Batteries for PB 3400 and Kanga, Laptop Bags, Best RAM Prices, and Bargain 'Books

Welcome to The 'Book Review, a new Low End Mac feature in which we will review each week's iBook and PowerBook news in capsule form - new products, price changes, software updates, and suchlike.

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.

• Bargain 'Books
• Best 'Book Memory Prices
• Batteries for 3400, original PB G3
• Trager Laptop Bags
• Willow Design Case for PowerBook G4

Bargain 'Books

Without further adieu, first lets take a look at some current deals available on used and refurbished Apple portables.

Small Dog Electronics is offering refurbished Revision A iBook Blueberry G3/300 64/6 GB/CD/56k with free backpack for $1099.

The PowerBook Guy has several interesting deals on used 'Books:

• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet 32/2 GB/CD/56k/SCSI/14.1", $1249.95
• PowerBook G3/300 Blueberry iBook 32/3.2 GB/CD/56k/Ethernet/12.1" Active, $899.95
• PowerBook 3400/200 16/2 GB/CD/Floppy/33.6, $749.95
• PowerBook 5300cs 16/500/Floppy, $349.95
• PowerBook 540c 20/240/19.2, $299.95

And for some really Low End prices on reconditioned PowerBooks, check out these offerings from DataTech Remarketing. DataTech says, "Every system we sell has been thoroughly reconditioned and tested at our own facility. And, every system is shipped with a 180 day guarantee."

Currently listed:

• PowerBook 180 8/120, $99.00
• PowerBook 180C 8/160, $129.00
• PowerBook 5300 16/500, $199.00
• PowerBook 5300C/100 16/500, $299.00
• PowerBook 5300CS 16/750, $279.00
• PowerBook 540C 12/320 W/GV19.2, $199.00
• PowerBook Duo 280C 12/320, $99.00

Best 'Book Memory Prices

This week's all round best RAM prices seem to be at memorytogo.com

• TiBook RAM: 64 MB, $22; 128 MB, $40; 256 MB, $80  
• Pismo RAM: 32 MB, $23; 64 MB, $30; 128 MB, $40; 256 MB, $80; 512 MB, $249
• Lombard/WallStreet RAM: 32 MB, $15; 64 MB (upper slot), $26; 128 MB (upper slot), $40; 128 MB (lower slot), $60; 256 MB, $86
• iBook RAM: 32 MB, $15; 64 MB, $26; 128 MB, $40; 256 MB, $80

You might also want to check out prices at 1-800-4MEMORY or do some comparison shopping at ramseeker.

PowerBook 3400 & Original G3 Lithium-Ion Battery

Is the battery in your PowerBook 3400 or original PowerBook G3 getting weak? Other World Computing has a special on Genuine Apple Lithium-Ion batteries for 3400 Series PowerBooks. Identical to the battery that was installed in the PowerBook at time of purchase. One year Warranty. This battery only fits the PowerBook 3400 180/200/240 or the original PowerBook G3. It will not work in the PowerBook 5300 series machines.

Trager Laptop Bags

Trager's laptop bags come with their patented "Computer TransPack," which they say is like having a bulletproof vest for your computer.

All Trager laptop carriers are made of Tru-Ballistic material, a super-tough, technically advanced, compound fabric that can withstand the test of time and activity and feature a variety of handy organizational pockets, cell phone pouches, and wide, comfortable shoulder-straps

Courier Laptop 745B

Main compartment includes removable Computer TransPack™ and computer accessory pockets. Exterior features include cell phone pocket, two vertical side-zip pockets plus eleven more pockets for maximum organization, ballistic front flap with reflective trim, full length back slip pocket and removable load bearing waist belt.

• Colors: Black, Slate, Hunter
• Fabric: True Ballistic; High Density Ripstop
• Dimensions: 16 x 13 x 6
• Capacity: 1700 cu. in.
• Special Features: Taped Internal seams, Soft Touch Buckles
• Organizers, Reinforced Stress Points,
• Waterproof fabric with 1.5 oz. coating

Cross Country Laptop 740B

Shoulder bag, backpack... you choose. Protects laptop in padded removable Computer Pocket.

• Colors: Black, Slate, Hunter
• Fabric: Tru-Ballistic 1050 D. Nylon; High Density Ripstop
• Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.5 x 7.5
• Capacity: 1600 cu. in.
• Special Features: Taped Internal seams, Soft Touch Buckles
• Organizers, Reinforced Stress Points,
• Waterproof fabric with 1.5 oz. coating

Computer TransPack 840R

Hard-sided protection for your laptop. High impact shell and double foam bottom cradles laptop for ultimate protection. grab handles provide versatility, easy removal and carrying solo

• Colors: Black
• Fabric: High Density Ripstop
• Dimensions: 13 x 11.5 x 2.5
• Received an A+ from independent testing labs.
• Patent Pending

Marathon Laptop 760B

Portable office for short and long hauls. This mega brief has space for filing, storage, organization and a removable Computer TransPack.

• Colors: Black, Slate, Hunter
• Fabric: Tru-Ballistic 1050 D. Nylon; High Density Ripstop
• Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.5 x 7.5
• Capacity: 1600 cu. in.
• Special Features: Taped Internal seams, Soft Touch Buckles
• Organizers, Reinforced Stress Points, Water proof fabric with 1.5 oz. coating

Rover Laptop 750B

Sized to accommodate all the essentials. This compact brief includes a removable Computer TransPack.

• Colors: Black, Slate, Hunter
• Fabric: Tru-Ballistic 1050 D. Nylon; High Density Ripstop
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 13 x 6.5
• Capacity: 1400 cu. in.
• Special Features: Taped Internal seams, Soft Touch Buckles
• Organizers, Reinforced Stress Points,
• Waterproof fabric with 1.5 oz. coating

Willow Design NL-11 Case for PowerBook G4

Willow Design has released the first of its carrying solution for the Titanium PowerBook G4. As with its other laptop backpacks and laptop briefcases, Willow has gone the extra distance to build extra functionality as well as superb protection and carrying comfort into the case.

At only 3.1 lbs, the NL-11 case is compartmentalized to fit the Titanium in a convenient upper level compartment specially designed to minimize heat build up if you're computing with the G4 inside the case. For more cramped spaces, the horizontal divider which the G4 sits on can be removed and used as a platform for more secure laptop computing.

With outside dimensions of only 15.5 x 13.5 x 6.0", the case fits all the Titanium, power supply, external mouse and other accessories, has extra room for paperwork or manuals and an outside organizer pocket.

The case is constructed of tough polyester and nylon fabric with 1/2" foam protection throughout reinforced on the upper display sides by corrugated plastic, high density polyethylene on the handle side and hardboard on the bottom.

As with all other Willow backpacks, other PowerBook and iBook carry cases, the new Titanium G4 case is covered by Willow's 100% satisfaction guarantee and lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and craftsmanship.

The NL-11 case sells for $123.00 U.S./$185.00 Cdn. It is available in black, charcoal, navy, teal, and purple.