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Friday, June 30th 2006
Tom Bihn Introduces Imago Messenger Bag
Popular bag-maker Tom Bihn has a new messenger bag, the Imago, suitable for laptops up to the size of the MacBook:
SEATTLE, WA -- June 29th, 2006 -- Tom Bihn, a designer, manufacturer, and retailer of laptop bags, backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases, has introduced the Imago, a new small messenger-style bag available in two distinct styles and six unique color combinations, featuring an optional laptop insert for the 13" MacBook.The Imago is available immediately from Tom Bihn for $85, with sleeve inserts for $30-$50.The Imago -- http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/_all/TB0810
The Yin Imago, made of 1000 denier Cordura(r), features a sexy yin/yang curve on the flap and is available in color combinations Cocoa/Cocoa/Wasabi, Plum/Crimson/Steel, and Olive/Steel/Wasabi.
The Yang Imago, made of 1050 Ballistic nylon model, has a more conservative look, and is available in color combinations Black/Black/Wasabi, Steel/Kiwi/Deep Blue, and Crimson/Steel/Crimson.
The Imagos feature the same internal architecture and accept the optional Soft Cell laptop sleeve or Brain Cell laptop case, both of which are available in Size 6 (for the 13" MacBook) and Size 5 (for the 12" Powerbook and small PC laptops). Adding the Soft Cell or Brain Cell turns the Imago into a small, efficient laptop messenger bag.
On both sides of the bag are small pockets designed to securely carry portable electronic devices such as cell phones, iPods/MP3 players or PDAs. Lined with Ultrasuede(r) and closed by #8 YKK "splash-proof" Uretech(r) zippers, these snug little pockets also provide scratch-free storage for eye glasses.
Stained MacBook Update
MacDailyNews has a good summary of the current state of affairs with the discolored MacBooks. Apparently, newer MacBooks have a slightly different texture to the exterior, leading people to believe this changed as a response to problems with discoloration. In conjunction with this, some Apple employees are reportedly saying they are authorized to handle replacements of either the plastics or the entire machine. It's unclear if the whole story will ever come out, as far as what Apple changed or what caused the problem in the first place, but it seems Apple is beginning to make amends.
Maine Renews Laptop Deal with Apple
Forbes is reporting that Maine is renewing its laptop program with Apple, a deal which calls for Apple to provide 32,000 student laptops and 4,000 teacher laptops. The $41M contract lasts for four years, keeping seventh- and eighth-grade students covered for some time.
Thursday, June 29th 2006
Core Duo Processors Receive Speed Bump
MacNN has a story mentioning Intel's increasing the clockspeed of the Core Duo to 2.33GHz. Until now, the MacBook Pro's 2.16GHz Core Duo was the top of the line. An update to the MacBook Pro line can be expected, and possibly a trickle-down update to the MacBook line, as well.
Apple Replacing Discolored MacBooks?
While Apple's standard warranty does not cover aesthetic issues, some reports are relating experiences of Apple replacing discolored MacBooks, no questions asked. It's unclear if there is any unifying policy at work, or if this is simply a case of good will on the part of certain employees or Apple Store locations, but for those of you seeking satisfaction, it's worth asking at your local Apple Store about the possibility of an excahnge. There is still no official word, or consensus among the users, as to what exactly is causing the discoloration, though, and it appears that more recently-produced units are no less susceptible to discoloration.
MagSafe Limiting Connectivity Options
The much-beloved Jason D. O'Grady has a new blog entry covering the little-discussed consequence of the MagSafe power connector: a dearth of adapters for MacBook and MacBook Pro use in airplanes and automobiles. After so many years, the iBook and PowerBook had a plethora of options for power sources, but now it is back to square one. One comment on the entry had the shrewd suggestion to simply create an adapter with a female PowerBook/iBook connector on one end and a MagSafe plug on the other, making earlier accessories still useful.
Wednesday, June 28th 2006
17-inch MacBook Pro's Firmware Updated
Apple has released another SMC firmware update for the 17-inch MacBook Pro. As before, this update changes fan behavior in the computer to help reduce the temperature. The download is a paltry 1MB, but it is unclear how easy it would be to remove the update if this causes unwanted fan activity.
Let us know how this update works for you, email us at editor (at) pbzone.com if you're noticing big improvements, excessive fan activity, or any other significant changes!
Dell Set to Announce EV-DO ExpressCard
Engadget is reporting that Dell is set to release an ExpressCard EV-DO card for wireless connectivity via cellular broadband. The card, expected to cost $180, is reportedly supported in the just-released Mac OS X 10.4.7, so even MacBook Pro users should be able to get in on the action.
Sony Announces Flash-Based Vaio
According to Techworld.com, Sony is prepping the launch of a flash-based laptop as part of its Vaio line of portables. Instead of the current 30GB conventional hard drive, the Vaio UX90 will now have a 16GB flash drive, potentially offering better battery life, reduced heat, and greater performance. While cost is still a problem at capacities similar to conventional hard drives, it's great to see some experimenting going on this front.
Tuesday, June 27th 2006
Apple Takes the 'Lap' out of Laptop
The website AppleDefects.com has taken notice of (and credit for) Apple's modifying its marketing of the MacBook, with mentions of using the portable on your actual lap being removed. Instead, Apple is emphasizing general portability, without mentioning contact with any body parts. Users of warm notebooks have long known that if you value your fertility, keeping the computer off your lap is important, but it seems Apple is trying to prevent any future mishaps.
WaterField Offers Optional Handle for SleeveCases
Last week, we posted a review of one of WaterField's SleeveCases, commenting that while it is a terrific sleeve, a handle accessory would make it even better. Well, it turns out WaterField actually makes just such a beast.
The handle attaches using the regular D-rings on the corners and uses a nylon strap with a mountain bike grip for the actual handle. Cost is about $12, including the D-rings, and all it takes is an email to the company to make it happen. We'll be updating the review to reflect the availability of the option, as it addresses about the only complaint with the product.
Extending Wireless Range
TidBITS has an interesting story on one MacBook Pro owner's quest to extend his wireless range. The author gives an account of some of the different options available and the route he took. Using a $200 transceiver from QuickerTek, there was a jump from 10 visible networks to 25, and the ones that had already been visible gained considerably in connection strength. The upgrade did require opening up the MBP, but this might be worth the trouble and expense for some users.
Monday, June 26th 2006
MacBook Pro, or Mobile Disco?
A friend of PBZone passed along this link to a piece of software called iSpazz. The iTunes plugin works like a visualizer, only with the twist that instead of changing the visuals on the screen, it flashes the keyboard's (and, if you wish, the screen's) backlights in time to the music, creating a pretty cool effect in the dark. The author makes no guarantees about the long-term effect of this use of the backlights and offers no support, but it's a cool novel use of the technology.
RoadWired Offers 17-inch Bag
RoadWired has expanded their Skooba Satchel line with the Seventeen+ model, suitable for laptops as large as 17 inches. The bag is a dream come true for people who believe in 'Everything has its place and every place has its thing,' featuring over 20 pockets and compartments. Other unique features include the 'Air Square' protection cells for cushioning your laptop. The Seventeen+ is available for $120.
Friday, June 23rd 2006
WaterField Vertical MacBook SleeveCase Review Posted
For today we have another review for you, this time with coverage of WaterField's versatile vertical SleeveCase for the MacBook. This is a new model for a new laptop, so check it out to see what makes it successful.
Thursday, June 22nd 2006
Muffgear Releases Designer Sleeves for MacBook, MacBook Pro
Adding to the competition for Australian sleeve makers, Muffgear has begun shipping its line of Designer Muffs. The handmade sleeves are made of either polyster and polar fleece, with foam to prevent scratches and give light protection to your MacBook or MacBook Pro. A percentage of the sales of the three designs goes to the artists who contributed their work. These one-of-a-kind sleeves are shipping now for $35 (US) and are available in sizes for the MacBook, 15-inch PowerBook, and 15-inch MacBook Pro.
TUAW Holds MacBook Discoloration Poll
If you haven't yet seen it, The Unofficial Apple Weblog is holding a poll to gauge how widespread the problem of discolored white MacBooks is. Keep in mind that this poll is only for white MacBooks, not the black models. While the sample size is certainly small, especially considering the huge volume of MacBooks Apple has already sold, it is interesting to note that at this point nearly 20% of the voters have seen discoloration. Apple has yet to offer any significant response to this problem, despite very vocal criticism.
News and Notes
The Washington Times has a column from Mark Kellner giving some impressions of the MacBook , garnering generally positive comments.
The Henrico Citizen has more news on the saga of the Henrico iBook program. It doesn't sound like there's a whole lot of progress being made, but you can never get enough finger pointing over some kids with iBooks.
Last, when people asked Dell to be a bit more Apple-like, it probably wasn't the PowerBook 5300's explosive traits they had in mind. At a conference in Japan, though, a Dell portable burst into flames. No word yet on model or how flukey this event was, but the photos are quite impressive.
Wednesday, June 21st 2006
Apple Offers Refurbished MacBooks, MacBook Pros
For those of you looking to move up in the computing world without a second mortgage on your home, Apple is offering some nice deals on refurbished portables. MacBook Pros can be had from $1549, a 23% savings, and MacBooks are available from $1099, a 16% savings. Black MacBooks are available, as well as G4 iBooks and PowerBooks in 12-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch models. All of these deals can be found at The Apple Store, and all computers include the standard one-year warranty from Apple.
Heathrow Airport Tightens Rules on Laptop Bags
We came across this interesting note from Macworld UK indicating that Heathrow Airport will now be limiting the size of hand luggage, with an eye towards those who are carrying large bags chock-full of electronics like laptops. The new maximum size for hand luggage is 56cm long, 45cm wide and 25cm deep, otherwise the bag must be checked. With increased waiting times resulting from greater airport security, compounded with people pushing the envelope as to what is carried on, we expect to see more of this at other airports.
News and Notes
C|Net has a brief road test with the MacBook Pro, commenting on its use during a roadtrip in the Pacific Northwest.
MacDailyNews has a review of the Tom Bihn Smart Alex backpack, which gets high marks for quality and value.
ZDNet UK has an interesting article responding to the One Laptop Per Child news we mentioned yesterday. According to at least one person, the program is fundamentally flawed and misunderstands how best for NGOs and governments to use technology. Last, Laptop Logic has a review of the iGo Everywhere130, an interesting accessory meant to be to AC adapters what universal remote controls are to entertainment systems. If you're looking for something to carry the charging load of your cell phone, PDA, and laptop, this might be worth a look, though the review isn't all rosy.
Tuesday, June 20th 2006
BOOQ Launches Flashy Limited-Series Backpack for MacBook Pros
For those of you looking to get away from the basic (boring) black laptop bag, BOOQ has something to make you stand out in the form of the pure white, limited-series Python XM bianco.
The Python XM is made of tough weather-resistant ballistic nylon on the exterior and features a laptop compartment with a rigid frame and significant foam padding to keep your laptop safe. Another clever innovation is an iPod pocket that is accessible only from the interior, helping to prevent theft by those on the prowl for people with the white earbuds.
The bag, shipping immediately, is designed for the 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro (and other laptops of similar size), costs $190. Only 250 pieces of the Python XM bianco are being produced, so these should be gone fast. Here is the full press release:
SIERRA MADRE, CALIF. June 19, 2006 --- BOOQ, a fast-growing, premium brand of performance-driven laptop carrying cases designed to carry the world's most ambitious ideas, announces the introduction of its Python XM bianco, a rugged, large-capacity backpack designed for the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro and 15" high-performance laptops.Limited to just 250 pieces, each Python XM bianco sports a pure white ballistic nylon exterior and a walnut brown interior with beige stitching-a reinterpretation of rugged refinement. Designed to protect the world's most ambitious ideas, this exclusive bag comes with a tough, rigid-frame laptop compartment, a variety of padded pockets and compartments for items large and small, a dedicated iPod pocket with non-scratch lining as well as many more intelligent detail solutions. Unlike any other bag before it, Python XM bianco embodies the unique exclusivity of the company's premium line of professional laptop bags. Priced at $189.95, trend-setting creative professionals will know that owning a Python XM bianco is an aspiration worthy of turning into reality.
Creative professionals who have come to expect fresh and innovative design solutions love the exceptional level of quality and functionality of BOOQ's products. The privately held company is based in Sierra Madre, California.
MacBook Pro Batteries Getting Too Big for Their Britches?
Ars Technica has a good roundup of a problem that is affecting some MacBook Pros. We've all heard the reports of MacBook Pros (and MacBooks, for that matter) running warmer than ideal, taking the 'lap' out of 'laptop,' and further evidence of that has come with photos and stories of MBP batteries swelling to the point of doing damage to the MBP's case. If you notice any warping or bulging of the case near the battery area, random shutdowns, or inconsistent charging and charge-holding, call Apple or go to your nearest Apple Store. Anecdotally, we're hearing that if you have this problem, they will simply swap your battery with minimal hassle at any Apple Store.
Trickery with the Ambient Light Sensor
Amit Singh, author of many writings on Mac OS X wizardry and one of the first to find other uses for the Sudden Motion Sensor, has posted another fascinating piece for those interested in playing with the ambient light sensor of their MacBook Pro. Now, we should warn everyone in advance that this sort of thing should be reserved for the advanced user (to say the least), but if you are looking for a way to access the ambient light sensor for some clever use, here you go.
News and Notes
Spymac has a review of NewerTech's 65-watt power adapter, a third-party AC adapter that runs $30 cheaper than Apple's $80 model. NewerTech's adapter receives solid marks and supports a wide range of Apple portables.
The $100 laptop has received a fair amount of press over the last couple years, and it looks like it's getting closer to a reality. At the National Education Computing Conference from July 5-7, prototypes will be on hand. The goal of the project is to provide a computer that is affordable for children around the world and not leave technology in the hands of a small percentage of the population. More information can be found at the One Laptop per Child website.
Monday, June 19th 2006
Apple Ultra-Portable on the Way?
AppleInsider has an intriguing rumor of a possible ultra-portable from Apple being delivered at Macworld. Part of the rumor is that the machine could possibly utilize only NAND flash memory, for the sake of speed, performance, and battery life. While the exact form factor is not suggested, we've long thought something along the lines of the eMate, though completely modernized and running Mac OS X or a derivative, would be an interesting product.
ColorWare Ships Modded MacBooks
We've reported on ColorWare before, but they have begun shipping their line of modded MacBooks. ColorWare offers custom paint jobs featuring a scratch-proof coating. Customers can either buy a colorful MacBook straight from ColorWare or send in their own MacBook. Prices range from $1750 to $2150 for the whole package or $450 for sending in your current MacBook. iPods and many other models of Apple computers can also be painted.
Daystar Offers 12-inch PowerBook Upgrade
Daystar's popular line of MAChSpeed G4 CPU upgrades has been expanded to include a G4 1.4 GHz CPU upgrade for 867 MHz 12-inch G4 PowerBooks. The upgrade runs $450, with some price variation depending on shipping options and desire turnaround time.
Wednesday, June 14th 2006
Griffin iCurve Review Posted
PBZone's resident-reviewer Simon Helton has posted a review of the Griffin iCurve, a $40 pedestal for your portable. Check it out to see why this accessory is getting such high marks.
Discolored MacBooks, Insomniac MacBook Pros?
AppleInsider is reporting on a discoloration problem with the white MacBooks. Some MacBook owners are reporting patches of orange discoloration on the cases of their MacBooks, attributing it either to heat or a chemical reaction with the case plastics. As AI notes, Apple does not generally cover cosmetic issues with their warranties, but if this is truly widespread, it is possible we'll see official response. For all of you who ponied up the extra money for the black MacBook, you can now consider that a rust undercoating fee.
As for the MacBook Pro, MacFixIt (in their pay section) has a discussion of the machine waking up with the lid closed an, or just not sleeping at all when the lid closes. Whether this is ultimately related to the magnetic latching system is unclear, but make sure that the sleep light is pulsing on your MBP when you close the lid.
Monday, June 12th 2006
FastMac Continues to Expand TruePower Battery Offerings
FastMac, makers of batteries for a variety of Apple portables, has expanded its offerings yet again, this time going all the way back to the G3 PowerBooks. Replacement batteries for Apple's Wallstreet G3 PowerBook run $120, while Lombard and Pismo-compatible batteries are $130. The batteries feature up to 56% higher capacity and are available now at FastMac's website.
TransInternational Announces Availability of SATA Drives for MacBook
TransIntl sent us this information on some new items they're carrying for the MacBook:
May 12th 2006 Trans international announces world wide availability of Serial-ATA mobile drives for the new Apple MacBook. Trans SATA mobile (2.5") hard disk drives delivers a winning combination of characteristics. With the industry's lowest idle power and enhancements to the mechanical and electrical design, these 5400 and 7200 rpm drives with outstanding shock characteristics, extremely efficient power consumption, whisper quiet acoustics, and a range of speeds and capacities are ideal choice for Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro.
For more information, check out TI's website.
Friday, June 9th 2006
Protect Your Laptop...and Your Legs
Wrappers has a very interesting-looking MacBook sleeve. The laptop protector is 76% rubber and 24% cotton and comes in six colors. The cotton makes for a soft and scratch-free interior to the sleeve, while the rubber adds protectiveness and, even more interestingly, heat insulation. When using your MacBook, you can place the sleeve between your lap and the machine to protect yourself from temperatures up to 250 degrees centigrade. The price is £ 18 and the sleeves are shipping now.
Wednesday, June 7th 2006
Apple Acknowledges Overheating Mistake with MacBooks
After a significant brouhaha among the Mac forum faithful, Apple has let it be known that it is aware of some too-hot MacBooks. The problem Apple is discussing might surprise some, though, as it has nothing to do with the infamous thermal paste excess. Instead, Apple is saying some MacBooks shipped with a plastic dust cover blocking a vent that should have been removed before reaching actual customers, preventing convection and the fan from working its magic. If you're noticing extreme heat, check the vents where the bottom half of the MacBook meets the LCD and make sure the vents are exposed and that air is passing through. AppleInsider has a helpful photo of the removal procedure to give an idea of what to look for.
Apple Launches Back to School Promotion
For our younger readers looking to justify to themselves (or their parents) the purchase of a new Mac, Apple has already launched another back to school promotion. College students buying a Mac by September 16th can get a mailin rebate of up to $180, perfect for buying an iPod nano to keep your Mac company. MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, and PowerMac G5 computers all qualify for the discount, so this isn't limited to portables. We won't judge you if you just want to pocket the $180 for the ol' PBR fund, though.
Thursday, June 1st 2006
BOOQ Folee XM Reviewed
Continuing our catch up of the latest and greatest in the world of bags and sleeves for Apple portables, Doug Landry has a review of BOOQ's Folee XM.
First Annual PBZone.com Charity Bag Auction
We're going to be doing a series of bag reviews around here at The PowerBook Zone, so we're running out of space at PBZ World Headquarters to store all the bags we've taken a look at over the years. So we've decided to clear a few out and contribute to a good cause while we're at it.
So we are offering up five mint-condition bags for auction on eBay, with 100% of the proceeds to go to an as-yet-undecided charity. (Please suggest one to editor (at) pbzone.com if you have a good one in mind) Some of these bags are fairly expensive new, so a few of you might come by a deal.
First up we have a WaterField Designs Cargo bag with a sleevecase. Details on this bag and its auction can be found here.
Next we have a Dr. Bott TiCase, a hard-case style briefcase bag for Titanium G4 PowerBooks. This retails for over $450 new, so check it out here if you still use a trusty PowerBook G4 Titanium!
The Tom Bihn "Smart Alec" backpack-style bag and sleeve is next. Its auction is here.
The most interesting item we have for those of you that might still be hanging onto a Titanium PowerBook is this handmade one-of-a-kind leather briefcase style bag. There's just a handful of these on Earth and this is the only one we know of. It was planned to be a full retail line of handmade leather PowerBook bags but the line never got off the ground. It only fits Titanium G4 PowerBooks. Its page is definitely worth checking out for the sheer craftsmanship of the bag here. It was supposed to retail for over $500 and took over 20 hours for the leather craftsman to construct, if we recall correctly. We don't have a TiBook anymore at World Headquarters, so we hope this one finds a good home; we never used it!
Our last bag is today's review bag, the Booq Folee XM, which fits any 13"-14"-15" PowerBook/iBook/MacBook out there. Check out today's review of the bag, we really like this one. Check out its auction here.
Please send any questions you have on these auctions to editor (at) pbzone.com. We hope to continue to sell off another round of bags soon after the reviews we have in the works.
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