Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.04.16
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars, bold links are to
outside sites, and regular links lead to 'Book profiles on Low End
Mac.
Back Up Your Data Before Sending iBook for Logic
Board Replacement
MacInTouch
warns that Apple is returning iBooks serviced under the iBook Logic Board Repair
Extension Program. Data transfer is not an option with the
logic board replacement program.
The iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program is a worldwide
program covering repair or replacement of the logic board in
specific iBook models manufactured between May 2002 and April 2003
that are experiencing specific component failures.
The iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program covers iBooks
that have a particular component failure on the logic board,
resulting in the computer starting up but the built-in and attached
external displays exhibiting one or more of the following
symptoms:
- Scrambled or distorted video
- Appearance of unexpected lines on the screen
- Intermittent video image
- Video freeze
- Computer starts up to blank screen
The program covers affected iBooks for three years after the
first retail sale of the unit. Apple will continue to evaluate the
repair data and will provide further repair extensions as
needed.
The program is available for iBooks with serial numbers in the
following range(s): UV220XXXXXX to UV318XXXXXX
iBooks with the serial numbers listed above may be referred to
as:
- iBook (16 VRAM)
- iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM)
- iBook (Opaque 16 VRAM)
- iBook (32 VRAM)
- iBook (14.1 LCD 32 VRAM)
WARNING: If you have any music from the iTunes Music Store, be
sure to deauthorize your iBook before sending it in. The new logic
board has a different ID, and you will not be able to play
protected tracks unless you can deauthorize the old logic board and
authorize the new one when your iBook returns.
iBook G3 Logic Board Replacement Ends Jaguar
Bootability
MacInTouch
reader Dana Jeffords warns that the new logic boards Apple is
installing under their iBook G3 logic board replacement program
require OS 10.3.2 or better. The logic board replacement includes a
set of 10.3.2 install/restore CDs. The new logic boards will still
boot OS 9.
A Pink iBook Is a
Girl's Best Friend
A
Cult of Mac blog by Leander Kahney says:
"Talking of pink, this custom iBook paint job in bubble-gum hue
elicits a surprising amount of female lust. The paint job -
performed by someone called Jeremy from Minnesota - prompted at
least two dozen I-want-one comments from women visitors to his
site....
"This may explain why the pink iPod mini is reportedly the
hottest of the new minis. Pink seems to be selling for about $350
on
eBay, approximately $50 more than the other five colors."
iBatt 0.3b Advanced PowerBook Battery Monitor
and Graphing Tool
iBatt is an advanced
PowerBook battery monitoring and diagnostic program. iBatt gets
information about your battery that the system doesn't tell you,
such as its total capacity, voltage output, and rate of
charge/discharge. The beta is open to all and is available from
Rayner Software.
iBatt can diagnose your battery's health and generate graphs
showing battery utilization trends. Whereas the system only
provides you with current charge level, iBatt tells you total
battery capacity, rate of charge/discharge, current battery
voltage, and battery state. The release version will have network
support to compare your battery's health with other batteries in
your PowerBook model. The beta version includes battery statistics
and graphing (no network support), and is compatible only with OS X
10.3 or higher.
New in this version:
- iBatt can now submit (but not view) battery information. When
the server database is big enough, iBatt will be able to view
statistics from other PowerBooks
- Cleaned up preferences window
- Removed voltage from graph legend
- Added ability to clear battery log
- Made battery status indicator more reliable
System requirements:
- PowerBook or iBook
- Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
FlyLight USB PowerBook Light
Your presentation in a darkened
boardroom will have more impact now, because you can actually see
your laptop's keyboard rather than guessing (and missing) the right
keys to hit. The gentle illumination of the
FlyLight™ won't drain your battery or disturb others.
Features and Benefits
- No batteries, powered by USB port
- Long-lasting, bulb-free design for reliable light
- No switches, bulbs, or batteries to break or replace
- Gentle LED glow provides task light without disturbing
anyone
- Flexible neck perfectly positions light over task
- Small and stylish enough to take anywhere
- Uses less than 90 seconds of battery charge per hour
Dimensions: 19" x 0.25" x 0.5"å
FlyLight Platinum is backed by the Kensington 5-Year Warranty
and free technical support.
Price: $20.99
QuickerTek and Wireless Garden Partner to Bring
Powerful Wireless Super Cantenna Technology to Mac Users
QuickerTek has combined
technology with Wireless Garden to bring powerful directional
wireless antenna technology to the ever-growing group of Apple
AirPort users. This high-performance directional antenna technology
was not previously available to Mac users, especailly those who
required longer distance wireless networking.
QuickerTek has a large number of AirPort compatible wireless
antenna products for Mac users, and the Super Cantenna technology
is a natural extension of its product line. This antenna technology
is so appealing that when Time magazine ran a story about the
wireless networking phenomenon in the October 28, 2002 issue,
Cantenna was included.
Specifically, Super Cantenna is a 12dbi 2.4 GHz directional
antenna that really pulls in signals in environments where AirPort
and AirPort Extreme users have had difficulty making connections in
the past. The directional functionality offers high gain for
network users who are furthest from the base station. Users are
excited about the full AirPort compatibility - from PowerBook G4s -
both titanium and aluminum - as well as desktops like the Power Mac
G5, and even slot-loading iMacs and iBooks. Of course, it is Mac
OS X compatible. Cantenna can also be used with Apple AirPort
and AirPort Extreme Base Stations.
Rick Estes, president, QuickerTek said, "The Super Cantenna
antenna brings another level of WiFi performance to Mac users
everywhere. It's very satisfying to offer an expanding product line
to the Mac wireless community. Super Cantenna is compatible with
all Mac-enabled wireless products," Estes continued.
Cantenna consists of a 12" main tube antenna body. This antenna
body is made from weather-resistant UV coated metal and can be
mounted outside - usually under eaves and overhangs - where
networking outdoors is possible. An optional aluminum tripod for
positioning the antenna; a number of custom-designed cables that
attach directly to a computer or AirPort Base Station; impedance
adapters and user/installation instructions are also included with
Cantenna purchases. An optional 8-foot, low-loss extension cable
makes optimal Cantenna placement easy.
Product prices range from $69.95 to $149.95 for standard
Cantenna products. Custom designs are available and users are
encouraged to call with specific applications.
QuickerTek is the only innovator of wireless antennas and RF
products for Apple desktop and portable computers as well as Apple
AirPort Base Stations.
Keyspan Ships Revolutionary USB Server for PCs
and Macs
Keyspan announces it is
now shipping its revolutionary USB Server that
connects USB devices to a Mac or PC via a wired or wireless
ethernet-based network.
The Keyspan USB Server has an MSRP of $129 and is available to
resellers from Ingram Micro, Wynit, and D&H, and to consumers
at CompUSA, CDW, and other leading computer products resellers.
Much like a USB print server, the USB Server enables attached
USB devices to be used and shared by client PCs on a network. In
addition to printers, the USB Server supports other USB devices
such as scanners and multi-function printers.
The USB Server provides four ports for connecting to USB devices
at Full Speed USB (12 Mbps). It connects to 10/100 ethernet
networks via an RJ45 connector and supports static IP, DHCP, and
Apple's Rendezvous address assignment. Client PCs must be running
Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher.
"The Keyspan USB Server makes it possible to share USB printers
and USB scanners across a LAN in a home office, small office or
classroom," stated Mike Ridenhour, president of Keyspan. "Client
PCs can be wired or wireless - providing a great way to print from
a Wi-Fi-based laptop."
VGA to ADC Conversion Box
The
ex•tend•it
VGA to ADC Conversion Box connects analog video graphic (VGA)
cards to Apple flat panel displays with ADC connections. The VGA to
ADC Conversion Box enables anyPowerBook G4 versions (before DVI)
and the new G4 iBook to connect to the family of Apple's flat panel
displays. The VGA to ADC Conversion Box also enables users to
connect PC laptops, PC desktops or other G4's using VGA (HD-15)
connections only, to flat panel displays with ADC connection.
Simply connect the supplied VGA (M-F) cable to the input side of
the VGA to ADC Conversion Box. Then, connect the Apple flat panel
display to the ADC output connector of the VGA to ADC Conversion
Box. All VESA standard resolutions are supported. Also Apple
resolutions for the 15" (1024 x 768) and 17" (1280 x 1024) Studio
Display, 22" Cinema Display (1600 x 1024), 23" Cinema HD Display
(1920 x 1200) and the new20" Apple Cinema Display (1680x1050).
Your display will only work at its native resolution when using
the VGA to ADC Conversion Box.
Displays Supported:
- 15" Apple Studio Display, 1024 x 768 @ 60 Hz
- 17" Apple Studio Display, 1280 x 1024 @ 60 Hz
- Formac Gallery 2010, 1600 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
- 20" Cinema Display, 1680 x 1050 @ 60 Hz
- 22" Cinema Display, 1600 x 1024 @ 60 Hz
- 23" Cinema HD Display, 1920 x 1200 @ 60 Hz
The G4 PowerBook with 8MB of video memory will only support
thousands of colors with the 23" Apple Cinema Display.
This conversion box will not work with stock video card in the
G3 Desktops, any G3 iBooks, G3 PowerBooks, or any iMac.
Package Includes:
- One VGA to ADC Conversion Box
- One Universal 24v Power Supply
- One VGA 6' M-F Cable
- One 6' USB Cable
Price: $299
Protect Your Investment with Trendy Geek's Pod
Shield
Fans of Apple's iPod digital music player now have a new product
to protect their musical investment. A Pod Shield from Trendy Geek is the latest in geek
couture that, when placed on an iPod, protects the player's screen
and stainless steel casing from scratches, dirt, and
fingerprints.
"Of all the portable music players on
the market, iPods take the biggest beating," said Joseph Piccirillo
CEO of Trendy Geek. "Because of their small size, they get tossed
with keys into men's pants' pockets and stuffed into ladies'
handbags. It's easy to scrape the surface and make an iPod look old
before its time. Now iPod users can safeguard the beauty of their
music player with the invisible protection of Pod Shields."
Pod Shields are inexpensive and transparent. They are made of a
thin material that clings to the iPod using high static. The front
film covers the iPods' delicate screen. The back film is designed
to fully cover the stainless steel back and sides of the unit while
still enabling users to place their iPod comfortably in a docking
station. When the shields need replacing, there is no sticky glue
or residue to remove - they simply peel off.
"The Apple iPod has won numerous design awards. It's the perfect
blend of form and function," said Robert Murino, Vice President of
Sales for Trendy Geek. "Why hide it inside an unattractive, bulky
plastic case? Pod Shields allow music lovers to show off their iPod
without blocking access to the dock connector, lock button or
headphone jacks."
The MSRP for Pod Shields is $9.99. One package contains six
pieces, enough shields for the front and back of three iPods. Pod
Shields are currently on sale from the TrendyGeek.com website for
$6.99. Pod Shields fit all Apple iPods but are optimized to fit
generation three iPods.
Kingston Technology Introduces 1 GB
CompactFlash Elite Pro Card
Kingston Technology Company, Inc. has announced the immediate
availability of a 1 GB CompactFlash
Elite Pro card featuring the latest in high-density flash
components. Kingston's newest 1 GB CompactFlash Elite Pro
provides a low, price per megabyte solution of reliable, high-speed
media.
Technological advancements combined with the increased
popularity of high-end digital devices are driving the demand for
higher capacity CompactFlash memory cards. Responding to this
dynamic market, Kingston extended its line of high-speed
CompactFlash cards with the release of its Elite Pro line of
products. Backed by Kingston's renowned service and support, the
new 1 GB CF card is designed to enhance performance of
demanding imaging applications used by both advanced amateur and
professional photographers.
"Kingston's 1 GB CompactFlash Elite Pro cards are ideally suited
for imaging professionals who want to maximize their storage
capabilities," said Mike Kuppinger, digital media product manager,
Kingston. "With ultra fast transfer rates, users will enjoy more
efficient production workflow than ever before," added
Kuppinger.
When used in conjunction with a matching high-performance
digital device, Kingston's CF Elite Pro provides an ultra fast
transfer time with a write speed of up to 5.2 MB per second and a
read speed of up to 6.1 MB per second.
Kingston's 1 GB Type I CompactFlash Elite Pro card, part number:
CF/1024-S has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of
$349.00*. All Kingston CompactFlash products come with a five-year
warranty and free technical support. For more information on
Kingston's Digital Media product line visit the Kingston
website.
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)
and the titanium vs. aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz.
- new 12" iBook G3/800,
128/30/CD-ROM, $699.95 after rebate ($739.95 before mail-in
rebate). FedEx Standard Overnight, $9.99.
- new 12" iBook G3/800,
128/30/CD-ROM, AirPort, $759
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867,
256/40/SuperDrive, also includes Postworx Speed Ball Detachable
Feet for Laptop, iSkin ProTouch PB Arctic White Keyboard
protection, $1,375
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.
