Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.03.24
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
Field reports and reviews continue to praise the MacBook Pro,
but there are some questions about MagSafe. It is patented, which
may prevent third parties from making MagSafe power supplies - but
there's also some prior art. And it may not be so safe, as one cat
owner discovered when he came home to a fried MagSafe
connector.
In other news, Apple has a contract to supply Maine with 36,000
iBooks for educational use, Hardmac has information on turning an
iBook into a desktop computer, Bare Feats finds USB 2.0 faster on
Intel Macs - but still slower than FireWire, DayStar's 1.92 GHz
PowerBook G4 upgrade is put through its paces, QuickerTek releases
a "super" antenna for the MacBook, and Samsung shows off 32 GB
internal flash drives for portable computing.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod news is covered
in The iNews Review. News about
Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is
covered in The Macintel Report.
News & Opinion
MagSafe News
Tech Tips
Reviews
Products
Tech Trends
News & Opinion
Top 10 Reasons I Love My MacBook
Desperately Wandering's Ms. Baker says:
"I must admit, getting used to and feeling comfortable with my
MacBook has been very easy to do,
and has happened so very quickly. It has barely been two weeks
since it arrived in Kuwait, but I now become confused and feel
jarred by the harshness of Windows XP whenever I try to use my old
Toshiba laptop. I am just so glad I got the MacBook Pro, it was
well worth the expense and the wait (and the hassle I went through
to buy it!). Here, after two weeks of being in the shoes of my
newfound MacGirl persona, are my top ten somewhat technical and
somewhat superficial reasons why I love my MacBook Pro:
- Its smooth and silky exterior
- Force Quit
- The bright, beautiful, vibrant colors of the screen.
- I can wirelessly stream iTunes from my MacBook to my
stereo!
- The calm and collected voice of "Vikki"
- Spotlight
- Widgets! Gotta love those widgets
- The adjustable brightness of the screen and backlit
keyboard
- Expose and Tabs in Safari
- My MacBook is so photogenic and looks so cool being shown off
at airports"
Editor's Note: It's interesting that five of the 10 reasons are
Mac OS X reasons rather than MacBook Pro specific. cm
Link: Top Ten Reasons
Why I Love My MacBook
MacBook Pro and Cons
O'Reilly.net's Giles Turnbull says:
"I've been playing with a MacBook
Pro for a few days now (Apple have sent me one on loan for
review purposes). So far, there are some things I like about it and
some things that I really dislike. I thought I'd share both lists
with you now. I'll produce a more rounded review in a week or
two.
- Good stuff
- Screen
- Rosetta, concept and reality
- Universal Binaries
- Speed, mostly
- It's still a Mac T
- No Intel branding
- MagSafe
- AirPort is fine
- Photo Booth
- Wider trackpad
- Bad stuff
- Noise
- Heat"
Link:
MacBook Pro and Cons
MacBook Pro 'Fastest Windows XP Notebook'
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Want the fastest Windows XP Core Duo notebook? Then buy a Mac.
According to benchmarks carried out by website GearLog, Apple's
MacBook Pro running Windows XP is
a better Adobe Photoshop rig than any other Core Duo laptop on the
market...."
Link:
Apple MacBook Pro 'Fastest Windows XP Notebook'
WinXP Boots on
Macintel, The Macintel Report
MacBook Pro Worth the Sticker Shock
The Washington Times' Mark Kellner reports:
"If I were shopping for a Mac portable now, I'd seriously
consider the MacBook Pro, even if
this configuration's $3,000-plus price tag may cause an information
technology director to gasp. It's a quality machine that offers a
good deal for the money.
"The MacBook Pro from Apple Computer base price US$2,499 for the
speedier 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium 'Core Duo' model, succeeds in
combining the elegance of the Mac operating system with the
speedier power of the processors that have long powered
Windows-based PCs.
"The model I tested, however, costs $600 more for an extra
gigabyte of RAM, a $300 premium, and the even-faster 2.16 GHz
processor upgrade, another $300 addition.
"Add $49 for an external modem, since this is the first portable
Mac in my memory to not have a built-in modem."
Link: New MacBook
Pro Worth the Sticker Shock
Setting Up a MacBook Pro
Gene Steinberg, the Mac Night Owl writes:
"When I had a couple of opportunities to put a prototype
MacBook Pro through its
paces at the Macworld Expo last January, I felt encouraged that
Apple had apparently performed some near-miracles in moving its
Intel transition so far along. To be sure, I couldn't detect any
overt symptoms that would indicate it had undergone such an
extensive reworking inside. In fact, if you didn't look too
closely, you might just regard it as just another 15-inch
PowerBook."
Link: I Go
to Set Up a MacBook Pro
Apple Gets Contract for 36,000 iBooks
Softpedia News' Victor Mihailescu reports:
"Apple Computer, Inc was selected as the top bidder for services
and equipment for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative.
"On the 13th of January, the Maine Department of Education
issued a request for a four-year agreement to provide personal,
portable computing devices with suitable basic applications for all
7th and 8th grade students and teachers along with upgraded
wireless networks for all participating middle schools, appropriate
server capacity, training and technical support....
"It is estimated that over 36,000 laptops will be deployed as
part of the initiative, at the start of the new school year."
Link:
Apple Gets Contract for 36,000 iBooks
MagSafe News
MagSafe Being Withheld from Third Parties?
ZD Net's Jason O'Grady says:
"One of my favorite things about the MacBook Pro is the MagSafe
power connector, but the more I use it the more I am finding that
things might not be as rosy as I originally thought.
"For starters the MagSafe connector comes out easily. I know
that it's designed to do that, but I'm starting to think that it
comes out a little too easily. Half of the time when I'm sitting on
the couch with my MacBook Pro the MagSafe pops out and I don't
notice until I get the low battery warning....
"The other thing that worries me about the MagSafe connector is
the lack of third party options that are available for it....
"Is Apple taking their own sweet time in releasing the technical
specs of the MacBook Pro in order to maximize sales of the new 85
watt MagSafe power adapters...?"
Link: MagSafe
Being Withheld from Third Parties?
More on the Mysterious MagSafe Connector
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady says:
"I mentioned in my posting yesterday that Apple's new MagSafe
power connector is both an asset and a liability.
"There was a piece on the Japanese Mac Treasure Tracing Club Web
site on 26 February 2006 that stated 'Because Apple acquired a
patent for MagSafe, third party manufacturers cannot sell an
adapter with with such a connector.' It also goes on to say that
Apple is not going to give permission to do so.
"Ironically the breakaway power cord standard was developed
years ago by Underwriters Laboratories for use on chocolate fondue
fountains and countertop deep fryers."
Editor's note: The two-point breakaway magnetic AC connector
approved by UL is different from the compact four-point MagSafe DC
connector. dk
Link: More on the
Mysterious MagSafe Connector
Power cord patent
threatened by 'fryer art', 2006.01.12
News for "Break
Away" Power Cords on Electric Deep Fryers, 2002
'Break-away'
cord aims to make deep fryers safer, 2001.07.04
MagSafe Power Connector Bursts Into Flames
Ars Technica's Charles Jade reports:
"Set the Wayback machine to 1995 and break out the fire
extinguishers! Everyone who loves Macs or hates them remembers the
PowerBook 5300, also known as the
'Flaming PowerBook.' Apple Computer suffered a public relations
firestorm due to a small problem with the original battery, that
being it might explode when charging. Fast forward to 2006 and the
Flickr account of Rogier Mulder, a user who initially posted images
of his PowerBook carnage.
"'When I came home today, I found that the MagSafe connector was
melted. Thank god the cats disconnected the MacBook Pro during the
day (they were probably chasing each other and tripped over the
wire).'
"Apple was quick to replace the damaged PowerBook."
Editor's note: Other articles indicate that the short may have
taken place after the MagSafe connector was disconnected from the
MacBook Pro. One theory is that the cat took a leak on it....
dk
Editor's note: Given the hysterical and mythologically
persistent exaggeration of the problem with the PowerBook 5300 back
in '95, it's understandable that Apple would be hypersensitive
about this matter. The reality check is that, as far as I've been
able to determine over the past 11 years of following this story,
there was one Sony Lithium Ion PowerBook 5300 battery that
spontaneously caught fire in an Apple test lab. The 1000 or so
5300s that were in distribution pipelines at the time were
immediately recalled and refitted with Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
batteries that were already in production for the lower-priced but
identical form factor 68k-based PowerBook
190, which proved completely reliable. The PowerBook 5300 had
other issues, but catching fire in consumer hands was not one of
them, despite it's mythological "blazing PowerBook" reputation.
cm
Link: MagSafe
Power Connector Bursts Into Flames
Tech Tips
How to Transform an
iBook G3 into a Desktop Mac
Hardmac's Lionel reports:
"We have been reporting already several times about tips and
tricks to recycle old Mac or give them a 'second life'.
"PowerBook-fr has published photos of an iBook G3 700 MHz modified into a desktop
machine."
Link: How to Recycle an
iBook G3
Recyclage iBook Dual
Reviews
MacBook Pro Fast, Has Descent Battery
Life
The position of Associated Press (AP) is that you may
not quote more than 5 words from any of its copyrighted articles
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pay this fee or risk the wrath of AP, we are removing all AP quotes
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We regret any inconvenience to our readers, but we will never pay
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Use policy specifically allows quoting up to 50% or 300 words of
our original content, whichever is less.)
MacBook and mini Please the Eye, the
Brain, and the Budget
BusinessWeek's Stephen H. Wildstrom reports:
"As design innovations go, MagSafe isn't a big deal. It replaces
the standard power cord socket on Apple Computer's new MacBook Pro
laptop. With the old design, you'd send the computer flying if you
tripped over the cord. MagSafe is a nifty magnetic connector that
simply breaks away. History books won't celebrate this invention,
but it's an example of the smart touches that distinguish Apple in
an industry where design is all about slicing a buck off of the
bill of materials....
"The Intel processor makes a big difference in these laptops,
more so than for the new iMac desktops, which I reviewed on Feb.
13. That's because the chip in the old PowerBook was a full
generation out of date. When the MacBook Pro is running programs
written for the Intel chips, you get an impressive speed increase -
though it falls short of the 300% gain claimed by Apple. As for the
older Mac programs, they all run perfectly well, but the user won't
feel any improvement."
Link: Two
Juicy New Apples - MacBook and mini Please the Eye, the Brain, and
the Budget
MacBook Pro Shows USB 2.0 Speed
Improvement Over PPC Macs
Bare Feats' rob-ART morgan says:
"I've never been a fan of USB 2.0 for storage since it's slower
than FireWire 400 - even though it's rated faster at 480 megabits
per second. It's been a while since we did any USB 2.0 testing.
When Other World Computing sent me a Seagate Momentus 5400.3 160 GB
5400 rpm Notebook Drive in their Mercury-On-The-Go enclosure with
both FireWire and USB ports, I decided to test it on the USB 2.0
ports of the MacBook Pro, the PowerBook, and two Power Macs....
"We were pleasantly surprised to see the MacBook Pro beat the
other systems in USB 2.0 performance. Maybe this Intel transition
is a good thing after all."
That said, FireWire 400 is still faster than USB 2.0, even on
the new Macintel models. Roughly twice as fast, in fact.
dk
Link: Intel MacBook
Pro Shows USB 2.0 Speed Improvement Over PPC Macs
Daystar G4 1.92 GHz CPU Upgrade for
PowerBook G4
Accelerate Your Mac reader Troy H. reports:
"I bought this PowerBook new in Nov. of 2003. I upgraded it to
2 GB RAM (TransIntl) and the rest is all stock, even using the
original HD. The screen back then had the infamous white spots
which was then replaced under warranty. The system has been rock
solid with virtually zero issues. I have 10.3.9 OS on it and it
runs very good.
"In short, the only thing I desired was more speed so when I saw
the announcement from Daystar that they now offered an upgrade for
Al PowerBooks I decided to go for it. Jumping from the 1.25 GHz
speed to 1.92 GHz would be over 50% boost in clock speed. I figured
this would be very significant. Daystar also claimed that the CPU
would run the same or cooler so battery life would be the same or
better. I actually emailed them to verify that this was indeed true
and was told it was the case. The 7447A CPUs ran cooler than the
older G4."
Link: Review
of Daystar G4 1.92 GHz CPU Upgrade for PowerBook G4
Products
Super Antenna for MacBook Pro
PR: No Wires, No Hassle, Quickly Tripling the Wireless
Range and Strength
The MacBook Pro Connect is a super antenna now available for the
new MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro Connect is the fastest and easiest
way to add superior wireless networking to the new MacBook Pro
without wires. MacBook Pro Connect is $199.95 from QuickerTek
dealers.
Many antenna products require that you open the computer case to
attach cables to the internal wireless card. MacBook Pro Connect
eliminates this requirement - making improved wireless performance
within the reach of every MacBook Pro user.
MacBook Pro Connect is available in two versions - one powered
by either the included AC power adapter or through USB and the
other is powered through an internal battery ($229.95 model).
Rick Estes, president, QuickerTek, Inc. said, "The Connect
product is perfect for MacBook Pro users because it delivers on the
Mac's legendary 'ease of use' promise. No wires, no surgery and no
hassle. It also extends the accelerated performance levels that has
made the MacBook Pro such as hit," Estes continued.
QuickerTek has been a recognized leading innovator of antennas
and RF products for Apple Power Macintosh, iMac, PowerBook and
MacBook Pro computers. QuickerTek products can be purchased online
and from authorized dealers.
Link: Super
Antenna - MacBook Pro Connect
Tech Trends
Samsung Launches 32 GB Internal Flash
Drive for Mobile PCs
PR: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the leader in advanced
semiconductor technology, announced at the Mobile Solution Forum
that it has begun offering a 32-Gigabyte (GB) NAND flash-based
solid state disk (SSD) - marking the first time that NAND flash has
moved into mobile computing applications.
The 32 GB Flash-SSD, which serves the same purpose as a hard
disk drive, is a sophisticated data storage medium for notebooks
and other mobile computers. It uses instantly-accessible,
non-moving NAND flash memory instead of the rotating discs found in
hard drives; therefore can upload and download data quickly and
quietly with minimal power consumption.
The Flash-SSD weighs only half as much as a comparably-sized
hard drive, but reads data three times faster and writes data 1.5
times faster. The SSD uses just five percent of the electricity
needed to power a hard disc drive and is noiseless. Its design is
free of any motor or other mechanical parts.
The commercialization of Samsung's 32 GB Flash-SSD is a historic
milestone for storage devices as it marks the initial entry of NAND
flash memory in the mass mobile PC market.
Samsung sees the overall global SSD market surging from US$540
million in 2006 to US$4.5 billion by 2010.
Link: Samsung
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible
for AppleCare.
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 (VGA) and
G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs.
aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz 15"
PowerBooks.
PowerBook and iBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to 'Book Review readers off any PowerBook or
iBook in stock. Just enter the code CWM during checkout when
ordering online. The coupon code is valid from now through
2007.112.31.
- used 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $369.99
- used 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $429.99
- used 12" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $549.99
- used 12" iBook G3/900, 256/30/Combo, $549.99
- used 14" iBook G3/700, 256/30/Combo, $549.99
- used 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 128/40/SuperDrive, $999.99
- used 15" titanium PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive,
$1,049.99
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,399
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,549
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,599
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,699
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,849
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/120/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,999
- used 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD $390
- used 15" PowerBook G4/667, 256/20/Combo, $625
- extra 512 MB, add $89
- used 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $499.95
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 96/6/CD, $229.99
- AirPort Card installed, $99.99
- Upgrade with 256 MB RAM, $29.99
- Upgrade with 512 MB RAM, $99.99
- Order with a new 4000 mah battery, $79.99
The Apple Store Canada Special Deals (Prices In Canadian
Dollars)
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
C$1,319
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
C$1,679
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4 1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, C$1,799
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, C$1,849
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, C$2,219
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/120/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, C$2,299
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our best 15" MacBook Pro deals,
our best 17" MacBook Pro deals,
12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" aluminum PowerBook G4 deals, 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.
