Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.09.08
It's been an interesting week. Apple moved the iMac to Core 2 Duo processors on Wednesday,
and at the same time they moved the entry-level Mac mini from Core Solo to Core Duo - and
gave both minis a speed bump. Digit reports that Core 2 averages 7%
faster than "Core1", and we expect to see the MacBook Pro line
updated to Core 2 shortly.
Logitech's Revolution mouse, the one with flywheels, continues
to garner praise, as does the four-core Mac Pro. And there's a new game in town
for running Windows apps on the Mac: CrossOver, in beta, emulates
Windows (not a Windows PC) on Intel Macs so you don't have to buy
and install Windows.
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Tips
Reviews
Products
iPod Accessories
Software
News & Opinion
Core 2 Duo 7% Faster than Core Duo
Digit reports:
"Eight months ago Intel rocked the mobile processor world with
its first dual-core CPUs, which boosted the speed of a notebook
performing two tasks simultaneously by 30 per cent. Now comes Core
Duo's successor, Core 2 Duo, accompanied by Intel claims of even
better performance and support for the coming era of 64-bit
computing. Should you kick yourself for buying that Core Duo
notebook in May?
"PC World (Digit's sister magazine) tests suggest you shouldn't
sweat it too much. Notebooks get only a small performance boost
with Intel's new processor, formerly code-named Merom, and battery
life appears to remain about the same."
Editor's note: Although these tests were run on Windows
notebooks, Macs using Core 2 should see comparable performance
gains. dk
Link: Review:
Intel Core 2 Duo Processors
Entire iMac Line Now Features Intel Core 2 Duo
Processors
PR: On September 6, Apple announced that its entire iMac line now features the new Intel
Core 2 Duo processor in every model, delivering up to 50% faster
performance than the previous iMac.* A new 24" iMac with a
brilliant 24" widescreen display joins the 17" and 20" models, and
iMac prices now start at just $999. Every new iMac includes a
built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing out-of-the-box;
Apple's breakthrough Front Row media experience; and iLife '06, the
next generation of Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle
applications.
"Every iMac - from the $999 model up through the new dazzling
24" widescreen model - now features blazing Core 2 Duo performance,"
said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide
Product Marketing. "And the new 24" widescreen iMac is the fastest,
biggest and brightest iMac we've ever made."
The new iMac lineup includes four models: a 1.83 GHz and a 2.0
GHz 17", a 2.16 GHz 20" and the all-new 2.16 GHz 24" iMac, and
features the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor which delivers up to 50
percent faster performance than the previous 20" iMac running
industry standard benchmarks.
Ideal for both consumers and professionals, the 24" iMac
features a 24" widescreen LCD display with a 1920-by-1200 pixel
resolution that offers 30 percent more screen real estate than the
20" model and a brighter display to make reading text and viewing
images even easier. The all-new 24" iMac packs professional
performance into the convenience of an all-in-one design and
includes a 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB of shared
L2 cache, 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory, a 250 GB Serial ATA
hard drive, Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT graphics with 128 MB of GDDR3
memory and a SuperDrive for burning professional-quality DVDs.
Delivering greater customization for performance and expansion
needs, users can configure the new 24" iMac with a 2.33 GHz Intel
Core 2 Duo processor, up to 3 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory, a 500
GB Serial ATA hard drive and the Nvidia GeForce 7600 GT with 256 MB
of GDDR3 memory for outstanding graphics performance.
Every iMac includes a built-in iSight video camera for video
conferencing out-of-the-box using Apple's award-winning iChat AV,
or recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife '06, and the
breakthrough media experience of Front Row for a simple, intuitive
and powerful way for consumers to enjoy their content. Providing
the latest in high-performance connectivity options, the iMac
includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for
high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme, a total of five
USB ports (three USB 2.0) and two FireWire ports (including one
FireWire 800 port on the 24" model).
Every iMac also comes with iLife '06, the next generation of
Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications
featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb, the latest
iLife application that makes it super-easy to create amazing
websites with photos, blogs and podcasts and publish them on .mac
for viewing by anyone on the Internet with just a single click.
Every iMac also comes with the latest release of the world's most
advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.7 "Tiger"
including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth,
running natively on the Intel-based desktop.
Pricing & Availability
The new iMac line is shipping today and will be available
through
the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized
Resellers. Apple today also increased processor speeds on both
models of the Mac mini, delivering dual-core performance across the
line at no additional cost. The $799 model now includes a 1.83 GHz
Intel Core Duo processor, up from 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo
processor, and the $599 model now includes a 1.66 GHz Intel Core
Duo processor, up from a 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo processor.
The new 24" 2.16 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of
$1,999, includes:
- 24" widescreen LCD display
- 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3 GB
- 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R
DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- PCI Express-based Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT with 128 MB GDDR3
memory
- built-in iSight video camera
- built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth
2.0+EDR
- 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
- mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold
separately)
- built-in stereo speakers and microphone
- the infrared Apple Remote, Mighty Mouse and Apple
Keyboard.
The new 20" 2.16 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of
$1,499, includes:
- 20" widescreen LCD display
- 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3 GB
- 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R
DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- PCI Express-based ATI Radeon X1600 with 128 MB GDDR3
memory
- built-in iSight video camera
- built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth
2.0+EDR
- 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
- mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold
separately)
- built-in stereo speakers and microphone
- the infrared Apple Remote, Mighty Mouse and Apple
Keyboard.
The new 17" 2.0 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of
$1,199, includes:
- 17" widescreen LCD display
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3 GB
- 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R
DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- PCI Express-based ATI Radeon X1600 with 128 MB GDDR3
memory
- built-in iSight video camera
- built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth
2.0+EDR
- 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
- mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold
separately)
- built-in stereo speakers and microphone
- the infrared Apple Remote, Mighty Mouse and Apple
Keyboard.
The 17" 1.83 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $999,
includes:
- 17" widescreen LCD display
- 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 512 MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 2 GB
- 24x Combo drive
- Intel GMA 950 graphics
- built-in iSight video camera
- built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking
- 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
- mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold
separately)
- built-in stereo speakers and microphone
- Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard.
Build-to-order options and accessories include: a 2.33 GHz Intel
Core 2 Duo processor, up to 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, Nvidia GeForce 7600 GT
with 256 MB GDDR3 video memory and a 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive
on the 24" iMac; a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 3 GB
DDR2 SDRAM, 256 MB GGDR3 video memory and a 500 GB Serial ATA hard
drive on the 20" iMac; a 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to
3 GB DDR2 SRDAM and a 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive on the 2.0 GHz
17" iMac; and up to 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and Apple
Remote on the 1.83 GHz 17" iMac. Additional build-to-order options
also include: preinstalled copies of iWork 06, Logic Express, Final
Cut Express and Aperture; AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme Base
Station; Apple Wireless Keyboard and wireless Mighty Mouse; Apple
USB Modem; and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
*Based on estimated results of industry-standard SPECint and
SPECfp rate tests. SPEC is a registered trademark of Standard
Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC); see http://www.apple.com/iMac for more
information.
Tips
Mac OS X: Sharing a Printer with Mac OS 9
Computers
An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"Mac OS X 10.2 or later can share printers with Mac OS 9-based
Macs using one of the methods listed below, depending on what type
of clients will be printing to the shared printer and the version
of Mac OS X you are using.
"With either method, the steps will need to be repeated if the
IP address of the computer sharing the printer changes, so it's
best that you assign your Mac OS X computer a static IP
address if possible (consult your network administrator or router
documentation for information on doing this)."
Link: Mac OS X:
Sharing a Printer with Mac OS 9 Computers
Reviews
Logitech's Revolutionary 'Mouse that
Roars'
Time Magazine's Wilson Rothman reports:
"Logitech is a lithe innovator. Take, for instance, its Wireless
DJ music system, which I recently reviewed. Rather than accept
Apple's control over home audio as a fait accompli, Logitech built
a system that freely streams iTunes-purchased tracks around the
house. Logitech's latest mouse proves that the company never stops
looking forward.
"Two years ago, Logitech introduced laser technology as the
standard for reliable cordless mice, and its competitors scrambled
to follow suit. The MX Revolution reveals three impressive new
features which will no doubt be copied in years to come."
Link: A
Two-Wheeled Mouse that Roars
Mac Pro 'a Winner on Multiple Levels'
CNet UK's Rich Brown reports:
"Professional designers, digital media hobbyists and those
simply into great design: meet your new lust object. Apple's new
Mac Pro (£1,699 for the base
model) is a winner on multiple levels. From the outside, it looks
great - far more put together than any Windows-based box. Inside,
it boasts powerful specs, including two dual-core Intel Xeon
processors, for a total of four processing cores. And to top it
off, it's a great value.
"The only thing that's missing, if anything, is a practical
reason for a casual user to justify the purchase; there's more
computer here than you'll need for day-to-day tasks. Some users
might miss the Apple Remote that made the Mac mini and the iMac so accessible as Media Center PCs,
and as always, Apple's high-end desktop is not intended for the
gaming crowd."
Link: Apple
Mac Pro
Products
Sonnet Delivers Performance, Value with Dual
G4/1.6 GHz Upgrade
PR: Sonnet Technologies announces the immediate
availability of its new dual processor upgrade - the Encore/ST G4
Duet 1.6 GHz (Part No. SG4D-1600) - for most "Sawtooth" Power Mac
G4 systems, including AGP Graphics,
Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio, and Quicksilver models. This product is
Sonnet's lowest priced, dual processor upgrade ever.
This upgrade, using the latest PowerPC G4 7447A processors from
Freescale Semiconductor, features 512 KB of SRAM on-chip L2 cache
and is compatible with Mac OS 9.2, and Mac OS X Version 10.3.5
and higher. The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz fits seamlessly into all
supported systems, and auto-configures to its host without the need
for switches or jumpers. Like all Sonnet processor upgrades, this
new Encore/ST G4 Duet model carries a three-year warranty and
includes free technical support.
- The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz is available now with an MSRP of
$499.95.
The price for Sonnet's fastest Encore/ST G4 Duet dual processor
upgrade is as follows:
- Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.8 GHz at $599.95
Prices for Sonnet's Encore/ST G4 line of single processor
upgrades are as follows:
- Encore/ST G4 1.8 GHz (for Power Mac G4 Cube) at $399.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.8 GHz at $399.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.4 GHz at $299.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.2 GHz (for Power Mac G4 Cube) at $249.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.2 GHz at $249.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.0 GHz at $199.95
Compatibility
The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz is compatible with the following
Power Mac G4 models:
- Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics)*
- Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
- Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
- Power Mac G4 (Quicksilver)
- *Some AGP Graphics systems will not support the Encore/ST G4
Duet. For complete details, visit the website at http://www.sonnettech.com/support/techtips/duet_tt04.html
System requirements: The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz requires Mac
OS 9.2 for software installation and firmware updating. OS X
compatibility requires Mac OS X Version 10.3.5 or later.
MAGMA PCI Expansion Systems
PR: MAGMA is the leading provider of PCI Expansion
Systems for several industries. Manufactured and sold out of San
Diego, California, MAGMA provides innovative, high-tech expansion
solutions to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs),
resellers and endusers in more than 45 countries. In addition to a
broad portfolio of expansion and connectivity related patents,
MAGMA's solutions include:
- ExpressCard to PCI Expansion provides a method to add PCI slots
to laptops through an ExpressCard slot.
- CardBus to PCI Expansion provides a method to add PCI slots to
laptops through a PCMCIA slot.
- PCI Express to PCI Expansion provide additional PCI slots for
PCI Express based computers.
- PCI to PCI Expansion provide additional PCI slots for PCI based
computers.
- PMC to PCI Expansion provide PCI slots for VME Single Board
Computers through PMC.
- Board Sets for OEMs allow OEMs to embed MAGMA's expansion
board-set into their own systems or enclosures.
Link: MAGMA PCI
Expansion Systems
LaCie SAFE Hard Drives Secure Your Data
PR: LaCie has announced it has expanded its range of
LaCie SAFE hard drives to include a desktop edition with enhanced
security features. LaCie now offers a full range of secure desktop
and mobile hard drives with biometric access control designed to
protect confidential data from unauthorized use. The new LaCie SAFE
hard drives comes in capacities of 160 GB, 320 GB or 500 GB with a
universal Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for use on PC and/or Mac.
Enhanced security features include an internal drive lock and an
external port for attaching an optional chain lock.
"We've grown our SAFE range to accommodate the demand for
larger capacity biometric hard drives for office or home use," says
Marie Renouard, LaCie Product Manager. "The LaCie SAFE Hard Drives
offers three levels of security for your private files, whether you
need to back up personal financial documents or protect
intellectual property. You can rest easy knowing that your data
will be kept private in the LaCie SAFE."
In addition to biometric access control via a simple fingerprint
swipe, LaCie SAFE desktop & mobile hard drives now come with
internal firmware called "Drive Lock" that prevents data from being
accessed if removed from the case and plugged in to another
machine. Desktop editions also include a secure chain lock port for
attaching the SAFE hard drive to a desk to prevent theft (chain
available separately from LaCie).
The LaCie SAFE hard drives is ideal for guarding confidential
information at work and shielding private files at home. Up to 10
fingerprints and up to five users can be registered with personal
and customized access privileges such as full access to the drive
(read/write) or read-only. Once registered, a simple finger swipe
locks and unlocks the drive if users need to step away from their
desk for a meeting or to run an errand.
Easy to set up and use, LaCie SAFE Hard Drive comes with
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 for use with a PC and/or Mac. LaCie also offers a
hardware-encrypted mobile edition for business travelers who need
the highest level of security available.
Features
- Protect confidential data from unauthorized use
- Capacities of 40-120 GB (Mobile Edition), 160-500 GB (Desktop
Edition)
- Ideal for parental control and protecting intellectual
property
- Biometric access means only registered users can lock or unlock
the drive
- Internal drive lock prevents intruders from accessing data
- External chain lock port allows owners to attach to a desk
(chain sold separately)
- Register and customize access for up to five users
- Hi-Speed USB 2.0 hard drive for PC and/or Mac
- Easy to set up and use
- Comes with LaCie Backup Software for PC/Mac
LaCie SAFE hard drives are available for preorder immediately
via LaCie websites and widely available via LaCie's specialized
dealer network in September. Drives ship with LaCie 1-Click Backup
Software for PC/Mac and full-featured LaCie SilverKeeper Backup
Software for Mac OS X.
Desktop Editions
- LaCie SAFE hard drive 160 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB $149.99
- LaCie SAFE hard drive 320 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB $229.99
- LaCie SAFE hard drive 500 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB $299.99
Mobile Editions
- LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive 40 GB 5400 rpm $99.99
- LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive 80 GB 5400 rpm $169.99
- LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive 120 GB 4200 rpm $279.99
- LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive with Encryption 80 GB 5400 rpm
$219.99
- LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive with Encryption 120 GB 4200 rpm
$299.99
- LaCie SAFE Desktop hard drive 500 GB
Specifications
- Item Number: 301087U
- Capacity: 500 GB
- Interface: 1 x Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port (USB 1.1 compatible)
- Rotational Speed (rpm): 7200 rpm
- Interface Transfer Rate: 480 Mbits/s (60 MB/s)
- Max Sustained Transfer Rate: Up to 34 MB/s
- Average Seek Time (Write) :
- Cache: 16 MB
- Software: User Administration & Biometric Drive Lock, LaCie
'1-Click' Backup Software
- Installation & User Management: Easy to use & install;
register up to 5 users; assign user access rights (read/write or
read only)
- Size: 7.4 x 4.56 x 1.7 in. / 188 x 116 x 44 mm
- Weight: 34.9 oz. / 990 g
System Requirements:
- Windows 2000/XP
- Mac OS X 10.2 or higher
- Intel Pentium II 350 MHz
- PowerMac G3 or greater
- min 128 MB RAM
Comments: 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. Once formatted, actual
available storage capacity varies depending on operating
environment (typically 5-10% less).
Box Content: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 cable; external AC power adapter;
CD-ROM with User Manual; Quick Install Guide
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty
$299.99
Also Available
- LaCie SAFE Mobile Hard Drive with Encryption 120 GB -
$229.99
- LaCie SAFE Desktop Hard Drive Hi-Speed USB 2.0, 160 GB ·
$149.99
- LaCie SAFE Desktop Hard Drive Hi-Speed USB 2.0, 320 GB ·
$229.99
Link: LaCie SAFE
Desktop Hard Drive
Granite Digital USB to IDE/SATA Drive Bridge
Adapter
PR: Granite Digital, a leading manufacturer of FireWire,
SATA, SCSI, and USB storage solutions, cables, and diagnostic
tools, has announced it has begun shipping a USB 2.0 bridge adapter
that connects to any IDE or SATA hard drive, making it easy to
recover, copy, or duplicate data in an emergency. The USB Bridge
Adapter includes a universal power supply with switched dual
outputs for any IDE or SATA hard drive, CD, DVD, or optical
mechanism.
The kit includes: USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Bridge Adapter, universal
dual output SATA and IDE switched power outputs, 4-pin adapter
patch cable, and AC power supply IEC cable.
"This USB to IDE/SATA Bridge is the perfect tool for any person
that works with computers," stated Frank Gabrielli, President of
Granite Digital. "When problems with drives occur this USB Bridge
Adapter can save the day. More importantly it is designed to work
with all drive types; both SATA and IDE mechanisms are supported.
Its small size makes it easy to carry around and the triple
connectors guarantees connectivity."
Supports ATA6 specifications and hard drives up to 700 GB, CD,
DVD, and Tape Mechanisms. Fast USB 2.0 support for 480 Mbit/s fast
data transfers.
Link: USB
2.0 to SATA/IDE Bridge Adapters
External UltraIII Pro SATA Pro Drive
PR: Firewire Direct, a leading supplier and manufacturer
of FireWire/1394, SATA, Fibre, and SCSI hardware peripherals,
storage, and RAID subsystems, announces another addition to the
already extensive -UltraIII Pro Series- professional external hard
drive subsystems. The 3.5 Ultra III Pro SATA - Professional
External Hard Drive Subsystem offering fantastic throughputs,
utilizing Serial ATA (SATA) technology the latest high-speed way of
connecting peripheral devices directly to your computer, allowing
for increased superior performance. As fast or faster than most
internal Parallel ATA (PATA) drives and many SCSI drives. As a
single hard drive, it can act as a powerful storage, backup or boot
disk.
The Ultra III PRO SATA does not restrict you to using a
proprietary PCI interface card like other suppliers but is
compatible with all SATA/eSATA storage ports - internally or
externally which support storage. FireWire Direct also offers the
most comprehensive host adapter bundles (PCI, PCI-X, PCIe, CardBus
and Express Cards) available which assures smooth integration for
your tower, desktop or laptop computer(s). The Ultra III PRO SATA
provides blazing speeds (up-to 10,000 rpm) and is well suited for a
variety of applications, including large-scale backups, digital
video, digital audio and intensive graphic demands. The slick,
durable, and compact design provides safety and security of your
data even on the go. FireWire Direct also offers the most
comprehensive host adapter bundles available which assures smooth
integration for your desktop or laptop computer(s).
Link: UltraIII Pro SATA
Professional External
iPod Accessories
Anycom Wireless Headphones for the
iPod
PR: Specifically designed for the iPod, this little
bundle includes a Bluetooth headset and Bluetooth BluNa iPod
Adapter, which allows you to listen to your iPod up to 10 meters
away from it
After a huge response to the release of the SD Card with
Built-in USB last week, Proporta is following up with the
indespensible Anycom Bluetooth iPod Bundle wireless headphones.
This innovative bundle allows you to listen to your iPod via
Bluetooth headphones - the perfect solution to irritating cables.
You can change tracks and adjust the volume from the headset, and
leave your iPod in your pocket, or your bag - or even on the other
side of the room (up to 10 meters/30 feet away). Use in the house,
the gym or in the office.
Features Include:
- Listen to music from your iPod
- Use with Bluetooth mobile phones
- Listen to music or chat for up to 12 hours (headset standby
time up to 200 hours) Range 10 meters/30 feet Headset has four
buttons to control all important functions (volume up/down, call
answer/end, redial/mute, next/previous title, pause/start)
Lightweight (76g/2.7 oz) with detachable Microphone AC power supply
and USB charger
System requirements:
Remove the nano slider and the BluNa can be used on ALL iPods
with dock connector including; iPod photo, iPod mini, iPod 4th
generation with click wheel and 3rd generation iPod with touch
wheel and buttons.
As always, all Proporta products are covered by the company's
Never Argue Money Back Guarantee - if for any reason or no reason
at all you are not completely happy, Proporta will refund you in
full, or offer you a replacement (whichever you prefer).
Price: £102.08
Worldwide shipping: £2.95/US$4.95/€4.50
Link:
Anycom Bluetooth iPod Bundle
Sonnet Technologies Announces USB Car
Charger for iPod
PR: Sonnet Technologies announces their new USB Car
Charger for iPod. The charger is compatible with all USB-chargeable
iPods, including all models, as well as the 4G and mini.
Sonnet's car charger provides a simple way for consumers to
power their iPods while on the road. Shipped with a USB-to-dock
coiled cable, the charger works in any 12V car or 24V truck lighter
or accessory jack and shows an LED status light when powered. The
charger also features power filtering and a user-replaceable fuse
to protect the iPod. The charger and cable are available in black
to match most car interiors.
"We strive to provide a full range of iPod accessories for our
customers," said Robert Farnsworth, Sonnet Technologies CEO. "The
new USB Car Charger is a great addition to our family of
exceptional, yet affordable accessories."
Key Features
What's Included
- Charge your iPod while you drive
- USB Car Charger for iPod
- Works in any 12V car lighter or 24V truck lighter or accessory
jack
- Dock cable
- Power filtering and user-replaceable fuse protects iPod
Tech Specs
- Part No. IPOD-12V-CHG-B
- Input: 10.5-28.5V DC, Output: 5V DC, 500mA
- 1 year limited warranty
- Status LED
- Available in black to match most car interiors
Retailing for $19.95 in the US, it is available from Sonnet
resellers and the Sonnet website.
Link: USB Car
Charger for iPod
Software
CrossOver Mac Free Beta: Run Windows
Applications on Macintel without Windows
PR: CodeWeavers, Inc. are providing a free time limited
beta version of CrossOver Mac to anyone that is willing to test
CrossOver.
CrossOver Mac will be the very best way to run your Windows
applications on your Intel based Mac. It will let you install and
run Windows programs as though they were native, all without having
to buy or run a copy of Windows itself.
This beta version will give you a taste of the promise of
CrossOver, but should be considered an early test release - we
intend to make substantial further improvements before we ship a
production version.
If you're not interested in experimental software, you should
skip this and wait for notice of the production release. However,
if you are interested in helping us to test CrossOver, we would
very much like your feedback.
We strongly recommend that you review the list of forums or
search the Compatibility Center to see if your specific needs will
be addressed.
To be candid, at this point we've focused on what we
think Mac users would like us to work on. But we'd really
rather focus on what Mac users really want. To that end,
we're hoping you can help us by testing the beta software.
System requirements: Intel Mac
System support: Intel
Link: CrossOver
Mac Beta
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers monthly:
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
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iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
