Core 2 7% Faster, iMac Goes Core 2, G4/1.6 GHz Dual, SAFE Drive Secures Data, Wireless Headphones, and More

Compiled by Charles Moore and edited by Dan Knight - 2006.09.08

This Week's Apple and Desktop Mac News

It's been an interesting week. Apple moved the iMac to Core 2 Duo processors on Wednesday, and at the same time they moved the entry-level Mac mini from Core Solo to Core Duo - and gave both minis a speed bump. Digit reports that Core 2 averages 7% faster than "Core1", and we expect to see the MacBook Pro line updated to Core 2 shortly.

Logitech's Revolution mouse, the one with flywheels, continues to garner praise, as does the four-core Mac Pro. And there's a new game in town for running Windows apps on the Mac: CrossOver, in beta, emulates Windows (not a Windows PC) on Intel Macs so you don't have to buy and install Windows.

PowerBook, iBook, MacBook, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News & Opinion

• Core 2 Duo 7% Faster than Core Duo
• Entire iMac Line Now Features Intel Core 2 Duo Processors

Tips

• Mac OS X: Sharing a Printer with Mac OS 9 Computers

Reviews

• Logitech's Revolutionary 'Mouse that Roars'
• Mac Pro 'a Winner on Multiple Levels'

Products

• Sonnet Delivers Performance, Value with Dual G4/1.6 GHz Upgrade
• MAGMA PCI Expansion Systems
• LaCie SAFE Hard Drives Secure Your Data
• Granite Digital USB to IDE/SATA Drive Bridge Adapter
• External UltraIII Pro SATA Pro Drive

iPod Accessories

• Anycom Wireless Headphones for the iPod
• Sonnet Technologies Announces USB Car Charger for iPod
• iPod Deals

Software

• CrossOver Mac Free Beta: Run Windows Applications on Macintel without Windows

Desktop Mac Deals

News & Opinion

Core 2 Duo 7% Faster than Core Duo

Digit reports:

"Eight months ago Intel rocked the mobile processor world with its first dual-core CPUs, which boosted the speed of a notebook performing two tasks simultaneously by 30 per cent. Now comes Core Duo's successor, Core 2 Duo, accompanied by Intel claims of even better performance and support for the coming era of 64-bit computing. Should you kick yourself for buying that Core Duo notebook in May?

"PC World (Digit's sister magazine) tests suggest you shouldn't sweat it too much. Notebooks get only a small performance boost with Intel's new processor, formerly code-named Merom, and battery life appears to remain about the same."

Editor's note: Although these tests were run on Windows notebooks, Macs using Core 2 should see comparable performance gains. dk

Link: Review: Intel Core 2 Duo Processors

Entire iMac Line Now Features Intel Core 2 Duo Processors

PR: On September 6, Apple announced that its entire iMac line now features the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor in every model, delivering up to 50% faster performance than the previous iMac.* A new 24" iMac with a brilliant 24" widescreen display joins the 17" and 20" models, and iMac prices now start at just $999. Every new iMac includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing out-of-the-box; Apple's breakthrough Front Row media experience; and iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications.

"Every iMac - from the $999 model up through the new dazzling 24" widescreen model - now features blazing Core 2 Duo performance," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "And the new 24" widescreen iMac is the fastest, biggest and brightest iMac we've ever made."

The new iMac lineup includes four models: a 1.83 GHz and a 2.0 GHz 17", a 2.16 GHz 20" and the all-new 2.16 GHz 24" iMac, and features the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor which delivers up to 50 percent faster performance than the previous 20" iMac running industry standard benchmarks.

Ideal for both consumers and professionals, the 24" iMac features a 24" widescreen LCD display with a 1920-by-1200 pixel resolution that offers 30 percent more screen real estate than the 20" model and a brighter display to make reading text and viewing images even easier. The all-new 24" iMac packs professional performance into the convenience of an all-in-one design and includes a 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4 MB of shared L2 cache, 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory, a 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive, nVidia GeForce 7300 GT graphics with 128 MB of GDDR3 memory and a SuperDrive for burning professional-quality DVDs. Delivering greater customization for performance and expansion needs, users can configure the new 24" iMac with a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 3 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory, a 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive and the nVidia GeForce 7600 GT with 256 MB of GDDR3 memory for outstanding graphics performance.

Every iMac includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing out-of-the-box using Apple's award-winning iChat AV, or recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife '06, and the breakthrough media experience of Front Row for a simple, intuitive and powerful way for consumers to enjoy their content. Providing the latest in high-performance connectivity options, the iMac includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme, a total of five USB ports (three USB 2.0) and two FireWire ports (including one FireWire 800 port on the 24" model).

Every iMac also comes with iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb, the latest iLife application that makes it super-easy to create amazing websites with photos, blogs and podcasts and publish them on .mac for viewing by anyone on the Internet with just a single click. Every iMac also comes with the latest release of the world's most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.7 "Tiger" including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth, running natively on the Intel-based desktop.

Pricing & Availability

The new iMac line is shipping today and will be available through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple today also increased processor speeds on both models of the Mac mini, delivering dual-core performance across the line at no additional cost. The $799 model now includes a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, and the $599 model now includes a 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from a 1.5 GHz Intel Core Solo processor.

The new 24" 2.16 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,999, includes:

• 24" widescreen LCD display
• 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3 GB
• 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• PCI Express-based nVidia GeForce 7300 GT with 128 MB GDDR3 memory
• built-in iSight video camera
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
• mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold separately)
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone
• the infrared Apple Remote, Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard.

The new 20" 2.16 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,499, includes:

• 20" widescreen LCD display
• 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3 GB
• 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• PCI Express-based ATI Radeon X1600 with 128 MB GDDR3 memory
• built-in iSight video camera
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
• mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold separately)
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone
• the infrared Apple Remote, Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard.

The new 17" 2.0 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $1,199, includes:

• 17" widescreen LCD display
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 3 GB
• 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
• PCI Express-based ATI Radeon X1600 with 128 MB GDDR3 memory
• built-in iSight video camera
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking & Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
• 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
• mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold separately)
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone
• the infrared Apple Remote, Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard.

The 17" 1.83 GHz iMac, for a suggested retail price of $999, includes:

• 17" widescreen LCD display
• 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 512 MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 2 GB
• 24x Combo drive
• Intel GMA 950 graphics
• built-in iSight video camera
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking
• 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm
• mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-video sold separately)
• built-in stereo speakers and microphone
• Mighty Mouse and Apple Keyboard.

Build-to-order options and accessories include: a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, nVidia GeForce 7600 GT with 256 MB GDDR3 video memory and a 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive on the 24" iMac; a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 256 MB GGDR3 video memory and a 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive on the 20" iMac; a 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 3 GB DDR2 SRDAM and a 500 GB Serial ATA hard drive on the 2.0 GHz 17" iMac; and up to 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and Apple Remote on the 1.83 GHz 17" iMac. Additional build-to-order options also include: preinstalled copies of iWork 06, Logic Express, Final Cut Express and Aperture; AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme Base Station; Apple Wireless Keyboard and wireless Mighty Mouse; Apple USB Modem; and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

*Based on estimated results of industry-standard SPECint and SPECfp rate tests. SPEC is a registered trademark of Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC); see http://www.apple.com/iMac for more information.

Tips

Mac OS X: Sharing a Printer with Mac OS 9 Computers

An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"Mac OS X 10.2 or later can share printers with Mac OS 9-based Macs using one of the methods listed below, depending on what type of clients will be printing to the shared printer and the version of Mac OS X you are using.

"With either method, the steps will need to be repeated if the IP address of the computer sharing the printer changes, so it's best that you assign your Mac OS X computer a static IP address if possible (consult your network administrator or router documentation for information on doing this)."

Link: Mac OS X: Sharing a Printer with Mac OS 9 Computers

Reviews

Logitech's Revolutionary 'Mouse that Roars'

Time Magazine's Wilson Rothman reports:

"Logitech is a lithe innovator. Take, for instance, its Wireless DJ music system, which I recently reviewed. Rather than accept Apple's control over home audio as a fait accompli, Logitech built a system that freely streams iTunes-purchased tracks around the house. Logitech's latest mouse proves that the company never stops looking forward.

"Two years ago, Logitech introduced laser technology as the standard for reliable cordless mice, and its competitors scrambled to follow suit. The MX Revolution reveals three impressive new features which will no doubt be copied in years to come."

Link: A Two-Wheeled Mouse that Roars

Mac Pro 'a Winner on Multiple Levels'

CNet UK's Rich Brown reports:

"Professional designers, digital media hobbyists and those simply into great design: meet your new lust object. Apple's new Mac Pro (£1,699 for the base model) is a winner on multiple levels. From the outside, it looks great - far more put together than any Windows-based box. Inside, it boasts powerful specs, including two dual-core Intel Xeon processors, for a total of four processing cores. And to top it off, it's a great value.

"The only thing that's missing, if anything, is a practical reason for a casual user to justify the purchase; there's more computer here than you'll need for day-to-day tasks. Some users might miss the Apple Remote that made the Mac mini and the iMac so accessible as Media Center PCs, and as always, Apple's high-end desktop is not intended for the gaming crowd."

Link: Apple Mac Pro

Products

Sonnet Delivers Performance, Value with Dual G4/1.6 GHz Upgrade

PR: Sonnet Technologies announces the immediate availability of its new dual processor upgrade - the Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz (Part No. SG4D-1600) - for most "Sawtooth" Power Mac G4 systems, including AGP Graphics, Gigabit Ethernet, Digital Audio, and Quicksilver models. This product is Sonnet's lowest priced, dual processor upgrade ever.

This upgrade, using the latest PowerPC G4 7447A processors from Freescale Semiconductor, features 512 KB of SRAM on-chip L2 cache and is compatible with Mac OS 9.2, and Mac OS X Version 10.3.5 and higher. The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz fits seamlessly into all supported systems, and auto-configures to its host without the need for switches or jumpers. Like all Sonnet processor upgrades, this new Encore/ST G4 Duet model carries a three-year warranty and includes free technical support.

• The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz is available now with an MSRP of $499.95.

The price for Sonnet's fastest Encore/ST G4 Duet dual processor upgrade is as follows:

• Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.8 GHz at $599.95

Prices for Sonnet's Encore/ST G4 line of single processor upgrades are as follows:

• Encore/ST G4 1.8 GHz (for Power Mac G4 Cube) at $399.95
• Encore/ST G4 1.8 GHz at $399.95
• Encore/ST G4 1.4 GHz at $299.95
• Encore/ST G4 1.2 GHz (for Power Mac G4 Cube) at $249.95
• Encore/ST G4 1.2 GHz at $249.95
• Encore/ST G4 1.0 GHz at $199.95

Compatibility

The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz is compatible with the following Power Mac G4 models:

• Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics)*
• Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)
• Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio)
• Power Mac G4 (Quicksilver)

*Some AGP Graphics systems will not support the Encore/ST G4 Duet. For complete details, visit the website at http://www.sonnettech.com/support/techtips/duet_tt04.html

System requirements: The Encore/ST G4 Duet 1.6 GHz requires Mac OS 9.2 for software installation and firmware updating. OS X compatibility requires Mac OS X Version 10.3.5 or later.

• Link: Encore ST/G4 Duet
• Link: Encore ST/G4

MAGMA PCI Expansion Systems

PR: MAGMA is the leading provider of PCI Expansion Systems for several industries. Manufactured and sold out of San Diego, California, MAGMA provides innovative, high-tech expansion solutions to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), resellers and endusers in more than 45 countries. In addition to a broad portfolio of expansion and connectivity related patents, MAGMA's solutions include:

• ExpressCard to PCI Expansion provides a method to add PCI slots to laptops through an ExpressCard slot.
• CardBus to PCI Expansion provides a method to add PCI slots to laptops through a PCMCIA slot.
• PCI Express to PCI Expansion provide additional PCI slots for PCI Express based computers.
• PCI to PCI Expansion provide additional PCI slots for PCI based computers.
• PMC to PCI Expansion provide PCI slots for VME Single Board Computers through PMC.
• Board Sets for OEMs allow OEMs to embed MAGMA's expansion board-set into their own systems or enclosures.

Link: MAGMA PCI Expansion Systems

LaCie SAFE Hard Drives Secure Your Data

PR: LaCie has announced it has expanded its range of LaCie SAFE hard drives to include a desktop edition with enhanced security features. LaCie now offers a full range of secure desktop and mobile hard drives with biometric access control designed to protect confidential data from unauthorized use. The new LaCie SAFE hard drives comes in capacities of 160 GB, 320 GB or 500 GB with a universal Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for use on PC and/or Mac. Enhanced security features include an internal drive lock and an external port for attaching an optional chain lock.

"We've grown our SAFE range to accommodate the demand for larger capacity biometric hard drives for office or home use," says Marie Renouard, LaCie Product Manager. "The LaCie SAFE Hard Drives offers three levels of security for your private files, whether you need to back up personal financial documents or protect intellectual property. You can rest easy knowing that your data will be kept private in the LaCie SAFE."

In addition to biometric access control via a simple fingerprint swipe, LaCie SAFE desktop & mobile hard drives now come with internal firmware called "Drive Lock" that prevents data from being accessed if removed from the case and plugged in to another machine. Desktop editions also include a secure chain lock port for attaching the SAFE hard drive to a desk to prevent theft (chain available separately from LaCie).

The LaCie SAFE hard drives is ideal for guarding confidential information at work and shielding private files at home. Up to 10 fingerprints and up to five users can be registered with personal and customized access privileges such as full access to the drive (read/write) or read-only. Once registered, a simple finger swipe locks and unlocks the drive if users need to step away from their desk for a meeting or to run an errand.

Easy to set up and use, LaCie SAFE Hard Drive comes with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 for use with a PC and/or Mac. LaCie also offers a hardware-encrypted mobile edition for business travelers who need the highest level of security available.

Features

• Protect confidential data from unauthorized use
• Capacities of 40-120 GB (Mobile Edition), 160-500 GB (Desktop Edition)
• Ideal for parental control and protecting intellectual property
• Biometric access means only registered users can lock or unlock the drive
• Internal drive lock prevents intruders from accessing data
• External chain lock port allows owners to attach to a desk (chain sold separately)
• Register and customize access for up to five users
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 hard drive for PC and/or Mac
• Easy to set up and use
• Comes with LaCie Backup Software for PC/Mac

LaCie SAFE hard drives are available for preorder immediately via LaCie websites and widely available via LaCie's specialized dealer network in September. Drives ship with LaCie 1-Click Backup Software for PC/Mac and full-featured LaCie SilverKeeper Backup Software for Mac OS X.

Desktop Editions

• LaCie SAFE hard drive 160 GB 7200 rpm 8 MB $149.99
• LaCie SAFE hard drive 320 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB $229.99
• LaCie SAFE hard drive 500 GB 7200 rpm 16 MB $299.99

Mobile Editions

• LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive 40 GB 5400 rpm $99.99
• LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive 80 GB 5400 rpm $169.99
• LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive 120 GB 4200 rpm $279.99
• LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive with Encryption 80 GB 5400 rpm $219.99
• LaCie SAFE Mobile hard drive with Encryption 120 GB 4200 rpm $299.99
• LaCie SAFE Desktop hard drive 500 GB

Specifications

• Item Number: 301087U
• Capacity: 500 GB
• Interface: 1 x Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port (USB 1.1 compatible)
• Rotational Speed (rpm): 7200 rpm
• Interface Transfer Rate: 480 Mbits/s (60 MB/s)
• Max Sustained Transfer Rate: Up to 34 MB/s
• Average Seek Time (Write) :
• Cache: 16 MB
• Software: User Administration & Biometric Drive Lock, LaCie '1-Click' Backup Software
• Installation & User Management: Easy to use & install; register up to 5 users; assign user access rights (read/write or read only)
• Size: 7.4 x 4.56 x 1.7 in. / 188 x 116 x 44 mm
• Weight: 34.9 oz. / 990 g

System Requirements:

• Windows 2000/XP
• Mac OS X 10.2 or higher
• Intel Pentium II 350 MHz
• PowerMac G3 or greater
• min 128 MB RAM

Comments: 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. Once formatted, actual available storage capacity varies depending on operating environment (typically 5-10% less).

Box Content: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 cable; external AC power adapter; CD-ROM with User Manual; Quick Install Guide

Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty

$299.99

Also Available

• LaCie SAFE Mobile Hard Drive with Encryption 120 GB - $229.99
• LaCie SAFE Desktop Hard Drive Hi-Speed USB 2.0, 160 GB · $149.99
• LaCie SAFE Desktop Hard Drive Hi-Speed USB 2.0, 320 GB · $229.99

Link: LaCie SAFE Desktop Hard Drive

Granite Digital USB to IDE/SATA Drive Bridge Adapter

PR: Granite Digital, a leading manufacturer of FireWire, SATA, SCSI, and USB storage solutions, cables, and diagnostic tools, has announced it has begun shipping a USB 2.0 bridge adapter that connects to any IDE or SATA hard drive, making it easy to recover, copy, or duplicate data in an emergency. The USB Bridge Adapter includes a universal power supply with switched dual outputs for any IDE or SATA hard drive, CD, DVD, or optical mechanism.

The kit includes: USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Bridge Adapter, universal dual output SATA and IDE switched power outputs, 4-pin adapter patch cable, and AC power supply IEC cable.

"This USB to IDE/SATA Bridge is the perfect tool for any person that works with computers," stated Frank Gabrielli, President of Granite Digital. "When problems with drives occur this USB Bridge Adapter can save the day. More importantly it is designed to work with all drive types; both SATA and IDE mechanisms are supported. Its small size makes it easy to carry around and the triple connectors guarantees connectivity."

Supports ATA6 specifications and hard drives up to 700 GB, CD, DVD, and Tape Mechanisms. Fast USB 2.0 support for 480 Mbit/s fast data transfers.

Link: USB 2.0 to SATA/IDE Bridge Adapters

External UltraIII Pro SATA Pro Drive

PR: Firewire Direct, a leading supplier and manufacturer of FireWire/1394, SATA, Fibre, and SCSI hardware peripherals, storage, and RAID subsystems, announces another addition to the already extensive -UltraIII Pro Series- professional external hard drive subsystems. The 3.5 Ultra III Pro SATA - Professional External Hard Drive Subsystem offering fantastic throughputs, utilizing Serial ATA (SATA) technology the latest high-speed way of connecting peripheral devices directly to your computer, allowing for increased superior performance. As fast or faster than most internal Parallel ATA (PATA) drives and many SCSI drives. As a single hard drive, it can act as a powerful storage, backup or boot disk.

The Ultra III PRO SATA does not restrict you to using a proprietary PCI interface card like other suppliers but is compatible with all SATA/eSATA storage ports - internally or externally which support storage. FireWire Direct also offers the most comprehensive host adapter bundles (PCI, PCI-X, PCIe, CardBus and Express Cards) available which assures smooth integration for your tower, desktop or laptop computer(s). The Ultra III PRO SATA provides blazing speeds (up-to 10,000 rpm) and is well suited for a variety of applications, including large-scale backups, digital video, digital audio and intensive graphic demands. The slick, durable, and compact design provides safety and security of your data even on the go. FireWire Direct also offers the most comprehensive host adapter bundles available which assures smooth integration for your desktop or laptop computer(s).

Link: UltraIII Pro SATA Professional External

iPod Accessories

Anycom Wireless Headphones for the iPod

PR: Specifically designed for the iPod, this little bundle includes a Bluetooth headset and Bluetooth BluNa iPod Adapter, which allows you to listen to your iPod up to 10 meters away from it

After a huge response to the release of the SD Card with Built-in USB last week, Proporta is following up with the indespensible Anycom Bluetooth iPod Bundle wireless headphones.

This innovative bundle allows you to listen to your iPod via Bluetooth headphones - the perfect solution to irritating cables. You can change tracks and adjust the volume from the headset, and leave your iPod in your pocket, or your bag - or even on the other side of the room (up to 10 meters/30 feet away). Use in the house, the gym or in the office.

Features Include:

• Listen to music from your iPod
• Use with Bluetooth mobile phones
• Listen to music or chat for up to 12 hours (headset standby time up to 200 hours) Range 10 meters/30 feet Headset has four buttons to control all important functions (volume up/down, call answer/end, redial/mute, next/previous title, pause/start) Lightweight (76g/2.7 oz) with detachable Microphone AC power supply and USB charger

System requirements:

Remove the nano slider and the BluNa can be used on ALL iPods with dock connector including; iPod photo, iPod mini, iPod 4th generation with click wheel and 3rd generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons.

As always, all Proporta products are covered by the company's Never Argue Money Back Guarantee - if for any reason or no reason at all you are not completely happy, Proporta will refund you in full, or offer you a replacement (whichever you prefer).

Price: £102.08

Worldwide shipping: £2.95/US$4.95/€4.50

Link: Anycom Bluetooth iPod Bundle

Sonnet Technologies Announces USB Car Charger for iPod

PR: Sonnet Technologies announces their new USB Car Charger for iPod. The charger is compatible with all USB-chargeable iPods, including all models, as well as the 4G and mini.

Sonnet's car charger provides a simple way for consumers to power their iPods while on the road. Shipped with a USB-to-dock coiled cable, the charger works in any 12V car or 24V truck lighter or accessory jack and shows an LED status light when powered. The charger also features power filtering and a user-replaceable fuse to protect the iPod. The charger and cable are available in black to match most car interiors.

"We strive to provide a full range of iPod accessories for our customers," said Robert Farnsworth, Sonnet Technologies CEO. "The new USB Car Charger is a great addition to our family of exceptional, yet affordable accessories."

Key Features

What's Included

• Charge your iPod while you drive
• USB Car Charger for iPod
• Works in any 12V car lighter or 24V truck lighter or accessory jack
• Dock cable
• Power filtering and user-replaceable fuse protects iPod

Tech Specs

• Part No. IPOD-12V-CHG-B
• Input: 10.5-28.5V DC, Output: 5V DC, 500mA
• 1 year limited warranty
• Status LED
• Available in black to match most car interiors

Retailing for $19.95 in the US, it is available from Sonnet resellers and the Sonnet website.

Link: USB Car Charger for iPod

Software

CrossOver Mac Free Beta: Run Windows Applications on Macintel without Windows

PR: CodeWeavers, Inc. are providing a free time limited beta version of CrossOver Mac to anyone that is willing to test CrossOver.

CrossOver Mac will be the very best way to run your Windows applications on your Intel based Mac. It will let you install and run Windows programs as though they were native, all without having to buy or run a copy of Windows itself.

This beta version will give you a taste of the promise of CrossOver, but should be considered an early test release - we intend to make substantial further improvements before we ship a production version.

If you're not interested in experimental software, you should skip this and wait for notice of the production release. However, if you are interested in helping us to test CrossOver, we would very much like your feedback.

We strongly recommend that you review the list of forums or search the Compatibility Center to see if your specific needs will be addressed.

To be candid, at this point we've focused on what we think Mac users would like us to work on. But we'd really rather focus on what Mac users really want. To that end, we're hoping you can help us by testing the beta software.

System requirements: Intel Mac

System support: Intel

Link: CrossOver Mac Beta

Desktop Mac Deals

Low End Mac updates the following price trackers once or twice a month:

• Intel iMac deals
• iMac G5 deals
• iMac G4 deals
• iMac G3 deals
• eMac deals
• Mac mini deals
• Mac Pro deals
• Power Mac G5 deals
• Power Mac G4 deals
• Power Mac G3 deals

For more deals on current and discontinued notebook models, see our MacBook, MacBook Air, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4, iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.

We also track iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.