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Thursday, September 29th 2005
MCE Releases 7200 RPM, 100GB Portable Drives
For those of you looking for greater hard drive performance, MCE today released a 7200 RPM 2.5" hard drive for iBooks, PowerBooks, and Mac minis. MCE certifies this drive for all PowerBooks back to the Lombard, and the drive includes instructions and the necessary tools for installing the drive yourself. With a three-year warranty and 8MB of cache, the $400 drive is for those looking to get that last bit of performance out of their PowerBook.
MaxUpgrades Releases MaxProtect II PowerBook Case
The guys over at MaxUpgrades have released a new case for PowerBooks with the MaxProtect II case. Made with synthetic leather for the exterior and velvet for a scratch-free interior, the MaxProtect II fits snugly, with cases for all three sizes of PowerBook. Coming in at $50, $60, and $70 depending on size, the MaxProtect II is available now.
MIT Unveils $100 Laptop for Education
The Associated Press has an informative article on a new laptop design unveiled by MIT for use in education around the world. The laptop is designed to be adequate for students in the US and the rest of the first world, while being affordable enough to sell in large quantities to developing countries. Among the interesting technical features, the laptop will feature a 500 MHz processor from AMD, WiFi, and Flash memory instead of a conventional hard drive. Additionally, the screen is designed to switch to a glare-free black and white display when the student wishes to preserve battery life while reading text for class. We can't help but be reminded of Apple's own eMate when we see the goals for MIT's initiative, and wonder what Apple could do in this market.
Tuesday, September 27th 2005
Apple Signs Deal with Detroit Schools
Apple was reportedly in talks with Detroit Public Schools several weeks ago, potentially providing a new school-within-a-school at Crockett High School with Apple hardware. Today the deal was made official, with a $1.2 million contract being signed. The contract is to last four years, with Apple's largest commitment being the supplying of 780 laptops, in addition to iPods, digital cameras, and software. 14 of the laptops will go to middle school students who are potential candidates to attend the Detroit Digital Learning Community High School in the future. Besides all of the tangibles, Apple will be offering technical support, including on-site employees.
Petition Started for iBook G4 Logic Board Problems
Online petitions can be a dime a dozen, but the effort discussed here is one we'd like to see get some attention. While the logic board problems in the iBook G3 is documented and acknowledged by Apple, including a replacement program, the fact that this problem continued in the iBook G4 is not acknowledged by Apple, leaving owners who experience the problem with little recourse. Though it's too late for many of these owners, we'd like to see Apple provide some satisfaction if at all possible.
Monday, September 26th 2005
MCE SuperDrive Upgrade Worth the Money?
We received this letter from reader Rodney asking about MCE's SuperDrive Upgrade for PowerBook G4s, an upgrade that offers PowerBook G4s which came without a SuperDrive the greater capabilities:
I wanted to know if you have heard anything good, bad or indifferent about the MCE SuperDrive Powerbook upgrade.I'm seriously thinking about getting it but I haven't heard from any consumers if it works well, etc.
We haven't personally tried out one of the MCE SuperDrive upgrades, and surprisingly enough, no readers have said anything, either (though anyone who would like to share their experience can email us at editor (at) pbzone.com). MCE's products in general are quite well regarded, though, and they're certainly no fly-by-night operation after serving PowerBook users for many years. Still, we wanted to see what sort of experiences people had with the $199 upgrade. Looking at the helpful Accelerate Your Mac! drive compatibility database, we found several reports from people who had done the upgrade, and it looks like aside from a few resolvable software issues that the upgrade is quite satisfactory.
Eurocom Offers New Luggable
This isn't PowerBook news, but it's something most laptop users will get a kick out of: Eurocom has announced the D900T, and with a name that cold and menacing, you know it's a beast to be reckoned with. The D900T is the size of a Triumph, sporting a 17" LCD and a Pentium 4 processor at speeds up to 3.8 GHz. To power this man-among-boys, Eurocom has packed in a 12-cell battery, which in most PC notebooks provides six hours of battery life. In the D900T, this means about 1.5 hours of socket-less use is possible. If you need four RAM slots, a removable graphics card, and support for up to 240GB of hard drive storage, though, there aren't exactly a ton of options in the laptop market. While the cheapest configuration will run you $2600, lugging around the 12lb beast means you save money on a gym membership.
Thursday, September 22nd 2005
Intel Working on New Mobile Chips
AppleInsider has a very encouraging piece on Intel's latest work. Modifying its 65 nanometer manufacturing process, Intel is working on applying it to exceptionally efficient mobile processors. Essentially, the transistors will be much smaller, while leaking less electricity, leading to faster and more power-efficient processors. We don't know about everyone else, but we're quite thrilled to have Apple laptops backed by a company that is so enthusiastic and motivated by processors for laptops.
Just as an added tidbit, the AI article mentions that Apple hopes to be shipping Intel laptops by the middle of next year, meaning they could be among the first lines Apple ships without a PPC processor.
TechRestore Introduces 80, 100GB 7200 RPM Overnight Upgrade Service for PowerBooks, iBooks and PC Laptops
We received this information from site-sponsor TechRestore:
TechRestore, Inc. announced today that they have begun offering two new upgrades as part of their overnight hard drive upgrade service for PowerBooks, iBooks and PC Laptops. The new upgrade options feature high-speed, 7200 RPM hard drives in 80 Gigabyte and 100 Gigabyte capacity.Both upgrade services include overnight pickup of the customers laptop from any location in the continental United States, installation of the new drive and data transfer within 24-hours and return overnight shipping back to the customers location. In addition, the customers old hard drive is returned so that they will have a backup of their data. The customer can choose to have their old hard drive installed in a portable case for only $19.99.
The 80 Gigabyte 7200 RPM overnight upgrade is $319 including the drive, all shipping costs and installation. The 100 Gigabyte 7200 RPM overnight upgrade is $449 including the drive, all shipping costs and installation. TechRestore's standard, 5400 RPM drive upgrades are available starting at $229 with capacities up to 120 Gigabyte.
The upgrades include a 1-year warranty from TechRestore and a 5-year warranty on the hard drive from the manufacturer. The service is available immediately.
More information about the upgrade service can be found at the TechRestore website.
Tuesday, September 20th 2005
IOGear Releases WiFi Finder
IOGear has released one of the cooler keychains in recent memory with its GWF001 WiFi HotSpots Explorer. The Explorer is able to detect 802.11g/g wireless networks and indicate the signal strength of the network via multiple LEDs, saving you from having to open up your laptop and keep it on while looking for a hotspot. The tiny device works great on a ring with your keys or clipped to a backpack, etc., and operates on the 2.4GHz frequency, though IOGear says there is no intereference with portable phones or other devices that sometimes suffer from this issue. For only $30, we think this is a pretty slick accessory for those who frequently find themselves in unfamiliar network territory. The GWF001 WiFi HotSpots Explorer is available now at retailers.
Fujitsu Announces 2.5" 120GB Serial ATA Drives
Continuing the long chain of announcements about 100GB+ 2.5" drives, Fujitsu today announced one of the first 120GB SATA drive suitable for laptops. The drives are both SATA and 5400 RPM, making them very good performers, but are designed with durability, energy efficiency, and quiet operation in mind for the demanding laptop user. With Apple known to use Fujitsu drives in PowerBooks and the imminent availability of these drives and other 100GB+ drives, don't be surprised to see 120GB hard drives in the next PowerBook revision.
Fixing Bent PowerBook Keys
A fellow PowerBook user has written a helpful guide on how to fix bent keys on a PowerBook keyboard. While the PowerBook featured in this guide is a Titanium, the directions should apply to some other PowerBooks and iBooks, as well. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, this is quite the handy page, but do heed the authors warning that for some people it's probably best just to spend the $10 to have someone fix your keyboard for you at an Apple Store.
Friday, September 16th 2005
No PowerBook Updates Before MacWorld San Francisco?
While lacking many details or specifics, Think Secret has a brief blurb regarding the PowerBook line in an article about PowerMac updates being around the corner. The short of it is that Apple has no plans to update the PowerBook line until MacWorld San Francisco at the earliest. With MWSF taking place in January, that leaves several months of waiting for those hoping for new hardware. We had assumed Apple would try and do something to help sate the masses of PowerBook owners craving updated PPC machines before the Intel switch, but were ourselves unsure what upgrades would be possible. If you're looking for a PPC PowerBook, now is definitely a good time to buy, as no substantially better PPC PowerBooks are at all likely to be released, meaning you can bask in the knowledge of having the best PowerBook available for longer than usual.
Future PowerBooks to Feature Video Cameras?
In other rumor news, AppleInsider is reporting that Apple has filed a patent to include a video camera in the latch portion of laptops. While even AppleInsider isn't suggesting that integrated video cameras are around the corner in PowerBooks, it shouldn't be ruled out from happening in the next couple years. With IP telephony, iChat AV, and Apple's emphasis on adding value through features moreso than performance, a video camera would not be an unexpected addition to Macs in general.
Wednesday, September 14th 2005
Sonnet Announces PowerBook G4 Upgrade Service
Sonnet Technologies today announced a new upgrade for PowerBook G4s, as well as a service to install the new upgrade. The upgrade, for 550 MHz and 667 MHz PowerBook G4s, replaces the old processor with a Freescale 7447A G4 processor running at 1.2 GHz with 512K of L2 cache. For $500, not including shipping, Sonnet will send a padded box to the customer upon receiving an order. From there, the PowerBook goes to Sonnet's technicians, who install the new processor, test that it's working properly, and then ship it back to the customer. While not cheap, for those people who don't want to drop the money for one of the last PowerPC PowerBooks and are holding out for the Intel PowerBooks, $500 isn't a bad price for a stopgap solution.
Monday, September 12th 2005
QuickerTek Releases New PowerBook, iBook Transceiver
QuickerTek, maker of many external antennas and transceivers for Macs, has released a new transceiver for iBooks and PowerBooks. The 27dBm / 500mW transceiver adds a great deal of wireless range to laptops, with reception at a distance of over a mile possible. Requiring no software to operate, the antenna simply clips to your laptop and connects to your existing AirPort cart, using either the FireWire port or an outlet for power. The antenna costs $200 and supports 12" and 14" iBooks, as well as all titanium and aluminum PowerBooks.
Lexmark Announces Compact Photo Printer with CD Burner
While not strictly laptop news, we know we're always looking for ways to lighten our mobile office, and to that end Lexmark has introduced the P450. The P450 is a compact inkjet photo printer with a twist, coming with a built-in CD burner. Other niceties include an LCD that can actually be used for photo editing, as well as optional Bluetooth support, and compatibility with CompactFlash Type I & II, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Duo Pro with adapter, Multi Media, Secure Digital, SmartMedia and xD cards. For only $200, that's quite an advanced feature set for a compact printer.
News and Notes
While a little skimpy on the details a piece in Time covers some of what Apple is thinking, and the challenges it faced, in producing the iPod nano. Definitely an interesting look at what prompted the design of the iPod nano and the cancelling of the iPod mini.
In more destructive iPod nano news, Ars Technica has taken a different tack with its look at the nano. Let's just say speeding cars, hit and runs, and 40-foot falls are involved, but the iPod nano shows it's made of stronger stuff. Oh, and don't miss the autopsy!
Friday, September 9th 2005
Hitachi Releases Do-It-Yourself Hard Drive Upgrade Kits
Hitachi is offering a unique product for a manufacturer of its size, marketing a kit for end users to upgrade their laptop's hard drive, while using the old hard drive in an external enclosure.
The Notebook PC Upgrade Kit ranges from $139 to $219, depending on whether the 100GB, 80GB, 60GB, or 40GB hard drive upgrade is desired. Besides the new hard drive, the kit also includes a USB 2.0 enclosure for the old drive, a USB cable, a PS/2 auxiliary power cable (obviously not applicable to Mac users and only needed on PCs without USB2), and an installation guide. Also included in the kit is software for migrating data to the new drive, but this software is Windows only. Luckily for Mac users, migrating data is now a problem using the Migration Assistant Software.
The Travelstar 2.5" Upgrade Kit and the regular stand-alone Travelstar drives will be availabel later this month in sizes between 40GB and 100GB.
Adobe Releases Messenger Bag
In a move that has left many slightly nonplussed, Adobe has announced the imminent release of a new messenger bag for the multimedia professional. The limited-edition bag features a rain cover that can be deployed from an external pocket, a leather cover flap, a laptop sleeve that is able to accommodate 10"-17" laptops, and holes to make for easy routing of headphones and other cables and wires.
Shipping on November 15, the Adobe messenger bag is available for pre-order for $250.
Thursday, September 8th 2005
Dr. Bott Releases PowerBook Protection Pack
Popular peripheral maker Dr. Bott has released a small kit for PowerBooks called the Protection Pack. The Protection Pack runs $20 and includes a microfiber cloth to cover your keyboard when not in use, also functioning as a screen cleaner. Also included is a PVC-leather cover for the wrist-rest portion of the PowerBook to provide padding for your wrists and prevent scratches on the case. The wrist rest features a special adhesive that makes removal completely clean and easy, according to Dr. Bott.
The Protection Pack is available for all current PowerBook sizes via Dr. Bott resellers or ther Dr. Bott online store.
Apple Files Patent for Anti-Theft System
Macsimum News is reporting on an intriguing new patent filed by Apple for securing portable electronics, such as laptops and iPods. The device essentially triggers an audio alarm when acceleration is detected that matches that of a typical thief snatching a PowerBook or iPod. While it sounds difficult to be able to differentiate between the acceleration of a theft and trying to catch a bus, it's good to see Apple is considering the problem of theft with electronics, particularly with so many problems with iPods being stolen. Something to make parents feel better about their children going to college with a $2000 computer can't hurt, either.
Keyspan Announces Budget Remote
Keyspan today announced the Easy Presenter presentation remote, a new RF-based remote that comes in at a non-bank-busting $40. Available in late September, the remote uses a receiver that works in any USB port, whether on a Mac or PC, while requiring no software installation. With a carrying case, range of 60 feet, and an emphasis on functionality with Keynote and PowerPoint, the Easy Presenter looks like a good pick for people needing to give presentations from their PowerBooks, whether using a projector or otherwise.
Wednesday, September 7th 2005
iPod mini Bid Adieu; iPod nano, iTunes 5, and Rokr Phone Introduced
In a very busy and surprise-laden event today, Steve Jobs unveiled a number of new products while saying farewell to an old favorite. While many were predicting 6 GB Flash-based iPod minis with color displays, Apple demonstrated just how few leaks there are in the company, instead completely cancelling the iPod mini in favor of the iPod nano.
The iPod nano is thinner than a No. 2 pencil, narrower than the iPod mini, 80% smaller than the original iPod, and still has a 14-hour battery life. The rumors were correct in one area: the iPod nano will have a color display, and come in both the classic iPod white and the oft-requested black. As for the downside, the capacities will be only 2 GB and 4 GB, due to high prices on the 6 GB Flash chips. Prices will be at $200 and $250, respectively, and the iPod nano is available immediately at many retail locations or online.
As for the much-anticipated iTunes phone, the veil has finally been lifted. The Motorola phone, known as the 'Rokr,' will be available for $250 exclusively through Cingular. With a 100-song capacity, the Rokr functions much like an iPod shuffle, interfacing with iTunes via USB to do either a random autofill or sync select playlists, audio books, or podcasts. Using a dedicated button for switching between music and phone functionality when desired, it looks pretty slick, even pausing music automatically for phone calls. The phone is triband, in addition to having a camera able to take stills and videos.
Lastly, iTunes 5 was also released today. The most striking feature of the new version of the incredibly-popular music software is the new interface, which is likely the most significant interface change the software has seen yet. Other additions include the ability to nest playlists as with folders, and added syncing functionality with Outlook and Outlook Express
Tuesday, September 6th 2005
FireWire Depot Announces Serial ATA to CardBus PC Card
For those of you needing excellent hard drive performance with external drives, FireWire depot will soon be shipping their SATA-CB01-MAC card, which offers a link between your PowerBook's PC card slot and serial ATA hard drives. The card will be available on September 26 for $60 and features two serial ports and tranfer speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps bursts.
Washington Schools Launch iBook Pilot Program
Two school districts in Washington state are starting off the new school year with equally-new iBooks. The Shoreline School District program will consist of 1000 iBooks, giving each student at Kellog Middle School and Echo Lake Elementary a new computer to use for school. As part of the pilot program, one laptop will be shared by every two students at Einstein Middle School, allowing the district to evaluate multiple options for the future of the program.
Another strategy is being tried by the Kent School District, where the Kent Technology Academy will open as a "school within a school" at Mill Creek Middle School. The academy will have 90 pupils picked through a lottery system.
Officials from the Shoreline School District are hopeful that a bond measure will be passed to allow for the expansion of the iBook programs to other schools in the district.
Logitech Releases Two Travel Mice
Logitech today released two new mice designed for users of portable computers, the V400 and the V270.
The V400, which retails for $50, is an optical, wireless mouse with a range of up to 30 feet, thanks to its 2.4 GHz frequency. More information on the V400 can be found at the Logitech product page.
The V270 also retails for $50, but uses the increasingly-popular Bluetooth technology for interfacing with the computer. The use of Bluetooth means that computers with built-in Bluetooth won't require a separate receiver to use the mouse, making one less thing that has to be packed up when traveling. More information on the V270 can be found on its product page.
Monday, September 5th 2005
Sony, Contour Offer New Mice
While not yet scheduled for a release in the US, the $45 SMU-RW610 mouse is just too cool. Flipping up a small cover on the mouse reveals slots for reading Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, and SD cards. Even better, the USB 2.0 mouse will also work with Mac OS X! For those who speak Japanese, more information can be found on Sony's website.
In other mouse news, Contour Design has released the MiniPRO 2 mouse. For $35, the MiniPro 2 features an 800 DPI optical sensor and "Lift and Click" technology to make the two buttons on the mouse effectively function as four, having secondary functions apply when the mouse is tilted. Designed for Mac OS X and integration with Dashboard and Expose, also included with the MiniPRO 2 is a travel case for packing with your laptop.
Thursday, September 1st 2005
Other World Computing Announces Portable 120GB Drives
Other World Computing today announced a new addition to their Mercury On-The-Go drives. The 2.5", 120GB drive with both FireWire and USB2 is the first of its kind, according to OWC. Other features include 5400 RPM, 8MB of cache, and ships with a carrying case, USB and FireWire cables, and Retrospect. The drive is available today for $350.
Middle School Students Sing iBook's Praises
In more positive news with Apple in schools, this article from the Marin Independent Journal shows some of the potential positives for a well-managed student-laptop program. While a small program at only 330 students, the children seem quite excited and understanding of what can be done with the new machines.
Wednesday, August 31st 2005
Intel, Apple Make for an Exciting Future
Charles W. Moore's latest at PowerBook Central is a great piece on the bright future expected from Apple and Intel's cooperation. Besides looking at what's in store for users, Charles also goes through the throught process of someone wondering how to proceed with hardware purchases when there is the potential for unforeseen problems that come with any major hardware transitions.
AMD, Intel's Portable Offerings Compared
One of our new favorite sites, Laptop Logic, has posted a very thorough comparison of the Pentium M and Turion 64. With many people feeling like Apple has sided with the enemy instead of bolstering fellow rebel AMD, it's interesting to look at the actual technology and explore if Apple made the right decision on these terms.
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