Mac mini vs G4/800 Dual, Completely Washable Mice, PatchBurn Enables Unsupported Burners, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2005.12.09

PowerBook, iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review. News about Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is covered in The Macintel Report. iPod news is covered in The iNews Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

Hardware

• How Fast is the 1.42 GHz Mac mini G4 Compared to the Power Mac G4/800 Dual?
• FastMac Reduces Optical Drive Upgrade Prices up to 35%, Adds Free Panther
• Iomega Launches MiniMax Desktop Hard Drive for the Mac mini
• High Powered Transceiver Blasts Out Long Distance Wireless for AirPort Base Stations
• Unotron Introduces Completely Washable Computer Mice

Software

• PatchBurn 4 Enables Unsupported Burners in Tiger
• Papyrus Office 11, Affordable Alternative to Microsoft Office
• SteerMouse Driver for Mighty Mouse and Other Mice
• Data Rescue II Data Recovery Software
• Zeta Operating System Now Available in US

Desktop Mac Deals

Hardware

How Fast is the 1.42 GHz Mac mini G4 Compared to the Power Mac G4/800 Dual?

MacReviewZone'a Ask Johnny AppleSpeed compares the Power Mac Dual G4 800 MHz vs. Mac mini G4 1.42 GHz. The Mac mini is faster in all but one test.

Link: How Fast is the Power Mac Dual G4 800 MHz Compared to the Mac mini G4 1.42 GHz

FastMac Reduces Optical Drive Upgrade Prices up to 35%, Adds Free Panther

PR: FastMac has announced it has lowered prices on its entire line of optical drive upgrades by as much as 35%. 32x Combo drives now start at $49.95 and 16x Dual Layer SuperDrives at $89.95. All optical drive purchases now include a free copy of Mac OS 10.3 "Panther" (a $50 value). Drives are available for iMacs (G3, G4, and G5), eMacs, G3 PowerBooks (Pismo and Lombard), G4 PowerBooks (Titanium and Aluminum), iBooks (G3 and G4), Mac minis, G4 Cubes, and PowerMacs (G3, G4 and G5). All drives come with a 1 year warranty and 30 day money back guarantee.

"If you have a Mac chances are pretty good that one of our Super or Combo drive upgrades will work in it" said Michael Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager for FastMac Performance Upgrades, Inc. "Upgrading your optical drive is a great way to get more functionality and take advantage of the latest and greatest applications now for up to $50 less."

Pricing starts at:

Desktops

• 32x Combo - $49.95
• 16x Dual Layer - $89.95

Laptops

• 24x Combo - $109.95
• 8x Dual Layer - $189.95

  Link: FastMac

Iomega Launches MiniMax Desktop Hard Drive for the Mac mini

PR: Iomega Corporation has launched the perfect companion to the Apple Mac mini computer: the exciting new Iomega MiniMax Desktop Hard Drive in 160 GB and 250 GB* capacities. The stackable Iomega MiniMax Drive mirrors the look of the Apple Mac mini computer and comes with twin USB 2.0 and FireWire data hubs, bringing increased data capacity, accessibility and flexibility to devoted users of the Mac mini.

The new Iomega MiniMax Desktop Hard Drive is compact in design, but packs a lot in performance, value and features. The MiniMax Drive is just 6.5 inches square and 2 inches tall and easily stacks with the Apple Mac mini. The MiniMax Drive is a practical upgrade to the internal 40 GB or 80 GB native capacity of the Mac mini, delivering up to 250 GB* in storage capacity along with a 3-port Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) hub and 3-port FireWire hub. A smart power switch allows the drive to power up and down in concert with the Mac mini, and a specially designed active/passive cooling system keeps the desktop virtually noiseless. Dantz Retrospect backup software is included for hassle-free backups and data recovery for Mac users, along with Iomega IAB Pro backup software for Windows users.

"Iomega's new MiniMax Drive answers the need for style and functionality that Mac mini users need today," said Brian Still, Manager of Product and Channel Marketing, Iomega Corporation. "The MiniMax Drive delivers an upgrade in capacity and the additional FireWire and USB hubs that Mac users need to utilize an array of peripherals, and it complements the features of the Mac mini without drawing attention to itself, making a great computer even better for organizing and protecting digital movies, photography and music."

Users can save up to 1,000,000 photos, 4,625 hours of music, or 375 hours of video** on a single Iomega MiniMax 250 GB* drive. Multiple Iomega MiniMax drives can also be stacked together for even greater expansion capacity.

Product Features

• Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) 3-port hub;
• FireWire 1394a 3-port repeater/hub;
• Smart power switch - powers up and down in tandem with Mac mini;
• Active/passive cooling system with thermostatically controlled fan.

The Iomega MiniMax USB 2.0/FireWire Desktop Hard Drive is compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP Home or Professional; Macintosh G3 or greater (blue and white G3 only), iMac or Mac mini computer with built-in USB connection and Mac OS 10.2 or above.

The new Iomega MiniMax USB 2.0/FireWire Desktop Hard Drive is now shipping in 160 GB capacity model for $199.95 and 250 GB capacity model for $249.95. (All prices are U.S. suggested retail.) The Iomega MiniMax Drive is available online from Iomega and at other select online and Web retailers.

Link: Iomega

High Powered Transceiver Blasts Out Long Distance Wireless for AirPort Base Stations

PR: QuickerTek announces a 1,000 milliwatt (1 Watt) Plug N Play Transceiver for Apple AirPort Base Stations. Attaching to the external antenna port on the Base Station, this Transceiver offers the FCC's maximum allowable wireless signal strength. At only $450, the PNP Base Station Transceiver the perfect solution for difficult wireless areas where only maximum RF power will do.

The Plug N Play 1 Watt Transceiver can be mounted inside or outside - ideal when the wireless signal must reach out from one building to another building. While the RF power is more than impressive, this product can be installed and in use by any ordinary Mac user. A waterproof 7dBi omni directional antenna is part of package too - making the products truly "plug and play".

The AirPort Base Station does not not need to be opened to connect the PNP Transceiver, so high speed 802.11/b/g WiFi is finally within the reach of every Mac user. It works with all AirPort supported Mac OS versions and requires no software drivers.

Rick Estes, president, QuickerTek said, "This product complements the only indoor 500 milliwatt Transceiver - ours - and is just as easy to install and use. It comes with all the cables, connectors and AC power supply to be up and running in only 10 minutes. Tim Allen of Tool Time television show fame would find the extreme power of this Transceiver completely adequate," he joked.

Plug N Play Base Station Transceiver

Part #: 1WXCVR-PnP

SRP: $450

Compatibility: Apple AirPort Base Stations with external antenna ports Antenna: 7dBi omni directional included

Power: AC power adapter included

Cables: low-loss coax cables included

Link: QuickerTek

Unotron Introduces Completely Washable Computer Mice

PR: Unotron, manufacturer and marketer of high quality, washable data input and security devices, today announced the introduction of its SpillSeal protected, to IP66 and NEMA 4X standards, washable corded optical mouse product line. Available with or without scroll wheel in standard or overmolded rubberized finish, the new washable mice can be purchased in gray or black.

The newly patented Unotron ScrollSeal Washable Optical 3-button Mouse and Unotron SteriMax Washable Optical 3-button Mouse complement Unotron's SpillSeal corded and wireless computer keyboards and receivers, as well as its SmartRest SRC5 Smartcard Readers and external SAC2 Standalone Smartcard Readers.

"Unotron has transformed the industry with the introduction of affordable data input and security technologies that can be completely disinfected because of its patented SpillSeal(R) protection which halts the spread of infection - a major concern for hospitals, schools, government, business offices, as well individual consumers," says Unotron Director Joseph H. Carabello. "Unotron has forged new ground with its removable scroll wheel design and high-performance overmolded rubberized surface, which satisfy the most stringent disinfectant requirements."

According to Carabello, Unotron's pioneering mice design configurations and materials allow these patented products to be easily washed, immersed and disinfected by commercial-grade detergents and antibacterial agents while providing users with comfort, control and reliability.

SpillSeal washable mice are manufactured and assembled to support restrictive cleaning/disinfection procedures without any detrimental effect to the exterior or the products' internal components.

Link: Unotron

Software

PatchBurn 4 Enables Unsupported Burners in Tiger

PR: PatchBurn is a tool to patch existing CD/DVD-drivers (under Mac OS X 10.2.x) or to generate and install new device profiles (under Mac OS 10.3.x and later)

It allows many otherwise unsupported burners to be used directly with Mac OS X, iTunes, and DiscBurner.

PatchBurn 3 and 4 are just normal maintenance releases. If you already installed PatchBurn 3 or 4, there is no need to download and install the new version.

There is something new - a tool called PatchSleep. This tool enables the so called Safe Sleep mode on many older PowerBooks and iBooks. Try it. It's free.

This version will expire at 06/01/2006

System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later

Link: PatchBurn

Papyrus Office 11, Affordable Alternative to Microsoft Office

PR: Looking for a less expensive, less-bloated, less Microsoftian alternative to MS Office? Papyrus Office 11 incorporates a first-rate word-processor with integrated spreadsheet capabilities, and a relational database including an intuitive user interface for instantaneous searches. For many users, Papyrus should prove a perfectly satisfactory alternative to the Microsoft behemoth. The latest version 11.27 upgrade was released this month.

Papyrus has been around in a German language Windows version (as well as TOS and OS/2 Warp variants) for twelve years, as its version XI (eleven) number attests. Consequently, it is mature software, Now ported to an English language OS X version and ready to confront the colossus of production software on the Mac platform.

The developers' stated philosophy with Papyrus is to make your work as simple as possible by providing carefully selected, powerful features in a ergonomic package, avoiding useless bells and whistles. "Adding 'more' can quickly become 'too much' - except for those people who earn money on bulky and slow Office-Software (generally, people who offer training seminars or sell expensive new computers)."

Papyrus features:

• Word-processing with everything you need,
• Desktop publishing suitable for professional applications,
• Embedded spreadsheets with over 100 calculation functions,
• Relational databases with a powerful search engine, suitable for a complete range from simple address databases, to multimedia applications, or complex inventory systems.
• You can even install (or copy) Papyrus onto a USB-Stick (or other memory card), for mobile use on visiting computers.

System requirements:

Papyrus Office for Mac is completely compatible with Mac OS X 10.2 or newer (Jaguar, Panther, and Tiger).

Papyrus Prices

Papyrus Office 11 (English) - Word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, and relational database software, including online help and English-language example files, shipment via Internet download; for Windows 9x-XP, Mac OS X sells for $99. Crossgrade or Student orders (check conditions o Website) are entitled to a discount of $20. A downloadable demo of the program is free. (Prices are in US-$ for all customers living outside the EU, only European residents pay in Euros. This serves to balance out the European sales tax.)

Papyrus Office is shipped via Internet download. Users receive a license key via e-mail, including instructions on how to download the complete package from our Internet server.

• Papyrus Office
• Review: Papyrus Office: A $99 Alternative to Microsoft Office, Charles W Moore, 2005. 11.14

SteerMouse Driver for Mighty Mouse and Other Mice

PR: SteerMouse supports USB and Bluetooth mice. It will even work with mice designed for Windows PCs. You can customize your mouse freely even if there is no Macintosh's driver.

SteerMouse has convenient and unique functions that Apple's driver does not include. SteerMouse makes the best use of the Mighty Mouse.

• You can assign various functions, such as a shortcut keys and "snap to" cursor movement, which moves the cursor to the dialog box's default button, etc....
• You can customize the scroll ball.
• You can adjust the cursor's speed and acceleration. (Apple's driver allows you to adjust only the cursor's acceleration)
• You can customize Mighty Mouse in each application.

SteerMouse supports the Tilt Wheel.

You can assign horizontal scrolling, a vertical scrolling or shortcut keys. In addition, you can adjust the scrolling speed and acceleration.

SteerMouse supports up to a maximum of 8 buttons.

SteerMouse allows using extension buttons of any multibutton mouse. You can make the best use of a button which previously did not work on Mac.

SteerMouse allows adjusting of the cursor's speed and acceleration.

You can adjust the cursor's speed and acceleration. (Apple's driver allows you to adjust only the cursor's acceleration) By adjusting both the speed and acceleration, you can customize the best setting that fits the movement of your own hand.

SteerMouse moves the cursor automatically.

When a window or dialog box is activated, SteerMouse moves the cursor to a specific location on the screen: the default button; the cancel button; the close button; etc... You never lose sight of the cursor's position, because the cursor does animated movement.

SteerMouse has a lot of convenient and unique functions, and customizes your mouse greatly.

• Shortcut key input - Assign shortcut keys. It is possible to allocate shortcut keys based on the rotation of the scroll ball and wheel.
• Cursor movement - Move the cursor to a specific location, such as the default button and the close button, etc. You never lose sight of the cursor's position, because the cursor does animated movement.
• Scroll - Scroll vertically or horizontally. You can adjust the scrolling speed and acceleration.
• Click - You can assign click, double-click or modifier click, etc...
• Switch Application - Display the process screen for switching applications.

SteerMouse is customizable in each application.

You can configure your mouse with different groups of settings for different applications. Find the best setting that's right for you.

SteerMouse is shareware. A single user license costs $20.

15 days trial.

Link: Steermouse

Data Rescue II Data Recovery Software

PR: Prosoft's data recovery software for the Mac platform has just gotten better with the new and improved Data Rescue II.

Do you have a corrupt hard drive or one that no longer mounts? Are other tools failing to even recognize your bad drive?

Data Rescue II is the best data recovery utility on the market for recovering files from a problem hard drive. Other utilities can cause more damage to your hard drive and files by trying to 'fix' the problem, instead of focusing on recovering your files.

An optional emergency bootable CD is also available.

New in version 1.0.1:

• The Demo mode has been enhanced in this version to allow a larger file (5 MB instead of 500 KB) to be recovered.
• The activation dialog now allows demo mode without a customer name first.
• When choosing a sound to play at the end of recovery or scanning, a "preview" of the sound is now played.
• The popup path menu in the recovery window now displays the correct path, even when the path contains repeated folder names.
• Enable/disable of some user buttons and controls is improved.
• New file types supported for the Deleted Files and Thorough Scan modes: Stuffit .sit and .sitx files
• Some cases in which the program would appear to freeze following launch in the presence of bad disks, have been improved.
• A bug which caused the default size limit for TIFF files to be erroneously set too small (10 MB) has been fixed. Note: Users of previous versions will need to reset that limit in order to find larger TIFF files.
• A bug which could cause a few files to be accidentally missed during a scan, has been fixed.
• An issue with finding Entourage database files has been fixed.

System requirements: Mac OS 10.1.5 or later.

• $99 Demoware
• Data Rescue II Mac OS 10.2.4 and up, $99
• Data Rescue Classic Mac OS 8.6 to 9.x, $89

  Link: Data Rescue

Zeta Operating System Now Available in US

Zeta doesn't run on the Mac, but it's descended from BeOS, an operating system that was developed for PowerPC hardware and briefly supported on Apple hardware. Be Inc. was almost purchased by Apple for their next generation OS, but in the end they went with Steve Jobs' NeXT. dk

PR: Purplus Inc., a leading online retailer of computer software and long-time BeOS reseller, has entered into agreement with yellowTAB GmbH of Germany and is an authorized reseller of Zeta OS in the United States.

Be Inc. originally developed the operating system under the name BeOS, which was acquired by yellowTAB. After an extensive redesign, yellowTAB has met their goal of producing a faster, leaner, and more streamlined operating system that maximizes the use of hardware on today's PCs. Much like the Mac was the best for desktop graphics in the 80s - Zeta is now the best OS for audio and video production today.

Completely compatible with the Internet, you can set up your connection in a few clicks. Email, chat, instant messaging, and online shopping is simple and user-friendly. Virtually devoid of any possibility of viruses, it is an excellent alternative to other more vulnerable operating systems and software for the Internet.

Zeta OS is the ideal alternative to Windows as it is an easy-to-use and powerful operating system. yellowTAB states they "do not intend to compete with Microsoft, but rather aim to offer an alternative for users wishing to run a second operating system." Zeta can be installed on a Windows system and it will manage both operating systems with the Zeta Bootmanager.

Minimal Requirements:

• Pentium 200 MHz (or Cyrix, Athlon, Via...)
• 32 MB RAM
• 600 MB Hard Disk Space
• 8 MB Video Memory
• bootable CD-ROM Drive
• Mouse, Keyboard, 14" Color Monitor

Recommended Hardware

• Intel Pentium III 1 GHz (Celeron, AMD Athlon Duron/XP)
• 256 MB RAM
• 4 GB Hard Disk Space
• 32 MB Video Memory
• Sound card
• CD/DVD Drive
• Mouse, Keyboard, 17" Color Monitor

Pricing and Availability

• Zeta R1 Deluxe $98.75 Now Shipping
• Zeta R1 Deluxe - Academic $78.75 Now Shipping

  Link: Purplus Software

Desktop Mac Deals

Low End Mac updates the following price trackers every two weeks:

• Low End Mac's best Mac mini deals
• Low End Mac's best eMac deals
• Low End Mac's best iMac G5 deals
• Low End Mac's best iMac G4 deals
• Low End Mac's best iMac G3 deals
• Low End Mac's best Power Mac G5 deals
• Low End Mac's best Power Mac G4 deals
• Low End Mac's best blue and white Power Mac G3 deals
• Low End Mac's best beige Power Mac G3 deals

For deals on laptops, see our Best Aluminum PowerBook G4 Deals, Best Titanium PowerBook G4 Deals, Best iBook G4 Deals, and Best White iBook G3 Deals. For deals on iPods, see our Best iPod Deals.