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October 24th through 31st Archives

Friday, October 31st 2003 14:31 EST

Panther FW 800 Dataloss

If you happen to be using a FW800 drive with Panther, Apple recommends you discontinue use until further notice.

Ultimate iPod Car Kit

Forget tape adapters...this is the ultimate iPod car kit. It allows you to use your steering wheel or headunit controls to change songs and volume on the iPod safely while driving. It's not cheap, starting at $149, and is only available in the Americas through Dension.

AirPort 3.2 Software Released

AirPort 3.2 software is available today via Software Update. If you need a direct download link, it can be found here. That page also includes the full documentation of changes, but here's the most important excerpt:

This release provides support for the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) specification for the AirPort Extreme base station and AirPort Extreme client running Mac OS X v10.3, or later. WPA greatly increases the over-the-air data protection and access control on a wireless network, assuring users that their data will remain protected with a strong new encryption algorithm as well as user authentication. Please see AirPort help for more information on WPA.

If you are using an AirPort enabled computer with an AirPort Extreme Base Station, you will experience maximum data rates of 11 Mbps. However with AirPort 3.2, you'll still enjoy significant benefits, especially from the standpoint of wireless printer sharing, easy base station administration, and many options for managing the range of your wireless network.

Thursday, October 30th 2003 14:31 EST

Newer Tech Introduces Ultra High Capacity Battery for Pismo/Lombard Machines

Adding to their previous offerings in the area, Newer Technology today introduced an "extra high-capacity" version of their NuPower batteries for Pismo/Lombard machines. The new batteries feature a 6600 mAh capacity, which the company says is 37.5% more than stock Apple batteries. The company's previous offerings at 5400 mAh are now available at $146, while the higher capacity version is $160.

The company also offers 4500 mAh batteries for Wallstreet models at $139, and 4400 mAh batteries for 400-1000 MHz G4 Titanium PowerBooks at $139 as well. Other World Computing is the exclusive distributor of all Newer products, including these batteries.

Theory on "White Spots"

A reader wrote in with a theory on what's causing the "white spots" on Aluminum 15" LCDs to appear. The reader suspects it has something to do with the reflective material used in conjunction with the backlight. When the "spot" area was rubbed behind the screen, the spots moved around. This suggests not a problem with any of the pixels themselves, but an issue with the basic illumination of the panel. The best explanation of this occuring is some sort of anomaly with the reflective material behind the screen, warping or bubbles that are causing the spots. Can any reader confirm or offer a different explanation? 

Tuesday, October 28th 2003 01:31 EST

iBook Developer Doc Posted

The iBook G4 developer document has been posted here.

Pismo Upgrades with Panther

Accelerate Your Mac! has received several good and not-so-good responses from those with processor upgrades in their Pismo PowerBooks when upgrading to Mac OS X 10.3. You can read those reports here.

iBook Program Renewal at Center of Election Debate

Over here in the Washington DC/Virginia area, it's election time. In Henrico County, the first school district to launch a massive student laptop program using Apple iBooks, all five school board seats are up for grabs and the computer initiative is a hot-button issue. If the politics of education and technology interest you, this article in the Richmond Times Dispatch details the debate. 

Friday, October 24th 2003 13:07 EDT

PowerBook Aluminum 15" Buyers: Check for "White Spots"

Today MacFixIt is discussing an issue unique to the new 15" Aluminum PowerBooks that buyers of these machines should be sure to check for. Apparently in certain lighting situations, "white spots" on the screen appear as a result of a bad batch of LCD screens used in production. One customer even reports having had two units exhibit the problem--his original machine and the one Apple sent to replace it.

You can see for yourself what these blotches look like here, read MacFixIt's coverage of the story yesterday here, and--of course--sign the petition bitching to Apple here, though we hear that Apple is handling this issue very well from a customer service standpoint.

Keep in mind that Apple rarely "publically" acknowledges a defect such as this one. Only in widespread cases where millions of power adapters need to be recalled or the problem is so pronounced and the outcry is so massive (as with the loud mirrored drive door PMG4s) does the company set up an official exchange program or any sort of refund system.

If you're a Aluminum G4 owner, check your screen over carefully and keep an eye on this page and MacFixIt--apparently those machines that have been sent in for repair are "on hold for parts" so it might be wise to wait a couple of weeks then send the unit in so it returns quickly.

For those that have already had this issue reported to Apple and sent their machine in, we'd love to hear your experience, so send us an email.

WaterField Introduces iPod Gear Pouch

So many of the iPod cases out there hold the music player and nothing else--WaterField Designs has introduced a new pouch that holds all the accessories that now make the iPod such a versatile gadget:

San Francisco, CA., October 21, 2003 -- WaterField Designs, a leading maker of custom-fitted computer cases and bags, today started shipping its new iPod Gear Pouch. This case is specifically designed to keep the iPod, docking station, power supply, ear buds, FireWire cable, and power supply cable all together in one compact, portable case. Rather than keep all these items in the iPod's original box, or scattered in different locations, the iPod Gear Pouch organizes these items conveniently in one, slender case that can be whisked away at a moment's notice.

The new WaterField Designs iPod Gear Pouch is the newest addition to the company's current line of iPod cases, providing individual pockets to securely and neatly store all the iPod accessories. For example, to prevent tangling, each cable can be rolled up into its own pocket. The internal padded lining protects all the pieces and keeps them from bumping into each other. When full, the iPod Gear Pouch lies flat, and is slender and long, taking up a minimal amount of space in a backpack, bag, or briefcase. With all iPod accessories kept together in a convenient pack, organization becomes intuitive.

MacResQ Announces "Full Service" PowerBook/iBook Hard Drive Upgrades

The guys at MacResQ keep expanding their mail-in services offered beyond simple repair services. Here's the latest service offered:

MacResQ announced today a new full-service hard drive upgrade for PowerBooks & iBooks as part of their PowerBookResQ repair program. The new service offers PowerBook and iBook owners a quick and easy way to upgrade to a larger-capacity hard drive with PowerBookResQ's famous 24-hour service and nationwide convenience.

The all-inclusive upgrade includes pick-up at the customer's location in our custom PowerBox, overnight delivery to the PowerBookResQ service center, expert drive installation and data transfer within 24 hours, and return overnight shipping to the customer. The old hard drive will be returned and could be used as an external drive or kept as a backup.

The new upgrade is available in two sizes -- a 60 Gig Hitachi drive for $299, or a roomy 80 Gig Hitachi drive for $399. To get started, customers simply call 1-866-Mac-Repair or visit MacResQ.com.

PowerBookResQ and PowerMacResQ also offer fast, convenient, and affordable Mac repairs for just $99.00, which includes 3-way overnight shipping, the initial diagnostic service, and our unique PowerBox, which the customer may keep for future use. For even faster service, same-day pickup is available in most areas of the country.

The full press release is online at: http://www.powerbookresq.com/pr031022.html