PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review. News about Apple's
transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is covered in
The Macintel Report. iPod news is
covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Mighty Mouse
Reviews
Mac mini
Products and Services
News & Opinion
Rack-Mounted Mac mini Keyboard/Guitar Rig with
LCD
Create Digital Music's Peter Kirn says:
"Christopher Scheidel has created an impressive Mac mini-based
rig for playing keyboards and guitars. He's documented the whole
process at his site Heavylift. There's a lot to be learned there
about how to do it yourself (including taking advantage of cheap
LCDs for display)....
"The whole project fits in a VW Jetta's trunk - perfectly
portable, and with all the sonic flexibility afforded by Guitar Rig
and Logic. Guitar Rig...."
Looking at Mighty Mouse
Apple's Mouse Not as Mighty as Rival's
The Wall Street Journal's Walter S. Mossberg says:
"Apple Computer is the design champion of the computer world.
But the company has had one blind spot: the mouse. From January
1983, when it introduced the industry's first mouse, through last
month, Apple insisted on producing mice with just one button and no
scroll wheel....
"On Tuesday, Apple finally gave in - sort of. The company
released an optional, add-on mouse called Mighty Mouse that allows
right-clicking and scrolling. But in a stubborn homage to the old
dogma, AppleDesigned the Mighty Mouse so it looks like, and can
work like, a one-button mouse. Those clashing design goals make the
Mighty Mouse harder to use than competing mice.
"Meanwhile, Microsoft has also brought out a new mouse in the
past few weeks, the Wireless Optical Mouse 5000. It isn't as
slick-looking as Apple's new entry, but it's better, in my view.
The Microsoft mouse has an innovation: It allows you to instantly
magnify any portion of your screen without zooming into the whole
display. That's a great help to people doing detail work, not to
mention to the increasing number of baby boomers with declining
vision."
Apple's Better Mouse Trap
The Motley Fool's Nathan Alderman says:
"For years, detractors of Apple's Macintosh computer have had
one reliable complaint to fall back on: its one-button mouse. As
computer interfaces grew increasingly complex, Windows PCs
introduced two- and three-button mice, but Apple stuck with the
same simple design it first unveiled in 1984. That all changed last
Tuesday, when Apple introduced an ingenious mouse that can be all
things for all people - and, perhaps, another foothold in its
stealth attack on the PC market...
"In my opinion, the most intriguing aspect of Mighty Mouse lies
almost hidden in the fine print on Apple's website: The device
isn't limited to Macs alone. It's been built to work seamlessly
with Microsoft's Windows as well. For years now, Apple's sleek
monitors and trendy iPod have worked with Windows, and the Mac mini
it introduced in January is designed to plug into PC-standard
screens and keyboards. Analysts have even begun to note a 'halo
effect' from the iPod's popularity, as a small but growing number
of PC users switch to the Mac mini and other Apple computers.'
Dissecting Mighty Mouse
ars technica's Jacqui Cheng and Clint Ecker report:
"We all knew it was going to happen eventually, so we decided to
beat our crazy, Domokun-loving friends across the pond to the punch
and perform invasive surgery on our brand-new Apple Mighty Mouse.
I'm afraid there's no chance of recovery - it's dead, Jim.
"First, it's important to note that if you decide to take your
Mighty Mouse apart, do so at your own risk and be very aware that
the process may involve breakage and/or sawing, so there's no
turning back once you get started...."
Reviews
Power Mac G5 Impresses
The Advertiser's Chris Oaten says:
"Ask any Mac expert which system they would sell their
grandmother for and they will have the answer out before you can
say '64-bit processing' &endash; and it has been my great
pleasure to have that very system for a test drive.
"Apple's top-shelf Mac, the Power Mac G5, is some seriously
impressive hardware....
"The G5 handles the heavy lifting like a thoroughbred rips up
the Melbourne Cup, with style, grace, and power in reserve. You
appreciate this when editing high-definition 1080i source video or
when tweaking sound effects on a multitrack composition.
"Married with Apple's latest OS, Tiger (10.4.2), and the pro
video production suite Final Cut Studio (FCS, comprising Final Cut
Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Soundtrack Pro and Motion), the test unit
represented the best Apple has on offer."
Mac mini
Does the Mac mini Really Need 512 MB RAM
with Tiger?
Macs Only! says:
"The requirements for running Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger list 512 MB
of RAM. So Apple has now increased the minimum amount of RAM across
all models of Macs, desktops and laptops, from 256 MB to 512 MB.
It's a nice bonus but was it really needed for a Mac mini?
"We have shown previously that 256 MB of RAM runs Mac OS X just
fine, at least through 10.3.x "Panther," when running
simultaneously a large number of applications that consumer-level
Mac users might run on a 1.25 GHz Mac mini. Not the professionals,
mind you, who might be working with digital video and large images
and RAM-hungry applications like Adobe Photoshop. We mean regular
consumers who surf the Web, send email, write letters, do the home
finances, listen to songs via iTunes or watch digital video via
QuickTime Streaming, especially those entry-level Mac users who
might buy a Mac mini.
"Because of Tiger's 512 MB RAM requirement, we decided to rerun
our 1.25 GHz Mac mini RAM tests using Mac OS X 10.4.2 to see if
there is a difference between 256 MB and 512 MB of RAM that our
test can determine using the new operating system."
Marware's SportFolio Mac mini
[PR] Bring your Mac mini along
Offering the same rugged protection and durable neoprene
construction as the rest of the SportFolio family, this case
features two large interior storage pockets; one for the Mac mini,
the other for the power supply and additional peripherals and
cables. The exterior features a zippered pocket on the back of the
case, and a stretchy, open pocket in front. Carrying handles and a
removable shock-absorbing shoulder strap round out the
features.
Available in black with a blue accent pocket.
Mini Pal for Mac mini
123macmini.com reports:
"AcomData introduces the mini Pal
for Mac mini. With available storage up to 320 GB, 4 USB 2.0 ports
and 3 FireWire ports, the mini Pal extends the capabilities of your
Mac mini. Mini Pal is the same size (6.5" square), has the same
shape, and features the same case materials and finish as the Mac
mini."
Capacities from 80 GB to 320 GB.
Power Mac G5
Styled Case for Mac mini
123macmini.com reports:
"Out of Japan comes the Mon maccom And Mac mini. The Mac
mini is [inside] a really cool looking Power Mac G5 styled case for
the Apple Mac mini. The case has an open slot for the optical drive
and open back for easy access to the ports and power button. Mon
maccom's website says the And Mac mini is still in the
'trial manufacturing stage' at this time. Mon macccom makes similar
Power Mac G5 cases for the Apple G4 Cube and iPod...."
Products and Services
PowerLogix Announces 2.0 GHz PowerForce G4
Upgrade
[PR] PowerLogix today announced immediate availability of
the 2.0 GHz Single Processor PowerForce G4 7447A processor upgrade
card.
The 2.0 GHz PowerForce G4 7447A utilizes the latest, fastest
available Freescale PowerPC 7447A and includes 512K of onboard L2
cache. It is immediately available for $399 from Other World
Computing.
Motorola/Freescale's new 7447/7447A G4 processor has allowed us
to provide high performance upgrades at an extremely competitive
price,2 said Larry O'Connor, president of OWC, master distributor
for PowerLogix. "In addition to performance, PowerLogix 7447A CPU
upgrades are the lowest power-consuming and coolest running
upgrades in the industry. No competitor comes close."
The card features an onboard thermal sensor and real-time
thermal monitoring. Dynamic Frequency Switching (DFS) is also
supported for significantly reduced power demand. These features
enable the PowerForce G4 7447A to operate at high speed and highest
power efficiency, for the coolest possible operation. No other
product on the market has even one of these of features, let alone
the full combination.
CPU Director, PowerLogix' proprietary software utility, is
included with the card. CPU Director enables the user to monitor
the most important parameters of their CPU upgrade - real-time and
historical temperature data.
The 2.0 GHz PowerForce G4 7447A is available for Power Mac G4
AGP Graphics (Sawtooth), Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio,
Quicksilver and Quicksilver 2002 models. It is compatible with Mac
OS 9.x and Mac OS X 10.3.5 and higher (Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher is
required for thermal monitoring and DFS features).
OWC also has available a 7447A 1.8 GHz for $339 and 7447A duals
running from 1.2 to 1.8 GHz starting at $419.
"We are thrilled with the new product flow resulting from our
relationship with a company so rich in design and engineering
talent," O'Connor said. "These products are truly designed and
produced as the best products on the market.
"We are so confident in the quality of these products, we offer
a 30-day 100 percent money back guarantee in addition to directly
supporting the three-year warranty these products include when
purchased from OWC or any authorized reseller of these
products."
PowerLogix products are available immediately through Other
World Computing via its Web site at http://www.macsales.com/powerlogix
OWC is master distributor for PowerLogix and provides all
product and warranty support for their products. Dealer Inquiries
are welcome.
irock! Theater Sound 5.1 Surround Sound
Headphones
[PR] The irock! 1051 gives you your own private version
of big screen sound. Six speakers - each in an individual sound
chamber - create virtual surround sound so real your movies and
games will "jump off the screen". Just plug into your PC or Mac's
USB port - No Sound Card Required! Enjoy DVD movies and gaming like
never before!
Surround sound USB headphones great for PC gaming & portable
home theatre.
- Plugs into a USB port - no sound card required
- PC & Mac compatible
FEATURES:
- Compact, lightweight unit
- Extremely lightweight, comfortable, and collapsible
- 5.1 virtual surround sound with PC or Mac via USB port
- Six speakers create incredible 3D sound
- Easy to adjust volume for each speaker
- Power on LED indicator
- USB version 2.0 full speed compliant
- Equalizer offers simulated effects such as Jazz, Rock, Rap,
Dance, and Vocal
- Xear 3D™ driver software offers 3D sound
configuration
- Supports Master volume, Subwoofer effects, and Mute
control
- Support for Microsoft® DirectSound® and DirectSound
3D® audio technology
- Supports EAX® 1.0 and 2.0
- Supports A3D
Specifications:
- Front, Rear, and Bass Driver speakers:
- Diameter: 40mm/13mm
- Impedance: 32 ohms/8 ohms ± 20%
- Center Driver speaker:
- Diameter: 13mm
- Impedance: 16 ohms ± 20%
- Connector: 1 USB Port, Type B
- Headphone Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.1 x 32 inches
- Cable length: 6.5 Feet
- Signal to Noise Ratio >85 dB
System Requirements:
- PC Windows XP Home/XP Pro or Mac OS X (v10.1 or
later)
- Intel Pentium III/ AMD K6 500CPU or greater
- At least 128 MB RAM
- 50 MB available Hard Disk Drive space
- USB Port
- CD-ROM drive (4x or faster)
Price: $49.99
Sonnet Upgrades eSATA Controllers
[PR] Sonnet Technologies, a worldwide leader in upgrades
for Apple Macintosh computers and iPod digital music players,
announces the release of its upgraded Tempo-X eSATA line of
high-performance Serial ATA (SATA) host controllers, now enhanced
with added support for SATA II drives and Windows XP. The Tempo-X
eSATA 4+4 features 4 internal plus 4 external ports, while the
Tempo-X eSATA 8 features 8 external ports; both offer unparalleled
flexibility in connecting additional data storage capacity in Mac
and Windows environments. These host controllers' ports are
independently capable of transferring data at up to 300 MB/s, and
can achieve much higher transfer rates when connected drives are
grouped in a striped RAID array, making them fantastic choices for
users working with High Definition video editing and authoring
applications. Tempo-X eSATA cards also utilize the PCI-X interface
to take advantage of its enhanced performance capability, while
retaining compatibility in standard PCI slots.
While Mac users have enjoyed the benefits offered by Sonnet's
Tempo-X line for several months, PC users can now take advantage of
these eSATA host controllers' unique features. Many
Windows-compatible SATA controllers have only internal ports that
were never intended for use in external applications, but Tempo-X
cards occupy just one slot - all their external ports accessible
through the card's mounting bracket. Use of eSATA (external Serial
ATA) connectors assures long-term reliability and provides enhanced
EMI (electromagnetic interference) protection.
Tempo-X eSATA host controllers are fantastic choices for users
working with High Definition video editing and authoring
applications. Attached drives can be formatted for individual use,
but the benefit of grouping them in RAID 0 (Stripe) arrays is clear
- 8-drive arrays can sustain read/write speeds in excess of 545
MB/s - offering more than enough performance to capture and process
uncompressed 10-bit High Definition video without dropping a frame.
"Consumers and resellers alike requested Windows-compatible
versions of our Tempo-X eSATA cards," states Robert Farnsworth,
Sonnet CEO. "With the release of these two upgraded cards, we
delivered improved performance to a wider audience."
Support for SATA II drives improved data transfer speeds
represents Sonnet's step into the next generation. "SATA II drives
are just now starting to penetrate the market, consisting mostly of
the highest capacity models, but the transition to the new standard
shouldn't take too long," states Steve Garceau, Sonnet Product
Manager. Tempo-X SATA host controllers are backward compatible with
SATA I drives. "Users looking for an external storage solution that
supports SATA II drives should consider a Tempo-X eSATA host
controller and one or two of Sonnet's Fusion 400 4-bay Serial ATA
hot-swap drive enclosures," declares Garceau.
Tempo-X eSATA Host Controllers' Key Features
- 8 ports (8 external eSATA connectors for Tempo-X eSATA 8, 4
internal plus 4 external eSATA connectors for Tempo-X eSATA 4+4) to
support up to 4 TB of storage
- 64-bit, 133 MHz PCI-X Serial ATA host controller
- Works in any PCI-X or PCI slot
- Mac OS X and Windows XP compatible
- Supports SATA II and SATA I drives
- 48-bit LBA support for drives with a capacity larger than 137
GB
- Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and JBOD (Just a Bunch Of
Disks) through operating system
- Supports hot-swap drive connection
- Upgradable firmware enables future enhancements
OS Compatibility
- Mac: Compatible with Mac OS X Version 10.2 and higher
- Windows: Compatible with Windows XP and Windows XP x64
Hardware Compatibility
- Macintosh models:
- Power Macintosh G3 Blue & White
- Power Mac G4 (all models except Cube)
- Power Mac G5
- PC Compatibility
- Any PC with an available PCI-X or PCI slot
Pricing and Availability
- Tempo-X eSATA 4+4 (Part no. TSATAII-X44) is available
immediately with a retail price of $199.95.
- Tempo-X eSATA 8 (Part no. TSATAII-X8) will be available in
September with a retail price of $299.95.
- Link: Sonnet
Tempo-X eSATA 4+4
- Link: Sonnet
Tempo-X eSATA 8
- Link: Sonnet Fusion 400
4-Bay Serial ATA Hot-Swap Drive Enclosure
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two
weeks:
For deals on laptops, see our Week's
Best PowerBook G4 Deals, Week's
Best iBook G4 Deals, and Week's
Best iBook G3 Deals. For deals on iPods, see our Best iPod Deals.
