With Intel making the Centrino 2 (a.k.a. Montevina)
CPU available this week, we had expected Apple to announce new MacBook
and MacBook Pro models. However, the latest word is that Intel will
begin shipping its first quad-core mobile CPUs
in August, which we suspect could become part of the
next generation MacBook Pro (at the very least as a build-to-order
option). Upgrading the MacBook now and the MacBook Pro next month would
just confuse the market, so we anticipate revised notebooks in August,
once the 4-core Core 2 Extreme processors ship.
On the technology front, fuel cells for notebook computers (and
eventually iPods, mobile phones, and who knows what else) moved one
step closer to reality with PolyFuel's demonstration
of a prototype fuel cell running a ThinkPad laptop.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews
Review.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Tech Trends
Products
News & Opinion
Centrino 2 Laptop CPUs Ship, Can New MacBooks Be
Far Behind?
PR: Intel has unveiled
its new Centrino 2 (a.k.a. "Montevina") Mobile Technology with five new
processors - three of which that run at just 25 Watts - plus all-new
chipset and wireless products, some of which will find their way into
the much-anticipated next generation of MacBooks and MacBook Pros.
Intel also has an Extreme Edition version, which it claims to be the
world's highest performing dual-core mobile processor, and will also
introduce eight more ultra-low voltage and the company's first-ever
quad-cores for laptops within 90 days. Will there be quad-core MacBook
Pros? Beats me.
Anyway, Intel says that for consumers, all of these new innovations
and enhancements combine to bring "HD-on-the-Go," stunning high
definition and for the first time the ability to view a typical Blu-ray
movie on a single battery charge. For businesses, Intel Centrino 2 vPro
Technology offers added security and manageability capabilities.
With notebook computers now outselling desktop models in the US (and
soon around the world), Intel-based laptops incorporating these new
features are designed to improve upon every major facet of laptop
computing - increased performance, improved energy-efficiency for
longer battery life, speedier and longer-range wireless connections
(WiFi and later WiMax), thinner and lighter form factors, and new
business-class features.
The five new Intel Core 2 Duo processors will be incorporated in
close to 250 new consumer and business notebook PC products which Intel
says are are on the way.
Intel has also introduced the world's highest-performing dual-core
mobile CPU, the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor running at a brisk 3.06
GHz, as measured by SPECint_rate_base2006, an industry benchmark.
Rounding out a mobile-focused summer for the company, Intel said it
also plans to unveil eight processors within 90 days that will include
first-ever mobile quad-core products and second-generation products for
ultra-thin and light notebooks. In total, Intel will bring 14 diverse
new processors into the marketplace as laptop sales continue to outpace
desktop PCs.
Formerly code named Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology
and Intel Centrino 2 with vPro Technology improve upon every facet of a
laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new
processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless (with WiMax
arriving later this year), and new business-class manageability
capabilities.
"When we first introduced Intel Centrino back in 2003, there were
very few WiFi hotspots, YouTube videos and social media didn't really
exist, 'thin and light' only referred to weight goals and desktop PCs
outsold notebooks by a very wide margin," said Mooly Eden, Intel
corporate vice president and general manager of the company's Mobile
Platforms Group. "Today, notebooks outsell desktops in the US, and
we're paving the way to HD entertainment, rich online gaming, faster
broadband wireless speeds and an easier and more secure way for
businesses to manage, update and repair their notebook fleets."
Intel is introducing five dual core processors based on Intel's
reinvented transistors (high-k metal gate formula) and advanced
45-nanometer manufacturing process. These processors come with a faster
1066 MHz front side bus and up to 6 MB of L2 cache, and three
versions reduce laptop processor wattage about 30 percent, down to just
25 watts. Also featured is Deep Power Down Technology that turns off
processing components such as core clocks and cache memory when the
laptop is idle for greater energy savings.
Intel also unveiled its Mobile Intel 45 Express Chipset and wireless
Intel WiFi Link 5000 series that is shipping to customers now, with
laptops arriving later in July and August. Delivering five times the
speed and twice the range of older 802.11a/g technology, the Intel WiFi
Link 5000 series provides 802.11 draft-N support that delivers the
fastest data rates possible today - up to 450 Mbps.
Switchable graphics, a new optional power-saving feature available
on Intel Centrino 2-based notebooks, provides both integrated and
discrete graphics on a single notebook, enabling users to easily switch
between the two options. Switchable graphics delivers greater 3-D
performance when needed while providing the option for greater power
savings for the best of both worlds.
A Centrino 2 feature is "Hurry Up and Get Idle," or HUGI - a cool
capability inside Centrino 2 laptops that figures out a way to add more
processor power to a set of computer tasks, yet can more quickly turn
off or idle unused portions of the processor to get back to a more
energy-efficient state. Net-net? Processing is done faster, yet more
efficiently for longer battery life.
For consumers, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology delivers the
horsepower and battery life to enjoy a typical full-length, Blu-ray
high-definition video on a single battery charge for the first time,
plus the ability to play a variety of online games, download music or
post videos faster than before.
For businesses, Intel Centrino 2 with vPro technology offers
enhanced manageability and security options. This is increasingly
important as companies replace desktops with notebooks and need to
remotely diagnose, update and repair systems over a wireless network.
Improved manageability with AMT 4.0 has also been added that provides
wireless manageability during system sleep states, ongoing remote
configuration capabilities, support for next-generation management
standards (WS-MAN and DASH 1.0) and the ability for an employee to
initiate communications to IT from outside a company's firewall.
Later this year in the United States, Intel will begin shipping its
first-ever combined WiMax/WiFi module, part of the Intel WiMax/WiFi
Link 5050 Series that is an optional feature for future Intel Centrino
2-based laptops. No word yet on whether Apple will pick this feature
up. WiMax is a 4G, Internet protocol-based broadband wireless
technology that complements WiFi networks.
WiMax also provides much wider Internet and phone voice coverage,
and unlike WiFi has the ability to unwire entire cities or communities,
connecting users even when they're on the move. Intel is working with
service providers around the world to deploy WiMax networks, with
initial US network availability starting later this year from Sprint
XOHM and Clearwire.
Link: Intel
Intel Bringing Quad-core CPUs to Laptops Next
Month?
Engadget's
Joshua Topolsky says:
"Whispers in the hallways of George Washington CPU High School
indicate that Intel is primed to release a batch of quad-core laptop
processors next month. There apparently isn't a ton of info on the
happening right now, though Pioneer Computers (an Australian PC maker)
is currently taking orders on a system equipped with a 2.53 GHz Core 2
Extreme chip, the QX9300. Of course, one of Intel's regional marketing
managers in Singapore, Sujan Kamran, says that, 'We're bringing
quad-core to mobile in August,' so, uh . . . not a lot of
mystery left, is there?"
Link:
Intel Bringing Quad-core CPUs to Laptops Next Month?
Intel's Quad-core Mobile Chip Coming Next
Month
IDG News
Service's Sumner Lemon reports on Macworld.com:
"Intel will release its first quad-core processor for laptops next
month, rounding out a broad update to its mobile computing
platform.
"'We're bringing quad-core to mobile in August,' said Sujan Kamran,
regional marketing manager for client platforms at Intel in Singapore.
Kamran declined to disclose specifics of the quad-core chip, which will
carry Intel's Core 2 Extreme moniker."
Link: Intel's
Quad-core Mobile Chip Coming Next Month
256 GB SSD MacBook Air Later This Year?
APC Mag's Seamus Byrne
says:
"The massive SSD price drop in the MacBook Air shows Apple is
clearing stock to prepare for next generation SSDs from Samsung.
"Last week Apple cut $640 from the price of the 64 GB solid state
drive (SSD) option on the MacBook Air. APC has learned that a driving
factor behind the move is to prepare for the next generation of
NAND-based SSDs from Samsung, coming in 128 GB and 256 GB varieties at
faster performance ratings than the current 64 GB model."
Link:
Apple Preparing for 256 GB SSD MacBook Air Later This Year?
Intel to Shrink Centrino 2 Chips for Thinner
Laptops
Macworld
UK's Sumner Lemon reports:
"Intel will soon release a version of its Centrino 2 chip package
for laptops that takes up less space, opening the door to more
ultra-thin laptop designs like Apple's MacBook Air.
"Due in August, the Small Form Factor (SFF) version of Centrino 2
will take up less space than the version of Centrino 2 released this
week. The SFF version will use the same chip-packaging technology Intel
developed for the Core 2 Duo processor used in the MacBook Air, which
shrinks the processor size significantly."
Link:
Intel to Shrink Centrino 2 Chips for Thinner Laptops
Comparing Prices: Mac vs. Windows Laptops
PC World's
James A. Martin reports on Macworld.com:
"A few weeks ago, I bought my first Apple laptop, the MacBook Air.
I've never loved a laptop more. The skinny profile, the ease of
carrying it around, the full-sized keyboard and screen, the slick Mac
OS X Leopard operating system, the...
"Okay, enough of that. I'm not interested in writing another 'Macs
are great, Windows computers are dog meat' religious conversion story.
I've been using both Macs and Windows PCs for years. Each has its pros
and cons.
"Instead, I'm interested in addressing the lingering concern about
Macs: They're more expensive than comparable Windows machines.
"So I decided to see if this concern is valid. I didn't perform an
exhaustive, detailed survey. Rather, I compared the specs and prices of
three current Apple laptops - the MacBook, MacBook Air,
and MacBook
Pro - against their likely Windows laptop competitors. (Keep in
mind computer prices and specs change often. Prices and specs mentioned
in this article were accurate as of 6/20/08.) Here's what I found."
Link: Comparing
Prices: Mac vs. Windows Laptops
Man Hacks Mac OS X onto MSI Wind
Register Hardware's
Tony Smith reports:
"Fancy a 10in MacBook, anyone? We've seen Mac OS X installed and run
on Asus' original Eee PC, and now someone's done the same on the
MSI
Wind, a.k.a. the Advent 4211.
"To be fair, hardware hacker Paul O'Brien admits there's plenty of
bits that don't work once Leopard's up and running....
"Paul's posted a detailed list of instructions for the process and a
video guide too...."
Link: Man
Hacks Mac OS X onto MSI Wind
Kensington Tips and Products Make Summer Travel
Simpler and More Fun
PR: Kensington Computer Products Group offers a wide variety
of products to enhance the travel experience during the busy summer
season. Kensington's easy to pack, stylish and multifunction products
help vacationers get the most out of their digital devices whether they
are on a plane, taking an extensive road trip or simply heading out for
a day at the beach.
Kensington research shows that the four most frequently used
personal technology products carried around during the day are a
digital camera, a flash drive, a mobile phone and an MP3 player -
devices that can add both pleasure and practical support to summer
travel. Research also indicates that 65% of people plan to take their
notebook computer with them on vacation. To help vacationers travel
lightly and securely with all those digital devices, Kensington offers
the following tips:
- Pack smart - Look for products that have a compact shape that will
fit conveniently into your bag. Since so many people like to bring
their notebook along, a notebook backpack style case with lots of
pockets can serve double duty as your travel bag.
- Get a "one size fits all" charger - Back up power during summer
travel is a must. Look for accessories that can charge a multitude of
products such as your digital camera, MP3 player, mobile phone and
notebook computer.
- Keep that notebook locked - Notebook theft takes only seconds and
thieves prey on tourists. Keep your notebook secure at all times with a
cable-locking system - in a café, on a train, in a hotel
room.
- Easy does it - Vacation travel often includes new surprises around
every corner - so be ready to "seize the moment" for catching each
special scene. Leave complicated devices at home and pack only those
that are simple, plug and play, at your fingertips to capture all those
split second sights and sounds.
"Summer travel is about fun, family time and capturing special
moments without worrying that your digital camera or mobile phone has
enough juice to last for the day or that someone is about to steal your
notebook," said Christine Dumery, Director, Marketing Communications at
Kensington. "Whether people are off to Pismo Beach or Portland, we have
the "smart made simple" products that let everyone keep their notebooks
and digital devices secure and ready to spring into use at all
times."
Must Have Summer Accessories from Kensington:
- Kensington ComboSaver Combination Portable Notebook Lock: This
easy-to-use combination lock has a low-profile design and self-coiling
cable for easy travel to keep notebooks securely anchored. It can
protect a notebook anywhere, anytime, and is available in both Steel
grey and high fashion Red. (SKU K64560US Steel grey and SKU K64576US
Red; SRP $24.99)
- Kensington Portable Power Outlet: Turn one outlet into five! Now
you can simultaneously power and charge up to five mobile devices,
including your notebook, mobile phone, PDA, iPod-just about all your
essentials- from one portable wall outlet. A nifty accessory with a low
profile, compact shape travels easily to conference rooms, hotels,
airports, anywhere you need to work. (SKU K38032US; SRP $24.99)
- Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe for iPhone or iPod: Don't forget to
pack the product that will keep the music going all summer long! The
Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe for iPhone or iPod with its auxiliary port
connection allows users to simply play tunes from their iPhone or iPod
connecting directly to the car stereo for clear, crisp fidelity. Spend
more time looking at the road and less time fumbling with your iPhone
or iPod by using the wireless remote that lets you change tracks,
play/pause your music and even answer your phone calls. No more messy
cords. (SKU K33430US; SRP $99.99)
- Kensington Mini Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone and iPod: Keep
your iPhone or iPod powered or charged whenever and wherever you need
it. The rechargeable Kensington Mini Battery Pack and Charger for
iPhone and iPod has the power you need to keep the conversations and
music going throughout the day. And it's small enough to slip in a
pocket or stay attached to your iPhone or iPod. (SKU K33442US; SRP
$49.99)
- Kensington Ci95m Wireless Mouse with Nano Receiver: Ready, set, go!
No matter where you work this summer, the ultra-portable Kensington
Ci95 Wireless Mouse with Nano Receiver offers instant connectivity, so
it is always ready when you are. The Ci95m Wireless Mouse with Nano
Receiver is designed with a rugged, ultra-thin design that withstands
whatever the road dishes out, yet travels easily and fits great in your
hand. (SKU K72328US; SRP $39.99) [Editor's note: Read Charles' recent
review,
The Road Warrior Review - Kensington Ci95m Wireless Mouse with Nano
Reciever. dk]
- Kensington Contour Traveler Notebook Backpack Just because you
bring your notebook computer on vacation does not mean you have to
sacrifice a great looking case. Kensington offers a variety of stylish
notebook cases that protect and include key features such as an Air-Flo
Contour Panel to dissipate heat and hug the body for greater comfort
and carrying ease, Purpose-Built pockets for your essentials, an
Organizer Grid and a detachable shoulder strap that tucks away neatly
on the side when not in use. All Kensington notebook cases are
exclusively endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
(SKU K62432US; SRP $69.99)
Link: Kensington
Reviews
Weighing in on Three Large Laptops
The Boston
Globe's Hiawatha Bray says:
"Laptop computers don't run on gasoline. This might explain why our
cars are getting smaller, while our computers are getting bigger.
"Researchers at IDC Corp. in Framingham say Americans will buy more
laptop computers this year than desktop machines. Though they're not
ideal for playing games or editing videos, laptops easily meet the
computing needs of most users....
"But portability matters little to some users. They want a reliable,
powerful home machine that's big enough for comfortable viewing and
typing, but also tucks neatly out of sight when company's coming.
Computer vendors are happy to oblige....
"Apple Inc. has benefited more from the laptop boom than any other
computer maker. Sales surged 61 percent in the first quarter of 2008,
and Apple is now the nation's fourth-ranked laptop vendor. Apple's
super-thin MacBook Air has attracted most of the media attention, but
the company also offers a meatier 17-inch MacBook
Pro. At 6.6 pounds, it's twice the weight of the MacBook Air, but
. . . folded, it's just an inch thick. Apple sent the premium
version, with an upgraded high-definition monitor that's excellent for
movie viewing or professional graphic arts work.
"Apple being Apple, you will pay plenty - $3,400 for the machine I
tried. But you will get a portable that's powerful enough to serve as a
main machine and light enough for the occasional plane ride."
Link:
Weighing in on Three Large Laptops
Carry-on Computers - MacBook Air
CNN Money
says:
"The Air isn't as versatile as the Lenovo and may be harder to use
for business because it doesn't run Windows as its primary operating
system. Still, it's a solid runner-up."
Link:
Carry-on Computers - MacBook Air
Tech Trends
Hot Swappable PolyFuel Prototype Notebook Computer
Fuel Cell
PR: PolyFuel, Inc. has announced that it has developed the
first functional version of its prototype power supply for
notebook-class computers that can provide continuous nonstop runtimes
with the simple hot swap of small cartridges of methanol fuel. The
consumer-friendly design has been fully integrated with a
representative notebook - the Lenovo T40 ThinkPad. PolyFuel developed
the prototype as a technology demonstrator and proof of concept for OEM
electronics manufacturers.
The prototype represents a key step towards the attainment of
PolyFuel's goal to create a reference design with the size, appearance,
and performance consumers require for increasingly power-hungry
notebook computers. PolyFuel will demonstrate this prototype to
customers and potential development partners in the coming weeks.
Earlier showings of a nonfunctional version of the prototype generated
strong interest among the top tier electronics OEMs in the Pacific Rim,
and they are now "eager to see a functional prototype in action."
In PolyFuel's prototype, the power supply features a detachable fuel
cartridge - about the size of a deck of cards - that can be swapped out
while the computer continues to run. Long-distance travelers, or others
needing continuous, unconnected, easily portable power for their
notebooks, would simply carry spare cartridges in their pocket or purse
- a someday common practice that has already been approved for
commercial aircraft by the various regulatory bodies around the
world.
Jim Balcom, CEO of PolyFuel, commented: "Creating a functioning
prototype is a critical step toward the development of a fuel cell
reference design that can outperform lithium-ion batteries, and brings
closer the achievement of our ultimate objective - the widespread
commercialization of portable fuel cell technology."
PolyFuel's stated strategy is to share its MEA, stack, and systems
reference design technologies under simple licensing arrangements with
its customers and partners, supported by the sales of its
world-leading, novel fuel cell membrane materials.
PolyFuel is a leader in fuel cell technology, particularly
engineered membranes, that provides significantly improved performance
in both direct methanol and hydrogen fuel cells, especially for
portable electronic and automotive applications. The state of the art
in fuel cells is closely tied to the membrane, and PolyFuel's best in
class, hydrocarbon-based membranes enable a new generation of fuel
cells that for the first time can deliver on the long-awaited promise
of clean, long-running, and cost-effective portable power.
Link: PolyFuel
Seagate Introduces World's First Half-Terabyte
Notebook Hard Drives
PR:
Seagate has unveiled the industry's first half-terabyte (500 GB)
notebook hard drives to meet explosive worldwide demand for
digital-content storage in home and business environments.
Seagate's new 2.5" half-terabyte 5400- and 7200-rpm drives -
Momentus® 5400.6 and Momentus 7200.4 - deliver the best combination
of capacity, mobility and durability for mainstream and
high-performance notebook computers, external storage solutions, PCs
and industrial applications requiring small form factor.
Highlighting the global growth of digital content, Seagate expects
to ship its two billionth hard drive within the next five years.
Earlier this year Seagate shipped its one billionth hard drive since
the company's inception nearly 30 years ago.
"Organizations and consumers of all kinds worldwide continue to
create, share and consume digital content at levels never before seen,
giving rise to new markets, new applications and demand for desktop and
notebook computers with unprecedented storage capacity, performance and
reliability," said Michael Wingert, Seagate executive vice president
and general manager, Personal Compute Business. "Seagate is committed
to powering the next generation of computing today with the planet's
fastest, highest-capacity and most reliable storage solutions."
Momentus 5400.6 and Momentus 7200.4 hard drives are the fourth
generation of Seagate's laptop family to use PMR. The Momentus 5400.6,
a 5400-rpm drive, combines a powerful Serial ATA 3 Gb/second interface
and capacities ranging from 120 GB to 500 GB with an 8 MB
cache.
The Momentus 7200.4 hard drive, with its 7200-rpm spin speed and a
Serial ATA 3 GB/second interface, delivers true desktop
performance. The power-efficient 7200-rpm drive maximizes battery life
and comes in capacities ranging from 250 GB to 500 GB with a 16 MB
cache.
Both Momentus drives are built tough enough to withstand up to 1,000
Gs of nonoperating shock and 350 Gs of operating shock to protect drive
data, making the drives ideal for systems that are subject to rough
handling or high levels of vibration. For added robustness in mobile
environments, the Momentus 5400.6 and 7200.4 are offered with G-Force
Protection, a free-fall sensor technology that helps prevent drive
damage and data loss upon impact if a laptop PC is dropped. The sensor
works by detecting any changes in acceleration equal to the force of
gravity and parks the heads off the disc to prevent contact with the
platter in a free fall of as little as 8 inches and within 3/10ths of a
second.
Seagate's new Momentus drives are lean on power consumption,
allowing notebook users to work longer between battery charges, and are
virtually inaudible thanks to Seagate's innovative SoftSonic™
fluid-dynamic bearing motors and QuietStep™ ramp load
technology.
All Momentus drives are backed by Seagate's leading five-year
warranty.
Momentus 5400.6 and 7200.4 hard drives are to begin shipping in Q4
calendar 2008.
Link: Seagate
Products
Apricorn's Rugged Aegis Mini Pocket Drive Now
Available in 160 GB Capacity
PR: Apricorn, has announced the 160 GB capacity enhancement
for the Aegis Mini, a pocket sized, ultra-portable 1.8" external drive
with USB 2.0 or FireWire connection.
Highlights
Apricorn's tiny portable drive, the Aegis Mini, is now available in
80 GB, 120 GB and 160 GB capacities. Smaller than a deck of cards and
weighing in at a mere 3.7 oz, the pocket-sized Aegis Mini has enough
capacity to store your entire collection of photos, music and videos -
up to 40,000 songs or 200 hours of video.
The Aegis Mini's robust, compact design centers around a 16-point
omnidirectional shock-mounted 1.8" hard drive and comes with a padded
neoprene travel pouch, protecting the drive from the rigors of travel.
With extremely low power demands, the Aegis Mini is bus powered
certified, ensuring that the drive powers on all notebooks. Pair this
with your choice of a convenient integrated USB 2.0 or FireWire cable,
which wraps neatly around the Mini when not in use, and you have the
perfect notebook storage companion.
The Aegis Mini is compatible with both PC and Apple systems, and
comes bundled with Apricorn's Data Protection Suite, a complete
software package offering backup and synchronization.
Data Protection Software Suite includes:
Macintosh
- ShirtPocket SuperDuper!
- Qdea Synchronize! X
- Apricorn Encrypter
Windows
- Apricorn EZ Gig II Backup & Disaster Recovery Software
- Microsoft Sync Toy
- Apricorn SMART-ER - Internal Hard Drive Error Reporting
Software
- Package Contents
- Aegis Mini with integrated USB 2.0 or FireWire cable
- 1-meter extension cable
- Neoprene travel pouch
- Data Protection Suite software CD
- Quick Start Guide
System Requirements
Hardware:
- Apple G3 or later,
- Pentium II CPU,
- 128 MB RAM, available powered USB or FireWire port (depending on
model),
- CD-ROM or CD-R/RW drive
Software:
- Mac OS X 10.x or later
- Windows 2000, XP, and Vista;
Warranty
MSRP
- USB 2.0 interface: $169 (80 GB), $229 (120 GB), $259 (160 GB)
- FireWire interface: $179 (80 GB), $239 (120 GB), $269 (160 GB)
Apricorn's Aegis Mini is currently available in the US, Canada, and
online.
Link: Apricorn Aegis
Mini
Free Adeona Service Tracks Down Lost or Stolen
Laptops
PR: Adeona is the first Open Source system for tracking the
location of your lost or stolen laptop that does not rely on a
proprietary, central service. This means that you can install Adeona on
your laptop and go - there's no need to rely on a single third party.
What's more, Adeona addresses a critical privacy goal different from
existing commercial offerings. It is privacy-preserving. This means
that no one besides the owner (or an agent of the owner's choosing) can
use Adeona to track a laptop. Unlike other systems, users of Adeona can
rest assured that no one can abuse the system in order to track where
they use their laptop.
Adeona is designed to use the Open Source OpenDHT distributed
storage service to store location updates sent by a small software
client installed on an owner's laptop. The client continually monitors
the current location of the laptop, gathering information (such as IP
addresses and local network topology) that can be used to identify its
current location. The client then uses strong cryptographic mechanisms
to not only encrypt the location data, but also ensure that the
ciphertexts stored within OpenDHT are anonymous and unlinkable. At the
same time, it is easy for an owner to retrieve location
information.
How do I use it?
Using Adeona only requires downloading and installing a small
software client. Adeona is free to use.
Why Adeona?
With the growing ubiquity of, and user reliance on, mobile computing
devices (laptops, PDAs, smart phones, etc.), loss or theft of a device
is increasingly likely, disruptive, and costly. Internet-based tracking
systems provide a method for mitigating this risk. These tracking
systems send, over the Internet, updates regarding the current location
of the device to a remotely administered repository. If the device is
lost or stolen, but maintains Internet connectivity and unmodified
software, the tracking system can keep tabs on the current whereabouts
of the device. This data could prove invaluable when the appropriate
authorities attempt to recover the device.
Unfortunately, with current proprietary tracking systems users
sacrifice location privacy. Indeed, even while the device is still in
the rightful owner's possession, the tracking system is keeping tabs on
the locations it (and its owner) visit. Even worse, with some
commercial products, even outsiders (parties not affiliated with the
tracking provider) can "piggyback" on the tracking system's Internet
traffic to uncover a mobile device user's private information and/or
locations visited.
Adeona has three main properties:
Private: Adeona uses state-of-the-art cryptographic mechanisms to
ensure that the owner is the only party that can use the system to
reveal the locations visited by a device.
Reliable: Adeona uses a community-based remote storage facility,
ensuring retrievability of recent location updates.
Open source and free: Adeona's software is licensed under GPLv2.
While your locations are secret, the tracking system's design is
not.
The Mac OS X version also has an option to capture pictures of the
laptop user or thief using the built-in iSight camera and the freeware
tool isightcapture. Like your location information, these images are
privacy-protected so that only the laptop owner (or an agent of the
owner's choosing) can access them.
Link: Adeona
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.
MacBook Airs are back on the ACR site this week with price
reductions, 15' MacBook Pros are back too, and there are both 2.33 GHz
and 2.4 GHz 17-inchers for $1,899 as well as three MacBooks. Each model
comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.
- refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,499
- refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $2,299
- refurb 2.1 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/Combo, $949
- refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,099
- refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, black, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,299
- refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,699
- refurb 15" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,149
- refurb 15" 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,399
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,899
- refurb 17" hi-res 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD,
$2,299
- refurb 17" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,349
- refurb 17" hi-res 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD,
$2,499
- refurb 17" 2.6 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,649
- 15" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, matte screen
$1,749 after $150 rebate
- open box 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,499.99
- 300 MHz clamshell iBook, blueberry or tangerine, $199.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/40/Combo, $469.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $509.99
- 14" Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 128/6/DVD, $299.99
- 14" Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 128/6/DVD, $349.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/30/Combo, $549.99
- 15" titanium PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $699.99
- 15" aluminum PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $599.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, DVI, 256/60/Combo, $629.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $679.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $699.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $709.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, APX, $739.99
- 15" hi-res PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SD, APX, $799.99
- 12" iBook G4/800 MHz, 640/30/Combo, $325
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $719
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $785
- 15" 2.1 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, APX, $1,129
- open box 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,699
- open box 2.1 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,049
- open box 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,249
- open box 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,449
- open box 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2/200/SD, warranty started,
$1,849
- open box 15" 2.5 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2/250/SD, APX, $2,399
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,988
- open box 17" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD,
$2,188
- open box 17" 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, warranty
started, $2,199
- open box 17" 2.5 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2/250/SD, APX, $2649
- open box 17" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,649
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/DVD, $249.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/10/CD, $229.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, $499.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, AppleCare, $599.95
- 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 768/80/Combo, APX, $799.95
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 192/6/Zip, $269.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $999.95
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,499.95
- Lombard PowerBook G3/400, 128/6/DVD, battery in unknown condition,
$150
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/CD, OS X 10.2, working battery,
$279.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, OS X 10.4, stop theft tags on
the cover, $449.99
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
