Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2002.02.08
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
IBM to Unveil Minuscule, Modular PC
Reuters
reports that on Feb. 11 IBM's research division has
will unveil a portable computer weighing 9 ounces and measuring 5
inches long, 3 inches wide, and about three-quarters of an inch
thick that has the computing power of a typical notebook or desktop
computer.
The tiny PC, code-named "MetaPad," will have 128 MB of RAM, a 10
GB hard drive, an 800 MHz CPU, and run Windows XP.
InformationWeek also has a
report on the new IBM prototype, noting that it easily
converts from a desktop computer to a notebook to a handheld, or
any number of other configurations.
"Now, a laptop becomes an accessory," Ken Ocheltree, manager for
next-generation mobile at IBM Research is quoted commenting.
InformationWeek says that IBM has already built a prototype
MetaPad core, a compatible handheld shell with a touchscreen
display, and a cradle for desktop use, and that consumer version
could be available within a few years and would be comparable in
price to a low-end laptop computer.
PowerBook RAM and Hard Drive Installation
Online Tutorials
Trans Intl., a supplier of hardware upgrades for Apple
portables, has recently posted complete instructions for installing
and upgrading the RAM and the in the PowerBook G3 (Pismo, Lombard,
and Wallstreet) and iMac (233-333 MHz) models.
The tutorials include:
- Installing RAM into the PowerBook G3 Pismo
- Installing RAM into the PowerBook G3 Lombard
- Installing RAM into the PowerBook G3 WallStreet
- Installing RAM into the older iMacs (233-333 MHz)
- Installing Hard Drives in PowerBook G3s (Pismo, Lombard,
WallStreet)
PBZone.com Offers Madsonline
MicroAdapters
The
MadsonLine MicroAdapter is the world's smallest power
adapter for your PowerBook. Most customers buy another adapter to
use at another location to reduce the hassle of packing up the
adapter, or they simply don't like the amount of space the "yo yo"
style Apple adapter takes up in their bag. In either case, the
MadsonLine MicroAdapter is a great (and simple) accessory for your
PowerBook.
PBZone.com is offering a black model for what they call the "Pre
2001" models: the PowerBook G3 (all models), PowerBook 1400, 2400,
3400, pre-2001 iBooks, and Duo 2300. We are also offering a silver
model which fits the new PowerBook G4 Titanium and "Dual USB" or
"2001" iBooks.
MadsonLine offers a 12 month guarantee on the electronics and a
lifetime guarantee on the product's casing. We handle all returns
as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Willow Design Releases New Apple Case Catalogue
and Three New iBook Ice 14 Cases
Willow Design has announced three new cases for the 14" iBook.
They also have set up
a new catalogue devoted solely to sorting out all the
different Apple case models they make.
The newest addition to the Willow line is the iBook 14
Sylph, which provides reasonable protection for the iBook in
the smallest possible package. Protection is supplied by
quarter-inch foam reinforced by wafer thin polystyrene
reinforcement panels on all sides plus an extra foam layer
sandwiched around the outer perimeter of the slipcase. The top and
bottom of the slipcase feature extra high density polyethylene
panels to reinforce the handle and convenient rubber luggage feet
on the bottom.
The Sylph works fine on its own with a padded shoulder carry
strap and padded wrap handle, but it is intended for those wanting
to stuff it into other bags, briefcases or packs. The very thin
profile and smaller protective top flap make it particularly easy
to get the iBook in and out of packs without removing the slipcase.
The Sylph also features two zippered outer pockets for some
accessories, cables and the power supply.
For those wanting a more substantial 14" iBook slipcase, Willow
has created the
iBook Ice 14 Slipcase. 
It features thick half-inch foam padding,
stiffening plastic panels to protect the notebook all around with
extra high density polyethylene on the top and bottom. The slipcase
has a zippered, front organizer and flat rear magazine pocket plus
a large zippered mesh accessory pocket built into the protective
front flap cover. Carrying comfort is assured by a padded wrap
handle plus a contoured, a special non-slip, padded shoulder carry
strap.
The third addition for the iBook is a more
traditional carry case which affords Willow's heavier duty
level of laptop protection. All three are covered by Willow's
lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or
craftsmanship.
The new Apple catalogue was a necessity, says Willow president,
Nigel Peck. "With 32 different cases designed for the Apple in
mind, it was just too difficult figuring which case worked with
which product."
What Willow did was build the catalogue around the different
Apple products, so, for example, the Titanium is currently covered
by nine separate cases, not including the different laptop
backpacks. "Hopefully it will make finding the perfect case for
each person's needs a bit easier; we certainly have the
selection."
Computer Cases from Lowepro
Lowepro offers a wide variety of computer cases in
several families
D-Res 
300
A sleek briefcase, with a wealth of storage - a padded computer
compartment, smaller padded pocket for a handheld electronic
organizer, cell phone or digital camera, organizer pocket for
office essentials plus special pockets for memory, airline tickets,
letter-size files, even magazines - 12 pockets in all. Includes 2
attachment loops for SlipLock™ add-ons, detachable strap with
non-slip shoulder pad and padded DryFlo™ mesh handles.
- Inner Dimensions: 13W x 1.5D x 10.75H in. (33 x 4 x 27.5
cm)
- Computer pocket size: 13W x 2D x 10.75H in. (33 x 5 x 27.5
cm)
- Weight: 1 lb. 4 oz. (567 g)
- Materials: Outer fabric: Water-resistant 420D Nailhead and
1200D ballistic TXP
- Color: Black/Silver
LINX-240
A new, designer-style sling bag that wraps around the body for
carrying comfort and security. Eleven pockets keep everything
organized. Wear it on your back and it swings around easily so you
can grab your gear fast. There's a quick-release buckle on the
shoulder strap and handle that make it easy to remove and
DryFlo™ mesh lining to keep you cool on the hottest day.
Includes a phone pouch.
- a premium backpack for digital photojournalists, sports
photographers
- first created for Kevin T. Gilbert, president, White House News
Photographer's Association
- fully adjustable backpack harness has sternum strap, back pad
with DryFlo™ mesh for carrying comfort
- removable padded computer case adjusts for left or right
access, can be used separately with its own shoulder strap
- computer case has ID pocket, 4 exterior pockets and soft,
brushed tricot lining
- Street and Field™ Cell Phone Pouch included detaches and
clips to a belt with the SlipLock™ attachment tab
- storage includes 3 Neoprene lens cases, 2 neoprene pockets for
extra bodies or accessories, 6 inner and outer pockets and covered
ID pocket
- All Weather Cover protects gear from rain, snow, dust
- holds 1-2 pro SLRs (digital or 35mm film), 3 - 4 lenses, laptop
(up to an Apple PowerBook), cell phone, change of clothes,
toiletries, office supplies, accessories
- Size: 13.5W x 4.75D x 21H in. (34.5 x 12 x 53.5 cm)
- Computer case: 13W x 3D x 11H (33 x 7.5 x 28 cm)
- Outer fabric: water-resistant 600D TXP rip stop and 2000D
ballistic nylon
- Color: Black/Silver
Madison 1300
Lowepro's take on the backpack briefcase: a multifunction
laptop-and-peripherals briefcase with a backpack harness and
sternum strap, removable waistbelt, a convenient webbed handle and
Lowepro's patented All Weather Cover. The padded computer
compartment provides remarkably easy access, there's an outer
"stuff-it" pocket for a newspaper or light jacket, plus endless
pockets for everything you normally carry, from a cell phone and
sunglasses to business files.
- Front Compartment: 10W x 2D x 14H in. (25.5 x 5 x 35.5 cm)
- Main Compartment: 11.5W x 4.5D x 17.5H in. (29 x 11.5 x 44.5
cm)
- Computer Compartment: 10.5W x 2D x 8.5H in. (26.5 x 5 x 21.5
cm)
- Weight: 2 lb 6 oz (1077 g)
- Materials: 600D TXP rip stop and 1200D ballistic TXP
Lind Electronics Announces Auto DC Power
Adapter for iPod
The
Lind #APiPOD Power Adapter is manufactured by Griffin
Technologies and can be purchased directly from Lind. This adapter
connects to the iPod via the included FireWire cable.
The adapter provides power to charge internal battery and
operate the iPod from automobile 12 VDC. The power adapter is
housed in a lightweight composite ABS plastic case with an LED to
indicate that power is present.
The Automobile Adapter #APiPOD offers the following
features:
- Keeps your iPod fully charged
- Unlimited iPod play when connected
- Works with all 12 VDC automobile accessory outlets and
cigarette lighter sockets
- LED status indicator
- Detachable 4 foot FireWire cable
- Price $19.95
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.
- PowerBook G3/333 Lombard, 64
MB/4 GB HD/CD/56k, $969
- PowerBook G3/400 Lombard, 64
MB/6 GB HD/DVD/56k, $1,249
- PowerBook G3/400 Pismo, 64 MB/6
GB HD/DVD/56k, $1,269
- PowerBook G3/500 Pismo, 128
MB/12 GB HD/DVD/56k, $1,549
