The 'Book Review 2001.09.24

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

• Addonics Introduces Pocket DigiDrive
• Laptop Laidback Portable Workstation
• Keyspan Ships Silver USB Hubs for New G4s and PowerBooks
• Dr. Bott T3Hub USB Hub for Mac Portables
• JR Hill & Co Releases Full Size Screen Protector for TiBook
• iClipse and iBook Lap Dog by Tom Bihn
• Filofax Introduces Line of Computer Bags and Briefcases
• Bargain 'Books

Addonics Introduces Pocket DigiDrive

The Addonics Pocket DigiDrive is an ideal device for transferring data to your Mac or PC from a digital camera, digital camcorder, PDA, MP3 players, digital voice recorder, and more. It is a solid state drive without any moving parts and consumes so little power that all you need to operate the device is to plug into a USB port. The small size, light weight, and the USB powered feature make the Pocket DigiDrive a great mobile solution.

Key Features:

• USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 compliant
• Complete Plug and Play
• Reads and writes to seven different popular digital media: CF-I, CF-II, Smart Memory, Memory Stick, Micro Drive, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital Card
• Size small enough to fit in most jacket pocket
• Bus powered, no AC adapter needed
• Unique icon for each media type

Specifications

• Interface: USB
• Maximum read/write speed: 1 MB/sec
• Supports Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Mac OS 8.6 or higher, Linux kernel 2.4 or higher
• Dimension: 4 in (W) x 5.5 in (D) x 1 in (H)
• Warranty: 1 year

Price: $89

Laptop Laidback Portable Workstation

The Laptop Laidback workstation for laptop users is fully adjustable, with solid hardwood and Melamine construction, and foldable for easy storage. Laptop Laidback features include:

• Fits all laptop computers
• Eliminates overheating
• Perfect for computing in bed, sofa and recliners
• Highly adjustable
• Very stable
• Quality components

Laptop Laidback's two T-knobs in combination with specially designed hinge inserts provide angle variation, and it is particularly effective for laptop use while completely reclined. It can enable computing for individuals with certain long term disabilities as well as those recuperating from surgery or undergoing rehabilitation.

The Laptop Laidback also fits most large laptop bags and carry on luggage bags.

The product is manufactured in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada, from a plentiful resource of local hardwood ( maple).

Laptop Laidback sells for: approximately US $89 (depending on exchange rate) - US shipping & taxes included or Can $116.

For more information, email info@laptop-laidback.com or visit Laptop Laidback.

Keyspan Ships Silver USB Hubs for New G4s and PowerBooks

Keyspan has announced it is now shipping silver USB hubs that complement Apple's new "Quicksilver" versions of the G4 Power Macintosh CPUs.

Keyspan responded to Apple's July Macworld Expo introduction of the new Quicksilver G4s by quickly bringing to market silver USB hubs in both desktop and laptop versions. Both hubs offer four USB ports, support dual power modes, and comply with USB 1.1 specifications. The mini hub version of the hub features a low power design that extends the battery life of the laptop.

Available now resellers and from catalogs, the desktop version (UH-4ASL) retails at $39 and the Mini Hub (UHM-4SL) retails at $49.

Dr. Bott T3Hub USB Hub for Mac Portables

T3Hub by Dr. Bott is a new USB hub that picks up the design of the new generation of portables from Apple. Typically T3Hub will be used when the internal USB connections of the computer no longer satisfy the needs of a growing array of USB peripherals.

T3Hub is available in the colors Ice (iBook 2001), Titanium (G4 PowerBook), and also in the already classic translucent Graphite.

T3Hub plugs directly into the USB connector on the computer. An optional USB extension pigtail is provided to reduce strain on the built-in port. Many USB devices receive the power they require to operate from the USB bus. The devices indicate their nominally required power when they are connected to a USB hub or a USB port on the computer.

The special thing about T3Hub is its capability to host two normal low-power USB devices and one high-power USB device - all without requiring a power supply itself.

Pricing

• Ice $33.95
• Titanium $33.95
• Graphite $33.95
• 3Pack $99.95

JR Hill & Co Releases Full Size Screen Protector for TiBook

JR Hill & Co.'s new full size PowerBook G4 Screen Protector now covers the whole area of the keyboard/trackpad button, giving full protection from dirt and oils and scratches getting onto the LCD screen. The Screen Protector measures 12-3/4" x 8-3/8" and, like the company's original Screen Protector, is available in black, burgundy, green, and blue. The Full Size PowerBook G4 Screen Protector retails for $17.49 plus shipping.

iClipse and iBook Lap Dog by Tom Bihn

The iClipse from Tom Bihn is a micro-briefcase designed to be a perfect fit for your new iBook. A smaller version of the G4 Eclipse, the iClipse provides the same protection as the company's popular Lap Dogs.

Cradled in soft foam padding, your iBook hangs suspended in a corrugated plastic insert. The top zips shut with a #9 YKK zipper, and under the buckled flap there is a substantial front pouch for your power supply, cables and/or external drive, etc. Inside the front pouch, an organizer has pockets for your PDA, cell phone & pens, plus a snaphook for your keys. The entire front of the pouch is a zippered pocket. On the back there is a simple, open-top pocket for a file or a magazine. Padded handles and optional shoulder strap.

• Available in Basic Black with either Silver or Sky Blue accent.
• 1000 Denier Cordura®.
• Interior Dimensions: approximately 11-1/2" x 9-1/2" x 1-1/2".
• Exterior Dimensions: approximately 11-3/4" x 11" x 4" (expanded).
• Weight: approximately 1.5 lbs.

Price: $85.

Tom Bihn's new iBook Lap Dog is made for the new, smaller iBook. It has the same excellent protection you've come to expect from Tom Bihn, and closes on the top, like a cereal box, except with Velcro.

The iBook Lap Dog features an open-top, snap closing front pocket of Spandura® stretch Cordura to accommodate your power supply, cables and/or external drive and that's all; webbing handles and optional shoulder strap.

• Available in Basic Black
• 500 Denier Cordura® & Spandura® Stretch Cordura®.
• Interior Dimensions: approximately 11-1/2" x 9-1/2" x 1-1/2".
• Exterior Dimensions: approximately 11-3/4" x 11" x 2-1/4".

Price: $50.

Filofax Introduces Line of Computer Bags and Briefcases

Fusion Executive Computer Case

Contemporary styled bag designed to function as a portable office workstation. Design allows laptop use in situ.

16" wide x 12-3/4" high x 4" deep

Exterior: A flat pocket for quick access conceals a small zippered pocket for keys or change. Interior: Front - Stand up office section plus compartment for laptop. The panel features pockets for 2 pens, 1 mobile phone, 5 credit or business cards, 1 ID window, 1 CD/diskette pocket, and 3 mesh pockets for smaller items. Behind organized panel is a gussetted section for documents. Back - Rear gussetted filing section with flexible central divider and full-width zippered pocket.

The padded main compartment holds laptop securely in place with adjustable Velcro straps, whilst cables can be kept separately in the removable padded cable bag. The profile of the zippered opening eases in situ laptop use. This bag also has a detachable shoulder strap.

Price $200.

Compatible Laptop Holder

Protective laptop bag that doubles as a workstation. This bag is padded to protect your laptop and is designed for use in other Filofax Bags and Briefcases where stated. It is also a stylish bag in its own right.

13-9/16" wide x 11-1/8" high x 2-3/16" deep

Exterior: One handle on the top and one on the side for use in bag where the holder fits portrait or landscape pockets. Interior: Bag holds a laptop and has an organized pane, which has pockets designed to hold 3 pens, 4 CD/diskette pockets and a large full-width pocket for documents. The shaped zippered opening allows bag to be opened partially to get laptop in or out easily, or opened fully to allow use in situ. This bag is compatible with Fusion Courier Bag, Compact Briefcase, Grand Briefcase, Portrait Briefcase, Modern Briefcase, Backpack with wheels, and Weekender.

Price $50.

---

Bargain 'Books

This Week's Best PowerBook Deals

MacSelect

• PowerBook G3/400 Lombard, 64 MB/6 GB/DVD/56K/14.1"/90 day Apple Warranty, Refurb, $1,549
• PowerBook G3/266 WallStreet, 64 MB RAM/4 GB /20x CD/100 MB Zip/56K/14.1", $899

MacResQ/MacWorks

• iBook Blueberry, G3/300, 64/6 GB/24x CD/56k, $789.99

PowerBook Guy

• PowerBook G3/500 Pismo, 128/10 GB/DVD/56k/FireWire/14.1", $1,679.95
• PowerBook G3/400 Pismo, 128/6 GB/DVD/56k/FireWire/14.1", $1,499.95

Power Max

• PowerBook G3/233, 32 MB/2 GB/CD/56K/12.1", $799
• PowerBook G3/292, 96 MB/2 GB/CD/14.1", $1,026
• PowerBook G3/333 Lombard, 64 MB/4 GB/CD/56K/14.1", $1,249