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May 2006 Archives

Wednesday, May 31st 2006

Higher Ground Shuttle Reviewed

PBZone reviewer Simon Helton has the good word on the Higher Ground Shuttle bag/sleeve crossover for 12-inch laptops.

Tuesday, May 30th 2006

MaxUpgrades Introduces Rigid Case for 17-inch MacBook Pro, iProtect MacBook

We got this news from MaxUpgrades on their new offerings of the MaxProtect II case for the 17-inch MacBook Pro and the iProtect keyboard and screen protector for the MacBook:

MaxProtect II Features:

• Synthetic Leather.
• Cushioned Velvet Interior for Scratch Protection.
• Handle for Portability.
• Interior and Exterior Cushioning
• Slim Design.
• Unsurpassed Rigidity.

MaxUpgrades iProtect Micro Screen Protector provides protection against dust, scratches ,grease and oil that gradually get deposited on the laptop keybaord and plam rest area by every day use. iProtect Micro Screen Protector is made with ultrafine microfibers effectivly protect and removes dust particles, grease and finger prints that gets despoisted on the the laptop, it alsoprovides protection for laptop LCD Screen from keyboard and track pad indentation caused by the keyboard keys touching the display when the laptop is closed.

All the MaxUpgrade products can be viewed at their website.

No ETA ON ProTouch Keyboard Cover for MacBook

We're big fans of iSkin's ProTouch PB keyboard covers for Apple portables. These bad boys keep your keyboard in pristine condition, helpful for protection from dust, crumbs, spills, and preserving resale value. With that in mind, we asked about a version for the MacBook, thinking its unconventional keyboard could pose a challenge. We talked to iSkin about this and they indicated they had no release date on the horizon for such a product, but that it wasn't being ruled out.

Wednesday, May 24th 2006

OWC Offers MacBook, MacBook Pro RAM Upgrades

While Apple has gotten somewhat better with the pricing of its RAM upgrades, many people got a shock at seeing the $500 pricetag to get 2GB of RAM with their MacBook. To provide a reliable, reputable, and, most importantly, cheap source of RAM upgrades, Other World Computer is now offering 1GB and 2GB RAM upgrades suitable for all models of MacBook and MacBook Pro. The 1GB kit costs $100 and comes in two 512MB chips while the 2GB kit comes in at only $225 with two 1GB chips.

Bags Available for 13-inch MacBook

A thread on MacNN's forums is discussing the bags available for the new MacBook. Bag makers are scrambling right now to make bags and sleeves that fit the new size of portable and meet the incredible demand.

MacNN also has a review of the Cargo Mambo Combo Bag from WaterField, which gets high marks for its meticulous design and innovation.

We already have many bags suitable for the MacBook Pro and MacBook on the way, and more arriving as the bag and sleeve makers finalize their designs, so look for many reviews over the next few weeks as we see what goes best with the new MacBooks.

Have MacBook Questions?

With a few days of heavy use of our new office MacBook (yes, we bought the black one being slaves to fashion here at the PBZone), we thought we'd see if anyone had any questions about the new portable. Whether its about design, aesthetics, performance, heat, or anything else, we're happy to try any questions.

All emails can be sent to editor (at) pbzone.com.

Monday, May 22nd 2006

MacBook Review Roundup

For those of you interested in seeing how the MacBook is being received around the web, a number of reviews are already available. Despite some technical problems, Notebook Review has a positive opinion of the new portable. Macworld is also pleased with the MacBook. Engadget raves about the MacBook's great value. Last, Ars Technica continues with its long tradition of great and thorough reviews with its look at the MacBook.

MacBook Running too Hot?

Many users are already commenting on unacceptably hot MacBooks, as has also been noted with the current MacBook Pros. Some are attributing this problem to an excessive use of thermal grease, which in fact causes higher rather than lower temperatures. Some are going so far as to remove the excessive thermal grease and/or removing it all and applying it properly themselves. Drops of as much as 20 degrees centigrade have been noted when the thermal grease has been corrected one way or the other.

If interested in seeing temperatures for various machines as reported by other users, the Intel Mac Temperature Database has been launched to record in more than anecdotal terms how hot Intel Macs are running.

Friday, May 19th 2006

MacBook Pro Firmware Update Fixes Whining, Heat?

InformationWeek has a story reporting that the recent MacBook Pro firmware update does more than just address booting issues and actually helps remedy complaints about whining sounds and overly-hot cases. The SMC in 'MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update' refers to Systems Management Control, which handles thermal and power conditions, according to the article. Some users are unhappy about the noise caused by the much-increased fan activity, but machine temperatures have been reported at up to eight degrees cooler.

Tom Bihn Introduces Archetype, Updates Case Offerings

Popular bag designer Tom Bihn sent us this news on their latest products:

SEATTLE, WA -- May 18, 2006 -- Tom Bihn, a designer, manufacturer, and retailer of laptop bags, backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases, has introduced the Archetype, a new laptop case that is a blend of engineering and art.

The Archetype -- http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/TBP/TB1300

Designed initially in four sizes to fit the 13" MacBook, 17" MacBook Pro, 15.4" MacBook Pro, and 12" Powerbook, the Archetype is made to order by highly-skilled seamstresses in the Tom Bihn Seattle, Washington production factory, where all Tom Bihn bags are made.

The Archetype (http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/TBP/TB1300) is available in three unique and rich fabrics that are evocative of the elements: Genuine Cork, Galvanized Majilite, and Snow Leopard Ultrasuede.

The Archetype in its various fabrics may represent the elements, but it also keeps them out; the case features splash-proof YKK Uretek zippers, tried and tested in the weather of the Pacific Northwest.

Featuring 0.25" (8mm) thick closed cell foam, the Archetype entirely encases your laptop, padding it on all sides and protecting it from bumps and scrapes; this unique construction also completely protects your laptop from the zipper closure. The interior is lined a soft tricot knit that protects your laptop from scratches.

The Archetype unzips completely to allow you to work on your laptop without removing it from the case, and carries with comfortable soft plastic handles molded over strong webbing.

If black ballistic nylon is more your style, then you'll have to look elsewhere: this case speaks style as much as function.

In addition to the Archetype, Tom Bihn has introduced a new size of their popular Brain Cell hard-shell laptop case specifically for the 13" MacBook. The Size 6 Brain Cell is available in five colors (Black, Crimson, Wasabi, Deep Blue, Steel) and provides the ultimate in protection for the MacBook. Also available in Size 6 for the 13" MacBook is the Soft Cell, a simple and minimalist padded sleeve that protects against scrapes and scratches.

WaterField Introduces MacBook-Sized Sleeve

Waterfield Designs has announced that beginning May 25, they will begin shipping a size of their popular sleeve for the new MacBook. The $40 sleeve is made of neoprene and ballistic nylon and can also function as a standalone case.

Booq Unveils Mamba S Vertical Messenger Bag

Amidst the onslaught of the new bag and sleeve offerings for the new MacBook, Booq has added their Mamba S vertical messenger bag:

SIERRA MADRE, CALIF. May 16, 2006---BOOQ, a fast-growing, premium brand of performance-driven laptop carrying cases for creative professionals on the move, announces the introduction of its Mamba S, a refined, vertical messenger bag ideally suited for the 13" MacBook.

The compact and lightweight Mamba S protects the 13" MacBook, accessories and additional personal items, in style. With its convenient flap with magnetic closure, a variety of intelligently designed and fully lined padded velcro pockets, Mamba S is a refined, stylish bag that looks sharp in every environment. The MacBook is kept in an entirely separate compartment, protected by 0.5" of high-density foam padding lined with non-scratch lining on all six sides.

The Mamba S takes the company's line of laptop bags into elegant territory, being designed for creative professionals who value solid, durable, dependable protection for their laptop, comfort and convenience, while not compromising on design and style.

With the addition of the Mamba S, BOOQ brings another premium laptop bag of the highest performance and design quality to the next generation of creative professionals. Its stylish yet professional look, its impeccable finish and convenient layout makes Mamba the perfect bag. Priced at $109.95, creative pros who prefer a sleek, well-designed and understated bag for their 13" laptop will find the Mamba S irresistible.

The Mamba S ships May 29th. More information is available at the Booq website.

TransIntl Offers MacBook-Compatible RAM

Not that anyone was too worried there wouldn't be RAM available for their MacBook, but we thought this news might be of interest to those looking to increase their laptop's memory:

Anaheim, CA, 18th May 2006--Trans International today announced the worldwide availability of 1 Gigabyte (GB) and 512MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) SO-Dimm for the Apple MacBook (1.83GHz and 2GHz).

Transintl.com 667MHz DDR2 SO-DIMM provide MacBook users with desktop-like power by offering 1 GB of memory density for each memory expansion socket. The Apple MacBook 13-inch 1.83GHz and 2GHz Model has two memory expansion sockets for main memory expansion.

TransIntl.com memory modules conform to Apple's stringent electrical and mechanical design guide lines.

Wednesday, May 17th 2006

MacBook Hard Drives User-Replaceable

AppleInsider has some exciting news for do-it-yourselfers. The new MacBook apparently makes replacing the hard drive as easy as installing RAM, with easy access via the underside of the case. As anyone who has tried to replace a hard drive on earlier PowerBooks or iBooks can tell you, this will make it much easier to upgrade the capacity or replace a broken hard drive.

AppleInsider also has a gallery with photos of a black MacBook, including some interesting notes to accompany them.

MacBook Pro Firmware Updated

Apple has released the MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update which weighs in at under 1 MB and addresses booting issues with the MBP. The update can be downloaded via Software Update.

ShaggyMac Offers Keyboard Cloth and Screen Protector for MacBook

While it looks like the keyboard is slightly more recessed in the MacBook than in some previous portables, there's still no guarantee your screen will stay free of marks from the keys. ShaggyMac is on the ball with a 13-inch model of its screen protector, a $13 micro-fiber cloth to keep your keyboard and screen from rubbing when closed. The cloth comes in multiple colors and doubles as a screen cleaner.

Tuesday, May 16th 2006

MacBook Madness: Finally Released!

At long last, Apple has released the MacBook, the successor to the iBook! The machine comes in three tiers, with the highest model coming in black (they always know how to get you to cough up the extra dough). Here are the quick specs:

White $1099:

13.3-inch widescreen display
1280 x 800 resolution
1.83GHz Intel Core Duo1
512MB memory (2x256MB SODIMMs)
60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Combo drive (DVD-ROM, CD-RW)

White $1299:

13.3-inch widescreen display
1280 x 800 resolution
2.0GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB memory (2x256MB SODIMMs)
60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
SuperDrive (DVD±RW, CD-RW)

Black $1499:

13.3-inch widescreen display
1280 x 800 resolution
2.0GHz Intel Core Duo
512MB memory (2x256MB SODIMMs)
80GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
SuperDrive (DVD±RW, CD-RW)

Every model comes with a glossy widescreen display (we'll talk more about this later), Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 (also more on this later), built-in iSight, MagSafe, iLife, AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR, two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, optical digital and analog audio in/out, and mini-DVI connector.

Best of all? All models are shipping in no more than seven business days.

MacBook Battery Life

Apple doesn't make it easy to find out the battery life of the MacBook, but at this comparison page, you can see they list six hours as the upper end of what you can expect. For comparison to help in understanding Apple's battery measurement system, the 15-inch MacBook Pro is listed at 4.5 hours and the 17-inch MBP at 5.5 hours. In real-world use none of these are very realistic, but it does indicate that the MacBook should have the best battery life of the portable family.

MacBook Pros Updated to Make Buying Decisions More Complicated

Apple has not only released the MacBook, but also updated the MacBook Pro. Both sizes can now be changed to a glossy screen like the MacBook has at no additional cost. Apple recommends this option for people who want richer colors, while the matte screen is better suited for people concerned with glare. Processor speeds have also been updated. The 2.0GHz processor in the $2500 model is now 2.16GHz and the 1.83GHz processor in the $2000 model is now 2.0 GHz.

Friday, May 12th 2006

Newer Offers Replacement AC Adapter

Popular accessory-maker NewerTechnology is now shipping a 65-watt AC adapter for Apple portables. The adapter is auto-switching for the differing power conditions while traveling abroad and features a generous 12'/4m cable so you don't have to be right next to an outlet. The $50 adapter comes with a three-year warranty and is compatible with all G4-powered PowerBooks and iBooks, as well as some G3 iBooks.

Wednesday, May 10th 2006

17-inch MacBook Pro Photos

One recipient of the newly-released 17-inch MacBook Pro has posted photos going through the unpacking of the computer. It doesn't look like Apple has done anything too radical with the packaging, though it appears as though the box is possibly a bit thinner (which, rumor has it the MacBook box will be, as well). Still, for those of you short $2800, this is the next best thing to ownership.

Daystar Revamps CPU Upgrade Offerings

Daystar has expanded and updated their PowerBook CPU upgrade options with new prices, speed offerings, and supported models. For those of you wanting to upgrade your 12-inch PowerBook G4, 1.67 GHz upgrades are available for $450 including shipping and install, with upgrades up to 2.0 GHz for the 15-inch PB and 1.83 GHz for the 17-inch. While your PowerBook is away, Daystar can also do harddrive, optical drive, and battery replacement and upgrade.

Once More Unto the Breach: No MacBooks Announced

Yes, we should have learned our lesson by now, but as all of you probably noticed, the MacBook was not unveiled today and our credit cards remained silent. The latest is that it will be announced next Tuesday. Or the one after. Or the one after. Sometimes we miss the old days, when Apple would have just announced it straight away and then let us wait a couple months to actually take delivery.

Monday, May 8th 2006

Back in Black: Black and White MacBooks Tomorrow?

As one friend said when excitedly told about the rumors of a MacBook release this Tuesday, we'll believe it when we see it, but both ThinkSecret and AppleInsider are suggesting a MacBook release tomorrow. Other additional tidbits are that it will be thinner than the current iBooks, will likely cost a bit more, and, most excitingly, come in both black and white cases.

FastMac Expands Battery Offerings to Titanium PowerBooks

If you've been interested in one of FastMac's TruePower batteries for your Titanium PowerBooks, FastMac is now offering batteries for that model:

Salinas, CA - May 5, 2006 - FastMac today announced it has begun shipping TruePower laptop batteries for the PowerBook G4 Titanium. The TruePower Titanium battery is priced at $99.95 and offers up to 48% more capacity than the original. All customers that placed pre-orders through the company's website will receive their shipments in the next few days.

FastMac offers a variety of high-quality and high-capacity batteries for: PowerBook G4 Aluminum (all models), iBook (all models), and PowerBook G3 (Wallstreet, Lombard and Pismo). The TruePower batteries start at an introductory price of $99.95 and offer up to 56% more capacity than the original. Select models including the PowerBook G4 Titanium are now shipping.

The TruePower batteries are engineered using the highest quality, highest capacity Lithium cells available. FastMac utilizes custom form factors and materials to achieve a superior fit and finish, matching the original battery while increasing capacity. Each battery is individually tested and includes safety features to protect against overcharge, short circuit, and power surges. All TruePower laptop batteries come with a 1-year warranty and 30 day money back guaranty.

Compatibility & Pricing

PowerBook G4 Titanium $99.95
PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12" $99.95
PowerBook G4 Aluminum 15" $99.95
PowerBook G4 Aluminum 17" $119.95
PowerBook G3 (1998) Wallstreet $99.95
PowerBook G3 (2000) Pismo $119.95
iBook G3 Clamshell $99.95
iBook G3 & G4 12" $99.95
iBook G3 & G4 14" $99.95

Higher Ground Shuttle for 15-inch PowerBooks Released

Higher Ground has begun shipping their popular Shuttle crossover sleeve and bag in a model suitable for 15-inch laptops. The 15-inch model costs $50, comes in three colors, and is made of a heavy-duty waterproof fabric. The bag is quite unique in functioning both as a slim sleeve and as a case in itself, as well as allowing the computer to be operated even while still in the case. There is also a 12-inch model available.

Thursday, May 4th 2006

Apple Replacing Some MacBook Pro Batteries

Some MacBook Pros from the first weeks of production are having their batteries replaced by Apple, according MacNN and other sources. It seems those MBPs up to serial number W8608, which corresponds to up to the second week of production, have experienced a variety of battery ailments in some cases. Examples of the problems include diminished capacity, fluctuating charge level, and irregular behavior by the LEDs on the battery itself.

If you are experiencing these problems, call Apple support and let them know and they'll cross-ship a replacement battery to you. Your local Apple Store might also be able to handle the battery replacement, though that isn't confirmed at this time.

Having battery problems with your MacBook Pro? Write us at editor (at) pbzone.com!

MacBook Still Due This Month?

Just a quick note for those of you on the roller coaster that is the wait for the MacBook: ThinkSecret has a blurb saying that the MacBook is still expected to be introduced in May.

Monday, May 1st 2006

FastMac Reduces Pricing on PowerBook Pismo G4 CPU Upgrade by $50

We got this news from FastMac:

Salinas, CA - April 28, 2006 - FastMac today announced it has lowered the price on its popular PowerBook G3 (Pismo) to G4 processor upgrade by $50. The G4 550 MHz upgrade now starts at $239.95. The upgrade utilizes a low power Motorola 7410 chip and features 1MB of high speed backside cache that results in up to 2 times speed and performance improvements. The upgrade comes with a 1 year warranty and includes a free copy of Mac OS 10.3 Panther. Upgrade to Mac OS 10.4 Tiger for an additional $59.95.

"From NASA to the Pentagon to MIT, our Pismo upgrades have gone to war, gone to the South Pole, and even into space" said Michael Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager for Fastmac Performance Upgrades, Inc. "Today's price drop and bundle offerings make this popular upgrade even more affordable."

FastMac offers two upgrade options: an advance exchange option with zero down time and the standard upgrade process which requires the original board to be sent in for upgrade first. For details please visit www.fastmac.com.