Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2004.07.09
This week's PowerBook, iBook, and iPod headlines
Radeon Enabler 1.1.1 for OEM and Onboard ATI
Radeon Graphics
Have you ever wondered why the ATI graphics that came with your
Mac, PowerBook, or iBook doesn't have the same features available
on the retail graphics cards? For years ATI has bundled software
with their retail cards that adds features and extra capabilities.
This software, known as "ATI Displays," is designed to only
recognize and function with the retail versions of their video
cards. These additional capabilities are withheld from OEM and
onboard ATI graphics owners, even though the chipsets are nearly
identical in most cases.
Radeon Enabler
patches the ATI Displays application to allow it to recognize most
OEM and onboard ATI graphics chipsets. Once recognized, additional
features are unlocked and will function as if you have a retail
card.
Please note that hardware dependent features such as
"Versavision" and "TV-Out" will not function for OEM or onboard
chipsets. They lack the hardware support needed for these
functions.
The following video chipsets are supported by this release :
- OEM Radeon 9800 XT
- OEM Radeon 9800 Pro
- OEM Radeon 9700 Pro
- OEM Radeon 9600 XT
- OEM Radeon 9600 Pro
- OEM Radeon 9000 Pro
- OEM Radeon 8500
- OEM Radeon 7500
- OEM Radeon AGP (7200)
- eMac Radeon 9200 graphics
- eMac Radeon 7500 graphics
- Radeon 9700 Mobility (PowerBook)
- Radeon 9600 Mobility (PowerBook)
- Radeon 9200 Mobility (iBook)
- Radeon 9000 Mobility (PowerBook)
- Radeon 7500 Mobility (PowerBook/iBook)
- Radeon Mobility (PowerBook)
New in this version:
- Added support for the OEM Radeon 9600 XT/9800 XT shipping in
the new G5s
- Improved detection of missing or corrupted localization
resources
- Enhanced the support file generation to include more detailed
information from the System Profiler
This version does not add any additional functionality for
previously supported cards. If you have already used Radeon Enabler
successfully for your chipset, there is no need to update to this
latest version.
If you have already used a previous version of Radeon Enabler,
you must reinstall the ATI Radeon Displays package before you can
use a newer version of Radeon Enabler. Radeon Enabler will only
recognize an original, unpatched installation.
System requirements:
- Supported ATI graphics chipset
- Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later
Radeon Enabler is freeware
Keynamics Solves Two Problems with Laptops on
the Desk
With the new laptop stand from Keynamics, users can not
only raise their screens, but also lower their keyboards.
No other product can wheel a laptop out of the way, when it is
not being used. Greg Bright conceived the ability to functionally
separate the screen and keyboard and move the laptop around the
desk in the usual place, his garage. Greg has one patent approved
and two others pending on his invention.
According to Greg, "You will not find pictures of people
operating a laptop on a desk, be it in a magazine or on a website."
Why show someone hunching over a keyboard with an unnatural posture
for their back and their hands? It is no way to sell laptops! Yet,
most of us buy laptops for this very reason - to use on a desk, at
least part of the time.
The solution to the "hunch" lies in the Keynamics stand. There
are likely solutions to many other ergonomic injuries in the
Keynamics stand. And no other product on the market allows a laptop
to just be wheeled out the way, when not in use. With the other
products on the market, the laptop needs to be picked up and
moved.
The Keynamics stand is made of ten pounds of steel and
engineered ABS plastic resin. It has the weight necessary to
provide a stable, reliable stand for a laptop.
The big question with stands is whether they will hold laptops
in place with a real assurance that they will not fall. Keynamics
has tested its stand to a weight load of twenty pounds, more than
the weight of any laptop sold today. It built this security for a
laptop by incorporating a support lip on its stand.
More importantly, it uses a "landing strip" of a 70 durometer
rubber material that is made by 3M. The back of the laptop rests on
inverted levelers to ensure that the laptop, whatever its design,
will fit to the stand. These levelers have the sure grip of the 70
durometer 3M material, as well.
The stand is also engineered to
produce an angle that allows the laptop to be cantilevered off the
front edge of a desk to where the user can straighten the wrists
and recline the body, just as the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration of the Department of Labor (OSHA) recommends, to
prevent possible injuries in the workplace.
Indeed, the design of the stand aligns in every respect with
recommendations from OSHA.
Despite its weight, the stand and laptop can be effortlessly
wheeled out of the way when it is necessary to work by hand at a
desk. True to Greg's garage background, the stand uses skateboard
wheels to provide the slickest movement across the desk possible.
These wheels are complemented by hex head axle bolts and ABEC ball
bearings.
The Keynamics retail price is $79.99.
Foofbags: New Handmade Bags for iBooks &
PowerBooks
foofbags are cozy sleeves that
protect your laptop from dust and scratches when used inside a
backpack or ugly computer bag.
- AfterImage, Convergence & DaisyChain are colourful fleece
(subtly fluffy)
- WellSpotted is short pile faux fur (the fabric has differing
fur directions)
- Connemara is classic high quality Irish Tweed (Rustic
Herringbone) containing 7% silk, 93% wool.
All foofbag insides are made with a black quilted inner lining
and are doubled stitched throughout.
A foofbag will not protect your laptop if you
intend on dropping, throwing, standing, or hurling it (through the
air from a speeding vehicle).
"Being heavy laptop users ourselves, we know that most people
have their backpack or computer carry bag sorted out for their
storage needs. Some people dislike zippers and Velcro, as they wear
out, break or lose grip. We have also found out that people with
certain disabilities have much difficulty with fasteners and
zippers, so we've elected to avoid complexity by offering
simplicity and beauty.
"We are Apple users. We have iBooks and PowerBooks available to
test the snug fit of foofbags. Anything else is an unknown
quantity. If you think your PC laptop will fit, then go ahead and
order."
Outlandish 12" foofbags sell for $29.
Connemara foofbags sell for $39.
Prices include postage for the time being - unless you live on
the International Space Station.
iCover2 17" PowerBook Display Sleeve
Introducing the iCover2
with design improvements to improve ease of sliding on and off. One
size fits both the titanium and the new aluminum 15" PowerBook
models.
The PowerBook and iBook iCovers are designed to protect your
laptop's display from oil and dirt that is transferred from the
keyboard when the machine is closed. Additionally, our wrap-around
design also provides additional protection to the outer case.
A special (non-leather) micro suede feels great and is three
times stronger than leather, washable, and water & stain
repellent. Yet it is still thin enough to close the unit without
putting undue pressure on the hinge. The new iCover II also
incorporates mesh side panels that allows the iCover to slide on
and off even easier.
Additionally, the iCover is soft enough to use as a cleaning
cloth on the display.
Constructed entirely in the United States.
Warranted for 90 days.
Materials: Amaretta Suede - machine or hand wash or dry
clean
Price: $24.99
Shoulder Bags by STM from RadTech
New from RadTech:
Curve
It's got curves, pockets and style in all the right places,
offering the ultimate in stylish notebook protection.
The Curve a shoulder bag with a removable notebook sleeve,
suitable for machines with displays measuring up to 15.5". The
Curve's clean lines hide a multitude of pockets and pouches,
guaranteed to help you organise your life. All fabrics are water
resistant, providing protection from the elements. There's also a
cleverly hidden, easy-access organizer pocket on the outside of the
bag, and loads of space for books, folders, peripherals, etc.
Features
- Removable notebook sleeve
- High-density foam padding
- Padded pockets for protection
- Removable and rugged key clip
- Hidden organizer pocket
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Comfortable shoulder pad
- Stabilizer strap for long treks
- Contoured rubber handle
- Spacious 25 liter capacity
Price: $74.95
Brink
The Large Brink is a minimalist shoulder bag with finely
detailed features. With it's 28 x 42 x 5 cm dimensions, it's the
perfect fit for Apple 17" PowerBooks. The Brink has a snug-fitting
notebook section with high-density padding and an organizer pocket
on the front for all your essentials. A slim and comfortable rubber
handle allows the Brink to be carried as a briefcase, while the
removable strap converts it into a shoulder bag!
For those who desire style and need portability for your 12".
notebook, a compact Brink., based on the 17". Brink features a
padded notebook cell, pockets for cables and adaptors, as well as a
slim pocket for documents. Favoring style over space, this bag is
the perfect fit for Apple 12". PowerBooks and iBooks, as well as
other 12". notebooks.
Features
- Contoured rubber handle
- Lightweight construction
Large Brink customized for 17" PowerBook
Small Brink customized for 12" PowerBook
Price: $44.95-49.95
Alley
You want a bag that protects your notebook, but doesn't look
like a computer bag? You need something that has space for cables,
documents, mobile etc., but doesn't look bulky and cluttered? The
answer is the Alley.
The Alley is a multifunctional shoulder bag, available in two
sizes to fit most notebooks. Featuring a heavily padded notebook
section, which can also be used for video and game consoles (large
size). There's also a full-sized file section for documents and
books, as well as a mesh pocket for cables and adaptors!
Alley General Features
- Removable padded shoulder strap
- Contoured rubber handle
- Made from 600D rip-stop polyester
- secure Velcro closure system
- Pockets for cables, documents, etc.
Large Alley: 36 x 31 x 10 cm (15.5". displays)
Small Alley: 33 x 25 x 10 cm (12". displays)
Price: $39.95-44.95
TikiMac Ships All-Aluminum Kuna External Drive
for Macintosh
TikiMac has announced the immediate
availability of its new Kuna series
of external hard drives for Macintosh and PC-compatibles. With its
good looks, cool-running all-aluminum case sporting two FireWire
ports and a high-speed USB interface, the Kuna was developed from
the ground up to deliver the highest consumer engineering standards
ever seen in a hard drive.
With true plug and play convenience, the Kuna external hard
drive is hot pluggable for easy file transfers without
interruptions and data sharing between machines.
Using a unique interlocking design, users can stack multiple
Kuna External Hard Drives horizontally or place the drive
vertically with its sturdy, upright stand. Non-slip rubber feet on
the drive and stand ensure the drive can be arranged in many
convenient ways and will not slide around or slip off a desk
The Kuna External Hard Drive is constructed from an all-aluminum
alloy, allowing it to run much cooler than other external drives,
and it's designed to dissipate heat in any configuration - vertical
or stacked.
The Kuna comes in a variety of capacities, ranging from 120 GB
to 400 GB and is bundled with a three year limited warranty plus
TikiMac's lifetime technical support so that users can call for
friendly technical advice for the whole long life of the drive.
Consumer-friendly features:
- The best drive mechanisms - Kuna only uses drives from Hitachi,
Seagate or Maxtor. All HDs run at 7200 RPM and have 8 MB buffer
caches.
- Versatile - Supports connections through a single USB 2.0 and
dual-FireWire interfaces from Macintosh and PC-compatibles
- Glowing Personalities - Kuna drives are available with either
standard FireWire and USB cables or TikiMac's "LavaWire" and "Lava
USB" versions.
- Variety of sizes - Available in 120 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB, and 400
GB capacities
- Looks cool, stays cool - Designed to dissipate heat from your
hard drive. Runs much cooler than other external hard drives.
- On/off switch - No more concerns that your hard drive hasn't
been shut down safely. Better data security, for always-on Internet
connections.
- Hot-swappable - Connect and disconnect without turning off your
computer.
- Stackable - Unique interlocking design lets you expand your
storage securely.
- Position vertically or horizontally, with upright stand and
non-slip rubber feet.
- The best in support - Kuna drives with a 30 day complete
satisfaction guarantee, a three year limited warranty and lifetime
technical support
The Kuna external hard drive is available now through TikiMac
authorized resellers, specialist stores and its online store, with
a suggested retail price starting at $169. The drives ship with a
FireWire 400 cable (6:6-pin), USB 2.0/1.1 cable (A-B male-to-male
connectors) and an A/C adapter.
New Email Service Aims to Wallop Gmail
IDG News Service's Scarlet
Pruitt reports:
"The e-mail storage stampede continued its charge on Wednesday
with yet another Internet company taking on Google Inc.'s Gmail
offering with its own free 1GB e-mail service.
"Israeli Web portal provider Walla Communications Ltd. has
launched WallaMail, a new service offering users tools such as
in-box search, an e-mail filtering system, an antivirus application
and, of course, a lot of space. It offers enough space, in fact, to
archive 40,000 e-mails, 2,000 pictures and 50 one-minute video
clips, the company said....
"Walla has been offering a free e-mail service for three years
and the company has moved users of that service to the new
WallaMail, said Erez Philosoph, deputy chief executive officer of
Walla Communications....
"WallaMail is currently signing up users at http://www.walla.com....
Bargain 'Books
There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233
MHz, the cacheless MainStreet
version and the later Series II
with a level 2 cache. It's not always possible to determine from
the vendor's listing which is being offered, so we've included
links within this paragraph to the two models. The same goes for
the PowerBook G4/667 (Gigabit
Ethernet/2001) and G4/667 (DVI)
and the titanium vs. aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz.
- PowerBook Pismo 400, 128/10/DVD,
$499.99
- PowerBook Pismo 400, 256/40/DVD,
$649.99
- Add a PCMCIA wireless card for $10
- Add an AirPort card for $54.50
- G4/550 MHz upgrade card, $229
- Targus laptop bag in excellent condition, lifetime warranty
from Targus, $.01
- One year extended service guarantee, $99.99
- refurb 12" iBook G4/800,
512/30/Combo, Simon and Schuster Britannica 2003 Deluxe, $919
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz,
512/80/SuperDrive, built-in AirPort, MacMice The Mouse Aluminum,
Apple AirPort Extreme Base station without modem, $2759
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.
