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. iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews
Review.
News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Products
News & Opinion
Seagate Momentus Premature Drive Failure Reported
in MacBooks
MacInTouch reader Steven Gold reports:
"This 'heads-up' from the data-recovery group where I work:
"'I just wanted to drop a quick line out there to give a heads up on
a problem I have been seeing more and more frequently at the CDB Data
Recovery Center.
"I have been noticing that the Seagate Momentus 5400.2 SATA laptop
drives from MacBooks (60 GB and up) have been coming in with failures.
These hard drive failures are quite severe. When I send these drives
out to the facility <<name deleted but *very* well known>>
that handles our heavy damage / invasive data recoveries, they are
unable to get any data from the drives as well."
Link:
MacInTouch Reader Reports: Hard Drives
The Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Apple
UMPC
AppleMatters' James R. Stoup says:
"I am beginning to think that the iPhone euphoria has finally gotten
to some bloggers out there because I keep reading ridiculous stories
about Apple and their fabled UMPC (that's Ultra Mobile Personal
Computer for those of you who are acronymly-challenged). Both CNet and
AppleInsider are convinced that we are mere months away from seeing the
first glimpse of this device. Why suddenly people think that a useless
product with fundamental flaws and no real market can succeed if only
Apple makes it is beyond me. Guess what? Apple won't be making an 'OS X
Tablet' or a 'New & Improved Newton' anytime soon, so stop battling
the forces of reality and just accept that fact."
For some contrary-minded views on this topic, see my column
"PhoneBook" or "ThinBook?" - Crossover MacBook Pro Speculation Gains
Traction. cm
Link: The
Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Apple UMPC
Which MacBook to Buy, and When?
The San Antonio Express-News's Mac Guy addresses the dilemma of
whether to buy a MacBook or a MacBook Pro and when to buy:
"While both the MacBook and MacBook Pros are good systems, you get
more RAM and larger hard drives on the MacBook Pros. The latest MacBook
Pros hold up to 4 GB RAM and have more memory on their video cards
as well. The MacBook Pro is definitely the way to go if you need
maximum memory and storage. The smaller MacBook Pro has a 15-inch
screen, so it is not as petite as the MacBook or the older 12-inch
PowerBook G4, but you have to make a trade-off between memory and video
capacity on the one hand and small form factor on the other."
Link:
Which MacBook to Buy, and When?
MacBook Workmanlike, Cool
The Sunday Times' Alex Pell says:
"The best low-price laptops have grown into surprisingly complete
performers: perfect matches for cash-strapped students among others
"The laptop has moved from being a rep's standby and an executive's
toy to a useful piece of kit for everyone from schoolchildren upwards.
And for university-bound students a laptop (also known as a notebook)
is as essential as daytime TV or subsidised beer....
"Style Guru
"Apple MacBook 2 GHz
"Workmanlike, yet still exudes cool
"Apple's budget laptop range contains much the same technology as
its pricier Pro brethren and the neat plastic chassis shows few obvious
signs of corner cutting. The 13.3in screen is compact but bright, clear
and colourful. The large keys proved capable and the battery lasted 5
hr 34 min. Its Intel Core 2 Duo processor handled the Apple software
well and it can also run Windows, though that must be bought
separately. The MacBook weighs just 2.3 kg but its value is eroded by a
skimpy 80 GB hard drive, only 1 GB of RAM and no DVD writer on the
model as tested. The older iPod-white style case is overdue a redesign
too."
Link:
Test Bench: Budget Laptops
Santa Rosa MacBook Pro: The Green & Gold
Standard
InfoWorld's Tom Yager reports:
"I got stung by my last MacBook Pro review which went to press
before the unit started showing problems with build quality and
durability. I would not have pronounced it so with confidence any
sooner than this, but I can state now that today's MacBook Pro stands
head and shoulders above Apple's prior flagship Intel notebooks, and
sets a standard for performance, features, durability,
eco-responsibility and quality that any PC vendor will find difficult
to approach for a similar price.
"The Santa Rosa MacBook Pro (named for the Intel Core 2 Duo chipset
used in the notebook), perhaps also known as the LED backlit MacBook
Pro, has earned its stripes. If this notebook had a frequent flier
account of its own, it would have racked up enough travel miles in my
carry-on bag to qualify for Gold status. I figure that this is a
fitting milestone for writing this machine up, because by this point,
most notebooks, including some from Apple, would be showing their age.
This machine looks, feels and runs like it did when it came out of the
box. Considering how sweet it was new, that's saying something.
"Apple has transcended PC notebooks. The Santa Rosa MacBook Pro
doesn't look or feel like any notebook you've ever driven, even if your
present notebook is a Mac. It's built."
Link:
Santa Rosa MacBook Pro Review: The Green and Gold Standard in High-end
Intel Notebooks
LED Displays to Dominate Apple, Sony Notebooks
Electronista reports:
High-profile companies like Apple and Sony may produce as much as a
third of their notebooks with advanced LED-backlit displays by next
year, according to reported insiders from the LCD panel industry. These
companies in particular are expected to replace at least 20 to 30
percent of their notebook lineups with the new technology by 2008 or
2009 at the latest as they seek to improve the displays across more of
their existing lines....
The improvement would let both desktop replacement systems and
thin-and-light notebooks produce more uniform colors, save power, and
reduce their thickness compared to traditional displays with
cold-cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlights.
Link:
LED Displays to Dominate Apple, Sony Notebooks Soon
Apple Updates
Battery Update 1.3 for 15" MacBook Pro
Battery Update 1.3 updates battery firmware and addresses battery
performance issues with the 15-inch MacBook Pro. Your computer's power
cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source while
running this update.
After the Battery Update has been installed, any additional
batteries you put in your 15-inch MacBook Pro are automatically
updated.
480 KB
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.4.10
- MacBook Pro (15-inch)
- Link: About Battery
Update 1.3
- Link: Battery
Update 1.3
Products
Synchrotech ExpressCard to Compact Flash
Adapter
PR: Blast past the limitations of USB 2.0 based ExpressCard
adapters! Synchrotech's CFExpressPro+ PCIe ExpressCard to Compact Flash
adapter is based on the 2.5 Gbps PCIe portion of the ExpressCard
standard. Designed for ExpressCard 34 and 54 slots, the CFExpressPro+
PCIe ExpressCard to Compact Flash adapter allows fast and reliable
access to data stored on Compact Flash memory media cards.
Perfect for digital photographers and other users of
Compact Flash memory cards, the CFExpressPro+ PCIe ExpressCard to
Compact Flash adapter allows for fast access to Compact Flash contents
at speeds comparable to FireWire 800 devices, and much, much faster
than USB 2.0 based devices.
Light and compact, the CFExpressPro+ PCIe ExpressCard to Compact
Flash adapter slides into a ExpressCard 34 or 54 slot on notebooks,
MacBook Pros, and specially equipped desktop computers. The
CFExpressPro+ ExpressCard to Compact Flash Adapter supports PIO and
UDMA, meaning it takes full advantage of speeds with newer UDMA 4
Compact Flash Cards like SanDisk Extreme IV. At 25 grams, the adapter
is lightweight and easily stores for traveling.
Features and Specifications
- ExpressCard 34 Form Factor For Maximum Compatibility
- Provides PCIe speeds of 2.5 Gbps rather than USB 2.0 speeds of 0.46
Gbps
- Suitable for MacBook Pro or computers and notebooks equipped with
ExpressCard 34 | 54 slots
- Supports Compact Flash Type I and II, PIO mode, and UDMA mode
(Compact Flash Specification Rev. 4.1)
- Extreme high speed for Compact Flash in UDMA mode, data transfer
speeds (sequential read/write) up to 40 MB/sec
- Compliant with ExpressCard standard running on PCI-e interface
- Support power saving mode to reduce power consumption
- Push-In Push-Out Connector For Easy Removal
- Reliable and rugged stainless steel cover
- Apple MacBook Pro Ready
- Supports Hot-Swapping
Host Card
- ExpressCard 34 (PCIe Standard)
Media Accepted
- Compact Flash Type I and II
- Compact Flash II+ Hard Drives, including Microdrives
- Does NOT work with CF+ I/O Devices
System Requirements
- Computer or Card Reader with an ExpressCard 34 or 54 Slot
- OS X 10.4 or later
- Windows 2000, XP, The Vista
Transfer Rate
Physical Characteristics
- Dimensions: 34 x 101 x 10mm
- Weight: 25g (approximate)
Electrical Characteristics
- 3.3V ± 5% directly from ExpressCard socket
$65.00
Link:
PCIe ExpressCard to Compact Flash Memory Card Adapter
Spire Releases New Courier Bags
PR: No matter what size laptop you own, we've got you
covered. Perfect fit, great protection, and an abundance of pockets
with easy access to all your gizmos. Life is good! Viro - For small (up
to 14.1") widescreen laptops such as 13" MacBook; Endo For mid-sized
(15.4") widescreen laptops such as 15" MacBook Pro; Mojo For large
(17") widescreen laptops such as: 17" MacBook Pro
Viro -
For small (up to 14.1") widescreen laptops such as 13" MacBook
14" laptop bag]Lightweight, compact and highly mobile, the Viro is
designed to hold small widescreen laptops such as the Apple MacBook 13"
and 14.1" PCs perfectly.
All new for 2008, the Viro courier bag offers outstanding
protection, convenience and versatility. It's small enough that you
won't be knocking into people on the L train, yet big enough to hold
all the essentials. Features include:
- TripleShock padding system
- Mesh water bottle pocket
- Beefy 2" single-buckle closure
- Die-cut reflective ovals
- Multiple internal and external pockets
- Pass-through for rolling luggage handle
- Removable key fob
- MP3 pocket with headphone grommet
- Padded handle with anti-sag reinforcement
- Removable waist strap
- Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls
- Rugged 1680D Ballistic nylon exterior
- Light gray interior
- Asymmetrical shoulder strap pad
- Lifetime warranty against defects
2008 Viro Specs
- Product Code VR8
- Price $80.00
- Laptop Compartment 13.5" x 10.5" x 1.25"
- External Dims 14.5" x 12.0" x 4.5"
- Capacity 780 Cubic Inches
- Weight 2.0 Lbs
- External Fabric 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon
- External Pockets 6
- Internal Pockets 4 (+ 2 Pen Pockets)
- Padded Handle Yes
- Padded Shoulder Strap Yes
- Removable Waist Strap Yes
Endo For mid-sized (15.4") widescreen laptops such as 15" MacBook
Pro
15" laptop bag]Redesigned for 2008, the Endo is designed to hold
mid-sized widescreen laptops such as the Apple MacBook 15" and 15.4"
PCs perfectly.
EN8_MID180.jpg
The Endo courier bag offers outstanding protection, convenience and
versatility. When you want one bag to use and abuse every day, this is
it. Features include:
- TripleShock padding system
- Mesh water bottle pocket
- Beefy 2" single-buckle closure
- Die-cut reflective ovals
- Multiple internal and external pockets
- Pass-through for rolling luggage handle
- Removable key fob
- MP3 pocket with headphone grommet
- Padded handle with anti-sag reinforcement
- Removable waist strap
- Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls
- Rugged 1680D Ballistic nylon exterior
- Light gray interior
- Asymmetrical shoulder strap pad
- Lifetime warranty against defects
2008 Endo Specs
- Product Code EN8
- Price $90.00
- Laptop Compartment 14.5" x 10.5" x 1.5"
- External Dims 16.0" x 12.0" x 5.0"
- Capacity 960 Cubic Inches
- Weight 2.2 Lbs
- External Fabric 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon
- External Pockets 6
- Internal Pockets 4 (+ 2 Pen Pockets)
- Padded Handle Yes
- Padded Shoulder Strap Yes
- Removable Waist Strap Yes
Mojo For large (17") widescreen laptops such as: 17" MacBook Pro
17" laptop bag]All new for 2008, the Mojo is designed to hold large
widescreen laptops such as the Apple MacBook 17" and 17" PCs
perfectly.
The Mojo courier bag offers outstanding protection, convenience and
versatility. It's big - but not extremely so. Carries your 17" laptop
plus books and files with ease. Features include:
- TripleShock padding system
- Mesh water bottle pocket
- Beefy 2" single-buckle closure
- Die-cut reflective ovals
- Multiple internal and external pockets
- Pass-through for rolling luggage handle
- Removable key fob
- MP3 pocket with headphone grommet
- Padded handle with anti-sag reinforcement
- Removable waist strap
- Glow-in-the-dark zipper pulls
- Rugged 1680D Ballistic nylon exterior
- Light gray interior
- Asymmetrical shoulder strap pad
- Lifetime warranty against defects
2008 Mojo Specs
- Product Code MJ8
- Price $100.00
- Laptop Compartment 15.75" x 11.5" x 2.0"
- External Dims 17.5" x 13.0" x 6.0"
- Capacity 1360 Cubic Inches
- Weight 2.6 Lbs
- External Fabric 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon
- External Pockets 6
- Internal Pockets 4 (+ 2 Pen Pockets)
- Padded Handle Yes
- Padded Shoulder Strap Yes
- Removable Waist Strap Yes
Note: The Mojo is the bag that replaced the Endo XL.
Link: Spire
Bags
Backpackshield.com Offers Bullet Resistant Computer
Backpacks
PR: BackPackShield Manufacturing has announced a series of
Level IIIA bullet resistant portable shields for student backpacks,
computer bags, brief cases and other portable cases and bags.
Impermeable to most handgun bullets, the shields are portable and can
be moved between backpacks and bags, securing the investment and
offering years of use.
The patented bullet resistant Dupont Kevlar BackPackShield™ is
a light weight armor panel insert manufactured with the most advanced
and lightest aerospace ballistic composite material available.
Manufactured with more than ten layers of bullet resistant Dupont
Kevlar™ fabric, which has ten times the tensile strength of
steel, the layers are bound and epoxy impregnated into a sheet less
than 1Ú2" thick and weighing less than a typical textbook.
Retailing for $249, for a standard size which fits most student
backpacks, the shields are available in more than 10 colors to allow
discretion, or personalization. The BackPackShields come with an
installation kit with removable Velcrowhich allows easy removal,
washing, and portability.
Stronger than a sewn in level II liner, the BackPackShield is N.I.J.
Level IIIA & stops hardened higher velocity 9 mm and 44 Magnum Full
Metal Jacket (copper) rounds flat in their tracks. The patented DuPont
Kevlar multilayer ballistic composite BackPackShield. Weighs less than
a text book, 17" high by 12 " wide, less than 1/2" thick, and fits
inside 100's of standard size (High School & Collegiate) backpacks.
It's available in a variety of school colors, optional personalized
photo (i.e. favorite athlete, pet, team, mascot etc.)
"Unlike weaker level II ballistic curtains that are permanently sewn
into bags, BackPackShields are manufactured to a much higher National
Institute of Justice (N.I.J.) Level IIIA specification," said Kerry
Clark, President of BackPackShield and defense contractor and supplier
AMPTEC RESEARCH Corp. "Level IIIA protection specifications can stop
even the hardened full metal jacketed high velocity handgun bullets
including 9 mm and 44 Magnum that pass right through a level II
bulletproof liner."
A full line of shields are available which support common laptop
computer carrying cases from most manufacturers, including Dell, HP,
Sony and Toshiba. Custom sizes and shapes can also be ordered.
Additional information, prices and specifications are available on the
company's web site at Backpackshield.com
BackPackShield manufacturing, located in Austin, TX, was founded by
Kerry Clark. Clark is also the President of defense and aerospace
supplier Amptec Research Corp. Clark has more than 27 years of
experience in developing and designing explosive safety products for
safely testing high explosive ordnance such as missile warheads for the
USAF, US Navy, Lockheed Martin and Boeing Company. Inspired while
working with the USAF Special Operations, who were lining their MH-53J
PAVLOW Attack Helicopters with bullet resistant Kevlar™, Clark
realized that a light thin semi-rigid backpack shield that stops
virtually every handgun round could be discretely added to student and
collegiate backpacks, providing both protection and peace of mind for
students and families.
Link: BackPackShield
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 couple more relatively low-end 15" MacBook Pro refurbs at The
Apple Store this week starting at $1,499; a bunch of 17-inchers,
including one below $2,000, but fewer MacBook models. cm
- refurb 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $799
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/SD, $849
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $999
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,099
- 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" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,999
- 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" hi-res 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD,
$2,599
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" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 256/80/SD, $799.99 less $25 =
$774.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SD, $1,049.99 less $25 =
$1,024.99
- 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,199.99 less $25 =
$1,174.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $1,299.99 less $25 =
$1,274.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 2 GB/100/SD, $1,399.99 less $25
= $1,374.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/120/SD, High-Res, $1,249.99 less $25
= $1,224.99
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/15/CD, $219
- 12" iBook G3/600, 384/15/CD, $229
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $299
- 12" iBook G3/700, 384/20/Combo, $309
- Add AirPort for $69
- 12" iBook G4/1.0 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $475
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $515
- 15" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 512/40/Combo, a few extra scratches,
wear, $520
- 15" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 512/40/Combo, $555
- Add AirPort for $69
- 12" iBook G3/500, 10/128/CD, $169.99
- 12" iBook G3/600, 15/128/CD, $249.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 20/128/Combo, $329.99
- 12" iBook G3/800, 30/256/Combo, $399.99
- 12" iBook G3/900, 40/256/Combo, $489.99
- 14" iBook G3/600, 20/256/Combo, 359.99
- 14" iBook G3/800, 30/256/Combo, $469.99
- 14" iBook G3/900, 40/256/Combo, $499.99
- open box 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, warranty
started, $949
- open box 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/Combo, $1,029
- open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,449
- open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, warranty started,
$1699
- open box 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2/120/SD, $1949
- open box 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $2,199
- open box 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, warranty
started, $2,599
- open box 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,688
- 14" iBook G4/933 MHz, 128/40/Combo, APX, $499
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 128/60/SD, $579
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/SD, AP, $599
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/SD, no AirPort, $749
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/80/SD, scratched, $899
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, small dent, $999
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, $1,049
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $199.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/20/CD-RW, $239.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/CD, $219.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $349.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $259.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo Drive, $479.95
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 192/6/Zip, $279.95
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, $529.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $449.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $599.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $599.95
- 15" titanium PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/SD, $729.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, APX, BT, $899.95
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see our
MacBook deals, 15" MacBook Pro deals, 17" MacBook Pro deals, 12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" and 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.
