Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2007.03.16
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
Just when you thought flaming notebooks were behind us, a
MacBook bursts into flames. Everything involves risk.
Apple's anticipated "MacBook mini" subnotebook got a lot of
press this week, thanks to a report by American Technology
Research. Rumor has this as a completely flash-based machine, and
both SanDisk and Intel have made flash drive announcements this
week.
In other developments, NEC is working on an LCD that will be
usable in bright sunlight. They haven't achieved the size necessary
for MacBook Pros yet, but they continue plugging away.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
MacBook Fire
Subnotebook Speculation
News & Opinion
Tech Trends
Products and Services
MacBook Fire
MacBook Bursts Into Flames
Aussie MacTalk blogger mattyb reports:
"3am last night. I woke up to my housemate screaming (yelling
'Matty!') and the dog barking. She fell asleep on the couch in the
back lounge of our house. I jumped out of bed and raced out
thinking that maybe somebody had come through the back door or
something.
"As I
was running I saw a fire. At first I thought that the lamp had
fallen and set fire to the curtain. As I got closer I realised it
was my MacBook . . . burning! I picked it up and blew on
it and swung it around to put the flames out. The book shelf it was
sitting on was burnt and there were a couple of magazines that were
on fire too. I quickly put those out and calmed down.
"First point to make - check regularly that your smoke alarm
works - ours didn't go off.
"Second point (and this is the scary one) - we were damn lucky
not to have a house burnt to the ground. I have been out for most
of the weekend and this night was the only night I had it
charging.
"What actually happened?
"I have noticed for the past 3 weeks the battery life has been
poor. I was only getting an hour to an hour and a half from it
(compared to over 3 hours).
"I also notice the battery symbol had an X showing a couple of
times but a restart would sort that out.
"One last thing I noticed over the last few days was when the
battery was fully charged and on the power, it would flicker
between 99% and 100% constantly. Nothing would fix this and I was
planning on getting it looked at very soon....
"And we are back at the 3am incident. My housemate said she
heard it hissing like a steam valve, then smoke started pouring out
of it and a couple of seconds later, a very large flash fire
started. I'm sure you have read about these and seen the dell
video. This is what happened to my MacBook.
"The battery is swollen and burnt so it's definitely the battery
that exploded and caught fire. The MacBook is melted on the bottom
and severely charred (along with my bookshelves, books, magazines
and the wall). The space bar is melted as is the track pad. The
screen has been damaged a little too.
"I have pictures if someone wants me to email them for
hosting."
Link: MacBook
Inferno
MacBook Fire Raised New Safety Questions
BetaNews's Ed Oswald reports:
"Apple finds itself in a peculiar situation after a MacBook in
Australia catches fire, apparently from a malfunctioning battery.
However, the battery was not on the list of recalled units.
"The report, first posted on the Australian Mac enthusiast site
MacTalk, indicates that the user awoke in the middle of the night
to find the laptop on fire. According to witness accounts, before
the fire started, a hissing sound and large amounts of smoke poured
out of the device....
"Apple did recall some 1.8 million Sony-produced batteries in
August of last year due to safety concerns, saying they could
overheat and catch fire in 'rare circumstances.' At the time, no
incidents of fire were reported."
Link:
Apple MacBook Fire Poses New Safety Questions
Subnotebook Speculation
Apple May Introduce Flash-based
Subnotebook
Reuters reports:
"Apple may sell zippy notebook computers later this year that
use the same type of fast memory as music players and digital
cameras, driving down prices of hard-disk drives, an analyst said
on Thursday.
"The maker of the popular iPod music player and Macintosh
computers hopes to introduce so-called flash memory in small
computers known as subnotebooks in the second half of 2007, Shaw
Wu, an analyst at American Technology Research who has a 'buy'
rating on Apple shares and does not own any stock, said in investor
notes on Wednesday and Thursday.
"A shift to flash memory in place of much slower hard-disk
drives would eliminate one headache for consumers: lengthy start-up
times when turning on computers.
"Apple of Cupertino, California, already uses flash memory in
its iPod nano and iPod Shuffle music players. Flash memory is
lighter, uses less power and takes up less space than hard-disk
drives."
Link: Apple
May Soon Introduce Speedy Mini-laptop
Apple May Introduce Flash-based MacBook This
Year
Bloomberg's Kevin Cho reports:
"Apple Inc., maker of the iPod music players and Macintosh
personal computers, may introduce a new laptop this year that will
save data on flash memory chips instead of a hard drive, American
Technology Research said.
"'Our sources indicate that Apple would like to introduce the
product in the second half to further capitalize on its strong
MacBook growth,' Shaw Wu, a San Francisco-based analyst at American
Technology Research, wrote in a report dated March 7.
"The release date of Apple's lighter and smaller notebook
personal computer may depend on how much prices of NAND flash
memory chips decline as they are still seven-to-eight times more
expensive than hard-disk drives, Wu wrote. Alan Hely, a spokesman
for Apple in London, declined to confirm or deny the report, citing
company policy not to discuss rumors or speculation."
Link:
Apple May Introduce Laptops That Store Data on Chips
MacBook mini by Christmas?
itWire's Stephen Withers reports:
"An Apple notebook that uses flash memory in place of a
conventional disk drive is tipped for the second half of the
year.
"Analyst firm American Technology Research (ATR) says the Mac
and iPod vendor wants to introduce the new slimline model before
the end of the year, but flash memory prices will be a factor in
its timing.
"Apple needs prices to continue to fall for the new device to be
affordable, but the additional demand it generates will help to
hold prices up.
"The company can pick from off the shelf ATA and SATA
flash-based drives with capacities as large as 160G to simplify
product design and manufacture, but even at more modest sizes - say
around 40G - conventional hard disks have a seven to eight-fold
price advantage."
Link: Apple Subnotebook
by Christmas?
News & Opinion
Tricking Out the MacBook Pro
Macworld's Dan Frakes says:
I'm the proud owner of an original
MacBook Pro - the early model with "only" a 1.83 GHz Core Duo
processor. Overall, I've been quite happy with it; it's been
problem-free and a pleasure to use. That said, like many owners of
this model, I'm beginning to get a mild case of upgrade-itis. The
latest models - which are likely to be replaced by even newer
models in the near future sport 802.11n wireless, larger hard
drives, faster optical drives, and faster processors.
What's a tech geek like myself to do (other than buy a new
machine)? Why, upgrade, of course. Although owners of older
portables are stuck with the stock processor, a number of vendors
have recently introduced products for upgrading the MacBook Pro
(and MacBook) to the latest and
greatest in mobile technology. As your dedicated Mobile Mac
Weblogger, I've, ahem, volunteered to test some of these upgrades
for you, including:
- Hitachi's 160 GB hard-drive-upgrade kit: one of the most
spacious laptop upgrades on the market; includes an external USB
2.0 enclosure for your current drive.
- MCE's OptiBay Hard Drive: replaces your laptop's optical drive
with a second hard drive. (It also includes a portable - and
faster-than-stock - optical drive for those times when you need
it.)
- QuickerTek's 802.11n Upgrade: replaces your early MacBook or
MacBook Pro's 802.11g wireless card with an 802.11n model.
Link:
Tricking Out the MacBook Pro
AirPort Extreme Update 2007-002: Holy Grail for
Mac Pro and iMac Core 2 Duo?
Hardmac's Lionel says:
"The update is available via the software update (6.5 MB). Here
are the details:
"About AirPort Extreme Update 2007-002
"This update is recommended for all Intel-based
Macintosh computers and improves compatibility with AirPort Extreme
base stations and networks....
"Based on what we read on the web, it seems that this update
solves the bandwidth and connection problems for the Mac Pro and
the iMac Core 2 Duo. The users of these machines were waiting for
this problem to be solved for a long time... Is it finally THE
ONE?"
Link: AirPort Extreme
Update 2007-002: Holy Grail for Mac Pro and iMac Core 2 Duo?
Defective Battery: The Story Is Not Over
Yet
Hardmac's Lionel reports:
"We keep receiving reports from MacBook Pro owners experiencing
problems with their batteries.
"We can summarize them into 2 categories:
- Some batteries, mostly from MacBook Pro 17", swollen as it was
reported for MB Pro 15" and led to the recall, but there was no
recall for MB Pro 17" batteries.
- batteries suddenly stop working and providing any power even
after fully charging them."
Link: Defective Battery:
The Story Is Not Over Yet
Axiotron to Demonstrate Modbook at Wizard World
Los Angeles
PR: Solution hardware manufacturer Axiotron, Inc. has
announced that it will be showcasing the award winning Modbook, the only Mac OS X tablet
computer solution on the market, on the Axiotron Booth #310 at the
Wizard World Convention & Expo Los Angeles. From March 16th to
18th, showfloor visitors will be able to take the Modbook for a
spin and on Saturday, March 17th, special guest and Emmy award
winning artist Shannon Tindle will be demonstrating the Modbook's
benefits.
Parallel to
in-depth product presentations by Axiotron's lead engineers,
visitors will be able to try out the Modbook and find out for
themselves, why it was chosen for one of the prestigious Macworld
Best-of-Show awards earlier this year. On Saturday, March 17th,
Shannon Tindle, who is best known for his Emmy award winning work
on Cartoon Network's "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends", will be
joining the Axiotron team and sharing his experiences with the
Modbook.
"Events like the Wizard World are a great venue for us to meet
the talented and inspired artists we had in mind when we developed
our Modbook." said Andreas Haas, President of Axiotron. "The
feedback we are getting at an event like this is invaluable for our
efforts to provide the best tablet solutions for artists."
The Axiotron Modbook is a high-end slate-style notebook computer
solution based on Apple MacBook notebook computers featuring true
pen input, a new 13.3" wide screen LCD and an optional Global
Positioning System in a tough, satin chrome plated magnesium top
shell. With the award winning Mac OS X and its build-in
Inkwell handwriting recognition, up to 2 GHz fast Intel Core 2
Duo processors, the integrated iSight camera and the CD/DVD combo
drive, the slate-style Axiotron Modbook is the ultimate companion
for everyone who favors the pen as input device.
"Not only is our Modbook the only Mac OS X based tablet
computer, it also beats every other slate-style TabletPC in almost
every category" said Nathan Oshidari, Director of Business
Development. "The largest screen protected by Axiotron ForceGlass,
the fastest Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Bluetooth, 802.11n Wireless
LAN, Built-in GPS, CD/DVD burner and iSight Camera, and all at a
price lower than the closest yet not-so comparable Slates from
Fujitsu or Motion Computing".
The Modbook features Wacom Penabled hardware, the same high
quality technology that makes the Wacom pen tablets and interactive
pen displays the preferred choice for professional artists,
designers, photographers, and consumers. The Modbook's pen
digitizer is responsive (133 position updates per second), accurate
(20x display resolution) and pressure sensitive (256 levels).
The included Modbook Digitizer Pen features 2 programmable side
buttons plus an eraser and comes with three types of replaceable
pen nibs, the traditional hard Pencil Nib, the Felt Nib and a new
spring-loaded Studio Nib for improved control over pressure
sensitivity. In contrast to cheaper touch screen solutions the
Modbook's radio-based digitizer technology allows users to draw
with their hand resting on the screen and to control the cursor
while the pen is hovering over the screen, providing for an
intuitive, mouse-like interface with zero learning curve.
Starting at $2,279 for the complete solution, including the
Apple MacBook base system, the Modbook conversion kit, the
conversion service and a comprehensive 1 year warranty, the Modbook
is exclusively available for orders in the US through Other World
Computing.
Link: Other World
Computing
Tech Trends
NEC Daylight-friendly LCDs Promise Laptop
Screens You Can Use in Sunlight
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"NEC has extended its range of LCD panels that can be read even
in bright sunlight even closer to standard notebook screen sizes,
bringing closer, we hope, the day when we can use laptops outdoors
without having to squint like crazy.
"The Japanese company claims its 'super-transmissive natural
light TFT' technology can still show vivid colours even in
'environments with high ambient light'"
Link: NEC
Nears Laptop-friendly Natural Light LCD
SanDisk Intros Internal Flash Drive for
Laptops
The
Register's Tony Smith reports:
"SanDisk has begun offering a 32 GB solid-state drive to
notebook makers less than a week after it was claimed Apple's
rumoured sub-notebook will only contain Flash storage.
"The launch also comes two months after SanDisk unveiled a
similar drive based on the 1.8in form-factor favoured by
manufacturers of personal media players."
Link:
SanDisk Intros Internal Flash Drive for Laptops
Intel Enters Market for Flash-based Hard
Drives
ExtremeTech's Bryan Gardiner reports:
"Analysts began speculating late last week that Apple Inc.,
along with LG, may soon be releasing flash-based laptops later in
the year. Today, news from Santa Clara-based Intel, the company
that currently supplies Apple with its processors, may lend some
credence to that assertion.
"On Monday, the world's leading producer of microprocessors
announced it will be entering the hard drive market with new
solid-state drives based on NAND flash memory."
Link: Intel
Enters Market for Flash-based Hard Drives
Products and Services
TruePower 65W Power Adapter for
PowerBook G4 and iBook
PR: FastMac has announced the expansion of its
TruePower line of power products with a 65-Watt AC adapter designed
specifically for Apple PowerBook G4 and iBook laptops.
It features a built-in LED and a rugged compact design. It is
compatible with all PowerBook G4 Titanium and Aluminum (12", 15"
and 17") models as well as iBook G3 and G4s.
The TruePower adapter will begin shipping this week. It is
available for pre-order for a special introductory price of $35.95.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and 30-day money back
guarantee.
The new AC adapter compliments FastMac's growing TruePower line
of power products including the longest-lasting iPod battery, the
highest-capacity PowerBook battery, and the only third-party
MacBook Pro battery available.
Compatibility
- PowerBook G4 Titanium
- PowerBook G4 Aluminum (12", 15", 17")
- iBook G3 (White)
- iBook G4
Link: FastMac
DuelAdapter Connects PCMCIA and CardBus
to ExpressCard Notebooks
PR:
Duel Systems, a business unit of Methode Electronics, Inc.,
announces the launch of its DuelAdapter. The DuelAdapter is the
industry's first PCMCIA and CardBus to ExpressCard™ adapter.
The new adapter allows customers who have purchased laptops with
34mm or 54mm ExpressCard ports to continue to use existing PCMCIA
and CardBus cards.
The DuelAdapter converts data from PCMCIA and CardBus cards
designed for cellular broadband, wireless networking, video, audio
and memory expansion to the new ExpressCard format. The adapter
works with laptops running Windows XP and Mac OS X operating
systems. A new Windows Vista driver is in development and will be
available via download from the website in the near future.
The DuelAdapter provides the highest throughput speed for
current PCMCIA and CardBus cards, such as WLAN (802.11x), wireless
modem cards, Panasonic P2 and most other current cards. The adapter
uses a new Texas Instruments chipset to convert PCMCIA and CardBus
input to an ExpressCard compatible signal at transfer rates up to
the full 2.5 Gbit/sec supported by the ExpressCard interface. The
adapter ensures the highest possible throughput rate for whichever
PCMCIA or CardBus card is used. The DuelAdapter is certified to
FCC, CE, UL and RoHS requirements.
Rob Zajac, general manager of Duel Systems, states, "We have had
a very positive and active response to our Beta program which
reflects the growing demand for this adapter because of the large
number of new ExpressCard enabled laptops shipping today."
Duel Systems has launched a new e-commerce website and is taking
advance orders for the DuelAdapter starting March 7, 2007. The
DuelAdapter has a suggested retail price of $119. For a limited
time only, Duel Systems is offering a special introductory price of
$99 on advance orders placed through March 31, 2007. The
DuelAdapter will also be available through select resellers in
North America and Europe.
For more information on any of Duel Systems' products including
PCMCIA, Compact Flash, ExpressCard packages, or any other
metal/plastic packaging design, contact: Duel Systems, 1750
Junction Ave., San Jose, CA 95112. Phone: 408-436-4931. Fax:
408-436-6063. Email: info@duel-systems.com.
Link: DuelAdapter
See·Thru Hard Shell Case for
MacBook Pro 15"
PR: Accent the sleek look
of your 15" MacBook Pro notebook. Get great hard case protection, a
hint of color and a massive dose of shine. See·Thru MacBook
cases are made of translucent hard plastic to beautify and
protect.
Keep your 15" MacBook Pro closed when you put on the case! Place
MacBook Pro in bottom half of case, snap on the corners and back
'hooks'. Place top half of the case on top of MacBook Pro, snap on
corners. Pull the small tabs away from the MacBook Pro corners to
remove the case. Open the MacBook Pro and pull off the front
corners first, then pop off the back.
Features:
- Two piece snap-on protective hard shell lets you open and close
your MacBook without removing the case
- Compatible with 15" MacBook Pro Core Duo AND Core 2 Duo!
- Protection plus access to all features at the same time -
Shatterproof polycarbonate plastic offers great hard shell
protection and gives your MacBook a sleek, shiny look.
- 74-slot ventilation system to minimize thermal insulation
- Rubber feet help prevent slipping on slick surfaces
- Available in clear, red, and black
- Fits 15" MacBook Pro Core Duo AND Core 2 Duo!
- Also available for 13" MacBook
- Cutouts for everything - All ports, plugs, holes and disc
drives have cutouts so you can always keep your MacBook protected!
Includes great ventilation slots and rubber feet for added
support.
$49.95
Link: See·Thru
Hard Shell Case
Uniea's Leather U-Suit for MacBook
PR: Uniea announces
the availability of another new product for retailers: the Leather
U-Suit Protective Case for MacBook. By simply attaching the Leather
U-Suit to the top and bottom of their MacBooks, users can prevent
damage that comes from daily use, dirt, dust, and abrasive surfaces
or from accidental damage.
The soft, luxurious outer texture of the
Leather U-Suit disguises a hard inner ABS plastic material that
protects the laptop from impact at all angles. The interior of the
Leather U-Suit is also lined with soft protective materials to
protect the MacBook from scratches.
Fitting a MacBook with its Leather U-Suit is fast, simple, and
convenient, and the case doesn't even need to be removed before
using the laptop. The Leather U-Suit allows simultaneous access to
all left and right side ports, and it is designed to allow for
thermal exchange out of the computer's heat sinks and fans.
Features:
- Scratch resistant interior
- After attaching the Leather U-Suit, your MacBook won't get
scratch because of its soft-protective materials inside.
- Easy and Convenience Application
- No need to detach the case while using the MacBook.
- Portable and Light Weight
- Tote your laptop anywhere, conveniently and safely in any
briefcase and backpack.
"At Uniea,
we specialize in electronic accessories that provide not just
protection but style," said Kent Cheng, Managing Director of Uniea.
"Consumers today depend on their mobile devices, so they need
protective products that are well-made and beautiful. Uniea's
protective products have been designed to satisfy this growing
consumer demand. The Uniea Leather U-Suit for MacBooks combines
style and functionality to protect the MacBooks from wear and
tear."
Uniea's Leather
U-Suit for MacBooks is available in four stylish colors: white,
gray, blue, and red. Detailed images of all four colors of the
handsome Leather U-Suit can be viewed online. The page also
provides a simple diagram for attaching the protective case to your
MacBook.
The Leather U-Suit is so lightweight and portable, that it adds
no appreciable weight at all to the MacBook. Users can tote their
laptops anywhere, conveniently and safely, in any briefcase or
backpack.
Link: Leather
U-Suit
LapDawg Portable Laptop Stand
PR: Have you ever
wanted something that can hold your laptop off your blankets at a
comfortable angle in bed? (either lying down or sitting up) Ever
wished you could use your laptop comfortably outdoors without using
your lap, desk or table? How about an accessory that can alleviate
back aches, hand cramps, or neck pains from awkward or extended
laptop use?
The LapDawg portable laptop stand is a new laptop accessory
designed to change the way our body interacts with laptop computers
by simply holding our laptops to a more comfortable, natural angle.
It will eliminate your laptop's weight, heat and discomfort from
burdening your lap while at the same time repositioning your body
and arms to ergonomically correct angles, enhancing comfort and
reducing strain on our bodies.
It's simple, lightweight,
mobile design will maximize the freedom of movement for your legs
and body, eliminating the "trapped" feeling of a laptop resting on
your lap.
5 Ergonomic Benefits of the LapDawg
- To allow freedom of body movement, specifically your legs and
lower torso.
- To secure laptop computers on a flat, independent, stable
platform allowing for natural air flow, reducing heat and weight
off the human body.
- Reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress
syndrome, and tendonitis from extended laptop use.
- To promote proper body posture by having the arms and shoulders
rest comfortably with the wrists straight, and a neutral upright
posture in the neck by either lying down or sitting up.
- To enhance the overall laptop experience by sustaining a
comfortable but natural interactive "feel" by ergonomic
design.
Once you've tried the LapDawg, you'll understand how this simple
accessory can change your whole laptop experience.
You'll immediately start to feel greater comfort, both
physically and mentally as it lowers the strain caused by long use.
Imagine reading your favorite e-books in bed! This is something
that was not easy or comfortable to do before the LapDawg came
along.
We take great pride
knowing that our design is the only laptop stand solution that
helps our customers experience the best possible comfort while at
the same time, ergonomically protecting them from long term
physical ailments.
It makes a perfect gift for the working professional or students
in your life. Amaze them with this practical & unique gift.
Fully assembled, the LapDawg weighs in at a very light 1.6 kg.
Its compact design made from light but sturdy wood makes this a
truly portable accessory.
The LapDawg comes in 5 light weight wood pieces, finished in a
beautiful dark mahogany color. 1 flat platform and 4 legs &
feet that make up it's stable design. There is also 6 Large screw
designed to make it simple to tighten or loosen your preferred
angles.
Features:
- "No Hands" Design. Holds your laptop or books for you.
- Designed for ergonomic comfort & stability
- Made from durable light weight wood
- Can transform to fit in travel bag
- Incredibly portable & versatile
- Multiple Functions. See Other Uses!
- Weighs only 1.6 kg
- Hold laptops (up to 17 inches), books, magazines or
binders.
- Flexible design. Adjusts to almost any body type
- Beautiful dark mahogany gloss finish
- Takes 2 minutes to assemble
- Makes a Perfect One-Of-A-Kind Gift
Although the
LapDawg can be called a Laptop Stand, there are many applicable
terms to describe our design other common terms such as a laptop
tray or straddle desk exists. If your interested in ergonomic
research click on laptop ergonomics for more information. The
LapDawg can be used for a multitude of functions such as a book
holder, bed tray, lap desk, student desk, or a laptop desk
If you like to write on a piece of paper, whether in a journal,
diary, memo or day book, the LapDawg lap writing desk is the
perfect solution for you.
Studies have shown that the best time to write things down is
when you're in a relaxed and comfortable mood. Why not capture the
moment when you're in bed?
The LapDawg can be easily
adjusted in bed to suit your writing angle, when finished simply
move aside as it's 1 pound weight makes it an easy task.
The LapDawg Lap Writing Desk can be used on a sofa as well. The
unique wide angle base and adjustable legs stabilize the frame on
any flat surface including a sofa or bed. Use the lap writing desk
for traveling and make any hotel room comfortable to use for
writing on the spot.
- US Residents: $79.99 + $20* (Standard Ground Continental
Shipping)
* excludes Hawaii, Alaska, and International orders
- Canadian Residents: $89.99 + $17 (Standard Ground Continental
Shipping) + GST (Ontario Residents Add PST)
For large or bulk orders, discounts are available.
Please visit our purchasing information page for more
information.
Link: LapDawg
Canvas·Sport Sneaker-Inspired Case for MacBook Pro
and MacBook
PR: Accessorize and protect your 15" MacBook Pro or 13"
MacBook with the stylish Canvas·Sport case! Inspired by
classic sneakers - this case boasts a cool, sporty look and gives
great protection to your MacBook. Features a canvas body, rubber
edges, and super-soft interior lining!
- Fits 15" MacBook Pro
- Also available for 13" MacBook
Features:
- Super-sturdy canvas & rubber materials
- Cool, classic sporty look
- Slip-in, slip out design with secure snap closure
- 'Sleeve' style case offers maximum protection
- 2 external pockets for small items
- Available in black and pink
Unsnap the Canvas·Sport
case and slip in your 15" MacBook Pro or 13" MacBook. Snap the case
shut and go! Your MacBook Pro stays secure inside and slips out for
easy access when you need it.
$39.95
Tom Bihn Ego Laptop Cases
PR: Distinguished by an interchangeable strip, the Ego is
a midsize messenger bag that mediates among the ID and Super Ego;
it's bigger than the ID, but smaller than the Super Ego. If you've
desired a Super Ego but found it to be just too big, the Ego is the
bag for you.
On the front flap of the
Ego is an interchangeable strip of fabric available in over 19
different colors and materials that allows you to customize the
color combination of your bag. One strip is included with your Ego,
and extra strips are available to fit your changing styles or even
your mood. For more information on the strips, check out the grey
shaded box on the left side of this page.
The Ego rides your shoulder with the Tom Bihn Standard Shoulder
Strap, a 1-1/2" wide heavy nylon webbing strap with a comfortable
wide foam pad that won't slip off your shoulder and is designed to
conform to your shoulder and back. For an extra $15.00, you have
the option of switching out the Standard Shoulder Strap and pad and
replacing it with the Absolute Shoulder Strap. The Absolute
Shoulder Strap, which combines a soft, durable neoprene pad with
comfortable stretch backing, has a unique patented internal
control-stretch system that has given it a well-earned reputation
as the one of the best shoulder straps available.
Under the front flap, on
both the right and the left, are YKK #8 Uretek "splash-proof"
zippered pockets that are accessible with the flap open or closed.
On top of these zippered pockets are two open-top wallet sized
pockets. All zippered pockets on the Ego feature strong,
easy-to-grab zipper pulls. On either side of the zippered pockets
are small stretch-mesh pockets with an open top that are great for
storing pens.
Behind the zippered pockets is a large open pouch that spans the
width of the bag and features organizer pockets for your pens, PDA,
iPod, and wallet as well as a key snap for your keys on both the
left and right sides of the pouch.
Behind the front flap and
pouch is the zippered main compartment, so you don't have to
unbuckle the main flap closure to access your laptop and other
stuff. This large compartment closes with a #10 YKK Uretek
"splash-proof" zipper and comes with removable Annex clips inside
designed to secure the optional Horizontal Brain Cell hard-sided
laptop case against the back panel of the bag. The Horizontal Brain
Cell is available in eight different sizes and provides the
ultimate in laptop protection with soft, thick foam padding, hard,
corrugated plastic walls, and a suspension system. We recommend
using our Laptop Bag Fit Guide to determine which size of
Horizontal Brain Cell is right for your laptop.
The back and bottom of
the main compartment of the Ego are padded, and they are the
perfect place for your files or books.
On the left and right sides of the bag are unobtrusive water
bottle pockets; they have compression straps so you can snug them
down when not in use.
The back exterior of the Ego features an open flat back pocket
perfect for even the thickest magazines or newspapers, and a
removable 1-1/2" webbing waist strap for extra stability when
you're on your bike (motor or push).
The handle is constructed
of Ballistic nylon - wrapped around high-quality, 0.5" thick Poron
foam - with a "just right" center of gravity so that you'll carry
the Ego as effortlessly as a typical briefcase.
For added visibility when using the Ego while on your bike, we
offer the optional Cat Eye reflector which can be attached to the
front of the bag on one of the webbing strips that secure the
interchangeable front strip in place.
- Becomes a protective laptop messenger bag with the addition of
our Brain Cell hard-sided laptop case.
- Swappable front strip available in 19 different colors and
materials allows you to continually customize the color combination
of your Ego.
- Dimensions: 15.3 x 13.3 x 6.3" / 390mm x 340mm x 160mm
- Weight:
- Ego (with plastic buckle): 2 lbs 10oz (1.2 kg)
- Volume: 23 liters / 1400 cu.in.
- #8 and #10 YKK Uretek splash-proof zippers.
- Made in the Tom Bihn Factory in Seattle, Washington, USA
Colors:
Black/Crimson/Steel/Cork Seatbelt Strip
- Black/Steel/Crimson Reflective Strip
- Black/Steel/Deep Blue Sapphire Strip
- Black/Crimson/Steel Cork Strip
- Black/Steel/Wasabi/Olive Seatbelt Strip
- Black/Hunter/Steel/Snow Leopard Strip
$130
The Ego Strips
A tiger can't change its stripes, but an Ego can.
The Ego's front flap closes with a 2" wide heavy-duty plastic
Duraflex Warrior buckle that attaches to the bag with an
interchangeable strip of hook and loop material (like Velcro).
One Duraflex Warrior buckle strip comes with your Ego. You can
order additional Duraflex Warrior buckle strips for $5.00 each. The
Duraflex Warrior buckle strip weighs 1.1 ounces.
You can also choose a strip that has a real seatbelt buckle
instead of the Duraflex Warrior buckle. The seatbelt buckle strip
is $10.00 extra and weighs 5.6 ounces. Because the seatbelt buckle
is custom made in the color of your choice, orders for strips with
the seatbelt buckle may take up to one extra business day to
ship.
The Ego strip is designed to be easily swapped with different
strips so that you can customize the Ego to fit your style or even
your mood. Strips are available in the following colors and
materials: Reflective, Black, Kelly, Steel, Crimson, Navy, Plum,
Wasabi, Cork, Snow Leopard Ultrasuede, Deep Blue, Sapphire, Blue
Glitter, Grey Glitter, Galvanized, Cocoa, and Olive.
Four limited edition strip colors/fabrics are currently
available: Mod Italian, Yellow Vinyl, Gold Bamboo, and Crimson
Bamboo.
You can be basic (stick with Black, or a color that matches the
front flap of your Ego), wild (Snow Leopard Ultrasuede Strip on a
Black/Hunter/Steel Ego), or somewhere inbetween (Cork Strip on a
Black/Crimson/Steel Ego). The color possibilities are endless.
If you get a new job or have a mid-life crisis, you don't have
to get a whole new bag: just a new strip. We will be coming up with
other unusual fabrics/colors in the future - stay tuned.
Link: Ego Case
Quicky Jr. USB Wireless Amplifier for
Apple Computers
PR: Once again, QuickerTek has created a
high-performance yet cost-effective wireless solution for Apple
computer users. Quicky Jr. extends the popularity of the Quicky USB
wireless boosters at less than half the cost. Quicky Jr. easily
extends the wireless speed and range of any Mac with built in
wireless for only $99.95 , freeing users to compute anywhere they
like.
Quicky Jr solves the two eternal problems of wireless range and
speed, without disassembling the computer for installation. Quicky
Jr, like the original Quicky, uses the USB port for wireless
amplification and as a power source. No drivers or other extra
steps get in the way of enjoying wireless at speeds normally only
available to 802.11g network connections - 54mbs (megabits per
second).
Not only does the Quicky Jr amplify wireless signals in and out
of the computer, but two included antennas are supplied to match to
your specific wireless environment. A 2dBi antenna gives you the
wide wireless dispersal area coverage while the 5dBi antenna
extends out vertically to beat the multi-floor wireless blues.
These antennas simply screw onto the Quicky Jr. so changing them
out is fast and easy and lets you reach out to those weak signals
no matter where you might travel or virtually any office or home
layout.
Quicky Jr.
works with all 802.11/b/g/n WiFi equipment including Apple AirPort,
AirPort Extreme and the latest 802.11n version of AirPort Extreme
introduced at Macworld Expo. Quicky Jr. eliminates any worry or
apprehension that prevents some Mac users from the joys of high
speed wireless.
Compatibility
- MacBooks
- MacBook Pros
- iMacs
- Power Macs
- PowerBooks
- Mac mini
Like most QuickerTek products, Quicky Jr. is backed with a
one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Link: Quicky
Jr.
foof: 'It's Not Easy Being Green'
PR: prMac - foof
in Australia, who make protective fabric sleeves for Apple MacBook
and MacBook Pro, are reintroducing their long awaited return of
"it's not easy being green" - a vibrant green corduroy foofbag.
Not to intentionally quote from Kermit the frog, foof want to
bring more awareness to online customer purchasing decisions with
regards to greenhouse gas offset (CO2 free)
products.
foof is a small business that is in the process of abating their
greenhouse gas footprint that's been created from emissions arising
from the importing of materials, manufacturing and exporting of
foofbags. We use materials like Herringbone tweed from Ireland,
traditional motif cottons from Japan and colourful corduroy from
China in our foofbag products.
As of this year, every
foof product we sell is emissions offset (or abated) via forestry
tree sequestration in NSW Australia. We do this through a carbon
credit reseller, called CarbonPlanet.
Speaking of green, we thought it would be fitting to also
contribute the full cost to plant and manage a tree for 100 years
as apart of the purchase price of an "it's not easy being green"
foofbag.
$4 will go towards this sequestration program from each $36
"it's not easy being green" foofbag we sell this month and next
month. This is in addition to the emissions already offset in each
foof product we sell.
- $36 AUD foofbag
- $9 AUD Postage Charge
Link: foofshop
Case-mate Acquires QuickerTek's Apple
Laptop Handle Business
PR: Case-mate announced it has struck a deal to absorb
QuickerTek Carry Handles for Apple laptops. QuickerTek will
continue to provide product development solutions to Case-mate's
current selection of laptop handles. Case-mate currently offers
laptops handles for Apple's MacBook, MacBook Pro and PowerBook
under than product name handle-it.
Case-mate is a recognized leader in form-fit leather iPod cases
as well as cases for laptops, cell phones and PDAs. Case-mate CEO,
Shashi Reddy said "This acquisition for Case-mate very much defines
the direction we are taking. Not only is this a logical addition to
our product assortment, but the move helps position us in the
marketplace for exponential growth."
QuickerTek has had great success with its Carry Handles for
Apple laptops. QuickerTek president Rick Estes, said, "We are
delighted to see Case-mate continue and extend the handle offerings
for Mac users going forward. The success of our wireless products
has monopolized our time. Case-mate made the strategic decision to
pick up the ball and run with it. I'm sure that they'll continue to
have great success with these and upcoming Handle products."
Link: Case-mate
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, iBook, and MacBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
Only a few models available THIS WEEK - just Core Duo MacBook
Pros and a few MacBooks.
- refurb 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $949
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 512/80/SuperDrive,
$999
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,299
- refurb 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SuperDrive,
$1,349
- refurb 17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD,
$1,999
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/CD, $599
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, APX, $999
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, $1,049
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/120/SD, APX, BT,
$1,388
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $329
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $295
- 14" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $409
- Add AirPort for $75
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, $1,199
- Add AirPort Extreme for $65
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, AirPort, $349
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, no AirPort, $449
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, AirPort, $519
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 384/40/Combo, Scratch & Dent,
$479
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 2007.12.31.
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SD, BT, $1,219.99 less $25 =
$1,194.99
- clamshell iBook G3/300, blueberry, 64/3/CD, $179.95
- clamshell iBook G3/300, tangerine, 64/3/CD, $189.95
- clamshell iBook G3/366, indigo, 128/10/CD, FireWire,
$249.95
- PowerBook Pismo G3/400, 256/20/DVD, $379.95
- PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/20/DVD, $399.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $199.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, APX, Minor Case Defect,
$559.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, BT, $629.95
- PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 128/4/CD, $249.99
- PowerBook Lombard G3/400, 128/4/CD, $329.99
- Apple Emate 300 PDA, Touch Screen in great working shape,
$69.99
Computer Geeks
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, $519.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.3 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, $749.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, OS X, $209
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/30/CD, OS X, $279
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/30/CD, OS X, $329
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
