The 'Book Review 2001.11.19

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.

• Sonnet Crescendo 500 MHz Upgrade for WallStreet
• T3Hub Ultraportable USB-Hub from Dr. Bott
• MadsonLine MicroAdapter + FireWire Enclosure Bundle From PBZone
• JamBags MacCase for iBook
• Willow 'Away iBook Slipcase
• JamBags MacPack for iBook and PowerBook
• Keyspan Offers Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Upgrade Card for Laptops
• Full Grain Leather iPod Sleeve from J.R. Hill
• Bargain 'Books

Sonnet Crescendo 500 MHz Upgrade for WallStreet

The Sonnet Crescendo/WS G3 can transform your Macintosh PowerBook G3 WallStreet computer into one of the fastest portable Macs available. Employing a powerful 500 MHz G3 processor with a 1 MB Level 2 backside cache, you'll experience a performance boost of up to 2x over the original system.

The Crescendo/WS is compatible with your existing hardware, software, RAM, and peripherals. The Crescendo/WS integrates with your system software, supporting Mac OS 8.1 and higher, including OS X.

The Crescendo/WS is easy to install with step-by-step, illustrated instructions. Launch the included Sonnet application to take advantage of the original system software. Shut down and open the system, remove the original processor, move the RAM to the Crescendo/WS, then simply pop the Crescendo/WS into place. Restart the system and you're up and running.

Supported PowerBooks:

• Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series 233, no cache
• Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series 233, w/cache
• Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series 250
• Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series 266
• Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series 292
• Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series 300

3 year warranty

Crescendo/WS sells for $379 and is available from Small Dog Electronics.

I've put a special emphasis on used and refurbished WallStreet PowerBooks in this week's Bargain 'Books section below. Buy a used WallStreet 233 for $750; add the Sonnet upgrade for $379, and you have a machine that's as fast or faster than a 500 MHz iBook for $1,129.

My pick for the ideal WallStreet to upgrade would be a 233 MHz unit with a 14.1" screen - although units with 13.3" screens that are still working probably have had the 13.3" screen's cable attachment problems dealt with by now.

T3Hub Ultraportable USB-Hub from Dr. Bott

T3Hub is the first USB hub to pick 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 classical translucent Graphite.

T3Hub is equally useful when it comes to quick expansion of the number of USB ports on a desktop computer as it is on a notebook.

In either setup T3Hub will expand a single USB port on the computer into 3 USB ports.

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.

• T3Hub -Ice $33.95
• T3Hub -Titanium $33.95
• T3Hub -Graphite $33.95
• T3Hub -3 Pack $99.95

MadsonLine MicroAdapter + FireWire Enclosure Bundle From PBZone

This bundle packages the black or silver MadsonLine MicroAdapter power supply and the FW-2500WB 2.5" FireWire hard drive enclosure for $190, a savings of $15 over the price of the individual items.

Black adapter for pre 2001 models plus FireWire enclosure: Silver adapter for G4/Dual USB iBook plus FireWire enclosure:

Free UPS Ground shipping.

For more information, visit The PowerBook Zone.

JamBags MacCase for iBook

JamBags MacCase for iBook features:

• Fully padded top, side, and rear panels protect computer and contents. "Cornerless" design helps dissipate energy from impact over the broadest possible area, protecting the computer better than boxy, traditional cases.
• Unique window allows Apple's logo to become part of the exterior design. All MacCases ship with a "window shade" to conceal logo or can be worn backside out for security.
• Charming, bicycle-inspired, foam grip handle offers outstanding comfort and is real fun to use.
• Available in all iBook flavors.
• Interior surfaces are covered in soft-touch velvet fabric.
• Interior pockets for yo-yo power cord, discs, drives, and batteries. Rear exterior pocket for files, magazines, cell phone, PDA and other personal stuff.
• Super tough, hard rubber bottom panel protects and increases durability.
• Removable shoulder strap with custom pad.
• Top of the line YKK zippers.
• Size: 12" x 15" x 3.5"

Free ground shipping until the end of the year. Canadian customers can order directly from MacWarehouse Canada.

MacCase for iBook sells for US $22.50.

Willow 'Away iBook Slipcase

The Willow 'Away iBook slipcase offers a minimalist approach to protecting your iBook. It is lightweight and compact, yet protective. The simple effective design offers excellent protection for your iBook whether you want to carry the slipcase on its own, in a pack or tucked into a briefcase.

'Away iBook Slipcase Features:

• excellent protection for your iBook afforded by 1.2cm (0.5") soft "gushy" foam reinforced by corrugated plastic on the top and bottom plus all sides.
• a clean, very lightweight, and compact size.
• great carrying comfort insured by an removable foam padded wrap handle with extra strength ensured by web handles being riveted through high density polyethylene backing .
• standard wide, contoured, padded shoulder strap with a special sticky bottom to keep it on your shoulder.
• nylon web handle, quadruple reinforced with rivets, to insure the safety of your laptop.
• outer front organizer panel with pockets for business cards, pens, elasticized pocket for the Apple power supply plus room for the power cord and an ethernet cable.
• flat external rear pocket especially handy for maps, magazines or newspapers.
• lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or craftsmanship.

Available Colours: Black Charcoal Navy Teal Purple

Price: $ 90.00 Cdn./$ 60.00 U.S.

JamBags MacPack for iBook and PowerBook

The new MacPack for the PowerBook G4 is the world's first modular computer backpack. It has been called "the most advanced computer case on the market," allowing you to configure it to exactly fit your needs. Divided into three modules, the MacPack offers unparalleled freedom and protection.

Features:

• World's first Modular Computer Convertible Backpack - can be used as a backpack, shoulder bag and/or handheld modes.
• Interconnectible modules allow you to add or subtract modules as you need them.
• All modules feature "full structure" construction and are fully padded for 360 degree protection.
• Module 1 holds the G4 in a fully padded sleeve.
• Module 2 can hold other hardware like small printers, storage devices, etc. and has pockets for media, software, MP3 player, etc.
• Module 3 can be used for additional computer hardware or for personal items.
• Custom designed to perfectly fit the new Titanium PowerBook G4, or the new iBook
• Proprietary, custom designed, waterproof Titanium nylon jacquard fabric.
• Titanium-look hardware.
• Exterior cell phone pocket.
• Heavy textured, rubber bottom panels to provide double protection to fabric
• Top of the line YKK zippers.
• Bicycle inspired foam grip handles.
• Fully adjustable, padded, shoulder strap and backpack straps.

Modular MacPack: $139.95

Keyspan Offers Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Upgrade Card for Laptops

Keyspan has announced its Keyspan Hi-Speed USB 2.0 CardBus Card at COMDEX. This card enables any laptop with a CardBus slot to connect to USB 1.1 and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 devices.

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 operates at speeds up to 480 Mbps - forty times faster than previous USB technology. A new generation of lightning-fast Hi-Speed USB 2.0 devices are now being released. These devices include hard drives, CD-RW drives, scanners, and printers.

The Keyspan Hi-Speed USB 2.0 CardBus Card ships with a small power adapter. Use of the power adapter is optional and guarantees that a full 500mA of power is delivered when both ports on the card are in use. Cards that draw power solely from the CardBus slot are not able to supply 500mA via its ports as provided for in the USB specification.

This CardBus card is the second Hi-Speed USB 2.0 upgrade card available from Keyspan. In May of this year Keyspan released a five port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 PCI Card.

The Keyspan Hi-Speed USB 2.0 CardBus card ships on November 27 at an MSRP of $99. Resellers may order this SKU now at Ingram Micro, Tech Data, and other Keyspan distributors.

Full Grain Leather iPod Sleeve from J.R. Hill

J.R. Hill and Company are in the process of designing and producing two full grain leather carrying cases for the new Apple iPod.

The first version, the iPod Sleeve (CA10) will function as a simple carrying case with belt clip. There will also be a small opening on the top for access to the headphone jack.

The second version, the iPod Sleeve Deluxe (CA11) will function much the same way cell phone cases do. It will have a clear plastic area for the display and a round, open area beneath to access the special jog dial to control the iPod. It will also feature a hole on the top to access the headphone jack and a belt clip.

J.R. Hill will be selling the iPod Sleeves no later then Thanksgiving.

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Bargain 'Books

Small Dog Electronics

• iBook G3/300, 32/3 GB/CD/56K, $849
• PowerBook G3/300 WallStreet, 64/8 GB/DVD/56K/14.1", No DVD Decoder card, $1,099
• PowerBook G3/300 WallStreet, 64/8 GB/DVD/56K/14.1", $1,199
• PowerBook G3 WallStreet, 466 MHz (upgrade card), 128/8 GB/CD/56K/14.1"/floppy Wallstreet, $1,099

MacResQ

• PowerBook G3/266 WallStreet, 96/4 GB/20xCD/56k/10Base-T/ 14.1" TFT, 1 MB Cache, $899.99

Power Max

• PowerBook 3400c/200, 16 MB/2 GB/CD, $599
• PowerBook 1400c (G3/333/FD Upgrade), 32 MB/1 GB/CD w/added Newer Tech 16bit video card, $699
• iBook SE, 366 MHz, 64 MB/6 GB/CD/Eth/56K Factory Refurbished, $969
• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32 MB/2 GB/CD/56K/14.1", no power adapter or battery, $699 (possible good fixer upper for someone with a small-screen or broken WallStreet with a good battery and power supply).
• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32 MB/2 GB/CD/FD/12.1", $699
• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 64 MB/2 GB/CD/FD/0 56k/12.1", $719
• PowerBook G3/250 WallStreet, 32 Mb/4 GB/CD/56K 13.3", $749
• PowerBook G3/250 WallStreet, 32 Mb/4 GB/CD/56K 13.3", $769
• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32 MB/2 GB/CD/56K 13.3", $788
• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32 MB/2 GB/CD/14.1", $788
• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32 Mb RAM/2 GB HD/CD/56K/14.1", $869
• PowerBook G3/300 WallStreet, 32 Mb/4 GB/CD/56K 13.3" - $999

MacSelect

• PowerBook G3/300 WallStreet, 128 MB RAM/8 GB/DVD/100 MB Zip/56K, 14.1", refurbished, $999
• PowerBook G3/266 WallStreet , 64 MB RAM/4 GB/20xCD/100 MB Zip/56K,14.1", refurbished, $849

GlobalDeals

• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32/2 GB/CD/12.1", $750