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The 'Book Review

Wireless Power, LapCop, Pismo G4 Upgrade, New Laptop Cases, and More

Charles W Moore - 2002.10.18

Wireless laptop charging, LapCop lets your stolen ‘Book phone home, Newer Tech G4 Pismo upgrade, OWC Mercury drives gain USB 2.0 support, and more.

Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.

Power Desk Technology Recharges Laptops Without a Plug

Wire-free Electricity Base

More and more people are going mobile. They enjoy the freedom and productivity of wire-free connectivity – being able to work whenever and wherever they want, untethered by wires and cables. However, mobility has been hindered by the “last wire” problem, the need to regularly charge a mobile-computing device by plugging into an electric power source.

MobileWise provides a safe, wire-free electric power technology that solves the last wire problem. MobileWise’s revolutionary patented technology and its associated family of products finally deliver the freedom to be fully mobile. No more wires, no more cords, no more plugs!

MobileWise wire-free power transfer technology provides an innovative and safe method of charging and powering mobile devices such as laptop computers, PDAs and mobile phones.

Users of MobileWise-enabled mobile devices can safely charge and power them, simply by placing them on the MobileWise Wire-free Electricity Base.

The smart Wire-free Electricity Base can provide full power to operate and charge mobile devices, such as mobile phones, PDA’s and even the most power hungry notebook computers.

MobileWise technology was designed from the ground up, and is now offering a user the following benefits:

  • User Safety
    The MobileWise Wire-free Electricity Base is safe for users, meeting and exceeding domestic and international safety standards.
  • Power Delivery
    The Wire-free Electricity Base provides full power, enough to simultaneously operate and charge laptops, PDAs and mobile phones.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility
    Power is transferred using DC currents; the MobileWise Wire-free Electricity Base does not utilize electromagnetic or RF fields.
  • Data & Equipment Safety
    Since the Wire-free Electricity Base does not utilize magnetic fields, the technology is safe for magnetic media, such as hard drives, and does not interfere with the operation of electronic equipment.
  • Low-cost Integration
    The MobileWise Wire-free Electricity Base can be integrated with existing mobile devices via minimal electronic and mechanical changes.

For more information, see Power Desk: A new technology recharges your laptop without a plug.

LapCop 1.0 Lets Your Stolen ‘Book Phone Home

LapCop can help you recover your iBook or PowerBook in case it gets stolen. LapCop is an innovative stealth software application that secretly transmits an electronic beacon to an email address of your choice, allowing you to track and locate your Mac anywhere in the world.

Features:

  • LapCop monitors your system.
  • If your Mac is stolen, LapCop sends a stealth email to your designated email address as soon as your lost or stolen Mac is connected to the Internet.
  • The stealth email contains all information needed for the local authorities to recover your Mac. As a side benefit, any other items of your property that might have been taken at the same time, may also be recovered.
  • Send us a copy of the stealth email and we will help you locate your stolen Mac.

Theft epidemic?

Laptops are becoming increasingly popular, but their portability makes them very susceptible to theft. Computer theft has reached epidemic proportions worldwide: there were 591,000 laptops stolen in the USA in the year 2001 and according to a recent FBI report, 97% of all stolen computers are never recovered. Macintosh laptops are especially popular among thieves, because sometimes, even thieves have good taste…

The entire package is about 310 KB and includes all instructions to get started.

You need to register LapCop before it will start monitoring your system. Go to our Kagi online store to get your serial number. There is no way to test LapCop without registering. However, if you are not satisfied after 7 days, your money will be refunded.

LapCop works on all Macs running Jaguar (Mac OS X 10.2) or higher. On a typical Mac OS X system with 256 MB of RAM, LapCop needs about 0.5 % of the memory, which is very low. LapCop can be used to protect your eMac, iMac, or Power Mac as well.

Uninstalling LapCop is almost impossible if you follow all instructions during the installation process. Although no theft system is 100% secure, there is a very high chance that a thief won’t be able to hack LapCop. LapCop monitors your network and printer parameters. If they change, LapCop will notify you. Even if they don’t change, LapCop will send a stealth signal from time to time.

While most other stealth programs just send you a daily email containing all information about your laptop status, LapCop works smarter. It automatically detects when your Mac is stolen and goes into alarm mode. Once your stolen Mac gets connected, even for a very short time, LapCop will send a stealth email. With this stealth email the chances of catching a thief are pretty high for the police and other authorities and your case will get priority.

System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher

LapCop sells for $15.

Newer Technology Enhances Pismo G4 Upgrade Performance

Newer Technology has updated its NuPowr 500 MHz G4 processor upgrade for PowerBook G3 Pismo systems to use the latest low-power PowerPC G4 processor. The new G4 chip runs up to 20 degrees Celsius cooler than the G3 it replaces and extends usable battery time by an average of 20 minutes.

Key features:

  • Motorola 500 MHz PowerPC G4 7410 Processor
  • 1 MB Level 2 Backside Cache running at 2.5:1 (200 MHz) on systems originally equipped with a G3/400 Processor, at 2:1 (250 MHz) on systems originally equipped with a G3/500 Processor
  • Velocity Engine (AltiVec) support
  • Compatible with up to 1 GB of memory
  • Supports Mac OS 9.1 and higher, including Mac OS X
  • 2 Year Warranty

The G4/500 MHz upgrade is installed at Newer Systems Technology, Inc. Upon purchase of this product, Other World Computing will ship a padded container to your address with detailed instructions on how to dispatch your system for upgrade.

Your PowerBook G3 Pismo must be in complete working condition with a fully charged battery to participate in this upgrade. You will be shipping your PowerBook for this upgrade, along with its CD/DVD drive and a charged battery.

The padded shipping container is prepaid for the outbound service from you using Airborne Express service. Your upgraded PowerBook will be returned to you within eight to ten business days using the same shipping method.

Casauri Odyssey Computer Case

Crafted in stylish quilted PVC and available in four colors, the Casauri Odyssey Computer Case makes a bold fashion statement while providing a practical transport for your laptop. This case features quality dual zippers around three sides, a comfortable carrying handle and padded shoulder strap, and several inner and outer pockets for your files, cell phone and other essentials. It´s time for your laptop case to be as cool as your laptop.

Specifications

  • Made from quilted PVC
  • Large, top quality zippers
  • Stitched nylon inner linings
  • Exterior pocket with three inner nylon dividers
  • Two interior pockets, one exposed mesh with Velcro flap

Available Colors:

  • Black
  • Platinum
  • Red
  • Gunmetal

Height: 3″ / 7.62 cm
Length: 15″ / 40.64 cm
Width: 13″ / 33.02 cm
Weight: 2.53 lb / 1.14 kg

Maximum Laptop Size: 14″ x 12″ x 2.5″ (35.6 x 30.5 x 6.4 cm)

Price: $89.95

USB 4-Port Mini Hub for $24.95

USB Mini Hub

The USB 4-Port Mini Hub is designed for travelers who use their laptops with USB peripheralssuch as a mini optical mouse, keyboard or a charging cable. It enables up to 4 devices to be connected through one USB port. The Mini Hub is simply plugged into the USB port of a computer or laptop and will run up to 4 low power USB devices that either draw power from the computer or have their own power supply.

Features and Specifications

  • Ultra Compact Design – can be stored in the PCMCIA/PC-Card slot
  • Perfect for mobile Laptop users
  • Provides 4 additional USB Ports to existing USB Systems
  • Supports USB Spec. 1.1 – Data transfer rate of up to 12 Mbps

Height: .38″ / .95 cm
Length: 3.5″ / 8.9 cm
Width: 2″ / 5.08 cm
Weight: 1.28 oz / .04 kg

Price: $24.95

FireWire Depot Offers New Products

FireWire Depot has added two new products to their extensive product line:

The AMS 2.5″ FireWire hard drive enclosure with built-in rechargeable battery – the perfect solution for PowerBook users having to use CardBus cards for FireWire and Windows laptop users that only have 4-pin iLink connectors on their machines.

The UF300 USB2.0/ FireWire Combo Hub allows USB 2.0 and FireWire to coexist with each other. Not only does it saves you space you can expand both USB and FireWire products with just one hub.

FireWire Depot has also expanded their offering of FireWire, USB2, and FireWire/USB2 combo bridgeboards.

Shoreline Neoprene Laptop Cases

Shoreline Neoprene Laptop Sleeve

The Shoreline Laptop Sleeve is made of the neoprene used in diving wetsuits to provide extra protection for your laptop. Stretching to accommodate a small extra drive or power supply, the Laptop Sleeve features a mesh pocket inside and fits into a briefcase or can be carried alone. With a full zipper on three sides of the Sleeve, your laptop can be easily accessed without having to remove the entire Sleeve from wherever it is nestled.

Height: .75 in / 1.9 cm
Length: 12.5 in / 31.75 cm
Width: 10 in / 25.4 cm
Weight: 5.44 oz / .15 kg

Maximum Laptop Size: 9″ x 11″ x 1.5″ (22.9 x 27.9 x 3.8 cm)

Price: $22.95

Shoreline Neoprene Laptop Portfolio

The Shoreline Laptop Portfolio is made of the neoprene used in diving wetsuits to provide extra protection for your laptop. Stretching to accommodate a small extra drive or power supply, the Laptop Portfolio fits into a briefcase or can be carried alone. With hook and loop (Velcro-like) flap openings on two sides, your laptop can be easily accessed without having to remove the entire Portfolio from wherever it is nestled.

Height: 1 in / 2.54 cm
Length: 13 in / 33 cm
Width: 11.5 in / 29.2 cm
Weight: 7.7 oz / .22 kg

Maximum Laptop Size: 10.5″ x 13.5″ x 1.5″ (26.7 x 34.3 x 3.8 CM)

Price: $27.95

Shoreline Large Neoprene Laptop Case

The long-awaited replacement for the popular Kensington Wetsuit, the Shoreline Large Laptop Case is made of the neoprene used in diving wetsuits to provide extra protection for your laptop. Stretching to accommodate a power supply or other accessories via its “full span support system,” the Case features SOFT-GRIP handles, D-rings for a shoulder strap (not included) and an interior mesh pocket. Zippers around three sides of the Case afford easy access to your laptop.

Height: .75 in / 1.9 cm
Length: 15.5 in / 39.4 cm
Width: 12.5 in / 31.8 cm
Weight: 10.6 oz / .3 kg

Maximum Laptop Size: 11.6″ x 13.75″ x 2.6″ (29.5 x 34.9 x 6.6 cm)

Price: $37.95

Shoreline Neoprene Laptop Briefcase

A deluxe replacement for the popular Kensington Wetsuit, the Shoreline Laptop Briefcase is made of the neoprene used in diving wetsuits to provide extra protection for your laptop. Stretching to accommodate a power supply or other accessories via its “full span support system,” the Briefcase features SOFT-GRIP handles, SOFT-GRIP shoulder strap, all metal hardware and pockets for pens, business cards and other items.

Height: 2 in / 5.08 cm
Length: 16 in / 40.64 cm
Width: 12 in / 30.48
Weight: 26.2 oz / .74 kg

Maximum Laptop Size: 10″ x 14.5″ x 3″ (25.4 x 36.8 x 7.6 cm)

Price: $54.95

For more information about Shoreline neoprene laptop sleeves and cases, visit Laptop Travel.

Torx-8 Screwdriver at Sears

If you plan on working on your PowerBook, one tool you’re not likely going to turn up in your household toolkit is the notoriously hard to find Torx T-8 screwdriver. Without one of these little darlings, you’re likely to be stuck.

One source is reportedly Sears – Craftsman part #41681.

Other World Computing’s Mercury On-The-Go Portable Storage Solutions Now Available with USB 2.0 Support

Other World Computing has introduced a new line of OWC Mercury On-The-Go portable storage solutions that feature both USB 2.0 and FireWire technologies.

This is the first time Mercury On-The-Go portable hard drives have been available with USB support, making these products excellent data storage solutions for virtually any operating system. Weighing less than 12 ounces and measuring only 3.0″ x 5.5″ x 1.0″, Mercury On-The-Go drives provide convenient and portable solutions for transferring files from one computer to another, or transporting large files in a secure hard drive for quick access wherever one travels.

“OWC’s Mercury storage solutions are ideal for today’s mobile, high-speed, audio/video and backup needs,” said Larry O’Connor, president of OWC. “Our reliable, high-performance On-The-Go drives are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket while offering up to an incredible 60 GB of storage capacity. With data transfer rates of more than 30 MB per second, these drives are fast enough for even the most demanding A/V applications. The multi-interface support makes these portable hard drives a great solution for accessing or transferring data between various machines that may not have FireWire support. And since most computers have at least a USB port, we’ve got you covered.”

OWC’s Mercury On-The-Go drives are highly reliable, high-performance data storage solutions designed to fit the needs of a variety of users, including:

  • “on-the-go” users needing more storage,
  • graphic designers and art directors needing portability for portfolio materials or current projects,
  • videographers, film makers or photographers needing an easy way to store and transport digital images when on the road, or
  • system administrators looking for an easy way to backup, exchange, or restore data between a variety of different systems.

The On-The-Go plug-and-play drives are compatible with any operating system with USB (2.0/1.x) or FireWire support, including Mac OS 8.6-9.2.2, OS X, and Windows 98SE/2000/XP. The drives have been built for portability with a shock absorption casing and feature a cool blue activity indicator light, near silent drive operation, a large 2 MB or 8 MB data buffer, two FireWire ports, one USB port, and can operate without an external power source. All cables and Macintosh formatting software is included making for a complete solution.

The Mercury On-The-Go USB/FireWire combo drives are priced at only $20 more per drive than OWC’s Mercury On-The-Go FireWire-only drives. Pricing for the USB/FireWire combo drives are as follows:

  • 20 GB 4200 RPM, $189.97
  • 30 GB 4200 RPM, $229.97
  • 40 GB 4200 RPM, $259.97
  • 60 GB 4200 RPM, $359.97

and

  • 20 GB 5400 RPM, $219.97
  • 40 GB 5400 RPM, $299.97
  • 60 GB 5400 RPM, $399.97

OWC also offers On-The-Go FireWire-only versions in 20 GB to 60 GB and at prices ranging from $175.97 for the 20 GB 4200 RPM model to $379.97 for the 60 GB 5400 RPM model.

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/2001) and G4/667 (DVI).

Power Max

Small Dog Electronics

MacResQ

ExperCom (FlyMilesMicro)

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