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
Tech Trends
Products
News & Opinion
'All Nvidia G84 and G86s Are Bad'
The Inquirer's
Charlie Demerjian reports:
"The burning question on everyone's mind is what Nvidia parts are
failing in the field? No GT200 jokes here, NV personnel are still quite
sensitive about that, but our moles have told us about the bum
GPUs.
"The short story is that all the G84 and G86 parts are bad. Period.
No exceptions. All of them, mobile and desktop, use the exact same
ASIC, so expect them to go south in inordinate numbers as well. There
are caveats however, and we will detail those in a bit....
"Go check the message boards, any notebooks that came with G84s and
G86s have boards filled with dead machine problems...."
Editor's note: That includes the Nvidia GeForce 8600 graphics
processor, which has been used in the two most recent generations of
the MacBook Pro. dk
Link:
All Nvidia G84 and G86s are bad
MacBook Screen Flickering; MacBook Pro Display
Refresh Problems When Scrolling
MacFixIt
reports:
"Many Apple laptop owners are experiencing two very prominent
display problems. With regard to the MacBook Pro there is a problem
with either the display drivers or the graphics processor itself which
causes scrolling to not completely refresh the screen, resulting in
garbled-looking display output with text and images running into
themselves. In addition, some users are experiencing a similar problem
where parts of the display that are actively being scrolled will flash
in big checkered-like blocks during the scrolling process....
"Non-pro MacBook owners are experiencing a different display problem
where the screen begins to flicker. While unlike the MacBook Pro the
display image seems to be just fine, the backlighting mechanism appears
to get in a state where it flickers between low and high brightness
about 10-15 times per second...."
Link: MacBook
Screen Flickering; MacBook Pro Display Refresh Problems When
Scrolling (@#%$&*^! subscription required)
Apple Readying an Eee PC Subnotebook Rival?
T3's Katherine Hannaford
says:
"Still, it's only just a rumour for now, with an analyst at UBS
Investment Research, Maynard Um, claiming Apple was initially going to
announce it this year however it's looking more likely to debut next
year, possibly at Macworld in January.
"What can we expect from an Apple logofied netbook? Chances are
it'll be around 8.9-inches in size; white; have about 4 GB of
internal storage and cost around £400-£500."
Link: Is
Apple Readying an Eee PC Sub-notebook Rival for 2009?
Apple Subnotebook Coming in 2009?
Mobile Computing News' Jenny says:
"It seems as if computer manufacturers the world over have been
infected by the Eee PC craze. Only months after the surprising and
stunning success of the Eee PC subnotebook, or netbook, an entire new
laptop genre was created, with every major computer maker struggling to
announce their own competitive model . . . Apple? One might
think Apple already has their own dedicated market and the company
doesn't need to get involved in the cheap netbook market, however,
recent rumours and assertions by top analysts claim Apple has also been
infected by the netbook virus; with their own Apple netbook planned for
a 2009 release.
"USB analyst Maynard Um has questioned his sources in the industry
and believes Apple will upgrade and update its MacBook by the end of
this year. Furthermore, he goes on to claim the next generation MacBook
will be a true subnotebook, not like the MacBook Air....
"According to the Analyst Um, the Apple netbook was originally
slated for a 2008 release, but will be delayed to 2009."
Link:
Is There an Apple Subnotebook Coming in 2009?
Ultraportable Mac a Distant Prospect
MacNN reports:
"People should not expect to see a new ultraportable Mac in
September, or possibly even during 2009, say analysts with Piper
Jaffray. While some groups have predicted an announcement during
September - when Apple normally introduces new hardware - and others
have suggested a delay until early 2009, Piper argues that the release
of a new ultraportable is 'more likely a 2010 event.' The firm in fact
argues that the closest Apple may come to such a system in the near
future is a revised version of the MacBook Air for 2009, designed to be
even smaller than it is currently."
Link: Piper:
Ultraportable Mac a Distant Prospect
MacBook Air Is Light, but It's No Lightweight
National Geographic Adventure's Steve
Casimiro says:
"Breathe, must remember to breathe. It's just a computer. Really,
just a computer. Breathe, son, breathe. Keep telling yourself it's just
a computer.
"Who am I kidding? The MacBook Air is the sexiest laptop
ever. Yeah, yeah, yeah, it connects to the internet, processes words,
"i"s your life, etc., etc. But those lines! That sleek, svelte
silhouette . . . it's like nothing you've ever laid your
hands on. And yes, you have to lay your hands on it to get the full
effect....
"Now, I have made some foolish buying decisions when swept away by
product lust. The Contax G2 rangefinder camera comes to mind -
beautiful, but for me impractical. The Air, though, is more than a hot
piece of sculpted aluminum - it's a powerful computer that could easily
replace your current laptop. Indeed, the $1,800 1.6 GHz version kept
pace with my year-old MacBook Pro, even though it has less RAM and
processing speed. If my photography didn't require more intensive needs
(FireWire port, larger hard drive), I'd snatch up the Air in a second.
The speed, diminutive size, and special Apple sauce make it a
compelling, almost irresistible ultra-portable.
"Let's take a look at key points...."
Link:
MacBook Air Is Light, Yes, but It's No Lightweight
Mac Laptops in High Demand for Higher Ed
Macworld's Jim
Dalrymple reports:
"In the next month or so, students will leave behind swimming pools,
beaches, and other settings of summer fun to head back to school. And
when they arrive on campus, a large chunk of those students will tote
new Mac laptops - at least according to a new survey conducted by a
research firm focusing on higher education.
"The study, conducted by Student Monitor, polled 1,200 full-time
four-year undergraduates in the US and found that the 84 percent who
plan to purchase a computer in the next 12 months will buy a notebook.
Among that group of students, 43 percent plan to buy a Mac...."
Link: Survey:
Mac Laptops in High Demand for Higher Ed
SSD Drive Finally Coming to MacBook/MacBook
Pros?
Computerworld's Seth Weintraub says:
"Just about everyone (including me) is saying that new MacBooks will
be landing in about a month. Unlike the past few updates, this one (by
most accounts) will be a total redesign.
"Besides glass trackpads, and a thinner, full aluminum shell, what
other fun stuff could be thrown in?"
"SSD Storage. I thought Apple was ready last time around but it now
seems the numbers weren't there . . . Well, Dell just made an
announcement. The Latitude series comes with an add on 128 GB SSD
option for only $450 . . . That is a price point that MacBook
(especially Pro) customers can really sink their teeth into.
"But why does Apple have to stop there? Can't we have the best of
both worlds? Why can't Apple ship a laptop with two forms of
storage?"
"With twice the SSD space (128 GB) costing roughly half the cost of
the SSD option of January, will Apple take the plunge and give its
users the option for an SSD powered MacBook?"
Link:
SSD Drive Finally Coming to MacBook/MacBook Pros?
'Laptop Machines' an Anagram of 'Apple
Macintosh'
The Guardian's Stephen Fry says:
"'Laptop machines', by one of those preposterous twists of
circumstance that make you wonder who is running things and why they
haven't got anything better to do, just happens to be an anagram of
'Apple Macintosh'. If an anagram is a derivative rearrangement of
essential elements, then one might be disposed to argue that such has
been their rise in influence and prestige that almost every new digital
product seems to be an anagram of Apple....
"Toshiba joins the [subnotebook] fray with the Portégé
R500 [weighing] 1.7 lb. . . . Somehow, the geniuses at
Toshiba have found room for a fingerprint scanner, three USB ports, an
SD card reader, an iLink (FireWire) connection, microphone and
headphone sockets, and what I took be an ethernet port but turns out to
be for an RJ-45 phone jack. WiFi and Bluetooth wireless come as
standard, and there is in option for 3G WWAN wireless, too. The killer
blow is the availability of a massive 128 GB of solid-state storage.
Toshiba's doubling of capacity (Apple's very expensive SSD is only 64
GB), quintupling of connection sockets and inclusion of a CD drive make
the Portégé a very attractive alternative to the
Air....
"...Lenovo's entry into the ultraportable market, the ThinkPad X300
. . . is so closely allied in look and feel to a 'proper'
ThinkPad that one soon forgets that we are in the ultra-lightweight
arena . . . the bright, clear LED screen is 13.3 inches, like
the Air, but at a functionally higher resolution than the Apple or
Toshiba. There are three USBs, a fingerprint reader and a Gigabit
Ethernet, but no SD card or FireWire...."
Link:
'Laptop Machines' an Anagram of 'Apple Macintosh'
New Video Features Coming to Mac Notebooks?
BusinessWeek's
Arik Hesseldahl says:
"Dan Frommer at Silicon Alley Insider reports a tip from saying
claiming to know saying as follows: 'I happen to know that the product
transition referred to in Apple's recent conference call was referring
to QuickTime encoding/decoding chips built into their products.'
"Hmm. Well now, there has been a good deal of speculation about what
the next 'new product transition' CFO Peter Oppenheimer referred to
will be all about....
"Adding dedicated video chips would add some serious capabilities to
the MacBook and MacBook Pro...."
Link:
Mac Notebooks: New Video Features?
Use OS X 10.4 on a MacBook That Came with
10.5
An anonymous
Mac OS X Hints contributor says:
"I was able to get Mac OS X 10.4 to run on a new OS X 10.5-based
Intel MacBook. To make this work, you need to own an Intel iMac or Mac
mini that runs on 10.4, as well as a USB hard drive. Here's how I got
it working...."
Editor's note: the process sounds time-consuming and convoluted, and
I'm curious as to why someone with a machine that runs Leopard well
would bother. cm
Link: Use OS
X 10.4 on a MacBook That Came with 10.5
Tech Trends
Are 'Instant on' Notebooks the Future?
ZD Net blogger Adrian
Kingsley-Hughes says:
"Dell has previewed a new instant on technology that allows users to
carry out basic tasks on their notebooks without having to boot up into
Windows. Is this the future for notebooks?
"The technology, called Dell Latitude ON, will feature on the
Latitude E4200 and E4300 in the next few months. It will allow users to
have near-instant access to a Linux-based environment that offers
email, calendar, attachments, contacts . . . and a web
browser, all without ever needing to boot into the main operating
system. An added advantage of Dell Latitude ON its that it extends the
battery life from hours to days. Sweet....
"Instant on technologies have a number of potential upsides for the
end user. Speed of boot-up (near instant) and increased battery life
are two obvious benefits, but there are others....
"If I think about my normal notebook usage patterns, I'm pretty sure
I could spend a good 80-90% of my time in the instant on environment
and only boot into Windows when I needed to do something specifically
Windows-centric...."
Editor's note: And on a Windows machine I can understand why you
would want to.... ;-) cm
Link: Are 'Instant on' Notebooks
the Future?
Intel to Release Nehalem Laptop Chips Next
Year
IDG News
Service's Agam Shah reports:
"Consumer laptops and desktops could get faster and more
power-efficient when Intel releases chips built around its new Nehalem
microarchitecture in the second half of 2009.
"Further details about the new chips are set to be revealed at Intel
Developer Forum, which will be held in San Francisco's Moscone Center
between August 19 and 21.
"The chips will first be targeted at high-end desktops and servers
but later scaled down for consumer desktops and laptops . . .
Nehalem cuts bottlenecks of Intel's earlier Core microarchitecture to
improve system speed and performance-per-watt...."
Link: Intel to
Release Nehalem Laptop Chips Next Year
Lenovo Launches Quad-Core ThinkPad
Sci-Tech
Today's Barry Levine reports:
"Lenovo's 17-inch ThinkPad W700 has a 17-inch screen, a built-in
graphics tablet and supports Intel's mobile quad-core processor. The
Lenovo ThinkPad also includes a color calibrator, Nvidia graphics, dual
hard drives and a fingerprint reader. Lenovo's ThinkPad W700 is
expected to be available in September with prices starting at
$2,978."
Link:
Lenovo Launches Powerhouse Quad-Core ThinkPad
New Latitude Subnotebook 'Brackets' MacBook
Air
Electronista
reports:
"Electronista on Tuesday had an opportunity to listen to Dell
executives on camera following the PC maker's Latitude introduction
that reveals the company's approach to targeting systems such as the
MacBook Air. The firm says it isn't worried about the competition from
Apple, Lenovo, or other rivals as the Latitude 'brackets' these
systems; the E4200 is smaller and lighter than the Air through its use
of an ultra-low voltage Core 2 Duo processor, while the 13.3-inch E4300
uses a full-power Core 2 Duo and has an optical drive bay absent on
these competitors."
Link:
Dell Execs: New Latitude Subnotebook 'Brackets' MacBook Air
New Dell Latitudes Claim 19-Hour Battery
Runtime
Electronista
reports:
"Dell today launched the new Latitude line, ushering in a
significant refresh of its business systems. The new models have a new
streamlined design with the choice of multiple shell colors and take
cues both from recent PC designs like the Studio as well as the MacBook
Pro; the new systems now have backlit keyboards, a magnesium shell
designed to be strong, and an extra-thin design. The mainstream models
are the thinnest ever in the mid-size class, the Texas-based company
claims, while its ultraportable E4200 model weighs as little as 2.2
pounds.
"The company also claims to have set a record for battery
performance using a combination of proprietary software as well as
Intel's Centrino 2 platform. The mid-grade Latitude E6400 with an
extended 12-cell battery can last up to 19 hours on a single charge,
according to Dell...."
Link: New
Dell Latitudes Claim 19-Hour Battery Runtime
Toshiba and Wave Systems Partner to Develop Full
Disk Encryption Solution for Mobile PCs
PR:
Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD), an industry pioneer in small
form factor hard disk drives (HDDs), and Wave Systems Corp.
(NASDAQ:WAVX), a leader in trusted computing applications and services,
today announced an alliance to develop a robust standards-based
solution for the secure encryption of data on mobile computing
platforms, such as laptop PCs.
The full disk encryption solution integrates Toshiba's HDD
encryption technology and an enhanced version of Wave's EMBASSY Trusted
Drive Manager and Remote Administration Server products for the
management and administration of encrypting hard drives. Toshiba and
Wave will demonstrate development versions of these products at the
Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in San Francisco, August 19-21.
Wave has extended its client software, EMBASSY Trust Suite (ETS),
which includes the Trusted Drive Manager, and the EMBASSY Remote
Administration Server, to provide cross-vendor support for encrypting
HDDs from multiple disk drive OEMs, including Toshiba's HDD encryption
technology. ETS also manages other PC trusted computing hardware
components such as Trusted Platform Modules (TPM), biometric finger
print sensors and smart card readers. ETS is an industry-leading
trusted computing software, with more than 30 million copies shipped
via Wave's major PC OEM partners.
Toshiba's HDD encryption technology uses design principles from the
evolving draft specifications for trusted storage devices. The solution
provides high-performance data encryption integrated into the drive
hardware, with strong protection of the encryption keys and secure
authentication as integral elements of the HDD design. Availability of
Toshiba HDD models incorporating the encrypting technology will be
announced at a later date.
"Stronger security for information on mobile PCs is becoming a
high-demand feature as customers look for solutions to protect
sensitive personal and business data," said Maciek Brzeski, vice
president of marketing at Toshiba Storage Device Division. "Building on
our legacy of HDD innovation and technology leadership, our partnership
with Wave Systems enhances our current encryption technology platform
and provides mobile PC manufacturers with advanced security features to
deliver the data protection mobile users require."
When combined, Toshiba and Wave's state-of-the-art components
provide a highly secure, easy-to-use and remotely manageable data
protection solution for mobile PCs. Wave's solution also assists
enterprises with the compliance assertion tools required by many
stringent data protection laws and regulations worldwide.
"As trusted computing hardware, including encrypting HDDs, becomes
integrated into more mobile PCs, having components and software
designed with common principles centered on strong access and data
security becomes important for interoperability and cross platform
management," said Lark Allen, executive vice president, Wave Systems.
"Wave Systems is committed to being an industry leader in implementing
existing and developing trusted computing standards. Toshiba's HDD
encryption technology represents an important step toward delivering
strong access security to enhance the protection of data - particularly
data on mobile PCs."
Toshiba and Wave Systems will demonstrate this solution in the Wave
meeting room located on the third floor of Moscone Center West in San
Francisco, August 19-21, 2008. For demonstration and meeting
appointments contact Wave's executive vice president Lark Allen at
lallen@wavesys.com
Link: Toshiba
Products
New Logitech V550 Nano Mouse Clips to Your
Notebook
PR: Many people prefer a mouse to a touchpad but often
leave the mouse behind when moving from room to room. Logitech is about
to change all that with the introduction of the Logitech V550 Nano
cordless laser mouse for notebooks, featuring the Clip-and-Go dock. The
unobtrusive dock lets you conveniently clip the V550 mouse to your
laptop - and go.
"Logitech research revealed that the vast majority of people
who use a notebook PC are mobile both within and outside the home,"
said Rory Dooley, Logitech senior vice president and general manager of
the Control Devices business unit. "To meet the demands associated with
increased mobility, the V550 mouse offers a complete set of features to
make it easier to use a mouse with a notebook when moving from the
kitchen to the living room or from one's desk to a meeting. Now, you
won't have to choose between grabbing your mouse or a cup of
coffee."
Always ready for use, the V550 Nano also features the
Plug-and-Forget Nano-receiver - it's so small that once it's plugged
into your computer, you can forget about it. The Nano-receiver stays
nearly flush against the side of the computer (protruding just 8 mm),
so it doesn't have to be unplugged when you stow your laptop.
With increased mobility comes increased concern about battery life.
You don't want to be caught out and about with a mouse that's run out
of power. The new V550 mouse offers up to 18 months of battery life and
is the only Logitech cordless laser mouse currently offering this
extended level of use. Plus, the V550 Nano saves additional power by
automatically turning off when it's docked or when the Nano-receiver is
stored inside the mouse.
To
enhance your productivity, the V550 mouse's scroll wheel can spin
freely to let you move quickly through long documents and Web pages.
Or, by pressing down on the wheel, you can switch to click-to-click
scrolling mode and scroll precisely through lists, slides or photos. In
addition, the button directly below the scroll wheel allows you to
switch between applications (after installing software available at no
additional charge from www.logitech.com/downloads ).
Because you often use your notebook in busy wireless
environments, Logitech's advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology provides
a powerful, reliable signal that effectively eliminates delays and
dropouts. With its exceptionally robust signal, which exchanges data
between the receiver and the mouse 300 times faster than conventional
27 MHz wireless technologies for cordless mice, Logitech's advanced 2.4
GHz wireless technology dramatically reduces interference.
The V550 Nano is offered in two colors - gray with silver accents
and silver with cool-blue accents. And with the purchase of the new
Logitech mouse, you'll receive two Clip-and-Go docks - one silver, one
black. An included setup kit makes it easy to install the dock, and to
remove it, if necessary.
The new Logitech mouse is compatible with both PC and Mac computers,
and the Clip-and-Go dock is compatible with all notebook styles.
The Logitech V550 Nano cordless laser mouse for notebooks is
expected to be available in the US and Europe beginning in late August.
The suggested retail price in the US is $59.99.
Link:
Logitech V550 Nano
LapWorks Builds a Better MouzPad
PR: Fresh from the release of its revolutionary debut in the
gaming peripheral market with the Gamer's Desk, LapWorks Inc.,
specialist in ergonomic and heat-reducing laptop desks and stands,
announced today a reimagining of one of its most popular laptop desk
accessories - the MouzPad. When critics called the original 6x9 MouzPad
small, LapWorks listened and designed the Max MouzPad.
Built to
accommodate LapWorks' UltraLite and Futura Laptop Desks, the Max
MouzPad offers users a mousing area of 9 x 11 inches - enough space for
Web surfers, gamers, and professionals alike.
Just like the Laptop Desks the Max MouzPad easily snaps into place
on, the accessory is designed to work at home or on the go. Other
features of the Max MouzPad include:
Weave your wired mouse's cord through the teeth at the top or bottom
of the Max MouzPad. Don't be a victim of missed frags caused by
sliding, falling mice, even at an incline.
If you use a wireless mouse with your Laptop Desk, both sides of the
Max MouzPad feature a cupped rim, providing a ledge to keep the mouse
steady without harming your wrist.
The Max is
sturdy as well. The super-sized MouzPad is crafted from polycarbonate
plastic - the same material used to make bulletproof glass. Travel with
your Laptop Desk in confidence knowing that the Futura and its
accessories won't be broken during transit.
The Max MouzPad is set to debut on October 3 at the 2008 E For All
Expo in Los Angeles, CA. LapWorks will be on hand at the exposition
with the new model and all of our signature laptop desks, stands and
other accessories.
- Standalone Price: $9:95
- Futura + MouzPad Bundle Price: $34:95
Editor's note: See
Charles Moore's review on Mac Opinion.
Link: Max MouzPad
AirDesk Swing-Away Laptop Computer Desk/Stand
PR: Let the AirDesk laptop desk turn your sofa, recliner, bed
or car into an ultra-comfortable workstation. Work for hours on your
laptop computer in comfort.
Standard AirDesk for any
chair, recliner or sofa.
Tall AirDesk for everywhere, including your bed.
You no longer need a dedicated office to surf the web or work at
home. Work for hours in total comfort with the new Air Desk. Watch
DVDs, game, work or surf in the comfort of your living room or bedroom.
Unique, zero footprint design frees valuable living space. Slide the
thin Air Desk base under furniture if needed. No more stuffy home
office. No more baking legs, no more hunched back. Sit back, relax,
enjoy, life!
Styled for the living room or
the boardroom, the Air Desk is totally functional and unobtrusive.
Securely supports any laptop for any sofa, recliner, chair or bed. No
more clunky office desk in the home.
Ideal for any living room, enjoy the family and watch TV while you
work, surf or play. To stand, simply swing the computer away. All
cables are bundled together along the frame and swing away with the
computer. Sit down and swing your computer back. Right side, left side,
no problem.
The unique,
ultra-thin base slides under your furniture's legs or castors for
maximum usable floor space. The elegant Air Desk is beautifully styled,
sturdy and truly a pleasure to use. Kick back and enjoy!
The Tall Air Desk has all of the great features of the Standard Air
Desk plus it has the added height necessary for computing in bed or
while standing.
It is designed for for
bedside but will work anywhere you need extra height for your laptop.
Set it next to your bed and swing your laptop toward you. Your laptop
is suspended over your lap while you rest comfortably in bed. Compute
in total comfort.
Since Air Desk's patent pending design allows you to position your
laptop at just about any angle, you will love the ease of computing
without leaving your bed. The mast measures 42-inches tall and gives
you the same space saving, infinite positioning features as the
standard height AirDesk.
- Tall Air Desk - price: $165
- Tall Air Desk w/ 1 AirShelf - price: $179
- Tall Air Desk w/ 2 AirShelves - price: $195
Link: AirDesk
Swing-Away Laptop Computer Desk/Stand
Radiator MacBook Case
PR: The Radiator MacBook Case's four suction cup array on the
lid interior allows the case to stay attached to the laptop while it is
being used at a desk, in the field, or even in bed, unlike other cases
which fall away once opened. The smooth surface of the MacBook leads
itself particularly well to this system - the suction cups make a solid
connection to the lid without straps or other crude retainers and
cannot leave any permanent marks.
If
the MacBook needs to be removed from the case, the ribbon at each
suction cup can be looped over the cup to break the suction until it is
needed again. This lets it function as a regular sleeve.
Fast laptops can get very hot. radiator effectively insulates your
lap with 5mm (1/4") EVA foam (material commonly used for shoe
outsoles). When in open position, the laptop bottom is tilted out of
the case (by suction holding the lid) allowing air convection to cool
the core.
Raising the MacBook's back also corrects its overly flat typing and
viewing angles - improving ergonomics. Radiator cools when closed too.
A bubble around the hot spot is joined to the x-channels and draws
cooler air in while hot air escapes through a vent array. An orange
stopper seals the vents for outdoor use and velcros it into the spare
bubble while vents are open.
The matte black exterior has stealthy, elegant looks, with
aesthetics mirroring the minimalist language of the Apple product line.
Inspired by the functionality of "jerry-can" fuel canisters like those
used on rugged trucks, Radiator's most noticeable visual feature is the
"X" truss which gives structure and stiffness to the case.
Most computer sleeves are just made to go inside a bigger bag. While
Radiator does this of course, it also works in 2 other useful modes. It
comes with high quality shoulder strap with swiveling snap-hooks and
the box-stitched carry handles let you use it like a small shoulder
bag. Using Civilian Lab exclusive Squidlock lid retainers while hooking
shoulder strap to side loops to create "Work-station" mode.
Features:
- Squidock suction cup lid
- Ventilated / insulating / ergonomic
- Integrated Mac remote bay
- Thermomolded protection & looks
- Three carrying options
Product Dimensions:
- Exterior: 14 x 10.5 x 2 inches
- Interior: 12.8 x 8.9 x 1.2 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
Price - $56.99
Sale Price - $46.99
Available from Semsons.com
Oncore 6-Bay Battery Charger
PR: A leading supplier of replacement power products for the
education market, Oncore Power Systems today announced it has developed
a 6-Bay Charger specifically for Apple MacBook and iBook computers that
recharges up to six batteries. Oncore is also introducing a power
upgrade kit that includes the 6-Bay Charger and six replacement
batteries, specifically intended to give new life to older classroom
computers.
The
new 6-Bay Charger is designed to serve a need within the education
market where laptop usage in the K-12 classrooms has grown steadily
over the past 15 years. Students first began using Apple computers in
the classroom back in 1983 when Apple offered every classroom in
California a free computer. Today classrooms across the US use laptops
and teachers have incorporated the technology into their lesson
plans.
In classrooms, students work at their desks with laptops, many of
which are older models still using original batteries. With new
batteries offering a maximum of 3 hours of run time, power continuity
is critical for classrooms to maintain a smooth transition from one
student or class to the next. An Oncore 6-Bay Charger and a pack of six
replacement batteries can keep an entire class powered up continuously
and cost effectively.
With the 6-Bay Charger, Educational users can charge up to six
batteries, and keep them ready to power their students Apple notebooks
when needed. And whether you have the latest MacBooks, or are using
legacy 12 or 14-inch iBooks, Oncore has you covered with a model for
each.
The Oncore 6-Bay Charger immediately reviews the state of health of
the battery and safely charges each one with an automatic charge cycle.
The 11" x 7" charger holds six MacBook or iBook batteries and can
recharge six empty MacBook batteries in less than 8 hours. The Oncore
6-Bay Charger was designed as a companion to Apple laptop computers,
with a sleek, white design and low profile.
"Budget cuts are keeping schools from upgrading equipment, and many
classrooms are using older notebooks. Students at our local schools
have complained of batteries that last only 10-15 minutes before
needing to be changed. This is a distraction for the students and the
teachers. What schools need is a low cost power upgrade solution
tailored for their specific needs. The right charger, combined with six
new high capacity Oncore batteries, can maximize students' run time and
improve a school's performance on older notebooks at a fraction of the
cost of buying a new machine today," said Mark Rapparport, president of
Oncore Power Systems and the design leader behind the new charger.
The new Oncore 6-Bay Charger sells for $395 in single unit
quantities and is currently available through PC Mall Gov
(www.pcmallgov.com), 800-MALLGOV and other preferred resellers. The
Charger is also available in a value power upgrade kit with 6 high
capacity Oncore batteries.
Link: Oncore
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.
A $200 price cut on the 2.5 GHz Penryn 15" MacBook Pro this week and
$100 on the 2.6 GHz unit. 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/80, $1,699
- refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $2,099
- refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $2,299
- refurb 2.1 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/Combo, $899
- 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, $1,999
- refurb 15" 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,299
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,899
- refurb 17" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,299
- refurb 17" 2.5 GHz hi-res Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD,
$2,499
- refurb 17" hi-res 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD,
$2,499
- refurb 17" 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,649
- refurb 17" 2.6 GHz hi-res Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD,
$2,699
- 15" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 4 GB/500/SD, $3,069
- clamshell iBook G3/300, $199.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/40/Combo, $489.99
- 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,099.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,154.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/ 100/SD, $1,399.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, $789.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, /512/80/SD, $849.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, /1/100/SD, $879.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, /1/100/SD, $909.99
- 17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,299.99
- 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 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,249
- open box 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,899
- 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" 2.5 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, APX,
$2649
- open box 17" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,649
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 768/40/Combo, AP, AppleCare, $599.95
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 192/10/Zip, $269.95 (Note: great price, and
since most folks buying a Pismo these days will be planning to install
a 550 MHz G4 processor upgrade, a 400 MHz machine is no disadvantage
compared with a 500 MHz unit, since they are otherwise pretty much
identical.)
- 15" PowerBook G4/667 MHz DVI, 256/30/Combo, $499.95
- 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, APX, $1,799.95
- 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, APX, $1,799.95
For more deals on current or discontinued models, see our MacBook deals, MacBook Air deals, 15" MacBook Pro deals,
17" MacBook Pro
deals, 12"
PowerBook G4 deals, 15" PowerBook G4 deals,
17" PowerBook G4
deals, titanium
PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and
iBook G3 deals.
