LA Computer Company: Specials on AppleCare, iMac's, Apple Batteries and Apple A/C Adapters. Also Great prices on Used Apple Computers. Call 1-800-941-7654 Click Here.
'Book users are often confused as to what sort of hard drive
upgrade will work with their machine. Essentially, any IDE/ATA 2.5"
hard drive (the same sort of drives PC laptops use) will work with
the PowerBook 5300/190 and later, provided it will physically fit in
the PowerBook or iBook (there are also some bracketing issues with
5300/190s and 1400s, and certain compatibility issues with 3400s -
check with the supplier)
Most laptop hard drives now available are either 12.5 mm or 9.5 mm
thick, which is the limiting dimension.
Both 12.5 mm "Slim" and 9.5 mm "Superslim" 2.5" ATA/IDE drives
will work with:
Some readers may be surprised to learn that Apple doesn't
manufacture PowerBooks itself, but rather subcontracts the work to
Taiwanese laptop specialist, Quanta, which also was responsible for
about one third of the engineering of the Titanium PowerBook.
The Register's Robert Blincoe has posted an interesting profile
of Quanta.
SuSE Linux 7.3 for PPC Released
If you are intrigued by the prospect of running Linux on your
PowerBook or iBook, SuSE Linux has just released SuSE
Linux 7.3 PowerPC Edition! The latest SuSE edition is the
most comprehensive Linux version for Motorola PowerPC processors on
the market today. SuSE
Linux 7.3 PowerPC Edition comes on 8 CDs with the latest Linux
operating system and more than 2,000 applications tuned to the needs
of PowerPC users. The latter include image processing programs,
desktop applications and emulators, as well as an extensive range of
window managers, network tools, and editors.
The improved KDE 2.2.1 desktop sets high standards with respect to
user-friendliness and functionality. XFree86 4.1 and SaX2, the
expanded graphical configuration tool which ensures a simple and
secure setup of supported graphics cards, complement this Linux
package.
The virtual machine MOL (Mac on Linux) has also been improved.
Using it you may start a network-capable MacOS in Linux in window or
full-screen mode.
The sound system ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) for
PowerMacs among other functionalities enables you to integrate up to
8 sound cards at the same time.
Even newcomers should encounter no difficulties whatsoever, thanks
to SuSE's proven administration and configuration tool YaST2. The
automatic hardware detection and a selection of preinstalled
configurations render the setup if not "mere child's play," as SuSE
intimates - it is at least doable for non Linux veterans. welcome to
access our comprehensive support database at any time.
With the brand new Kernel 2.4.12, SuSE Linux 7.3 PowerPC Editions
features greatly enhanced USB support as well as the possibility to
use up to 3 GB RAM.
SuSE Linux 7.3 PowerPC Edition can be obtained directly from SuSE,
bookstores, or software retailers. The recommended retail price for
the package is US $79.95.
Westcoast Large Display Laptop & Printer
Case
Willow Design's
Westcoast Large Display Case was specifically designed for the
WallStreet G3 PowerBook. It
offers
excellent protection for your laptop and accessories plus room for
some paperwork in a reasonably compact package. For the thinner
Lombard and Pismo PowerBooks, there is extra room available for
paperwork.
The Large Display Laptop & Printer case can accommodate large
monitor laptops plus your adapters, cables, etc. Ample protection is
provided by adjustable, rigid dividers separating each compartment
with extra room available for paper in the outer padded pocket.
Westcoast Large Display features:
Superb protection insured by 1.2 cm foam throughout reinforced
with corrugated plastic, high density polyethylene and hardboard
on the bottom of the case
Excellent comfort insured by a thick, reinforced padded
handle, wide contoured shoulder strap
A convenient upper level compartment for the laptop secured by
a 50mm Velcroed elastic strap
Lower level accessory compartment for extra drives, CD-ROMs,
etc. separated by two movable dividers
Front to back accessory compartment for thicker
accessories
A disc and mesh pockets in lid of computer compartment
Organizer pocket on front of case with room for extra
paperwork
A organizer panel in the padded pocket plus a flat front
zippered pocket on outer panel
A convenient flat pocket on the back suitable for maps,
magazines, or newspapers
Available Colours: Black; Charcoal; Navy; Teal; Purple
MCE's CD-RW/DVD Drive for PowerBook G3 Review
Posted
MacCentral's Peter Cohen has posted a
hands-on review of the MCE Xcaret expansion bay combo drive,
which is available for Pismos, Lombards, and WallStreets
Peter generally liked the Xcaret drive, and summarizes: "MCE's
solution provides tremendous utility for users who are hoping to
maximize an existing investment in PowerBook hardware."
Dr. Bott's Auto Charger for iPod
Dr. Bott's Auto
Charger for iPod provides the power to charge and operate the iPod
through the 12V
adapter in your car.
Auto Charger for iPod connects to the standard 12 Volt DC
cigarette lighter found in most any car and provides power through
the FireWire port of the iPod™ just like the included AC
charger.
Features:
Works with any 12V auto cigarette lighter.
Auto Charger for iPod lets you drive with music and arrive
with iPod fully charged.
LED indicates power status.
Includes replaceable fuse to protect iPod (twist tip of plug
to access fuse).
Provides 12 W max.
Pre-orders are currently being accepted, Dr. Bott's Auto Charger
for iPod is scheduled to ship in Mid-December (in time for Christmas)
at $24.95.
Dr. Bott's iPod Connection Kit
Dr. Bott's iPod
Connection Kit includes everything you might need to bring your music
anywhere you might want
it. iPod Connection Kit provides most every option for connecting to
iPod's 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack to automobile stereo systems,
home stereo systems, mic input of computers and other devices, boom
boxes, and clock radios.
Dr. Bott's iPod Connection Kit includes:
Auto Charger for iPod
FM Stereo Transmitter
Mini Stereo Extension Cable (male/female)
Mini Stereo to RCA Cable
Mini Stereo Connection Cable (male/male)
iPod Carry Pouch
Availability: Dr. Bott's iPod Connection Kit will be shipping in
late December and can be pre-ordered now. The price will be
$49.95
iBook G3/500, 256/10
GB/CD-RW/56K modem/Small Dog Refurbished with a 90 Day Small Dog
Warranty, $1,299
These machines were used at a computer camp and have the balance
of Apple's factory warranty. Small Dog will guarantee at least 90
days. Not the deal of the century, considering that a new iBook with
a 15 MB hard drive and 128 MB of RAM lists for the same price, but
the RAM upgrade and CD-RW are the purported advantages.
MEGAMacs has a whole gaggle of used PowerBooks listed. Those 190s
can get you into a reasonably powerful workaday 'Book awfully cheap,
and the 3400c prices also are especially tempting. Best I've seen to
date.
Mac of the Day: 17" iMac G4/800 MHz, July 2002 - The iMac 'grows up' with a 17" 1440 x 900 display.
Group of the Day: MichiMac is our list for Mac users in Michigan.
December 3 in LEM history: 01: The future of low-end Macs - Internet charges and Low End Mac - 02: A smooth switch with Move2Mac - 04: Upgrading from Mac OS 9 to 10.3 - PC malware: The best reasons to use a Mac - No sympathy for bashing Macs in schools - 'Book fragility - 07: Switching to Mac tripled my productivity - Leopard on a G3 iMac (with a G4 upgrade)
Recent Content on Low End Mac
OS X More Efficient than Linux, Snow Leopard and PowerPC Macs, and Eudora Woes, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 12.03.
A user reports both Panther and Leopard run more smoothly and use memory more efficiently than Linux. Also thoughts on PowerPC abandonment in Snow Leopard and replacing Eudora in Leopard.
The Leopard Experience at 867 MHz, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 12.02.
Mac OS X 10.5 requires an 867 MHz G4 with 512 MB of memory, but is performance really acceptable on a minimum spec system?
A Used 17" PowerBook as a Budget Notebook Alternative, Charles W. Moore, 'Book Value, 12.02.
Sure, you can buy a refurbished 13.3" MacBook for under $900, but you could also have an expansive, feature laden 17" PowerBook in the same price range.
The Very Best Macs: Sometimes Apple Just Nails It, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 12.01.
Apple has produced lots of good Macs, a few dogs, and some 'best of breed' models that stand apart from the pack.
Apple Could Buy Dell, and Linux Is No Threat to Mac OS X, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 12.01.
Apple has the cash to buy Dell outright, and the idea has some merit. Also, why Linux still isn't ready to displace the Mac OS.
Best Intel iMac Deals, 12.03.
Used 17" 1.83 GHz, $550; 20" 2.0, $650; refurb 20" 2.4, $999; 2.66, $1,299; 24" 2.8, $1,549; 3.06, $1,899; rebates and free shipping on new.
Best Mac OS X 10.4 'Tiger' Deals, 12.02.
DVD upgrade from 10.3, $75; full version, $129; family pack, $200; 10-user Server, $350; unlimited users, $400.
Best Mac Pro Deals, 12.01.
Used 3.0 GHz 4-core, $2,102; new 2.66 GHz 4-core, $1,949 after rebate; 2.8 4-core, $2,099 a/r; 8-core, $2,515 a/r; 3.0 $3,320 a/r; 3.2, $4,099 a/r.
LA Computer Company: Specials on AppleCare, iMac's, Apple Batteries and Apple A/C Adapters. Also Great prices on Used Apple Computers. Call 1-800-941-7654 Click Here.
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SuSE
Linux 7.3 PowerPC Edition comes on 8 CDs with the latest Linux
operating system and more than 2,000 applications tuned to the needs
of PowerPC users. The latter include image processing programs,
desktop applications and emulators, as well as an extensive range of
window managers, network tools, and editors.
offers
excellent protection for your laptop and accessories plus room for
some paperwork in a reasonably compact package. For the thinner
Lombard and Pismo PowerBooks, there is extra room available for
paperwork.
12V
adapter in your car.
want
it. iPod Connection Kit provides most every option for connecting to
iPod's 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack to automobile stereo systems,
home stereo systems, mic input of computers and other devices, boom
boxes, and clock radios.
Brief
