Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.01.27
PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review. News about Apple's
transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is covered in
The Macintel Report. iPod news is
covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Products
News & Opinion
10 Thoughts on the New Intel iMac
CNET News.com's Scott Ard says:
"...Somehow I ended up in an Apple store asking about the
availability of the new Intel-based iMac. Yes, they had a few in
stock, despite the lack of signage in the very crowded store (the
employees manning the Genius Bar deserve a raise).
"Long story short, I ended up lugging home a 20-inch model with
the Intel Core Duo, and I have some thoughts for anyone considering
whether to pick one up.
"This is not a review, replete with benchmarks and Photoshop
filter times (shorter bars are better) and musings on Rosetta
emulation software. Rather, it's a list of some initial impressions
on the newest iMac. Because the machine is virtually identical to
its predecessor in appearance and operation (the new chip runs most
software, although through emulation), I've included some thoughts
on the process of upgrading to a new machine."
- Link:
Ten Thoughts on the New Intel iMac
Video and Graphics Users Should Wait to Buy
Intel iMac
PCMag's Joel Santo Domingo says:
"On the outside, the new Apple iMac (Intel Core Duo) ($1,699 direct,
$1,799 as tested) looks no different than the previous
PowerPC-based iMac G5 (iSight). The differences are all under the
hood. The 20-inch new iMac combines a dual-core Intel Core Duo
(formerly Pentium M or Yonah) processor with the Mac OS X
experience. Casual Mac users, switchers from Microsoft Windows, and
iPod aficionados will love the new iMac; however, professionals and
people who use graphics apps such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut
Pro should hold off until the critical app is updated to work
smoothly with the Intel processor. For these people, we recommend
holding on to your current G5-powered Mac, at least for now."
- Link: Apple iMac
(Intel Core Duo) Review
Is the New iMac a Cash Machine?
BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl says:
"For years the thought of an Intel chip going into an Apple
computer was enough to make those who love their Macs turn various
shades of green.
"But now that an Intel-chip Mac is a fact, is Apple seeing the
green that accompanies cost savings and better profits? The verdict
awaits, but it's possible.
"...Silicon Valley research firm iSuppli conducted a teardown
analysis of the $1,299 17" iMac containing the Intel chip.
Researchers use such analysis to estimate how much a computer maker
pays for components and what profit may be wrung from sales It
costs Apple $898 to assemble the iMac before loading it with
software and packing it in a box, iSuppli says....
"But how does that compare to the last PowerPC-based iMac G5,
released just last October?"
- Link:
Is the New iMac a Cash Machine?
Products
Apple Compatible Ergonomic USB Keyboard
The Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard allows you to adjust the two
alphanumeric sections both horizontally and vertically to suit your
individual body requirements. This helps you assume a more natural
posture that is conducive to improving comfort and productivity
while using your computer.
Features Include:
- USB connector
- Adjustment for wrist splay in the horizontal plan:
0°-30°, continuously variable
- Adjustment for wrist pronation - vertical tenting
0°-30°, continuously variable
- Easily adjusted, locking ball and socket latch mechanism
- Small, space saving footprint to bring your mouse inside your
ergonomic "comfort zone"
- Editing key layout for left-right work distribution
- Large space bars for easy thumb use
- Full size, full travel, tactile feedback keys with soft
end-stop
- Low noise key actuation
- Standard alphanumeric key layout (QWERTY)
Apple Key Features:
- Apple Control Key
- Right and Left Apple and Option Keys
- CD Eject
- Mute and Volume Control
Goldtouch Numeric Keypads are not compatible with Goldtouch
Apple Compatible Keyboards. A Goldtouch Apple Compatible Numeric
Keypad is currently being researched and developed.
Goldtouch Apple Compatible Keyboard sells for $139.
- Link:
Goldtouch Apple Compatible Keyboard
Minuscule Monstor Hard Drives Shipping
PR: US Modular, a designer and manufacturer of personal
memory and storage products, has announced that the stainless steel
Monstor Drive is now shipping in both four gigabyte and eight
gigabyte models. The drives continue to have the same quality as
previous US Modular Monstor Drives, but now have a sleek, cool
look. Priced as low as $99, the Monstor Drive line is available
exclusively with this high-tech look and feel.
"We have
had tremendous feedback on the stainless steel look since
announcing the product in late 2005," said US Modular CEO Nick
Payzant. "We have developed our entire drive line around this
stainless steel design and we look forward to getting feedback from
consumers who want the convenience of a portable drive in this new
hot form factor."
The palm-sized drives are slim and compact, but large enough to
hold tens of thousands of data files, music, pictures and more on
the go. With the onboard USB 2.0 port, files transfers are fast and
easy and completely portable. Ideal for MP3 of video files,
important JPEG files, or even redundant storage for irreplaceable
data, the Monstor requires no external power and is both Mac and PC
compatible - making its appeal universal. Proving that big things
do come in small packages, these drives are the ideal mobile mass
storage medium for executives, road warriors, students or anyone
on-the-go.
The "Monstor Drive" by US Modular (2 GB) costs about the
same as a 512 MB flash drive and weighs about half an ounce. It
fits in the palm of your hand, but packs enough memory to store
more than 600 MP3 songs, over 350 photos or about 30 minutes of MP4
video! The 2 GB, 4 GB and 6 GB Monstor Drive will
revolutionize the way you store, transfer, and transport files. No
more piles of floppy disks or huge portable hard drives that always
seem to turn up missing or get in the way. The Monstor Drive
provides fast, reliable, cost-effective storage for any device with
a USB port. The Monstor Drive supports Windows and Macintosh. No
drivers are required.
Features:
- 2 GB, 4 GB, and 6 GB high-capacity, high-performance USB
Portable Pen Drive
- Industry standard USB 2.0 interface
- Reliable storage performance for any device with a USB port,
including PCs, digital media players, handheld computers &
other portable devices
- Low power consumption
- 1500G shock resistance rating
- Ultra lightweight & compact (weight 16 grams)
- Media type: Glass
- Rotational speed: 4200 RPM
- Media transfer rate: 52.4-99.6 Mbits/sec
- Transfer rate: 3.3-6.5 Mbytes/sec
- Seek time (avg.): 10 msec
- Error rate (unrecoverable): 1 per bit
- Head load/unload cycles: 300,000
- Voltage: 3.3/5.0 VDC +/- 5% Auto Detect
- Current (write): 275 mA
- Current (idle): 18 mA
- Dimensions: 42.8 X 36.4 X 5.0 mm (1.69 x 1.43 x 0.20")
- Temperature: 0° to 65° C operating
- Relative humidity: 8 to 90% operating
- Shock (half sine): 175G (2ms) operating
- Vibration (swept sine): 1G 0-pk (5-500 Hz) operating
- Three (3) Year Warranty
The stainless steel Monstor Drives are available nationwide.
- Link: Monstor
Drive
G-Drive Q Supports FireWire 400/800/USB
2.0/eSATA
PR: G-Drive Q storage solutions offer the ultimate in
flexibility by providing users with FireWire 400, FireWire 800, USB
2.0 and eSATA ports all in a single unit. G-Drive Q is the perfect
high-performance solution for storage intensive applications
including audio/video editing, digital photography MP3 libraries
and high-speed data back up.
G-Drive Q
offers the best performance of any single disk external storage
solution currently available . . . data transfer rates up
to 85 MB/second!.
Capacities to 500 GB - SATA II Hard Drives
G-Drive Q utilizes Hitachi's latest technology 7200 RPM SATA II
hard disk drives with 16 MB/cache. Available in capacities up to
500 GB, G-Drive Q can store over 38 hours of DV footage, 125,000
MP3 files or 250,000 digital pictures!
Easy Setup
Simply attach G-Drive Q to your Mac or PC via your interface of
choice and initialize. That's all there is to it!
The Best Single Drive Storage Solution Available
Best of breed components coupled with superior design and high
quality construction make G-Drive Q the storage solution of choice
for professional applications.
The Best Warranty & Support in the Business
- G-Drive is backed by the best support and warranty in the
business.
- The industry's first quad-interface external disk storage
solutions: FireWire 400, FireWire 800, USB 2.0, and eSATA ports all
in a single unit
- Rugged Titanium or "Stealth" black anodized aluminum
enclosures
- "Fanless" design with unique silent cooling technology
- Storage capacities up to 500 GB
- Utilizes the next-gen 924 chipset from Oxford
Semiconductor
- Featuring high-performance Hitachi 7200 RPM SATA II drives w/16
MB cache
- Security lock compatible
- Standard 2-year factory warranty
- Driver-free operation with Mac OS X and Windows 2000/XP
- High Quality Aluminum Enclosure - "Fanless" Design
G-Drive Q features a sturdy all-aluminum enclosure and is
engineered to provide adequate cooling to the hard disk without the
use of a noisy fan. This unique "fanless" cooling system is
designed to silently dissipate heat for superior reliability and
data integrity
G-Drive Q
- 160 GB, 7200 RPM/16 MB Cache
- 250 GB, 7200 RPM/16 MB Cache
- 500 GB, 7200 RPM/16 MB Cache
Enclosure comes in Brushed Aluminum/Titanium only
Prices $219.99 to $569
- Link: G-Drive
Q
US Modular 2.5" FireWire/USB 2.0 Dragon
Drive
PR: Need a high capacity portable storage solution that
can fit in your pocket but hold more data than your PC at home or
work? US Modular's Dragon Drive is a 2.5" External Hard Drive
Enclosure and is perfect for anyone needing a high capacity
portable storage device. The Dragon Drive turns any 2.5" Hard Drive
into a convenient portable storage drive that can be used on any
system with a USB or FireWire port. The aluminum casing protects
the drive from overheating and vibration. The Dragon Drive supports
USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 and FireWire to offer fast transfer speeds of
up to 480 MBPS.
Features:
- Aluminum external enclosure will cool down 2.5" hard drive
easily
- Allows device hot-swapping(Plug and Play)
- Support hard drive up to 120 GB
- CE/FCC approval
- Bus power (power consumption must under 5V/1A):
Take the power from the host PC extra USB port, no external
power necessary
- Aluminum hard drive external case for 2.5" hard drive with
height less than 9.5mm
- Product dimension: 80 x 15 x143 mm
Hardware Requirements:
- Pentium 266 MHz or higher
- 64 MB RAM or higher
- CD-ROM drive
- USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 host ports (for USB version)
FireWire host ports (for FireWire version)
- Link: Dragon
Drive
FireWire Depot's FireWire 800 Bridgeboard
PR: FWB-IDE01A is ideally suited for tailgating
interfaces such as removable-media drives (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW,
DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM), tape drives, and hard drives. It allows IDE
drives (Master and Slave) to be connected to a FireWire 800 (IEEE
1394b) serial bus in a plug-and-play fashion. Both ATA and ATAPI
devices are supported using the same firmware.
FWB-IDE01A allows users to easily hot-swap IDE drive
without interrupting the current operation.
FWB-IDE01A provides the perfect solution for data backup and
transferring of data between computers using IDE (ATA/ATAPI)
devices.
Features
- FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) to IDE (ATA/ATAPI) Bridge Board:
- IDE (ATA/ATAPI) Interface: Male IDC 2X20 Connector
- Both ATA and ATAPI devices are supported using the same
firmware.
- Number of ports: External X 3 (Two Biligual 9-pin and One
FireWire 6-pin)
- 1394a PHY: Ti's TSB81BA3 IEEE 1394b 800 Mbps PHY
- 1394 Bus Transfer Rate: 100/200/400/800 Mbps
- FireWire (IEEE-1394) to ATA Native Bridge Controller: initio
inic-2430
- Complies with T13's ATA/ATAPI-7 Draft Specification:
- PIO Mode 0-4
- DMA Mode 0-2
- Ultra DMA Mode 2, 4, 5, 6
- Supports 48-bit addressing for large hard drives (>128
GB).
- Physical Dimensions: 3.33" x 1.81" (8.45 x 5.15 cm)
Fit to most standard SCSI enclosure. (SCSI I 50-pin Connector
Centronics Form Factor)
Application - To turn your SCSI enclosure into FireWire
enclose
- FWB-IDE01A was designed to have SCSI 1 50-pin connector form
factor so it's idea for dual bay SCSI case
- End user can upgrade their SCSI enclosure to FireWire 800
(1394b) enclosure.
- SCSI Enclosure vendors using the ATA/ATAPI devices now have an
immediate and no-risk solutions for adding FireWire 800 (IEEE
1394b) interface to their product lines.
BENEFITS
- End user can replace a slow & expensive SCSI device with a
cheap & fast EIDE device.
- This allows peripheral vendors a unique opportunity to continue
the advantage of the ATA/ATAPI existing market advantages while
presenting FWB-IDE01 into the rapidly expanding FireWire 800 (IEEE
1394b) markets.
KIT INCLUDES
- FWB-IDE01A Bridge Board
- Ultra DMA100 Cable 18 inch for two devices (Master &
Slave)
- Y-Shape DC Power Cable (Red, Black, Black, Yellow)
- Installation Guide
- Forensic Write Protect option available below
FWB-IDE01A FireWire 1394b bridgeboard $64.99.
- Link: FWB-IDE01A
FireWire 1394b Bridgeboard
Wireless Connections up to a Mile for 17" iMac
G5 Owners
PR: Imagine opening your AirPort window and seeing a
whole new set of available networks. Then imagine connecting to any
of them, and at speeds that you never expected from any wireless
connection. This is no longer a dream, it's reality when iMac G5
17" users add the QuickerTek 27dBm Transceiver.
Rather than just a few networks, see a full menu of networks you
know are normally just too far away for your iMac. Connect to
friends in your neighborhood, connect to that Base Station that's
on the far side of the office, get a strong signal in the basement
from that Base Station on the third floor of your home. And each of
these connections can be made at full speed - and that's the secret
to the huge success of Transceivers.
Instead of working around a slow or weak wireless connection,
think of all the things you can do with a strong AirPort
connection. You really can place your iMac where ever you want,
instead of worrying about which location will give you the best
wireless signal.
This Transceiver is very powerful, yet still very easy to
install and even easier to use. There is no exotic soldering,
wiring or the need for an entire toolbox. It's not any larger than
one of our 7dBi antennas, yet the power is phenomenal. This small
QuickerTek 17" iMac G5 Transceiver clips temporarily onto the iMac
case and the other end connects to the AirPort card inside the iMac
G4. You can download the product manual from our website just to
prove to yourself that you're capable of making it work. The
hardware connection is easy and it is just as easy to use -
requiring no extra steps.
By adding ten times the normal RF power, the freedom to connect
to longer distance wireless networks is a reality. Schools are
delighted to be able to add iMacs at the far corners of buildings,
without sacrificing signal strength or speed.
The QuickerTek 17" iMac G5 Transceiver delivers a full 500
milliwatts of RF power. By comparison, iMacs tend to average little
more than 30 milliwatts. The internal shielding that keeps the
other parts inside your iMac from interfering with each other, also
limits the effectiveness of the built-in AirPort wireless.
Rick Estes, president of QuickerTek, Inc. stated, "We have had
customers tell us that Transceivers solve a whole bunch of wireless
problems. They have also told us that they were apprehensive and
even nervous about purchasing a Transceiver, because it sounded too
powerful and complex. Sure the technology is cutting edge, but you
don't have to deal with the technology part, we've already done
that for you. All you have to do is connect a couple of simple
cables and you've got a whole new wireless world at your
fingertips," Estes explained. "It's what iMac users expect - simple
and effective performance. We even assure customers that our
transceivers will work as described with a money-back guarantee,"
he continued.
Ryan McKenzie, EchoTech Wireless, said, "iMac customers are very
excited about the improvement in wireless performance. This new
Transceiver is as straightforward to use as any wireless
enhancement we've found. Once it's installed, iMac owners will see
more available networks and be able to connect to them at
satisfying speeds," he related.
Like most QuickerTek products, it's backed with a one-year
warranty on parts and labor.
QuickerTek has been a recognized leading innovator of antennas
and RF products for Apple Power Macintosh, iMac, PowerBook and soon
the MacBook Pro computers. QuickerTek products can be purchased
online and from authorized dealers.
- Link: 27dBm
Transceiver for 17-inch iMac G5
High Definition Stereoscopic Video System Built
Around Mac minis
PR: 21st Century 3D has announced the introduction of the
3DVX3, the latest in their line of digital stereoscopic motion
picture camera systems. The 3DVX3 represents 21st Century 3D's most
significant advance in stereoscopic camera technology to date. This
newly developed 3D camera-recorder features numerous evolutionary
advances over previous 3DVX models, while maintaining the compact
form factor and self contained design that has been a distinctive
feature since the first generation.
Foregoing tape, a unique direct to disk recording
system captures RAW CCD data in 4:4:4 R GB color space at 10 bits
per channel, producing remarkably vivid 3D images at up to 1280 x
720 per eye, 24 fps progressive. This unique capture method
provides industry leading dynamic range and color fidelity, more
akin to motion picture film than digital video. The genlock
synchronized system features two entirely discreet image channels
simultaneously captured by 6 CCDs, two onboard CPUs running Mac
OS X with over 2.8 GHz of processing power, 2 GB of RAM,
8 GB of flash memory, and a maximum record time of one hour
per eye on paired sets of 100 GB removable 7200 RPM drives.
As in previous 3DVX cameras, the Panasonic AG-DVX100A serves as
the core of the camera section. The 3DVX3 bypasses resolution and
color limitations imposed by miniDV and takes full advantage of the
higher resolution and 36 bit color quality the CCDs provide. Data
is taken directly from the analog to digital converters and sent
over USB 2.0, providing 600% more information than would be
recorded to digital tape. An advanced demosaic algorithm is
employed to achieved 1280 x 720p resolution. Since no color
decimation or spatial compression is applied to any of the color
channels, the 3DVX3 greatly exceeds the image quality of many HD
and HDV systems.
The built in recorder of the 3DVX3 is comprised of two
extensively modified Apple Mac Mini computers. The compact size and
CPU horsepower offered by the Mac Mini coupled with the power of
Mac OS X make the 3DVX3 a truly unique camcorder. Flash memory
modules replace hard drives in the Mac Minis for fast booting and
reduced operating temperature.
The all-new binocular electronic viewfinder utilizes high
quality optics and the latest LCOS technology to provide a bright
and crisp 800 x 600 (per eye) SVGA display under 10x magnification.
The uncompressed output can be monitored via the BEVF or the built
in left and right analog VGA ports. Analog composite, S-video and
digital IEEE 1394 ports are also available for standard definition
monitoring or additional output options. An external S-video
multiplexer allows for high quality field sequential output and
even more flexibility in terms of previewing 3D images in real
time.
Focus settings for both optical blocks are now controlled via a
synchronized optoelectric mechanism that adds mere ounces to the
system and allows precise control over left and right eye focus
with one convenient follow focus knob. This new method reduces
weight as compared to previous designs, improves accuracy and
eliminates the backlash associated with a geared stereo focus
system. Zoom functions are also now electronically linked for
improved ergonomics and accuracy as well as significant weight
reduction as compared with previous generations.
Left and right eye lens apertures are now synchronized by a dual
channel galvanometric system that ensures matched exposure to both
CCD arrays with just one user operated dial. The system provides
accurate and consistent brightness and contrast between left and
right images and makes "run 'n gun" 3D shooting a reality.
Interaxial spacing has been significantly reduced to 2.75"
(69.85mm) for a more natural simulation of human vision. An all new
carbon fiber and aluminum matte box with two stage filter holder
allows a wide range of industry standard 4"x5.6" filters to be
employed.
Because of its advanced design, which integrates dual on board
Mac OS CPUs, dual high-speed hard drives, a high res binocular LCOS
electronic viewfinder, high data rate USB 2.0 interface and a 6CCD
camera head, the 3DVX3 has unusually high power requirements. To
meet these demands, 21st Century 3D turned to Anton/Bauer, the
worldwide standard in custom power systems. Their state of the art
Dionic 160 offered the best balance between power output and
weight. Additionally, Dionic 160 is one of the only batteries in
the industry that can power the 3DVX3 at all. This battery is
constructed with specialized lithium ion cells originally designed
for high rate military applications. Because of these low
resistance cells, Dionic 160 meets the power requirements of the
3DVX3 with a total output of up to 10 amps - a capability usually
reserved only for nickel based chemistries. Dionic 160 weighs 30%
less than a HyTRON 120 but has 30% more capacity, allowing the
3DVX3 to run for up to 2 hour of continuous operating time. An AC
power supply based on a modified Anton/Bauer Titan 70 has also been
developed.
This advanced battery technology contributes in part to the
camera's overall weight of just 24 pounds making the 3DVX3 the
industry's smallest and lightest high definition stereoscopic
camcorder. The 3DVX3 can easily go places and do things that
competitive 3D systems simply cannot. Car mounts, steadicam and
hand held operation are complex challenges with other systems, but
easy options with the 3DVX3. Other high definition 3D camera
systems can weigh three times as much as the 3DVX3 or more, and
often require separate recording hardware and large support crews.
Furthermore, these systems cannot match the dynamic range afforded
by the uncompressed 10 bit image quality. The 3DVX3 allows for more
setups per day and requires smaller crews to operate. This
translates to more efficient production. Directors and
cinematographers can now concentrate on producing high quality 3D
content without the cumbersome delays and exorbitant expense
associated with traditional 3D shoots.
"This is the camera we set out to create two years ago," says
3DVX3 inventor Jason Goodman. "It's an evolutionary design that
builds on our previous work and takes what we've done to the next
level with 1280 x 720p stereoscopic high definition and outstanding
dynamic range. At the same time, it's an entirely new design in
that we've abandoned tape and created so many new components. The
uncompressed image quality and remarkable color fidelity add so
much subtle detail that really enhances stereoscopic quality in a
profound way. This is the next generation in live action 3D
production."
The 3DVX3 is available for worldwide hire exclusively through
21st Century 3D. 21st Century 3D is a leading provider of
stereoscopic motion picture content and technology.
- Link: 21st Century
3D
Desktop Mac
Deals
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