This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Apple Updates
Products and Services
Software
G3 iBooks from $130, G4 from $515. 12" G4
PowerBooks from $330, 15" from $579, 17" from $759. MacBooks from
$849, 15" MacBook Pros from $1,499, and 17" from $2,199.
News & Opinion
Back-to-School Notebooks: Don't Choose on Price
Alone
The Chicago Tribune's Eric Gwinn says:
"Macs and PCs are so different under the hood that
dollar-for-dollar comparisons are difficult to make. For instance,
the Mac comes with easy-to-use music, photo and video software so
you can have fun or get to work right away. Adding similar programs
to a basic PC bumps up its price. Then there's the update factor.
Rumors of new Apple products swirl every few months.
"Back-to-school shopping for a Mac laptop is different from
searching for one from a PC manufacturer, which we did last week.
The choices and pricing are very different: PCs are made by
numerous manufacturers, tend to come in a large array of technical
configurations and run a Windows operating system and
Windows-compatible software. Mac laptops are made by Apple, come in
fewer models and technical combinations and run the OS X
operating system and software created for the Mac.
"Bare-bones PC laptops start in the US$500 range; half the price
of the cheapest Mac. However, don't choose on price alone."
Link: Back-to-School:
Buying a MacBook
One MacBook with a ThinkPad Keyboard
Please
ZD Net's David Berlind says:
"Just because almost everybody is doing it, does that mean
it's a good idea? Or does that mean that we've somehow been
hoodwinked into thinking this makes sense. I'm talking about
touchpads. Somehow, users have been convinced that these
kissin-cousins to the digitizing tablets that graphics artists use
(where the technology benefits productivity) make sense as a
pointing device near a notebook's keyboard. It's a rotten bill of
goods. Touchpads make sense to manufacturers because there are
fewer moving parts that can fail (digging into profits if the
machine is under warranty). Unless you're one of the ten people in
the world that's particularly adept at guiding a mouse around the
screen with your thumbs (I've never seen anyone doing this),
touchpads are a productivity killer.
"This gets to the one reason I don't own a MacBook: none of the
MacBook models come with pointing stick like the TrackPoints found
on ThinkPads. Maybe I'm in the minority but, touchpads like the
ones found on MacBooks simply can't compare from a productivity
point of view to a keyboard with a pointing stick that sits near a
touch typists index fingers...."
Editor's note: Gotta disagree on this one. I had a ThinkPad here
for a while last spring, and while I thought the keyboard was
great, I couldn't stand the wretched TrackPoint stick. Touchpads
aren't perfect, and some are a lot better than others, but I sure
wouldn't want to be stuck using a TrackPoint. cm
Link: One
MacBook with a ThinkPad Keyboard Please (or OS X Running on
Windows, When Hell Freezes Over)
Apple Won't Refund 'Lemon' MacBook
Consumerist.com reports:
"Dear Consumerist,
"So I purchased a MacBook last
year and it's been a nightmare. It's been replaced twice now, each
time with multiple mail-out services before Apple would replace the
laptop.
"Each time Apple representatives told me that under warranty
details they will refund at 'their discretion', which seems to mean
never. Am I stuck with yet another lemon laptop now that I've run
out of ways to escalate?
"Does California offer me any good consumer protection? Can I
take them to small claims court perhaps?
"When I encountered issues with the third machine, I took your
column's advice and escalated to a supervisor on the technical line
and asked for a refund, but met with a canned denial. So I
escalated to Jean Toulouse, but met with a canned denial from a
secondary. So I escalated to Steve Jobs, but met with a canned
denial from a secondary."
Link:
Apple Won't Refund My MacBook, Which Is a Lemon
Reviews
15" MacBook Pro 'a Dream Machine'
LaptopMag's Jeffrey L. Wilson reports:
"You can't tell by looking at the sexy, familiar aluminum design
that the MacBook Pro
has undergone several significant improvements that elevate it from
a very good machine to one that's arguably the best in its class.
Aimed at mobile professionals who want power and performance in an
easy-to-carry design, the MacBook Pro features a blazing-fast Intel
Core 2 Duo processor, powerful Nvidia graphics, outstanding battery
life, and one of the best software suites around. Starting at a
reasonable $1,999, the MacBook Pro is definitely a dream machine
for creative types seeking a notebook for work and play."
Link:
Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch)
Apple Updates
MacBook Pro Software Update 1.1 for Santa Rosa
Models
"This update provides important bug fixes and improves stability
with Motion 2 and Motion 3. It is recommended for all 2.2/2.4 GHz
MacBook Pro models.
"This update replaces MacBook Pro Software Update 1.0.
"This update requires Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later.
"File Size: 14.7 MB
"System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later
- MacBook Pro 2.2 GHz or 2.4 GHz
"System support: Intel"
Link:
Apple MacBook Pro Software Update 1.1
Products and Services
Third Party MacBook/MacBook Pro Power
Solutions
PR: Mikegyver Computer and Tech., Inc. is offering the
first Automobile/Aircraft/Boat charging solution for Apple's
Intel-based notebooks with MagSafe power adapters.
MCT Inc. MagSafe DC car/air adapter & Apple adapter for
MacBook / Pro (No Exchange)
For MacBook / PRO.
You will get one Apple adapter (for home) &
one DC car/airplane (empower) adapter. 90-day warranty
$165.
US customers Only.
Allow 1-3 weeks for shipment.
MCT Inc. MagSafe DC car/air adapter & Apple adapter for
MacBook / Pro (Exchange)
Conversion to use MagSafe power connector with DC adapter. For
MacBook / PRO.
ONE Apple adapter(for home) & ONE DC car/airplane(empower)
adapter. $90.00 retainer will be refunded after the return of your
original unmodified Apple 85w or 60w adapter; free of any major
scratches and damages and if so, no refund. Please indicate
condition of your Apple adapter. 90-day warranty.
$75 after return of Apple adapter.
US customers Only. Allow 1-3 weeks for shipment.
MCT Inc. MagSafe car/air adapter conversion for MacBook / Pro
(User Supplied)
Conversion to use MagSafe power connector with DC adapter. For
MacBook / Pro.
You send your own Apple adapter, then we send back your
Apple adapter and one DC car/airplane (empower) adapter.
After payment you will get an email with address to send your Apple
Adapter. 90-day warranty.
$60
US customers Only.
Allow 1-3 weeks for shipment after receipt of your adapter.
Some of the MCT adapter bundles include
the Kensington
120 Watt Notebook AC/DC Power Adapter, which uses patented
technology to deliver all the power you need in a size that is 40%
smaller and lighter than other power supplies. With its AC and DC
power options, you always have the right adapter - whether in the
office, on the road, or in the air. The Kensington Notebook AC/DC
120W Power Adapter is the ideal replacement for your existing power
supply. It is designed to provide reliable power for today's
larger, high-performance notebooks as well as other small mobile
electronics such as iPods, cell phones, DVD players, and PDAs.
Features
- Slim and lightweight design for easy portability
- Powers and charges virtually all notebook computers from any AC
or DC source
- Provides the right power for iPods, cell phones, DVD players,
and PDAs
- 120 watts - enough to power and charge larger, high-performance
notebooks
- An ideal replacement or upgrade for your existing power
supply
- Includes multiple tips for use with major-brand notebooks
- Works with most Dell, HP, Compaq, Sony, Toshiba, IBM, Gateway,
Averatec
- Tips included: N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N9, N15, N19
Adapter tips are available for PowerBooks and iBooks
from the PowerBook 1400 forward.
Another third-party power adapter that can be used with the MCT
solution is the iGo juice70 Notebook
Power Adapter With iGo Dualpower Accessory.
This compact all-in-one adapter powers and charges your notebook
computer from virtually anywhere.
- Combo AC/ DC adapter uses any standard wall, auto or in-flight
outlet
- Includes notebook tips 2, 3 ,6, 11,12, 31, 34 & 35)
- Included iGo dualpower accessory enables you to power a
notebook computer and a second mobile electronic device (such as a
mobile phone or MP3 player) at the same time
- Utilizes rapid charge technology for the fastest charge
- Steady output- Up to 70 Watt continuous; 84 Watt peak
- Compact size, only 5.4" x 2.2" x 1.1"
- Very portable, weighs less than 9 oz.
- 6' cord length
Price:
$119.99
The iGo Notebook tip 32 for MacBook Pro is currently being
developed. To receive an email notification when this tip is
available, click on the "Email Me When Available" link to the Web
page.
MacSense AeroLite 802.11g USB 2.0 Adapter
PR: The AeroLite is the latest addition to this WiFi
product line. Supporting 802.11g 54 Mbps throughput, AeroLite is
the smallest, most convenient wireless adapter available.
AeroLite is a USB 2.0 adapter that adds
wireless WiFi capability to any desktop or laptop Mac or PC. Simply
connect AeroLite to a USB port of the computer and begin to enjoy
the wonderful and convenient world of wireless connectivity.
Benefits
- Adds wireless capability to any desktop or laptop Mac or PC
with an USB port.
- Connect to wireless networks at public places and at home.
- Transfers data at 54 Mbps, 5 times faster than 802.11b.
- Supports both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports and runs at native port
speed.
- Internal antenna for uniform reception.
- Support Mac OS X 10.3 and above.
- Protects data and network security with 64/128-bit WEP and
WPA-PSK encryption.
- Easy setup through the configuration utility
- Ultra-compact dongle (body only 1.7" long) makes it easy,
portable and convenient to use.
- Interoperable with the Apple AirPort Base Station and all
802.11b/g-compliant Access Points. The AeroLite is an
ultra-compact, 802.11b/g USB 2.0 adapter, transferring data at
speeds up to 54 Mbps. AeroLite plugs into any USB port on a Mac or
PC and allows you immediate wireless access to WiFi networks.
Don't have AirPort capability in your Mac? Unable to bear the
slow speed of the AirPort 802.11b Card? Dislike the idea of opening
up your Mac to install a wireless PCI card? Getting bad reception
with your built-in AirPort antenna? AeroLite solves all these
problems by providing an all-in-one, convenient solution. With
support for Macs running OS X 10.3 and above, the driver is
easy to install and the configuration utility makes it easy to set,
switch and monitor the status of the network at any time.
The AeroLite is extremely compact, perfect for users on the go.
The body is only 1.7" long.
While AeroLite is small, no function is sacrificed. It supports
the latest WiFi technology and advanced security, including the
latest WPA-PSK1 and PSK2, that further protects your data with the
strongest encryption possible.
When plugged in, AeroLite becomes a part of your computer.
AeroLite sleeps and wakes with your computer, knowing when to
disconnect and when to resume the wireless network
automatically.
- 54 Mbps transfer rate. Supporting the latest 802.11g standard
which transfers data at 5 times the speed of 802.11b.
- Cross platform support. Drivers are included for Mac OS X
10.3 through 10.4, and Windows 98/Me/2000/XP.
- USB 2.0. Backward compatible with USB 1.1 as well, AeroLite
runs at the native port speed to ensure the highest
performance.
- Ultra-compact. At a mere body length of 1.7", it is the
smallest, lightest wireless dongle out there.
- AirPort support. AeroLite is interoperable with all Apple
AirPort Extreme Base Stations.
- LED. Flashing green LED provides timely feedback of network
activity.
System requirements:
- For Mac OS X 10.3+ and Windows XP
- Compatible with any computer with a USB port. Support Mac OS X
(10.3+); Windows.
Note: Temporarily out of stock. Estimated available date is mid
September.
Technical Specifications - Model WUA-880
- Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
- Device Management: Configuration utility
- Host Interface: USB 2.0
- Data Rate
- 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9 and 6 Mbps
- 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, and 1 Mbps
- Security: 64/128/256-bit WEP, WPA, TKIP
- Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz to 2.484 GHz
- Operating Range: 328-984' (100-300m), depending on surrounding
environment
- Transmit Power
- 802.11g: 14dBm
- 802.11b: 17dBm
- Receiver Sensitivity
- 802.11g < -68dBm @ 8% FER
- 802.11b < -85dBm @ 8% FER
- Power Consumption Transmit: around 320 mA
- Receive: around 210 mA
- LED: Green activity indicator
- Operating Systems:
- Mac OS X 10.3+
- Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP
- Temperature:
- Operating: 32ºF to 131ºF (0ºC to 55ºC)
- Storing: -4ºF to 158ºF (-20ºC to 70ºC)
- Humidity:
- Operating: 10%~90% (non-condensing)
- Storing: 5%~90% (non-condensing)
- Certifications FCC, CE
- Dimensions 2 3/8" x 15/16" x 5/16" (7.7cm x 2.7cm x 1cm)
- Weight 0.4 oz (12g)
- Warranty 1 Year
Specifications subject to change without prior notice.
$69.99
Software
KeyRemap4MacBook 1.3
PR: KeyRemap4MacBook is a keyboard remapper for Mac OS X.
You can change a keyboard-layout like enter2command, return2option,
shift2escape...
Very small & concise source code written with C++. Use it as
codebase of your original keyremapper.
New in version 1.3:
- Add the following remapping.
- option2shift
- escape2tilde
- enter2control
- semicolon2return
- jis_eisuu2option
- Update StartupScript.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
- We confirmed on MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac mini.
System Support: PPC/Intel
Free
Link: KeyRemap4MacBook
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 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo added this week and the low end
MacBook is sold out, A high-resolution screen 17" MacBook Pro is
available, although at just $200 of the new price, it's not a
rip-roaring bargain.
- refurb 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $849
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/Combo, $949
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,099
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,299
- refurb 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,499
- refurb 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,699
- refurb 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,899
- refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,199
- refurb 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,199
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,399
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160 7200 rpm/SD,
$2,599
- 13" 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $949 less $50
mail-in rebate = $899
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.
A lot of new selections and some significant price drops this
week.
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $349.99 less $25 = $324.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $419.99 less $25 = $394.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/SD, $679.99 less $25 =
$654.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $529.99 less $25 =
$504.99
- 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SD APX, $699.99 less $25 =
$674.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $649.99 less $25 =
$624.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $869.99 less $25 =
$844.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD, $199
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $219
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $299
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $289
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $515
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $559
- 15" PowerBook G4/867, 512/40/SD, $579
- Add Airport for $70
$50 rebate on Power Max MP3 Sunglasses with the purchase of any
new used or refurbished Mac.
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, APX, BT,
$1,199
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $689.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $749.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $769.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 256/80/Combo, $849.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 768/30/Combo, $549
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, APX, $599
- 14" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 768/60/Combo, APX, $649
- 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/SD, APX, $749
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/SD, APX, $849
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/Combo, $799
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, APX, $759
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/80/SD, APX, $1,099
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, blueberry, 64/3/CD, $169.95
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/366, Key lime, 128/10/CD, $289.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $219.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/20/CD-RW, $279.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/Combo, $349.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/CD, $239.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/DVD, $299.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $369.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $379.95
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, AP, $629.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD, $284.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $379.95
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 64/3/CD, OS 9, $129.99
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 256/3/CD, OS X 10.3, $189.99
- 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.
