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The 'Book Review

USB Mini-Drive, PowerBook Stands, Organic Drives, Lost and Found (Hopefully), and More

Charles W Moore - 2002.08.09

SimpleTech introduces SD card-based USB mini-drive, new ‘Book bags, and more.

Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.

SimpleTech Releases Bonzai USB Mini-Drive

The SimpleTech Bonzai USB Mini-Drive is an easy way to store, transfer, and carry your personal files. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the road, Bonzai gives you instant access to your files via any computer with a USB port.

Bonzai

Use Bonzai to store your business documents and to work with anywhere you travel. Carry favorite digitalpictures, MP3 music, video, and audio clips to share with family and friends. Even store games for a little fun between projects.

It’s like another hard drive for your computer. You have complete control creating, copying, and deleting files.

USB is available in nearly every desktop and notebook computer made in the past few years. Bonzai works equally well with Windows and Mac OS computers, with no drivers required (except for Windows 98 and earlier). Bonzai even works with USB hubs, so you don’t have to remove other USB devices

With storage capacity to equal more than 90 floppy disks, Bonzai gives you the freedom to carry all your files in the palm of your hand.

Floppy disks only provide about 1.4 MB of storage, are easy to break, and are susceptible to magnetic fields such as speakers and monitors. Rewritable CDs are not practical for frequently saving data because of the time it takes to burn data and the cost of blank CDs. Zip disks require a Zip drive in every computer you use, something that you cannot chance when you’re traveling.

Bonzai features a sturdy and stylish case that slips easily into your pocket, purse, or briefcase. The all-in-one unit requires no batteries, no external power, and no additional cables or adapters.

Bonzai

Other USB drives use embedded storage. If you want more capacity you need to purchase another storage device -but not with Bonzai. You simply open the case and plug in another flash memory card. Bonzai uses a patent-pending design for an infinitely expandable storage solution.

Bonzai uses industry standard Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCards, available in capacities that meet your storage needs today and tomorrow.

Features:

  • SD or MMC flash card expandable
  • USB interface: plug and play, hot swap functions
  • 1.5 MB/sec. transfer rate
  • LED indicates drive is in use
  • No external power required
  • No cables or adapters required
  • Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP; Mac OS 8.6+/X (Windows 98 requires driver)

“Kamas” PowerBook Stands

Specially designed models are available Kamas standfor the PowerBook G4 and white iBook. The “universal” model fits any PowerBook G3, 3400, 2400c and 1400. All models provide level viewing of the PowerBook’s screen while using an external keyboard. The platform is adjustable to any angle and has a space for storing the keyboard beneath the PowerBook. It also helps to cool hot PowerBooks by keeping them up off the desk so air circulates more freely across the PowerBook’s underside and dissipates heat. Silver color, coated steel, edge protectors. Imported from Japan.

Price: $99

Century iAdaptor2 Power Adapter for PowerBook G4/Dual USB iBooks

Century’s iAdaptor2 is a compact replacement power adapter for PowerBook G4 and Dual USB (all white) iBooks. It’s compatible with power supplies from 100 to 240V and has a simple built-in plug to eliminate cord hassle. The “brick” part is designed with recessed edges and a Velcro wrapper to allow easy stowage of the cable.

Price: $65

Googie Unveils Organic FireWire and USB2 Enclosure

Denmark-based Googie Drives has unveiled Organic Drivethe Organic Enclosure, small external hard drive enclosure for 3.5″ drives.

The new Googie Organic is possible to assemble fast and easy and comes complete with FireWire or USB cable and external 12V switching power supply for both US and EU users.

It is simple, fun and easy to make, and it looks great.

As with Googie’s other drives, the case is fanless and features the Oxford 911 chipset.

  • Easy to assemble, install and use – plug & play
  • Fast access – transfers up to 36 MB/sec.
  • Small and handy
  • Stackable – daisy chain up to 63 devices

The Organic will be available September 30 for €99 in FireWire and USB 2.0 versions.

  • Max transfer rate: 400 Mbps (FireWire), 480 Mbps (USB2)
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 30 x 130 x 210 mm
  • Weight: 250 g
  • System requirements:
    • PC or Mac with FireWire/IEEE1394 or USB port.
    • Power Mac G3 or higher, Mac OS 8.6 or higher.
    • Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP
  • Connectors: 2 FireWire or 1 USB2

Lost and Found (Hopefully) 1.3 Helps Locate Stolen Computers

Lost and Found (Hopefully) uses Unix’s “Sendmail” to send email messages to a designated email account that can contain information including your computer’s IP address and other information that will help you find your lost or stolen computer. Contained within the download is another AppleScript that will help you set up “Sendmail” on your computer.

New in this version:

  • It is now much easier to set up Sendmail on your computer with the new and improved SMTP_SETUP script.
  • System requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 or higher

Lost and Found (Hopefully) is freeware.

Cozmo Bags from Waterfield Designs

Clever detailing gives the Cozmo its distinct identity and up-tempo feel. The portfolio keeps its shape Cozmo bagwhether you are carrying one thing or many things.

Available in two sizes:

  • Small Cozmo: 14″ length x 10″ height x 4″ depth
  • Large Cozmo: 16″ length x 12″ height x 4″ depth

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.

  • Large Cozmo Suite Spot includes Cozmo, SleeveCase, Medium GearPouch, $169
  • Small Cozmo Suite Spot includes Cozmo, SleeveCase, Medium GearPouch, $159

For more information, visit SFBags.com.

SportFolio Cases For TiBook and iBook

SportFolio for TiG4

The SportFolio laptop case offers rugged, SportFoliohigh-tech neoprene construction with a built-in plastic shell for impact protection. The exterior features an easily accessible front pocket, a back zippered pocket, and a vulcanized rubber bottom and sides for a secure grip. The case zips closed to hold its contents securely. The all-black interior features a soft, plush fabric, and a large pocket. A removable black shock-absorbing shoulder strap is included. All in all a great combination of features that make this case stand out from the crowd.

Case features:

  • Easily accessible exterior front pocket
  • Roomy, zippered back pocket
  • Large, secure interior pocket
  • Dual zippers for easy opening
  • Rugged 3 mm neoprene construction
  • Plastic inner shell for impact protection
  • Plush-lined interior with document pocket
  • Easy-grip bottom for carrying as a folio
  • Padded for all-around protection

Shoulder strap features:

  • Easy-grip, shock-absorbing design
  • Swivel clips prevent twisting
  • Adjustable length for maximum comfort
  • Easily removable

Inside case dimensions: 13.75″ x 10.5″ x 2″ (35 cm x 26.7 cm x 5.1 cm)

Price: $39.95

SportFolio II, New iBook Case

The SportFolio II laptop case offers rugged, high-tech neoprene construction with a built-in plastic shell for impact protection. The exterior features an easily accessible front pocket, a back zippered pocket, and a vulcanized rubber bottom and sides for a secure grip. The case zips closed to hold its contents securely. The all-black interior features a soft, plush fabric, and a large pocket. A removable black shock-absorbing shoulder strap is included. All in all a great combination of features that make this case stand out from the crowd.

Case features:

  • Easily accessible exterior front pocket
  • Roomy, zippered back pocket
  • Large, secure interior pocket
  • Dual zippers for easy opening
  • Rugged 3 mm neoprene construction
  • Plastic inner shell for impact protection
  • Plush-lined interior with document pocket
  • Easy-grip bottom for carrying as a folio
  • Padded for all-around protection

Shoulder strap features:

  • Easy-grip, shock-absorbing design
  • Swivel clips prevent twisting
  • Adjustable length for maximum comfort
  • Easily removable

Inside case dimensions: 11.25″ x 9.75″ x 2″ (28.6 cm x 24.8 cm x 5.1 cm)

Price: $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).

Small Dog Electronics

  • 14″ iBook 600, 256/20 GB/Combo, Ogio Jack Pack Messenger Bag, new with one year warranty, $1,579

FlyMilesMicro

  • iBook 500, 128/15 GB/CD/12.1″, Apple refurbished, $819
  • iBook 600, 128/15 GB/DVD/12.1″, Apple refurbished, $1,079
  • PowerBook G4/667, 256/30 GB/Combo, Apple refurbished, $2,199
  • PowerBook G4/667, 512/30 GB/DVD/56k/AirPort, Apple refurbished, $2,099

Wegener Media

  • iBook 500, 128/10 GB/Combo, refurbished, guaranteed for 60 days, $1,070
  • iBook 500, 128/10/Combo, AirPort, $1,125
  • iBook 600, 128/20/Combo, $1,275
  • iBook 600, 128/10/Combo, AirPort, $1,325

MicroCenter

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