Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.06.25
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.
This week's PowerBook, iBook, and iPod news:
iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program
Expanded to All White G3 iBooks
Apple's iBook
Logic Board Repair Extension Program now includes serial
numbers up to the UV342 range
This expansion to the iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program
is the inclusion of certain additional iBooks to the existing
program. The Expanded iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program is
a worldwide program covering repair or replacement of the logic
board in iBook models manufactured between May 2001 (the original "dual USB" all-white iBook) and
October 2003 (when the last G3 iBooks were discontinued) that are
experiencing specific component failures.
The Expanded iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program covers
iBooks that have a specific 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 is available for certain iBook models with serial
numbers in the following range:
UV117XXXXXX to UV342XXXXXX
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)
- iBook (800 MHz 32 VRAM)
- iBook (900 MHz 32 VRAM)
- iBook (14.1 LCD 900 MHz 32 VRAM)
- iBook (Dual USB)
- iBook (Late 2001)
- iBook (14.1 LCD)
The original program began on January 28, 2004. This expansion,
which adds certain models, is effective immediately.
The program covers affected iBooks for three years after the
first retail sale of the unit or until December 18, 2004, whichever
provides longer coverage for you. Apple will continue to evaluate
the repair data and will provide further repair extensions as
needed.
The repairs outlined in this program, including shipping
charges, are covered at Apple's cost.
Either an Apple technical support representative or an
Authorized Apple Service Provider (AASP) will determine if the
component failure identified for the Expanded iBook Logic Board
Repair Extension Program affects your computer and, if so, arrange
for the repair. If your iBook is eligible for this program, it will
be repaired at Apple's cost, including shipping charges. Repair may
include repair or replacement of the main logic board.
To participate in the program, call the appropriate Apple
Contact Center for the country in which you are located, or contact
a local AASP. The U.S. support number is 1-800-275-2273.
Avanti 400 MHz and 417 MHz G3 Upgrades for
WallStreet
We all love the WallStreet,
but sometimes it's a bit slow. Wegener Media has decided to
overhaul the old WallStreet with their new Avanti 417 MHz and 400
MHz G3 processor upgrades starting at $139.99.
Avanti features:
- 400 MHz or 417 MHz G3 processor
- 1 MB L2 (backside) 250 MHz cache
- Runs cooler than other upgrade kits
- 100% OS X/Jaguar compatible
- 100% OS 9 compatible
- No ROM Upgrade necessary!
- No software installation!
- Supports from 32 to 512 MB
- Good for Mac OS 8.1 through Jaguar!
- 1 year warranty
Why not a G4? The Allegro developers answer:
"Good question. But think about it. The only real advantage of
G4 is the AltiVec processor, which is rarely utilized except for
video processing. And the WallStreet is really not set up for video
processing anyway, so if you were going to do video, you'd save
that extra $150, and get a Pismo. So our opinion is, get the
Allegro, save your pennies, and get on with life!
"The bottom line is, will this thing function? The answer is
yes! We have been able to reduce processor heat by nearly 50%
cooler than even the G3 PowerBook Pismo! Our processor operates at
a balmy 50C (that's 121F for you Americans!). And cool is good -
this means great reliability for your processor, and excellent
performance for you!
"Since our system upgrades don't require ROM updates, software
installation, or any other drivers, you're guaranteed complete 100%
computability. No need to install any software at all! Just plug in
the upgrade and restart your computer! Many folks who've bought
upgrades requiring ROM installation have experienced problems,
requiring them to return the units for reworking. By comparison,
our upgrade utilizes the original Apple ROM, therefore completely
bypassing the ROM issue and guaranteeing you complete hassle-free
service!
Order according to your processor. Unit will work only in the
designated WallStreet system
- 233 MHz with 0 L2 cache
- 250 MHz with 1 MB L2 cache
- 292 MHz with 1 MB L2 cache
$149.99 - kit includes processor, installation guide, and return
label for shipping back old card
- 233 MHz with 512k L2 cache
- 266 MHz with 1 MB L2 cache
- 300 MHz with 1 MB L2 cache
$139.99 - kit includes processor, installation guide, and return
label for shipping back old card
Sick of Your Bulky PC? A Desktop Replacement
Notebook Could Be the Answer
Entrepreneur magazine's Amanda
C. Kooser says:
- "Take a multigigahertz processor, add heaps of RAM, attach at
least a 15" flat-panel display, and put it all into a laptop. Now
you're working with power. When it comes to computing on the road,
slim is in. But sometimes you need more oomph.
"That's where desktop replacement notebooks come in. They won't win
many beauty contests. But they will make your reliance on a PC
tower a thing of the past....
"Mac users aren't left out of the desktop replacement option.
Graphics and design entrepreneurs who don't want to skimp on their
Apple laptops can look to the PowerBook G4's 17-inch screen,
backlit keyboard and slim 6.9 pounds."
VTBook 32 MB PC Card Graphics Card for
PowerBooks
The world's only graphics card for PowerBooks
connects additional High End Displays. All VGA, DVI and ADC
Displays are supported.
Village Tronic's new VTBook PC Card
graphics card for PowerBooks works in any Type II PC Card slot
equipped PowerBook, such as PowerBook G3 WallStreet, Lombard, Pismo, or 15"-17" PowerBook G4 running Mac
OS 9 or Mac OS X. Any VGA, DVI, or ADC display (with a
DVI-to-ADC adapter) is supported.
Additional display space is ideal for those PowerBook users who
need an easily transportable notebook but also need to use a
full-size display when sitting at a desk. Road warriors, video and
audio editors, programmers, creatives, and many other PowerBook
users will find the additional display space invaluable in order to
maximize productivity. VTBook supplies more than simple video
mirroring - it supports a complete additional display. Windows can
be dragged seamlessly from the PowerBook's display to the external
monitor.
For PowerBooks without a DVI connector, VTBook is the only way
to connect the high end ADC Displays.
PowerBook users can get resolution as high as 1920 x 1440.
VTBook's independent 32 MB of 266 MHz DDR memory ensures no impact
on the PowerBook's performance, even when running in the highest
resolution modes. VTBook supports more than 70 predefined
resolutions from 512 x 348 through 1920 x 1200 at millions of
colors.
VTBook is hot swappable under OS 9 and OS X 10.3, and
it supports Deep Sleep and Hibernation. VTBook ships with a DVI
connector as well as a VGA adapter and comes with a stylish magic
box carrying case.
"The VTBook is exactly what many PowerBook users have wanted for
years. Now it's very easy to attach an additional external display
to your PowerBook, drive it in millions of colors, and get the
extra desktop space which before only was available to a desktop
system," said Hubert Neumeier of Village Tronic. "VTBook is the
only solution if you want to connect your high end ADC Display to
your G3 PowerBook or your second external display to your 17"
PowerBook."
VTBook is the perfect choice to enhance the graphics
capabilities of modern and less modern PowerBooks. A better
graphics engine means more working space to improve your
productivity while working at your desk with an external display.
What is a common practice on desktop is finally possible on
notebooks, too: Plug in the card and enjoy a big display on your
portable computer without the need to change machines.
There are few competitive products, such the Margi Display-To-Go
PC Card (SRP $224). They support only 4 MB of video memory and
much lower resolutions. VTBook is the only CardBus graphics card
that offers both VGA and DVI in one product and runs on a modern
OS.
Hardware Specs
- Graphics Chip: Trident XP2
- Memory: 32 MB 266 MHz DDR
- Bus: CardBus 32 bit
- Connectors: PC Card Type II, DVI (DVI-D and DVI-A compatible)
and VGA (with included adapter)
- Physical dimensions: 126 x 54 x 15 mm, 4.96 x 2.13 x 0.59 inch
(without DVI to VGA adapter)
- Weight: 68 grams; 114 grams with DVI to VGA adapter; 218 grams
with adapter and "Magic Box" carrying case
Minimum System Requirements: Mac OS 9.2.2 or OS X 10.2.8
Hardware Requirements: PowerBook with a CardBus slot, including
WallStreet, Lombard, Pismo, titanium 15", aluminium 15" and 17"
The suggested retail price is $249
CoolMax Gemini 2.5" Portable Aluminum FireWire
Hard Drive Enclosure
Available from MacResQ,
the CoolMax Gemini 2.5" portable aluminum FireWire hard drive
enclosure features:
- Aluminum material promotes heat dissipation
- Case accepts 9.5 mm slim 2.5" hard drives
- High quality punch included
- Bus powered (AC adapter optional)
- Includes FireWire Cable
- Manufacturer Warranty
System requirements:
- Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, 10.x;
- Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/XP.
Price: $29.99
Simpler Fuel Cell Architecture Being Readied
for Portables
EE Times Junko
Yoshida reports:
- "MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. on Monday (June 21) unveiled patented
direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology based on what the
company says is a radically simplified architecture that will
permit handheld electronics to be powered by integrated, internal
fuel cells for the first time.
"MTI Micro is due to demonstrate prototypes of handheld systems
that enjoy three to 10 times more "on" time than conventional
lithium-ion solutions using its Mobion DMFC technology. "Vast
developments have been made over the past year in terms of slimming
down fuel cell sizes to attach directly on the portable device, but
it has been an ongoing challenge to develop a fully integrated
power solution," said Sara Bradford, an analyst with Frost &
Sullivan. Indeed, many fuel cells "clip" onto the device they power
from the back or side, or else reside in a separate unit that plugs
into it, she said.
"Smart Fuel Cell AG and Medion AG have demonstrated a notebook PC
docking station powered by a fuel cell, she added, but MTI Micro is
the first to introduce an integrated micro fuel cell
solution."
Milano Leather PowerBook and iBook Cases
The Milano leather case is as slim and full-featured as your new
PowerBook. This high-quality leather case is geared to the
executive who wants a slim, stylish case for business use.
Crafted of high-quality cowhide
leather, the Milano comes in a 12", 15", and 17" version to ensure
a custom fit for all PowerBook models. The 12" and 14" iBook also
fit nicely in the respectively sized cases. The Milano is a tight
design that avoids the bulkiness found in most other cases.
The Milano has a comfortable, padded non-slip shoulder strap
with an attachment for your iPod, digital camera or cellphone. Or
you can go strapless and carry the case by its rugged handle. The
buckles and handle connectors are all-high quality solid stainless
steel hardware.
The interior features a padded laptop pocket, lined with soft
plush fabric. A smaller pocket holds your non-digital documents and
folders. There is also a pocket for your extra batteries, cables,
adapters, etc. The back of the case features a large open pocked
for quick access to magazines, plane tickets or other quick-reach
items.
The Milano is a slim design with enough storage for the "on the
go" professional. Matter of fact, it is so sleek that most people
won't even realize that you have a laptop in your bag.
Price: $139.95, available from the
Think Different Store.
RadTech Announces New Products for iPod,
Laptops, More
RadTech has announced
immediate availability of several new product additions.
Radtech's new offerings include:
MiniSleevz for iPod mini
Following on the success of the svelte PodSleevz iPod cases,
miniSleevz inherit the same features as their larger siblings.
Constructed from RadTech's unique Optex
fabric, miniSleevz provide full, wrap-around protection while
adding minimal bulk. As with their larger counterparts, miniSleevz
allow full control of the iPod mini directly through the case,
fully shielding the click-wheel navigation control from soiling,
spills, debris and dirty hands. As with all of RadTech's Optex iPod
sleeves, a miniSleevz-clad iPod mini fits perfectly into the
Apple-supplied belt clip and armband mounts.
MiniSleevz are available in six vibrant colors, both online, and
wherever RadTech products are sold. Priced at $17.95.
MacTruck PowerBook Enclosure
A professional-grade notebook enclosure, designed to be the most
rugged and functional enclosure available for both transporting and
using late model PowerBooks. Only slightly larger than the
PowerBook itself, the MacTruck enclosure can be carried by itself,
or it is easily stowed into a conventional bag, backpack or
suitcase.
Constructed from 3 mm thick 5052-H32 aluminum alloy
and weighing 4.5 - 5.5 lbs., the MacTruck provides complete
notebook protection under the most severe conditions imaginable.
The enclosures are uniquely sized for each model Apple portable,
add minimal bulk, and allow complete use of the notebook without
removing it from the enclosure.
The enclosure provides full access to all ports, optical drives,
and controls. The opened case can also be manipulated to provide
slight chassis inclination for more ergonomic keyboarding. The
cases feature a durable powder-coated finish, finished by an epoxy
clear coat. Available in two handsome hues: aluminum and
graphite.
Price range: $199 - $229. iBook models will follow soon.
BT-500 Wireless Bluetooth, 800 dpi optical, three-button
scrolling mouse
This ruggedly built, mobile-sized, and lightweight Bluetooth
wireless mouse packs a solid productivity punch. The BT-500
combines 3-button functionality and control as well as a
finger-friendly silicone composite scroll wheel.
Weighing a luggage-friendly
64 grams with it's included AAA alkaline batteries, the mouse ships
in RadTech's environmentally responsible and reusable Tough-Pak -
the perfect cocoon for stowing the mouse while on the go. Battery
life is enhanced thanks to the BT-500's smart, power-saving sleep
mode - when the mouse is moved after switching to sleep mode, the
connection is seamlessly restored in two seconds!
An easily accessible power switch allows the device to be
powered down for extended periods of nonuse. Battery life is a
respectable 7 days when powered on 24/7 and several weeks when used
4-6 hours per day.
The BT-500 wireless mice are available in both blue and white
colored exteriors for $54.95.
RadTech Luggage
A complete line of soft luggage and cases designed expressly for
conveying Apple notebooks and iPods in style.
Backpacks that accommodate the entire notebook size gamut,
including Apple's 17 inch PowerBook. The backpack line features
multiple padded pockets and compartments, as well as top-grade
hardware and materials throughout.
A wide selection of shoulder/messenger cases that are uniquely
tailored specifically for Apple notebooks, as well as a selection
of machine-specific, formfitting Neoprene sleeves. Stylish and
innovative accessory and roller cases round out the notebook case
offerings, as well as a unique and exciting line of iPod and iPod
mini cases and enclosures.
Most of the cases feature self-repairing and waterproof zippers,
as well as an innovative sound port which allows an iPod to reside
inside the case, while the ear bud cable is neatly routed through
and outside of the bag.
The entire line is available today, with prices ranging from
$15.95 to $134.95.
A list of worldwide
dealers is available online.
Sendstation Systems' PocketDock Combo
The PocketDock
Combo offers USB and FireWire ports in a package hardly larger
than the original PocketDock. It accepts industry-standard USB 1.1
or 2.0 cables and 6-pin FireWire cables, allowing the user to
connect to Macintosh and Windows systems at will using one
convenient adapter.
Just like the original PocketDock, the PocketDock Combo is
smaller than a box of matches and is compatible with all iPods
featuring the Dock connector, including the new iPod mini.
When you're on the road with your iPod, listening to your
favorite hits, you may unexpectedly want to connect to another Mac
or PC. When you need it most, you'll probably find that you didn't
bring the special iPod docking cable - it's at home connected to
your computer. Since you can find USB cables almost anywhere - just
unplug a printer or scanner - the PocketDock Combo let's you get
connected anytime, anyplace.
Charge your iPod's battery from any powered (6-pin) FireWire
port, found on all current Macs and many PCs. The iPod mini can
also be charged from a high-power USB port.
Use either USB or FireWire cables to charge or update your 3G
iPod
Price: $22.95
Sendstation Systems' PocketDock Line
Out
PocketDock
Line Out offers the same 6-pin FireWire connector as the
original PocketDock but adds an industry-standard 3.5 mm (1/8")
stereo jack for high-quality audio output. The stereo jack connects
directly to the iPod's line level circuitry, bypassing the iPod's
headphone amplifier for optimal sound quality when connecting to an
external amplifier or stereo system.
Just like the original PocketDock, the new PocketDock Line Out
is smaller than a box of matches and is compatible with all Apple
iPods featuring the Dock connector, including the new iPod
mini.
This makes the new PocketDock with Line Out an ideal accessory
for professional DJs, HiFi enthusiasts, and anyone else who would
like to take the iPod's great sound quality to its full potential
anytime, anywhere, without interference and distortion from the
headphone equalizer and amplifier circuitry.
Mobile FireWire and Audio connections - more convenient than
ever with the new PocketDock with Line Out.
The PocketDock Line Out Pack includes two 6 ft. ultralight and
ultra-compact white audio cables: One with 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo
plugs on both ends, one with stereo RCA and 3.5 mm plugs. They are
slim enough to fit into the palm of your hand and come with
detachable Velcro straps for convenient storage and cable
management. Their beautiful design is a perfect match for both iPod
and iPod mini - just like the PocketDock itself.
Price: $29.95
IceWear iPod mini Case
IceWear
is a beautiful, strong, and light case/cover for your iPod mini.
Compared to traditional silicon cases, it uses the same silicon
found in diving masks to make sure that Apple's beautiful creation
does not get converted into an ugly looking product. The wear, as
TuneWear likes to call it, allows access to vital controls while at
the same time adding functionality in the form of features such as
a belt loop.
The ribs on the side glow the product in the light to add
beauty to iPod mini as well as protect it during falls. IceWear is
so strong it will protect your iPod mini from most any
condition.
Unexpected clutter in unexpected places causes invisible
scratches on your gadgets. With IceWear you can just throw it in
the bag and move on without any worries. Keep your iPod mini
looking like new, even after rigorous use.
Even with IceWear, your iPod mini has all ports open for easy
access. Headphones, remote, bottom dock connector, screen, and
wheel control are all open for easy control and access. The top
area is flush with the profile of iPod mini, so third party
products such as the iTrip mini can be attached without having to
remove IceWear.
IceWear does not cover the wheel or screen. Rather it is
intentionally left open for complete control and view. That is the
way AppleDesigned the iPod mini and that is the way we leave it.
The screen is protected by embossed edges so that it does not get
scratched.
IceWear is made of very strong silicon with a belt loop so that
you can put it on your waist belt or shoulder carry bag without any
additional clutter. The belt loop also acts to keep your iPod mini
cool, so it can function without any errors.
IceWear is made of high clarity transparent silicon. It is the
same kind used in diving masks and does not cause any skin
irritation. It is only 1 mm thick and GLOWS the iPod mini to make
it look beautiful and radiant under light. It is more ultralight
than other cases and is a simple yet very functional design.
The IceWear and TuneWear logos respectfully do not cover up the
Apple iPod logo. Also the IceWear logo and TuneWear logo are
embossed in perfect symmetry.
High-density silicon, so any ink or pen marks can be removed
with the swipe of a hand. And better yet, you can even use soap and
wash it in the sink to make it look like new after rigorous
use.
IceWear has a shock absorbing rib on both sides of the case. A
drop from your desk can damage the delicate iPod mini's aluminum
shell, but when protected with IceWear, damage to iPod mini will be
none or minimal.
The rib also functions as a better grip for the iPod mini in
your hands.
There are 7 ribs on each side with a total of 14 to protect your
iPod mini. So at whichever angle the iPod mini falls, the
likelihood of the rib protecting your iPod mini is quite high. The
rib also acts as a slipstop mechanism.
The gripping power of this product is just insane. Travel on a
bumpy ride by air, sea, or land, or just go to sleep, and you will
find it where you left it. Airline travel is a good example,
because you constantly have to manage a very limited space with
your food and drinks. Have you ever had your PDA or audio player
slip between the seats and fall on the floor during a flight? Not
with IceWear; it will stay put.
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.
Apple Store -
(near
bottom of page)
- new 14" iBook G4/1 GHz,
256/60/Combo, $1,299
- new 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz,
256/40/SuperDrive, $1,499
- new 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz,
512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $2,599
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.
