Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2002.01.11
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
The 14" "Son of Pismo" iBook
The big 'Book news this week is, of course, the 14" screen iBook introduced at
Macworld Expo, and which I was not expecting.
Actually, I've been surprised by the muted reaction to the "big
brother" iBook, which, as I contend in my 
The
Road Warrior column on MacOpinion this week, is essentially the up
to now legendary and chimerical "Son of Pismo" G3 PowerBook by any
other name, which to my mind is pretty significant. The new iMac, which I like
very much, is naturally the most spectacular news, but the 14.1" iBook
isn't exactly small beer.
It also represents a substantial enhancement in iBook value, giving
you a 14" screen, a faster Combo drive, and a 55 Wh battery in place of
the smaller iBook's 45 Wh
unit - all for the same price as the previous high-end 12.1" screen
iBook. There is value enhancement in the two 12.1" iBooks as well.
Whether it is the iBook I would choose, were I in the market, is
another matter. The 14.1" machine is actually wider than my Pismo
PowerBook and the same thickness, so the only dimension where it is a
"subnotebook" is in depth, which is a bit less than the Pismo. I'm
partial to the compact footprint of the 12.1" iBook, while my 50+ year
old eyes would appreciate the larger 14.1" screen (resolutions are the
same with either), so it would be a conundrum, although a nice sort of
one to have.
Looks like the iBook is the last of the Mohicans as far as G3 Macs
are concerned. Now that the iMac has gone G4, can a G4 iBook be far
off?
The new iBook family basic specs:
The 14" iBook, weighing 5.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of
$1,799, and includes:
- 14.1" (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display
- 256 MB SDRAM
- 20 GB Ultra ATA hard drive
- 6 hour battery life
- DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive
The 600 MHz iBook, weighing 4.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price
of $1,499, and includes:
- 12.1" (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display
- 128 MB SDRAM
- 20 GB Ultra ATA hard drive
- 5 hour battery life
- DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive
The 500 MHz iBook, weighing 4.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price
of $1,199, and includes:
- 12.1" (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display
- 128 MB SDRAM
- 15 GB Ultra ATA hard drive
- 5 hour battery life
- CD-ROM drive
iBookEndz Docking Station
Photo Control
Corporation has released the iBookEndz docking station for the new
iBook from Apple.
Now the same convenience that is available for PowerBooks will be
available for the iBook. No more looking for that elusive cable that
fell behind 
your desk. Just connect everything to the
dock and leave it connected. When you come in, just plug the iBookEndz
into the side of your iBook and everything is connected at once.
iBookEndz replicates all seven connectors for modem, ethernet,
FireWire, USB, RGB (standard VGA), and AV. The iBookEndz also has ports
so you can hook your iBook directly to a TV that has RCA inputs,
eliminating the need for the customary adapter.
iBookEndz sells for $144.95 (black) or US$159.95 (white).
Willow Design Introduces New TiBook and iBook
Slipcases at Expo
Willow Design rolled out
four new slipcases for the Titanium PowerBook and the iBook at Macworld
Expo. The slipcases are compact, lightweight, and protective, and they
give more flexibility for carrying additional items when needed in an
inexpensive 'Book-tote.
All the new slipcases feature thick half-inch 
foam padding, stiffening plastic panels to protect the
notebook all around, with extra high density polyethylene on the top
and bottom. The slipcases have a zippered front organizer and a
convenient back magazine pocket, plus a large zippered mesh accessory
pocket built into the protective front flap cover. Carrying comfort is
assured by a padded wrap handle plus a contoured, a special non-slip,
padded shoulder carry strap.
The reaction to the slipcases so far has been great. On receiving
his iBook Whumph! Too slipcase, Will Allen of Washington, commented
"The Whumph! is very nicely made and fits the iBook snugly. A lot of
thought has been put into it . . . very sleek
and light. It should last forever!" If they don't, though, they are
covered by Willow's lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship, as are all Willow's other cases for Apple products.
The second generation slipcases mark the start of an exciting new
year for Willow, whose president, Nigel Peck, comments, "it was Willow
customer feedback that helped us create such an exciting new line.
We've been able to incorporate the protection and quality of the older
models with a stylish new exterior and a lot more flexibility for how
much you're able to carry. It was a lot of work to develop them but
very much worth it!"
The new Titanium
Two Slipcase offers a lightweight, compact, yet flexible solution
for carrying your Titanium, power supply and cord, and some
accessories. The stylish design offers excellent protection for your
TiBook whether you want to carry the slipcase on its own, in a pack or
tucked into a briefcase.
Titanium Two Slipcase Features:
- excellent protection for your Titanium afforded by 1.2 cm (0.5")
soft "gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the top and
sides.
- a clean, very lightweight and compact size.
- great carrying comfort insured by a removable foam padded wrap
handle.
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special sticky bottom to
keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the
safety of your laptop.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the Whumph! off the ground if you're
leaning it against your leg or chair in the office, on the train or in
the ballroom.
- outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards, pens,
elasticized pocket for the Apple power supply plus room for the power
cord and an ethernet cable.
- flat external rear pocket especially handy for maps, magazines or
newspapers.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
The new Titanium
'Slide 2 Slipcase offers a lightweight, compact, yet flexible
solution for carrying your Titanium, power supply and cord and some
accessories. The stylish design offers excellent protection for your
TiBook whether you want to carry the slipcase on its own, in a pack or
tucked into a briefcase.
Titanium 'Slide 2 Slipcase Features:
- excellent protection for your Titanium afforded by 1.2 cm (0.5")
soft "gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the top and
sides.
- a clean, very lightweight and compact size.
- great carrying comfort insured by a removable foam padded wrap
handle.
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special sticky bottom to
keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the
safety of your laptop.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the Whumph! off the ground if you're
leaning it against your leg or chair in the office, on the train or in
the ballroom.
- outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards, pens,
elasticized pocket for the Apple power supply plus room for the power
cord and an ethernet cable.
- flat external rear pocket especially handy for maps, magazines or
newspapers.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
The new iBook
'Away To Slipcase offers a lightweight, compact, yet flexible
solution for carrying your iBook, power supply and cord and some
accessories. The stylish design offers excellent protection for your
iBook whether you want to carry the slipcase on its own, in a pack or
tucked into a briefcase.
iBook 'Away To Slipcase Features:
- excellent protection for your iBook afforded by 1.2 cm (0.5") soft
"gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the top and
sides.
- a clean, very lightweight and compact size.
- great carrying comfort insured by a removable foam padded wrap
handle.
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special sticky bottom to
keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the
safety of your notebook.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the 'Away To slipcase off the ground
if you're leaning it against your leg or chair in the office, on the
train or in the ballroom.
- outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards, pens,
elasticized pocket for the Apple power supply plus room for the power
cord and an ethernet cable.
- flat external rear pocket especially handy for maps, magazines or
newspapers.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
The new iBook
Whumph Two! Slipcase offers a lightweight, compact yet flexible
solution for carrying your iBook, power supply and cord and some
accessories. The stylish design offers excellent protection for your
iBook whether you want to carry the slipcase on its own, in a pack or
tucked into a briefcase.
"Whumph!"? What is "Whumph!"? It's the satisfying sound of being
able to jam your slipcase into your pack with just millimeters to
spare, knowing the iBook is still protected. It the soft, gentle sound
of the iBook lightly and smoothly sliding into place in your Whumph!
slipcase, nestled and nurtured by the silent, yet protective exterior
of your understated, yet, fiercely dependable and trustworthy laptop
companion. Whumph! Two even more than one.
iBook Whumph! Slipcase Features:
- excellent protection for your iBook afforded by 1.2 cm (0.5") soft
"gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the top and bottom
plus all sides.
- a clean, very lightweight and compact size.
- convenient end access for those who wanting to stuff the slipcase
into and remove the iBook from top loading backpacks.
- great carrying comfort insured by a removable foam padded wrap
handle with extra strength ensured by web handle being riveted through
high density polyethylene backing .
- contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special sticky bottom to
keep it on your shoulder.
- nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the
safety of your laptop.
- convenient rubber luggage feet riveted through a high density
polyethylene bottom piece to keep the Whumph! off the ground if you're
leaning it against your leg or chair in the office, on the train or in
the ballroom.
- outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards, pens,
elasticized pocket for the Apple power supply plus room for the power
cord and an ethernet cable.
- flat external rear pocket especially handy for maps, magazines or
newspapers.
- flat external rear pocket especially handy for maps, magazines or
newspapers.
- lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
Available colours: black, charcoal, navy, teal, purple, eroyal,
mauve
Pricing (all four models): $98 Cdn./$65 U.S.
Griffin Technology Introduces PowerPod Auto
Adapter at Macworld
The PowerPod auto
adapter allows you to take your iPod on the road and listen to great
music without ever having to charge its batteries. The PowerPod not
only keeps your iPod running but also charges your iPod's batteries so
you'll never go anywhere without a fully charged iPod.
Features:
- attractively designed and durable
- status LED
- fused and filtered to protect your iPod
- includes a detachable 4 foot cable
- fits into any 12V accessory outlet or car lighter jack
- designed specifically for the iPod
- MSRP of $19.50
- two year warranty
Other World Computing Introduces Laptop Screen
Protector at Macworld
At Macworld, Other World
Computing officially launched a line of Laptop Screen Protectors
(LSPs) designed to prevent damage to laptop monitors while the laptops
are closed.
Made from top-grain cowhide, LSPs are made to fit across a laptop's
keyboard to prevent the keyboard and buttons on the base of the laptop
from coming in contact with, and leaving skin oils or permanent marks
and indentations on, the laptop screen or LCD (liquid crystal display).
"Apple PowerBooks and other laptops, including some Windows-based
machines, have had serious problems with the keyboards or buttons on
the base of the laptop coming in contact with the laptop screens," said
Larry O'Connor, president and chief executive officer of Other World
Computing.
"The results are marks - sometimes permanent - on the LCD screen. We
have been troubled with this problem for years, and recently developed
a simple, yet effective solution. OWC's Laptop Screen Protectors fit
nicely between the keyboard and the screen, providing a soft,
protective barrier that eliminates unwanted contact when the laptop is
closed."
The company has initially produced three sizes of the LSP, including
4" x 11", which was custom made for the Macintosh iBook Dual USB; 5" x
11.5", which fits over most standard laptop keyboards; and 8.5" x
12.75", which was designed to fit over the entire keyboard and
palm-rest area of the Apple PowerBook G4 Titanium.
"As laptops continue to get thinner and lighter, we are confident a
product like the Laptop Screen Protector will prove to be a 'must have'
accessory for laptop owners," O'Connor said.
The LSPs from OWC do not require any after-purchase treatment and
are designed not to shed or leave lint in-between the keys. Pricing for
the LSPs begins at $14.95.
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.
Power Max claims to have the largest selection of PowerBooks and
iBooks in the country, and they're celebrating it with sale prices on
the over 100 preowned G3 PowerBooks and iBooks in stock at prices
starting at under $600.
- PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32/2 GB/CD/13.3", $599 (first
WallStreet I've seen under $600)
- PowerBook 1400c w/G3/333
upgrade, 32/1 GB/CD/floppy w/added Newer Tech 16-bit video card,
$669
- PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32/2 GB/CD/14.1", $699
- PowerBook G3/300
WallStreet, 32/4 GB/CD/56k/13.3", $729
- PowerBook G3/333
Lombard, 64/4 GB/CD/56k/14.1", $969
- PowerBook G3/400
Lombard, 64 /4 GB/CD/56k/14.1", $1,138
- PowerBook G4/400,
384 /10 GB/DVD-ROM/56k, $1,599
- PowerBook G4/400,
128 /10 GB/DVD-ROM/56k, factory refurbished, $1,629
- iBook SE 366, 64
/6 GB/CD/ethernet/56k, factory refurbished, $888
- iBook 500 MHz, 64 /10
GB HD/CD, factory refurbished, $949
- PowerBook G4/500,
256/20 GB/DVD/56k/15.2", factory refurbished, 1 year warranty,
$1,849
- PowerBook G4/400,
128/10 GB/DVD/56k/15.2", new, 1 year warranty, $1,689
- PowerBook G4/400,
128/10 GB/DVD/56k/15.2", factory refurbished, 1 year warranty,
$1,669
- iBook 500 MHz, 128/10
GB/CD-RW, factory refurbished, 1 year Warranty, $1,199
- iBook Key Lime
366, 192/10 GB/FireWire/CD, used, 90 day warranty, $849
- iBook Blueberry
300, 32/3 GB/CD /Used /90 day warranty,$799
