MacBook Theft Alarm, Consumer Notebooks Outsell Corporate, MacBook Pro vs. PC Competition, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2006.04.13

This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod news is covered in iPod News Review. News about Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is covered in The Macintel Report.

News & Opinion

• 'Jacking Macs' Could Prove Hazardous
• MacBook Alarm Software in Beta
• Consumer Notebook Market Eclipses Corporate
• Daystar Replies to PB G4 1.92 GHz Upgrade Owner Problems
• MacBook Pro XP vs. the PC Competition

Products and Services

• Leather & Aluminum Handle for MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4
• Silhouette Digital Stand for PowerBook, MacBook Pro
• Glovez Sleeve Cases for 15" PowerBook and MacBook Pro
• Impact Resistant Rigid Case for MacBook Pro
• Safe, Effective Screen Cleaner for High-Gloss LCD Screens
• iProtect Micro Screen Protector for PowerBooks and iBooks

Bargain 'Books

News & Opinion

'Jacking Macs' Could Prove Hazardous

CNET News.com's Greg Sandoval reports:

"At a time when laptop thefts are on the rise in high-tech corridors like San Francisco, an entrepreneur has rigged portable computers with a security measure that car owners have relied on - and sleepers have complained about - for decades.

"'It's a car alarm for your notebook computer,' said Randy Green, the Missouri-based creator of the iAlertU alarm system, which is expected to go on sale at Green's site, Slappingturtle.com, next month for $9.95.

"Green has reconfigured Apple Computer's MacBook Pro so the computer's remote control can activate his security system. Thirsty coffee shop computer users who get up for another latte can hit a button on their remotes and they will hear the classic car-alarm chirp that tells them their systems are armed."

Link: Perps Beware: 'Jacking Macs' Could Prove Hazardous

MacBook Alarm Software in Beta

Engadget's Evan Blass reports:

"We've been seeing posts and vids (and getting tips) on a program called iAlertU all week, but were a little skeptical of software that claims to use the tilt sensors and camera in your MacBook Pro for triggering an alarm if someone tries to snatch your lappie. Skeptical, that is, until a beta version of the application was released today. While feedback so far indicates that the code is still pretty buggy, the program seems to actually work."

Link: iAlertU MacBook Alarm Software Available in Beta

Consumer Notebook Market Eclipses Corporate

The Consumer Electronics Stock Blog reports:

"Research firm IDC recently released forcasts for the notebook market by form factor and end market. In a note to clients, Bear Sterns analysts Andrew J. Neff, Bill Hand, and Ted Chung commented on the results and implications for the major players in this market:

"Notebooks should eclipse desktops in mature markets. With notebook units growing at 25%+ over the past 3 years (vs. desktops at ~10%) and expected to grow at 20-25% in 2006 (vs. desktop at 5%), notebook shipments are expected to exceed desktops in several mature markets (US, Western Europe) by late 2007 or early 2008, propelled by the consumer, though not on a worldwide basis owing to popularity of low-cost desktops.

"Consumer market accelerating notebook growth. The mix of notebook shipments in consumer eclipsed that of corporate for the first time in 2005, with the gap expected to increase over time to nearly a 50/50 desktop/notebook split in 2010 for consumer as compared to only a 57/43 desktop/notebook split for corporate. Overall, IDC forecasts a 20% CAGR (from 2005-2010) for consumer notebooks versus 15% for corporate, which is particularly positive for Hewlett-Packard given its higher-margin consumer/retail notebook business and, to a lesser extent, Apple and Gateway."

Link: Consumer Notebook Market Eclipses Corporate for First Time - Positive for HP, Apple, Gateway

Daystar Replies to PB G4 1.92 GHz Upgrade Owner Problems

XLR8YourMac says:

"I've updated the previous page with owner reports on Daystar G4 1.92 GHz (7447A) upgrade for AL PB G4 1.25 GHz to include Gary Dailey's (Daystar) replies to their complaints on problems (typically heat/power draw related). Updated again at 2 PM Eastern time to include a rebuttal on some of Gary's comments about his system.

"(There's a new report today in the database on the Daystar 7448 based upgrade for AL PB G4 1.67 GHz models from an owner that's upset, along with Gary's comments.)"

Link: Daystar Replies to PB G4 1.92 GHz Upgrade Owner Problems

MacBook Pro XP vs. the PC Competition

News.com's Justin Jaffe reports

"...Man, I'm psyched. This makes my job a lot easier. As a laptop reviewer at CNET.com, I've always been frustrated by the apples to oranges (insert Bronx cheer) comparisons I've been forced to make when pitting PowerBooks and iBooks against the PC competition. Boot Camp finally provides a baseline for a true head-to-head contest of Apple hardware vs. PC hardware, without operating systems or Rosetta or anything else qualifying the results.

"We went out and bought a 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro on Wednesday night (shout-out to the Stonestown Mall Apple Store). Then we dug up some good PC competitors, one of which has almost identical specs. Thursday morning, we started testing. Here's what we found."

Link: MacBook Pro XP vs. the PC Competition

Products and Services

Leather & Aluminum Handle for MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4

PR: handle-it by case-mate is a premium leather & aluminum handle crafted exclusively for Apple's MacBook Pro and PowerBook. It allows you to carry your notebook virtually anywhere with style and ease. When in use handle-it converts into as a passive heat sink with fins promoting better airflow allowing your notebook to run cooler maximizing the performance of your laptop.

It's ergonomic lift helps reduce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Stress Injury commonly associated with extensive keyboard use.

Case-mate's premium leather casing enhances both the comfort and style of the handle. However, this seamless casing can easily be removed showcasing the aircraft aluminum for a more rugged look.

handle-it is an innovative way of accentuating and increasing the life of your Apple laptop.

Leather and Aluminum handle for 15" Apple MacBook Pro and 15" Apple PowerBook G4 shipping - April 20, 2006

$49.99

Link: handle-it Leather & Aluminum Handle for MacBook Pro and PowerBook G4

Silhouette Digital Stand for PowerBook, MacBook Pro

PR: Case-mate presents the Silhouette - Digital Stand: an ergonomic laptop cradle.

Designed by Andrea Castalucci in Italy.

The polycarbonate desktop stand for the Apple notebooks is nearly invisible so it is a perfect complement to virtually any office or home office decor.

Silhouette provides the ideal tilt for optimum display that mirrors that of the Apple 23" and 30" displays. The cradle promotes better airflow allowing your laptop to run cooler.

Use with or without a desktop keyboard.

Silhouette desktop stand for Apple PowerBook and MacBook Pro shipping

$34.99

Shipping Dimensions -9.5"x9.5"x1.5"

Link: Silhouette Digital Stand for Apple PowerBook and MacBook Pro

Glovez Sleeve Cases for 15" PowerBook and MacBook Pro

PR: Glovez by Case-mate protect your laptop. These thoroughly modern laptop sleeves for the Apple MacBook Pro and PowerBook will also fit most any laptop up to 15.4".

The ultra soft neoprene interior will not scratch your laptop. The perforated nylon exterior offers no bulk contour construction. Double Velcro closures add security. Each sleeve is accented with genuine leather piping to prevent tearing or fraying.

Glovez come in Mocha Brown and Metallic Silver.

Glovez for PowerBook/MacBook Pro sleeve Dimensions - 15" x 11" x 0.9"

Glovez for 15" Laptops Ultra Soft laptop sleeves for Apple PowerBook and MacBook Pro shipping April 20, 2006

$24.99

Link: Glovez Sleeve Cases for 15" PowerBook and MacBook Pro

Impact Resistant Rigid Case for MacBook Pro

PR: MaxProtect II is an impact resistant rigid case for the MacBook Pro 15 inch models, its unique design offer maximum protection against shock and impact.

Features:

• Synthetic Leather.
• Lowest Size/Weight Ratio.
• Cushioned Velvet Interior for Scratch Protection.
• Handle for Portability.
• Interior and Exterior Cushioning
• Slim Design.
• Unsurpassed Rigidity.

MaxProtect II Dimension:

• Exterior - Width: 16 inch: Depth: 11 inch:Height: 2.3 inch
• Interior - Width: 15.5 inch:Depth: 10.5 inch: Height::1 inch

Weight: 3 lbs

The MaxProtect II for MacBook Pro sells for $39

Link: MaxProtect II

Safe, Effective Screen Cleaner for High-Gloss LCD Screens

PR: ScreenTek, a leading supplier of laptop replacement screens, today announced, a revolutionary new LCD screen cleaning solution called PixelClean developed specifically by the company for new generation high-gloss LCD screens.

While high-gloss screens display sharper and more vibrant images than their traditional counterparts, fingerprints and smears tend to appear more prominently as well, requiring the need for more frequent cleaning.

PixelClean is a polymer-based formula that is free of ammonia and alcohol. It is ideal for cleaning and protecting high-gloss finishes, but works well on other types of LCD screens, such as traditional laptop screens and LCD monitors as well. It repels dust by eliminating the build-up of static electric charges.

It is safe to use on a regular basis, unlike ammonia-based formulas, which may cause damage to high-gloss screens by etching the finish. It also does not leave behind streaks, which is something that alcohol-based formulas may do. PixelClean is biodegradable and environmentally safe.

The PixelClean solution comes complete with PixelWipe(TM), a non-scratching cleaning cloth. When used together, PixelClean and PixelWipe efficiently remove fingerprints, grease and smudges from LCD screens.

"ScreenTek is excited to expand our business beyond replacing laptop LCD screens and into improving customer satisfaction with their LCDs with the launch of PixelClean," said Fred Pounds, chief executive officer and chairman of ScreenTek. "We received numerous requests from our replacement screen customers, asking for a quality screen cleaner for their high-gloss LCD screens. Until PixelClean, there was not a screen cleaner on the market designed specifically for these new screens. We are proud to develop a product that is also an excellent cleaning solution for HD and plasma TVs as well as LCD monitors."

PixelClean is available as a 4 oz. spray, which comes with the reusable PixelWipe cleaning cloth, or in individual one-time use "twin packets", which contain a PixelClean pre-saturated disposable wipe and a disposable dry buffing wipe.

The product has begun shipping and can be purchased online on ScreenTek's PixelClean website.

Link: PixelClean

iProtect Micro Screen Protector for PowerBooks and iBooks

PR: MaxUpgrades iProtect Micro Screen Protector provides protection against dust, scratches ,grease and oil that gradually get deposited on the laptop keybaord and plam rest area by every day use. iProtect Micro Screen Savers is made with ultrafine microfibers effectivly protect and removes dust particles, grease and finger prints that gets despoisted on the the laptop, it also provides protection for laptop LCD Screen from keyboard and track pad indentation caused by the keyboard keys touching the display when the laptop is closed.

iProtect Micro Screen Protector prevents the series of faint white lines that correspond to the edges of the keys on the keyboard to appear on the the LCD Screen when the laptop is closed and keyboard key edges come in contact with the display. This oil accumulation can leave permanent marks on the screen.

iProtect Micro Screen Protector have two different surfaces designed to clean and protect laptop LCD screens. The soft vanquished surface (front surface) is designed for fine particle removal and dust cleaning. The rough and interlacing strands of the knitted surface (reverse side) is designed to clean fingerprints, grease and marks.

The iProtect Micro Screen Protector features a fringe wave design that will not scrape the LCD panel compared to the fringe stitch found commonly on most cleaning cloths.

Link: iProtect Micro Screen Protector

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.

The PowerBook Guy

• used 12" Kanga PowerBook G3/250, 96/2/floppy, $229.95
• used 14" PowerBook Wallstreet G3/266, 128/6/CD, $229.95
• used 14" PowerBook Wallstreet G3/292, 128/6/CD, $249.95
• used 14" PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 128/3/CD, $329.95
• used 14" PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/20/DVD, $499.95
• used 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $499.95
• used 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/30/DVD, $549.95
• used 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT, $1,299.95
• used 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT, $1,399.95

• used 12" iBook G3/500, 256/15/CD, $325
• used 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $355
• used 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $395
• extra 512 MB add $89

TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to The 'Book Review readers off any PowerBook or iBook in stock. Just enter the code CWM during checkout when ordering online. The coupon code is valid from now through 2007.12.31.

• used 12" iBook G3/900 256/40/Combo, $549.99
• used 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $699.99
• used 15" PowerBook G4/667 DVI, 256/30/Combo, $719.99

Save big when buying Multi-Packs of TechRestore Restored PowerBooks and iBooks! We've put together special volume discounts on multiple system purchases to save you time and money. Easily setup your school, office, home or other group with systems that include TechRestore's famous customer service, exclusive 6-month warranty and 30-day money back guarantee.

• used 12" iBook G3/800 256/30GB Drive, CD-RW-DVD Optical Drive, 12-inch LCD Screen 3-10 Piece Multi-Pack

Three computers - $1,519.99

• used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 128/40/Combo, Scratch & Dent, $629
• used 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/30/Combo, Scratch & Dent, $649
• used 12" PowerBook G4/867, 128/40/SuperDrive, Scratch & Dent, $679
• used 15" PowerBook G4/550, 512/20/Combo, $649

For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see our best 15" MacBook Pro deals, our best 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.