Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
Lost and Found (Hopefully) 1.02 Helps Locate
Your Stolen Computer
From the
Lost and Found (Hopefully) developer's notes:
This open source AppleScript will automatically send you an
email to a specified address from another specified email address
account on the Mail program which will contain your computer's IP
address and various other information about your missing computer
that may help you find it. There are instructions within the
downloaded folder that help you set this AppleScript up so that it
works properly. This program requires you to customize it, but once
you have done that, you don't have to worry about it again (until
the next version :) ). You can always email me for assistance.
Since this is open source and freeware, I hope for many comments
and suggestions so that this program can be improved which I know
it has much room for. Please read all of the documentation!
An extra note... I suggest renaming and hiding copies of this
program on your computer to make it harder for a thief to delete
them if he figures this out. Use crontab to schedule these scripts
for times aside from just the startup run. I suggest Cronnix (also
on VersionTracker) to do this scheduling.
The script now quits automatically when an Internet connection
isn't present so as not to cause any unnecessary attention.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 or higher
Lost and Found (Hopefully) is freeware.
Fujifilm Introduces USB Drive Portable
Storage Device
Operating without AC or battery power, the new Fujifilm
USB Drive product is currently available in 8, 16, 32, 64, 128,
and 256 MB storage capacities. Fujifilm will ship the USB Drive in
a 512 MB capacity in the fall. The USB
Drive can store current Windows and Macintosh files together with
ease, while allowing users the flexibility to move the product
through different day-to-day situations and business
applications.
The Fujifilm USB Drive operates as a secure, reliable, removable
disk, using a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) device interface. A computer immediately
detects it, recognizing it as a supplementary removable disk and
assigning it a drive letter.
The Fujifilm USB Drive supports complete and instantaneous plug
and play interoperability on the latest Windows, Mac, and Linux
operating systems, with no software drivers required.
Since the Fujifilm USB Drive has its own central processing unit
(CPU), it can directly support and run multiple applications,
crossing the boundaries between a PC and a Macintosh. Each Fujifilm
USB Drive is guaranteed by our Lifetime Warranty.
The Fujifilm USB Drive contains no moving parts, enabling it to
be lightweight and smaller than the size of your palm. It offers an
onboard CPU for driverless operation via a computer's USB port. By
incorporating a powerful 32-bit processor, the Fujifilm USB Drive
is capable of running additional applications and includes Win
logon as well as automatic boot functionality.
The Fujifilm USB Drive is shipping this month. The USB Drive,
which weighs less than 1 ounce, will be available in different
storage capacities, and priced based on capacity. The 128 MB USB
Drive will list for $149.99.
The USB Drive will support Mac OS 8.6 and up. A Mac OS 8.6 USB
Mass Storage Device driver/patch can be downloaded from the Web
site of Apple Computer, Inc., at: http://www.apple.com
WiebeTech High Speed MicroGB Configs
Added
WiebeTech has
announced two new configurations of MicroGB, which incorporate
IBM's Travelstar 5400 RPM 8 MB buffer 9.5mm drives. MicroGB is
an extremely high performance, attractive FireWire/USB/USB 2 pocket
drive, featuring a distinctive, rugged, solid aluminum case.
- 20 GB, 5400 RPM, $279.95
- 40 GB, 5400 RPM, $439.95
WiebeTech has also announced a $40 reduction in pricing on the
user upgradeable version of MicroGB.
(Basic product includes: Enclosure; USB 2 cable and FireWire
cable. A 12V adapter is optional and is required only for USB
use.)
Performance of these products has been measured with burst
transfer rates of 35 MB/sec. MicroGB features the high speed Oxford
OXFW911 FireWire interface and is available in preconfigured
versions with capacities to 48 GB.
In the U.S., MicroGB may be purchased from WiebeTech's
distributor, Dr Bott
LLC or from dealers. MicroGB is also available directly from
WiebeTech. In
Canada, resellers may purchase MicroGB from EMJ Data Systems (search for "wiebetech" at
their website).
Chill Out with FlyFan USB
Fan
Features and benefits of the
Kensington FlyFan.
- Soft, safe nylon blades circulate steady stream of cool
air
- Quiet motor will not disrupt you when working
- No batteries, plugs into USB port
- No switches - virtually nothing to break, just plug it in to
use
- Small enough to take anywhere
- Unit Dimensions 2.6" L x 0.5" W x 11.0" H
Price: $24.99
M-Systems' DiskOnKey Now Available with 512
MB Storage Capacity
M-Systems
DiskOnKey flash disk personal storage device is available in up to 512 MB capacity allowing
users to save video, audio, graphic, and other files without the
need for external readers by plugging the DiskOnKey into the
computer's USB port.
The increased capacity DiskOnKey
allows users to save over 355 diskettes worth of information,
10-minutes worth of compressed video, 128 four-minute songs,
e-books, and help files for MIS personnel. The 512 MB DiskOnKey is
also ideal for users with new legacy-free systems allowing for
extra storage space and the means to easily share files.
M-Systems' flash disks provide the functionality of a mechanical
hard drive in a silicon chip. DiskOnKey is primarily a storage
device, but with imagination, any number of uses are available for
the device.
M-Systems' flash data storage technology enables the DiskOnKey to be smaller than the size of your palm
while offering an onboard CPU for driverless operation connecting
to a computer's universal serial bus (USB) port.
Manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 8, 16, 32,
64, 128, 256, and 512 MB DiskOnKey are $29.99, $49.99, $79.99,
$99.99, $149.99, $249.99, and $499.99, respectively. The DiskOnKey
is currently available through Apple, Compaq, Dell, and Targus.
Battery Endurance Measurer 1.4 Measures Your
Battery Endurance
Battery Endurance Measurer is a utility to help you
measure your battery endurance.
- It displays the start time of your measure.
- It displays the last drop off which occurred during your
measure.
- It displays you how long your computer has been awake, which is
your battery endurance measure.
- It automatically starts measuring at launch.
- You can reset the measure at any time.
- It can automatically continue to measure after a dropping
off.
- It does not lose the previous measure and does not take into
account the sleep duration when it continues to measure after a
drop off.
- It has an inline help bar to guide you through the
interface.
- It remembers window last position at launch.
- It takes very little memory, CPU and disk space.
- It doesn't need any installation nor configuration, which makes
it very easy to use.
New in this version:
- Some windows and some menus have been corrected.
- The documentation has been updated.
- The full software package has been recompiled.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.0 or higher
Battery Endurance Measurer is freeware.
PowerBook and iBook: Resetting Power
Management Unit
Apple has posted a
Knowledge Base document describing the PowerBook and
iBook Power Manager and explaining how to reset it.
The Power Manager is an integrated circuit that is usually on
the logic board of the PowerBook and iBook. As the name implies, it
is responsible for power management of the computer. It controls
backlighting, hard disk spin down, sleep and wake, some charging
aspects, trackpad control, and I/O as far as looking at the serial
port and modem so it does not sleep when connected.
Over time, the settings in the Power Manager may become
unusable, which can result in operational anomalies with the
computer. Examples would be not powering on, not waking from sleep,
not charging the battery, or not seeing the AC Adapter, among
others.
Resetting the Power Manager is accomplished in a variety of ways
depending upon the computer.
PowerBook and iBook models covered in this document
- PowerBook 100
- PowerBook 140, 145, 145b, and
170
- PowerBook 150
- PowerBook 160, 165, and 180
- PowerBook 500 series (520, 520c, 540,
540c, 550c)
- PowerBook Duo 200 Series and 2300
- PowerBook 190, 1400, 2400,
3400, 5300, and PowerBook
G3 (M3553)
- PowerBook G3 Series
(M4753)
- PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard)
(M5343)
- iBook and iBook (FireWire) computers
- iBook (Dual USB), iBook (Late 2001), and iBook (14.1 LCD)
- iBook (16 VRAM), and iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM)
- PowerBook (FireWire)
- PowerBook G4 and PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
- PowerBook G4 (DVI)
Formac Announces Bundle Promotion with
PowerBook G4
Formac Electronics has announced a special promotion that
lowers the price of the Formac Gallery 1740 DVI flat-panel display
to as low as $799 if purchased together with a qualifying PowerBook
G4.
Formac Gallery 1740 has been recognized as the world's first
color-accurate flat panel display and has received 5 Editor Choice
Awards and more than 20 other press awards worldwide.
The Formac Gallery 1740 flat panel display is the first to
combine state-of-the-art design with Fujitsu's Multi-Domain
Vertical Alignment (MVA) technology, which yields higher
brightness, increased contrast and wider color gamut than
previously available on comparable LCDs.
The Gallery 1740 features a true resolution of 1,280 by 1,024,
which is equivalent to the virtual workspace typically selected on
a 21-inch CRT monitor. Compared to a 17-inch flat panel Formac's
17.4" display increases your available workspace by 5%, giving you
additional room to flourish your ideas. View and edit large
documents and photos without having to scroll or move overlapping
windows and tool bars.
Features:
- 17.4" viewable screen with ultrahigh SXGA resolution of 1,280
by 1,024.
- Advanced MVA technology yields higher brightness and contrast.
Fine dot pitch and true 24-bit color for sharp and brilliant
images.
- Industry-leading pixel response time (10-25 ms) predestines
Formac gallery for professional video work.
- 160 degrees - from sides, top or bottom.
- True digital interface (ADC) guarantees crisper images and
makes setup a breeze.
- Ultra-slim desktop footprint and smart hinge design for
adjustment of viewing angle.
The promotion with selected Formac resellers ends September 30,
2002.
Waterfield Designs Cozmo Bag and Cozmo Suite
Spot
Waterfield Designs has introduced the Cozmo bag - a
laptop portfolio that keeps its shape whether you are carrying one thing or many things.
The Small Cozmo is designed to work with Waterfield's laptop
SleeveCase size Small and 12" iBook. The Large Cozmo works with the
Medium, Large and Ti G4 SleeveCase sizes.
- Small Cozmo: 14" length x 10" height x 4" depth, $139
- Large Cozmo: 16" length x 12" height x 4" depth, $159
Cozmo Suite Spot is a product suite made up of the Cozmo bag,
the SleeveCase (12" iBook size) and the Medium GearPouch.
Two cool cases for your iPod
This iPod sleeve features a 3 mm neoprene exterior with
vulcanized neoprene sides. There is a small stretchy pocket in the front for
earphones and a rotating belt clip on the back. The case contains a
plastic insert in both front and back that protects the iPod from
impacts. The plastic inserts have the added benefit of making the
iPod very easy to remove from the sleeve. The interior of the case
is fully lined with plush fabric to avoid scratches. The case is
slim and fits snugly around the iPod.
Features:
- 3 mm neoprene exterior
- Plush lined interior
- Rotating belt clip (position case vertically or
horizontally)
- Opening in flap to plug in earphone
- Pocket for storing earphones
- Plastic shell for impact protection
- Velcro closure
SportSuit Sleeve for iPod sells for $19.95
iPod SportSuit Convertible is the Swiss Army knife of iPod
cases. The SportSuit Convertible case offers rugged protection for the iPod on the
go. A patented belt clip system offers interchangeable clip
options. An armband and belt feature make it ideal for jogging or
working out.
The formed shape of the lid allows for storage of the headphones
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. Includes free
armband and spring clip
Features:
The Case
- Plastic reinforced sides & back for maximum protection
- 2 mm 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 offer complete protection for the front of the case when it
is attached
- lid shape accommodates earphones without losing its shape
The Multidapt Clip System
The SportSuit for iPod features the patented multidapt clip
system. The multidapt is a modular system of interchangeable
attachment options for your case Use the case with no clip at all,
which leaves the case with a flat back, or you can use the case
with one of the following attachment options:
- Adjustable neoprene arm band
- Adjustable neoprene belt
- Low-profile Spring Clip
- Swivel belt clip
- Bike holder
- Car holder
- Lanyard
The Basic package retails for $39.95 and includes:
- Case with multidapt system
- Removable Lid
- Low-profile Spring Clip
- Armband
- Choice of colors: Black, Navy, Blue, Graphite, Red, or
Yellow
The following items are available separately.
- Adjustable neoprene belt
- Swivel belt clip
- Bike holder
- Car holder
- Lanyard
- Leather Swivel Kit
iPod SportSuit Convertible sells for $ 39.95.
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. The same goes for
the PowerBook G4/667 (Gigabit
Ethernet) and G4/667 (DVI).
- iBook 500, 12" 256/15 GB/CD
(French Canadian), $919
- iBook 500, 256/20 GB/DVD,
European Spanish Version, $899
- iBook 500, 256/15
GB/DVD/AirPort, European Spanish Mac, $919
- iBook 500, 384/15 GB/DVD,
European Spanish Version Mac, $899
- iBook 600, 12" 128/15 GB/DVD,
$1,169
- iBook 700, 12" 128/20/Combo,
factory refurbished, 1 year factory warranty, $1,419
- PowerBook G4/400, 384/10 GB/DVD,
used, $1,456
- PowerBook G4/500, 512/20 GB/DVD,
$1,788
- PowerBook G4/667, 384/40 GB/DVD,
used, $1,999
- PowerBook 160, good condition, 8/40
MB, System 7.5 installed, basic utility software, battery included
(good but not guaranteed). Shipping charges included, $89.95.