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Friday, February 7th 2003 13:20 CDT

Internal Apple Screenshots Appear on Web

We were sent a link to this site, [link no longer works, see note below] which appears to show authentic screenshots of various internal software applications used by Apple employees, specifically in the tech support field. They're quite interesting.

We're linking the original pictures for now, but we'll put them up on our servers if the others disappear.

Doing some research and tapping some sources, we've learned a few things. First, it appears the employee that posted the files is one Adam Attarian, who is an employee at the Southpoint Apple Store in North Carolina. Apple's employee directory lists him as a "mailroom" worker, but we assume that's a listing that's used for Apple Store employees that may work in the stockroom or the like.

Mr. Attarian is also currently a computer science freshman at NC State.

UPDATE 14:52 CST--The images on the employee's server are no longer reachable at the above address. He moved the port for web traffic from 80 to 8080, and took the images down completely.

Super-Detailed Pismo Screen Replacement Guide

Did you know that if you destroy your Pismo's screen you can replace it yourself with a new one that costs only about $200 on eBay? Reader Michael Rosenquest has put together an illustrated guide that leaves no detail out. Even if you don't even have a Pismo, it's sometimes interesting to see the internals of parts of the PowerBook that aren't usually considered "user-serviceable."

I recently replaced the LCD panel in my Powerbook G3 Pismo myself and documented the process. I thought you and your readers might like to see it, so I've posted the procedure on my website. I am not a technician, just a longtime mac user with good handskills and a little time on my hands. I got the LCD off of eBay for less than $200, and it worked perfectly. The procedure took less than an hour and was actually much easier than I had expected.

http://homepage.mac.com/scadboy/lcd/

Thursday, February 6th 2003 03:11 CDT

Details Emerge on the Amazing Working "Baked at 400 Degrees for 20 Mins" PowerBook G4

The tech shop that handled the "baked Apple PowerBook" we linked earlier this week sent details on the incident to several news sites. We're publishing their email below:

I work at an Apple Authorized Retailer and we just had a lady come in to see if we could fix her PowerBook G4.

She walks in the store and comes up to me, "Sir, I've got a baked Apple". I laugh and she proceeds to take her powerbook g4 of the bag it was in. The top of the screen was a little brown and warped. I had my manager come up and look at it. He hadn't seen anything like that before.

The lady opened up the machine and the screen was all cracked, and there was not a single key on the keyboard. I finally had to ask the lady how all of this had happened. As it turns out, she baked the PowerBook in the oven for 20 minutes. I kid you not. She said it with a straight face, and I could hardly keep from laughing. She wasn't joking. The thing was baked. She also kept every single key. She told us that they popped off while it was in the oven and she dug through to save every one.

We told her that the cost of the screen alone would be around $1000 if not more, so she decided to leave the machine with us to discard of. Before we tossed it in the trash, I decided to try and power it up just for kicks, and it worked! The machine booted just fine! The screen is cracked and broken, but if you plug in an external monitor and keyboard it works like a charm. Ethernet, Modem, USB, Optical Drive, and HD all work just fine. I have already reformatted the HD and installed Mac OS 10.2.

We're still trying to get details on why the woman baked her PowerBook. We'll have those for you soon.

Booq Updates Bag Stocking Information

The guys at Booq have sent word that the new addition to their product line, the Folee, is now in stock. They've also got some information on a new 12" offering:

Tomorrow, we will finally have the Folee Messenger Bag in stock.

Please find attached another press release about our new PowerSleeve12 for the new 12" PowerBook. I am sure your readers will be glad to know that we have in stock and ready to ship as well!!

We also have a new leather-look Shell for our popular BooqPaq2, by the way ­ check it out http://www.booqbags.com.

Booq, a fast-growing, innovative brand of laptop backpacks, carrying cases and accessories announces the introduction of its stylish PowerSleeve12 for the new PowerBook G4 (12-inch).

Based on the successful iBooq12 Sleeve design for the 12" iBook, PowerSleeve12 is optimized for Apple¹s most compact PowerBook to date. Made from extremely durable and lightweight 1680D ballistic nylon, this compact sleeve leaves room for magazines, notepad, power adapter or other accessories. The top-loading PowerSleeve12 sports 0.5" thick high-density foam padding all-around, Velcro flap, as well as Booq¹s signature detachable shoulder strap system that is so unique among compact laptop sleeves.

With the addition of its stylish PowerSleeve12, Booq is bringing well-designed carrying solutions of the highest quality and finish to a new generation of PowerBook users. Priced at just $39.00, this well-rounded sleeve may prove to be irresistible to many PowerBook users.

For us, it's great to see tons of small businesses making bags designed specifically for hte PowerBook and iBook market. With PC laptops, it's generally "one size fits all," or even "one-design-fits-all." Between Booq, Spire, Tom Bihn, WaterField Design, Willow Design, TiBag, Timbuk2, and all the companies we know we're forgetting, there's tons of great small outfits designing bags for PowerBook customers. The 17" PowerBook isn't yet a month old, and there's a few choices already. You can get the bag for it....but not the PowerBook itself! If you know of a neat bag company that's not listed here, please send it in to info@pbzone.com.

Wednesday, February 5th 2003 12:06 CDT

Another PowerBook Repair Service

The guys at High End Communications wrote in to say they offer an alternative mail-in PowerBook repair service:

One of the many services we offer at High End Communications is Apple Laptop Repair, we have a special program built for customers from around the US, who need apple laptops repairs done quickly.

Basically the jist is for a low set price we cover, 3 way shipping (box to customer, laptop to office, and laptop to customer), and a diagnostic within 24 hours.

Since very few companies are able to provide apple laptop repair service we believe this information may be a great value to your readers.

FYI

Tomorrow, we'll have the full story on the "baked PowerBook" we linked to yesterday. While we're at it, does anyone else have a story of an outrageous way to kill a PowerBook? It can be any model....send your stories in to info@pbzone.com.

Tuesday, February 4th 2003 10:09 CDT

New iMacs

Apple has updated both the 15 and 17" iMacs, calling them the "Spring" iMacs, as if they were a fashion line. No huge surprises, so we'll just give the link to the press release.

The 1 GHz 17" iMac now comes with a 4X SuperDrive and is AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth ready for $1799. The 15" iMac is now only $1299 at 800 MHz, but is "regular" AirPort ready and Bluetooth ready.

Baked PowerBook

A reader sent this link without any details, so we're not sure how this person managed to bake their PowerBook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. But here's Gallery One of the damage and Gallery Two of the hardcore tough PowerBook booting up anyway. If anyone knows the story behind this, we'd love to know it... \

Monday, February 3rd 2003 00:01 CDT

PowerBookResQ Adds Canadian Service

Quick-turnaround PowerBook repair service PowerBookResQ announced Canadian availability of its service:

Concord, CA -- February 3, 2003 -- MacResQ announced today a new Canadian repair service as part of their PowerBookResQ repair program. The new service offers Canadian PowerBook and iBook owners an affordable source for service parts and labor with PowerBookResQ's famous quick turnaround and convenience.

PowerBookResQ addresses the difficulty that most users face when they encounter a technical problem with their PowerBook. Users of older PowerBooks face a tough challenge trying to find a local source for older parts and service. If a local repair center is available, costs are usually high and turnaround time is unacceptable for users who rely on their PowerBooks on a daily basis. Users of newer PowerBooks & iBooks often have no choice but to send their systems back to the manufacturer for an expensive repair due to parts limitations and service policies.

The PowerBookResQ program solves these problems by offering fast, safe, and reasonably priced repairs for PowerBook & iBook owners. Customers start by visiting http://www.powerbookresq.com/canada.html or calling the toll-free number, 1-866-Mac-Repair. After just a few questions, MacResQ dispatches a custom-designed "PowerBox", built to insure safe transit for all PowerBooks, via express courier to the customer. Upon receipt of the empty PowerBox, the customer simply slides their PowerBook into the container and attaches a pre-printed shipping label. A quick, toll-free phone call brings a courier to the customer's location for express shipping back to MacResQ. A MacResQ technician conducts a thorough diagnosis and contacts the customer with a detailed repair estimate. The repair is usually completed within 24 hours and the PowerBook is returned to its owner via express service.

o The cost of the new PowerBookResQ Canada service is just CDN$179.00, accepted in U.S. or Canadian funds. This includes the 3-way express shipping, the initial diagnostic service, and the PowerBox, which the customer may keep for future use. Domestic PowerBookResQ service remains just $99.00.

Reader Posts 12" PowerBook Review

Reader Danny Gasperini has posted a quick review of his 12" PowerBook to his iDisk at the following address: http://homepage.mac.com/danny_gasperini/FileSharing6.html. The review is in PDF format and is very well detailed about first impressions and performance numbers illustrated with excellent photographs. The PDF file may be a bit annoying to download, but it makes the presentation much better.

12" Dissected to the Bone

A Japanese site has a detailed gallery of a 12" PowerBook disassembly that guts the poor machine to its tiniest parts. Give it a look-see here.

Reader Looking for Red Keyboard Replacement

Reader Arno asks us:

A while back keyborg was all the rage. Recently I decided I wanted to jump on the bandwagon and replace my keys. Unfortunately it looks like DigitalHipps has gone under. I was wondering if you, or anyone, knew where I might find these. I tried MacImports, but they only have blue and graphite. I'm looking for the Red Ghost.