Faster MacBooks in May?, New EVDO Hardware, Wake Assist Fixes Sleep Problem, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2007.02.09

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.

News & Opinion

• Faster, More Affordable 'Books Coming in May?
• LED Backlight Might Go into MacBooks
• The Great Vista/Mac Showdown: ThinkPad X60 and MacBook Pro
• Sprint Releases First EVDO ExpressCard
• Case-mate Sweetens Valentine's Day

Apple Updates

• Intermittent MacBook Shut Down

Products and Services

• QuickerTek Announces New Quicky, Perfect for TiBook
• D-Link DIR-450 3G Mobile Router for EVDO Networks
• Sony Ericsson PC300 Mobile Broadband HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE

Software

• Wake Assist Fixes the Stuck-until-clicked Wake Problem
• CoolBook Monitors Core Duo CPU

Bargain 'Books

News & Opinion

Faster, More Affordable 'Books Coming in May?

Hardmac's Lionel says:

"After a quiet period, information is starting to seep through on the next evolution of Intel's mobile platform, code-name Santa Rosa.

"The major new feature will be the migration to a 800 MHz bus, up from the current 667 MHz. it will also integrate the Robson technology, allowing some processes to be accelerated with flash memory. Furthermore, GMA 3000 will replace the ageing [sic] GMA 950.

"It will come along with CPUs made for a 800 MHz bus, but with similar frequencies to those currently available.

"The fastest will be the Core 2 Duo T7700 running at 2.4 GHz. However, these CPUs will be more affordable than the current line."

Link: New Apple Notebooks Coming in May?

LED Backlight Might Go into MacBooks

The News & Observer's Anne Krishnan reports:

"New MacBook Pro laptops might use the energy-saving lights that Cree of Durham makes.

"Rumors are swirling among tech aficionados that Cree will light up the next generation of Apple MacBook laptops.

"A relationship with Apple would be a big deal for Cree, giving the Durham company cachet within its industry and opening up a market with huge potential.Updates of the MacBook Pro in the second quarter will use LEDs to create a more vibrant screen - and Cree is expected to be Apple's supplier....

"Cree declined to comment on the rumors, but officials have made it clear that they are interested in laptop displays...."

Link: Cree Lights Might Go into Apple Laptops

The Great Vista/Mac Showdown: ThinkPad X60 and MacBook Pro

ZNet Blogger Mitch Ratcliffe says:

"There is a long process between the decision to buy a computer and actually starting it the first time, before anyone gets the chance to murmer 'Wow' over the technology itself. There is the handing over of the boxed computer to the customer, paying for the system (all the while the customer gazing at it, for this is the first experience of ownership and where the seeds of buyer's remorse can take hold), driving home or back to the office, and then, opening that box. Throughout that time, the packaging is the only message available to reinforce the value of theApple excels at portraying quality in its packaging and the experience of opening a product, an art most PC makers don't understand. purchase and build excitement and enthusiasm in the new owner....

"Steve Jobs, Apple's chief judge of the design of everything that goes out the door, on the other hand, understands the sex. Unwrapping a MacBook Pro is a singular experience in the PC world. From the moment the salesperson hands over the box, one feels the convenience and quality of the product purchased.

"Lenovo's ThinkPad comes in a brown corrugated cardboard box. If you purchase the multimedia base station for the ThinkPad, you get two brown boxes in a larger box that is an armful to carry. The irony here is that the ThinkPad is lighter than the MacBook, but you get several pounds of extraneous packaging with it that makes the ThinkPad appear clunkier when it's not."

Link: The Great Vista/Mac Showdown: Unboxing the ThinkPad X60 and MacBook Pro

Sprint Releases First EVDO ExpressCard

Gearlog reports:

"Owners of MacBook Pro, Dell, HP, and Lenovo laptops with those pesky ExpressCard slots can rejoice: as of next month, Sprint will be selling an EV-DO Rev A ExpressCard to let you get on the fastest wide-area wireless network currently available in the nation. The Novatel Merlin EX720 will sell for $179.99 with a two-year agreement, and yes, it will support both Windows and the Mac OS."

Link: Hey MacBook Pro Users: Sprint Releases First Rev. A ExpressCard

Case-mate Sweetens Valentine's Day

PR: Case-mate's line of stylish products just got a little sweeter! Show that special someone how much you care when you purchase cool accessories to help them protect their iPod or Apple notebook. Buy ANY red or pink Case-mate item now through February 18th and receive an extra 20% off!

Choose from red or pink genuine leather iPod Video or nano cases. Or pick up Case-mate's sleek new Suit for the MacBook and MacBook Pro in Italian Pebbleston leather. We even have cell phone cases for some of the hottest new phone models on the market from Motorola and Sony.

Offer lasts until February 18, 2007.

Link: Case-mate

Apple Updates

Intermittent MacBook Shut Down

An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"If your MacBook shuts down randomly during use, a downloadable firmware update is now available that resolves this issue.

"The MacBook SMC Firmware Update v1.1 improves the MacBook's internal monitoring system and addresses issues with unexpected shutdowns. This update is recommended for all MacBook systems, including those that received warranty repair."

Link: MacBook: Shuts Down Intermittently

Products and Services

QuickerTek Announces New Quicky, Perfect for TiBook

PR: As an introductory offer, QuickerTek and Untangled Life are giving a free Titanium PowerBook Handle with the 500mW Quicky (while supplies lasts).

The new Quicky is a further refinement of an already great product. This powerful USB transceiver maximizes a Titanium PowerBook's wireless connection. The AirPort card found in TiBooks is only 25 milliwatts. The 500mW Quicky increases the signal strength to 500 milliwatts. Quicky also changes the TiBook from 802.11b to 802.11g. Quicky works with all types and clock speeds of TiBooks. This gives the TiBook the wireless speed that Apple left out!

No more taking apart the TiBook for more speed, the Quicky simply clips on the display and plugs into the USB port. This way the 500mW Quicky is easily and fully removable. Quicky is powered either by the USB port and/or the supplied AC adaptor. The AC adaptor is provided to increase battery life on the TiBook. The new Quicky also works with any Mac with a USB port. QuickerTek makes wireless enhancements for other Macs too.

As an introductory offer, QuickerTek and Untangled Life are giving a free Titanium PowerBook Handle with the 500mW Quicky (while supplies lasts). Rand Denny from Untangled Life says, "This is a great deal for TiBook owners to get great wireless and a sweet handle."

Go to QuickerTek or Untangled Life and get the TiBook Special while it lasts!

• QuickerTek
• Untangled Life

D-Link DIR-450 3G Mobile Router for EVDO Networks

PR: The D-Link 3G Mobile Router DIR-450 answers mobile users need for setting up a wireless network on-the-go to share an Internet connection. The 3G Mobile Router DIR-450 enables users to quickly create a secure wireless 802.11g network and provide access to the Internet using a cellular signal*. By connecting an EV-DO Internet PC card to the 3G Mobile Router, an Internet connection can be accessed and shared virtually anywhere within a wireless broadband network.*

* Requires third party mobile Internet access subscription. Check with your service provider for service coverage and applicable fees. D-Link does not guarantee compatibility with all EV-DO wireless networks or third party Internet PC cards.

Product Features:

• Plug in Your EV-DO Internet PC Card to Share Online Access
• Works Virtually Anywhere EV-DO Cellular Service is Available
• Create a Wireless Network - Check E-mail, Go Online, and Share Files

Compatibility

Compatible Service Providers in USA*Compatible Service Providers in Canada*Compatible 1xEV-DO Internet PC Cards*

• ACS Wireless
• Alltel
• Cellular South
• Embarq
• Sprint
• Verizon Wireless
• Bell Mobility
• Manitoba Telecom Services
• SaskTel
• TELUS Mobility
• Kyocera KPC 650
• Novatel V620
• Sprint PCS Connection Card PC-5740

The 3G Mobile Router creates a secure Wi-Fi network by supporting the latest wireless security features to prevent unauthorized access. Support for WEP, WPA, and WPA2 ensure that you will be able to secure your Wi-Fi network, regardless of your client devices. In addition, the 3G Mobile Router utilizes dual active firewalls (SPI and NAT) to prevent potential attacks from across the Internet.

The D-Link 3G Mobile Router sets up in minutes, making it easy to use while on - the-go. Remaining backward compatible with 802.11b devices, this router ensures that it will work with legacy wireless equipment you already own. This eliminates the necessity of incurring additional expenses with upgrading your current wireless equipment. You can also directly connect Ethernet-based devices to its built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 switch.

Set up a wireless network with the D-Link 3G Mobile Router DIR-450 and provide your users with a secure, high-speed connection to the Internet anytime, anywhere*.

Typical Applications

Access Private Networks

With the 3G Mobile Router, government employees or corporate users can create a wireless network and provide colleagues with remote access to their secure private networks. It is ideal for off-site situations, such as crime scenes, where sharing information is critical.

Special Events

Share the Internet while working at special events. Whether you are at an industry convention, off-site meeting, sporting event, or backstage at a concert, the 3G Mobile Router can keep your personnel and guests in touch with the world.

Internet Access for Commuters

By installing the 3G Mobile Router on a bus, train, or even a boat, you can allow passengers to check e-mail or chat online while commuting. Enhance their experience and increase the value of your offered services with the 3G Mobile Router.

Emergency Response

Whether you are providing relief for a natural disaster or coordinating the rescue of a lost hiker, you can quickly set up a wireless network and allow your team members to access e-mail, go online, and share important files.

For the Road

The 3G Mobile Router lets you share a mobile Internet connection with your group when you are on-the-go for work or play. Stay on top of e-mails, chat with friends and family, get directions, read news, download music, or shop online.

Fixed Broadband Solution

The 3G Mobile Router can be used as a fixed broadband Internet solution in homes or offices that do not have a cable or DSL service available, but are within a compatible mobile wireless network. Conversely, if you are already subscribing to a mobile Internet service, you can simply use the 3G Mobile Router in your home instead of paying extra for a wired high-speed Internet connection.

$299.99.

Link: DIR-450 > 3G Mobile Router for EV-DO Networks

Sony Ericsson PC300 Mobile Broadband HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE

PR: Don't lose speed when you leave the office. With support for four wireless technologies - HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS - the PC300 makes sure you always have the fastest connection available.

Enjoy the broadband experience. Wherever you are, whenever you want. The PC300 keeps you connected to clients, colleagues and family - at full speed.

Stay on top of things

Wireless Manager software lets you control connections, data usage, messages and contact details, and can be customized for corporate deployment

Convenient and easy to use

Go online wirelessly, easily. Connect your PC or Apple™ laptop - with hundreds of GSM networks around the globe.

GPRS

GPRS offers fast and effective mobile data transfer. When you use GPRS, you are only charged for data sent and received and not for airtime.

DGE - unbeatable coverage and speed

Covering more geographical territory than any other cellular technology, EDGE offers transfer speeds comparable to those of basic fixed-line services.

Connectivity you can rely on

Sony Ericsson commits to industry standards, regulatory approvals and operator acceptance around the world - so you can rely on superb connectivity.

Small, efficient integrated antenna

Enjoy connection reliability with the PC card's integrated antenna; suitable models can add an external antenna for enhancement in low signal areas.

Globally supported

All Sony Ericsson products are supported with regional customer care centers, offering comprehensive information and support in local languages.

Specifications

• Size: 101 x 54 x 10.5 mm / 3.9 x 2.1 x 0.4 inches
• Weight: 42 gr / 1.5 oz

Networks

• Quad Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• Triple Band 850/1900/2100 HSDPA/UMTS

Features

• Environment: operating -10° to +55° C, storage -20° to +65° C
• Power consumption: < 30mW (inserted), < 150mW (idle), < 2.2W (transfer)
• Multichannel: 3 multiplexed channels (parallel communication paths to card)
• SIM toolkit: Class 2 with Call Control
• Compression: MNP5, V.42bis GSM & TCP/IP Header Compression
• Error correction: End to End MNP2-4, LAPM (V.42), Network supported RLP
• SIM Card: supports 1.8 and 3-Volt SIM cards
• Power class: GMSK-Class 4 (850/900 MHz), Class 1 (1800/1900 MHz), 8 PSK-Class E2
• Power consumption: < 30mW (inserted), < 150mW (idle), < 2.8W (transfer)

Link: Sony Ericsson PC300 Mobile Broadband HSDPA/UMTS/EDGE

Software

Wake Assist Fixes the Stuck-until-clicked Wake Problem

PR: Wake Assist solves a wake-from-sleep problem on some Macs.

Wake Assist automatically clicks the mouse a few seconds after waking from sleep. The mouse click is enough to nudge a stuck Mac to wake up fully.

The mouse click will only happen if the Mac is not being used - we made sure Wake Assist stays out of your way.

How Wake Assist helps

Wake Assist is a small Mac OS X daemon; it sits quietly in the background until your Mac wakes from sleep.

1. A few seconds after your Mac wakes up Wake Assist checks for user activity.
2. If no activity has taken place since waking up, Wake Assist performs a couple of mouse clicks.
3. Finally Wake Assist returns to waiting silently for the next wake from sleep.

Installing Wake Assist

Wake Assist can be installed and removed easily from any Mac running at least Mac OS X 10.4.

To install Wake Assist, open the DssW Wake Assist installer package included in the download.

To remove Wake Assist, open the Remove Wake Assist Terminal command included in the download, then follow the on screen instructions.

Looking for more?

DssW makes a range of energy saving software. We hope Wake Assist helps a small group of Mac users with a specific Energy Saving problem.

Odds are, you do not need Wake Assist, but you might like one of our other offerings.

Wake Assist - A Mac OS X Energy Saving fix

• v1.0 - February 2007;
• Free;

System requirements: Requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later;

System support: Mac Universal

Link: Wake Assist

CoolBook Monitors Core Duo CPU

PR: CoolBook is a program for the MacBook and MacBook Pro computers. It lets you monitor the frequency, voltage and temperature of the notebook.

Registered users can also change the frequency and voltage of the processor.

For test results see <http://www.coolbook.se/testing.html>

New in version 1.3:

• Added support for a missing iMac model.
• Minor fixes.
• Made some changes to the UI.
• Updated documentation.

System requirements: Core Duo MacBook Pro and MacBook.

System support: Intel

$10 shareware

Link: CoolBook

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, iBook, and MacBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.

Apple Store

• refurb 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $799
• refurb 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/SD, $899
• refurb 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $949
• refurb 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 1 GB/80/SD, $999
• refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB 80/SD, $1,099
• refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB 80/SD, $1,299
• refurb 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,349
• refurb 15" 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $1,599
• refurb 15" 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, $2.299
• refurb 17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,999
• refurb 17" 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,299

Baucom Computers

• 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $329
• 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $295
• 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/CD, $219
• 14" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $409
• 15" PowerBook G4/667, 256/30/Combo, $579
• 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/SD, Broken Left Hinge, $679
• Add Airport for $75
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, $1,199 - Add Airport Extreme for $65

ExperCom

• 12" iBook G3/900, 640/60/Combo, AP, $599
• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, AP, $549
• 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/60/SD, $799
• 14" iBook G4/933, 256/60/Combo, AP, $649
• 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 640/60/Combo, $699

TechRestore

TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to '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.

• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $499.99

The PowerBook Guy

• Clamshell iBook G3/300, blueberry, 64/3/CD, $179.95
• Clamshell iBook G3/300, tangerine, 64/3/CD, $199.95
• PowerBook Pismo G3/500, 256/20 (new)/DVD, $399.95
• 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/CD, $239.95
• 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $269.95
• 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $299.95
• 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $379.95
• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, Minor Case Defect - $379.95
• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, $449.95
• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $499.95
• 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $579.95

Wegener Media

• 12" iBook G3/500, 10/128/CD, $199.99
• 12" iBook G3/600, 15/128/CD, $249.99
• 12" iBook G3/700, 20/128/Combo, $329.99
• 12" iBook G3/800, 30/256 /Combo, $399.99
• 12" iBook G3/900, 40/256/Combo, $489.99

Power Max

$50 rebate on Power Max MP3 Sunglasses with the purchase of any new or refurbished Mac

• refurb 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/CD, $599
• refurb 14" iBook G4/1 GHz/256/40/Combo Drive, $879
• refurb 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz/256/60/Combo, APX, $949
• refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz/512/100/SD, APX, $1299

Custom Macs

• Apple Emate 300 PDA - Touch Screen in great working shape - $59.99

Computer Geeks

• 12" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, AP, OS X, $479.99
• 12" iBook G4/1.0 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, OS X, $499.99
• 12" iBook G4 1.0 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, OS X, $529.99
• 12" iBook G4 1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, OS X, $749.99

BetaMacs

• 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, OS X, $209
• 12" iBook G3/500, 128/30/CD, OS X, $279
• 12" iBook G3/600, 128/30/CD, OS X, $329

For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4, iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.

We also track iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.