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.
G4 Processor Upgrade for Lombard and WallStreet
Coming
PowerLogix hopes to release its new BlueChip G4 and
BlueChip LS G4 processor upgrades for the Lombard PowerBook
before the end of the month, with a WallStreet version expected in
January.
The BlueChip G4 upgrades will support the maximum memory specified
by Apple. You must have a working CPU module in your machine prior to
installation of the BlueChip. A ROM transfer from your existing
processor is required before the BlueChip can operate.
At this writing, the BlueChip G4 and BlueChip LS G4 are only
compatible with OS X 10.x. However, PowerLogix is reportedly
working on a software workaround, and OS 9 support could be in place by
the time the cards ship.
BlueChip G4 and BlueChip LS G4 Features
- PowerPC 7410 @ 500 MHz
- 1 MB of backside cache
- No downtime or trade-in hassles
BlueChip G4 will be compatible with the following computers (Apple
family number M4753):
BlueChip LS is compatible with the following computers (Apple family
number M5343):
Other World Computing is accepting pre-orders for the
Lombard version (as well as a 500 MHz G3 Lombard upgrade at special
introductory prices:
- PowerLogix BlueChip LS G4/500 for Lombard, preorder special price:
$465.00
- PowerLogix BlueChip LS G3/500 for Lombard, preorder special price:
$342.50
30 GB IBM TravelStar Laptop Drives for under
$150
Googlegear offers the IBM Travelstar 30GN 30 GB 4200 RPM
Mobile Hard Drive for $148.99. I paid $159 just a year ago.
The TravelStar's innovative hard drive design combines Fluid Dynamic
Bearing (FDB) motor technology, an ATA-100 interface, IBM giant
magnetoresistive (GMR) head technology, Partial Response Maximum
Likelihood (PRML) digital channel, a head load/unload feature, and
Enhanced Adaptive Battery Life Extender* (ABLE) 3.0. This design
provides the exceptional quietness, storage capacity, performance,
power management, quality, and reliability required by today's notebook
systems.
Features and Benefits
- Capacity: 30 GB
- Rotational Speed: 4200 RPM
- Interface: ATA-5
- Average seek time: 12.0 ms
- Warranty: Three year manufacture warranty.
- Coverage: Covers repair or replacement of the product.
- Technical Support: IBM Technical Support at 1-888-IBM-5214 or email
at drive@us.ibm.com
- Service Location: IBM provides warranty service at a mail-in
location.
Newegg.com
is offering these drives for $146 plus FedEx Saver
shipping for $10.
Deals on Zip 100 Expansion Bay Drives for Lombard
and Pismo
VST's Expansion Bay Zip 100 Drives make transferring large files
easy. They are hot swappable, so there is no need to sleep, restart, or
shut down, and they have a seamless user interface, so they behave just
like a floppy drive. The drives are compatible with standard 100 MB Zip
disks and work in the expansion bay of the PowerBook G3 Lombard and
Pismo bronze keyboard units.
We have VST Zip 100 Expansion Bay drives for both our new Pismo and
my daughter's old PowerBook 5300. They're a lot more slick and
convenient than hooking up a SCSI cable to our external Zip drive (not
possible without an adapter with the Pismo).
MacZone has an excellent deal on these drives right now -
the VST Zip 100 MB for Lombard and Pismo PowerBooks at $69.99, a
fraction of the original list price. Limited to stock on hand; no
backorders accepted.
- Device Type Removable disk drive: Zip disk
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 6" x 5.6" x 0.8"
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
- Removable Storage Type: 1 x Zip disk - proprietary plug-in
module
- Storage Removable Capacity: 100 MB
- Removable Storage Interface Type: SCSI
- Data Transfer Rate: 11.2 MBps (external) / 1.4 MBps (internal)
- Media Type: Zip disk 3.5"
- Warranty: 1 year
The Applelinks Store Offers LaidBack Laptop
Portable Workstation
The Laptop LaidBack workstation for laptop users is a solution to
portable computing comfort. 
Easy to assemble, fully
adjustable, solid hardwood and Melamine construction, easily
stored.
Laptop LaidBack features include:
- Fits all laptop computers.
- Eliminates overheating.
- Perfect for computing in bed, sofa, and recliners.
- Highly adjustable.
- Very stable.
- Quality components
Laptop LaidBack's solid construction with attention to detail makes
it a fine piece of furniture. The robust plastic knobs are user
friendly, strong, and attractive. Two T-knobs in combination with
specially designed hinge inserts provide angle variation. Laptop
LaidBack is particularly effective for those who wish to use a laptop
while completely reclined. It can enable computing for individuals with
certain long term disabilities as well as those recuperating from
surgery or undergoing rehabilitation.
It's easy to adjust the table position of the Laptop LaidBack. Two
lock knobs facilitate adjustments. The Laptop LaidBack folds flat to
fit just about anywhere - behind a door, under your bed, beside a desk
or table.
The Laptop LaidBack fits most large laptop bags and carry on luggage
bags.
Laptop LaidBack sells for US $89
You can check it out at the
Applelinks Store.
You can read my
full review of the Laptop LaidBack here on Mac Opinion.
Lapvantage Laptop Stands Released
The Plasticsmith, Inc. has announced a new product line of Lapvantage laptop stands
ergonomically designed to respond to the growing number of users who
prefer a choice in viewing modes.
The Portrait Edition pivots the laptop to a long-screen orientation,
giving the typical user up to 40% more usable 
screen space - the same vertical screen space of
a 20" desktop monitor. In the majority of everyday applications,
including word processing, emailing, and web browsing, a premium is put
on vertical, not horizontal, space. With Portrait Display's PivotPro 6
(sold separately), laptop users can instantly switch from landscape to
portrait viewing in any application. Unfortunately, to the best of my
knowledge, Apple laptops do not support portrait mode viewing.
For use in the standard landscape orientation, Lapvantage: Ergo
Edition offers three models that raise the laptop to the optimal
viewing point - at the eye level of the user. This can help prevent the
development of eye strain, neck pain and shoulder fatigue. The Ergo
Edition also makes possible the use of a more ergonomically-friendly
keyboard and mouse. Each with its own unique look, the Clear Model
stands sleek and modern. The Black Model conveys a more formal look.
The Storage Model provides the tidy look, with a rear pocket to store
cords, USB hubs, power adapters, and other peripherals.
The Portrait model is available for $49.95, the Ergo models for
$29.95, all four are sold exclusively at The Plasticsmith's online
store.
SportFolio for Titanium G4 PowerBooks, SportFolio
II for iBook
The SportFolio laptop
case offers rugged, high-tech neoprene construction with a built-in
plastic shell for impact protection. The exterior features an easily
accessible front pocket, a back zippered pocket and a vulcanized rubber
bottom and sides for a secure grip. The case zips closed to hold its
contents securely. The all-black interior features a soft, plush
fabric, and a large pocket. A removable black shock-absorbing shoulder
strap is included. All in all a great combination of features that make
this case stand out from the crowd.
Case features:
- Easily accessible exterior front pocket
- Roomy, zippered back pocket
- Large, secure interior pocket
- Dual zippers for easy opening
- Rugged 3 mm neoprene construction
- Plastic inner shell for impact protection
- Plush-lined interior with document pocket
- Easy-grip bottom for carrying as a folio
- Padded for all-around protection
Shoulder strap features:
- Easy-grip, shock-absorbing design
- Swivel clips prevent twisting
- Adjustable length for maximum comfort
- Easily removable
Colors: Black / Blue / Graphite
Price: $44.95
Bargain 'Books
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.
- PowerBook G4/500
with Brenthaven Titanium 1 Carrying case, 768/20 GB/DVD/56K modem, new
with 1 year Apple Warranty, $2,259
- PowerBook G4/550,
128/20 GB/DVD/56K, OS X/9.1, new, $2,110
- PowerBook G4/667,
256/30 GB/DVD/56K, OS X/9.1, new, $2,799
- PowerBook G3/333
Lombard, 64/4 GB/CD/56K/14.1", used, several at
$1,069-1,099
- PowerBook G3/400
Lombard, 64/6 GB/DVD/56K/14.1", used, $1,179
- PowerBook G4/500,
512/30 GB/DVD/AirPort Card, used, $1,869
