Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.04.13
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
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
Products and Services
News & Opinion
'Jacking Macs' Could Prove Hazardous
CNET News.com's Greg Sandoval reports:
"At a time when laptop thefts are on the rise in high-tech
corridors like San Francisco, an entrepreneur has rigged portable
computers with a security measure that car owners have relied on -
and sleepers have complained about - for decades.
"'It's a car alarm for your notebook computer,' said Randy
Green, the Missouri-based creator of the iAlertU alarm system,
which is expected to go on sale at Green's site,
Slappingturtle.com, next month for $9.95.
"Green has reconfigured Apple Computer's MacBook Pro so the computer's remote
control can activate his security system. Thirsty coffee shop
computer users who get up for another latte can hit a button on
their remotes and they will hear the classic car-alarm chirp that
tells them their systems are armed."
- Link:
Perps Beware: 'Jacking Macs' Could Prove Hazardous
MacBook Alarm Software in Beta
Engadget's Evan Blass reports:
"We've been seeing posts and vids (and getting tips) on a
program called iAlertU all week, but were a little skeptical of
software that claims to use the tilt sensors and camera in your
MacBook Pro for triggering
an alarm if someone tries to snatch your lappie. Skeptical, that
is, until a beta version of the application was released today.
While feedback so far indicates that the code is still pretty
buggy, the program seems to actually work."
- Link:
iAlertU MacBook Alarm Software Available in Beta
Consumer Notebook Market Eclipses
Corporate
The Consumer Electronics Stock Blog reports:
"Research firm IDC recently released forcasts for the notebook
market by form factor and end market. In a note to clients, Bear
Sterns analysts Andrew J. Neff, Bill Hand, and Ted Chung commented
on the results and implications for the major players in this
market:
"Notebooks should eclipse desktops in mature markets. With
notebook units growing at 25%+ over the past 3 years (vs. desktops
at ~10%) and expected to grow at 20-25% in 2006 (vs. desktop at
5%), notebook shipments are expected to exceed desktops in several
mature markets (US, Western Europe) by late 2007 or early 2008,
propelled by the consumer, though not on a worldwide basis owing to
popularity of low-cost desktops.
"Consumer market accelerating notebook growth. The mix of
notebook shipments in consumer eclipsed that of corporate for the
first time in 2005, with the gap expected to increase over time to
nearly a 50/50 desktop/notebook split in 2010 for consumer as
compared to only a 57/43 desktop/notebook split for corporate.
Overall, IDC forecasts a 20% CAGR (from 2005-2010) for consumer
notebooks versus 15% for corporate, which is particularly positive
for Hewlett-Packard given its higher-margin consumer/retail
notebook business and, to a lesser extent, Apple and Gateway."
- Link: Consumer
Notebook Market Eclipses Corporate for First Time - Positive for
HP, Apple, Gateway
Daystar Replies to PB G4 1.92 GHz Upgrade Owner
Problems
XLR8YourMac says:
"I've updated the previous page with owner reports on Daystar G4
1.92 GHz (7447A) upgrade for AL PB G4 1.25 GHz to include Gary
Dailey's (Daystar) replies to their complaints on problems
(typically heat/power draw related). Updated again at 2 PM Eastern
time to include a rebuttal on some of Gary's comments about his
system.
"(There's a new report today in the database on the Daystar 7448
based upgrade for AL PB G4 1.67 GHz models from an owner that's
upset, along with Gary's comments.)"
- Link: Daystar Replies to
PB G4 1.92 GHz Upgrade Owner Problems
MacBook Pro XP vs. the PC Competition
News.com's Justin Jaffe reports
"...Man, I'm psyched. This makes my job a lot easier. As a
laptop reviewer at CNET.com, I've always been frustrated by the
apples to oranges (insert Bronx cheer) comparisons I've been forced
to make when pitting PowerBooks and iBooks against the PC
competition. Boot Camp finally provides a baseline for a true
head-to-head contest of Apple hardware vs. PC hardware, without
operating systems or Rosetta or anything else qualifying the
results.
"We went out and bought a 2.0
GHz MacBook Pro on Wednesday night (shout-out to the Stonestown
Mall Apple Store). Then we dug up some good PC competitors, one of
which has almost identical specs. Thursday morning, we started
testing. Here's what we found."
- Link: MacBook Pro XP vs.
the PC Competition
Products and Services
Leather & Aluminum Handle for MacBook Pro,
PowerBook G4
PR:
handle-it by case-mate is a premium leather & aluminum handle
crafted exclusively for Apple's MacBook Pro and PowerBook. It
allows you to carry your notebook virtually anywhere with style and
ease. When in use handle-it converts into as a passive heat sink
with fins promoting better airflow allowing your notebook to run
cooler maximizing the performance of your laptop.
It's ergonomic lift helps reduce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and
Repetitive Stress Injury commonly associated with extensive
keyboard use.
Case-mate's premium leather casing enhances both the comfort and
style of the handle. However, this seamless casing can easily be
removed showcasing the aircraft aluminum for a more rugged
look.
handle-it is an innovative way of accentuating and increasing
the life of your Apple laptop.
Leather and Aluminum handle for 15" Apple MacBook Pro and 15"
Apple PowerBook G4 shipping - April 20, 2006
$49.99
- Link: handle-it Leather
& Aluminum Handle for MacBook Pro and PowerBook G4
Silhouette Digital Stand for PowerBook, MacBook
Pro
PR: Case-mate presents the Silhouette - Digital
Stand: an ergonomic laptop cradle.
Designed by Andrea Castalucci in Italy.
The polycarbonate desktop stand for the Apple notebooks is
nearly invisible so it is a perfect complement to virtually any
office or home office decor.
Silhouette provides the ideal tilt for optimum display that
mirrors that of the Apple 23" and 30" displays. The cradle promotes
better airflow allowing your laptop to run cooler.
Use with or without a desktop keyboard.
Silhouette desktop stand for Apple PowerBook and MacBook Pro
shipping
$34.99
Shipping Dimensions -9.5"x9.5"x1.5"
- Link: Silhouette Digital
Stand for Apple PowerBook and MacBook Pro
Glovez Sleeve Cases for 15" PowerBook and
MacBook Pro
PR: Glovez by Case-mate protect your laptop. These
thoroughly modern laptop sleeves for the Apple MacBook Pro and
PowerBook will also fit most any laptop up to 15.4".
The
ultra soft neoprene interior will not scratch your laptop. The
perforated nylon exterior offers no bulk contour construction.
Double Velcro closures add security. Each sleeve is accented with
genuine leather piping to prevent tearing or fraying.
Glovez come in Mocha Brown and Metallic Silver.
Glovez for PowerBook/MacBook Pro sleeve Dimensions - 15" x 11" x
0.9"
Glovez for 15" Laptops Ultra Soft laptop sleeves for Apple
PowerBook and MacBook Pro shipping April 20, 2006
$24.99
- Link: Glovez Sleeve
Cases for 15" PowerBook and MacBook Pro
Impact Resistant Rigid Case for MacBook
Pro
PR: MaxProtect II is an impact resistant rigid case for
the MacBook Pro 15 inch models, its unique design offer maximum
protection against shock and impact.
Features:
- Synthetic Leather.
- Lowest Size/Weight Ratio.
- Cushioned Velvet Interior for Scratch Protection.
- Handle for Portability.
- Interior and Exterior Cushioning
- Slim Design.
- Unsurpassed Rigidity.
MaxProtect II Dimension:
- Exterior - Width: 16 inch: Depth: 11 inch:Height: 2.3 inch
- Interior - Width: 15.5 inch:Depth: 10.5 inch: Height::1
inch
Weight: 3 lbs
The MaxProtect II for MacBook Pro sells for $39
- Link:
MaxProtect II
Safe, Effective Screen Cleaner for High-Gloss
LCD Screens
PR: ScreenTek, a leading supplier of laptop replacement
screens, today announced, a revolutionary new LCD screen cleaning
solution called PixelClean developed specifically by the company
for new generation high-gloss LCD screens.
While high-gloss screens display sharper and more vibrant images
than their traditional counterparts, fingerprints and smears tend
to appear more prominently as well, requiring the need for more
frequent cleaning.
PixelClean
is a polymer-based formula that is free of ammonia and alcohol. It
is ideal for cleaning and protecting high-gloss finishes, but works
well on other types of LCD screens, such as traditional laptop
screens and LCD monitors as well. It repels dust by eliminating the
build-up of static electric charges.
It is safe to use on a regular basis, unlike ammonia-based
formulas, which may cause damage to high-gloss screens by etching
the finish. It also does not leave behind streaks, which is
something that alcohol-based formulas may do. PixelClean is
biodegradable and environmentally safe.
The PixelClean solution comes complete with PixelWipe(TM), a
non-scratching cleaning cloth. When used together, PixelClean and
PixelWipe efficiently remove fingerprints, grease and smudges from
LCD screens.
"ScreenTek is excited to expand our business beyond replacing
laptop LCD screens and into improving customer satisfaction with
their LCDs with the launch of PixelClean," said Fred Pounds, chief
executive officer and chairman of ScreenTek. "We received numerous
requests from our replacement screen customers, asking for a
quality screen cleaner for their high-gloss LCD screens. Until
PixelClean, there was not a screen cleaner on the market designed
specifically for these new screens. We are proud to develop a
product that is also an excellent cleaning solution for HD and
plasma TVs as well as LCD monitors."
PixelClean is available as a 4 oz. spray, which comes with the
reusable PixelWipe cleaning cloth, or in individual one-time use
"twin packets", which contain a PixelClean pre-saturated disposable
wipe and a disposable dry buffing wipe.
The product has begun shipping and can be purchased online on
ScreenTek's PixelClean website.
- Link: PixelClean
iProtect Micro Screen Protector for
PowerBooks and iBooks
PR: MaxUpgrades iProtect Micro Screen Protector provides
protection against dust, scratches ,grease and oil that gradually
get deposited on the laptop keybaord and plam rest area by every
day use. iProtect Micro Screen Savers is made with ultrafine
microfibers effectivly protect and removes dust particles, grease
and finger prints that gets despoisted on the the laptop, it also
provides protection for laptop LCD Screen from keyboard and track
pad indentation caused by the keyboard keys touching the display
when the laptop is closed.
iProtect Micro Screen Protector prevents the series
of faint white lines that correspond to the edges of the keys on
the keyboard to appear on the the LCD Screen when the laptop is
closed and keyboard key edges come in contact with the display.
This oil accumulation can leave permanent marks on the screen.
iProtect Micro Screen Protector have two different surfaces
designed to clean and protect laptop LCD screens. The soft
vanquished surface (front surface) is designed for fine particle
removal and dust cleaning. The rough and interlacing strands of the
knitted surface (reverse side) is designed to clean fingerprints,
grease and marks.
The iProtect Micro Screen Protector features a fringe wave
design that will not scrape the LCD panel compared to the fringe
stitch found commonly on most cleaning cloths.
- Link:
iProtect Micro Screen Protector
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.
- used 12" Kanga PowerBook G3/250, 96/2/floppy, $229.95
- used 14" PowerBook Wallstreet G3/266, 128/6/CD, $229.95
- used 14" PowerBook Wallstreet G3/292, 128/6/CD, $249.95
- used 14" PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 128/3/CD, $329.95
- used 14" PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/20/DVD, $499.95
- used 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $499.95
- used 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/30/DVD, $549.95
- used 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,299.95
- used 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT,
$1,399.95
- used 12" iBook G3/500, 256/15/CD, $325
- used 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $355
- used 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $395
- extra 512 MB add $89
TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to The '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 2007.12.31.
- used 12" iBook G3/900 256/40/Combo, $549.99
- used 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $699.99
- used 15" PowerBook G4/667 DVI, 256/30/Combo, $719.99
Save big when buying Multi-Packs of TechRestore Restored
PowerBooks and iBooks! We've put together special volume discounts
on multiple system purchases to save you time and money. Easily
setup your school, office, home or other group with systems that
include TechRestore's famous customer service, exclusive 6-month
warranty and 30-day money back guarantee.
- used 12" iBook G3/800 256/30GB Drive, CD-RW-DVD Optical Drive,
12-inch LCD Screen 3-10 Piece Multi-Pack
Three computers - $1,519.99
- used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 128/40/Combo, Scratch & Dent,
$629
- used 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/30/Combo, Scratch & Dent,
$649
- used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 128/40/SuperDrive, Scratch &
Dent, $679
- used 15" PowerBook G4/550, 512/20/Combo, $649
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.
