MacEdition Pro News : June 18, 2002: Pismo power-ups, FireWire fire sales and iBook bags
by MacEdition Staff (feedback)
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Don’t punt that Pismo!
Pismo owners by now must be feeling a bit of “Titanium envy” (paint flakes notwithstanding) as their G3 systems struggle to render all the eye candy that is Mac OS X. Apple claims that Mac OS X 10.1.5 (and Jaguar when it’s released) should help considerably with this (no, really). But for those folks who remain skeptical and want some G4 oomph, while keeping their dual FireWire ports and expansion bays, the following news from NewerTech should be heartening:
WICHITA, Kan. and WOODSTOCK, Ill. - June 14, 2002 - Newer Systems Technology and Other World Computing today introduced the NuPowr G4 Pismo upgrade, the first-ever upgrade available for the Apple PowerBook G3 FireWire system, originally code-named “Pismo.” The G4 Pismo upgrade, which is available immediately for $299.95, allows owners of PowerBook G3 400MHz and 500MHz systems to upgrade to a G4/500MHz processor. [...]
Customers interested in purchasing the upgrade can do so exclusively through OWC at www.macsales.com. Customers will be required to send in a component to NewerTech in Wichita, Kan. NewerTech will test the customer’s system prior to and following the installation of the G4 Pismo upgrade to insure the system is running optimally. NewerTech is committed to completing the install and testing, and return the systems within two weeks of their receipt and will also cover freight by FedEx 2nd Day for the customers to send in their components and for the return of their systems.
Yes, a 500MHz G4 is not cutting-edge fast anymore, but at $300, it’s a lot cheaper than a new TiBook. For more info, check out: www.macsales.com.
FireWire hard drives at fire sale prices
Okay, perhaps that’s an exaggeration, but the folks at WeibeTech are offering significant discounts on their DesktopGB external FireWire drives:
WICHITA, KS - June 12, 2002 - WiebeTech announces new pricing on DesktopGB, the extremely high performance, small footprint, quiet, attractive, FireWire / USB1 / USB2 desktop drive.
New pricing is as follows:
Product Order # Old Price New Price Availability 0GB DGB-0 $159.95 $109.95 ships from stock 60GB DGB-60 $249.95 $199.95 ships from stock 80GB DGB-80 $269.95 $219.95 ships from stock 120GB DGB-120 $339.95 $299.95 ships from stock (These include enclosure, vertical stand, USB2 cable, FireWire cable and AC adapter.)
DesktopGB is offered in capacities up to 120GB,or can be configured easily by the end user. DesktopGB has found a receptive customer base because of its high-speed Oxford 911 FireWire interface offering a read transfer rate greater than 30MB/second.
These drives are 7200 RPM and support FireWire, USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 (even if Apple has no hardware with built-in USB 2.0 support). Obviously, the “0GB” option there is for users wanting to install their own drive into the enclosure. For further info, check out http://www.wiebetech.com/products.html
Your iBook feeling battered?
Laptops have always been delicate little flowers when it come to wear and tear. And while the iBook is arguably more rugged than most, you still wouldn’t want to abuse it as wantonly as you could with, say, an eMate (now, just what happened to that OS they had on those beasts?). Enter Dr. Bott, with two cases for the iBook, the iCase12 and the iCase12 Plus.
iCase12 offers unsurpassed safety in transporting Apple’s 12" iBook. It takes all your computing on the go needs into account offering storage for AC power, spare battery, iPod, CDs and more. The iCase12 Plus incorporates a carry strap and black side bag that provides room for important papers and extra hardware. iCase 12’s Lift-O-matic feet and removable top allow for comfortable use of the iBook without removing it from the case. [...]
Compatibility:
iCase12 and iCase12 Plus were designed for Apple’s 12" iBooks.
Pricing & Availability:
iCase12 and iCase12 Plus retail for $299 and $419 respectively and both are available immediately.
Just in case the product name and PR blurb doesn’t make it obvious enough, this is only for the 12" iBook. For more information, check out http://www.drbott.co m/prod/db.lasso?name=icase12
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