PBZ Advertisers
Quotes
Wednesday, November 30th 2005
Intel PowerBooks or iBooks in January?
With January's Mac World San Francisco fast approaching and Apple's portable lineups in dire need of significant updates, the rumor mill is building up excitement for PowerBook and iBook fans.
AppleInsider reported a couple weeks ago that 15" Intel PowerBooks could be released at Mac World San Francisco, with other PowerBook models to be introduced in the following months.
Now Citigroup is backing up this rumor, saying that they are becoming more convinced of a MWSF release date for the Intel PowerBooks, as well.
Interestingly, Think Secret reported two weeks ago that it would be iBooks released at MWSF with Intel processors, while the professional laptops waited until more Intel-native software was available. Both AppleInsider and Think Secret have been generally very reliable in predicting rumors, making this all the more interesting. Would Apple buck history and release Intel-powered PowerBooks and iBooks at MWSF? Let's keep our fingers crossed, as this should be a very exciting show.
Monday, November 28th 2005
Website Covers 15" PowerBook Screen Woes
We know a lot of you have questions, concerns, and frustrations over screen issues found in the most recent PowerBook revision. It's a hot topic in Mac forums around the web, and confusion surrounding the nature of the problem and potential fixes seems quite similar to the old trackpad problems found most prominently in the previous revision of PowerBooks. If you wish to learn more about the problem and what other PowerBook owners are experiencing or have tried as potential fixes, a website has been setup with information and links to help.
Sudden Motion Sensor Game Updated
Balooba Software has updated their game Bubblegym. What makes Bubblegym unique is that it uses the Sudden Motion Sensor found in recent PowerBooks and iBooks, allowing you to control the game by tilting your PowerBook, making for a very unique gaming experience. The program is free to try, with a contribution of whatever seems appropriate to the developer or charity unlocking the game.
Wednesday, November 23rd 2005
Timbuk2 Offers Free Holiday Shipping
From now until December 21st, bag-maker Timbuk2 is offering free shipping on orders of $100 or more. If you're stumped for gift ideas (or are just looking for new ways to spoil yourself), they've also posted their top ten gift ideas, which includes some items suitable for iBooks, PowerBooks, and assorted Apple paraphernalia.
edgeblur Updates surfACE Laptop Stands
edgeblur has updated their surfACE line of laptop computer stands. The stands, available immediately, are quite unique accessories, spanning the arms of a chair (or perched on a camera tripod) to provide an ergonomic work environment on the fly. Priced from $100 to $150, the surfACEs are another good gift idea for your favorite laptop user (yourself).
Friday, November 18th 2005
Intel iBooks at MacWorld San Francisco?
Think Secret has a huge scoop on Intel iBooks being among the first of Apple's computer lines to switch to Intel, and it could happen sooner than expected: MacWorld San Francisco in January. The iBooks will be transitioned first, the reasoning goes, because iBook users are most likely to be satisfied with Apple's first-party applications, and the least critical of reduced performance using Rosetta to run PPC applications. Included in the piece are numerous quotes from various analysts (much of which shows a deep misunderstanding of Apple's products and strategy), but the potential for an expanded, or at least modified, iBook lineup seems to have some momentum, and we won't object to lowered prices.
Intel iBooks at MacWorld San Francisco?
Daystar Technology today announced they are in the final stages of development of a 1.92 GHz G4 upgrade for the Aluminum PowerBook G4. The upgrade appears to be only for the 15-inch model, but this, along with pricing and exact availability, is to be determined. What is known is that the performance increases are significant and the upgrade will require sending your PowerBook in for upgrade by a professional technician. With so many people looking for a final boost to the last PPC PowerBooks, we imagine this will be a popular upgrade.
Tuesday, November 15th 2005
$100 Laptop Project Rejects Mac OS X
We've reported before on the efforts of Nicholas Negroponte, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to create a $100 laptop for use in the developing world and schools worldwide. All of us at PBZone are big believers in the goals of the project, and think it's a very noble cause. That said, there's disappointing news from the Wall Street Journal:
Steve Jobs, Apple Computer Inc.'s chief executive, offered to provide free copies of the company's operating system, OS X, for the machine, according to Seymour Papert, a professor emeritus at MIT who is one of the initiative's founders. "We declined because it's not open source," says Dr. Papert, noting the designers want an operating system that can be tinkered with. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.
This is disappointing news, both because the project promises to provide the laptops that children have their first computer experience with, and because Mac OS X seems to be a very good OS for this application. We understand that a great deal of customization might be necessary to meet the variety of needs of the potential customers of the $100 laptop, but we can't help but think that Linux might not serve as the best introduction to modern computing. Perhaps some of the governments making large purchases can opt for dual-boot machines?
Bare Bones Portable Computing
Laptop Logic is running an interesting piece on bare bones PC laptops that come with only the essentials, allowing the user to customize their hardware extensively. While the laptop featured in the guide won't win any beauty pageants, we know there are many Mac OS X and Apple fans out there who are looking for a portable that doesn't quite match up with what Apple has on offer, and the possibility of making use of custom laptops after the switch to Intel takes place makes this a very intriguing option.
Thursday, November 10th 2005
Turn Your iBook into a PowerBook...Sort of
HardMac has a pretty clever article on converting your iBook into a PowerBook. The idea of the article is that the 12-inch iBook is so close to a 12-inch PowerBook, yet significantly cheaper, that with some wrenching skills and a few select upgrades, you can equal the pro machine.
With a hearty warning that this is done at your own peril, the article walks you through upgrading your 12-inch iBook's hard drive, optical drive, and RAM, while adding Bluetooth. Now, unless you're desperate to have the ultimate sleeper iBook, the economics after buying a hard drive, Bluetooth module, SuperDrive, and RAM might not make sense, but it's sure a good effort.
Third-Party AC Adapters Addendum
Last week we linked to a TidBITS piece by Travis Butler on third-party AC adapters. Travis took a look at several of the offerings available for those looking for cheaper or more feature-filled AC adapters for their PowerBooks and iBooks.
Now Travis has posted a second piece on AC adapters, going through some compatibility concerns and how much power exactly is needed to keep your PowerBook going.
Monday, November 7th 2005
Daystar Offers Do-It-Yourself Lombard Upgrade
For those of you who have been holding onto your Lombard PowerBooks, Daystar Technology has a new toy for you. The 450 MHz G4 CPU upgrade for the Lombard PowerBooks can be installed by the savvy user comfortable opening up their laptop, or an Apple technician can take care of it for you. Included with the faster processor is the XLR8 MAChSpeed Control CPU software, a new heat sink for the faster processor, the necessary screwdrivers for installation, Arctic Silver thermal compound, and instructions to get you through the upgrade. Additionally, Daystar offers free installation support over the phone and a $55 rebate on your purchase if you send back to Daystar the old CPU, EMI shield, and heat sink. The upgrade runs $300, and more information on it can be found at Daystar's website.
Intel PowerBook, iBook Rumors
AppleInsider is chock full of tantalizing new rumors about the forthcoming Intel iBooks and PowerBooks.
Some of the most exciting news is some possible release dates for the new machines, with April or May being possibilities for Intel iBooks. AppleInsider is also suggesting that a 13-inch widescreen iBook is potentially joining the mix, though what this means for the 12-inch and 14-inch models is unclear.
What everyone is really waiting for, though, is the word that the Intel PowerBooks will likely be making their debut even earlier than the iBooks, though no date is being suggested. The 15-inch PowerBook is expected to be 20-25-percent thinner, a significant size reduction, while still retaining much of its current appearance. Let's not forget, though, that Apple prides itself on hiding new form factors, so a new case to match the new internals shouldn't be ruled out.
For those waiting for a 12-inch or 17-inch Intel PowerBook, though, the wait could be a longer one. The 12-inch PowerBook is looking like a possible contraction candidate from the lineup, perhaps to be replaced by the expanded iBook lineup, while the 17-inch PowerBook could simply be a few months later than the 15-inch.
Lastly, it looks like the iMac is starting a trend, as it's expected that the iSight camera will be integrated into the new PowerBooks, adding interesting functionality to the portable workstations.
Friday, November 4th 2005
Spire Offers PBZ Readers Holiday Discount
We know, we know, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet, but better too early than too late with the good deals, right? Long-time friend of the site Spire is offering PBZone readers a 20% discount on their line of backpacks and bags, which are designed with the Apple user in mind. Just use the code 'PBHOLIDAY' at checkout and you'll get the 20% off, and a safe home for your laptop.
Griffin Updates AirClick Software
Griffin Technology today updated the software for their Airclick USB remote, which we know is popular among PowerBook and iBook users in particular for giving presentations with PowerPoint and Keynote. If you haven't checked out the Airclick USB remote, it offers range of up to 60 feet for controlling your Mac and runs $40. The 1.0.4 update adds support for GarageBand, Adobe Reader, and switching between applications, not to mention other additions.
News and Notes
We're still collecting reports from readers on their experiences with the new high-resolution PowerBooks. If you have any comments, whether good or bad, email us at editor (at) pbzone.com. The more people we hear from, the more accurate a picture we can paint. Thanks goes out to all those readers who've wrote us already with detailed reports; we've tried to write many of you back, but can't keep up with the number of people who've contributed, so let us say thanks here.
Wednesday, November 2nd 2005
Booq Releases Python XL for 17" PowerBooks
We received word from Booq that they have expanded their line of laptop sleeves and bags to include the Python XL, a laptop designed for toting today's larger laptops, such as the 17" PowerBook:
The Python XL protects laptops inside a bombproof, rigid frame compartment, and features include a weather-resistant ballistic nylon exterior, waterproof zippers, padded pockets and compartments for large and small items, as well as a dedicated, secure iPod pocket with non-scratch lining. The Python also comes with a compact clip-on shoulder bag called Ecto - perfect for an iPod, wallet, small digital camera, and cell phone - which can be used on its own or in combination with the Python XL.The Python XL ships in two weeks, and for those who want to take a look at another Booq product, we reviewed the Booq Vyper a few months back.
For more information on the Python XL, check out Booq's Python XL product page, and just a reminder, if you buy something from Booq with the promotional code "pbzone05," you save 10%, and isn't the holiday season about giving gifts to inanimate objects as much as family and friends?
Third-Party AC Adapters Compared
Travis Butler has a great comparison of third-party AC adapters for PowerBooks in the latest issue of TidBITS. MadsonLine's Lucille, Kensington's Universal AC/Car/Air Adapter (also known as the iGo Juice), and the MacAlly AC Adapter. If you're looking for a smaller, cheaper, or more flexible alternative to the Apple-brand AC adapter that came with your PowerBook, this is a useful rundown of several of the options out there.
Tuesday, November 1st 2005
Newer Releases Battery Charger/Conditioner for Mac Laptops
Newer Technology, a staple of the Mac product world, today released an extensive line of chargers/conditioners for PowerBooks and iBooks. The NewerTech PowerBook and iBook Intelligent Battery Charger and Conditioner Stations (which we'll simplify to NTPBiBIBCCS) comes in versions for all of the current PowerBooks and iBooks, as well as the 15-inch Titanium and the white iBook G3. For those of you doing battery juggling to limit your reliance on outlets, the NTPBiBIBCCS allows you to charge multiple batteries simultaneously. Also offered is a conditioning process to make sure your battery is giving you the most possible battery life, helpful for those of us who are charging our batteries frequently after only short uses. NewerTech's latest is available immediately from their website.
For those interested, we reviewed Newer's high capacity battery this year, which they say goes well with their charger and conditioner.
New PowerBooks, New Problems?
With the buyers of the latest PowerBooks beginning to get their precious cargo, we've begun seeing the first emails from frustrated or disappointed owners that inevitably follow a new hardware revision. Judging from the amount of email on certain issues, it appears that some problems are the usual fluke things that happen in any mass-production process, and some problems are possibly more widespread. To help determine which problems are which, we're soliciting feedback from readers.
In particular, we're hearing problems about wireless reception with AirPort, and various issues with the new high-resolution screens. If you have anything to offer on these topics (or others), be it just your own experience, or possible solutions, email us at editor (at) pbzone.com, and we'll see about sorting everything out.
Trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. reserved. ©1999 Doug B. Landry and others.
Publishing headquarters is located in Baton Rouge, LA. Index version 1.0.1