Except as noted, prices are in US dollars, bold links are to
outside sites, and regular links lead to 'Book profiles on Low End
Mac.
PowerBook & iBook Hard Drive Compatibility
'Book users are often confused as to what sort of hard drive upgrade
will work with their machine. Essentially, any IDE/ATA 2.5" hard drive
(the same sort of drives PC laptops use) will work with the PowerBook
5300/190 and later, provided it will physically fit in the PowerBook or
iBook (there are also some bracketing issues with 5300/190s and 1400s,
and certain compatibility issues with 3400s - check with the
supplier)
Most laptop hard drives now available are either 12.5 mm or 9.5 mm
thick, which is the limiting dimension.
Both 12.5 mm "Slim" and 9.5 mm "Superslim" 2.5" ATA/IDE drives will
work with:
2.5" ATA/IDE 9.5 mm 'Superslim' drives only will work with:
- iBook, all versions and
models
PowerBook Manufacturer Profiled
Some readers may be surprised to learn that Apple doesn't
manufacture PowerBooks itself, but rather subcontracts the work to
Taiwanese laptop specialist, Quanta, which also was responsible for
about one third of the engineering of the Titanium PowerBook.
The Register's Robert Blincoe has posted an interesting profile of
Quanta.
SuSE Linux 7.3 for PPC Released
If you are intrigued by the prospect of running Linux on your
PowerBook or iBook, SuSE Linux has just released SuSE
Linux 7.3 PowerPC Edition! The latest SuSE edition is the most
comprehensive Linux version for Motorola PowerPC processors on the
market today. 
SuSE Linux 7.3 PowerPC Edition comes on 8 CDs with the
latest Linux operating system and more than 2,000 applications tuned to
the needs of PowerPC users. The latter include image processing
programs, desktop applications and emulators, as well as an extensive
range of window managers, network tools, and editors.
The improved KDE 2.2.1 desktop sets high standards with respect to
user-friendliness and functionality. XFree86 4.1 and SaX2, the expanded
graphical configuration tool which ensures a simple and secure setup of
supported graphics cards, complement this Linux package.
The virtual machine MOL (Mac on Linux) has also been improved. Using
it you may start a network-capable MacOS in Linux in window or
full-screen mode.
The sound system ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) for
PowerMacs among other functionalities enables you to integrate up to 8
sound cards at the same time.
Even newcomers should encounter no difficulties whatsoever, thanks
to SuSE's proven administration and configuration tool YaST2. The
automatic hardware detection and a selection of preinstalled
configurations render the setup if not "mere child's play," as SuSE
intimates - it is at least doable for non Linux veterans. welcome to
access our comprehensive support database at any time.
With the brand new Kernel 2.4.12, SuSE Linux 7.3 PowerPC Editions
features greatly enhanced USB support as well as the possibility to use
up to 3 GB RAM.
SuSE Linux 7.3 PowerPC Edition can be obtained directly from SuSE,
bookstores, or software retailers. The recommended retail price for the
package is US $79.95.
Westcoast Large Display Laptop & Printer
Case
Willow Design's
Westcoast Large Display Case was specifically designed for the WallStreet G3 PowerBook. It
offers excellent protection for your
laptop and accessories plus room for some paperwork in a reasonably
compact package. For the thinner Lombard and Pismo PowerBooks, there is
extra room available for paperwork.
The Large Display Laptop & Printer case can accommodate large
monitor laptops plus your adapters, cables, etc. Ample protection is
provided by adjustable, rigid dividers separating each compartment with
extra room available for paper in the outer padded pocket.
Westcoast Large Display features:
- Superb protection insured by 1.2 cm foam throughout reinforced with
corrugated plastic, high density polyethylene and hardboard on the
bottom of the case
- Excellent comfort insured by a thick, reinforced padded handle,
wide contoured shoulder strap
- A convenient upper level compartment for the laptop secured by a
50mm Velcroed elastic strap
- Lower level accessory compartment for extra drives, CD-ROMs, etc.
separated by two movable dividers
- Front to back accessory compartment for thicker accessories
- A disc and mesh pockets in lid of computer compartment
- Organizer pocket on front of case with room for extra
paperwork
- A organizer panel in the padded pocket plus a flat front zippered
pocket on outer panel
- A convenient flat pocket on the back suitable for maps, magazines,
or newspapers
Available Colours: Black; Charcoal; Navy; Teal; Purple
MCE's CD-RW/DVD Drive for PowerBook G3 Review
Posted
MacCentral's Peter Cohen has posted a hands-on
review of the MCE Xcaret expansion bay combo drive, which is
available for Pismos, Lombards, and WallStreets
Peter generally liked the Xcaret drive, and summarizes: "MCE's
solution provides tremendous utility for users who are hoping to
maximize an existing investment in PowerBook hardware."
Dr. Bott's Auto Charger for iPod
Dr. Bott's Auto Charger
for iPod provides the power to charge and operate the iPod through the
12V adapter in your car.
Auto Charger for iPod connects to the standard 12 Volt DC cigarette
lighter found in most any car and provides power through the FireWire
port of the iPod™ just like the included AC charger.
Features:
- Works with any 12V auto cigarette lighter.
- Auto Charger for iPod lets you drive with music and arrive with
iPod fully charged.
- LED indicates power status.
- Includes replaceable fuse to protect iPod (twist tip of plug to
access fuse).
- Provides 12 W max.
Pre-orders are currently being accepted, Dr. Bott's Auto Charger for
iPod is scheduled to ship in Mid-December (in time for Christmas) at
$24.95.
Dr. Bott's iPod Connection Kit
Dr. Bott's iPod
Connection Kit includes everything you might need to bring your music
anywhere you might 
want it.
iPod Connection Kit provides most every option for connecting to iPod's
3.5 mm stereo headphone jack to automobile stereo systems, home stereo
systems, mic input of computers and other devices, boom boxes, and
clock radios.
Dr. Bott's iPod Connection Kit includes:
- Auto Charger for iPod
- FM Stereo Transmitter
- Mini Stereo Extension Cable (male/female)
- Mini Stereo to RCA Cable
- Mini Stereo Connection Cable (male/male)
- iPod Carry Pouch
Availability: Dr. Bott's iPod Connection Kit will be shipping in
late December and can be pre-ordered now. The price will be $49.95
JanSport Ultimate 
Brief
JanSport Ultimate Brief features:
- Three compartment brief
- Front-with deluxe organizer, keyper and file space
- Middle-compartment for removable padded laptop insert case
14"x10.5" x 3"
- Back-divider file folder area
- Side cell phone pocket
- Two front exterior pockets
- 1680 denier Ballistic Nylon coated on the inside for water
resistance.
- Zip pocket on front flap
- Back stash pocket with zip piggy back system
- "C" curved padded shoulder strap with three inch wide
Jansport-patented Gellastic Gellycomb pad
- Padded leather wrap handle
- #8 main self-healing coil zippers/locking"
- Dimensions: 17"W x 12.5"H x 7.5"D
- Available in classic black and "teak"
- MSRP: $250
Bargain 'Books
If you read this week's Road Warrior column, Does
an upgraded WallStreet make sense as an iBook alternative?, this
deal from MacResQ may be of interest. This is the best price I've seen
on a WallStreet with a 14.1" screen and 96 MB of RAM.
- iBook G3/500, 256/10
GB/CD-RW/56K modem/Small Dog Refurbished with a 90 Day Small Dog
Warranty, $1,299
These machines were used at a computer camp and have the balance of
Apple's factory warranty. Small Dog will guarantee at least 90 days.
Not the deal of the century, considering that a new iBook with a 15 MB
hard drive and 128 MB of RAM lists for the same price, but the RAM
upgrade and CD-RW are the purported advantages.
MegaMacs has a whole gaggle of used PowerBooks listed. Those 190s
can get you into a reasonably powerful workaday 'Book awfully cheap,
and the 3400c prices also are especially tempting. Best I've seen to
date.
680x0 'Books
- PowerBook 190, 8 MB/500
MB/used/30 day, $109.99
- PowerBook 190, 20 MB/500
MB/used/30 day, $109.99
- PowerBook 190, 16 MB/500
MB/used/30 day, $109.99
- PowerBook Duo 280c,
24/320 MB/dock/used/30 day, $199.99
- PowerBook Duo 280c,
12/320 MB/14.4/used/30 day, $149.99
- PowerBook Duo 280, 12/120
MB/14.4/used/30 day, $174.99
- PowerBook Duo 280, 12/240
MB/14.4/Dock/used/30 day, $189.99
- PowerBook Duo 230, 12
MB/120 MB/dock/used/30 day, $99.99
- PowerBook 540c, 20/320
MB/used/30 day, $279.99
- PowerBook 540, 12 MB/500
MB/used/30 day, $249.99
- PowerBook 520c, 16/350
MB/used/30 day, $239.99
PPC 'Books
- PowerBook G4/400,
128/10/DVD/56k/new/1 Year/Mfr, $1,849.99
- PowerBook Pismo
G3/400, 128 MB/6 GB/DVD/FireWire/used/30 day, $1,179.99
- PowerBook Lombard
G3/400, 128/6G/CD-RW/SCSI/used/30 day, $1,149.99
- PowerBook Lombard
G3/333, 256/4G/CD-RW/14.1"/used/30 day, $1,149.99
- PowerBook Lombard
G3/333, 128/6 GB/24X/14.1"/used/30 day, $949.99
- PowerBook Lombard
G3/233, 256/2G/20x/12.1"/used/30 day, $649.99
- PowerBook Duo 2300, 16
MB/750/dock/used/30 day, $310.99
- PowerBook Duo 2300, 20
MB/1.1 GB/14.4k/used/30 day, $299.99
- PowerBook 3400c/200,
48/3 GB/floppy/used/30 day, $339.99
- PowerBook 3400c/200,
32/1 GB/floppy/used/30 day, $349.99
- PowerBook 3400c/180, 80/1.3
GB/floppy/used/30 day, $299.99
- PowerBook 3400c/180, 48/1.3
GB/floppy/used/30 day, $299.99
- PowerBook 3400c/180, 32/1.3
GB/floppy/used/30 day, $349.99
- PowerBook 1400c, G3/333
64/1 GB/floppy/used/30 day, $499.99
- PowerBook 1400c, G3/333
64/1 GB/floppy/used/30 day, $499.99
- PowerBook 1400c/166,
64/1 GB/floppy/used/30 day, $399.99
- PowerBook Lombard
G3/333, 64 MB/4 GB/CD/56K/14.1" w/Deluxe Bag/ Used,
$1,099
- PowerBook Lombard
G3/333, 192 MB/4 GB/CD/56K/14.1"/used, $1,119
- PowerBook G3/400, 64 MB/6 GB/DVD/56K/14.1"/used, $1,299
- PowerBook Pismo
G3/400, 192 MB RAM/6 GB HD/DVD/56K/14.1"/used, $1,299
