The 'Book Review

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.

• Sonnet Drops Prices on PowerBook 1400 G3 Upgrades
• iBook 2001 Audio Patch Upgraded to Version 1.02
• Original iBook Batteries End-of-Lifed by Apple?
• MadsonLine MicroAdapters on Sale at PowerBook Zone
• PowerBook Accessories Available from MacImports
• New Cases for New iBook from Br. Bott
• Bargain 'Books

Sonnet Drops Prices on PowerBook 1400 G3 Upgrades

Sonnet Technologies has lowered prices on their Crescendo PowerBook 1400 G3 processor upgrades. The revised prices are:

• Crescendo/PB G3 333/512 $249.95 (was $299.95)
• Crescendo/PB G3 333/1M $269.95 (was $319.95)
• Crescendo/PB G3 400/1M $349.95 (was $399.95)

Sonnet's Crescendo/PB upgrade cards are compatible with the following PowerBook 1400 models: 1400c/117, 1400cs/117, 1400c/133, 1400cs/133, 1400c/166.

iBook 2001 Audio Patch Upgraded to Version 1.02

This simple audio patch for the iBook 2001 (dual USB) is designed to correct an audio problem with this new consumer portable. The problem is this: the iBook 2001 seems to turn off some audio component after 30 seconds of silence and will cut off short audio samples (and delay longer ones) when audio is played after a long silence. This patch will play a low data rate buffer of audio silence every 15 seconds to prevent the audio hardware from turning off. This seems to resolve the problem.

This application will use up some CPU cycles (and will probably shorten battery life a little) in trade for the audio playback fix until Apple releases an official patch. Once this happens, you will no longer need this little application.

New in this version:

• 1.02 fixed an incorrectly set flag that caused the application to not quit when told do so (for example during shutdown and restarts).
• 1.01 fixed a small memory leak which eventually caused out of memory errors. The application would then quit.
• now flashes the Apple menu whenever a silence buffer is played only if the application is in the foreground.

System requirements: 2001 iBook (dual USB)

iBook 2001 Audio Patch is freeware

Original iBook Batteries End-of-Lifed by Apple?

Let me see. The original clamshell iBook design was discontinued just 3-1/2 months ago, and now Apple has end-of-lifed its battery?

That's what's been reported on MacInTouch by several readers.

Not only that, but it is also reported that these batteries are only good for about 300 charge cycles and don't have very good shelf life, which may be Apple's rationale for discontinuing them.

Another reader says he got this notice in an email from Apple products jobber Ingram Micro:

Please note that the following 2 Apple products are now End Of Life (EOL).

• M3912G/A Ink Tank Black Colour StyleWriter
• M7621G/B old iBook Battery

Kinda sucks, doesn't it?

MadsonLine MicroAdapters on Sale at PowerBook Zone

The PowerBook Zone is offering the original MadsonLine MicroAdapter that fits PowerBooks from the PowerBook 1400 to the Pismo with free ground shipping for $79, 10% off the list price.

MadsonLine claims these adapters are "the world's smallest," and they come with a short 18" power plug as well as an extended 6' cord. This unit works with the PowerBook G3 (all of them), iBooks other than the 500 MHz model, PB 3400, 2400, 1400, and the Duo 2300.

The PowerBook Zone also still has some silver-hued MicroAdapters for G4 Titanium and "Dual USB" iBook owners for $86 with free ground shipping. The color matches both the G4 and iBook well, and the right-angle plug is a beautiful machined metal that complements your PowerBook or iBook.

PowerBook Accessories Available from MacImports

From MacImports:

Palm Rest Pads for the PowerBook G4 and G3. Protect your Titanium's finish from scratches or wearing through the paint with these inexpensive pads. The smaller pads that fit the G4 and G3 are available now. The larger pad just for the G4 will be available soon.

"Minus 4 deg C" Cooling Support for the PowerBook G4 and iBook (Dual USB) are available. Made by Power Support, they are made from finned aluminum and raise the rear of your PowerBook 5/8" to get air underneath, conduct heat away and make it easier to type.

2400c RAM Upgrade - 96 MB custom RAM for PowerBook 2400c. Gives your 2400c 112 MB RAM in total. Special order only at $369 plus S&H.

Kamas PowerBook Stands designed specifically for the PowerBook G4 and iBook (Dual USB) from Power Support of Japan. Stylish and adjustable to any angle. The stand holds your PowerBook so the screen is at eye level when using an attached full size keyboard. Getting the PowerBook up off your desk also helps keep it operating cooler. The base is adjustable to any angle and to allow storage of keyboard under the PowerBook. The Kamas is made from heavy duty steel with silver finish and imported from Japan.<

Translucent PowerBook G3 and 2400c Keyboards from Yu-plan. The G3 keyboard is translucent graphite. The 2400c models come in translucent blue and green, the only colors left in stock. Translucent rose, clear and solid gray are no longer available. Easy to install, better touch, better key placement and a caps lock LED light.

New Cases for New iBook from Br. Bott

The IceBook Sleeve is designed to provide the extra protection needed when carrying the iBook in another bag like a backpack. The IceBook Sleeve is also ideal for school mobile computer labs. Use a $19 RubberMaid bin instead of a $2,000 cart!

The extra protection of the IceBook Sleeve makes iBook owners comfortable to live with their iBooks. The grab handle makes it comfortable to carry, and, at about half a pound in weight, it won't slow you down. No more fears of those minor scratches or occasional bangs and bumps!

IceBook Sleeve allows easy charging via the PowerPort built-into the top of each sleeve. The PowerPort allows charging in the sleeve, so you don't need to remove the iBook for charging. With the IceBook Sleeve you don't even need to remove it from your backpack for charging - just open the top of your bag and your have access to the charging port.

The IceBook Sleeve Deluxe has room for your iBook and all its essentials.

Padding surrounds all sides for added protection. Cinchable buckle means that your stuff is secure and it looks great regardless how full you stuff it. Vertical orientation allows the bag to move with you whether using the grab handle or the included shoulder strap. At about 3/4 of a pound, the IceBook Sleeve Deluxe won't slow you down. Magazine pouch on the back give you easy access to a little reading material or your important papers.

Decked out in silver & black the IceBook Sleeve is stylish but doesn't announce to the world that you are carrying a computer.

The IceBookTote has room for your iBook essentials and a few extras. At just over a pound the IceBook Tote won't slow you down. Magazine pouch on the back give you easy access to a little reading material or your important papers.

Morris suspension system cradles your iBook when using the included shoulder strap. The IceBook Tote is designed to offer scratch and bump protection to your iBook while being compact enough to not cramp your style on the run.

Prices

• IceBook Sleeve $34.95
• IceBook Sleeve Deluxe $49.95
• IceBook Tote $64.95
• Sleeve/Tote 3 pack $144.95

For more information, visit Dr. Bott.

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Bargain 'Books

This Week's Best PowerBook Deals

L.A. Computer Center

• PowerBook G4/500 256 MB/20 GB/DVD-ROM, $3,180 (new)
• PowerBook G4/400 128 MB/10 GB/DVD-ROM, $2,285 (new)

MacWorks/MacResQ

• PowerBook G3/266 96/4 GB/20xCD/56k/10BT/14.1" TFT, 1 MB cache, $899.99

Datatech Remarketing

• PowerBook G3/266 64/4 GB/CD/14.1" - $899.00
• PowerBook 1400C/133 16/1 GB/CD - $399.00
• PowerBook 3400C/200 16/2 GB/CD/33.6 - $549.00

Refurbished with a 180 day in-house warranty.

PowerMax

• PowerBook G4/500 128 MB/10 GB/DVD-ROM/56K, $3,199
• Open box PowerBook G3/233 32 MB/2 GB/CD/14.1", $919
• Used PowerBook G3/233 32 MB/2 GB/CD/12.1", $807