Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by
Dan Knight
- 2006.08.04
PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered
in The 'Book Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Products
iPod Accessories
News & Opinion
The Value of AppleCare
PowerPage contributor Joshua Stein says:
"Do not underestimate the value of the AppleCare Protection Plan
- particularly if you are going to buy a MacBook or MacBook Pro -
there are just too many things that can go wrong and replacing
notebooks and their parts can be very expensive.
"In 2004 I purchased a 15-inch
Aluminum PowerBook 1.25 GHz and the main issue confronting me
was whether or not I should purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan
(APP). Buying AppleCare turns out to be one of the best purchases
of my life, as some major issues began to crop up."
Note: Boy, did they! In this case, AppleCare paid off big time,
but I remain a skeptic as to its value in general. cm
Link:
The Value of AppleCare
iMac Your Car
BusinessWeek reports:
"A German company has developed a high-end in-car system based
on an Apple iMac G5, whose entire hardware in turn is integrated
into the 17-inch monitor that is only 5 centimeters thick"
Link:
iMac Your Car
Products
Sonnet Delivers $500 1.6 GHz Dual Processor
Upgrade
PR: Sonnet Technologies announces the immediate
availability of its new dual processor upgrade-the Encore/ST G4
Duet 1.6 GHz (Part No. SG4D-1600)-for most "Sawtooth" Power Mac G4
systems, including AGP Graphics, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio
and Quicksilver models. This product is Sonnet's lowest priced dual
processor upgrade ever.
This
upgrade, using the latest PowerPC G4 7447A processors from
Freescale Semiconductor, features 512K of SRAM on-chip L2 cache and
is compatible with Mac OS 9.2, and Mac OS X Version 10.3.5 and
higher. The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz fits seamlessly into all
supported systems, and auto-configures to its host without the need
for switches or jumpers. Like all Sonnet processor upgrades, this
new Encore/ST G4 Duet model carries a three-year warranty and
includes free technical support.
For more information on the Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz, please
visit Sonnet's website.
- The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz (Part No. SG4D-1600) is available
now with an MSRP of $499.95.
The price for Sonnet's fastest Encore/ST G4 Duet dual processor
upgrade is as follows:
- Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.8 GHz (Part No. SG4D-1800) at $599.95
Prices for Sonnet's Encore/ST G4 line of single processor
upgrades are as follows:
- Encore/ST G4 1.8 GHz (Part No. SG4C-1800, for Power Mac G4 Cube) at $399.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.8 GHz (Part No. SG4-1800) at $399.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.4 GHz (Part No. SG4-1400-2M) at $299.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.2 GHz (Part No. SG4C-1200-2M, for Power Mac G4 Cube) at $249.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.2 GHz (Part No. SG4-1200-2M) at $249.95
- Encore/ST G4 1.0 GHz (Part No. SG4-1000-2M) at $199.95
Compatibility
The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz is compatible with the following
Power Mac G4 models:
Mac OS Requirements and Compatibility
The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz requires Mac OS 9.2 for software
installation and firmware updating. OS X compatibility
requires Mac OS X Version 10.3.5 or later.
Link: Encore/ST
G4 Duet
Link: Encore/ST
G4
Zero Tension Mouse
PR: A few years ago Dr. Michael Leahy defined the
cumulative injury cycle and explained why soft tissues like nerves
and muscles became injured with repetitive motion. Until this time
the standard treatments were ultrasound, electrical stimulation,
massage and nerve and muscle stretching. In general the problem was
not resolved.
Then
came Active Release Techniques and all of a sudden surgeries were
no longer needed and in general the problems were fixed in short
order. Dr. Leahy then worked on how to prevent repetitive motion
injuries from happening. He formulated the law of repetitive motion
and defined the four factors involved in these injuries. The one
factor that could be minimized was tension on the tissues or
"relaxation" of the muscles. If the muscles could be relaxed during
the activity but still maintain function then the problem could be
avoided and the employer would still be happy with production.
With the Zero Tension Mouse all of the muscles of the hand, arm
and shoulder/neck can relax and, it is claimed, do so more
effectively than with any other device in the world. In fact,
nothing else comes close.
Let's start with the hand. When the hand is completely relaxed
the fingers flex and the hand is half way between a fist and
completely straight. This balances the tension between the flexors
and extensors of the fingers. When the flexors are tight they can
trap the median nerve and cause what is commonly but erroneously
called "carpal tunnel syndrome." When the extensors are too tight
they can cause epicondylitis or "tennis elbow." They can even trap
the radial nerve and cause numbness in the hand. In order to
prevent this the hand must be positioned so that it is not too
straight and not closed too tight.
The Zero Tension Mouse exactly balances the flexors and
extensors so that they can relax. A regular mouse causes the
extensors to tighten in order to hold the fingers slightly above
the mouse buttons. They are under slight tension all the time which
causes the cumulative injury effect.
Next the wrist. With a regular mouse the wrist is usually
extended slightly. This is not a major problem but the tension on
the wrist extensors to maintain this position is definitely a
problem. The Zero Tension Mouse eliminates this problem by placing
the wrist in neutral between flexion and extension. It also places
the wrist upright instead of flat so that the wrist extensors can
relax instead of tightening to maintain position.
The wrist is upright instead of flat in order to balance
the pronators and supinator. These muscles turn the palm up and
down and in a regular mouse they twist the wrist palm down so that
all three muscles are tight. Over time this becomes a significant
problem causing that all too familiar syndrome called "carpal
tunnel."
The thumb becomes a problem with mouse devices that require the
thumb to be in position over a ball or multiple position switch
that goes back and forth. These cause the muscles that extend or
move the thumb sideways to tighten. These muscles don't tolerate
this for very long and quickly become painful. The Zero Tension
Mouse avoids this by giving it a special place to rest and relax.
When scrolling a page, if desired, you can move the thumb onto the
scroll wheel and move it up and down then rest the thumb next to
the scroll wheel when done.
Probably the most important feature of the Zero Tension Mouse is
its ability to relax the shoulder and neck. With a regular mouse
the weight of the arm and shoulder is supported by the trapezius
and levator scapulae muscles. The scalenes also tighten as the
shoulder is supported. This is because you cannot rest the weight
of the arm and shoulder on the mouse while using it. Almost
everyone has felt that "burning" in the muscles between the neck
and shoulder after using a regular mouse for any length of time.
This causes damage to the tissues that builds up over time.
The Zero Tension Mouse allows you to rest the arm and shoulder
on the cradle for the hand. If you keep the mouse relatively close
to the body the entire arm, shoulder and neck will relax. The
developer claims that most people feel an instant relief when
switching to the Zero Tension Mouse.
System
Requirements for the Zero Tension Mouse:
For a Apple Macintosh-based computer
One of the following operating systems:
- Mac OS 8.6 to 9.2.2
- Mac OS X 10.0 to 10.1.3
- Mac OS X 10.2 to 10.3.x
An available Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
For a Microsoft Windows-based computer
One of the following operating systems:
- Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition (Me) with a Pentium
133 MHz or higher processor and 32 MB of RAM
- Windows 2000 Professional or Server with a Pentium 133 MHz or
higher processor and 128 MB of RAM
- Windows XP Home Edition or Professional with a Pentium 233 MHz
or higher processor and 128 MB of RAM
An available Universal Serial Bus (USB) port
This mouse does not work with a PS2/USB connector!
(USB requires Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows
2000, or Windows XP)
NOTE: This mouse will not work with Windows 95 or Windows
NT.
Features:
- Right and Left Mouse Buttons
- Scroll Wheel Button
- Compatible with all USB-enabled computers
- Digital Optical Tracking
Dimensions: (small)
- Height: 3.5"
- Width: 2.75"
- Depth: 4.75"
Dimensions: (medium & large)
- Height: 4.5"
- Width: 3.4"
- Depth: 5.6"
Price: US$79.95/C$100 (available only in right-handed
models)
Link: Zero Tension Mouse
ToughTech XE Drive Enclosure with eSATA,
FireWire 800, and USB 2.0
PR: WiebeTech's popular ToughTech desktop enclosure
is now available with four ports: eSATA, dual FireWire 800 (400
compatible), and USB 2.0 over a screaming fast Oxford 924 bridge.
The 924 outperforms the 922 in FireWire and USB, making the new
ToughTech XE the all around most connectable and fastest ToughTech
available.
ToughTech XE provides FlexMount anti-shock protection for any
3.5" SATA drive and fully supports SATA 1 and 2 drives with
transfer rates up to 1.5 or 3.0 Gbps.
"We are pleased to offer yet another model in our ToughTech
series," said James Wiebe, CEO of WiebeTech. "The new ToughTech XE
gives the most flexible connectivity and fastest data transfer
rates as well as offering users anti-shock protection for their
valuable data."
ToughTech XE is fully compatible with any Mac or PC with an
eSATA, FireWire, or USB 2.0 port. FlexMount protection offers a
shock absorber that mounts between the drive and the enclosure that
protects the drive from bumps and vibrations.
The new ToughTech XE joins WiebeTech's popular existing line of
ToughTech desktop enclosures: ToughTech 400 with dual FireWire 400
ports for IDE drives, ToughTech 800 with dual FireWire 800 (400
compatible) ports for IDE drives and ToughTech eSATA with a single
eSATA port for SATA drives.
- ToughTech XE, user configurable, TTXE-0, $119.95
- ToughTech XE with 250 GB SATA drive, TTXE-250 // $252.95
- ToughTech XE with 500 GB SATA drive, TTXE-500 // $455.95
- ToughTech XE with 750 GB SATA drive, TTXE-750 // $784.95
All versions are in stock and ready to ship.
Dealers may purchase WiebeTech products from Synnex or Dr. Bott.
End users may purchase from PCMall, MacMall or PC
Connection.
Government customers are encouraged to purchase from Lyme Computer,
CDW-G or PCMallGov. All products are available directly from
WiebeTech.
Link: ToughTech
XE
GizMac Accessories 25U Server Rack Noise
Reduction Enclosure Cabinet
PR: GizMac Accessories LLC, designer and manufacturer of
noise reduction server rack enclosure cabinets, announces the start
of pre-ordering on their new 25U XRackPro server rack cabinet.
Joining the 4U and 12U XRackPro server rack enclosure cabinets,
the 25U XRackPro server rack will more than double the capacity of
the of the largest currently available XRackPro server rack. The
soon to be released 25U server rack enclosure will give new and
existing customers a much needed solution to quiet larger amounts
of noisy server rack mount equipment.
"The preorder for the new 25U XRackPro2 server rack cabinet
begins today," says Ken Vitto, Director of Marketing for GizMac
Accessories, "Our new 25U size noise reduction server rack
enclosure cabinet will join GizMac's 4U and 12U XRack server rack
enclosures in reducing noise pollution in the work
environment."
XRackPro2 25U server rack is a noise reduction solution for
rackmount Apple, Windows, Linux, Sun, SGI and other servers as well
as RAID storage, tape and disk backup, networking, battery backup
and other rackmount systems. Although the XRackPro2 server rack was
designed primarily for rackmount equipment, the height of the 25U
XRackPro2 will allow some vertically standing non-rackmount
equipment to fit inside the rackmount enclosure.
By reducing noise levels, the 25U XRackPro2 rackmount enclosure
allows computer, audio / video, medical and other equipment to be
placed in areas that require low noise. Post production in film,
video and audio editing; television, cable and radio broadcasting;
health care, dental and veterinary locations; military, education
and government or any other environment that requires low noise
will benefit from the GizMac noise reduction rackmount enclosure
cabinet.
Pricing for the 25U XRackPro2 server rack mount cabinet is
$2,199 US retail and preorders can be made on the GizMac XRackPro
website and by calling the corporate headquarters at (800)
475-1677.
Link: XRackPro
iPod Accessories
Listen to Your iPod Underwater
PR: If you've ever taken your iPod (nano or 5G) swimming,
you probably found it didn't enjoy the experience as much as you
did, right? And although our Repairs Team might be able to fix it,
prevention is surely better than cure.
Enter the HO Waterproof Case,
(available for nano and 5G 30/60 GB) which combines LatchTight
Locking Closure with an internal rubber seal to offer guaranteed
waterproofing to 3 metres/10 feet (even with your headphones
attached) combined with impact protection.
You don't need to be worried about getting your head near the
water either - Proporta has taken care of that as well. The new
H Waterproof Headphones are totally
waterproof... just plug them into your HO Waterproof Case and you can listen to your music
in the pool, in the sea or just in the pouring rain of an English
summer.
HO Waterproof Case Features
- Waterproof (3m/10') and snowproof - ideal for swimming,
surfing, all watersports, skiing, snowboarding...
- View and use your iPod Click Wheel - even underwater
- Includes neoprene arm band - ideal for jogging and beach
use
HO Waterproof Headphones
Features
- Waterproof (3m/10') and snowproof
- Listen to music even under water
- Waterproof speakers around the earphones guide high quality
audio directly to your ear
- Standard 3.5mm jack - can be used with almost any stereo device
(can also be converted with Proporta adaptors)
- Adjustable ear clips and a lanyard (neck strap) - for secure
attachment during sports
- Compatible with Aquapac MP3 Waterproof Case
PS: For non-iPod MP3 users, the Proporta Aquapac MP3 Waterproof
Case offers waterproof protection to 5 metres (15 feet) to devices
in a variety of sizes, and you can get a 10% discount on a Aquapac
MP3 Player Waterproof Belt System when you buy.
HO Waterproof Headphones
Combine these HO Audio Series Waterproof Headphones, with
HO Audio Waterproof Housing to listen
to your MP3 player under water.
Combine these HO Audio Series
Waterproof Headphones, with HO Audio
Waterproof Housing to listen to your MP3 player under water.
Waterproof up to a depth of 3m (10') you can now listen to your
music wherever you are, essential for active sports such as skiing,
surfing and swimming.
Waterproof speakers surround the earphones, guiding audio
directly to your ear, allowing you to listen safely under the
water. Adjustable earclips and neckstrap allow the headphones to be
adjusted to provide the perfect fit, ensuring they stay secure
during even the most active sports.
The 3.5mm audio jack allows these headphones to be used with any
audio device with the same size headphone jack. When used with the
HO Audio Waterproof Housing, the
waterproof connector ensures that your device remains fully
waterproof.
$44.95
Link:
HO Waterproof Headphones
HO Waterproof Case (iPod
nano)
Protect your iPod nano from
damage with this HO Audio Waterproof
Case, so you can listen to your music on the slopes, on the beach
or even under the sea (use with HO
Audio Series Waterproof Headphones).
Protect your iPod nano from damage with this HO Audio Waterproof Case, so you can listen to your
music on the slopes, on the beach or even under the sea (use with
HO Audio Series Waterproof
Headphones). Your iPod remains fully functional in the case, as the
Commander Scroll Wheel Control allows you full use of the
Click-Wheel, so you can skip tracks or adjust the volume.
A LatchTight Locking Closure and internal rubber seal ensures
that your iPod nano stays completely waterproof. A SealTight
Connector also allows you to connect HO Audio Series Waterproof Headphones, so you can
listen to your iPod nano underwater.
The Crystal Clear Case allows you to see the screen of your iPod
nano at all times. Also included is a neoprene armband, allowing
you to strap your protected iPod nano to your arm in the knowledge
it will be safe and secure. Perfect for active sports such as
skiing, swimming, rafting or surfing.
$89.95
Link:
HO Waterproof Case (iPod nano)
Aquapac MP3 Waterproof Case
Suitable for your standard and mini
digital audio devices, the Aquapac MP3 Waterproof Case is fully
waterproof. Maximum player size is 2.5" x 4.25" x 0.75".
The new slim-line plastic quick-action sealing system, called
the Aquaclip™, makes each case 100% waterproof with a simple
twist of two levers. The innovative design of the Aquaclip™
ensures that the Aquapac always stays in one piece, even when open,
eliminating the need for loose screws or folding of the case. All
Aquapac cases sealed with the Aquaclip™ are guaranteed
submersible to at least 5m (15ft).
$69.95
Receive a 10% discount when purchased with Aquapac MP3 Player
Waterproof Belt System.
Link:
Aquapac MP3 Waterproof Case
Aquapac MP3 Player Waterproof Belt System
Fully Waterproof your MP3
player with hands free mobility.
Fully Waterproof your MP3 player with hands free mobility.
$34.95
Compatible with the Aquapac MP3 Waterproof Case, the Aquapac MP3
Player Waterproof Belt System allows the case to worn as a belt or
across the torso for hands free usability. Made from tough neoprene
and Velcro® zip, the belt system securely holds the digital
audio device whilst keeping it fully waterproof.
Link:
Aquapac MP3 Player Waterproof Belt System
Shipping: $4.95
Desktop Mac
Deals
Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two
weeks:
For more deals on current, recently discontinued, and older
notebooks, see our MacBook deals,
15" MacBook Pro deals,
17" MacBook Pro deals, 12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" aluminum PowerBook G4 deals, 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.
