Whenever Apple introduces a completely revamped or new product, like
the PowerBook G4, it
takes the rest of the computer industry a few months to catch on. This
is due to the fact that 
Apple keeps all of its
products in an unbreakable metal container before they are released
(well, not really). However, a number of products that are made
specifically for the TiBook, or that work well with it are starting to
appear. If you've been lucky enough to get your hands on a PowerBook
G4, then start accessorizing it by checking out the list of compatible
products below.
Willow Design G4 Carry Case
Although a
number of companies have announced G4 carry cases, the
fine folks at Willow Design
are the first to make one
available. The Titanium G4 PowerBook Carry
Case is maximized to protect your TiBook, and it comes with a
number of pockets to hold all your other accessories. It comes in five
colors: Black, Charcoal, Navy, Purple, and Teal. The bag weighs 3.1
lbs, fits in an overhead compartment, and comes at the hefty price of
$123.
MadsonLine G4 Saver
Not ready to spend the big bucks on a G4 carry case? MadsonLine sells a good protection
sleeve made specifically for the PowerBook G4. The product comes with
nylon handles for easy transport, although it doesn't feature all of
the extra pockets and protection that a full-fledged carry case will.
In my opinion, $58 is a lot to throw out for a pocketless carrying case
(or protection sleeve), but that's the going rate these days. Visit the
MadsonLine site to learn more.
Waterfield also makes a PB G4
sleeve case, which retails for under $40.
The Visor Edge
The Visor Edge, announced Monday, is the perfect compliment to the
PowerBook G4. It is one of the thinnest handhelds around, measuring in
at less than half of an inch thick. The Visor Edge comes in three
colors: Metallic Blue, Metallic Red, and Metallic Silver. The latter
matches the PB G4's color scheme like a charm. Best of all, the Visor
Edge, like your PowerBook, has good battery life. The Visor Edge is one
of the first handheld organizers that is rechargeable. So how much do
you have to pay for a thin, expandable, rechargeable, cool-looking
Visor? $399. You can get yours today from Handspring, but be aware that
it lacks a color screen, which are quickly becoming popular.
Equip Yourself With Earphones
A pair of earphones that have been getting a lot of attention lately
is the new ones from Bang &
Olufsen. They are crafted of aluminum and rubber, and match the
PowerBook G4 in both design and quality. The earphones are adjustable,
compact, and weigh only 8 grams each. An aluminum frame and compact
design comes at a high price, about $80. If you're ready to blow that
much on a pair of earphones, you can pick them up at Ban & Olufsen
outlets nation wide.
The N656U CanoScan Scanner
It's not often that you find a scanner that just a tad bit thicker
than your PowerBook. Canon has managed to do it, though, and equipped
the N646U
CanoScan Scanner with an awesome case. The product scans at
600 x 1200 dpi, and retails for $129.
What's To Come
MadsonLine, a company
discussed earlier, has big plans for the PowerBook G4. It has scheduled
a number of products, such as the G3 to G4 "Generation Gap" Adapter
Converter, G4 Auto/Air Travel Adapter, and G4 Micro-Adapter for release
later on this year. Pricing and availability information is scheduled
to be made public sometime this month.
Waterfield will be releasing an
updated version of its Thinsert bag, a popular portable carry case, on
April 15th. The new Thinsert will be named Racer-X and will be made
especially for the PowerBook G4. In addition to carrying your slab of
titanium around, it will also hold your files, your cell phone, power
cords, and a mouse. The Racer-X is scheduled to be released on April
15th.
Manufacturers and designers have obviously jumped at the opportunity
to create a product that works with the PowerBook G4. As you can see
from the descriptions above, a good number of PB G4 accessories already
exist (whether they were meant to work especially with the TiBook or
not), and many more are scheduled to debut shortly.
We'll have to see if developers react as quickly to the new Flower
Power and Blue Dalmatian iMac flavors.
