Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2002.03.15
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
PC PhoneHome Tracks Locates Missing Computers,
Now Supports Macs
There were 418,000 laptops and PCs lost or stolen in the USA in
the year 2000, and, according to a recent FBI report, 97% of all
stolen computers are never recovered. According to insurance
statistics, if you own a laptop you have a 1 in 14 chance it will
be stolen.
Brigadoon
Software offers a crime fighting product designed to protect
your personal computer from theft.
Imagine - you're a small business owner and you just went out
and invested several thousand dollars in the latest laptop
computer, fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. On your
first business trip with your new computer you leave it (you think)
safely hidden in your hotel room while you entertain a client.
Later that night you return to your room, and your laptop, with all
your work in it, has disappeared without a trace. The financial
loss is bad enough, but the hours of work you've lost is worse. And
the sensitivity of the information in your laptop, if it gets into
the hands of the wrong people, could be a disaster.
Now imagine a simple, inexpensive software system that offers
real hope of tracking your laptop and pinpointing its location
anywhere in the world.
PC
PhoneHome is a software application that, when installed in
your laptop or desktop computer, secretly transmits an electronic
message to an email address of your choice, allowing you to track
and locate your computer, thus providing the potential for its
ultimate recovery as well as apprehension of the thief.
First, you install PC PhoneHome on your computer, configuring it
to send it's recovery information to an email address of your
choosing. PC PhoneHome sends a stealth email to your designated
email address once a day, or every time you connect to the Internet
and are assigned an IP address different from your previous IP
address. If your computer is lost or stolen, you report the loss to
the police and continue to monitor your designated email address.
When your stolen computer accesses the Internet by any method, your
lost or stolen Computer will send you its stealth email message,
informing you of its location.
PC PhoneHome has been enthusiastically embraced by police
forces, insurance companies, and the computer industry. The product
is a natural fit for the security monitoring and ISP industry, and
it's a great value added product that complements not only these
industries but also the computer manufacturing industry. PC
PhoneHome enhances the customer experience by raising the bar for
customer satisfaction and service. PC PhoneHome is compatible with
Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
System requirements:
- PC PhoneHome will work on all computers using Windows
95/98/ME/NT/2K/XP and Mac OS 8.6-X.
PC PhoneHome Lite is a freeware version that Brigadoon
distributes as a public service to provide the public at large with
a powerful security tool to protect their valuable hardware and
intellectual property.
PC PhoneHome Lite sends a periodic stealth signal to the
registrant's command center with the exact coordinates of the
registrant's computer. In the event the computer is lost or stolen,
its whereabouts can easily be pinpointed. PC PhoneHome Lite will
not withstand a format, low-level format.
PC PhoneHome Pro is the paid version of the program that
operates by stealth at a very low level and sends periodic signals
to the registrants command center with the exact coordinates of the
registrant's computer in the event the computer is lost or stolen.
PC PhoneHome Pro cannot be removed from the protected hard drive
with a format or low-level format.
PC PhoneHome Enterprise is similar to PC PhoneHome Pro in that
it operates by stealth at a very low level and cannot be removed
from the protected hard drive with a format or low-level format.
However, PC PhoneHome Enterprise sends periodic signals to a
centralized command center of the licensee's choosing with the
exact coordinates of the registrant's computer. This allows the
Enterprise user to centrally administer the recovery of lost or
stolen computers, and tracking of all computer assets.
The price for one license of PC PhoneHome Pro is $29.95 for the
life of your computer. Pricing for the PC PhoneHome Enterprise is
based upon the total number of computers covered under the
Enterprise license. There are no yearly add-on costs. No hidden
fees. No additional charges.
You can
download PC PhoneHome Lite for free.
Consumer Group Turns Up the Heat on Defective
PowerBook Hinge Issue
Kevin Barry , who is organizing a user group to pressure Apple
to positively address the PowerBook G3 defective screen hinge
issue, writes:
- Charles,
We are stepping up the G3 hinge issue and coupling it with power
adapters and the power input issues on the G3 PowerBook series
computers. We are currently doing an investigation into the
problems and are asking users to come and fill out a brief
questionnaire.
Here is the link.
http://12.149.141.166/webforms/powerbook/apple_quest1.html
Kevin Barry
G3hinge-owner@yahoogroups.com
Klear Screen LCD Cleaner
Klear
Screen is the only LCD cleaning product recommended by Apple to
safely clean all LCD/laptop displays and computer monitors.
Klear Screen contains a unique 3-step liquid polymer-based
formula that lifts and dissolves surface contaminants and
fingerprints, floating debris off the screen surface, leaving an
antistatic coating which dramatically reduces surface friction
& wear, resists fingerprinting and provides a renewable
protective screen barrier.
Klear Screen's "award winning" formula is antistatic, 100%
nontoxic, environmentally friendly and is the most "recommended",
non-damaging, alcohol & ammonia-free screen cleaner you can
buy.
Features:
- Antistatic
- Alcohol and ammonia free
- Nontoxic
- Cleans, polishes, protects
To order call 1-800-505-5327
Spire Atom Laptop Backpack Sale
For a limited time you can save $25 on
the Spire Atom backpack at $70 (Regular price
$95).
The Atom is a great pack for those who want an affordable,
simple bag for their computer. It's slim, but 
not stripped-down - it will carry a notebook,
accessories as well as a textbook or two.
The Atom is the Spire Zoom's lower-priced cousin, designed with
the needs of students in mind. It's built to hold your notebook
comfortably and securely - with no gimmicks or gadgets. It's able
to contour to your body's natural curves, which makes it much more
comfortable to wear than the cheaper packs on the market that just
stitch a foam panel into the rear of the bag.
Like all Spire products, the Atom is designed, tested, and
manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, and guaranteed for life.
Features:
- Includes a padded, removable sleeve for your computer for no
additional charge. The sleeve can be used to protect your notebook
while it's in another bag or just used on its own. With the sleeve
removed, the Atom can be used as a regular daypack for carrying
books, clothes, or even climbing gear.
- The notebook is protected on all six sides for maximum
protection.
- The front compartment has multiple pockets for holding
accessories, pens, keys, and other items.
- Exterior is all 1000 denier Cordura nylon, one of the
strongest, most durable fabrics available.
The main difference between the Atom and the Zoom is the
configuration of the compartments. Both the packs are about the
same size, but the Atom has a larger rear compartment and smaller
front one. Spire did this to make sure the bag could carry bulky
items like textbooks or clothes.
Chrome Vagrant and BlackBox Cases
Dual entry double flap action. Easy access external cargo pocket
for Discman, CD's, etc. Includes side cell 
phone sleeve, zippered pocket, pen slots, and waist
strap. Lined with heavy-duty weatherproof PVC tarp. Makes a great
laptop bag with the addition of the Laptop Sleeve option. Perfect
size for the new G4. Lifetime guarantee.
- Dimensions: 15" x 10.5" x 5"
- Volume: 1200 cu. in.
- Vagrant Mini Messenger $66
- Cell Phone Holster $9
- Laptop Sleeve $15
Lock away your laptop in it's very own padded cell. Crash proof
molded foam on all sides. The semi-rigid construction 
offers maximum protection from crushing and impact.
On the inside you get additional protection from a removable padded
laptop sleeve. Equipped with a super comfortable shock absorbing
neoprene shoulder strap with industrial strength snaphook hardware.
Features a front panel flip down organizer with pockets for Zip
Drive, disks, cords, and CD's. Redesigned to fit the new G4
Titanium and other wide format laptops.
- Internal Dimensions: 13.5" x 12.5" x 4.5"
- External Dimensions: 14.25" x 13.25" x 5"
- Blackbox price: $100
Chrome Factory Second Discounts on Laptop
Bags
Looking for a deal? Look into factory seconds of the previous
version through the Chrome
Backdoor. Bags for sale through the Chrome Backdoor are
considered to be factory seconds for cosmetic reasons only. These
bags are 100% structurally sound and are covered under the same
warranty and return policies as our first quality bags. Defects you
may expect to receive could be due to small ink stains, wrinkled
fabric, or less than perfect stitching. You will not receive bags
with defects such as holes, torn seams, or broken hardware.
Currently available:
- DJ $40.00 (regular $66.00)
- Citizen $60.00 (regular $80.00)
- Blackbox $60.00 (regular $96.00)
- Commodore $65.00 (regular $95.00)
- Ransacker Messenger $60.00 (regular $80.00)
Gefen Ships ex-tend-it VGA to ADC Conversion
Box
Gefen is now shipping its
ex-tend-it VGA to ADC Conversion Box, which connects
Apple's 17 inch Studio Display or 22 inch Cinema Display to any
PowerBook G4, using the computer's VGA port.
The ex-tend-it VGA to ADC Conversion Box connects traditional
analog video graphic cards to ADC compliant LCD digital monitors.
The VGA to ADC Conversion Box, enables users to connect laptops or
other legacy computers that are equipped with HD-15 video
connections only. The device has the DVI to ADC Conversion Box
built in. The VGA to ADC Conversion Box also enables Apple
PowerBook and iBook users to connect their laptop to the new family
of Apple's flat panel displays.
Simply connect the supplied VGA (M-F) cable to the input side of
the VGA to ADC Conversion Box. Then, connect the Apple flat panel
display to the ADC output connector of the VGA to ADC Conversion
Box. Three different resolution settings are supported including
1024 x 768, 1280 x 1024 and 1600 x 1024.
Specifications:
- ADC Bandwidth: 1.65 GHz
- VGA Bandwidth: 350 MHz
- Input Video Signal: 1.2 volts p-p
- Input DDC Signal: 5 volts p-p (TTL)
- Power Consumption: 205 Watts (max.)
- Power Supply: External 28 VDC
- Dimensions: 2.75W x 1.0H x 4.5D
- Shipping Weight: 6 lbs.
Compatibility:
- Titanium PowerBook G4 500 MHz or higher
- ATI Radeon 7500 and the Nvidia GeForce
- ATI Radeon Mac Edition
- 2MX and 4MX graphics cards
- Apple TwinView card
- Graphics cards compatible with Apple's latest computers
- Mac OS 9.2.2
- Mac OS 10.1.3
Non-compatibility:
- iBook
- iMac
- PowerBook G3 (Pismo)
Route 66 Route USA 2001-2002 for Macintosh
Route 66 Route USA 2001-2002 calculates the most
reliable and accurate trips between any number of stops. It
contains all information available for car navigation products in
the USA.
More than 2,600,000 streets and more than 725,000 Points of
Interest in over 50 categories such as hotels, restaurants,
theaters, and gas stations, most of which together with their
addresses and telephone numbers. All this information is easily
accessible with the state-of-the-art Route 66 search engine. When
printing the calculated route and the result appears on your screen
immediately, even before being sent to the printer.
Route 66 Route USA 2001-2002 also provides support for GPS,
enabling you to establish your exact location using satellite
navigation. Route USA 2001-2002 shows you your precise location on
the map, which means you will never lose your way again. The
itinerary in Route 66 Route USA 2001-2002 uses the directions you
encounter on road signs during your journey, which means you will
never lose your bearings.
You can add any roadblocks you feel necessary using Route 66
Route USA 2001-2002, for example in the event of road works, and
the system automatically takes account of this during the route
calculation.
- 95-100% streets
- 95-100% major roads
Minimum system requirements:
- Power Macintosh with Mac OS 8.5, 200 MHz PowerPC processor
- 64 MB RAM
- 3.1 GB available hard disk space.
- 8x CD-ROM
- 256 colors (8 bit color) at 800 x 600 pixels
Recommended system requirements:
- Power Macintosh with Mac OS 9.1 or X, 400 MHz PowerPC
processor
- 128 MB RAM
- 3.1 GB available hard disk space
- 32x CD-ROM
- 16 bit color (thousands of colors) at 1024 x 768 pixels
Optional system requirements:
- NMEA 0183-compatible GPS receiver (a GPS receiver is not
included with the software).
Price: $ 49.95
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.
- iBook 500 MHz, 64 MB/10 GB/CD,
snow, factory refurbished, free iceBook tote, $949
- iBook 500 MHz, 128 MB/15 GB/CD,
snow, factory refurbished, free iceBook tote, $999
- iBook G3/500. 128/10
GB/CD-RW/12.1", factory refurbished, $1,099.99
- iBook G3/600, 128/15
GB/DVD/12.1", factory refurbished, $1,179.99
