Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.10.15
iPod News
Tech Trends
Wintel Watch
An Apple with Two Cores?
Forbes'
Arik Hesseldahl reports:
"Was that maybe, just maybe, a chip aimed at a forthcoming
PowerBook that Freescale Semiconductor was talking about?
"Apparently not - or at least not yet.
"In a presentation at this week's Fall Processor Forum,
Freescale, the former chip making unit of Motorola, disclosed plans
to produce a dual-core version of its PowerPC chip that it said was
aimed primarily at networking applications.
"But news of Freescale's impending presentation of a dual-core
version of its e600 chip (e600 is the new name for the line of
chips that used to be called G4), prompted a bit of speculation
that perhaps a new Mac-oriented chip with two cores might have been
in the offing, which would indeed be news....
"While the chip Freescale described on Tuesday - which bears the
arcane product name MPC8641D - probably isn't going into a Mac
anytime soon, there's nothing stopping Freescale from adapting it
and making a dual-core chip aimed at Apple's flagship product, says
Kevin Krewell, analyst with Instat/MDR, the market research outfit
that hosted the Processor Forum event."
Cooler, Quieter Laptop Hard Drives
PC World's Rex
Farrance reports:
"Western Digital has announced its first foray into mobile hard
drives. If the new drives live up to their promise, they should be
among the best options available....
"The Scorpio line of drives debuts in 40 GB, 60 GB and 80 GB
capacities. The drive has a rated average seek time of 12ms and
comes with a 2 MB buffer (an upgrade to 8 MB is
optional).... Scorpio drives will spin their platters at 5400
rpm....
"The company claims that models in the Scorpio line are the
quietest mobile hard drives on the market. Heat won't be a problem
either...."
Dealing with Beverage Spills on Your 'Book
MaxFixIt
writes:
"Your errant hand or a curious pet can inflict serious damage on
a PowerBook or iBook if liquids are nearby. A spilled beverage -
especially those containing sugar or of naturally high acidity -
can be damaging or even terminal for your laptop.
"Aside from the general advice of never keeping any food or
beverage within striking distance of your 'book, there are some
methods for possible resurrection of a flooded unit, as well as
preventative measures that can ensure your investment will not be
completely lost."
Lightest Car/Air Power Adapter
Ever get stuck on the road with
a dead laptop battery and an hour's worth of work to do? Never
again! Just use the
Kensington Universal Car/Air Adapter for Apple to plug your
PowerBook or iBook into any car cigarette lighter or
Empower-equipped airline seat, and you've got the power you need.
Internal circuit protection prevents overheating, and a compact,
lightweight design keeps you mobile.
Features and Benefits
- Powers and charges notebook in a car or on a plane
- Adapter tips fit Apple PowerBooks and Apple iBook
notebooks
- Eliminates the need to carry heavy, extra batteries
- Internal circuitry prevents overheating and protects
notebook
- Compact and 20% lighter than any other adapter
- Only available in the US
Universal Car/Air Adapter for Apple is backed by the Kensington
one year warranty.
Price: $77.95
Targus Rolls Out USB Bluetooth Adapter
Targus Inc., inventor of
the notebook case and specialist in mobile accessory solutions, has
announced the availability of its USB Bluetooth Adapter for
notebook computers. The latest in Targus' expanding family of
Bluetooth accessories, this tiny device allows users to wirelessly
connect up to seven Bluetooth devices, such as printers, PDAs,
mobile phones, mice and keyboards, to their notebook computer.
With plug-and-play convenience, users can install the
Bluetooth Adapter by simply connecting it to their system's USB
port for immediate connectivity with any Bluetooth v1.1-compliant
device. Once connected, users can perform a variety of tasks such
as wirelessly transferring files and synchronizing PDA or smart
phone contacts and calendars with Microsoft Outlook.
For users away from their offices, value added features offered
by the adapter include the ability to connect to the Internet or
network by using their phone as a wireless modem, to print from a
phone or PC to a Bluetooth printer, or to fax from a PC through a
smart phone.
"As Bluetooth technology becomes more popular within the mobile
computing space, Targus' Bluetooth Adapter offers an inexpensive
solution for users who do not have this emerging technology built
in to their notebooks," said Michael Greco, senior product manager
for Targus. "Users can operate Bluetooth devices seamlessly and
without messy wires, using as many Bluetooth accessories as
necessary at one time."
Weighing less than half an ounce and measuring 2.22" by 0.79" by
0.43", the miniature adapter easily fits in a pocket and will not
add bulk to heavy carrying cases. Operable in almost any
environment, the adapter can communicate with devices within a 33'
range and will function through walls and other nonmetal barriers.
Targus has included built-in 128-bit encryption and authentication
to ensure wireless communications are secure.
The Bluetooth Adapter is compatible with notebook and desktop
computers running Windows XP, 2000, ME, 98SE and Mac OS X. The
adapter comes with a Quick Start Guide, Full User Guide, and driver
CD-ROM.
Targus' USB Bluetooth Adapter is currently available at major
retailers including Circuit City and
Office Depot, resellers
including Ingram Micro, TechData, D&H, and CDW, or online at
Targus' website by searching for product number ACB10US. The
adapter has a suggested retail price of $39.99 and includes a
one-year warranty.
iMac G5 the All-In-One for Almost All
Fortune's Peter
Lewis says:
"Has Apple got a deal for you - a brilliant, 17-inch LCD
flat-panel display for $1,299, with a powerful desktop computer
thrown in free. But the real bonus is that the computer itself does
not take up any desk space. Zero. Zip.
"With its new family of iMac G5 computers, there's a fancier
17-inch model for $1,499 and a 20-inch model for $1,899....
"But as impressive as the iMac is, it comes at an awkward stage
in the evolution of the PC. Many desktop computer owners are
choosing to replace their bulky PCs with laptops, which are
smaller, lighter, and more versatile, and the trend will continue
despite Apple's impressive engineering achievement with the iMac.
The 17-inch iMac I've been testing weighs 20 pounds and is
relatively easy to move from one room to another, but compare that
with my Apple PowerBook G4, which weighs a third as much and
perches easily on my lap, which the iMac definitely does
not....
"But let's pretend I already have a portable computer and I'm
looking for a desktop machine for use at home as an alternative to
lugging the portable to and fro. (And let's pretend I can afford to
buy both a laptop and a desktop.) In that case, the iMac is
certainly worth considering, even for people whose political
persuasion leans toward the Windows operating system instead of the
Mac OS.
"I've shifted most of my work to the Macintosh, in part because
of my appreciation for the Mac system's stability and ease of use,
but in larger part because I'm sick of downloading Microsoft
security patches and worrying every minute about viruses and worms
and other threats aimed at Microsoft's Windows
infrastructure...."
Touchscreen for 17 PowerBook Available November
15
Web UK, Ltd. has
announced the innovative TouchStar pSeries17 touchscreen
enhancement will be available worldwide beginning November 15, 2004
for €495 plus VAT.
The new TouchStar pSeries17, first shown at the Apple Expo in
Paris, is the first in the new line of TouchStar products for
Apple's portable and desktop LCD displays. TouchStar products allow
Apple users to easily add or remove touchscreen functionality to
their displays without system modification using a patent-pending
slipcover design. The TouchStar frames are made of durable
aluminium that elegantly matches Apple's award winning designs.
Simply slip the TouchStar system over your screen, install the
drivers, and plug in the USB cable; your Apple display is touch
enabled. Drivers and calibration tools are provided for both Mac
OS X Jaguar and Panther.
The TouchStar pSeries17 for PowerBooks is the first in the
pSeries that will include TouchStar pSeries12 and pSeries15 for the
Apple 12 and 15 PowerBooks respectively. Those will ship by Q1,
2005. The cSeries for Cinema displays, the iSeries for iBooks, and
the mSeries for the G5 iMacs will follow.
Touchscreens emulate a mouse's click, double-click and drag to
provide the most intuitive desktop navigation. Simply point and
touch with your finger. Not only do these new TouchStar products
allow people worldwide to enhance their systems quickly and easily,
TouchStar is also the most affordable touchscreen solution
around.
TouchStar touchscreens use the latest pressure sensitive,
resistive technology and the most modern controller design. They
provide 4,096 by 4,096 points of touch resolution and are tested to
over 10 million touches for durability. The new calibration utility
provides 7 points of calibration for superior accuracy to the edges
of the screen. All new TouchStar systems can be secured to the host
system using generally available Kensington security cables.
Touchscreen enhancements, while essential for users with
physical challenges, are today part of everyone's lifestyle. With
these new TouchStar products, Mac developers can create software
for the highly lucrative interactive marketplace. TouchStar
touchscreens are commonly used for interactive kiosks, retail
displays, museum exhibits, building directories, point of sale
systems, gaming, vending and ATM machines. Music and video editors
use touchscreens in their studios. Presenters use touchscreens for
dynamic Keynote presentations. Touchscreens are ideal for
industrial controls, medical equipment, and scientific
instrumentation. TouchStar touchscreens can be easily shared in
classroom and lab environments.
Web UK, Ltd. is based in Surrey, England and is the exclusive
international distributor of TouchStar products. Web UK, Ltd. are
technology brokers who distribute technology and communications
solutions worldwide. Bona fide reseller inquiries are welcome. For
TouchStar sales and information email Web UK, Ltd. at
ukinfo@webukltd.com.
PC Mag Reviews 15" PowerBook G4
PC Magazine writes:
"PowerBook buyers will like this model, but Apple needs to solve
the heat problem to make this an ideal laptop."
I/OMagic to Ship Slim Dual-Layer 8x
External DVD±RW Drive
I/OMagic Corporation, a provider of data storage and digital
entertainment products, has begun shipping its new
8x External USB 2.0 Slim DVD Rewritable Drive into the North
American retail marketplace.
The 8x External USB 2.0 Slim DVD Rewritable
Drive is a dual format, double layer portable device that is
compact (it measures just 5.7" x 0.8" x 6.5") and lightweight (just
over one pound with power supply and USB cable). The drive's dual
format technology allows users to read and write in most popular
formats, including DVD+R and DVD+R double layer, DVD+RW, DVD-R,
DVD-RW, CD-R, and CD-RW, as well as choose either a DVD or CD
format, whichever is most compatible with a user's personal
computers or home DVD players.
"This portable, slim drive is a smaller than usual, lightweight
unit that is easy to travel with or plug in at home," said Tony
Andrews, Vice President of Engineering and Product Development for
I/OMagic Corporation. "Users can create their own home movies,
photo discs, or music on DVD or CD, as well as play DVDs they've
produced on most home DVD players."
"I/OMagic's new 8x External USB 2.0 Slim DVD Rewritable Drive
allows for storage of up to 4.7 GB of music, photos, movies or
other data," continued Andrews. "Or by utilizing the double layer
technology, up to 8.5 GB of information can be stored."
I/OMagic's 8x External USB 2.0 Slim DVD Rewritable Drive will
write at 8x speeds using DVD+R and DVD-R media, at 4x for DVD+RW
and DVD-RW media, and at 2.4x speeds using DVD+R double layer
media. The drive also includes software to enable users to create
videos, burn DVDs and CDs in various popular formats, and play as
well as store, music, photos and movies on either DVDs or CDs.
I/OMagic has started shipping the 8x External USB 2.0 Slim DVD
Rewritable Drive to Staples stores with an introductory suggested
retail price of $199.99.
iPod News
Griffin PodPod Cradle for iPod or iPod
mini
Put your iPod in the lap of luxury. Your cup
holder is a great place for your iPod on the road, but it can still
slide around, fall out, and even be scratched. And trying to use a
charging cable really complicates things.
Enter the PodPod. The
PodPod holds your iPod or iPod mini at an easy-to-see angle. The
material won't scratch the iPod's surface, and Griffin says, "while
we haven't rolled any cars, we know that your iPod isn't likely to
fall out." The PodPod also leaves room on the inside for a docking
cable and provides a place for the cable to run without disturbing
your iPod's new found peace.
The Griffin PodPod is the best seat in the car for your iPod or
iPod mini. Even your wallet will thank you.
Now you can rest your trippin' iPod in it's own comfy seat for
the ride. This also gives the iTrip a great spot close to your
car's antenna, where it can do its job the best.
BiblePlayer for iPod Lets You Read and Hear the
Bible on Your iPod
Now you can take God's Word with you anywhere you go. Using
iPod's "Notes" feature, you can read and hear the Bible on your
iPod. Each book is logically organized so finding the chapter you
want is a breeze. The Bible translation is the King James Version.
Soon to come are the Modern American Standard Version (World
English) and Spanish Reina Valera.
BiblePlayer™
also includes:
- entire King James Bible (more to come)
- play links to each chapter's audio
- Spurgeon's Faith's Checkbook, a daily devotional
- Over 100 bible stories including all major parables of
Jesus
- Bible reading plans to help you read the entire bible
The audio CDs includes:
- Entire Bible in MP3 audio on only 2 CDs
- Additional reading plans
- Morning and Evening devotional
- Daily Proverbs Module
- God's Promises Module
New in this version:
- added way for reading plan to continue year to year by adding
next links from month to month
- fixed the way Bible books are arranged so the alphabetical
ordering in iPod works properly
- fixed typos in Bible text that the programming script
introduced on its own
- improved documentation to help new users install the app
properly
System requirements:
- Any 3rd or 4th generation iPod (including mini)
- Mac OS X
Tech Trends
People Not Lured by 17" Notebooks
The Inquirer
staff reports:
"An analyst from DisplaySearch said that sales of 17-inch
notebooks slowed dramatically during the first half of this year,
and it's probably lack of consumer demand that caused the blip.
"Chris Connery, senior analyst at DisplaySearch, made the
comments during the recent DisplayForum 2004 conference held in The
Hague, and also pointed to other trends in the marketplace....
"Fifteen inch notebooks remain the leading seller, but growth
was slower during the same period. Meanwhile, in the third quarter,
12.1-inch notebooks showed steady and growing demand."
Higher Power Requirements in Portable Devices
Spark Interest in Micro Fuel Cells
The proliferation of power-hungry portable electronic devices
has ignited fresh interest in next-generation micro fuel cells that
are compact, lightweight, and powerful with inherent capabilities
to bridge the growing power gap.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan,
World Micro Fuel Cell Markets for Portable Devices, reveals
that unit shipments in this industry are projected to reach $125.2
million in 2010.
"Once fuel cells enter the mainstream market, they will provide
significant improvements in energy storage and also allow portable
electronic devices to incorporate new features while simultaneously
increasing their operating time," says Frost & Sullivan
Industry Manager Sara Bradford.
The hype surrounding micro fuel cells is understandable. Their
ability to deliver more energy per volume weight compared to
existing lithium-ion rechargeable battery technologies is a
much-awaited benefit. It is expected to resolve the issues related
to shorter run times between chargings.
"Current advanced lithium-ion rechargeable batteries offer only
three hours of continuous operating time while micro fuel cells
could provide 20 or more hours of usage time, even in high-drain
portable devices," emphasizes Bradford.
Micro fuel cells score over traditional batteries in many other
facets. In addition to being several times lighter, micro fuel
cells are simpler and quicker to recharge.
Military applications are potential early adopters of micro fuel
cells, given the need for uninterrupted operation and the desire to
lighten the battery load for soldiers.
However, micro fuel cells are likely to encounter several
challenges on their path to commercialization. For instance, the
selection of toxic materials such as methanol requires greater
attention to transport and packaging safety.
Issues such as methanol crossover, catalyst/membrane interface,
membrane operating conditions, and electrode flooding in
conventional proton exchange membrane (PEM)-based direct methanol
fuel cells (DMFCs) also impede full-blown commercial
acceptance.
"Although technology has evolved radically over the past few
years, there is still room for improving the current efficiency
rates of 20-30 percent closer to 100 percent," notes Bradford.
Ultimately, standardization of fuel cartridge size, shape, and
other form-factor dimensions is essential for the micro fuel cells
industry to take off. In response to this need, the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is looking at uniform
specifications for fuel cell cartridges and their chemical
composition.
"By establishing a critical mass for fuel-cell-enabled devices,
standardization is likely to be the key factor in giving micro fuel
cells a larger share of the retailer's shelf space," reiterates
Bradford.
Large-scale acceptance of micro fuel cells also hinges upon the
ability to efficiently mass produce them at a reasonable price.
Reduced usage of platinum and tie-ups with manufacturing facilities
can drastically alter the cost of production.
After commercialization, the cost of the fuel cell system is
expected to be in line with the prices of existing rechargeable
batteries. Industry participants expect prices for each refill
cartridge to fall below $1.
In addition to affordability, the added benefits of quiet
operation and environment-friendly features are likely to propel
micro fuel cells as the next big thing in power source
technologies.
World Micro Fuel Cell Markets for Portable Devices, part of the
Batteries Subscription, evaluates the current state of the market
for consumer, industrial, and military portable devices. The study
focuses on trends shaping the market and discusses possible ways of
gaining market share. Emerging applications, competitive analysis,
and unit shipment forecasts for both portable devices reviewed and
micro fuel cell penetration give participants a clearer perspective
of future opportunities. Executive summaries and interviews are
available to the press.
If you are interested in an analysis overview which provides
manufacturers, endusers, and other industry participants an
overview, summary, challenges and latest coverage of the World
Micro Fuel Cell Markets for Portable Devices, send an email to
Julia Paulson, North American Corporate Communications, at
jpaulson@frost.com with the following information: Full name,
Company Name, Title, Contact Tel. Number, Contact Fax Number,
Email. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be
emailed to you.
Researchers "Pleased" by Progress in
Development of Battery Based on "Nanograss"
An executive with mPhase
Technologies has reported that the team of scientists working
on a project to commercialize a nanobattery based on a Bell
Laboratories discovery is very encouraged by the progress achieved
in only six months of collaboration with the research and
development arm of Lucent Technologies.
"We have to remind ourselves that our agreement with Lucent was
only signed at the end of February," noted Steve Simon, mPhase's
EVP for R&D. "The team is very pleased by the development of
the first working prototype. This capped a series of processes,
including plating metals in microscopic dimensions and selecting
chemistries to prove that it is possible to fabricate a
nanotexture-based battery that does not degrade until it's needed
to generate electric current."
Simon made his remarks as part of a panel, "Enabling Existing
Energy Solutions," at the NanoCommerce 2004 Conference being held
at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Oct. 5-7.
The prototype battery, developed at Lucent's New Jersey
Nanotechnology Consortium (NJNC) - one of the world's most advanced
design, development and fabrication facilities for nanotechnology -
is based on a Bell Labs discovery that liquid droplets of
electrolyte will stay in a dormant state atop microscopic
structures called "nanograss" until stimulated to flow, thereby
triggering a reaction producing electricity. The experiment proved
that this super-hydrophobic effect of liquids can permit precise
control and activation of the batteries on demand.
Future batteries based on this technology have the potential to
deliver far longer shelf life and better storage capacity than
existing battery technology. Potential initial applications for
this technology may include defense, industrial, healthcare and
consumer electronics. mPhase is also targeting the nanobattery for
use in a technically improved, lighter weight battery design.
Wintel Watch
Dell Recalls 4.4 Million Laptop Power
Adapters
The Register's Tony
Smith reports:
"Dell . . . asked 4.4m notebook users to return their
power adaptors after it admitted these peripherals pose both a fire
and electric shock hazard.
"The potentially faulty parts may overheat. If they do, they
could catch fire or split open, exposing live electric connections.
Dell asked users affected by the problem to cease using their
adaptors immediately."
Sharp's
Ultralight Ultraportable
PC
Magazine reports:
"Sharp Systems of America introduces the Actius MP30
ultraportable, which will replace its popular Actius MM20 line. The
newest ultralight system looks nothing like its predecessor, with a
stylish white frame (recently introduced on the Actius AL27) that
calls the Apple iBook G4 to mind."
Toshiba Notebooks to Include 17" and
15.4" Widescreen Displays
Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD) has announced the
latest additions to its Qosmio
brand of digitally converged AV notebook PCs - the Qosmio
G15-AV501 and Qosmio F15-AV201. Featuring a 17" widescreen display
and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, the Qosmio
G15-AV501 offers consumers a unique "four-in-one" experience,
eliminating the need for multiple consumer electronics devices such
as a DVD player, PVR, TV, and stereo. The Qosmio F15-AV201 offers
the same functionality with a 15.4" diagonal widescreen
display.
The latest additions to the Qosmio AV notebook line feature the
same features as the previous version, including a built in TV
tuner, DVR capabilities, and a high-quality QosmioEngine that
enables increased video and graphics performance. The new notebooks
also include increased hard disk space, up to 100 GB (two hard
drives: 60 GB + 40 GB) to provide users with enough room to copy,
edit, and save video content, photos, or music files without the
worry of running out of storage space.
Coupled with Ultimate TruBrite wide screen displays, the Qosmio
G15-AV501 and Qosmio F15-AV201 have two lamps for extreme
brightness and an extended viewable range to create an audio/video
experience comparable to stand-alone CE devices. Additionally,
users can enjoy a more cinematic-quality experience when listening
to music or watching movies on the new notebooks through the SRS
WOW & TruSurround XT technology and large Harman/Kardon stereo
speakers.
The G15-AV501 and F15-AV201 also include the QosmioPlayer,
allowing users to watch TV or DVDs - or listen to CDs - with a
simple touch of a button instead of having to boot up the Windows
operating system. With this feature, Qosmio owners can use the
remote control or quick access buttons to enjoy their audio or
video content within seconds - just as if they were using a
stand-alone TV, stereo or DVD player.
With extensive video in/out connectivity options, Qosmio users
can access and share photo and video content quickly and easily.
Users can hookup their favorite gaming console or camcorder to the
Qosmio for on-the-fly gaming or to display home movies on the road,
at home or on vacation.
Also a powerful computing tool, the Qosmio G15-AV501 and
F15-AV201 feature Intel Centrino mobile technology, providing
outstanding mobile performance and built-in wireless connectivity
to improve productivity and enhance the entertainment experience.
The Qosmio AV notebooks feature Intel PRO/Wireless (802.11b/g) to
make connecting to the Internet at home or on the road at wireless
hotspots convenient. The units are also Bluetooth enabled, which
means they provide easy access to wireless accessories.
Toshiba offers a stylish aluminum briefcase specially designed
by Zero Halliburton to fit any Qosmio computer (regardless of
screen size). The optional case is customized to conveniently house
the PC, remote controls, AV cables, A/C adapter, and IR receiver as
well as Bluetooth-enabled headphones or mouse and other personal
effects. The case is available at www.toshibadirect.com and sells
for $299.
All Toshiba notebooks are eligible for optional SystemGuard
accidental damage coverage, providing repair of damage caused by
spills, drops and other accidents at no additional cost. The
ServiceExpress program provides customers with a high priority
depot or carry-in repair to ensure a quick turnaround. And for
added convenience, Toshiba offers At-Home service where a
Toshiba-trained technician will arrive directly at a customer's
home to perform the necessary hardware repairs. Each of these
programs can be combined with a Toshiba Extended Warranty program,
providing up to three additional years of warranty coverage. For
more information and pricing on these and other available services
visit www.toshibadirect.com.
The Qosmio G15-AV501 and Qosmio F15-AV201 notebooks will be
available at http://www.Qosmio.com and retail
distribution channels including computer superstores and consumer
electronics stores.
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.
- refurb 14" iBook
G4/1 GHz, 256 MB/40/Combo, $1,099
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,349
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,549
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.33
GHz, 256 MB/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,699
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models,
see our Best PowerBook G4
Deals, Best iBook G4
Deals, and Best iBook G3
Deals.
