Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2005.07.01
This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News
PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review. News
about Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments
is covered in The Macintel
Report. iPod news is covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
Fujitsu Pushes Hard Drive Limits
Researchers are working on technology that could offer seven
times as much storage.
IDG News Service's Martyn Williams reports:
"Researchers in Japan have reported success in an advanced
data-storage technology that could help yield hard drives with
capacities of seven times or more than today's most advanced drives
in as soon as five years.
"Their work is a refinement of perpendicular storage technology,
a method of data storage that is only just beginning to come into
commercial use in hard drives.
"Drive makers are switching to perpendicular storage because it
allows much more data to be stored on a disk. This is because the
magnetic particles on which data is stored stand perpendicular to
the disk's surface and so more of them can be packed onto the disk
than in the current longitudinal recording method in which they lay
flat."
Keyspan 4-Port Print Server
PR: Share USB printers on a network!
This 4-Port Print Server makes it easy to share USB printers on
a network in a home, office, or classroom. This server transmits
print jobs to printers. It also reports ink and paper status back
to the PC/Mac.
High Capacity: Connect as many as 4 USB printers.
Bi-directional: Transmits print jobs to attached printers.
Reports ink/paper status back to the Mac/PC.
Convenient: Print via Ethernet or WiFi
Versatile: For use with inkjet printers, laser printers, photo
printers, label printers and plotters.
High Performance: Supports simultaneous use of attached
printers.
Monitor Ink and Paper Status: Most print servers only transmit
data in one direction (from the PC to the printer). Our 4-Port
Print Server provides bi-directional communication with the
printer. This allows you to use utilities that monitor ink and
paper status. Compatible with all printer management software.
Features:
- Connectivity to USB Printer:
- 4 USB 2.0 Full-Speed ports
- Full 500mA power provided to each port
- Connectivity to Network:
- RJ45 LAN connector
- 10/100 autosensing
- IP addressing: Static/DHCP/Zero config
System requirements:
- Windows: Windows 2000/XP or greater
- Macintosh: Mac OS X v10.3.x or greater
Price: $99.99
ABSmini Backup System with 1.8" Hard Drive
PR: CMS Products Inc. has introduced its new sleek and
stylish 1.8" ultra-portable data backup system, the "ABSmini."
Weighing in at only four ounces, the
ABSmini is extremely lightweight and features a compact and elegant
design in anodized aluminum. This design provides a solid, rugged
housing for the 20 or 40 GB capacity drives. The high-speed USB 2.0
connection provides the perfect solution for storing, transporting,
or backing up data files, photos, music, or video. Included with
the ABSmini is CMS Products' award-winning BounceBack Express data
backup software, a carrying pouch and a USB 2.0 cable. CMS Products
provides a 3-year warranty and support via email and telephone.
"Our new 1.8" ABSmini adds another dimension to our solid line
of backup, storage and upgrade solutions," said Ken Burke,
president, CMS Products. "This new product is helping to
revolutionize data backup products with its small form factor and
our powerful BounceBack software."
The ABSmini 20 GB is priced at $179; the ABSmini 40 GB is priced
at $259. The ABSmini is available from CMS Products, through
distributors TechData and Ingram Micro, and through various
resellers.
Buffalo Technology's USB 2.0 Portable Hard
Drive
PR: Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design,
development and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking,
storage and memory solutions today announced it has expanded its
award-winning line of storage solutions to include the USB 2.0
External Portable Hard Drive with Bus Power Booster, available in
capacities of 40 GB (HD-PH40U2/BST) and 80 GB (HD-PH80U2/BST).
Buffalo's new compact storage device is designed
to give mobile PC and Macintosh users the convenience of storing
vital data while traveling. Users can quickly and easily access and
store files, digital images, music, etc.
"Portable storage has become popular, but the issue of
unreliability due to power issues remains. It is essential that
mobile users have a solution that not only offers them reliability,
but also allows them to free-up limited hard drive space on their
notebook," stated Morikazu Sano, vice president of product
marketing and public relations. "Buffalo always endeavors to
provide its customers with solutions that address their needs. With
our new Portable Hard Drive, we are offering on-the-go customers
the ultimate in storage mobility - simple, lightweight, compact and
affordable."
The Buffalo USB 2.0 External Portable Hard Drive with Bus Power
Booster is Windows and Mac compatible and supports USB 2.0 and 1.1.
The product offers a 5400 rpm High Speed Drive and includes a Bus
Power Booster. This feature provides stable power delivery to the
drive even on older laptops, which often lack reliable power
delivery over USB, resulting in poor performance or drive failure.
The hard drive comes preformatted for immediate use and includes
Buffalo's Auto-Installation technology so there is no need for
installation CDs.
Its silent operation and compact design make the USB 2.0
External Portable Hard Drive with Bus Power Booster the ideal
mobile storage solution.
Backed by a limited one-year warranty and toll-free 24/7
technical support, the USB 2.0 External Portable Hard Drive with
Bus Power Booster is immediately available at estimated street
prices of $149 for the 40 GB (HD-PH40U2/BST) and $199 for the 80 GB
(HD-PH80U2/BST).
Front-Mounted Ports for B&W G3, Power Mac
G4
PR: Add
the convenience of ports at your fingertips. The Sweet Multiport
installs in the second bay of your G3 or G4.
Ports at your Fingertips
- 2 FireWire ports
- 1 USB port
- 5-in-1 memory card reader
- CompactFlash
- IBM Microdrive
- Memory Stick
- Secure Digital
- Multimedia Card
(note: Quicksilver supports only CF and Microdrive)
Additional ports on PCI card
- 2 FireWire ports
- 2 USB ports
System requirements:
- OS X, 10.1 or later, OS 9.1 or later
- G4 "Mirrored Drive Doors" system - empty 5.25" front drive
bay
- G4 "Quicksilver" system - empty 3.5" front drive bay
- G4 "PCI" or "AGP" system - empty 3.5" front drive bay
- G3 "Blue & White" system - empty 3.5" front drive bay
- Empty PCI slot
Compatibility:
- Works in OS 9 and OS X
- No software drivers required
- Memory card reader compatible with iPhoto
Includes:
- Sweet Multiport front panel card
- Sweet Multiport PCI card
- Sweet Multiport interconnect cable
- Mounting bracket and screws
- Front faceplate
- FireWire and USB cables
New low price $29.95
Stealth Serial Port New Available for G5
Systems
PR: The Stealth Serial Port provides a fully compatible
serial port for your Mac. Unlike USB-to-serial adapters, the
Stealth Serial Port works with LocalTalk (OS 9 only), MIDI,
any serial printer, and virtually any other Mac serial peripheral.
We back this compatibility with a money-back guarantee.
Compatible
- Functions just like a standard Mac serial port, including
LocalTalk (OS 9 only)
- Hardware based on the same serial chipset found on earlier
Power Macs
- Supports externally clocked serial peripherals such as serial
printers and MIDI devices
- Standard mini-DIN8 connector
Simple
- Installs in minutes
- Uses internal modem slot
Great value
- Under $50
- 30-day money-back guarantee
System requirements
Open modem slot (no internal modem) - all models
Stealth Serial Port for G5
- Power Macintosh G5
- Dual 2.0 GHz., 2.3 GHz., 2.5 GHz, 2.7 GHz.
- Single 1.8 GHz (2005)
- All G5's except first generation (2003)
Stealth Serial Port for G4 - Universal model
- Power Macintosh G4 "Mirrored Drive Doors" (Dual 867 MHz, Dual 1
GHz, Dual 1.25 GHz)
Note: Serial connector mounts on a bracket that replaces a PCI slot
cover on the "Mirror Door" systems.
- Power Macintosh G4 "Quicksilver" (733, 800, 867, Dual 800 MHz,
Dual 1 GHz)
- Power Macintosh G4-2001, 4-PCI Slots (466, 533, 667,733
MHz)
- Power Macintosh G4 Dual Processor (450, 500 MHz)
- Power Macintosh G4 AGP graphics (350, 400, 450 or 500
MHz.)
Stealth Serial Port for G3
- Power Macintosh Blue & White G3
- Power Macintosh G4 with PCI graphics
Stealth Serial Port for iMac
- iMac rev A-D (233-333 MHz.)
- Link: Stealth Serial
Port
Apple, M-Audio Offer New Hardware for
Musicians
AP Technology Writer Greg Sandoval reports:
"As technology turns the music industry on its head, Apple
Computer Inc. and its business partners are stepping up efforts to
help musicians as well as wannabes turn their homes into
mini-recording studios.
"At Apple's request, M-Audio has designed a new music-mixing
board designed specifically to control Apple's GarageBand, a
software feature in Macintosh computers. Irwindale, Calif.-based
M-Audio, which creates software and electronic tools for musicians,
is expected to launch the $179 iControl early next week at Apple
stores nationwide."
iControl Tactile Hardware Control Surface for
GarageBand
PR: iControl delivers total tactile control over
GarageBand. Dedicated transport buttons and jog wheel put record
and playback functions at your fingertips. Its eight rotary knobs
are easily assigned to track functions like volume and pan, or to
parameters for effects such as GarageBand's EQ or any other Audio
Unit plug-in. iControl also provides dedicated mute, solo and
record-enable buttons for each track, plus a master volume fader.
iControl is USB bus-powered, class-compliant, and automatically
recognized by GarageBand, making setup a breeze. iControl puts you
in complete creative flow with your GarageBand experience.
Hands-on Control
Making music should be about the creative process, not messing
with technology or working with its limitations. That's why
recording studios in the know have tactile controllers for their
music software. Of course, they usually cost a lot more than
iControl - "but GarageBand breaks the mold in a lot of ways.
Designed for GarageBand
iControl is the first control surface designed specifically for
GarageBand. By avoiding the pitfalls of trying to create a generic
controller to work with a variety of software, the M-Audio design
team was able to deliver a tool that gives you ultimate control
over all the functions you use regularly in GarageBand.
Bank on It
iControl features a bank of controls for eight tracks at a time
including dedicated buttons for solo, mute, record, as well as
rotary knobs assignable for volume and pan. Need access to more
tracks? Just press the up/down buttons to assign the eight sets of
track controls to a higher or lower grouping of tracks.
Effects and More
In addition to track volume and pan, those eight rotary knobs
are great for programming and tweaking instruments and effects like
EQ and Generator. Assignment is simple - just push the Select
button associated with the desired track, then press the button in
the "Selected Track" group associated with what you want to
control. The rotary knobs instantly become controls for that module
or effect. To switch back, just press either the Volume or Pan
button in the "All Tracks" group.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.3.4 and up
- GarageBand 2.0.1 or later
- available USB port.
USB bus-powered - no power adapter required
The iControl sells for $179.95
New Wireless Bundles Relieve Stress Over
Selecting Products
PR: QuickerTek has just made it much easier to master
long-distance network creation with the debut of two new
Point-to-Point and Point-to-MultiPoint network product bundles.
These Do-It-Yourself product bundles were created to ease concerns
over assembling the exact equipment for creating wireless networks
spanning more than a mile. The hardware is Windows and Mac
compatible and are priced at far below the market rate of several
thousand dollars.
QuickerTek has put together two bundles that include all the
necessary products to install, test and use wireless networks that
stretch for miles outdoors line of sight and from building to
building distances. These networks are commonly 802.11g and 802.11b
compatible and often customers use popular connection hardware such
as Linksys and D-Link and many others. QuickerTek P2P and P2M
bundles maintain this compatibility with wireless standards and
installed hardware. Compatibility includes the Apple AirPort and
AirPort Extreme Base Stations (not Express). There is a specific
package for the AirPort Extreme with the external antenna port - so
customers can ensure they get exactly the right hardware right out
of the box.
These network systems come with low-loss 50-foot coax networking
cables, Apple AirPort Base Station adapter cables, Omni and/or
Directional outdoor antennas, mounting hardware and include
detailed instructions, 1 watt Transceivers and power supplies.
There is nothing else to buy.
The 1 watt Transceivers and antennas are weatherproof and are
designed to be mounted outside. All systems come with two 1-watt
Transceivers and two antennas (either two 14dbi Directional, or two
8.5dbi Omnis, or one of each). Also, customers should be aware that
QuickerTek can assist you in designing completely custom wireless
networks for any application you can envision.
A two Transceiver system for (non-antenna port) AirPort Base
Station system are $999.95. An Apple AirPort Base Station system
with the AirPort Express (with external port) is $,1099.95.
QuickerTek is a recognized leading innovator of antennas and RF
products for Apple desktop and portable computers. QuickerTek
products can be purchased at Mac dealers such as Small Dog
Electronics, TechnoWarehouse, PowerBook Medic, and many others,
including a growing group of Mac Mini online retailers.
Three New Sharp 17" LCD Monitors
PR: Sharp Systems of America, a division of Sharp
Electronics Corporation, has announced the release of three of
their newest 17" LCD desktop displays. The full-featured desktop
display models, aimed at both consumer and professional markets,
deliver professional performance at competitive prices, providing a
great opportunity for businesses to economically provide their
workforce with high-quality Sharp displays that respond to a wide
range of needs.
"These new models are solid additions to Sharp's LCD lineup and
provide users with some of the best display quality available on
the desktop today," said Ian Matthew, LCD Product Manager at Sharp
Systems of America. "The display is the window in which users
interact with their computers, and these displays provide users
with fantastic visual quality that can be used in both the home and
professional setting."
The Sharp LL-193A
Equipped with stereo speakers, the Sharp LL-193A is a
high-resolution 17" SXGA (1280 x 1024) monitor that responds to a
wide range of needs. With its 280-nit brightness and remarkable
500:1 contrast ratio, the price performance of this monitor is
exceptional. The LL-193A display also boasts a fast 8ms response
rate, making it perfect for video games and other video
applications.
The Sharp LL-193A display, available with standard analog input,
comes equipped with color management functions and includes three
different display profiles for a range of use, including "Office"
mode for power consumption reduction, "VIVID" mode for dynamic
primary colors, and "Standard" mode for standard viewing.
The LL-193A is available in black and features a long life
(approximately 50,000 hours) backlight, making the unit an
excellent investment for the long term. Available immediately, the
LL-193A has an estimated street price of $429.
The Sharp LL-173G
Economical price and professional performance distinguish the
Sharp LL-173G. This dual-input 17" LCD monitor (both analog and
digital) is equipped with a high-performance TFT LCD that achieves
a wide viewing angle of 170°, both horizontally and vertically.
A high contrast ratio of 450:1 and a high brightness of 280 nits
make the Sharp LL-173G monitor ideal for professional applications
such as CAD and desktop publishing.
The Sharp LL-173G boasts a 12ms response time, making it capable
of both professional and consumer display applications, including
CAD and high movement video gaming. The display also comes equipped
with stereo speakers and a built-in power supply, reducing clutter
on the desktop.
Available in black or white and complete with a fully adjustable
stand (including tilt, swivel, and height adjustment), the Sharp
LL-173G will be available in July with a competitive street
price.
The Sharp LL-173C
Aimed at the consumer market, the 17" Sharp LL-173C offers
consumers the benefits of a professional monitor at a price
tailored for the consumer budget. The Sharp LL-173C provides users
with a remarkably bright 260-nit display with a 500:1 contrast
ratio. Fitted for a standard analog input connection, the LL-173C
achieves a wide viewing angle of 160°, both horizontally and
vertically.
The Sharp LL-173C model also boasts a 12ms response time, making
it a great performer for gaming and other video applications. A
built-in power supply reduces desktop clutter. Like its sister
models, the Sharp LL-173C comes equipped with color management
functions and includes three different display profiles for a range
of use.
Available in black, Sharp LL-173C is available for an estimated
street price of $299.
Availability
These Sharp LCD displays are available through Sharp directly or
through Sharp's network of retail partners and reseller channels.
For more information, call 800-BE-SHARP.
Westinghouse's 2 Megapixel 37" LCD
Monitor
PR: Westinghouse Digital Electronics has announced the
availability of its 37" LCD HD Video monitor, the largest monitor
to date in the line. The new monitor is part of the Westinghouse
Digital 1080p resolution line, which offers the highest standard
available to consumers for HD digital video display, leading the
industry in picture clarity and vividness with more than two
million pixels to dramatically enhance the digital entertainment
experience.
"Connect the Westinghouse 1080p 37" monitor to any HD cable or
satellite box or PC and the picture quality is stunning," said
Douglas Woo, president of Westinghouse Digital. "Until now, the
1080p technology was available only for advanced commercial
applications such as high-resolution medical imaging and studio
monitors for high-definition video editing. Now consumers can
choose from the first line of LCD displays for the mass market to
offer a 'true' high-definition digital viewing experience."
The new 37" 1080p LCD video monitor provides consumers the
ultimate viewing experience of HDTV programming and other
high-resolution video content. The monitor features a 1920 x 1080
progressive scan (1080p) resolution, delivering unparalleled clear
images and vivid color in a convenient and attractive thin,
flat-panel design that can be easily mounted on a wall. With two
DVI inputs with HDCP, two component video inputs and standard VGA
and RCA, the monitor allows users to connect to PCs, satellite and
cable boxes, game consoles, DVD players and the latest multimedia
video source to experience the stunning picture quality of 1080p.
The detachable 20-watt speakers and a classic clean, contemporary
style complete a beautiful display for the home, boardroom or
commercial applications.
"Westinghouse Digital has taken its LCD TV expertise and created
a premium monitor that produces crisp images for digital
entertainment, home office tasks and the Internet," said Woo.
"Consumers can expect to see additions to our growing monitor line
that are HD-Grade(a) and feature 1080p resolution."
Westinghouse Digital is one of few LCD providers offering a 37"
HD-Grade monitor with over two million pixels. The 37" LCD monitor
offers faster response times, better brightness, wider viewing
angles and higher contrast ratios than older LCD panel technology.
The LCD, flat-panel feature saves valuable space and provides the
clearest and truest picture. The 37" monitor's estimated retail
price is $2,299.
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two
weeks:
For deals on laptops, see our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals,
and Best iBook G3
Deals. For deals on iPods, see our Best iPod Deals.
