This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
What to do when your MacBook Pro needs service? If you're Micah
Walter, you dig out the old titanium PowerBook and continue to be
productive.
MacSpeedZone has a comprehensive benchmark comparison of the May
2007 MacBooks and the June 2007 MacBook Pro models.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Products and Services
News & Opinion
Homage to a Titanium PowerBook
O'Reilly.net's Micah Walter says:
"As you may have noticed I have been a little behind on my
weekly blog submission. Well, I have a pretty good excuse. In the
past couple of weeks I have had some serious computer problems. The
fans on my MacBook Pro quit working, and the tropical temperatures
here in Dominica were just too much for it to handle. So, laptop
number one is out for repair. Then, just as I was getting ready to
usurp my girlfriend's MacBook (and in the time between her
downloading her pictures and the scheduled backup) her hard drive
crashed.
"So, all of the sudden we found ourselves fresh out of
Apples....
"Well, yesterday our new 250 gig hard drive showed up at
fedEx....
"I had my father ship us the drive and my old Titanium PowerBook as well....
"It was kinda fun actually. My father had packed my old laptop
in its original box, so it was like getting a brand new seven year
old laptop. This old PowerBook and I have a great history together.
It was my first Apple computer, and not only that, but the first
computer I ever bought on my own . . . It really is a
nice machine, and has served me well. I mean, it has never had a
single issue, I have never had to repair it, and in the seven years
or so since I bought it, I have only re-installed the OS twice, and
one of those times was yesterday.
"The PowerBook isn't pretty anymore. The paint has chipped, and
certain areas have yellowed. The screen resolution is pretty low,
but hey, that means it's also very easy on the eyes! I keep trying
to use the two-finger scroll feature on the trackpad, and if I sit
at my desk with no shoes on, and my feet on our apartment's tile
floor, the PowerBook's case still gives my wrists a low level
shock!
"After spending the day reinstalling the two laptops, waiting
for software updates to complete, and reassuring my girlfriend that
her pictures and all of her files were safe and sound, I have to
say I was enjoying my trip down memory lane...
"I mean, don't me wrong, I really like the Intel machines, and
my MacBook Pro is finding its way into my heart at a rapid pace,
but the Titanium PowerBooks were really wonderful machines. They
were a great leap forward in design. They were durable and well
made, small and sleek, and very very reliable. Kinda like an old
Chevy.
"While I await the return of my MacBook Pro, I am really going
to enjoy typing on this old keyboard...."
Editor's note: I really enjoyed reading this article, which also
discusses booting from a USB drive and retrieving photos from a
crashed hard drive. I can identify somewhat with the vicissitudes
of repairing computers in out-of-the-way places. Dominica is
several magnitudes more out-of-the-way than rural Nova Scotia, but
I'm 50 miles from the nearest town and 150 miles from the nearest
Apple reseller/repair outlet. You get resourceful by necessity.
cm
Link:
Homage to a Great Machine
Laptop Industry Hit by Components Shortage
The Register's Kelly Fiveash reports:
"Laptop computer makers are bracing themselves for a components
shortage due to significant dents in the supply chain brought on by
massive recalls and heavy demand.
"Semiconductor price tracker and electronics market researcher
DRAMeXchange said the notebook industry was squeezed last quarter
by a lack of key components including LCD panels, hard disc drives,
batteries, and casings.
"Its outlook for the next quarter is even bleaker...."
Link:
Laptop Industry Hit by Components Shortage
Cool Down Your MacBook Pro
MacInstruct's Arbi Karamians says:
"I'm a member of a small group of individuals who believed they
were falling victim to the now infamous MacBook Pro overheating
problem. In hindsight, I now believe my false alarm was fueled more
by the barrage of media reports concerning the issue than an actual
problem. But I decided I was going to take some preemptive measures
to counteract the looming problems I would face if I allowed heat
to ravage my system. Since it was reported that the issue was of
major concern, I took a variety of measures - some a bit more
extreme than others.
"I understand that a majority of MacBook Pro owners have in some
way resolved this issue, but I decided to write this article after
a friend of mine asked me what I did when faced with similar
problems. So here are some of the ways I battled the heat. I'll
begin with the more conventional methods I used...
"The following instructions will make your Macs fans run faster
and longer. It is very important to backup the files we are
going to edit."
Link: Cool Down Your MacBook
Pro
Reviews
2007 MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Performance
Comparison
MacSpeedZone reports:
Link:
Performance Comparison of the June 2007 MacBook Pros to May 2007
MacBooks
17" High Resolution MacBook Pro Suitable for
Color Work
PCPro's Alan Lu reports:
"Apple's 17-inch High
Resolution MacBook Pro wants to tap into the HD market, with
its huge 1,920 x 1,200 screen. This has a high enough resolution to
watch 1080p movies, and plenty of room for you to work on, too.
"Our test model's display had a matte, anti-glare finish but you
can also choose to have a glossy coating. Surprisingly for Apple,
this is available for free. The screen's one of the best we've
seen. Our high definition test videos looked bright, sharp and
detailed. Colours looked rich and were evenly lit. Transitions from
one shade to the next in our greyscale and colour tests were
remarkably smooth, so this notebook is suitable for
colour-sensitive work, such as image editing.
"Considering the size of the screen, you might expect the
MacBook Pro to be a huge beast that's difficult to carry around.
While we wouldn't want it in a bag all day, at 3kg it's
surprisingly light and easy enough to transport occasionally."
Link:
First Look: Apple 17-inch High Resolution MacBook Pro
Products and Services
FreshBattery Legacy Batteries for G3, G4
'Books
PR: FreshBattery has introduced its new line of batteries
for older laptop models. Each are guaranteed to meet or exceed the
original capacity and most are value priced under $100.
Legacy units are available for the following Apple models:
- Apple PowerBook G4 (15" Titanium) Series Legacy Power
Battery
14.8V, 4000mAh, LiIon, Model: FB1190
$93.95
- Apple iBook (12" Dual USB) Series Legacy Power Battery
11.1V, 4000mAh, LiIon, Model: FB1196
$87.95
- Apple iBook (Original Model) Series Legacy Power Battery
14.8V, 4000mAh, LiIon, Model: FB1197
$84.95
- Apple PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard, FireWire) Series Legacy
Power Battery
11.1V, 5400mAh, LiIon, Model: FB1198
$87.95
- Apple PowerBook G3 Series (1998 Wall Street) Series Legacy
Power Battery
14.8V, 3750mAh, LiIon, Model: FB1199
$89.95
Link: Legacy
Batteries
BOOQ Laptop Bag, iPod Bag Closeout
PR:
BOOQ is having a closeout sale on items for the iBook and
PowerBooks. These premium products are brand new and are
drastically discounted because of their sizing (not great for
MacBooks).
All of the items below are listed as in stock as this news brief
is posted, but several others have sold out, so don't tarry if
you're interested.
- PowerSleeve S90
Compact laptop case for 12"
laptops.
Fits 12"PowerBook, iBook
Laptop Compartment: 11.5"x9.75"x1.4" (292x248x36mm)
$39.98
- PowerSleeve XS
Compact laptop case for the 12"
PowerBook and iBook, and ultra-compact laptops
Fits 12" PowerBook, iBook
Laptop Compartment: 11.2"x9.1"x1.6" (284x231x41mm)
$29.95
- Vyper M
Ballistic nylon-covered molded sleeve for
the 15" PowerBook. Fits like a glove. Does NOT fit the MacBook
Pro.
Fits 15" PowerBook
Laptop Compartment: 13.75"x9.5"x1.2" (349x241x30mm)
$24.98
- Vyper XXS
Ballistic Nylon-covered molded foam
sleeve. Fits the 12" PowerBook like a glove.
Fits 12" PowerBook
Laptop Compartment: 10.9"x8.6"x1.18" (277x218x30mm)
$9.99
- Venom mini, bianco
Genuine nappa leather &
luxurious suede iPod mini case
Fits iPod mini
Ships: In Stock! Ships within 24 hrs
$0.99
- Venom mini, biack
Genuine nappa leather &
luxurious suede iPod mini case
Fits iPod mini
Ships: In Stock! Ships within 24 hrs
$0.99
- Mamba S
Vertical messenger bag for the 13" MacBook
or 12" PC, and accessories.
Fits 13" MacBook, 12" PowerBook, iBook, 12-13" PC
Laptop Compartment: 13"x10.5"x1.6" (330x267x41mm)
$64.98
Link: BOOQ
Closeouts
zCover TypeOn Keyboard Skin for 15" and 17"
MacBook Pro
PR: Turn
your normal keyboard into a fully functional program editing
keyboard
- Washable
- Durable
- Dustproof
- zPrinted
- Unique in having pre-printed program icons on the cover
- Turn your normal keyboard into a fully functional program
editing keyboard
- Not peel off or fade off
- Snugly fitted to your keyboard
- zCover silicone skin are crafted from non-toxic, durable
high-grade silicone rubber. It is safe.
- Ultra thin (0.6mm) skin touch feeling, durable,
- Multicolor and glow-in-dark fashionable design,
- Full shock-absorbing, tear-resistant protection,
- Molded to specifically fit every point,
- Removable easy on and off for cleaning,
- Stays in place and does not shift around,
- Washable - you can wash zCover silicone typeOn skin by hand.
Make sure it's dried out before put it on your keyboard.
Available for:
- Apple Final Cut Pro: Pro, HD & Express - Compatible with
all versions
- Adobe Photoshop - Compatible with all versions
- Adobe After Effects, versions 5 and above
- Digidesign Pro Tools - Compatible with all versions
zCover TypeOn Keyboard Skin sells for $49.99
Link:
zCover TypeOn Keyboard Skin for 15" and 17" MacBook Pro
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.
Several more MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models, both low and
high-end, available this week, including a high-resolution screen
17" MacBook Pro, although at just $200 of the new pricew it's not a
rip-roaring bargain. Same slate of MacBooks as last week.
cm
- refurb 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo,
$799
- refurb 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $849
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/Combo, $949
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,099
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,299
- refurb 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,699
- refurb 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,899
- refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,199
- refurb 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,199
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,399
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160 7200 rpm/SD,
$2,599
- 13" 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $949 less $50
mail-in rebate = $899
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.
A lot of new selections and some significant price drops this
week.
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $349.99 less $25 = $324.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $419.99 less $25 = $394.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $549.99 less $25 =
$524.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $799.99 less $25 =
$774.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 256/80/SD, $849.99 less $25 =
$824.99
- 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, $599.99 less $25 =
$574.99
- 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SD APX, $699.99 less $25 =
$674.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 1 GB/60/SD, one RAM slot, $699.99
less $25 = $674.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $869.99 less $25 =
$844.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD, $199
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $219
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $299
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $289
- 12" iBook G4 1.0 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $515
- 12" iBook G4 1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $559
- 15" PowerBook G4/867, 512/40/SD, $579
- Add Airport for $70
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 768/30/Combo, $549
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $599
- 14" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 768/60/Combo, AirPort, $649
- 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/SD, AirPort, $749
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/SD, APX, $849
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/Combo, $799
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, AirPort, $759
Wegener Media
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, blueberry, 64/3/CD, $169.95
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/366, Key lime, 128/10/CD, $289.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $219.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/20/CD-RW, $279.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/Combo, $349.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/CD, $239.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/DVD, $299.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $369.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $379.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AP, $579.95
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, AP, $629.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD, $284.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $379.95
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 64/3/CD, OS 9, $129.99
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 256/3/CD, OS X 10.3, $189.99
- 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.
