Intrigo Lapstation, Easy-Plug Easy-Go Notebook Drives, New Notebook Cases, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight

Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.

• CMS Reduces Prices on Automatic Backup Solutions and Notebook Hard Drive Upgrades
• Willow iPod BiFold Case
• Tom Bihn Announces Empire Builder Briefcase
• Intrigo Lapstation Series
• Shaun Jackson Design Introduces New LapTrap
• Bargain 'Books

CMS Reduces Prices on Automatic Backup Solutions and Notebook Hard Drive Upgrades

CMS Peripherals has announced a price reduction affecting their entire line of notebook and desktop Automatic Backup System Plus (ABSplus) solutions, as well as the Easy-Plug Easy-Go (EPEG) line of notebook hard drive upgrades. With ABSplus prices starting as low as $299 for 20 GB and EPEG prices reduced by as much as 34 percent, CMS makes "ease-of-use" even easier to own.

Using an industry standard, fully bootable and removable hard drive, the ABSplus offers unmatched data security enabling failed hard drives to be quickly and easily replaced with the ABSplus hard drive. In minutes, users can reboot their system to find all of the applications, configurations and data intact as stored to the ABSplus during the last backup.

Providing hands free, automatic backup and external storage in capacities ranging from 20 GB to 120 GB, CMS offers the new bootable feature in a choice of USB 2.0 connectivity - or FireWire. Both interfaces offer users hot-swap capability and fast, easy data sharing between multiple USB 2.0 or FireWire enabled notebook and desktop systems.

Beyond providing one of the world's easiest hard drive upgrades for notebook computers, the EPEG product line provides data storage which can be stored off-site if necessary for additional data security. Compatible with more than 700 models of portable notebook computers, CMS' EPEG product line even supports mixed partitions for dual and multiple boot operating systems providing added convenience as well as broad application and environment compliance.

Effective immediately, the pocket-sized Notebook ABSplus is available in capacities of 20 GB, 30 GB, 40 GB, and 60 GB, and the ABSplus for desktops in capacities of 20 GB, 40 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB, 100 GB, and 120 GB have been reduced from a starting price of $349 to as little as $299. The EPEG line of notebook hard drive upgrades in capacities of 10 GB, 20 GB, 30 GB, 40 GB, and 60 GB have been reduced from starting prices as low as $229 down to just $180.

Willow iPod BiFold Case

The iPod BiFold has been designed to protect your iPod from bumps and scratches while still allowing easy access for use. The case features a convenient, removable earplug pouch as well as standard waist belt clip.

iPod BiFold Features:

• great protection afforded by foam laminated fabric and reinforced flap that covers the front.
• flat profile (with the waistbelt clip removed) to allow the case to easily fit into pockets.
• pause switch and FireWire port access provided by the snapped top flap.
• detachable earpiece pouch which can be secured to the bottom of the BiFold for commuting storage.
• hook and loop fastener attachment of the earplug pouch to the main case to allow removal when it's not needed.
• handy business card pocket on inner flap wall.
• optional convenient power supply case available as system accessory.
• optional arm band holder for running or workout usage./font>
• lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or craftsmanship.

Available Colours: Black, Charcoal, Navy, Teal, Royal, Mauve, Red, Silver, Burgundy, Grape, and Taupe

Pricing: $ 46 Cdn/$ 30 U.S.

Tom Bihn Announces Empire Builder Briefcase

The Empire Builder is the result of three years of product development and 30 years of bag-building experience. It is uniquely styled, superbly functional, and built to endure years of abuse.

The asymmetrical front flap closes with a sturdy 2" side-release buckle and has three pockets: a horizontal zippered pocket to fit CDs or a CD player; a vertical zippered pocket to provide quick access to a cellphone; and a diagonal, open-top pocket for plane ticket, etc. Under the front flap, a large pouch has further 3-D pockets for PDA, cell phone, and pens, plus a snaphook for keys. The main compartment unzips low on the sides, exposing a "bellows" that allows access to the depths of the bag; the zipper on this compartment has lockable sliders.

The front, back, bottom, and sides are padded and stiffened by 1/4" (6 mm) closed-cell foam to protect contents and maintain sharp looks. Inside the main compartment, the Empire Builder comes with three hard plastic file dividers that make organizing your papers a snap & keeps those important files from getting damaged. The dividers stay put inside the bag, but are easily removed if you don't want them, or you can order extras for even greater organization. Also in the main compartment, you will find snaps for the optional Brain Cell (formerly the Lap Dog), so you can turn the Empire Builder into a sophisticated and highly protective laptop briefcase.

The handles are constructed of nylon webbing rolled around high-quality foam; they lay naturally together at the top of the bag, so there's no fishing around for your grip. Of course, you can always add a shoulder strap when the load gets too heavy.

Available in Black with Silver lined with Red, or Black with Black lined with Black.

• An open-top back pocket for your favorite daily or zine
• #9 & #10 YKK Coil Zippers; genuine Ballistic and 500 denier Cordura

Empire Builder sells for $130.

The Brain Cell (formerly the Lap Dog) takes laptop protection a step further. Cradled in soft foam padding, your laptop hangs suspended in a corrugated plastic insert. This offers significantly more protection than many other laptop bags in the event that you drop your brain. It closes on the top, like a cereal box, except with Velcro®, and snaps into either the Big Deal!, the Empire Builder, or the Brain Bag, turning them into great computer cases.

For use on it's own, the Brain Cell features an open-top, snap closing front pocket of Spandura stretch Cordura to accommodate your power supply, cables and/or external drive; webbing handles and optional shoulder strap.

Available in Basic Black

• 500 Denier Cordura & Spandura Stretch Cordura.
• Size 3 (formerly the 2001 Lap Dog) has interior dimensions of approximately 13" x 10.75" x 2.5" / 330 x 275 x 65 mm
• Size 4 (formerly the G4 Lap Dog) has interior dimensions of approximately 13.5" x 10" x 1.25" / 330 x 255 x 30 mm
• Size 5 (formerly the iBook Lap Dog) has interior dimensions of approximately 11.5" x 9.5" x 1.5" / 290 x 240 x 40 mm

Brain Cell sells for $50.

Intrigo Lapstation Series

The Intrigo Lapstation B2 is a portable, folding laptop table that is both convenient and comfortable. The Lapstation B2 is a flat-type table that provides almost enough desk real estate for two TiBooks. The table is made of translucent high-impact polycarbonate which comes in either Smoke, Aqua, or Vapor. The gel wrist pads on the B2 model make working on your portable computer for an extended period of time much more comfortable.

Angled desk tables tend to be more comfortable for using your PowerBook in a horizontal (i.e. lying down) position while flat tables (like the Lapstation series) are more convenient for using a laptop while sitting up (with pillows behind you) or when sitting on a couch. The Lapstation B2 includes two cool zippered pockets on each side of the unit allowing a good amount of storage for cables, chargers or accessories. The Lapstation B2 costs US$100 and is available from the Intrigo store.

• Lightweight High-impact Polystyrene Structure
• Medium Density Neoprene Wrist Pads
• Dual Suspended Mesh Pouches
• Translucent High-impact Polycarbonate Structure
• Ultra Soft Gel Filled Pads
• Premium Quality Dual Suspended Mesh Pouches
• Durable Titanium-finish High- impact PC/ABS Alloy Structure
• Ultra Soft Gel Filled Wrist Pads
• Premium Quality Dual Suspended Mesh Pouches
• free Neoprene Bag

Shaun Jackson Design Introduces New LapTrap

The LapTrap is a unique padded sleeve for your computer that unfolds in seconds for use on your lap or desk. Compact enough to be stored in your current briefcase or backpack. The new configuration of this case also provides quick and easy access to the computer when traveling through security at airports.

The LapTrap is a solution for users who want the protection of a compact, dedicated Laptop case with the added functionality of a portable office, but do not want to give up their current briefcase, bag or backpack.

Two versions will be available. A rugged Cordura nylon for the adventurous, and a leather for the urban warrior. The nylon will be available first ($59.95 plus shipping) with the leather soon to follow (leather estimated cost $199.95).

1000 denier urethane coated Cordura

• 1000 lb test military spec webbing
• non-slip gripdeck which also provides a thermal barrier between the laptop and user
• shock absorbing EVA foam
• molded rubber handle
• military spec hardware
• all seams are edge bound
• all stress points are reinforced for increased strength
• will accommodate most large screen computers
• 2.5 lbs

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.

MacResQ

• PowerBook G3/300 WallStreet, 64/8 GB/DVD/56k/14.1" w/DVD Decoder Card, $899.99

Baucom Computers

• iBook 500, 64/10 GB/CD/56K/USB/FireWire), 12", (like new, 11-mo. warranty), $909
• PowerBook G3/400 Lombard, 192/6 GB/DVD/56K/USB, 14.1", $797 (add Zip module for $44)
• PowerBook G3/333 Lombard, 128/4 GB/CD/56K/USB, 14.1", $635 (add Zip module for $44)
• PowerBook 5300c/100, 24/750 MB/10", floppy, $135

Note: On the Baucom Web page it indicates that the 500 MHz iBook and Lombard PowerBook have a "fast 100 MHz bus." This is incorrect: Both have a 66 MHz bus.

PowerBook Guy

• PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD/56k/FireWire/15.2", $1,679.95
• PowerBook G3/400 Pismo, 128/6 GB/DVD/56k/FireWire/14.1", $1,129.95

MicroCenter

• PowerBook G4/550, 256/20 GB/Combo/56K/Ethernet/15.2", $2,199
• iBook 500, 128/10/CD/56K, $999
• PowerBook G4/667, 256/30 GB/DVD/56K/Ethernet/15.2", $2,399
• PowerBook G4/667, 256/30 GB/Combo/56K/Ethernet/15.2", $2,499

PowerMax

• PowerBook Kanga G3/250, 160/5 GB/CD/56k/12.1", $599
• PowerBook Wallstreet G3/233, 32/2 GB/CD/56k/14.1", $699
• PowerBook Wallstreet G3/266, 128/4 GB/CD/56k/floppy/14.1", $749
• PowerBook Wallstreet G3/300, 192/8 GB/CD/56k/FD/14.1", $777
• PowerBook Lombard G3/333, 128 MB RAM, 4 GB HD, CD, 56k, 14.1", $849
• PowerBook Lombard G3/400 64 MB RAM/6 GB HD/CD/56k/14.1", $909

Recent 'Book Reviews

• MacBook Slowdown without Battery, DisplayLink and DRM, 256 GB SSD, MagSafe Solutions, and More, 11.26. Also Mac netbook prospects, laptop cooling table with 2 fans, solar notebook bag, hard shell cases for unibody 'Books, bargain 'Books from $500 to $2,299, and more.
• DisplayPort Copy Protection, Trackpad Update, Netbooks Not to Be Taken Lightly, and More, 11.21. Also Apple set for record sales, 4-finger gestures on original MacBook Air, MacBook Apple's best consumer notebook to date, Cricket laptop stand, bargain 'Books from $490 to $2,299, and more.
• OS X Netbook Not from Apple, One-Third of Notebook Buyers Leaning to Apple, Spaces Made for 'Books, and More, 11.14. Also Apple's 'special deals', good-bye to a faithful TiBook, bent Unibody MacBook Pro, 10 hour battery for MacBook Pro, 6 GB RAM benchmarks, bargain 'Books from $480 to $2,399, and more.
• Recent MacBooks Support 6 GB of RAM, USB 2.0 Faster in Unibody 'Books, Graphics Shootouts, and More, 11.07. Also FireWire-to-USB, workaround for glossy screens, 3G MacBooks planned, checkpoint-friendly bags for new MacBooks, bargain 'Books from $480 to $2,399, and more.
• More in the .

Links for the Day

• 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.
• More links in our archive.

Recent Deals

• Best PowerBook G3 Deals, 12.03. Used 14" WallStreet G3/266 MHz, $90; Lombard G3/400 MHz, $150; Pismo G3/400 MHz, $300; 500 MHz, $350.
• Best 17" PowerBook G4 Deals, 12.03. Used 1.5 GHz, $685; 1.67 GHz, $699.
• 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 iMac G5 Deals, 12.02. Used 17" 1.6 GHz Combo, $400; 1.8 SuperDrive, $450; 1.9 iSight, $599; 20" 1.8 GHz, $500; 2.0, $600; 2.1 iSight, $700. Shipping additional.
• Best 17" MacBook Pro Deals, 12.02. Used 2.16 GHz Core Duo, $1,330; 2.33 Core 2, $1,499; close-out, 2.4, $1,800 after rebate; new 2.5, $2,000 a/r; new hi-res, $2,499 a/r; refurb 2.6, $2,399.
• Best iPod nano Deals, 12.01. Refurb 3G/4 GB, $79; new, $105; refurb 8 GB, $99; new, $115; 3G/8 GB, $134; 16 GB, $174. Prices include ground shipping.
• Best 12" PowerBook G4 Deals, 12.01. Used 1.5 GHz SuperDrive, $481/C$599 plus shipping.
• 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.
• More deals in our archive.

Go to the 'Book Review index.