The 'Book Review 2002.07.12

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight

Except as noted, prices are in US dollars.

• Lost and Found (Hopefully) 1.02 Helps Locate Your Stolen Computer
• Fujifilm Introduces USB Drive Portable Storage Device
• WiebeTech High Speed MicroGB Configs Added
• Chill Out with FlyFan USB Fan
• M-Systems DiskOnKey Now Available with 512 MB Storage Capacity
• Battery Endurance Measurer 1.4 Measures Your Battery Endurance
• PowerBook and iBook: Resetting Power Management Unit
• Formac Announces Bundle Promotion with PowerBook G4
• Waterfield Designs Cozmo Bag and Cozmo Suite Spot
• Two Cool Cases for Your iPod
• Bargain 'Books

Lost and Found (Hopefully) 1.02 Helps Locate Your Stolen Computer

From the Lost and Found (Hopefully) developer's notes:

This open source AppleScript will automatically send you an email to a specified address from another specified email address account on the Mail program which will contain your computer's IP address and various other information about your missing computer that may help you find it. There are instructions within the downloaded folder that help you set this AppleScript up so that it works properly. This program requires you to customize it, but once you have done that, you don't have to worry about it again (until the next version :) ). You can always email me for assistance. Since this is open source and freeware, I hope for many comments and suggestions so that this program can be improved which I know it has much room for. Please read all of the documentation!

An extra note... I suggest renaming and hiding copies of this program on your computer to make it harder for a thief to delete them if he figures this out. Use crontab to schedule these scripts for times aside from just the startup run. I suggest Cronnix (also on VersionTracker) to do this scheduling.

The script now quits automatically when an Internet connection isn't present so as not to cause any unnecessary attention.

System requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 or higher

Lost and Found (Hopefully) is freeware.

Fujifilm Introduces USB Drive Portable Storage Device

Operating without AC or battery power, the new Fujifilm USB Drive product is currently available in 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 MB storage capacities. Fujifilm will ship the USB Drive in a 512 MB capacity in the fall. The USB Drive can store current Windows and Macintosh files together with ease, while allowing users the flexibility to move the product through different day-to-day situations and business applications.

The Fujifilm USB Drive operates as a secure, reliable, removable disk, using a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) device interface. A computer immediately detects it, recognizing it as a supplementary removable disk and assigning it a drive letter.

The Fujifilm USB Drive supports complete and instantaneous plug and play interoperability on the latest Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, with no software drivers required.

Since the Fujifilm USB Drive has its own central processing unit (CPU), it can directly support and run multiple applications, crossing the boundaries between a PC and a Macintosh. Each Fujifilm USB Drive is guaranteed by our Lifetime Warranty.

The Fujifilm USB Drive contains no moving parts, enabling it to be lightweight and smaller than the size of your palm. It offers an onboard CPU for driverless operation via a computer's USB port. By incorporating a powerful 32-bit processor, the Fujifilm USB Drive is capable of running additional applications and includes Win logon as well as automatic boot functionality.

The Fujifilm USB Drive is shipping this month. The USB Drive, which weighs less than 1 ounce, will be available in different storage capacities, and priced based on capacity. The 128 MB USB Drive will list for $149.99.

The USB Drive will support Mac OS 8.6 and up. A Mac OS 8.6 USB Mass Storage Device driver/patch can be downloaded from the Web site of Apple Computer, Inc., at: http://www.apple.com

WiebeTech High Speed MicroGB Configs Added

WiebeTech has announced two new configurations of MicroGB, which incorporate IBM's Travelstar 5400 RPM 8 MB buffer 9.5mm drives. MicroGB is an extremely high performance, attractive FireWire/USB/USB 2 pocket drive, featuring a distinctive, rugged, solid aluminum case.

• 20 GB, 5400 RPM, $279.95
• 40 GB, 5400 RPM, $439.95

WiebeTech has also announced a $40 reduction in pricing on the user upgradeable version of MicroGB.

• 0 GB, $159.95 /$119.95

(Basic product includes: Enclosure; USB 2 cable and FireWire cable. A 12V adapter is optional and is required only for USB use.)

Performance of these products has been measured with burst transfer rates of 35 MB/sec. MicroGB features the high speed Oxford OXFW911 FireWire interface and is available in preconfigured versions with capacities to 48 GB.

In the U.S., MicroGB may be purchased from WiebeTech's distributor, Dr Bott LLC or from dealers. MicroGB is also available directly from WiebeTech. In Canada, resellers may purchase MicroGB from EMJ Data Systems (search for "wiebetech" at their website).

Chill Out with FlyFan USB Fan

Features and benefits of the Kensington FlyFan.

• Soft, safe nylon blades circulate steady stream of cool air
• Quiet motor will not disrupt you when working
• No batteries, plugs into USB port
• No switches - virtually nothing to break, just plug it in to use
• Small enough to take anywhere
• Unit Dimensions 2.6" L x 0.5" W x 11.0" H

Price: $24.99

M-Systems' DiskOnKey Now Available with 512 MB Storage Capacity

M-Systems DiskOnKey flash disk personal storage device is available in up to 512 MB capacity allowing users to save video, audio, graphic, and other files without the need for external readers by plugging the DiskOnKey into the computer's USB port.

The increased capacity DiskOnKey allows users to save over 355 diskettes worth of information, 10-minutes worth of compressed video, 128 four-minute songs, e-books, and help files for MIS personnel. The 512 MB DiskOnKey is also ideal for users with new legacy-free systems allowing for extra storage space and the means to easily share files.

M-Systems' flash disks provide the functionality of a mechanical hard drive in a silicon chip. DiskOnKey is primarily a storage device, but with imagination, any number of uses are available for the device.

M-Systems' flash data storage technology enables the DiskOnKey to be smaller than the size of your palm while offering an onboard CPU for driverless operation connecting to a computer's universal serial bus (USB) port.

Manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, and 512 MB DiskOnKey are $29.99, $49.99, $79.99, $99.99, $149.99, $249.99, and $499.99, respectively. The DiskOnKey is currently available through Apple, Compaq, Dell, and Targus.

Battery Endurance Measurer 1.4 Measures Your Battery Endurance

Battery Endurance Measurer is a utility to help you measure your battery endurance.

• It displays the start time of your measure.
• It displays the last drop off which occurred during your measure.
• It displays you how long your computer has been awake, which is your battery endurance measure.
• It automatically starts measuring at launch.
• You can reset the measure at any time.
• It can automatically continue to measure after a dropping off.
• It does not lose the previous measure and does not take into account the sleep duration when it continues to measure after a drop off.
• It has an inline help bar to guide you through the interface.
• It remembers window last position at launch.
• It takes very little memory, CPU and disk space.
• It doesn't need any installation nor configuration, which makes it very easy to use.

New in this version:

• Some windows and some menus have been corrected.
• The documentation has been updated.
• The full software package has been recompiled.

System requirements: Mac OS X 10.0 or higher

Battery Endurance Measurer is freeware.

PowerBook and iBook: Resetting Power Management Unit

Apple has posted a Knowledge Base document describing the PowerBook and iBook Power Manager and explaining how to reset it.

The Power Manager is an integrated circuit that is usually on the logic board of the PowerBook and iBook. As the name implies, it is responsible for power management of the computer. It controls backlighting, hard disk spin down, sleep and wake, some charging aspects, trackpad control, and I/O as far as looking at the serial port and modem so it does not sleep when connected.

Over time, the settings in the Power Manager may become unusable, which can result in operational anomalies with the computer. Examples would be not powering on, not waking from sleep, not charging the battery, or not seeing the AC Adapter, among others.

Resetting the Power Manager is accomplished in a variety of ways depending upon the computer.

PowerBook and iBook models covered in this document

1. PowerBook 100
2. PowerBook 140, 145, 145b, and 170
3. PowerBook 150
4. PowerBook 160, 165, and 180
5. PowerBook 500 series (520, 520c, 540, 540c, 550c)
6. PowerBook Duo 200 Series and 2300
7. PowerBook 190, 1400, 2400, 3400, 5300, and PowerBook G3 (M3553)
8. PowerBook G3 Series (M4753)
9. PowerBook G3 (Bronze Keyboard) (M5343)
10. iBook and iBook (FireWire) computers
11. iBook (Dual USB), iBook (Late 2001), and iBook (14.1 LCD)
12. iBook (16 VRAM), and iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM)
13. PowerBook (FireWire)
14. PowerBook G4 and PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
15. PowerBook G4 (DVI)

Formac Announces Bundle Promotion with PowerBook G4

Formac Electronics has announced a special promotion that lowers the price of the Formac Gallery 1740 DVI flat-panel display to as low as $799 if purchased together with a qualifying PowerBook G4.

Formac Gallery 1740 has been recognized as the world's first color-accurate flat panel display and has received 5 Editor Choice Awards and more than 20 other press awards worldwide.

The Formac Gallery 1740 flat panel display is the first to combine state-of-the-art design with Fujitsu's Multi-Domain Vertical Alignment (MVA) technology, which yields higher brightness, increased contrast and wider color gamut than previously available on comparable LCDs.

The Gallery 1740 features a true resolution of 1,280 by 1,024, which is equivalent to the virtual workspace typically selected on a 21-inch CRT monitor. Compared to a 17-inch flat panel Formac's 17.4" display increases your available workspace by 5%, giving you additional room to flourish your ideas. View and edit large documents and photos without having to scroll or move overlapping windows and tool bars.

Features:

• 17.4" viewable screen with ultrahigh SXGA resolution of 1,280 by 1,024.
• Advanced MVA technology yields higher brightness and contrast. Fine dot pitch and true 24-bit color for sharp and brilliant images.
• Industry-leading pixel response time (10-25 ms) predestines Formac gallery for professional video work.
• 160 degrees - from sides, top or bottom.
• True digital interface (ADC) guarantees crisper images and makes setup a breeze.
• Ultra-slim desktop footprint and smart hinge design for adjustment of viewing angle.

The promotion with selected Formac resellers ends September 30, 2002.

Waterfield Designs Cozmo Bag and Cozmo Suite Spot

Waterfield Designs has introduced the Cozmo bag - a laptop portfolio that keeps its shape whether you are carrying one thing or many things.

The Small Cozmo is designed to work with Waterfield's laptop SleeveCase size Small and 12" iBook. The Large Cozmo works with the Medium, Large and Ti G4 SleeveCase sizes.

• Small Cozmo: 14" length x 10" height x 4" depth, $139
• Large Cozmo: 16" length x 12" height x 4" depth, $159

Cozmo Suite Spot is a product suite made up of the Cozmo bag, the SleeveCase (12" iBook size) and the Medium GearPouch.

Two cool cases for your iPod

SportSuit Sleeve for iPod

This iPod sleeve features a 3 mm neoprene exterior with vulcanized neoprene sides. There is a small stretchy pocket in the front for earphones and a rotating belt clip on the back. The case contains a plastic insert in both front and back that protects the iPod from impacts. The plastic inserts have the added benefit of making the iPod very easy to remove from the sleeve. The interior of the case is fully lined with plush fabric to avoid scratches. The case is slim and fits snugly around the iPod.

Features:

• 3 mm neoprene exterior
• Plush lined interior
• Rotating belt clip (position case vertically or horizontally)
• Opening in flap to plug in earphone
• Pocket for storing earphones
• Plastic shell for impact protection
• Velcro closure

SportSuit Sleeve for iPod sells for $19.95

iPod SportSuit Convertible

iPod SportSuit Convertible is the Swiss Army knife of iPod cases. The SportSuit Convertible case offers rugged protection for the iPod on the go. A patented belt clip system offers interchangeable clip options. An armband and belt feature make it ideal for jogging or working out.

The formed shape of the lid allows for storage of the headphones without distorting the shape of the case. The lid also accommodates the storage of small folding headphones.

The lid can be removed completely from the case. Includes free armband and spring clip

Features:

The Case

• Plastic reinforced sides & back for maximum protection
• 2 mm neoprene front and back construction
• vulcanized rubber sides for secure grip
• removable lid--case can be used with or without lid
• molded lid with interior pocket for storage of earphones
• lid offer complete protection for the front of the case when it is attached
• lid shape accommodates earphones without losing its shape

The Multidapt Clip System

The SportSuit for iPod features the patented multidapt clip system. The multidapt is a modular system of interchangeable attachment options for your case Use the case with no clip at all, which leaves the case with a flat back, or you can use the case with one of the following attachment options:

• Adjustable neoprene arm band
• Adjustable neoprene belt
• Low-profile Spring Clip
• Swivel belt clip
• Bike holder
• Car holder
• Lanyard

The Basic package retails for $39.95 and includes:

• Case with multidapt system
• Removable Lid
• Low-profile Spring Clip
• Armband
• Choice of colors: Black, Navy, Blue, Graphite, Red, or Yellow

The following items are available separately.

• Adjustable neoprene belt
• Swivel belt clip
• Bike holder
• Car holder
• Lanyard
• Leather Swivel Kit

iPod SportSuit Convertible sells for $ 39.95.

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. The same goes for the PowerBook G4/667 (Gigabit Ethernet) and G4/667 (DVI).

ExperCom

• PowerBook G4/667, 512/30 GB/Combo, AirPort, factory refurbished, $2,099
• PowerBook G4/550, 256/20GB/Combo, factory refurbished, $1,849

Small Dog Electronics

• iBook 500, 12" 256/15 GB/CD (French Canadian), $919
• iBook 500, 256/20 GB/DVD, European Spanish Version, $899
• iBook 500, 256/15 GB/DVD/AirPort, European Spanish Mac, $919
• iBook 500, 384/15 GB/DVD, European Spanish Version Mac, $899
• iBook 600, 12" 128/15 GB/DVD, $1,169
• iBook 700, 12" 128/20/Combo, factory refurbished, 1 year factory warranty, $1,419

PowerMax

• PowerBook G4/400, 384/10 GB/DVD, used, $1,456
• PowerBook G4/500, 512/20 GB/DVD, $1,788
• PowerBook G4/667, 384/40 GB/DVD, used, $1,999

Datatech Remarketing

• PowerBook 160, good condition, 8/40 MB, System 7.5 installed, basic utility software, battery included (good but not guaranteed). Shipping charges included, $89.95.