Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2002.02.22
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
Foot Powered Laptops?
Remember those World War II movies where one guy pedals furiously on
a stationary bicycle generator while his buddy gets on the old tube
shortwave radio to call for reinforcements or whatever?
Well, the StepCharger™
is kinda like a modern iteration of that concept. Anytime, anyplace,
anyone can create power with StepCharger. All it takes is a repetitious
stepping motion with the heel of your foot. Anytime, anyplace, anyone
can produce electricity for charging satellite phones, cellular phones,
CBs, walkie talkies, laptops, digital cameras, video cameras, radios,
or anything with a rechargeable battery.
StepCharger has a constant voltage circuit which will suppress loss
of charge, and yields approximately 20 minutes of laptop power for each
five minutes of brisk pumping.
Specs
- Length: 5.46 Inches
- Width: 2.3 Inches
- Height: 1.56 Inches
- Weight: 10.51 Ounces
- Output Power: 0 to 6 Watts / 18 Volts Direct Current (DC18V)
StepCharger is supposed to be available for sale soon, and expected
to cost about $150.
iBook v. Pismo
I've proposed
that the 14.1" iBook is
"Son of Pismo."
Insanely Great Mac's Remy Davison takes a different but
complimentary tack with a shootout-style
comparison of "Son of Pismo" with the real Pismo.
Remy notes that:
- Now, with the 14.1" iBook on the market, Mac portable owners face a
bewildering array of recent-model G3s to choose from....
Do you get a brand new iBook with all the fruit, or do you save a few
hundred bucks on the Pismo and spec it up to the new iBook? Or,
alternatively, should you get a base 12.1" iBook for roughly the same
money as used Pismo?
Good question. I just got a used Pismo about five months ago, but
that involved a trade for my erstwhile G4 Cube. If I were faced with
the straight-up decision posed by Remy, I'm not sure what I would
do.
Remy notes that:
- The 14.1" iBook is well equipped and boasts 100 MHz superior
processor speed, a 256K cache running at full processor speed, a
built-in CD-RW/DVD (8x4x6x24) and a 20 GB hard drive. The unit also has
a claimed 6-hour battery life.
The Pismo 500 has a bigger cache (1 MB) running at a 2.5:1 ratio and
only a DVD-ROM. Early (pre-September 2000) Pismos had a 12 GB hard
drive; the later revision had a 20 gigger. The Pismo has a battery
rated at 5 hours (when new), although 4-4.5 hours depending on use
would be a reasonable estimate.
Both have a 100 MHz bus, and the same graphics chip resides on both
motherboards.
Remy says that:
- In my side-by-side comparisons, the iBook's a little snappier in
the Finder and application launches, while the Pismo retrieves info
from cache a bit faster.
However, there are some significant differences that might prove the
deciding factor one way or the other depending upon your needs.
IOGear Releases Mini USB Optical Mouse
IOGear's new USB Optical Mini
Mouse is an excellent tool for mobile professionals and other road
warriors.
The superior optical sensor tracks movement 1500 times per second,
providing smooth precision tracking on 
any
surface. It is small and portable, and saves the precious space in your
mobile work area. The ergonomic contour design offers comfortable use
on any surface. Includes a leather carrying case for travel.
This unit is USB ready, plug-n-play and hot pluggable. It is also
backed by IOGear's 3-year warranty.
IOGear's USB Optical Mini Mouse sells for $29.95
WallStreet Hinge Defect Users Group
Kevin Barry is spearheading a users group pressing the
claim that the hinges on WallStreet PowerBook G3
systems shipped in 1998 and 1999 are defective.
"I am picking up the problems with the G3 and other computers which
Apple is refusing to admit there are serious design flaws," says Barry.
"I have formed a group and have been in contact with Kenneth Ott [who
has also ben active on this issue]."
Barry has met with a law firm about the possibility about filing a
class action suit against Apple for these problems.
"I don't want people to think 'I hate Apple' because I don't," Kevin
emphasizes. "I have owned Apples for more than a decade and even
learned pilot programming on an Apple II in Jr High in the early
eighties. And I will buy another Apple in the future. I just want to
make sure Apple get back on course and provide quality and customer
service as they used to.
If you want more info on this issue, visit the Website or you can
email Kevin at <kbarry2@optonline.net>.
Also see ATI
Support Outrage And Screen Hinge Grumbles.
Portector for Dual USB iBook
The Portector is a molded
strip that fits snugly over the expansion ports of your iBook.
Features:
- Keeps out dirt and dust which may accumulates at the bottom of your
backpack.
- Paper clips or keys which find their way into the ports of your
iBook can damage delicate pins.
- Protects your investment simply and inexpensively.
- Matte finish compliments the look of your laptop.
- Soft urethane is flexible, yet durable.
Price: $12.50 (U.S.) plus shipping & taxes.
InfoCase Computer Cases
InfoCase makes a wide range
of computer case solutions and have developed a $69.95 version of their
ClassMate "Always On" carry case to accommodate the new 14" iBook.
InfoCase Inc. has been creating computer carrying case solutions for
corporate and government programs for over 15 years.
Some InfoCase models include:
ComConnect Family Work Stations
Open the case and go to work. The portable PC and its other system
peripherals are completely integrated, cabled, and powered for maximum
efficiency and productivity inside the case. The case is designed to
deliver the form and protection of a hard case but in a more practical,
ergonomic sewn case format
No more distracting system setup in front of clients. Efficient
in-vehicle workstation. All power supplies combined to a single power
cord. System is always ready to go. Improved productivity. Unmatched
system protection. Modular upgrades.
Always-On FieldMate & ClassMate Families
Compact, form-fit cases that stay on the portable PC at all times
for substantially improved protection, handling safety, and frequent
access convenience. This unique, patented design system not only allows
access to all the PC's features but actually enhances PC use in
walk-around and frequent access applications. Extended models protect
protruding PCMCIA devices at all times. FieldMate and ClassMate cases
have been thoroughly drop tested- on purpose in the lab, by accident in
the field (and the classroom). Often eliminates the need for expensive
ruggedized PC's.
"Always on but never in the way" provides many benefits for
technicians, field service reps and students in particular. The PC is
always protected. Various handle, shoulder strap, elastic arm grip, and
harness options are available to provide the safest, most convenient
handling for your application. The rigid, nonskid base not only
provides a protected working platform but also blocks heat when used on
your lap. Compact protective design improves portability and is well
suited for safe storage inside larger cases.
ComFolio Family
Attractive, top access, expandable, portfolio (or brief) style
business cases with excellent PC protection and organizational
qualities. Classic external styling does not scream "computer case".
Field-proven ergonomic and design features vs. mass-market oriented
"whistles & bells". A variety of styles and materials are offered
to meet a broad range of corporate program requirements. Most are
easily adaptable for or include case-in-case protection and
convenience. See our ShockMate accessory case family.
Smooth and easy access to all your stuff from the standing case.
Most ComFolio models have sufficient capacity to eliminate the need for
two carrying cases. Exterior convenience storage for quick access, even
for your planner or a small clutch purse in some models. Advanced
design features and enhanced ergonomics developed from considerable
field-force feedback.
ComTache Family
Rugged yet attractive open-to-access attaché style business
cases for portable computers and/or printers. Protection is generally
passive. We avoid reliance on straps and other active devices like most
cases that typically go unused. Most ComTache cases feature Custom-Fit
insert models for extra protection or for semi-integrated applications.
Most are easily adaptable for or include second device case-in-case
protection and convenience. See our ShockMate accessory case
family.
Whether rolling or carried, these designs deliver extremely reliable
system protection and larger interior compartments for our custom-fit
insert modules. Most ComTache class cases can be custom-fit for
print-inside-the-case productivity or for your unique equipment storage
requirements. Larger models have inline skate type wheels and quality
telescoping handle assemblies. Most ComTache models have sufficient
capacity to eliminate the need for two carrying cases.
ShockMate Family
Small, protective, removable accessory and case-in-case PC cases.
Integrate well into various InfoCase models for protected transport but
then are typically removed on-site for use away from the main case.
Various handling and identification features available or can be
readily custom-fit for your needs.
Most popular uses are for digital cameras and for the PC itself but
we can adapt for other components easily. These case-in-case options
allow you to safely carry valuable equipment away from the main system
case. Great for applications where a good size system stays in the car
or client's office but components are walked to different
locations.
Custom-Fit ComShipper Family
Extremely rugged, highest quality water and air tight, molded ABS or
polypropylene carrying cases designed to reliably withstand shipping
hazards over and over again. Most models can then function as a system
carrying case at the destination. Custom high density foam inserts are
cut to your equipment's specific requirements. Special InfoCase
convenience features like accessory trays and clear plastic forms
storage create flexible additional capacity. Custom built. Many sizes
with various handling and locking options are available.
Your valuable equipment will arrive at its destination intact and
ready for use. These models were originally designed for insurance
disaster deployment and for multi-PC training shipments. All system
components fit into their custom-fit compartments. This not only
insures safe delivery but also helps make sure you get everything back.
Since our rugged polymer shells are so lightweight, choose ergonomic
carrying options to create functional carrying cases at the
destination. Larger models have inline skate type wheel and pull handle
options.
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 G4/550,
256/20 GB/Combo, new, $2,299
- PowerBook G4/667,
512/30 GB/Combo/AirPort, new, $2,999
- PowerBook G4/667,
1 GB/48 GB/Combo/AirPort, new, $3,599
- iBook G3/500,
64/10/CD-ROM, new, $999
Here's an interesting one: PowerBook 3400c with G3/250 Upgrade,
160/10 GB/33.6k/CD, $549
- PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32/2 GB/CD/12" Screen, $649
- PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32/2 GB/CD/14.1" Screen, $749
- iBook 300 MHz,
96/3 GB/CD/56k, Tangerine, $799
- PowerBook G3/333
Lombard, 128/4 GB/CD/56k/14.1" Screen, $999
