Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.11.18
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
Reviews
Products
News
Power Mac G5/1.8 GHz Single (Late 2004)
Randomly Stop Responding
An updated Apple Knowledgebase article says:
"Some 1.8 GHz models of Power
Mac G5 (Late 2004) computers may experience any of the
following symptoms:
- The computer may freeze when performing certain video-intensive
tasks for extended periods of time, such as a full screen
slideshows, QuickTime playback, or some games.
- The optical drive may not eject when you've been using the
computer for about two hours.
- Internet Connect may become unresponsive when you've been using
the computer for about two hours. (This issue can affect either
internal or external modems that use PPP as well as DSL modems that
connect using the PPPoE protocol.)
- Attached displays may not wake up properly after the computer,
running Mac OS X 10.4, has been sleeping for an extended period of
time. The computer seems to wake up, but the display doesn't.
"A firmware update is available to address the symptoms
described in this article. The Power Mac G5 System Firmware Update
is only for the 1.8 GHz, 600 MHz bus single-processor Power Mac G5
(Late 2004) computer and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or Mac OS X
10.4.3 or later. Additional information about the firmware update
and requirements are included with the download.
"The Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) System Firmware Update for 10.3.9
and the Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) System Firmware Update for 10.4.3
is available for download. If you are using an earlier version of
Mac OS X 10.3 or Mac OS 10.4, update the Mac OS from Apple Software
Downloads."
Link: Power Mac
G5 (Late 2004) 1.8 GHz Models Stop Responding
Randomly
Firmware Update for Power Mac G5/1.8 Single
(Late 2004)
Apple says:
"This Power Mac G5 System Firmware Update is only for the 1.8
GHz (600 MHz bus), single-processor Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) computer. This
update improves the reliability of your Power Mac G5, especially
after it has been inactive for two hours.
"Before you install the Power Mac G5 System Firmware Update:
"Use Software Update to make sure you have Mac OS X v10.4.3 or
later installed on your Mac. To use Software Update, choose Apple/
Software Update. The Software Update window opens and a list of
available updates appears. Select the items you want to install,
and then click Install.
"Note: Your Power Mac G5 must be connected to the Internet to
use Software Update.
"To update the firmware on your Power Mac G5, follow the
instructions below. You can print these instructions so they are
available while you upgrade your firmware.
"System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later"
Link:
Power Mac G5 (Late 2004) System Firmware Update for Mac OS X
10.4.3
Reviews
Power Mac G5 Quad: Increase in Speed
Immediately Noticeable
Computerworld's Yuval Kossovsky reports:
"Yesterday, I had an hour to work with Apple Computer Inc.'s new
Power Mac Quad G5, and for
anyone in the broadcast, sciences, music, print and photography
industries, I have some advice: Place your orders now!
"The latest Power Mac, unveiled last month and now shipping in
limited quantities, offers substantial architecture improvements
over its predecessor that deliver exponential performance increases
- depending on the application being used or function performed. In
addition to the use of dual dual-core G5 processors, the underlying
upgrades are numerous, so I'll just list them here and then offer
some commentary.
"It's also worth noting that Mac OS X 10.4 and the G5
architecture can support up to 4TB of RAM. The machine isn't built
to hold that much, since 99.9% of the user base couldn't afford it,
but if you fill the 533-Mhz Double Data Rate 2 RAM Error Correction
Code slots with the full 16GB on memory the box can currently hold,
you've still got quite a screamer...."
Link:
The Power Mac G5 Quad: Seat Belt Not Included!
Products
Apple USB Modem Now Available Separately
PR: Apple's new USB Modem, introduced as an option with
the last update of the iMac, which now has no modem included as
standard equipment, is now available from the Apple Store as a
standalone accessory purchase
The
Apple USB Modem is a simple, one-piece external USB modem for those
who use a dialup connection to access the Internet and do email.
Two of the three Mac mini models and some G5 PowerMacs also ship
without modems.
Technical Specifications
- Speed: Data up to 56kbps, fax at 14.4kbps
- Supports caller ID, wake on ring, telephone answering (V.253),
modem on hold
- V.92 software support
System Requirements
- Macintosh computer without a built-in modem (that's what Apple
says, but I don't immediately see why it wouldn't work with any Mac
running OS 10.4.3 and a USB port, but I haven't confirmed
this.
- Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later or Mac OS X 10.4.2 pre-installed on
new iMac G5 and new PowerMac G5.
Price: $49
To order the modem, go to the online Apple Store, click on Mac
Accessories, and then Exras.
Link:
Apple Store
Kensington White SlimType Keyboard for Mac
PR: A stylish Apple computer deserves an equally
stylish keyboard. The Kensington SlimType Keyboard for Apple
Computers takes its inspiration from Apple's distinctive sleek
lines and contemporary design. That low-profile form is then packed
with performance and convenience functions. Low-travel,
scissor-switch technology delivers a crisp, responsive touch for
faster typing. And multimedia hot keys provide intuitive,
one-button control of audio and video playback.
Features
- Sleek contemporary profile complements clean Apple styling
- Scissor-switch technology delivers crisp, responsive touch
typing
- Laptop-style keys for faster typing with a lighter action
- Intuitive hot keys for one-touch multimedia control
- Convenient hot keys launch sleep and calculator modes
- Easy USB connection
System Requirements:
- Desktop computer
- USB port
SlimType Keyboard - Mac is backed by the Kensington 5-Year
Warranty and free technical support.
Price: $39.99
Link: Kensington SlimType
Keyboard - Mac
US Modular Stainless Steel Look Mini Hard
Drives
PR: US Modular, a designer and manufacturer of personal
memory and storage products, has announced a new look for the
company's award-winning line of mini drives. All of the Monstor and
Dragon Drives, with storage space ranging from 2 to 120 gigs of
storage, will now ship in the high-tech sleek look of stainless
steel.
"The look is so high-tech and
cool we think the new line of stainless steel compact drives
reflects US Modular," said US Modular CEO Nick Payzant. "US Modular
is known for quickly coming to market with cool high-tech products
and this new look definitely shows just how well we do that."
The palm-sized drives are slim and compact, but large enough to
hold tens of thousands of data files, music, pictures and more on
the go. With the onboard USB 2.0 port, file transfers are fast and
easy and completely portable. Ideal for MP3 or video files,
important jpeg files, or even redundant storage for irreplaceable
data, the Monstor and Dragon Drives require no external power and
is both Mac and PC compatible - making its appeal universal.
Proving that big things do come in small packages, these drives are
the ideal mobile mass storage medium for executives, road warriors,
students or anyone on the go. The drives are priced from $99 to
$399.
The stainless steel drives will begin shipping in December and
are available nationwide.
Link: US
Modular
US Modular Dragon Drive Bus-powered Portable
Drive
PR: US Modular, a leading designer and manufacturer of
personal memory and storage products, announces that the company's
award-winning Dragon Drive now comes with more firepower, a huge
120-gigabyte of storage space. The new 120-gigabyte drive has won
the coveted Editor's Choice award in several magazines and is on
the market for $399.
The BUS-powered portable
external storage drive system is offered in massive sizes of
20-gigabyte to 100-gigabytes and comes in a stainless steel
package. Dragon Drives are some of the tiniest portable
auto-detectable combo (USB 2.0 + FireWire) hard drives (2.5" form
factor) on the market today. Less than an inch high, these ultra
slim high-performance hard drives are the ideal storage solution
for palm-tops, notebooks or desktop PCs - at home, in the office or
anywhere in between.
Unique in that they require no messy AC power cords (they are
100-percent powered through the two included USB 2.0 cables or
FireWire cable), the Dragon Drives maintain a sleek footprint
making them the perfect laptop or desktop companion. With both
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and FireWire connections, setup is a snap and data
transfer is blazing fast. Dragon Drives are available in size
configurations of 20-GB to 120-GB and will be priced at MSRPs of
$99 to $399.
Features:
FireWire Features:
- Compatible with 1394-1995 and 1394A Phys
- SBP-2 Target Revision 4 Compliant Interface
- Fully ATA-5 Compliant
- Supports UDMA5 (ATA100)
- Supports ATA PIO Modes 0-4, DMA Modes 0-2 and Ultra DMD modes
0-5
- ORB co-processor to accelerate translation of ORBs to ATAPI
Commands
- Supports ORB chaining for increased performance
- Transfer rate for high-speed IEEE1394 interface: up to 400
Mbps
- Driver-less: Easy installation support Windows®
98SE/Me/2000/XP, Mac OS® 8.6 or later without driver
USB 2.0 Features:
- USB 2.0 Transfer Rates up to 400 Mbps (40 times faster transfer
rate than that of USB 1.1)
- USB 2.0/IDE Compliant: Integrated USB Transceiver; High Speed
(400Mbit) and Full Speed (12Mbit)
- USB Suspend /Resume, Remote Wake Up
- Easy Installation
- Windows 98SE; Windows Me/2000/XP, Linux® and Mac OS
(without driver)
- ATA PIO modes 0-4: ATA Interface Operation Mode is
automatically configured through firmware
- UDMA modes 0-4 operation
Power Supply:
- Power-less: Power by FireWire or USB bus power. No external
power is required
Dimensions:
- LxWxH: 133x78x21 mm (cable not included) or 5.2"x3"x0.8"
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Cable Length: Approx. 6-feet (1-FireWire and 2-USB 2.0 cables
included)
Support:
- One Year Warranty with 24/7 tech support
120-gigabyte Dragon Drives began shipping in October and will be
available nationwide.
Link: US Modular
Dragon Drive
QuickerTek Transceiver/Buffalo PCI Card Bundle
for Power Macs
PR: QuickerTek has extended its long distance wireless
network products with this bundle - ideal for Apple Power Mac users
without built-in AirPort capability. These users can use the
Buffalo 54g PCI Card and the QuickerTek 27dBm Transceiver for
maximum wireless performance. This bundle is aggressively priced at
$239.95 - a savings of $40.
The QuickerTek operates like a super antenna, pulling in signals
that are up to a mile away - and providing full speed connections.
The Buffalo PCI Card provides the means to connect the Transceiver
to PCI Power Macs without AirPort capability. The QuickerTek
Transceiver can be powered from the USB port or the AC power
adapter supplied in the kit. The QuickerTek Transceiver is shipped
with a 2dBi omni-directional antenna. You can use a higher gain or
a directional antenna if needed.
The QuickerTek Transceiver requires no software to operate and
produces 500milliwatts of RF transmitter power amplifying the
incoming WiFi signal and sending it to the Buffalo card. So you get
greater signal strength for both sides of the WiFi signal thus
increasing speed and range. The Buffalo card offers 802.11g speed,
reliability, and Mac 9 and OSX compatibility with all the Apple
software. We have tested some third party wireless interface cards
that don't work with common Mac apps (iTunes for example). Any
Apple Power Mac with a PCI slot can use the Bufffalo PCI card.
The Buffalo card can be used without the QuickerTek Transceiver,
but at this time it can't be used with internal AirPort card, as
the software drivers have conflict and then the system crashes. The
installation and use of the Buffalo and QuickerTek Transceiver is
easy and straightforward. The card looks just like and AirPort or
Extreme card in the wireless menu bar. The Transceiver connects to
the antenna port on the PCI Card.
You can expect to gain several bars or MacStumbler points when
using this QuickerTek Transceiver. Typical results from a stock
Power Mac is normally 25 before and you can expect to see 50 or
more when the Transceiver is in use.
Then QuickerTek Transceiver can be plugged and unplugged into
the Buffalo card anytime without powering down the PowerBook. The
QuickerTek Transceiver can be used without the Buffalo card and
will connect to the internal AirPort or AirPort Extreme cards.
The same QuickerTek Transceiver in this bundle can also be used
on the Power Mac G5, G4, Mac mini, AirPort Base Stations all
(except the Express) with the correct adaptor cables. The Buffalo
card and QuickerTek Transceiver with work with any access
point/wireless router as long as it is rated 802.11b/g. Popular
vendors of this equipment include Netgear, Linksys, and many
others.
Like most QuickerTek products, the Transceiver in this bundle is
backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
QuickerTek has been a recognized leading innovator of antennas
and RF products for Apple desktop and portable computers and now is
breaking into the Windows PC world with laptop Transceivers.
QuickerTek products can be purchased online.
Link: QuickerTek
BenQ Announces World's Fastest 19" LCD
Monitor
PR: BenQ America announces the world's fastest 19-inch
LCD monitor, the BenQ FP93G X, featuring ultra-fast 2ms
gray-to-gray (GTG) response time, a super-slim 13mm bezel, and a
high contrast ratio of 700:1. The FP93G X is the first LCD monitor
with a 2ms GTG response time in the market and is targeting
hardcore PC gamers who have high demands for superior display
performances. The FP93G X breaks the limit of industry design with
a 13mm bezel for optimum viewing.
"With a 2ms gray-to-gray response time, the LCD monitor is no
longer a factor in limiting the clarity of the most demanding
multimedia applications," said Thomas Han, vice president of
displays for BenQ America.
The BenQ FP93G X employs original Advanced Motion Accelerator
(AMA) technology that accelerates the twisting speed of liquid
crystal by increasing the voltage and making it possible to shorten
the GTG response time to 2ms. With this technological breakthrough,
the FP93G X's performance is similar to that of the CRT monitor,
enabling clearer, sharper images with no lagging and image blurring
when playing PC games or watching videos.
With the slimmest 13mm bezel design in the market, the FP93G X
offers optimum viewing experience and provides a refreshing, clean
look, making it a great decor for both home and office.
In addition, the new FP93G X LCD monitor is equipped with both
traditional D-Sub and next-generation DVI input support, a high
contrast ratio of 700:1 and a brightness of 300 cd/m2 for crisp and
excellent picture quality for PC games and media.
FP93G X Technical Specifications
- 19" LCD Monitor
- 2ms GTG Response Time
- 1280 x 1024 Max. Resolution
- 700:1 contrast ratio
- Key for quick image auto adjusting
- Dual input for both D-Sub and DVI-D single
- PC and Mac compatible
- VESA wall mounting compatible
The BenQ FP93G X will be available to consumers in January 2006
for an estimated MSRP of $419 and can be purchased through
authorized BenQ distribution channels.
Link: BenQ
Desktop Mac
Deals
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