Overclocking iBooks, New Notebook Cases, Price Drops on FW/USB 2.0 Drives, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight

Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.

• Willow Titanium Case
• Dr. Bott ships iCase12 and iCase12 Plus
• Overclocking iBooks to 800 MHz
• iPod SportSuit Case
• SmartDisk Introduces USB 2.0 Versions of Its FireLite 20, 30, and 40 GB Portable Hard Drives
• Reductions On DesktopGB FireWire/USB2 Drives
• Bargain 'Books

Willow Titanium Case

The Willow Titanium Case has been specifically designed to maximize the protection of your Titanium and to compactly carry the accessories that are a part of your working system - all in a stylish, clean looking parcel protected by sturdy outer foam walls reinforced with corrugated plastic and a hardboard bottom.

Willow Titanium Case Features

• excellent protection for your Titanium G4 afforded by 1.2cm (0.5") foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the upper display side, high density polyethylene reinforcement on the handle side and 4mm (1/8") hardboard on the bottom.
• clean, lightweight and flexible design with a multiple compartments to carry all your accessories.
• superb comfort insured by a thick, reinforced padded handle and wide contoured shoulder strap.
• double thickness high density briefcase handle polyethylene reinforcement with quadruple rivet reinforcing through wrap handle to insure the safety of your laptop.
• convenient DVD, CD-ROM & cable pockets located in the laptop section for easy access plus extra room for manuals or other letter sized paperwork on lower accessory level.
• simple outer front organizer panel with pockets business cards, pens, pencils, etc.
• outside flat, outer pocket for airline tickets, thin paperwork, etc.
• flat external rear pocket especially handy for maps, magazines or newspapers.
• easily removable horizontal divider for the Titanium G4 which doubles as a comfortable and convenient laptop work surface with special foam spacer to maximize airflow cooling.
• extra protection for the display screen afforded by corrugated plastic layer and extra 0.5 cm (1/4") protective space between Titanium and laptop lid level.
• three separate Velcroed elastic straps to lock down Titanium G4, adapter and accessories and extra items.
• handy mesh pocket in the lid for safe and convenient storage of cables or other thin items.
• luggage feet riveted through the hardboard bottom of the case which actually keep it up and off the ground when you want to set the case down whilst entering and leaving your vehicle.
• lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or craftsmanship.

Pricing: $185 Cdn./$120 U.S.

Dr. Bott ships iCase12 and iCase12 Plus

iCase12 offers unsurpassed safety in transporting Apple's 12" iBook. It takes all your computing on the go needs into account offering storage for AC power, spare battery, iPod, CDs and more. The iCase12 Plus incorporates a carry strap and black side bag that provides room for important papers and extra hardware. iCase 12's Lift-O-matic feet and removable top allow for comfortable use of the iBook without removing it from the case.

"We have to admit that the success of TiCase, our high end case for the Titanium PowerBook surprised us. Soon after releasing TiCase the calls started coming in for a similar case for the iBook. iCase12 is exactly what our customers have been demanding." said Eric Prentice, CEO of Dr. Bott LLC. "It provides the ultimate in security while being functional and elegant."

Compatibility: iCase12 and iCase12 Plus were designed for Apple's 12" iBooks.

Pricing & Availability: iCase12 and iCase12 Plus retail for $299 and $419 respectively and both are available immediately.

Overclocking iBooks to 800 MHz

Accelerate Your Mac reports that it's possible to goose the 700 MHz IBM 750FX CPU used in the new 2002 iBooks to 800 MHz using a bus/CPU multiplier that can be set via software. (The bus/CPU ratio that determines CPU speed is normally set by resistors.)

Be forewarned that any overclocking voids the warranty, may not be reliable, etc. - all mods like this are done at your own risk.

iPod SportSuit Case

The Swiss Army knife of iPod cases, the SportSuit Convertible case offers rugged protection for the iPod on the go. The free patented belt clip system's interchangeable clip options and included armband make the SportSuit ideal for jogging or working out. Includes free arm band and spring clip.

The SportSuit for iPod features a shaped lid, which allows for a roomy interior pocket to store your headphones. Joggers can use the pocket to store keys, money, or ID. Earphones or headphones can be used with the lid attached. The FireWire port and hold button can be accessed without completely removing the lid. The formed shape of the lid allows for storage of the earphones without distorting the shape of the case and also accommodates the storage of small folding headphones. The lid can be removed completely from the case.

There is a pocket on the lid for headphone storage. The formed shape of the lid allows for storage of the earphones without distorting the shape of the case. The lid also accommodates the storage of small folding headphones.

The lid can be removed completely from the case.

Features:

• Plastic reinforced sides & back for maximum protection
• 2mm neoprene front and back construction
• Vulcanized rubber sides for secure grip
• Removable lid - case can be used with or without lid
• Molded lid with interior pocket for storage of earphones
• Lid offers complete protection for the front of the case when attached

Available Colors: Graphite, Black, Blue, Red and Yellow

SmartDisk Introduces USB 2.0 Versions of Its FireLite 20, 30, and 40 GB Portable Hard Drives

SmartDisk Corporation has announced the availability of USB 2.0 versions of its FireLite portable hard drives for consumers and professionals. Available in capacities of 20, 30, and 40 GB, FireLite drives feature outstanding performance and a unique, high tech design with a strong, shock-resistant, lightweight casing.

FireLite drives are designed for professionals and consumers who require convenient, portable storage of vast amounts of data. FireLite drives can be used to backup critical data, transport and synchronize data between multiple computers, and free up valuable hard disk space on existing computers. They are especially convenient for mobile computing platforms. FireLite drives are ideal, for example, for transferring large files between home and office, for storing hours of superior quality video or warehousing huge graphics files. The drives have performance rates that easily allow users to access and use data directly on FireLite without first copying it to a personal computer. They support both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 host systems, which means that users in transition between the two versions can use a single FireLite on any USB machine.

Featuring a sleek, silver-colored magnesium casing for outstanding durability, FireLite drives are pocket-sized, measuring just 3.25" (W) x 5.0" (D) x 0.75" (H) and weighing just over six (6) ounces. They are "Mass Storage Class" peripherals: they require no driver installation when used with operating systems like Windows XP and Windows Me, Mac OS 9 and Mac OS-X.

"According to a recent report by NPD Techworld, external hard drives like FireLite are the second fastest growing product category demanded by on-line shoppers," said Rod H. King, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing for SmartDisk. "Our new FireLite drives are positioned to take advantage of this increasing consumer demand for portable storage products."

"FireLite represents the ultimate solution for users seeking an immediate, convenient, highly portable data storage solution," said Mike Goldenberg, Product Marketing Director for SmartDisk. "FireLite drives were designed to provide uncompromising quality, performance and style for consumers. As a result, we believe they are the 'best value' product in their category."

Each FireLite drive ships with Retrospect Express Backup personal backup software for Windows users and Connectix CopyAgent data backup, recovery and synchronization software for Macintosh users. The package also contains an AC adapter, a stacking clip and a protective carrying case.

Suggested retail prices for the FireLite USB 2.0 drives are $199.95 for the 20 GB model, $259.95 for the 30 GB model and $309.95 for the 40 GB model. All models will be available in mid-June through retailers and distributors, as well as through the company's Web site.

Reductions On DesktopGB FireWire/USB2 Drives

WiebeTech announces new pricing on DesktopGB, the extremely high performance, small footprint, quiet, attractive, FireWire/USB1/USB2 desktop drive.

"This new pricing makes DesktopGB a very attractive purchase decision for anyone who wants high speed FireWire or USB2 storage," said James Wiebe, CEO of WiebeTech. "We're now able to offer these multiport storage solutions at about the same price as competitive products that do not have USB ports of any kind. All preconfigured versions feature 7200 RPM drives (not slower 5400 RPM) for fastest possible performance."

New pricing is as follows:

• 0 GB, $109.95
• 60 GB, $199.95
• 80 GB, $219.95
• 120 GB, $299.95

(Basic product includes enclosure, vertical stand, USB2 cable, FireWire cable, and AC adapter.)

DesktopGB is offered in capacities up to 120 GB, or it can be configured easily by the end user. DesktopGB has found a receptive customer base because of its high speed Oxford 911 FireWire interface offering a read transfer rate greater than 30 MB/second.

In the U.S. and Canada, DesktopGB may be purchased from WiebeTech's distributor, DrBott.com, or from dealers.

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.

MegaMacs

• PowerBook G4/400, 128/10/DVD/56k / Used/30 Day, $1599.99

Wagener Media

• PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 128/6 GB/CD-ROM/14.1", $699. Add a 30 gig drive installed & setup for $105 extra
• PowerBook 1400c/133, 11.3" active matrix, G3 upgradeable, 16/1 GB/floppy, new carrying case included, 30 day warranty, $275. Get an internal CD-ROM drive with the 1400c for $55 extra (total $330)

PowerBook Guy

• PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 128/10 GB/DVD/56k/FireWire/14.1" TFT, $1,379.95
• PowerBook Pismo G3/400, 128/6 GB/DVD/56k/FireWire/14.1" TFT, $1,129.95

PowerMax

• PowerBook 3400c/200, 16/2 GB/floppy, $459
• PowerBook 3400c/180, 82/1 GB/floppy, $479
• PowerBook 1400CS with G3/217 upgrade, 48/750 MB/16 MB video upgrade, $250 (no CD or floppy drives)
• PowerBook 1400C/133, 64/1 GB/CD-ROM/floppy, $377
• PowerBook 1400c with G3/333 upgrade, 64/4 GB/CD-ROM/floppy, $479

Note: Prices from here on down in Canadian dollars

CPUsed

• PowerBook 1400c/166, 32/1.3 GB/CD, $549
• PowerBook G3/333, 128/4 GB/CD/56k Bronze, $1,699
• PowerBook G3/233, 96/2 GB/CD/56k, $1149
• PowerBook G4/500, 256/20 GB/DVD/56k, $2,899
• iBook 600, 128/15 GB/CD-RW/56k, $1,749
• iBook 366, 64/10 GB/CD/56k, $1,599

MacOutpost

• PowerBook G3/266, 14.1"/128/4 GB/CD, 30 Day Warranty, $1,199.99
• iBook 300, 160/3 GB/CD/ 56k, 30 Day Warranty, $1,099.99
• PowerBook G3/233, 14.1"/64/2 GB/CD,30 Day Warranty, $999.99

Recent 'Book Reviews

• nVidia Inside Next MacBook?, Time for a Mac Netbook, Asus Launched MacBook Air Killer, and More, 10.10. Also photo reveals more about MacBook Pro, comparing 16:9 and 16:10 displays, Apple settles suit over faulty iBook and PowerBook adapters, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
• Mac Netbook Coming?, $179 64 GB SSD, Apple Owns 20% of US Notebook Market, and More, 10.03. Also head of Norton AntiVirus team uses a Mac, Toshiba demos new battery technology, 1 TB notebook drives due in 2010, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
• $200 64 GB SSD for Your 'Book, Apple Steering Customers Away from MacBook Pro, and More, 09.26. Also how a $550 Windows notebook can cost over $1,200, netbooks may cut into MacBook sales, widescreens getting wider, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
• Mac Notebook Share up 60% in US, Apple Refurbs a Great Deal, RIP PowerBook G4, and More, 09.19. Also speculation on next generation MacBooks, refreshing a WallStreet, running a PowerBook 5300 from flash memory, 3G modem sale booming, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
• More in the .

Links for the Day

• Mac of the Day: Macintosh LC, Oct. 1990 - only 3" tall, the LC was the least expensive color Mac in 1990.
• List of the Day: Mac OS 9 List covers Mac OS 9 as both a freestanding OS and as Classic mode in OS X.
  
• October 15 in LEM history: 90: Mac IIsi, LC, and Classic - 97: Yale threatens to drop Mac support - 99: Decelerate your Mac - Time magazine on Jobs and Apple - 01: Is Microsoft the enemy? - 02: Confessions of a Mac to PC convert - The IT job market - 03: Microsoft's holding pattern - 04: October 1990: The first low-end Macs - Dual core 'Books - 07: When to pick Tux - SteelSeries 4D the best mousepad ever? - Irrational rantings of an Intel hater

Recent Content on Low End Mac

• The October 2008 MacBook Value Equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 10.15. Apple changed the entire MacBook lineup on Tuesday. How do close-out prices compare to the new ones?
• G3 and Low End G4 Mac Performance Comparison, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 10.15. Factors that impact performance are the version of CPU, the size and speed of the Level 2 cache, and how much RAM is installed.
• The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Apple Design, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 10.15. Apple has produced some beautiful computers and iPods over the years, but also a few of the ugliest and most ungainly computers ever seen.
• 3 Reasons to Use a Mac, and Pismo Troubleshooting, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 10.15. Why one Windows user is also a Mac user, a Pismo that can't see its AirPort card, and sources of kernel panics.
• Best MacBook Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.15. Used 1.83 GHz, $649; 2.0 SD, $750; refurb 2.1 GHz, $849; 2.4, $1,049; black, $1,099; new 2.1, $869 after rebate; 2.4, $1,175 a/r; black, $1,194 a/r.
• Best 15" MacBook Pro Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.15. Used 2.0 GHz Core Duo, $1,000; 2.16, $1,100; refurb, 2.4, $1,349; new, $1,444 after rebate; refurb 2.5, $1,499; new, $1,644 a/r; refurb 2.6, $1,799; new, $2,594 a/r.
• Best MacBook Air Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.15. Used 1.6 80 HD, $1,200; refurb, $1,349; new, $1,549; 1.8 120, $1,999; 1.6 128 SSD, $2,299; used 1.8 64 SSD, $1,800; new, $2,100.
• MacBook (Unibody), 10.14. The MacBook gets the same aluminum treatment as the MacBook Pro - and dedicated GeForce 9400M graphics.
• 15" MacBook Pro (Unibody), 10.14. The new MacBook Pro's case is carved from a block of aluminum for increased strength.
• MacBook Air (GeForce), 10.14. More storage, a video port, and GeForce 9400M graphics improve the MacBook Air.
• MacBook White, 10.14. Entry-level white MacBook gets a SuperDrive, retail price reduced to US$999.
• Death of the iPod 'Way Off in the Future', Tim Nash, Taking Back the Market, 10.14. Someday Apple will decide that the iPod is no longer profitable and discontinue it, "but that day looks to be way off in the future."
• Best Intel iMac Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.14. Used 20" 1.83 GHz, $599; 2.0, $730; 2.16, $800; 24", $950; refurb 17" 1.83, $699; 20" 2.0, $949; 2.4, $999; 2.66, $1,299; 24" 2.4, $1,299; 2.8, $1,549; 3.06, $1,899; rebates on new.
• Best iBook G3 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.14. Used 300 MHz clamshell, $150; 366, $199; 500 CD, $149; 800, $190; 600 DVD, $200; CD-RW, $240; 700 Combo, $250; 900, $369; 14" 600, $230; 900, $449.
• Best Classic iPod Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.14. Used 60 GB color, $150; used 30 video, $140; 80, $170; refurb 80 classic, $169; new 120 GB, $240; refurb 160 GB, $249; new, $280. New & refurb include shipping.
• Will Apple's Rumored $800 Notebook Be a Netbook?, Charles W. Moore, 'Book Value, 10.13. Netbooks are hot, and with the economy in turmoil, Apple needs to offer a netbook for the OS X crowd.
• Best Titanium PowerBook G4 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.13. Used 667 MHz Combo, $480; 867 MHz, $530; 1 GHz, $590; SuperDrive, $900.
• Best Classic Mac OS Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.13. System 6, $10; 7.1, $12; 7.5.1, $4; Mac OS 7.6, $13; 8.0, $13; 8.1, $48; 8.5, $25; 8.6, $20; 9.0, $20; 9.2.2, $20; more.
• Best Xserve Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 10.13. Used G4/1 GHz, $999; G5/2 GHz, $1,499; new 2.0 4-core Xeon, $1,900; refurb 3.0 4-core, $2,299; 2.8 GHz, $2,599; 3.0 8-core, $3,499; 3.2, $3,699.
• More links in our archive.

Go to the 'Book Review index.