After I published the specs for the new "Quicksilver
2002" Power Mac G4s, several readers called me for claiming these
models had 4 USB ports - a figure I'd quickly copied from Apple's
site.
They're right, and the same goes for the Flat
Panel iMac, which Apple claims has 5 USB ports. If you read
Apple's tech specs carefully, you'll see that they're adding the two
USB ports on the keyboard to the 2 or 3 on the computer.
Sorry, Apple, but that just doesn't cut it. The G4s have the same
number of USB ports as the old ones, and the iMac has only one more
than previous models.
First, it's not right to count USB ports in a peripheral as ports
in the computer. If it were, Apple could bundle a couple 7-port USB
hubs with the Power Mac and claim the computer had 18 ports - two on
the box, two on the keyboard, and two on each hub. It's ridiculous to
claim the new iMac has 5 USB ports when two of them aren't part of
the computer itself.
Second, if you are going to count this way, be realistic and
recognize that when the keyboard or any hub is plugged into a USB
port, that port is no longer available and shouldn't be counted. If
you're going to strain your credibility by adding the two USB ports
on the keyboard, at least subtract the port the keyboard is plugged
into.
At least Apple provides the full information (in small print) for
those willing to look for it, but counting keyboard ports as part of
the computer's total is thinking a bit too different for me.
Dan Knight has been using Macs since 1986,
sold Macs for several years, supported them for many more years, and
has been publishing Low End Mac since April 1997. If you find Dan's articles helpful, please consider making a donation to his tip jar.
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Well built, the noise canceling earbuds will let you hear all the nuances of your music without letting through background noise.
Best iPod touch Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.05.
Refurb 8 GB, $199; new, $284; refurb 16 GB, $299; new, $370; refurb 32 GB, $399; new, $453.
Best 15" MacBook Pro Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.05.
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Best iMac G4 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.05.
Used 15" 700 MHz CD-RW, $279; 800 Combo, $300; 1 GHz $390; 17" 800 MHz SD, $439; 1.25 GHz, $449; 20", $569.
Best Mac mini Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.04.
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Best 12" PowerBook G4 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 09.04.
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