloy zipper pullers with locking zipper heads
The new V2 Velocity Spyder Laptop BackPack now features
patented CORE3 protection and stores laptops with 17" screens
"Our new V2 Velocity Spyder Backpacksí went into
development as soon as customers started feeding us ideas on how to
improve the original Spyder backpacks" says Slappa Product
Development Manager Bartho Sui. ìWe love working together
with our customers to engineer the ultimate gear, and this new V2
Velocity Spyder features exactly what people asked us for; 17"
laptop capability, more protective padding, and a strap system that
provides toughness and comfort."
The new V2 Velocity Spyder Laptop BackPack with Xtreme
Padded Comfort Collar straps tested to handle 50 lbs.
The new V2 Velocity Spyder Backpacks sell for $99.00 and will be
made available at most all authorized Slappa resellers.
Link: V2
Velocity Spyder Backpacks
Everki Mixes Flexibility and Style for
All Types in Fling Pack
PR: Everki, innovators of mobile lifestyle products
designed for a life of motion, today announces their latest in
lightweight solutions, the stylish Fling Light Sling Pack. The
Fling sling pack is the ideal solution for MacBook users on the go,
featuring a protective computer nest for 13" notebooks, a digital
media player cache, an easy access mesh stash slot, and a durable
nylon covering in three hip colors: blue, white, and flax.
The Fling sling pack is a perfect fit for any ultra-lightweight
MacBook. The revolutionary ergonomic design of the bag maximizes
everyone's usability, whether you're a student trying to catch your
next class across campus, or an on-the-go business professional
looking for a way to organize all of your essentials. The bag fits
right into the small of your back so it almost feels as if you're
not even wearing it. The chic and smart Fling moves with you
effortlessly throughout every step of your active day.
"The reason people buy small notebooks is to avoid carrying
around heavy equipment," said Kevin Luong, CEO of Everki. "The
Fling fits everything you need without any wasted bulk. It glides
with you wherever your day may lead and is the only
high-performance bag on the market that was specifically designed
for the mobile lifestyle."
The Fling boasts ten pockets to keep life's essentials in check
without weighing you down and allows for quick, mobile access. It's
sleek, compact design and featherlike mobility, is unparalleled,
making it the ultimate bag for the most active lifestyles. If
you're looking for a bag to hold your laptop and its accessories,
the Everki Fling will not disappoint. It retails for
US$39.99/C$59.99/£49.78.
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.
Still relatively slim MacBook Pro pickings: 17" Core Duo MacBook
Pros starting at $1,999. Fewer MacBook models available.
- refurb 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $949
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $1,099
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,299
- refurb 17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD,
$1,999
- refurb 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,299
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/CD, $599
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX, $999
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, $1,049
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/120/SD, APX, BT,
$1,388
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $329
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $295
- 14" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $409
- 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 G3/700, 256/20/CD, AirPort, $349
- 12" iBook G3/900, 640/60/Combo, AirPort, $549
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 384/40/Combo, Scratch & Dent,
$479
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, BT, $499
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 G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $429.99 less $25 = $409.99
- 12" iBook G4/1GHz, 256/30/Combo, $499.99 less $25 =
$474.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz Wireless Bundle, 256/30/Combo, APX,
TechRover laptop backpack, $549.99 less $25 = $524.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SD, BT, $1,299.99 less $25 =
$1,274.99
- PowerBook Pismo G3/400, 256/20/DVD, $379.95
- PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/20/DVD, $399.95
- clamshell iBook G3/300, blueberry, 64/3/CD, $179.95
- clamshell iBook G3/300, tangerine, 64/3/CD, $189.95
- clamshell iBook G3/366, indigo, 128/10/CD, Firewire,
$249.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $199.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, APX, Minor Case Defect,
$559.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, BT, $629.95
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $599.99
- Apple Emate 300 PDA, Touch Screen in great working shape,
$69.99
Computer Geeks
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, $519.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.3 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.
