The 'Book Review

Apple Aces PCMac User Survey and Academia, Pismo Survives Iced Tea, New iPod Accessories, and More

This Week's PowerBook and iBook News

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2004.08.13

This week's PowerBook, iBook, and iPod news

Apple Aces PCMag's User Survey Again

PC Mag's Sebastian Rupley reports:

"Can all of Apple Computer's survey success be chalked up to fanatical users? Once again, the company turns in a top-notch performance. Apple has enough responses to qualify for the desktop and notebook categories, and it receives the best 'overall rating' score in both: 8.8 in desktops, significantly better than the industry average of 7.8, and 9.0 for notebooks, also significantly better than the 8.0 average. These scores qualify as excellent on our 1-to-10 scale, earning the company Readers' Choice awards for both categories.

"At 9.0 for desktops and 9.2 for notebooks, Apple's impressive reliability scores are at least a point higher than the industry averages. Nearly all respondents to our survey who supplied quotes about their Apple desktops found them extremely reliable. Compared with other brands, a much lower percentage of Apple desktop systems needed repairs over the last year.

"A great number of the readers who sent in comments regarding Apple said that their older desktop systems were so dependable that they upgraded them instead of buying new systems."

Apple 'Books Ace Academia

BusinessWeek Online's Alex Salkever reports:

"Steven P. Jobs and his troops have clearly been on a college roll. In each of the past three quarters, Apple has posted 40% increases in year-over-year sales for this segment.

"During the first half of its current fiscal year, Apple posted an 18% bump in year-over-year education sales. And most of that has come from higher education, since the K-12 market has remained almost flat for Apple....

"What's behind the college revival? Credit Apple's one-two laptop punch - the lower-end iBook and the more powerful PowerBook, which are packing a wallop....

"....Jobs & Co. sold 193,000 Macs into higher education in 2003, up 17.7% over the previous year. During that period, the entire higher-education market grew by only 11%.

"The biggest reason for Apple's expansion is the growing popularity of notebook computers on campus. According to collegiate market researcher StudentMonitor, 36% of all university students had laptops by the fall of 2003, up from 21% in 2000...

"Apple laptop sales rose by a whopping 58.5% in that same period.

"Surprisingly, this laptop explosion for Apple came without major product introductions....

"Indeed, the pricey PowerBook has become the favorite portable workstation of the campus Unix clique....

"Then there's the music factor.

"If Apple can stay on a roll at college, then the Mac could well become a campus fixture once again."

Pismo Survives Close Encounter with Iced Tea

Bruce Brown says:

An 'Innocent Blunder,' and the Misery Begins...

"....my G3 PowerBook (vintage 2000; a.k.a. 'Pismo' and 'PowerBook G3 FireWire') was in bad shape - it wouldn't even turn on, let alone boot. The battery was fully charged, and the AC adapter/charger was working, was connected to the PowerBook, and was receiving AC power, as evidenced by the green glow of the pilot light on the AC adapter/charger. On the PowerBook itself, though, there was no sound, no disk drive noise or other noise of any kind, nor was there any light on the LCD screen. Nary a photon was emitted from even the green "sleep" light - the light near the display hinge on this model that pulsates when the machine is in sleep mode. Nothing. Nada. Totally dead.

"You see, only minutes earlier, I'd finally succeeded in performing my first-ever serious act of boneheaded PowerBook clumsiness: I somehow managed to spill a goodly amount of a glass of iced tea all over the PowerBook while it was up and running; unfortunately managing to hit portions of the keyboard, the LCD display, and the innards below in the process. I watched with horror and dismay as the screen made sizzling sounds, not to mention showing weird lines and display 'glitches.'"

Believe it or not, this story has a happy ending. Those old Pismos are tough babies. Bruce summarizes:

"In addition, because my PowerBook has never needed service (by anyone other than me) in the four years I've had it, and because it survived the tea-spilling incident and is still going strong (even as I type this very chronicle), my PowerBook has now picked up a new nickname in the process: 'Old Reliable!'"

LapBottom Takes Your Laptop to a New Level of Comfort

LapBottom
LapBottom

The new LapBottom offers a sleeker profile, a more secure work surface, and gives you more options so that you choose the position that works best for you and the way you use your portable.

The LapBottom has a comfortably padded underside which grips your lap. The underside is now thinner yet a bit more rigid and firmer with the same comfortable feel. This thinner profile makes the LapBottom more portable than ever before. The top combines raised ridges and non-slip "feet" to provide air flow under your laptop while holding it in place. It is made of light weight and durable materials. Measuring 12-1/4" x 9-1/2", it compresses to under an inch thick.

The LapBottom now comes with three different size self adhesive "feet" which allow you to choose a variety of "tilts" or choose more or less air space under your laptop. The new polyurethane "feet" are more durable and hold your laptop more firmly in place.

This effective accessory provides:

  • A comfortable and ergonomic way to use your laptop where it was meant to be
  • Added stability at home or while traveling
  • The air flow your laptop needs to cool itself and last longer
  • Additional padding and protection when included in your carry case

For a limited time you can buy direct from LapBottom Products for just $24.95 with free shipping via Priority Mail anywhere in the USA.

LapWorks Expands Laptop Desk Family with New UltraLite

Laptop Desk UltraLiteLapWorks Inc., specialist in ergonomic mobile computing accessories that reduce the heat in laptops, announced a thinner, lighter addition to its Laptop Desk family: the Laptop Desk UltraLite. Compared to its heavy-duty counterpart, the Laptop Desk (LTD) v2.0, the UltraLite's weight has been reduced from one pound 6 ounces to just 14.6 ounces while the thickness has been cut in half to 5/16" thin. LapWorks' Laptop Desk UltraLite will retail for $29.95 under the Targus brand later this year, but it is now available direct from http://www.laptopdesk.net for an introductory offer of $19.95 after a $10 instant rebate.

"In response to our road warrior customers' desire for a thinner, lighter Laptop Desk, we engineered the UltraLite for travelers using the less weighty, 5-pound-and-under Ultra Portables and Thin and Light notebooks, Tablet PCs and PDAs with external keyboards," said Jose Calero, LapWorks' president.

While adding several new improvements, the UltraLite retains the key design features of the award-winning, dual-purpose LTD v2.0 that take the hassles and hazards out of using laptops on a desk or while mobile.

As a lap tray, the UltraLite creates a spacious 22" x 11" workspace (1.5" longer than v2.0) that:

  • Prevents "hot lap" and the tensed body posture otherwise necessary to balance a laptop.
  • Includes a larger, more workable mousing area than the LTD v2.0.
  • Cools laptops by 8% to 10% via ventilation channels that allow increased airflow beneath the computer.

As a desktop stand, the UltraLite folds into a wedge shape that, like the LTD v2.0:

  • Offers 5 typing angles that incline the notebook's keyboard for more ergonomically comfortable use than when set flat on a desk.
  • Elevates the screen 3-1/4" closer to eye level at maximum incline.
  • Cools laptops by 15-20% by allowing more hot air to escape.

The UltraLite also:

  • Grips the computer with strategically positioned nonskid rubber pads.
  • Folds in half to 11" x 11" and a thickness of 5/16" for easy traveling in any computer bag.
  • Stabilizes an external PDA keyboard to type on a lap or inclines it to type on a desk.
  • Is made of the same durable polycarbonate material as the LTD v2.0, and is a steel gray color.

"We'll continue to offer our LTD v2.0 which was designed to support any notebook, including heavier desktop replacements," said Calero.

"With a minimal research-and-development budget, we rely on mobile accessory inventors like Calero for products to satisfy customers' demand for the next great gadget," said Ron Smith, chief marketing officer for Targus Inc. "LapWorks' LTD v2.0 has been a good seller so we look forward to picking up the UltraLite."

Whip Antenna and Handle Bundle for 15" PowerBooks

QuickerTek, developers of PowerBook antennas for Apple PowerBooks and AirPort Base Stations has just announced special pricing on a pair of popular products for 15" titanium PowerBook owners. The Whip Antenna and the new aluminum carry handle bundle is now available from QuickerTek dealers for $120.

The Whip Antenna is a 5Dbi omnidirectional antenna which typically doubles the wireless networking distance and signal strength for PowerBook owners. The new aluminum carry handle is a big hit with mobile PowerBook users who want not only an easy means of carrying the PowerBook but also raise the computer to a more ergonomic angle when used on the desktop.

"We try to develop and package products to meet the needs of thousands of our PowerBook users from around the world," said Rick Estes, president, QuickerTek. "Carry Handles and wireless antennas are a natural product duo that PowerBook users are beginning to purchase together, so we created this bundle to make it easier for all 15" titanium users to upgrade," Estes stated.

QuickerTek is the recognized leading innovator of antennas for Apple products. Popular products include the titanium PowerBook antennas as well as AirPort antennas for Graphite, Snow, and AirPort Extreme Base Stations and most Power Mac G4 models. QuickerTek is the only company with wireless external antennas for Power Mac G5 desktop computers.

Orangeware Wireless Driver for Mac v3.0

For several years now, Apple users have chafed at the issue that most wireless cards (CardBus and PCI) don't work with Apple's AirPort access points. Why is that? It's because the Apple client driver only works with the Broadcom chipset. Recently, Orangeware developed a Mac OS X Wireless Driver for the 3Com wireless line of cards which use the Atheros chip and licensed the driver to 3Com. As a result, the Atheros based 3Com cards are now compatible with Macintosh. This Macintosh compatibility is offered by 3Com at no charge to its users.

Orangeware's Wireless Driver for Mac broadens the driver availability to all users of Atheros-based wireless cards. They include D-Link, Netgear, Aztec, Elecom, Fujitsu, IBM, Linksys, NEC, Samsung, and Sony, and many more. All their current wireless offerings listed below can use the new Orangeware Driver. This means that the Mac user can now link up with Mac and PC access points by using a variety of now-compatible wireless add-on cards. These solutions, coupled with the Orangeware driver, are faster than Apple's AirPort Extreme cards and can cost half as much.

Another unique benefit of this driver is for the Mac users who need to connect to PC based "802.11a" wireless access points. Orangeware's driver is the only solution available to Mac Users - nothing else works.

Features:

  • Fully compatible with Atheros based CardBus and PCI cards (see compatibility list below)
  • Wireless 802.11a/b/g/Super G/Turbo Super G/Turbo A
  • Supports 64, 128, and 152 bit WEP security
  • Multiple profile support
  • Adjustable transmit power levels
  • Adjustable power save mode
  • Software radio disable
  • Able to filter preferred wireless mode
  • 114 selectable countries

Technical Specifications:

  • Atheros 5002 series chip compatible
  • Macintosh OS X 10.2 or later
  • Hardware requirements: Desktop PCI slot or PowerBook with CardBus slot
  • Short and long 802.11b preamble
  • ADHOC support for 802.11a/b/g
  • For Turbo Super G performance only, an Atheros based router is required

The Wireless Driver for Mac is available to users as a free trial download. If users are satisfied, they can purchase a permanent license by selecting "purchase" after the 10 minute trial has expired or by going to the wireless configuration panel and clicking on "register."

The driver is priced at $15.

If you already own this driver and wish to upgrade, you only need to download and install over your existing version.

CMS Introduces First Portable 100 GB Backup Solution for OS X

CMS Products, Inc. has announced the immediate availability of a new 100 GB capacity for their award-winning portable ABSplus, the industry's first complete, portable backup and recovery solution offering 100 GB of storage.

Now for the first time, Mac OS X users have an integrated backup and restore solution that provides automatic backup, single-button restore and now a large 100 GB capacity, yet fits in a shirt pocket. The new 100 GB capacity ABSplus portable is list priced at $419 and is available directly from CMS Products, as well as through major distributors and corporate resellers.

"The ABSplus, powered by BounceBack Professional, is the world's easiest backup and restore solution," said Ken Burke, president of CMS Products, Inc. "We're pleased to be the industry's first company to provide a 100 GB capacity in a complete solution that can fit in the palm of your hand. A must-have for laptop users and mobile professionals, the new 100 GB ABSplus is also perfect for backing up large iMovie and iDVD files, big iTunes libraries and irreplaceable iPhoto collections."

Powered by BounceBack Professional software, the ABSplus provides the ability to boot from the device in a single keystroke from any Mac OS X machine. As with lower-capacity portable ABSplus models, the new 100 GB ABSplus is shock mounted to withstand up to 1400 Gs of force, and comes with a three-year warranty.

ABSplus Makes Backup and Restore A Breeze A complete backup solution, the solid ABSplus hardware is integrated with CMS Products' award-winning BounceBack Professional software to make backup and restore extremely easy. CMS Products' patent-pending "Automatic Launcher" technology makes backing up a breeze by automatically sensing when the ABSplus device is connected and backing up the system. The ABSplus' BounceBack Professional software activates incremental backups automatically, by simply plugging in the ABSplus device. Constantly connected ABSplus devices also conduct automatic, incremental backups on a predetermined schedule.

Bouncing back from disaster is easy too, with capabilities to boot externally in a single keystroke, restore an entire system with one button click, or just drag-and-drop desired files and folders. Booting from the external backup allows users to "run" their system on any Mac OS X machine and quickly restore files or an entire system. To take advantage of this Mac-only feature, simply hold down the Option key while powering-up or restarting the computer.

Temperature Monitor 2.1 Displays Current CPU Temperature

Temperature Monitor is an application to read out all available temperature sensors in Macintosh computers. The program can display and visualize measured values in a large variety of fashions. The application supports the following operations on the measured readings:

  • display in a default window
  • display in a floating window
  • tabular display in an overview window
  • display in the menu-bar
  • display of a maximum of two readings in the Dock
  • graphical display of short-term and long-term history curves
  • speech output of readings
  • export to text files

Moreover, the application can display additional technical information about your computer. Among other information this includes:

  • Processor type
  • Processor and bus frequencies
  • Manufacturing information

Of course the application can read out the data only if your computer is equipped with the necessary sensors, and if Mac OS X can access them without needing third-party device drivers. Beginning in summer 2002, Apple has begun to massively drive forward the use of monitoring probes in the PowerMac series, the Xserve series, and in portable computers. Some models are equipped with 38 and more sensors. But Temperature and Hardware Monitor can detect sensors on many older systems as well if they are available.

We try to detect all sensors on as many Macintosh computer types as possible. However, a prediction which sensors are available in which models is not possible, because Apple very often releases "silent product updates", where the hardware equipment of some models are changed but the names are not (specifications are "subject to change without notice"). The particular graphics card and hard disk configuration used is also important because these parts can include independent sensors, too.

Please note that Apple does not support an official or standardized way of reading out sensor data in Mac OS X (the only exception is the Server Monitor application for the Xserve series). Moreover, there is no documentation or other technical note about the individual function of the sensors. For this reason, the development of Temperature Monitor and Hardware Monitor is very costly because the necessary data has to be determined by reverse engineering and tests run on a variety of computer models. Please support the development of the applications by purchasing a registration key for Hardware Monitor.

New in this version:

  • Support for new voltage and fan sensors has been added (Hardware Monitor only).
  • Support for temperature sensors on the hard disk models Seagate ST340015A, Fujitsu MHT2080AT and Western Digital WD800JB-00FMA0 was added.
  • Font types and font sizes for the sensor window and the floating window can now be set by the user.
  • Horizontal and vertical layout of the sensor window can now be set independently of the floating window.
  • A new function was added which tests for systems with variable clock frequencies.
  • The System Info window now differentiates between nominal and actual clock frequencies at startup time.
  • A new menu item was added to the Lite version which allows to launch the "big" version.
  • If multiple monitors are connected in a vertical setup, the floating window can now be dragged to the screen "above" the menu bar.
  • The FAQ section in the documentation has been extended.
  • A problem was corrected which could prevent the hwmonitor command line program from being unlocked.
  • The command line program tempmonitor which was missing in some distribution packages was added.
  • A problem affecting the incorrect display of production data for some particular models manufactured for the US markets has been corrected.
  • An incorrect multiplier for the amperage display of batteries has been corrected.

System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2.5 or later

Temperature Monitor is freeware.

Has the Time Come for a Linux Laptop?

BusinessWeek's Jim Kerstetter says:

"Linux is tiptoeing into the PC mainstream. On Aug. 3, Hewlett-Packard execs said the Silicon Valley giant will be the first major PC manufacturer to ship a laptop computer that comes preinstalled with the open source operating system. HP execs call the new Linux laptop a "market test," and figure it will sell well among software developers interested in working on Linux computers.

"The $1,140 notebook is the latest - and perhaps the most important - product debut in a year-long stream of Linux-PC developments. Over the last year, HP rival Sun Microsystems has aggressively been marketing a Linux PC, even selling it on retail king Walmart's Web site. IBM is also starting to push Linux PC sales internationally.

"However, HP is the first major PC maker to put Linux on a laptop computer, the fastest-growing segment of the PC market....

"By dribs and drabs, Linux is gaining some traction on the desktop. Depending on who's counting, Linux claims nearly 3% of PC sales. That's expected to double within the next three years, easily overtaking Apple's sales...."

Lacklustre Tablet PC Sales Suggest No Mac Version

PC Pro's Simon Aughton and Steve Malone report:

"The chances of Apple introducing a tablet-style Mac appear to be slim to nothing, following the latest figures to show how the Windows-powered version has failed to make much of an impression.

"Despite hefty marketing budgets when they were introduced, Tablet PCs are being outsold 100 to one by traditional notebooks, according to market analysts Canalys. Whilst 3.5 million notebooks were shipped in the EMEA region in the second quarter of this year, only 35,000 Tablet PCs were shipped."

Fuel Cell Compatibility Considered

IDG News Service's Martyn Williams reports:

"The International Electrotechnical Commission has formed a working group to draw up standards that will ensure compatibility between micro fuel-cells, Toshiba says.

"The company is among several that are developing such devices as alternative power sources for handheld electronic devices. Development of a standard could mean the micro fuel cell could be launched in music players, digital cameras, and other devices as early as next year. "

Targus' Cases for 17" Notebook Computers

Targus Inc. offers a complete line of carrying cases to meet the sales increase of 17" notebook computers. In 2003, the number of 17" notebooks sold in the United States rose drastically, from 492 in Q1 to 55,252 in Q4, or more than 11,000%, according to the NPD Group. Targus' 17" cases include the TXL line, a Notebook Slip Case and selected models of the Platinum Deluxe family.

"Bringing a line of larger cases to market was a simple decision for Targus because we found consumers were using bags not explicitly designed to carry notebook computers, which was resulting in unnecessary wear and tear on their expensive computing assets," said Sandra Wirth, product manager for Targus. "Targus' larger cases are the first notebook carrying cases designed specifically to safeguard the trendy 17" notebook computers. Targus' cases provide protection for these larger screens while keeping the cases lightweight and easy to carry."

Currently, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard and Apple manufacture notebooks with 17" screens, which are too large for standard notebook cases, but fit perfectly into Targus' specially designed cases. Since last October, the TXL417 notebook case ranks among the top five notebook cases sold on-line and/or at retail, according to NPD, a company that collects information technology sales transaction data from over 12,000 participating cooperator locations across the U.S. Due to popularity and demand for these larger notebook cases, additional 17" products from Targus are slated for Q3 this year.

The company's 17" cases are available in several formats-a traditional over-the-shoulder carrying case, a roller case, a slip case and a backpack. Cases include compartments to accommodate additional files and any accessories a mobile computing user needs to carry.

Targus' cases are available through major retailers, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry's Electronics and CompUSA, as well as online at http://www.targus.com. The manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) for the cases ranges between $29.99 and $99.99.

CVR217 Notebook Slip Case

The CVR217 features a neoprene exterior, which provides extra protection for large 17" notebooks. Even with its ultra slim design, the case features ample space in the front pocket and interior storage sections for business cards, pens, keys and files. This one-pound case can either be carried by its convenient, comfortable handles or its unique shock-absorbing EqualizerStrap, which evenly distributes weight over the user's shoulder for greater comfort. This top-loading, lightweight, affordable case is available in both black and blue. The MSRP is $29.99 and includes a limited lifetime warranty.

CPT400 Platinum Deluxe Notebook Case

The CPT400 contains a front flap with convenient pockets and loops to store keys, business cards, pens, airline tickets and passports. The case features a sleek gray and black exterior, a side-access mobile phone pocket, and extra storage in each compartment. This cases' large padded notebook compartment is designed to protect 17" notebooks and features an elastic security strap-adjustable to various notebook sizes-to further safeguard the computer. The main compartment panel includes a mesh pocket for easy contents visibility, three padded pockets for accessory storage and scratch-resistant CD or DVD sleeves. Weighing 4.2 pounds, the $59.99 MSRP includes a limited lifetime warranty.

TXL417 Notebook Case

Despite its large size, the TXL417 is one of the world's lightest padded notebook cases, weighing just 3.5 pounds. With a locking zipper, the notebook compartment fits most notebooks with a 17" screen and comes with nonskid shock absorbing feet. A zip-down workstation for business cards, media, pens, a comfortable ergonomic handle and a padded detachable shoulder strap accentuate the case. The TXL417 also provides a side-access zippered pocket for a mobile phone. The case is priced at $59.99 MSRP and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

TXL617 Notebook Backpack

This comfortable, stylish backpack is suitable for students or mobile professionals. The TXL617 contains a large, separate, padded notebook compartment that fits most notebooks with up to 17" screens. It also features a main compartment for files and accessories, with a soft organizational shelf and padded shoulder straps. There are additional storage areas, including pockets designed for a water bottle, sunglasses, and mobile phone. The MSRP is $69.99 and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

TXL717 Rolling Notebook Case

Ideal for the business traveler or student - the rolling case makes it easy to transport a mobile computing solution and accessories. The TXL717 fits most notebooks with a 17" screen and has a two-section expanding file area with two removable accessory pouches. The TXL717 features smooth ball bearing, in-line skate wheels and a four-stage telescoping handle that extends to 36 inches for easy transport. With an MSRP of $99.99 the case also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

foofbags' Handmade foofpod Sleeve Bags for iPods Are a Go

foofpod
foofpod
foofpod

foofbags are selling a very limited run of foofpods before they leave for Australia. If you want one, order now.

In the meantime, they have stopped production of foofbags until after they relocate to Sydney in mid-September. There will be a new range of foofbags and foofpods available then. All existing foofbag orders will be completed before they leave Ireland.

foofbags & foofpods are handmade using a 1963 singer sewing machine

foofbags are cozy sleeves that protect your laptop from dust and scratches when used inside a backpack or ugly computer bag.

foofpods are cozy sleeves that protect your iPod from scratches. Ideal for protecting it from keys and coins in your pockets.

foof sleeves are available in:

  • 'AfterImage', 'Convergence' & 'DaisyChain' are colourful polar fleece (subtly fluffy)
  • 'WellSpotted' is short pile faux fur (the fabric has differing fur directions)
  • 'Connemara' is classic high quality Irish tweed containing 100% wool (On occasion, we can obtain tweed varieties that contain 7% Silk - 93% Wool).
  • 'Herringbone' is classic high quality Irish tweed containing 100% wool with a distinctive herringbone design. (very hard to obtain reliable stock).
  • Inner lining - All foofbag insides are made with a black quilted inner lining made with Polyester and Polyester wadding.

There is only a foofpod for the 3rd generation white Dock iPod. foofpods will be a snug fit for that model and also the latest 4th generation white iPod. They are not doing iPod mini at this time. When they say snug, your iPod should not fall out unless you squeeze it or shake it out.

Limited edition foofpods: $12 USD

new foofbag orders: Mid September

For more information, visit: http://foofbag.com/

StylusCentral.com Launches Accessories for iPod

StylusCentral.com, an online etailer of accessories for mobile devices, has launched a complete line of accessories for Apple's iPod digital music player. Those who enjoy listening to their tunes on their iPods can fully accessorize their devices at StylusCentral.com, including cases/holsters, battery chargers, car adapters, FM transmitters, media readers and voice recorders. Prices for accessories start as low as $9.99.

Featured products in StylusCentral's iPod collection include:

  • The iPod 12 Volt Car Charger keeps the iPod's battery charged anywhere there is a 12-volt power outlet, such as a car or boat. Regularly priced at $24.99, the 12-volt car charger is currently on sale for $17.99.
  • The Metal Deluxe Case for Apple iPod mini is made of anodized aircraft grade aluminum and designed to specifically fit the profile of the iPod mini. The interior of the case is lined with neoprene to cushion the iPod mini from impact shocks. The Metal Deluxe Case is regularly priced at $34.99 and can be purchased now for $27.99.
  • The Belkin TuneDok enables users to play tunes on their iPod devices in the car by simply placing the iPod into the TuneDok unit. It comes equipped with AirGrip suction-cup functionality to hold the unit in position for easy access to controls. With its innovative height-adjustment capability, the ratcheting neck feature lets users reposition the iPod easily. Regularly priced at $29.99, StylusCentral has discounted the TuneDok to $19.99.
  • iPod users can now listen to their favorite tunes through any FM stereo receiver with the Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter. This tiny adapter wirelessly connects portable music players to car or home stereo quickly and easily. StylusCentral has discounted the TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter by 25% from $39.99 to $29.99.
  • The Piel Frama Apple iPod Leather Case is hand-stitched by craftsmen in Spain and features a snap closure, removable belt clip, two credit card slots, a money pocket and soft leather lining. This luxurious case is regularly priced at $49.99 but is currently discounted to $44.99.

Altec Lansing Introduces iMmini Portable Audio System Designed for iPod mini

Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., the leader in the design and manufacture of Powered Audio products, today announced the debut of a portable audio system designed specifically for users of the iPod mini - the new iMmini. Featuring digital amplification, high quality neodymium micro drivers, and MaxxBass technology, iMmini - 41% smaller than Altec Lansing's flagship product, inMotion - is a complete speaker system.

iMmini is based on the same advanced technology and engineering that has made the original inMotion a sensation since its October, 2003 unveiling. Recipient of numerous awards and reviews, inMotion established the iPod portable audio accessory segment and helped set the standard for quality and overall audio performance.

"iPod has changed the way people listen to music and is now the number one digital music player in the world. iPod mini owners now have a choice for full spectrum, room-sized sound - either the new, smaller Altec Lansing iMmini or the original inMotion," said Mark Lucas, CEO and President of Altec Lansing Technologies.

"The iPod has revolutionized the way people listen to music and spawned a vibrant 'iPod economy' with hundreds of accessories designed specifically for the iPod," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Hardware Product Marketing. "We're delighted that Altec Lansing is bringing out another breakthrough accessory with the iMmini to provide a great sound system designed specifically for the incredibly successful iPod mini."

Altec Lansing's iMmini, at just 7" x 4.4" x 1", is small enough to easily drop into a briefcase, backpack, or suitcase. The unit features two 1" and two 18mm neodymium micro drivers encased behind perforated aluminum grilles. An onboard 4-watt Class D digital amplifier pumps out rich, full sound with no outside power source needed - in fact, four AA batteries can power the inMotion mini for more than 24 hours.

Contributing to the cross-range performance of the iMmini's micro drivers is the unit's use of MaxxBass technology. This remarkable audio concept, which uses specialized harmonic techniques borrowed from the professional audio world, delivers strikingly deep bass without a subwoofer. The result is sound far more robust than you'd ever expect from such a small package.

Attaching an iPod mini to iMmini couldn't be easier. Simply insert the player into iMmini's front-mounted docking bay and begin playback through the system's high-tech speakers. As with inMotion, iMmini gives iPod mini users complete control over data transfer and synchronization, even taking advantage of the auto-shutoff and alarm clock features. It also recharges the iPod as it sits in the docking bay when the AC power is supplied. Top-mounted controls on the iMmini provide easy access to on/off and volume.

Although it is designed for the iPod mini, Altec Lansing's iMmini lets users of any portable audio device put away their headphones and let everyone hear the music. Music enthusiasts can listen to a CD player, MP3 player, laptop, or other product via the auxiliary input while simultaneously inserting their iPod mini into the docking bay for synchronization or recharging.

Altec Lansing's inMotion iMmini comes with an 3.5mm auxiliary input cable that plugs into multiple audio devices for playback. The product also ships with an AC power supply, and soon will be updated with a universal power supply and plug set for international use.

Altec Lansing's inMotion iMmini portable audio system for the Apple iPod mini is priced at $129.95 (MSRP) and will be available in late summer at all Apple store locations as well as the Apple online store.

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.

iBookWegener Media

  • iBook 300, 96/6/CD-ROM, blueberry or tangerine, $339.99
  • AirPort Card installed, add $89.99
  • Upgrade to 320 MB RAM, add $44.50
  • Get OS X Jaguar for $19.99 with purchase of iBook

Power Max

MacResQ

Baucom Computers

Small Dog Electronics

Apple Store

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