Laptops Outsell Desktops, 100 GB Notebook Drives, Mac Conversion Trumps Christianity, and More

Charles Moore - 2004.06.18

Except as noted, prices are in U.S. dollars, bold links are to outside sites, and regular links lead to 'Book profiles on Low End Mac.

• Laptop Market Share Hits 56 Percent
• Fujitsu Ramps up 100 GB Notebook Drives; Toshiba, Seagate Also Hit 100 GB
• Man Happier About Switch to Mac than Conversion to Christianity
• Ice Creme & Ice Creme M Remove Surface Scratches from iBook, iPod
• PowerSleevz Sleeve Cases for PowerBook and iBook
• New 'Book Accessories at Think Different Store
• 1394b FireWire 800 CardBus PCMCIA Host Adapter
• New Liquid Crystal Promises Faster LCDs
• Crucial Technology Introduces Improved Gizmo! Hi-Speed USB Flash Drive
• Kano SureFIRE800: Mobile FireWire 800 Hard Drive
• 1394b FireWire 800 Active Repeater/Hub
• Bargain 'Books

Laptop Market Share Hits 56 Percent

IDG News Service's Martyn Williams reports:

"For the week ending May 29, notebook sales accounted for 56 percent of the entire U.S. personal computer market, according to figures from Current Analysis."

"That's the first time notebook sales have been higher than those for desktop PCs...."

Fujitsu Ramps up 100 GB Notebook Drives; Toshiba, Seagate Also Hit 100 GB

IDG News Service's Martyn Williams reports:

"Fujitsu has developed a 100 GB hard disk drive suitable for use in notebook computers and has begun mass production of the drive.

"The Tokyo company began manufacturing the drive in late March and its entire initial output has been snapped up by notebook makers, says Joel Hagberg, vice president of marketing at Fujitsu Computer Products of America. Now the company is beginning to accept orders from more notebook makers, and so is announcing development of the drive, he says."

"Fujitsu's hard drive, the MHU2100AT, 4200 revolutions per minute rotational speed and comes with a parallel ATA interface, Hagberg says.

"Toshiba said in April it plans to ship a 4200 rpm drive in the third quarter. Last week, Seagate announced two 100 GB 2.5-inch drives as part of a new lineup of products. Seagate plans to introduce a 5400 rpm drive during the third quarter and a 7200 rpm drive during the fourth quarter, according to the company."

Man Happier About Switch to Mac than Conversion to Christianity

On the Christian satire site holyobserver.com:

"Cincinnati resident Steve Philips is noticeably more excited about his recent switch from Windows-based PCs to Apple computers than his recent conversion from atheism to Christianity. Philips, an account manager for Choice Communications, was baptized shortly after his conversion and is in contact with Apple computers as a potential candidate for the company's popular 'Switcher' ad campaign.

"...Philips also cited moral reasons for the changes, specifically the fact that millions of people are victimized by Microsoft's poor security, and the company knowingly sells a faulty product.

"The change in Philips has been difficult for his irreligious, PC-using family, who feel as though he has abandoned the culture in which he was raised....

"Coworker Dave Wilson was surprised to find that Philips was a new Christian. 'What, Steve, a Christian? I had no idea. But I guess it would be pretty easy to miss, what with him shoving that stupid PowerBook in my face four or five times a day. Geez, I wish he'd just leave me alone and let me live my life the way I want to.'"

Ice Creme & Ice Creme M Remove Surface Scratches from iBook, iPod

Ice Creme allows you to expertly remove the scuffing, scratching and abrasion which tends to occur on highly polished acrylic panels, like those used in several consumer devices and computers. Products like the iPod, iBook, PDAs and cell phones can all benefit from the ease of use and power of Ice Creme, which makes scuffed-up plastic products gleam like new.

Great when you want to spruce up or sell your gear. Does require some elbow grease - a typical, moderately chewed-up iPod requires approx. 30-45 minutes to restore.

The regular formula is for plastic products. The "M" version adds an additional bottle of metal polish for products like the iPod's polished, bright metal back panel. Not for use on painted or anodized surfaces. Both versions include special application and polishing cloths.

Features:

• Two part formula removes even aggressive damage.
• "M" version adds metal polish to remove damage from iPod's metal back pan.
• Enough to restore several iPods, or 1-3 iBooks.
• Includes application and polishing cloths.

Ice Creme: 2-1 oz. bottles, 1-application, 1-Optex polishing cloth

Ice Creme M: 3-1 oz. bottles, 3-application, 1-Optex polishing cloth

Price range: $19.95 - $24.95

PowerSleevz Sleeve Cases for PowerBook and iBook

PowerSleevz are formfitting, deluxe sleeve cases that insulate your PowerBook G4 or white iBook from life's little hazards.

PowerSleevz notebook cases elegantly protect the exterior finish of your computer from all of life's little bumps and grinds. Made from a heavier-gauge version of Optex fabric, the case stretches on like a glove, hugging every curve. Extremely lightweight, flexible and durable - like the popular ScreensavRz - the case weighs just 40 grams!

This case folds up small enough to easily fit in your pocket. Protects exterior painted finish of PowerBook G4 and the iBook's polished plastic from your larger case's zippers and hardware - or anything else lurking out there. A great, hassle-free tote when you need to take just the 'Book. Elegant debossed "PowerBook" or "iBook" text on one panel.

Features:

• Superlight, formfitting protective sleeve.
• Made from our exclusive Optex fabric. Clean and polish anything with it, including the screen!
• Breathable, yet repels liquids.
• Offers significant protection - PowerSleev'd notebooks have survived incredible perils.
• Fits your 'Book like a glove.
• Enhances your grip when carrying.
• Debossed "PowerBook" or "iBook" logo on one side. Even get your own custom logo

PowerSleevz Specs:

• Material: Optex - (>1 million fibers/sq. inch)
• Sizes: 34 x 24 x 2.5 cm (PB G4), 29 x 23 x 3.5 cm (12" iBook), 32 x 26 x 3.5 cm (14" iBook)
• Cross-sectional thickness: 0.8 mm
• Weight: 40g, 34g, 41g (specific to above sizes)

Price Range: $22.95 to $24.95

New 'Book Accessories at Think Different Store

FlyLight USB PowerBook Light, Shine some light on a darkened keyboard. Price: $20.99.

Universal Car/Air Power Adapter, Portable power for PowerBook or iBook, in the car or on the plane. Price: $77.95.

The Think Different Store is giving away two Exhibit Guest Passes to the July Macworld Expo every day.

1394b FireWire 800 CardBus PCMCIA Host Adapter

Compliant with Win 98SE, ME, 2K, XP, Linux (check your distribution for drivers), and Mac OS 9.x (1394a only) or higher, FireWire Depot's FireWire 800 CardBus adapter provides end users and system integrators a unparalleled feature and performance.

The 1394b CardBus host adapter fully compliant OHCI and designed with 1394b chip set from TI (TI TSB81BA3 (PHY) and TSB82AA2 (LYNX)), the 1394 controller chipset leader. With the 1394b host adapter, notebook computers can be network together and transfer data at 800 mbps transfer rate

The 1394b CardBus adapter has with two 9-pin 1394b ports, one 6-pin 1394a port, and a DC input power connector - no need to purchase an expensive cable adapter in order to connect your peripheral devices - and includes a switching power adapter (DC 12V/1.5A output) that provides sufficient bus power for 1394b and 1394a device operations

Requirements:

• Available 32-bit CardBus slot - will not work in a 16-bit PCMCIA slot
• FireWire 800 1394b users: Mac OS X 10.2.4 and greater; Win 98SE, ME, 2K, XP
• FireWire 400 1394a users: Mac OS 9.x, Mac OS 10.x; Win 98SE, ME, 2K, XP

Key Features

• Two FireWire 800 1394b ports and one FireWire 1394a port
• Two chips TI solution TI TSB81BA3 (PHY) and TSB82AA2 (LYNX)
• Supports IEEE 1394a-1995, 1394a-2000, and 1394b
• Daisy chain up to 63 devices
• Transfer rate up to 400 Mbps (1394a) and 800 Mbps (1394b)
• Full compliance with PCI 2.2 specification
• Window 98SE, ME, 2K, XP 1394b drivers included
• Support Win 98SE, ME, 2K, XP, Linux, Mac OS X
• Includes external power source (12V/1.5A output)
• Includes one 1394a 6-pin cable
• Includes one 1394b 9-pin cable

1394b FireWire 800 CardBus DTK $89.99

New Liquid Crystal Promises Faster LCDs

The Register's Lucy Sherriff reports:

"Researchers have observed a new type of liquid crystal - long theorised, but not observed until now - that promises faster and cheaper liquid crystal displays.

"The team, Dr. Satyendra Kumar, from Kent State University, and Dr. Andrew Primak, from Pacific Northwest National Lab. Dr. Bharat R. Acharya, of Platytus Technologies, used a small-angle X-ray diffraction technique to discover the biaxial nematic liquid crystal....

"This new crystal phase has the potential to speed the refresh rate a further ten times, the researchers say, as the crystals reorient more quickly in response to a voltage..."

Crucial Technology Introduces Improved Gizmo! Hi-Speed USB Flash Drive

Crucial Technology has introduced the Crucial Gizmo! Hi-Speed USB flash drive, a faster, slimmer version of the original Gizmo! USB flash drive.

The Gizmo! Hi-Speed USB flash drive utilizes the Hi-Speed USB interface, which supports data transfer speeds up to 480 megabits per second (Mbps). The updated dark gray case is only 66.5 mm x 16.5 mm x 8 mm; small enough to allow multiple drives to simultaneously plug into neighboring USB ports.* A hole in the base allows the Gizmo! drive to fit snugly on a key chain, and a green LED indicates when data is being transferred. Included security software provides data encryption and password protection.

"The Crucial Gizmo! Hi-Speed USB flash drive is a powerful, portable, and versatile storage option perfect for today's mobile lifestyle," said Crucial Technology General Manager Fred Waddel. "Whether you need a Gizmo! drive to shuttle data between multiple computers, or to act as a mini hard drive to store important documents or images - it beats using small-capacity floppy disks or a one-time use CD."

A true Plug and Play solution, the Gizmo! drive automatically appears as a removable drive when plugged in to the USB port of a desktop PC, Macintosh, or notebook. Each Hi-Speed Gizmo! drive comes with a key ring, lanyard, multilingual user guide, limited lifetime warranty, free second-day shipping (for a limited time only) within the contiguous U.S. on qualified orders, and Crucial's renowned customer service and free technical support.

The Crucial Gizmo! drive is available on Crucial's Web site in capacities of 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB. Pricing currently ranges from $28.99 to $229.99.

* For instance, you could make a RAID-0 array using flash drives, like they recently did at ars technica, although "it turns out to be only an exercise in geekery with marginal usefulness." dk

Kano SureFIRE800: Mobile FireWire 800 Hard Drive

Providing up to 80 GB of portable data storage in a pocket-size solution, the SureFIRE800 is the ultimate storage tool for the mobile Professional. With the available FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0 combo connection, SureFIRE800 is compatible with most Windows and Mac systems. Simply drag and drop data to the SureFIRE800 and carry all of your data with you and access it from virtually any computer.

With its plug and play data connection and bus power capability, installation has been designed to be quick and easy. In case of laptop system failure or theft, protect against the loss of critical data by backing up important data files to SureFIRE800 - just plug and go.

Storing data on the go has never been easier or faster! With the available FireWire 800 interface, achieve data transfer rates of up to 800 Mb/sec. Boasting hard disks with 5400 rpm and 8 MB cache buffer, SureFIRE800 has speeds matching those of storage drives three times its size. With its ultra-fast interface and matching high performance disk drives, the SureFIRE800 makes accessing video, audio and data backups quick work. The SureFIRE800 is the perfect storage solution for creative professionals living the mobile lifestyle.

• Compact, portable and high speed, all in one.
• Compact 0.75 x 3.25 x 5.25"
• FireWire bus powered
• High speed drives with 5400 rpm and 8 MB cache.

Kano Direct Price

• $249, 20 GB
• $289, 40 GB
• $339, 60 GB
• $399, 80 GB

Mobile FireWire 800 Hard Drive

• Interfaces: FireWire 800 / 400 / USB 2.0
• Platform Windows/Macintosh
• Bus Powered - FireWire 800 / 400 Bus Powered
• Cache: 8 MB

1394b FireWire 800 Active Repeater/Hub

Leading the latest DV and storage technology is FireWire Depot's DFB-804 3-Port repeater/hub for FireWire 800/1394b device. The DFB-804 hub/repeater is designed to extend and expand the FireWire 800 interface with additional ports and longer cable distance.

Backward compatible with FireWire 400 (1394a) devices, the DFB-804 1394b hub/repeater is the best investment for DV and storage connectivity.

Unit comes with international external power supply

Features

• 3-port splitter for 1394b connection
• Supports 1394b as well as backward compatible with 1394a (using the appropriate cable or adapter)
• Bus-powered by FireWire connection, external power supply included
• Interchangeable faceplate to match other desktop equipment
• Transfer rate: Up to 800 Mb/sec FireWire 800
• Hot-swapping capability
• Easy installation, no jumper or ID setting or software
• Compatible with Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP and MacOS 8.6/9.x/X

Specifications

• Interface Connectors: FireWire: 3 x (IEEE 1394b 9-Pin)
• External Power Supply: 5V, 1A (optional)
• OS Compatibility: OS Independent, IEEE 1394b Compliant
• Software/Media None
• Dimensions: 3.5" x 2.5" x 1.25"
• Enclosure Material/Color: Plastic
• Warranty: 1 Year
• Fully Supports Provisions of IEEE P1394b revision 1.33 at 1 Gigabit Signaling Rates
• Fully Supports Provisions of IEEE 1394a-2000 and 1394-1995 Standard for High Performance Serial Bus.
• Fully Interoperable With FireWire", i.LINK ", and SB1394", Implementation of IEEE Std 1394
• Full 1394a-2000 Support Includes: Connection Debounce, Arbitrated Short Reset, Multispeed Concatenation, Arbitration Acceleration, Fly-By Concatenation, Port Disable/Suspend/Resume, and extended Resume Signaling for Compatibility With Legacy DV Devices 98.304 MHz
• Provides Two Fully backward compatible, (1394a-2000 Fully Compliant) Bilingual 1394b Cable Ports(port 0, port 1) at up to 800 Megabits per Second (Mbits/s)
• Provides Three 1394a-2000 Fully Compliant Cable Ports at 100/200/400 Megabits per Second (Mbits/s)

DTK 1394b 3-Port Repeater/Hub: $79.99

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.

• 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, AirPort, $745
• 15" PowerBook G4/500, 384/20/Combo, $915

• refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SuperDrive, AirPort, $2,349
• refurb 14" Book G3/700, 256/30/Combo, $1,099

• 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/Combo, AirPort, $629
• 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/Combo, $689
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort, $1,999
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, AirPort, MacCase Briefcase 15" Pure Silver, Macally Screen Protector, $2,375

Wegener Media

• PowerBook 5300cs, 8/775 MB/floppy, battery, AC, $49.99
• PowerBook 1400cs, 16/775 MB, floppy, new battery, AC, $99.99
• Pismo G3/400, 128/10/DVD, AC, battery, $599.99

Apple Store - (near bottom of page)

Refurbished iBook 12"

• refurb 12" iBook G4/800, 128/30/CD-ROM, $749
• refurb 12" iBook G4/800, 256/30/Combo, $779
• refurb 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $949

Refurbished iBook 14"

• refurb 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $1,049
• refurb 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $1,099

Refurbished PowerBook G4/12" TFT

• refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/Combo, $999
• refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo,$1,099
• refurb 12" PowerBook G4/867, 256/40/SuperDrive, $1,149
• refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/SuperDrive, $1,199
• refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, AirPort Extreme, $1,349
• refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, $1,549

For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see our Best PowerBook G4 Deals, Best iBook G4 Deals, and Best iBook G3 Deals.