This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News
PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review.
Mac mini Cluster Among World's Slowest
Supercomputers
NEWS: red-lobster.it
reports:
"(Schio, Italy) After the great worldwide success of Virginia
Tech's Big Mac, a new Macintosh cluster has took everybody in the
Mac community by storm.
"A supercomputer formed of a cluster of 4 Macintosh Mini has not scored high in
the list of the world's fastest clusters, but its performance could
still improve, according to the system's architect.
"According to the latest performance figures the Mac mini
cluster, nicknamed Quarter Pounder Mac mini Cluster, the system is
computing at 1 teraflop. That puts it basically behind every
supercomputer in the world, according to the figures posted in a
report at the top 500 supercomputers list.
"The Quarter Pounder Mac mini Cluster is turning heads in the
low-performance computing world because it has been built for just
over 2.000 $, from off-the-shelf Mac mini, in about six hours.
Top-ranked supercomputers traditionally cost hundreds of millions
of pounds and can take years to construct, and we don't understand
why."
FastMac Announces
Take-Your-Mini-to-the-Max Upgrade Program
PR: FastMac
announces the "Take-Your-Mini-to-the-Max" upgrade program available
for all Apple Mac mini models. Packages start at $199.95 for an 8x
Dual-Layer "SuperDrive." 1 GB of RAM and 100 GB hard drive can be
added for $199.95 each. Pricing includes prepaid 3-way shipping,
professional installation, free data transfer, and a 1-2 business
day turnaround.
"For those who purchased the standard configuration and realize
now that they need more, FastMac"s upgrade program allows you to
get the max out of your mini," said Michael Lowdermilk, Business
Development Manager for FastMac Performance Upgrades. "With our
upgrades, the most affordable Mac just got even better."
FastMac's 8x DVD±RW drive adds DVD authoring and
dual-layer media support to the Mac mini"s standard configuration,
and is two times faster than Apple"s optional "SuperDrive," which
offers no dual-layer support. FastMac"s 100 GB hard drive upgrade
is the largest drive available for the mini, and adds 60 GB over
Apple"s standard capacity. With the 1GB memory upgrade more
programs can run simultaneously and overall performance is
increased.
Pricing
- 8x Dual-Layer "SuperDrive" $199.95
- 1 GB RAM $199.95
- 100 GB Hard Drive $199.95
Pricing includes prepaid 3-way shipping, professional
installation, free data transfer, and a 1-2 business day
turnaround.
The Plasticsmith Unveils mini Skirt
blue-glo
PR: The Plasticsmith announces the release of its
newest model in their line of Mac mini accessories. The mini Skirt
blue-glo raises the Mac mini 3/4" on a blue LED illuminated
acrylic base, which plugs into any USB port with a convenient
on-off switch. The soft glow of the stand highlights the Mac mini,
giving it the attention it deserves. It sells for $29.95, sold
exclusively through the Plasticsmith's online store.
The Plasticsmith was the first company to launch a line of
accessories inspired by and built exclusively for Apple's Mac mini.
The mini Tower is a flame-polished acrylic enclosure that securely
holds the mini on its side saving valuable desk space. The mini
Grandstand gives the mini a protective covering while supporting an
LCD or CRT monitor and is available in clear acrylic or finished
steel.
Giga Designs Announces 1.8 GHz Single and Dual
Processor Upgrades
PR: Giga
Designs, a manufacturer of high performance processor
upgrades for Apple Macintosh computers, is now shipping the fastest
(1.8 GHz) G4 single and dual processor upgrades available for Apple
AGP equipped G4 Power Macs including the Power Mac Cube. The new
G-celerator™ AGP 7A series upgrades use the latest G4 (7447A)
processors available from Freescale™ (formerly Motorola). The
new 7447A processors feature a 512 KB on chip L2 cache running at
full processor speed.
The single processor AGP 7A series upgrades are available at 1.8
GHz for all "AGP (Sawtooth)" thru "Quicksilver 2002" PowerMacs
including the "Cube". Dual processor AGP 7A series upgrades are
available at 1.8 GHz for dual compatible "AGP (Sawtooth)" systems
& all "Gigabit Ethernet" thru "Quicksilver 2002" machines, and
1.6 GHz for the for the Cube. The dual processor Cube upgrade
includes Giga Designs Cube VRM.
All dual processor and Cube upgrades feature Giga Designs unique
multi-voltage power sharing architecture. This feature allows the
upgrades to draw both 5v and 12v power, leaving more 5v power for
the addition of high performance graphics and other add-in cards.
The single processor Cube upgrade can also operate at 1.6 GHz
without the addition of a low speed fan, for Cube owners requiring
"silent" performance. All of the G-celerator" AGP 7A series
upgrades are proudly assembled in the US and carry a three year
limited warranty. They include Giga Designs 47A Firmware Updater,
and the GigaMeter OS X speed & processor ID extension.
Single Processor AGP 7A series upgrades are in stock, with
retail pricing as follows:
- Model Number: 7A-1418U: AGP 7A 1.42 GHz tested at 1.8 GHz.
MSRP: $449
- Model Number: 7A-1418C: Cube 7A 1.42 GHz tested at 1.8 GHz.
MSRP: $449 (with jumper adjustments, this model may also operate at
1.6 GHz without the included fan)
Dual Processor AGP 7A series upgrades will ship in early March,
with retail pricing as follows:
- Model Number: 7AD-1418U: AGP 7A Dual 1.42 GHz tested at 1.8
GHz. MSRP: $699
- Model Number: 7AD-1416C: Cube 7A Dual 1.42 GHz tested at 1.6
GHz. MSRP: $759 (this models includes a Cube VRM upgrade and a low
speed fan kit)
Compatible Power Mac G4 models include:
G-celerator AGP 7A series upgrades require OS 10.3.5 or later.
The upgrades are OS 9.2.2 and OS X dual boot configuration
compatible. While these upgrades boot under OS 9, Giga Designs
does not test, warrant, or support third party software operation
under OS 9.
Contour Announces RollerMousePRO
PR: Contour Design has announced the immediate
availability of its latest version of the "Classic" RollerMouse,
the all-new RollerMousePRO.
Designed to perpetuate the enhanced health and safety features and
increased productivity capabilities of the original, the PRO has
substantial added functionality!
First introduced publicly at NECE (National Ergonomics
Conference & Expo) 2004, the RollerMousePRO was chosen as the
#1 input device at the show. Last month, at Macworld in San
Francisco, several people who used the demonstration unit exclaimed
that Contour should have named it the "Oh! Wow! Mouse."
Key improvement features of the PRO include a
lengthened rollerbar, two new function buttons located just below
the left-hand side of the extended rollerbar, a repositioning of
the scroll wheel and newly reshaped original three buttons, and
selectable, hard-coded function options.
The PRO's rollerbar is 67% longer than the original version's
bar. This was done in response to customer feedback that some
larger-framed users felt they had to "scrunch" their hands together
in order to manipulate the shorter bar. Extension of the bar to the
right and away from the function buttons has been done at the
request of many customers involved in Assistive Technology so as to
give users with motor impairment freer access to the bar with
minimal risk of inadvertent hitting a function button.
James Golden, CAE, and one of Contour's National Account
Managers, says, "We take pride in listening to our customers and
doing our utmost to incorporate their feedback into product
improvements. We believe, and beta testing reports bear this out,
that the RollerMousePRO is a distinctively better centralized
pointing device than has ever been put onto the market."
The original, "classic" RollerMouse will continue to be offered,
and, like that version, the PRO will be available on the 30-day
free trial program.
Key Features:
- Revolutionary rollerbar provides single finger point and click
functionality
- Adjustable click force on rollerbar (5 levels of tension) using
simple knob under RollerMouse. (Rollerbar click function can be
disabled using dip switch if user prefers using buttons)
- Smooth sliding steel rollerbar coated with soft rubber for
excellent feel and cursor control
- Long Lasting - Optical sensor reads bar movement using the
latest technology, nothing to wear out
- 3 user definable buttons and a scroll wheel (5 buttons on
PRO)
- Buttons configurable for Click, Double-Click and Draglock via
dip switches or software (depends on version)
- PC and Mac compatible (USB device with PS2 adapter
included)
- Secondary PS2 port for connecting one additional input device
(Classic model only)
- Soft but firm Lycra wrist rest support. Removable for easy
cleaning - Larger model (RollerWave) also available (see
below)
- 20-7/8" Wide x 11-3/8" Deep x 1-1/4" High (all measurements
from maximum locations)
- 2 year warranty
System Requirements:
- Macintosh with available USB port only, no ADB support
available
- PC with available USB or PS2 port, serial ports are NOT
supported
- Recommended for use with 101 key "straight" style
keyboards
- Supported by virtually all operating systems with USB or PS2
support. (Some Operating Systems require driver to enable Scroll
Wheel support.
RollerMouse PRO - Black - $199.99
Contour Classic RollerMouse Station Beige or Black - $189.99
Available in black, the RollerMousePRO is currently shipping in
volume from Contour and from its cadre of ErgoVARs at an MSRP of
$199.95.
RollerWave for RollerMouse
PR: The RollerWave
is designed to replace the two removable foam pads that come
standard with the RollerMouse. The replacement unit plugs into the
slots on the RollerMouse's frame, providing a larger wrist-resting
surface. Like the foam pads it replaces, the RollerWave is designed
in a contour shape to maximize comfort, has an improved foam "gel",
and is fully cleanable with mild soap and water.
The RollerWave is an accessory for the RollerMouse and does not
include the RollerMouse which must be purchased separately.
This new RollerMouse accessory follows the basic design
philosophy of the RollerMouse - that is to change the feat of
mousing, one user at a time.
The RollerMouse, first popularized in Scandinavia is now in
North America and the rest of Europe. This new RollerWave can only
serve to improve what's already a top-of-the-line computer pointing
device.
Price:
RollerWave - Beige or Black - $39.95
Specifications:
- Weight: 1 lbs.
- Product Max. Dimensions: 5" x 19.875" (Adds only 2" to depth of
RollerMouse)
- Requires RollerMouse product (purchased separately)
New Wacom 21.3" Cintiq LCD Tablet
PR: Wacom Technology
Corporation announced its anticipated Cintiq 21UX
interactive pen display that allows users to work with a pen
directly on a 21.3" color-accurate LCD. The Cintiq 21UX offers
"more" of everything that makes using a Wacom Cintiq such a natural
way to work: more screen area, more pressure sensitivity, more pen
control, more resolution, more comfort, more productivity. At a
suggested retail price of $2,499 the Cintiq 21UX delivers more of
everything with no price increase over the previous generation. The
Cintiq 21UX will begin shipping in March, but customers can
register at http://www.cintiq.com now to be at the
head of the line for units.
Leading photographers, designers, and artists have
enthusiastically transitioned to working on Cintiq interactive pen
displays for some of the following reasons.
The Cintiq 21UX combines the advantages of a professional
quality LCD display with the control, comfort, and productivity of
Wacom's patented cordless, battery-free tablet technology. The
21.3" display features UXGA (1600x1200) resolution, a 170 degree
viewing angle, antiglare and hard texture coatings, 24-bit color
with ICC color profile, a 400:1 contrast ratio, and 250 cd/m2
brightness. The tablet technology provides 1,024 levels of pressure
sensitivity, 5,080 lines-per-inch resolution, and pen tilt
sensitivity. The unique Cintiq 21UX stand allows it to be rotated
180 degrees in either direction and tilted to any angle between
10(deg) and 65(deg). The Cintiq 21UX works on operating systems
from Microsoft and Apple.
Many professional graphics software applications are
specifically designed to be used with a Wacom pen. These
applications include Adobe Photoshop (NASDAQ: ADBE) and
Illustrator, Macromedia Flash (NASDAQ: MACR), Corel Painter,
Discreet Combustion, Apple Motion, Alias Maya, SketchBook Pro, and
StudioTools.
"Many creative professionals have told me that using a Cintiq
has doubled their productivity," says Michael Marcum, Wacom Sr.
Product Manager. "Recognizing the hourly value of creative
professionals, I think it's easy to see how a Cintiq can pay for
itself in less than six months. Perhaps even more importantly, time
saved by using a Cintiq can let busy professionals get their lives
back, which I think is priceless."
QuickerTek, Inc. Releases 27dB Transceiver for
AirPort Base Station, Up to 1/2 Mile Range
PR: QuickerTek, Inc. has announced the availability of a
new
WiFi transceiver designed to dramatically increase the
effective signal range of the AirPort and AirPort Extreme Base
Stations. It will add up to 1/2 mile line-of-sight. This product
works by not only transmitting a more powerful signal, but also
using a LNA (low noise amplifier) to increase the receiver
sensitivity.
If you have WiFi range issues, this is the solution for
you . Plus, the user can add one of these to each end of the
network if needed. The transceiver is also great for point-to-point
systems, college dorms, distant AP's like house boats trying to
connect to wireless access points etc. Typical installations would
include classrooms or fixing range problems with your iTunes and
AirPort Express by adding this to the PowerBook or Desktop.
The 27dB transceiver operates on all 2.4 GHz, WiFi systems. The
transceiver is WiFi compliant, supporting both 802.11g and 802.11b.
and works with both OS 9.x and OS X 10.x systems. This product
is designed especially for Apple's AirPort Extreme wireless systems
and allows the maximum power output allowed by the FCC. Apple
wireless products have RF output of 30mW; our product is 500mW.
Rick Estes, President of QuickerTek said," Adding the 27dB
transceiver to an AirPort Base Station configuration is a lot like
adding 6 base stations to your system which will get the maximum
WiFi performance."
This transceiver works on Apple Base Stations (Graphite, Snow,
and both Extremes models). It comes with a 2.2Dbi antenna, but all
other QuickerTek omni and directional Base Station antennas can be
added.
The product can also be added to any Mac desktop that has
Apple's AirPort and AirPort Extreme cards as well as the Base
Stations. The Transceiver can also be bundled with a Buffalo Tech
PC Card (or any PC Card with a external antenna port.)
The kit comes with mounting brackets, adapter cable, wall
mounted power supply and utility software CD. The product does not
require any installation software.
The 27dB Transceiver has a list price of $149 and is available
from stock to one week.
Desktop Mac Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two
weeks:
For deals on laptops, see our Best PowerBook G4 Deals,
Best iBook G4 Deals,
and Best iBook G3
Deals. For deals on iPods, see our Best iPod Deals.
