Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2002.06.21
Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.
Newer Technology, Other World Computing
Introduce G4 Pismo Upgrade
Newer Technology
and Other World
Computing have introduced the NuPowr G4 Pismo upgrade for the
PowerBook (FireWire), originally
code-named "Pismo."
The G4 upgrade, which is available immediately for $299.95,
allows owners of 400 and 500 MHz Pismo systems to upgrade to a 500
MHz G4 processor.
"The G4 Pismo upgrade will save PowerBook G3 users literally
thousands of dollars by not having to buy a brand new Titanium PowerBook in order to get a G4
processor," said Rick Estes, president of Newer Systems.
"We have a lot of loyal customers that have been requesting this
product, and with their help and feedback, we are ready to make it
available to the public. We are confident that it will be extremely
well received, and help to once again reinforce our position as a
leading provider of computer upgrade products for the Apple
community."
Customers interested in purchasing the upgrade can do so
exclusively through
OWC. Customers will be required to send their computer to
Newer Tech in Wichita. Newer Tech will test the customer's system
prior to and following the installation of the G4 upgrade to ensure
the system is running optimally.
Newer Tech is committed to completing the install and testing,
and return the systems within two weeks of their receipt and will
also cover freight by FedEx 2nd Day for the customers to send in
their components and for the return of their systems.
"This is a much anticipated day," said Larry O'Connor, president
of OWC. "The NuPowr G4 Pismo upgrade is the first and only upgrade
available today for the Pismo model.
"Prior to the G4 Pismo upgrade, PowerBook G3 owners did not have
an alternative to upgrade their processors, other than to purchase
a new Titanium system. Newer Tech has always been recognized as an
innovator, and as its partner, OWC is excited to be the exclusive
distributor of this bleeding-edge technology."
All sales, distribution, tracking, and customer support will be
handled by OWC.
PowerLogix BlueChip G4 Pismo Upgrade
PowerLogix
has announced the
BlueChip Pismo G4 500 processor upgrade for PowerBook (FireWire) (a.k.a. 
Pismo or PowerBook 2000) laptops. The upgrade
consists of a Motorola PowerPC G4-7410 processor running at 500
MHz.
The BlueChip Pismo requires that the the original processor card
have its G3 processor removed and replaced with the G4. This is due
to the proprietary nature of the Pismo processor card.
Customers who wish to have their laptop upgraded with the
BlueChip Pismo must send their laptop to PowerLogix. The original
processor card is verified and tested prior to the chip swap, and
retested prior to shipment back to the customer. Turnaround time is
guaranteed to be five business days or less for domestic
customers.
The actual chip swap is subcontracted to a local Austin firm,
located about ten minutes from PowerLogix, who are experts and
specialize exclusively in chip rework of this type.
Customers are provided with complete instructions about the
process in a shipping package which is overnighted direct to the
customer after order placement.
The BlueChip Pismo card is warranted for two years and is fully
compatible with all software and hardware, including OS X.
The BlueChip Pismo was supposed to be available for ordering
June 17 on the PowerLogix website, but still no sign of it as of
June 20 evening.
Retail price on the BlueChip Pismo 500 is $329. Price includes
FedEx overnight shipping both ways. A special introductory price of
$299 for the Blue Chip Pismo upgrade will be in effect through
July, 2002.
WiebeTech Announces FireWire Notebook
DriveDock
WiebeTech LLC
announced the FireWire Notebook DriveDock, which is a complete
FireWire bridge interface attachable to any notebook drive.
"The original FireWire DriveDock for big 3.5" IDE drives is a
huge hit with our customers," said James Wiebe, 
President of WiebeTech. "They've
requested that we create a similar new product specifically
designed to support notebook (2.5") drives. We've done exactly that
with Notebook DriveDock. We've also been able to make Notebook
DriveDock completely FireWire bus powered, so that just about every
2.5" hard drive can be powered up without using an external power
supply. In fact, Notebook DriveDock offers the user extreme
simplicity combined with extreme performance. There are no power
switches or plugs for external power, just a FireWire port and two
indicator lights."
FireWire Notebook DriveDock's list of features includes the
following:
- High Speed FireWire Bridge. Notebook DriveDock uses the
industry standard Oxford Semiconductor 911 FireWire bridge for best
performance.
- Bus Powered. Notebook DriveDock takes all of its operating
power from the FireWire bus. The high efficiency / high performance
power regulator within Notebook DriveDock is capable of supporting
virtually every current production notebook drive.
- Small Size And Beautiful Enclosure. Notebook DriveDock is
really small, containing all required electronics within an
enclosure volume of only 2.4 cubic inches, measuring .62 x 1.40 x
2.73 inches. The enclosure is constructed of beautiful, rugged
anodized aluminum which is CNC cut from solid bar stock. As a
result, its styling is good looking and very distinctive.
- Supports 2.5" Drives To 60 GB. Notebook DriveDock supports
capacities to 60 GB and beyond.
- OS Compatibility. Notebook DriveDock is plug and play under
most popular operating systems, including Windows 98SE, ME, 2K, XP;
also Mac OS 9.2 and OS X. Earlier versions of the Mac OS are
easily supported through the use of optional third party
drivers.
Notebook DriveDock is priced at $139.95. The product is shipping
from limited stock at introduction.
The product is available through WiebeTech's distributor,
Dr Bott LLC. End
users may also order directly from WiebeTech.
Notebook DriveDock will be shown from WiebeTech's booth at the
New York Macworld Expo, July 17-19, at booth 158.
Evergreen Adds Low Cost USB 2.0 Pocket
HotDrive to fireLine High Speed Portable Storage Offerings
Evergreen's latest addition to its fireLine family of high
speed IEEE 1394 and USB products, the new 40 GB fireLine USB 2.0
Pocket HotDrive delivers high-speed portable storage for budget
conscious users
The fireLine USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrive delivers 40 GB of
affordable high speed external data storage for PC and Mac users
alike. The USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrive can quickly be added to any
desktop or laptop simply by plugging the drive into an available
USB (either 1.1 or the new 2.0 standard) port. (For users without
USB connections, Evergreen offers a complete array of USB 2.0, dual
IEEE 1394, and USB 2.0 connectivity cards for desktop and laptop
systems.)
In the fireLine USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrive, Evergreen has removed
the IEEE 1394 (FireWire) capability from its original dual standard
Pocket HotDrive to provide a lower cost solution for users without
the need for this added flexibility. The USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrive
remains a light weight, compact data storage solution for users on
the go, backing up dense amounts of data and sharing data between
multiple systems frequently. The new USB 2.0 standard supports "hot
swapping" (plugging devices in and out without powering down the
host system), daisy chaining of devices, and power transmission
from the host system.
The fireLine USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrive is supported by Windows
98SE or higher, Linux and Unix operating systems. Macintosh has not
introduced support for the new USB 2.0 standard, however the drive
is backward compatible to USB 1.1 which is supported by Mac OS 8.6
and above. It comes with a step-by-step installation guide, USB 2.0
device drivers, a USB A-to-B cable, a 5V power supply, and a one
year warranty. A case-only offering is also available to users who
wish to select an alternate drive capacity.
Pricing of fireLine USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrive:
- 40 GB, $259.99 list, $229.99 direct web purchase
- Case Only, $59.99 list, $49.99 direct web purchase
"With today's operating systems and software applications
demanding more and more system storage, external hard drives have
become a common PC accessory. Storage demands vary from user to
user, however," said Mike Magee, president and CEO of Evergreen.
"Our line of high speed, external HotDrives attempts to deliver a
solution for every need, whether it be data transfer flexibility,
large capacity or ease of portability or low cost. The fireLine USB
2.0 Pocket HotDrive is the perfect product to round out this
family."
Besides the new fireLine USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrive, Evergreen
continues to offer its complete line of fireLine dual IEEE 1394-USB
2.0 Pocket HotDrives. Users can obtain from 10 GB to 40 GB of
additional storage capacity or the bare case-only option in this
version as well.
Pricing of fireLine Dual IEEE 1394-USB 2.0 Pocket HotDrives:
- 40 GB, $449.99 list, $329.99 direct web purchase
- 60 GB, $369.99 list, $279.99 direct web purchase
- 80 GB, $299.99 list, $229.99 direct web purchase
- 100GB, $259.99 list, $199.99 direct web purchase
- HotDrive Kit, $129.99 list, $99.99 direct web purchase
The new USB 2.0 standard enables data transfer speeds up to 480
Mbps and is backward compatible with the USB 1.1 standard,
providing speeds up to 12 Mbps. USB has long been the communication
standard of choice for office peripherals like printers, scanners,
and faxes. Connectivity between systems and both 1394 and USB
peripherals is supported by Windows 98SE or higher (including the
new Windows XP operating system), and Mac OS 8.6 or higher.
The Evergreen fireLine 1394 and USB 2.0 product line is
available through national distributors, retailers, PC mail order
catalogs, and directly from Evergreen's website. These product
lines are covered by a one-year warranty, and technical support is
available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST.
160 GB FireWire DesktopGB Available
WiebeTech LLC
has announced a new 160 GB DesktopGB, providing the highest
capacity available in a desktop FireWire drive. Available from
factory stock, the drive sells for $399.95 and ships from stock.
(Basic product includes: Enclosure; vertical stand, FireWire cable
and AC adapter.)
"This new preconfigured version of DesktopGB is a very
attractive purchase decision for anyone who wants highest capacity,
highest performance FireWire storage," said James Wiebe, CEO of
WiebeTech. "Consumers have requested this product and we are adding
it to our product lineup as a result."
DesktopGB features the high speed Oxford 911 FireWire interface
offering a read transfer rate greater than 30 MB/second is also
available in capacities of 60 GB, 80 GB, 120 GB, and a user
configurable 0 GB version.
In all capacities less than 160 GB, DesktopGB features USB 2.0
and FireWire multiports. The 160 GB version is shipped with dual
daisy chainable FireWire ports only; USB is not supported.
In the US and Canada, DesktopGB may be purchased from
WiebeTech's distributor,
Dr Bott LLC, or from dealers. DesktopGB is also available
directly from
WiebeTech.
This top loading, rugged pack is ideal for moving around campus
or the casual office. Easy access to your 
laptop and great protection makes this one of our
favorite packs!
Dimensions:
- Exterior: 17" x 12.5" x 5.75"
- Padded Computer Compartment: 13.75" x 11.5" x 1.75"
Features:
- Made of Nylon Ripstop
- Top-Loading, Padded Inner Computer Case.
- Exterior Zippered Flap Pocket with Holders for Pens/Pencils,
Cell Phone, Business/ID Cards and a Key Chain Clip
- Padded Computer Compartment Includes Storage for Diskettes,
Files and Documents
- Large Padded handle.
- Adjustable, Non-Slip, Padded Shoulder Straps
- Lifetime Replacement Warranty
Price: $44.95
LapDog Carrying Case/Portable Workplace on
Sale
The
Lapdog is a padded carrying case for your computer
that unfolds for use on your lap, on an airplane tray, or any other
work surface. Padded, folding pockets provide storage for laptop
accessories when opened and protection for your laptop when closed.
Made of rugged rip-stop black nylon, this versatile case is rapidly
becoming a favorite for road warriors.
Lapdog is a cleverly designed padded carrying case for your
laptop computer that unfolds in seconds to create a portable work
environment. Ballistic nylon protects its contents and ensures good
looks through even the worst abuse. Carefully placed grip areas
provide a non slip surface for your desk or lap.
Lapdog's side pockets hold the things that you need to have with
your laptop. The pockets will accommodate a PDA, a cell phone,
removable drives, batteries, power supply, cords, and media. To
prevent overloading that would result in a bag to heavy to carry
comfortably, the amount of storage space on the unit was
intentionally kept to a minimum.
Materials
- 1000 denier urethane coated ballistics type nylon
- 200 denier urethane coated rip-stop nylon
- 1000 lb. test military spec webbing
- non-crocking suede
- non-slip gripdeck which also provides a thermal barrier between
the laptop and user
- shock absorbing EVA foam
- top grain leather handle
- military spec hardware
- all seams are edge bound
- all stress points are reinforced with bartacks for increased
strength
- comes with ergonomic, non-slip shoulder strap
- will accommodate a 12.75" x 10.5" x 2.5" computer
- 2.5 lbs. with shoulder strap
Limited lifetime warranty from manufacturer
On Sale for $99.95 (Suggested Retail: $139.95)
Doggie Bag on Sale
The
Doggie Bag is an optional accessory for the Lapdog
carrying case that provides additional storage compartments for
files, portable printers and other office supplies and equipment.
The Doggie Bag drapes over the Lapdog saddlebag style and attaches
securely via two quick release buckles. Once removed, the Doggie
bag can be hung conveniently to create a functional, vertical
filing and storage system.
Once removed from the Lapdog, the Doggie Bags may be hung from a
wall, partition, or desk drawer creating a portable filing system
for your portable office.
Lapdog's leather handle wrap accepts the handle in the opening
of the Doggie bag's forming a single handle, securing the bags
together. Quick release buckles on the underside of the Doggie bags
provide an additional means of securing to the Lapdog
Materials
- 1000 denier urethane coated ballistics type nylon
- 200 denier urethane coated rip-stop nylon
- 1000 lb. test military spec webbing
- military spec hardware
- all seams are edge bound
Limited lifetime from manufacturer
Model No. DBG9957, On Sale: $59.95 (regular $74.95)
Dr. Bott Ships LeatherPod, Leather Case for
iPod from e-Pac
LeatherPod from e-Pac is a deluxe iPod case in
European design that features play-through usability while
still offering protection for the iPod
itself. The removable shoulder strap and belt clip provide
versatile yet elegant ways to keep your iPod with you on the
go.
Luxurious soft leather in classic black, with features that make
for a fully equipped case. Features including the fully usable jog
dial, display protection, carrying strap and a sturdy belt clip.
The interior is lined with soft material that will not scratch the
delicate iPod materials so your iPod stays looking like new.
Most users find no need to take the iPod out of the LeatherPod -
all ports and the jog dial are fully accessible and the protective
front flap leaves head phones and the hold button free.
"The LeatherPod is a truly befitting the professional with high
quality soft leather and European design." said Jens Dietrich, of
Dr. Bott KG. "All the style, comfort and features do not add up in
price - in fact, the LeatherPod is surprisingly affordable!"
LeatherPod retails for $29.95 is available immediately.
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.
- iBook 500, $1,050
- iBook 500 Combo w/AirPort card,
$1,100
- iBook 500 Combo, 30 GB
installed, $1,165
- iBook 500 Combo, 30 GB &
AirPort card installed, $1,215
- PowerBook G4/667, 256/30 GB with
MCE/40 GB Transport Pro Portable FireWire & USB hard drive,
factory refurbished with a 90 day warranty, $2,439
- PowerBook G4/667. 512/30 GB/DVD/AirPort, $2,149
- iBook 500,128/15 GB/CD w/Ogio
Case, $949
- iBook 500. 128/15 GB/CD-ROM,
refurb., $879
