Sonnet Firmware Update Boosts WallStreet to 512 MB, LaCie's 60 GB Pocket Drive, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - February 15, 2002

Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.

• Sonnet Crescendo/WS Firmware Updater 1.1 for WallStreet Upgrade Cards Boosts Supported Memory to 512 MB
• Dr. Bott gHub White 4-port USB Hub
• Stylish Computer Bags from Finland
• LaCie Unveils 60 GB PocketDrive
• Laptop Lockers
• Bargain 'Books

Sonnet Crescendo/WS Firmware Updater 1.1 for WallStreet Upgrade Cards Boosts Supported Memory to 512 MB

This Sonnet firmware update adjusts specific logic memory timing parameters on the Crescendo/WS processor upgrade card. This fixes operational instability of the Crescendo/WS resulting from installation of certain combinations of DIMM (RAM) modules. This software does not alter the Apple firmware on PowerBook G3 Series machines.

This firmware update also boosts the maximum supported memory on the Crescendo/WS from 192 MB to 512 MB, far exceeding Apple Computer's stated maximum capacity for these systems.

After expanding the .hqx file, simply double-click the Crescendo/WS Updater icon to update the firmware on the Crescendo/WS processor card. Upon completion, a dialog box will appear stating that the processor upgrade card was updated successfully; click Restart for the changes to take effect.

System requirements:

• PowerBook G3 Series 233, 250, 266, 292, 300
• Sonnet Crescendo/WS processor upgrade

Required System Software: Mac OS 8.1 through Mac OS 9.x

Supports System Software: Mac OS 8.1 through Mac OS X Version 10.1.2

Dr. Bott gHub White 4-port USB Hub

gHub is the first USB hub to complement the design of recent G4 Power Macs and the iMac Special Edition.

Looking back, both translucent graphite and metallic silver turned out to be the colours that were consistently favored by Apple from the time we first shipped gHub to this very day.

Technically gHub expands a single USB port into 4 equivalent ports that are available for additional USB devices or USB-Hubs. The required USB A-B cable is included in the package.

gHub is what you need once the built-in USB connectors and the free connector on the USB keyboard are filled up and you start tiring of swapping USB components in and out of your configuration.

Devices like USB Floppy Drives, SuperDisks, USB ISDN adapters or USB ZIP drives are another reason to use gHub. These high-power devices require too much current to reliably operate from a keyboard USB-port that is not self-powered.

Connecting the powered gHub to your vacant keyboard USB-port will offer more ports - all of them supporting both high- and low-power USB devices.

The overcurrent protection feature ensures your computer remains unaffected by such a condition on the USB bus. If a fault is detected with any USB device connected to gHub only the affected port will be shut down, allowing trouble-free operation of the rest of the system. This is especially valuable in a setup requiring reliable operation day-in, day-out.

gHub was designed for Power Macintosh G4 and the iMac Special Edition. This does not prevent it from being the ideal USB hub for any computer that offers a USB port and is driven by a USB-capable operating system!

Features

• gHub can be installed without turning your computer off
• gHub is compatible with all USB devices.
• gHub is platform-independent, Mac OS (8.6, 9 and X), Win98/ME, Win2k/XP and Linux are all supported
• gHub's built-in overcurrent protection will power down individual ports with defective devices drawing too much current, leaving other ports fully operational.
• gHub is a piece of art:
  • gHub Silver fits G4 Cube, PowerBook G4 Titanium, the iBook 2001 and the G4 Quicksilver Power Mac desktops.
  • gHub Graphite is an astounding addition beside just about any computer we can picture!

Technical Features:

• compatible with USB 1.1 specs
• Plug-and-Play compatible
• bus error recognition and correction
• 12 and 1,5 Mbps transfer rate available on all 4 connectors.
• Operation is possible with and without power supply. LEDs signal bus-powered or self-powered modes.
• Deactivation of individual ports
  1. Overcurrent protection with limits between 500 mA (min.) / 750 mA (typ.) / 1250 mA (max.), overcurrent shutdown is indicated by LEDs
  2. Automatic shutdown in case of overload or overheating.
  3. "Soft Start" - slow activation to circumvent too high currents when activating capacitive loads.
• 4 USB Type A Ports for USB-devices, active devices indicated via LED.

gHub 4-port USB Hub sells for $44

.

Stylish Computer Bags from Finland

If you like avant-garde European/Scandinavian design, check out these very stylish computer bags from Marimekko of Finland.

The pictures speak for themselves.

There are many models, including tote bags, briefcases, rucksacks, shoulder bags, mobile phone cases, purses and cosmetic bags, mainly made of cotton canvas, nylon and leather. Most of the fabric bags are manufactured at Marimekko's own factory in Finland.

Some have been in production for as long as thirty years.

LaCie Unveils 60 GB PocketDrive

LaCie's 60 GB PocketDrive is the industry's highest-capacity, mobile storage solution.

With the announcement of its new 60 GB PocketDrive, LaCie sets a new milestone for mobile storage - the industry's first portable 60 GB hard disk drive with U&I (both USB 2.0 and FireWire support). LaCie's PocketDrive line now includes U&I dual-support drives with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 GB capacities.

Features:

• FireWire and/or USB 2.0 connectivity for Mac and Windows users
• Ultra-portable, shock-absorbent alternative to carrying a laptop
• Self powered through FireWire for true mobile computing
• DV Ready - transfer rates of up to 35 MB/s
• Hot-pluggable - no rebooting required

Laptop Lockers

Laptop storage for schools made easy. Each user has access to his/her own compartment with easy-to-install, expandable, and configurable modules from American Locker Security Systems.

Laptop Lockers are designed for for securely storing iBooks and appeared at Apple Computer's tradebooth at the Ohio SchoolNet conference that took place Feb. 4-6 in Columbus, OH. American Locker will also be in Apple's booth at MACUL in Grand Rapids, MI (home of Low End Mac) on March 6-8th.

American Locker's secure laptop lockers are available in a number of configurations in a Keyed, Keyless (electronic), or even Padlockable format.

The new LTS-15 product is a 15-door rechargeable product.

Of course, more than just laptops can be secured in these specially designed storage products - handhelds, software, whatever is worth storing.

American Locker also has an arrangement with Safeware Insurance to save schools/school districts 20% on their annual insurance premiums via their products, the only storage products with this classification.

Our product concept is space-saving product design, full accessibility via individual doors (which can be changed to fewer doors as desired), full security via pickproof locks and 16 million distinct key combinations, and full management control (e.g., control keys) inherent in all of American Locker products in addition to recharging support. The products are modular and flexible.

Features:

• Place along or recess into wall(s) and group consoles as desired.
• Administrators can open all locked compartments with management key or user code.
• Full accessibility with individual doors saves time and allows for trouble-free operation.
• Full secure storage with tamper-resistant locks and replaceable cylinders prevents loss and theft.
• Full management control with management keys, codes and audit trails facilitates day-to-day operations.
• Adaptable for any laptop program. Vertical stacking design allows laptops to be stored horizontally, which saves space compared to other storage products.
• Keyless state-of-the-art electronic system. American Locker security products are easy-to-use, tamper resistant and fully accessible for authorized users.

The Compu-Lok was developed in 1986 and has been in use at such places as the Federal Reserve, Apple Computer, Coca Cola, Ford, AT&T, U.S. Army and Air Force, The Library of Congress, and many educational institutions.

For more information, contact:

Jonathan Ruttenberg
Market Development Manager
American Locker Security Systems
614.451.3649
jruttenberg@aol.com

or

American Locker
Security Systems, Inc.
608 Allen Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
Tel: (800) 828-9118
(716) 664-9600
Fax: (716) 664-2949

Bargain 'Books

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.

Micro Center

• iBook 500, free AirPort Card, $999

MacConnection

• iBook 500, 128/10 GB/24x/12.1", new, $999

ExperCom

• PowerBook G4/550, 512/30 GB/Combo, $2,429
• iBook 600, 128/15 GB/DVD/56k, factory refurbished, Apple 1 year warranty, $1,199

Small Dog Electronics

• iBook 500, 128/10/CD-RW, refurbished, $1,199
• iBook 500, 128/10/DVD, refurbished, $1,049
• iBook 500, 128/10 GB/Combo, refurbished, $1,239
• iBook 500, 128/15 GB/CD-ROM, refurbished, $1,149

PowerMax

• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32/2 GB/CD/12", $649
• PowerBook G3/233 WallStreet, 32/2 GB/CD/14.1", $749
• PowerBook G3/333 Lombard, 512/4 GB/CD/56k/14.1", $1,039
• PowerBook G3/400 Pismo, 64/6 GB/DVD/56k/14.1", $1,269

The PowerBook Guy

• PowerBook G3/400 Pismo, 128/6 GB/DVD/56k/FireWire/14.1", $1,249.95