Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.01.06
This Week's PowerBook, iBook, and Notebook News
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod news is covered
in The iNews Review. News about
Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is
covered in The Macintel Report.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
15" PowerBook RAM Slot Failure
News & Opinion
Products and Services
Tech Trends
15" PowerBook RAM Slot Failure
Allegations of 15" PowerBook RAM Slot
Defect
Lawyers and Settlements has posted an article saying:
"We are investigating claims that Apple PowerBooks have
defective lower memory (RAM) slots. It appears that even if the
problem is fixed, it will recur, since it may be a combination of
hardware and software issues. Many allegations seem to be
associated with an upgrade of the Apple OS X operating system
that results in physical damage to system hardware making the
second memory slot unreadable.
"We have been made aware of numerous allegations on the part of
Apple PowerBook G4 users that they are encountering a fault with
the lower memory slot in the 15" PowerBook G4 series. At this time
it appears that Apple may acknowledge the defect, we suspect it is
probably as a 'known issue' in all of their 15" G4 PowerBook
Models. However, if the system is out of warranty, Apple refuses to
repair it - even if a recent OS X upgrade delivered to the
user by Apple may have caused the damage.
"Many users apparently believe that the 10.3.9 OS X upgrade
or in some cases the 10.4.0 and 10.4.1 OS X upgrades actually
damages the motherboard firmware controller or chipset, since it
appears that Apple is replacing the motherboards in warrantied
machines. This causes a dilemma say some users, because once
repaired, some users claim that when they run the 10.3.9 OS X
upgrade or in some cases the 10.4.0 and 10.4.1 OS X upgrades
again through Apple's automated update system, the problem recurs.
A few users claim that the problem recurred immediately upon the
return of the system from the repair facility....
"It is apparent there is a product defect issue with the Apple
PowerBook G4 that may remain irresolvable by Apple or could recur
after what seems to be a successful repair when a critical
operating system update is installed."
- Link:
Allegations of Apple PowerBook 15" RAM Slot Defect
15" PowerBook Lower Memory Slot Failure
Petition
A Petition for Apple Computer, Inc. says:
"Are you affected by the lower memory slot fault?
"You can make a change by sending your story to a law firm that
is currently planning a class action suit against Apple....
"To Apple Computer, Inc.
"This is a petition to get recognition for the fact that many
PowerBooks have a fault with the lower memory slot. Up until today,
Apple does not fix this problem out of warranty or acknowledge that
there might be a production fault in all recent 15" aluminium
PowerBooks.
"Some very unfortunate Apple customers have had this lower
memory slot break and repaired - either within warranty or outside
of it - and have had it break a second time, after an alleged fix.
This leads us to believe that Apple does not know how to
permanently fix this problem, or does not want to allocate the
funds to do that.
"To clarify, the fault has apparently manifested itself in the
following PowerBook models, according to user accounts taken from
the Apple Discussion Forum, located at http://discussions.info.apple.com:
- PowerBook G4, 15" 1.67 GHz
- PowerBook G4, 15" 1.5 GHz
- PowerBook G4, 15" 1.33 GHz
- PowerBook G4, 15" 1.25 GHz
- PowerBook G4, 15" 1 GHz
"As customers, we demand recognition of this fault and the
assurance that our PowerBooks will be repaired at no additional
cost outside of warranty."
- Link: PowerBook
Lower Memory Slot Failure Petition
News & Opinion
MacInTouch Laptop Reliability Survey
MacInTouch has posted results of their reader survey on laptop
reliability, with reports of more then 10,000 laptops logged.
Trends noted include:
- "The 15" and 17" Aluminum PowerBooks, PowerBook G3, and 12"
iBook G4 appear to become more reliable as revised versions were
introduced.
- "....The 12" iBook G3 became much less reliable through its
first five revisions, reaching a 73% failure rate by the fifth
revision."
The most reliable Apple portables appear to be:
- 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4 (Jan 2005 1.5/1.67 GHz)
- 14" iBook G4 (Late 2004 1.33 GHz)
- 17" Aluminum PowerBook G4 v3 (Late 2004 1.5 GHz)
- Link: MacInTouch Laptop
Reliability Survey
PowerBook Envy
The Manila Times' Robert JA Basilio Jr. says:
"This has been written and electronically transmitted on a
Macintosh PowerBook 2400c which
has seen better days.
"While this laptop still has a cult following of sorts in Japan
and the US, the only two countries where Apple chose to sell this
subnotebook, it nevertheless remains a relic of the nineties, the
time when Pearl Jam was cool, email addresses were rare, and cell
phones were bigger than car batteries.
"Although lighter than some current notebooks, this laptop's
memory, hard drive and speed is definitely a far cry from the newer
staple of powerful, pricey and, definitely, beautiful
PowerBooks.
"While dependable and, as with the case of virtually obsolete
technology, cheap, my current PowerBook's Internet applications is
just a few updates ahead of Mosaic, which, as far as I know, is the
world's first Internet browser.
"As a result, while I am able to send and retrieve email on this
laptop using Outlook Express, I am prevented from doing the same
online with my other web-based e-mail addresses. Web-based email
access through Yahoo! and Gmail require newer and more secure
browsers which cannot be installed on my hardware.
"But this incapacity never got in the way of my appreciation for
vintage technology.
"But one week ago, my wife, a fellow Mac user, changed all
that.
"She ditched her iBook for a newer Titanium PowerBook....
"it has unleashed the little green monster in me....
"Which is why I'm getting myself a newer PowerBook for the new
year."
- Link:
Low Tech and Loathing It - PowerBook Envy
Macintel or Not, Current 12" iBook Is EOL
Hardmac's Lionel says:
"For the end-of-the-year period, Apple's name is associated to 2
main subjects. The first one is of course the most wanted Christmas
gift, the iPod. But we will not talk about it as it starts to be
too much advertised as 'Apple=iPod' to our point of view.
"The other subject is of course the Macintel. Every
rumors-dedicated websites is providing its piece of information,
imagination, and hypothesis on this subject. We also do it from
time to time when there is not much news regarding Apple's products
beside the iPod-'mania'.
"Hereafter is a screenshot taken from the French electronic
customers giant, the FNAC:
"The iBook 12'' is simply quoted as 'End-of-Life'!"
- Link: Macintel or Not
Macintel? iBook 12" is EOL
Intel Macs To Be Built by Quanta and
Asustek
ems now reports:
"Apple computer will adopt Intel processor next year. According
to the understanding, the ODM order of new Apple notebook has been
obtained by Quanta and Asustek.
"It will help increasing the total production of first quarter
next year for both companies. However, Quanta and Asustek both make
no comments on this. Apple computer stated it would exhibit its
desktop and notebook with Intel processor at Mac World Expo in San
Francisco, USA from 9th to 13th January next year."
Editor's note: That Quanta and Asustek will be
building Apple's new Macintel laptops is no surprise, since they
have been the main contractors for PowerBook and iBook production
respectively for years. However, the seeming confirmation that a
desktop (Mac mini?) and notebook (widescreen iBook?) will be
unveiled at MacWorld Expo further indicated that recent rumor
scuttlebutt may have substance. CM
- Link: New Apple Macintel
Products Will Be Built by Quanta and Asustek
Dual-core 'Yonah' iBooks Would Trump PowerBook
G4
Laptopical's Ian Bandy says:
"The Internet is a wonderful place; in fact, it's hard to
imagine a world without it. Certainly it opens up a whole raft of
communication possibilities, in fact it has been compared recently
to the largest wall for graffiti in the world, and I'm not going to
argue with that inspired bit of wisdom...
"It seems these Mac chaps have caused a buzz by posting a recent
article about Apple launching an entry level iBook with a tidy
Intel chip wired into sexy little chassis. To lure more and more
people away from their Windows filled notebooks they may be
chopping off $200 from the price tag.
"It looks like this big announcement could be part of the
MacWorld Expo next January in San Francisco.
"The Intel processor will almost certainly be their new 'Yonah'
the worthy successor to the aging Pentium M range. For all the tech
heads out there, if they go for a dual core Yonah, then this cheap
laptop beauty will be more powerful than the G4 based
PowerBooks."
- Link: Apple and Yonah -
Secret Plan of the Apple iBooks?
Intel's Great 'Leap' Forward Paves Way for New
Macs
TechWeb News's W. David Gardner says:
"As Apple Computer drives forward into the Intel
processor-dominated home entertainment world, the only question
that remains is whether everything will be ready for 9 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 10, when Steve Jobs takes the podium at Macworld in
San Francisco.
"Intel began setting the stage this week with
the announcement that it is replacing its timeworn 'Intel Inside'
slogan and replacing it with 'Leap Ahead', which seems to dovetail
nicely with Apple's 'Think Different' logo. Both companies are now
headed directly toward the home entertainment category.
"Intel's Yonah processor, which is expected to be used in
Apple's offerings, will be explained in more detail by Intel at
next week's Consumer Electronics Show....
"...Apple watcher, emsnow, reported this week that Quanta will
serve as original design manufacturer (ODM) of Apple's coming
high-level M1 and PowerBook model while Asustek will do entry level
machines including an iBook. In all, Apple has been targeting four
Intel-based models for introduction in the first quarter. Other
published reports have indicated that Intel is developing
motherboards for the new Apple models at its Intel Oregon
facilities."
- Link: Intel's Great
'Leap' Forward Paves Way for Apple
Products and Services
Imation Micro Hard Drive
PR: Available in 2 GB and 4 GB capacities, this
portable drive makes transferring and sharing documents,
presentations, photos, or music easy and fast. Its unique design
features a flexible USB 2.0 connector that locks back into the
drive, forming a handy attachment clip for briefcases, backpacks,
or belt loops.
For maximum reliability and file
security, the Imation Micro Hard Drive offers Magnetic Data
Encoding and Error Correction, 128-bit encryption (to prevent
unauthorized access), and innovative File Synchronization, which
automatically creates a backup copy of your data. To protect files
during transport, it's engineered with shock resistance up to 1000
Gs, so it's extremely durable.
The Imation Micro Hard Drive offers a low cost per megabyte
compared to other portable data storage options, and is compatible
with both Windows and Mac OS for seamless transfer of files between
platforms.
Features:
- Multi-gigabyte storage capability
- Small, lightweight design - 1.61" x .66" x 3.3"
- Fast read/write speeds (Read 5 MB/second, Write
3 MB/second)
- Reliable and durable form factor
- Requires no additional power supply or USB cable
- LED lights up when drive is in use
- Free downloadable Imation Security Manager Software
- password protection
- file synchronization, compression and version control
- 128 bit file encryption
System Requirements - Drive Only
- Mac 9.X or greater
- Windows ME, 2000, XP or higher
- Linux 2.4 Kernel or higher
System Requirements - Security Manager Software
- Mac 10.2 and above
- Windows ME, 2000, XP or higher
- Not compatible with Linux
- Link: Imation
Micro Hard Drive
Tech Trends
Jadoo Power to Introduce Fuel Cell Products at
CES
Jadoo NABII Fuel Cells for Hobbyists, Mobile Responders, Law
Enforcement and other "Off-Grid" Critical Power Situations
Jadoo Power Systems Inc., the leading supplier of portable fuel
cell power systems, announced today that it will be introducing its
line of fuel cell products for prosumers at next week's
ShowStoppers event at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2006 in
Las Vegas.
Primarily shipping to the professional broadcasting market for
the past two years, Jadoo Power will introduce the NABII
power unit, N-Stor™ fuel canister and FillPoint™ refill
station for a variety of new applications, including field-ready
laptops, emergency response radios and other equipment used in
"off-grid" power situations, as well as professional broadcast
cameras.
Advantages of the NABII fuel cell technology:
Virtually infinite shelf-life compared to batteries Hot-Swap
capable, so power never goes down like when replacing batteries
Rapid refill/recharge time with the FillPoint Patented digital
interface for State-of-Fill and other fuel management data Packaged
in an easy-to-understand, easy-to-use solution.
"Commercialization has been priority number one for Jadoo and we
are excited about bringing our tried and true technology to these
new prosumer markets," said Jack Peterson, Vice President of Sales
and Marketing, Jadoo Power. "It is clear to Jadoo that the
applications for a durable, reliable "off-grid" fuel cell power
source are many. That is why we are introducing the
NABII, N-Stor™ fuel canister and FillPoint™
refill station to the prosumer electronics market here at CES."
- Link: Jadoo Power
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible
for AppleCare.
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 (VGA) and
G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs.
aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz 15"
PowerBooks.
PowerBook and iBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
- 15" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $798
- extra 512 MB, add $89
Wegener Media
- Lombard
PowerBook G3/333, 128/4/CD, $319.99
- Lombard
PowerBook G3/400, 128/4/CD, $369.99
- G4 CPU upgrade special (valid only with machine purchase)
Upgrade installed & setup at time of purchase), $179.99
- Upgrade to 20 GB hard drive (valid only with machine purchase),
$49.99
- Blueberry iBook
G3/300, 96/6/CD $229.99
- Tangerine iBook
G3/300, 96/6/CD $229.99
- Order with Airport Wireless Card installed, add $99.99
- Add 256 MB RAM (288 MB total), $29.99
- Add 512 MB RAM (544 MB total), $99.99
- Order with a new 4000mah battery, add $79.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/867, 512/40/Combo, 90 Day Warranty, new AC
adapter, $889.99
- 15" aluminum PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, Bluetooth,
$1,199.99
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, APX, $999
- refurb 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512 /60/SuperDrive, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,049
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,199
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,299
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo Drive, APX, BT
2.0, $1,449
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,799
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our best aluminum PowerBook G4
deals, best titanium PowerBook G4
deals, best iBook G4 deals,
best PowerBook G3 deals, and best iBook G3 deals.
