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Thursday, November 14th 2002 13:14 CST
PowerBook Links Around the Web
It's another slow day in the PowerBook universe as we approach MWSF. PowerBook Central has some interesting reports on the shipping status of new PowerBooks, though. Looks like a pretty positive report, so far.
In other news, Insanely Great Mac has information on the compatibility of Magma CardBus PCI chassis under Mac OS X 10.2.2.
That's it for now, but check back later today for an additional update.
Tuesday, November 12th 2002 01:47 CST
Dr. Bott Launches Imports Business
While they admit the prices can be...well...pricey, Dr. Bott has launched an imports business for the Mac guru who must have unique products:
Dr. Bott announces distribution of Micro Solution and Felicidad products from Japan.Products include iSuit, stylish replacement lids for the iBook, iWax polycarbonate polishing paste, Junin Toiro II for giving your iBook a custom color, Twist Protector for the Titanium PowerBook G4 and the popular Groove Jacket for iPod.
"Dr. Bott Imports fall outside what many people would consider our core product lines." said Eric Prentice, CEO of Dr. Bott LLC. "While these products carry a higher price tag they are great examples of what Mac users find interesting in different parts of the world."
Dr. Bott has leveraged their worldwide distribution partnerships to bring these products to the US market.
Compatibility:
Dr. Bott Imports are only compatible with those who are able to think outside the box and have larger pocketbooks.Pricing & Availability:
Dr. Bott will be adding new "Imports" as they become available. Visit the Dr. Bott web site for products that are currently available.
Newer/OWC Launch TiHandle
Newer Technology and exclusive retailer Other World Computing jointly announced the TiHandle today. It screws a metal handle assembly to the hinge screws on the back of the PowerBook G4, providing the same functionality of the original iBook's built-in handle.
It's functionally identical to the Cyber3 TiBook Tote and Tilt that we reviewed way back in May of 2001.
If you choose to buy either of these products, which both serve as a handle and raise the back of the PowerBook when folded under it, be very careful; we have heard that the screws that the two handles use are not designed for the extra stresses placed on them by the handle.
New PowerBook Availability/Shipping Reports
We're ceding the journalistic ground to PowerBook Central on covering the best prices and availability of the new G4 PowerBooks and the new iBooks. They simply do the job as well as it can be done. As of 8 PM Central time last night, there were reports of several resellers with PowerBooks in stock ready to go with substantial bundles and discounts. One they mention is PBZone sponsor Small Dog Electronics. Remember to support them because they support us. For all the other details, check PBCentral out
Monday, November 11th 2002 14:50 CST
Update: 15:57--Mac OS X 10.2.2 Released on Software Update
Mac OS X 10.2.2 has been released as of right now through the OS' Software Update mechanism. The update includes the following modifications:
New PowerBook Notes
Several readers wrote in on various aspects of the new PowerBooks:
I bought from PowerMax, by the way, not only because of their great service
but because they accept trade-ins -- much easier and with more peace of mind
than using eBay or something similar. In this case, I'd arranged to trade an
Indigo slot-loading iMac towards a 17" iMac -- until the new PBs came out
and I decided to get one of those instead. (For only $300 more, it seems
like a deal.) Changing the trade-in deal from the iMac to the PB took only a
phone call with a friendly person who knew the systems.
FYI, I've purchased used systems from PowerMax in addition to new and
recommend them highly. And no, I don't work for them.
PBG4 15/1GHZ/1024/60G/CMBO/AP 2,913.00
It shipped today. [11/8/02]
2) The G4 chip used in PBG4 is 7455 rev. 3.3, which as lower core voltage
of 1.3 volt compare to the spec for 7455 published on Motorola's website
which says 1.6 volt. This translate to a lower average power consumption
of around 15 watt for 1GHz and 12 watt for 867 MHz, instead of 21.3 watt
for the 1.6 volt core. this information was available on the web a week
ago.
PowerBook Sightings
Readers send in their latest sightings:
When ITV made Popstars and Pop Idol, the voice coaches used PowerBooks
every week with a MIDI keyboard.
The 10.2.2 Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for the following applications and technologies:
"Address book, iChat, IP Firewall, Mail, Print Center, Rendezvous, Sherlock, and Window file service discovery. The update also includes updated services previously delivered in Security Update 202-9-20
In addition, the update also includes journaling support for Mac OS X Server. Journaling, for those [like us, until 5 minutes ago] who aren't familiar with the technology, is a way to improve the filesystem's ability to recover from a crash.
The previous G4 667/800 Ti also have 1 MB L3 according to Apple
support. Your front page claims the GHz Ti is the first. It's
unfortunate the Apple TiBook page is misleading.
Shame on Apple for misleading us! Though it's not the first PowerBook with a 1 MB L3 cache, it is the first with a DDR RAM 1 MB L3 cache. The DVI PowerBooks used SDRAM in their 1 MB L3 cache.
I ordered one through the UNL computer store on November 6th. I decided
for $40 to double the RAM. Hey, who wouldn't pay $40 for 512 MB of
memory? They quoted me 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Keep those purchase reports coming in! Here are a few more interesting facts about the new PowerBooks:
just bought one yesterday, it's supposed to take 5-7 days to 'build' and ship 2 days after 1ghz, combo
As you requested, I'm writing to let you know that I ordered a PB 867 from
PowerMax last night [11/6/02]. Was quoted Friday or Monday delivery (they apparently
have also just ordered them). I paid $2294 + $36 two-day FedEx.
I ordered a new 1 GHz powerbook on Wednesday
afternoon. I ordered it without the superdrive and
with 1GB of RAM. Since I work for the Federal
government, I ordered it from the Apple Store online.
Here is the info:
SHIPPING EXPEDITED SHIPPING CHARGE 15.00
Promotion Savings 260.00-
Subtotal 2,668.00
Tax 119.39
TOTAL USD 2,787.39
1) the 32 MB Radeon Mobility 9000 has a 64 bit data path whereas the 64 MB
version has 128 bit data path. this information is from ATI's website.
Also, Reviews Editor Paul Cesarini sent in this neat note:
I just came across a page on the ATI site that compares their three
mobile GPUs: the Mobility Radeon, Mobility Radeon 7500, and Mobility
Radeon 9000. These three are, of course, the ones used in past and
current iBooks and PowerBooks. The url is:
http://ati.com/technology/hardware/comparisons/mobilitycomparison.html
Just a note that this week's new season-opening episodes of the TV spy series called "24" again use Macs throughout the headquarters of the Counter Terrorism Unit. Most prominent are the Ti PowerBooks, Cinema displays, and cubes. AND we have the first black president of the US as Dennis Haysbert plays President David Palmer...
That last one is especially neat.
The BBC is currently leading ratings with the next generation of Pop
Idol (American Idol to you in the US) called Fame Academy
(www.bbc.co.uk/fameacademy), and this week Mariah Carey is the
celebrity guest helping the singers practice - her studio producer is
using a TiBook.
Noticed on Google that you mention sightings of PowerBooks on Paul
McCartney's tour. I can both confirm that and also tell you that he signed
my PowerBook last week and it is the 1st time he has ever signed a Laptop of
any kind. He called it a 'Mac-ca'. You can see the offending item at
http://homepage.mac.com/infotech247/Macca/
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