Gizmodo: iBook

Etch-A-Sketch Laptop Case Is More Fun Than the Computer Inside

Mark Wilson — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:20:00 EDT

While most of us have acquired too many responsibilities to waste the day away with a good, marathon Etch-A-Sketch session, every time we pull out the laptop to get more work done we can at least dream of less productive times with this Etch-A-Sketch laptop case.

Designed for a standard iBook, the construction is 100% wool felt. Velcro holds the case shut and the two knobs are completely nonfunctional (but you can still turn them and do a little make believing). The etched pattern was made from stitching plain black string.

Unfortunately, it's a one-of-a-kind case. But the link has enough information about the project that it could be duplcated with relative ease. [technabob]

Six-Bay MacBook and iBook Charger Is An Orgy Of Charging

Jason Chen — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:20:00 EDT

Oncore's just released a six-bay MacBook and iBook charger which, as its name implies, can charge six batteries at the same time. Or rather three batteries at the same time, since it's divided up into three sets of two charging bays. Each bay can charge one while holding onto the other for when the first is done. This is made for the "education" market, but is perfect for when we need to go in the field and liveblog an Apple event and have to have six batteries on us. Comes in just charger or charger + six pack battery configurations. [Oncore via Macworld]

Apple's Sparking Power Supply Lawsuit Settled (Verdict: They're Paying)

Brian Lam — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:26:23 EDT

The class action lawsuit brought against Apple for PowerBook and iBook power bricks with the potential to spark has been settled. If the final approval for the settlement goes through, Apple will pay $25 to $79 to customers who "bought an adapter made by Apple or another company to replace a failed one." [LA Times, photo from Don Ramsey]

Laptop Accelerometers Used to Study Earthquakes, Desk "Bumping"

Jason Chen — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:20:00 EDT

Seismologists at Stanford are learning from their roommates over in the biology department and rigging up a distributed computing system to gather quake data from laptops with accelerometers. It's used to save resources for scientists by using assets (your laptops) that are already deployed in a widespread area. They're rolling this out primarily in quake-heavy areas like SF and LA, but should be spreading to other zones later.

If you've got a MacBook, iBook or Powerbook made after 2005, you too can join the effort to tell people about quakes after it already happened, or maybe even act as a warning system. "Even just a few seconds of warning may be enough time for people to take cover and automated systems could slow trains and divert traffic from vulnerable bridges." And if you think that your constant table bumping from your activities at your computer will trigger The Big One over at EarthquakeHQ, "the Quake Catcher Network's software will analyze shakes sensed by a computer's accelerometer and report only big movements to the central server, ignoring the vibrations from a passing truck, a bump to a table, or even a minor earthquake." [Stanford via Technology Review]

Traveling Apple Users Cheer "The Continental" With a Glass of Champagna

Sean Fallon — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:00:03 EST

World travelers will undoubtedly be thrilled with "The Continental Companion" and its ability to help Apple users utilize different power outlets without having to carry around a bulky power brick. The set includes four AC plugs (with a 12" whip) and it requires the portable power adapter that ships with the MacBook Air, MacBook, MacBook Pro, iBook and PowerBook G4. You can also use it with the iPod and iPhone USB adapter as well as the iPod FireWire Power Adapter. The Continental is available for $34.95. [incipio via Crunchgear]

Apple iBook's Fatal Flaws Uncovered

Mark Wilson — Sat, 05 May 2007 11:05:47 EDT

After receiving ten complaints (a lot for Denmark), The Danish Consumer Complaints Board commissioned a study (on the microscopic scale) of the Apple iBook G4.

Evidently there was merit to the complaints, since the study did find a problem...

Researchers found that the solder joints around a voltage regulator were designed/constructed in such a way that caused them to deteriorate each time the computer was turned on or off. Because clamping the case near the trackpad will temporarily reconnect necessary circuitry, the firm deemed the problem a true design flaw.

If Apple does not voluntarily refund the wronged citizens of Denmark, the Board will help their citizens sue the company. And if suing doesn't work, they will embargo US exports of pastries (Ed. note: theoretically).

For readers who are interested in their own computers, the issue was only found in early G4 models that still had the G3-style casing. Other problems you may be experiencing include your computer being really slow, your zebra pants going out of style and the limited play of disco on the AM.
– Mark Wilson

Danish Agency Finds Apple G4 Design Flaw [PCMag]

FastMac Truepower Indestructible iBook and Powerbook Charger Hands-On

Jason Chen — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 16:00:25 EDT

We got our hands on FastMac's replacement AC adapter for Apple iBooks and PowerBooks and can say that they're pretty much as good as the standard. Ignoring the dubious benefit of being able to be kicked and run over by an SUV (which you can see after the jump), they actually work quite well.

Using it on a G4 iBook (whose battery was replaced last year in that recall), it took about three hours for it to charge from empty to full. That's pretty much the same as the official charger.

The only difference is that the official ones from Apple cost $79, and the one from FastMac costs $35. And there's no orange/green glowing ring where the charger connects to indicate whether it's still charging or already full. But if you can live with the fact that the chargers look a bit more "PC" than "Apple," these are the way to go. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Fastmac]

How To Enable Two Finger Scrolling on Old Apple Laptops

Jason Chen — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:00:30 EDT

Owners of old Mac laptops can join in on the fun of the newer laptops with this two-fingered scrolling trackpad driver. For the unfamiliar, two-finger scrolling means you press two fingers down on the trackpad and move up or down, and whatever you're looking at scrolls up or down. Essentially like the scroll wheel on a mouse.

Only install this on old laptops that don't have scrolling enabled. The new ones use a different trackpad that won't work. – Jason Chen

Project Page [Sourceforge]

Color Customize the Apple Logo on Your Laptop

Travis Hudson — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 16:35:48 EST

As a proud new switcher and owner of a MacBook, I'm already looking for ways to tweak the sucker out (anybody have a laser engraver I can use? e-mail me), and this is one hell of an easy way to give the Apple laptop a little pop and color. Canadian company, iColours has small transparent sheets that can be placed inside the laptop to change the color of the Apple logo. If you don't want to use your Canadian funny money to order one of these, then just head on over to a hobby store and buy your own transparent sheets. Then follow the handy, dandy tutorials to figure out how to open up the MacBook and place the transparent sheet inside. iColours does custom designing of the transparent sheets, which could be kind of cool. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via TechPwn]

Screw Geek Squad, Just Use Fire to Fix the iBook

Travis Hudson — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 13:55:20 EST

So, older iBooks have a bit of a video problem where they will stop displaying video entirely. Apple will replace the laptop, but what if it is out of it's warranty? Well, do what this guy did, figure out the problem and fix it yourself using fire. The iBook video problem occurs because of solder balls underneath the graphics chip that do not hold. Using a bit of heat can fix this problem. Jump for a video.

This likely isn't the safest or most fool-proof way to fix a video problem, but what have you got to lose if you have an Apple notebook out of warranty?

DISCLAIMER
Now, to make things sure, this is NOT A HOW TO. If you set your house on fire because of this, don't come complain to me, okay? If you do attempt this, this is all AT YOUR OWN RISK. This really is the last thing you want to do to your iBook and the chance this operation succeeds is very little.

– Travis Hudson

DIY obsolete iBook logic board repair [Via MAKE]

iBook G4 Charger Bursts Into Flames

Charlie White — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 08:35:32 EST

We certainly wouldn't want this iBook G4 charger spontaneously combusting next to a stack of old newspapers, but then we wouldn't be gingerly coaxing it to start on fire, either. We're not sure what to make of this video, but one thing's for sure: the four-year-old charger could make a pretty good firestarter.

But when you notice the aluminum foil spread out underneath the charger, you can be sure this was not exactly an unexpected occurrence. Something's fishy about this. – Charlie White

iBook Charger Catches Fire [YouTube]

Apple's RED iMac, MacBook?

Charlie White — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:48:42 EDT

We're not so sure whether we should believe ThinkSecret or not, given that we've found the site's predictions to be about 57% accurate, but anyway, here's one that seems logical and could actually happen: sources report that Steve Jobs and Bono have discussed bringing a red iMac and MacBook to market part of its purchase price going to aid AIDS victims in Africa, to follow its red iPod that made such a splash last week.

Believe that above scuttlebutt with all due trepidation. But we've taken a liking to this idea of donating ~~10%~~ $10 of the purchase price of techno-gear to charity, and hope other manufacturers will follow suit. This is a fad that could actually make a real difference in this world. Bravo. – Charlie White

Apple gets its way with (RED) iPod [ThinkSecret]

Apple Recall Batteries Rolling In Already

Jason Chen — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:30:35 EDT

One of my two recall batteries arrived this morning. The first one was for my iBook G4 12", that coincidentally was down to 8% battery life after about 30 months of usage. Readers should be getting theirs soon as well, quite a bit faster than the state 4-6 week turnaround stated when we filed for the recall.

As you can see above, the new battery holds 4592 mAh, which is even more than the original 4400 mAh of the old battery. Compare that to the 360 mAh left over from the first battery. Thanks Apple! – Jason Chen

iBook in Flames, Film at 11

Charlie White — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 10:18:15 EDT

There was a little problem with an Apple iBook in Minnesota, where an 11-year-old boy was playing with the laptop as it sat on a carpet. After he left the room for a few minutes, his family heard a popping noise, and noticed the carpet melting underneath the overheating iBook. After the kid's mom promptly took it outside, the thing burst into flames right there on the patio. The battery inside the errant iBook is not one of the ones on Apple's recall list, either.

Adding no solace to this sordid tale is the fact that there have been 44 incidents of burning laptops over the past couple of years. And they're not just Apple laptops. Melting carpets and burning notebooks on a patio are one thing, but we would recommend not falling asleep with a running MacBook Pro on your lap. Perhaps the word "laptop" is a misnomer.

That said, check out the sensationalized video hype from this ratings-desperate local TV station, a shameless attempt to grab viewers by scaring them. – Charlie White

Laptop Fires Prompt Battery Recalls [WCCO.com, via The Unofficial Apple Weblog]

Rumor: MacBooks Next Tuesday?

Charlie White — Wed, 10 May 2006 10:54:04 EDT

The release of the MacBook, expected yesterday, was hastily postponed because Apple wanted to build up enough stock of the new notebooks to actually be able to ship them in volume when it announced the new product. Now, sources are saying the iBook (pictured at right) replacement's new launch date will be next Tuesday, May 16. But then, well, that could change, too.

MacBook's release sees one week postponement [Think Secret]

Apple Begins Producing MacBooks, Due Tomorrow?

Gizloco — Mon, 08 May 2006 14:37:05 EDT

The Apple rumor sites are humming with news that Apple may have started production of its MacBook, the Intel-based consumer laptop replacing the now long-in-the-tooth iBook, some going so far as to speculate that Apple will officially announce its launch tomorrow in a news conference.

AppleInsider, usually considered one of the more reliable Apple rumor sites out there in the wild, reports that the MacBook will have many of the same features found in its MacBook Pro big brother, such as a built-in iSight camera and MagSafe power adapter as well as software such as Front Row and ~~Phone~~ Photo Booth. It's been suggested that the MacBook looks quite similar to the MacBook Pro as well, just smaller and in all-white à la the iBook, or in several colors, depending on whom you talk to. How wise it would be to announce a new laptop on the eve of E3 remains to be seen, so stay tuned, kids.

News Brief: Apple ramps MacBook production [AppleInsider]

Case Mod: Skinned iBook G3

Jason Chen — Sat, 06 May 2006 04:34:29 EDT

Reader Aaron, being a fan of 80s pop culture and voiding warranties, skinned an old G3 iBook and took pictures. And with laptops, just like exes, naked pictures always wind up on the internet. Another thing they have in common: they both have the nickname Skeletor.

Well, the one originally made by Apple, after being cleared of its shell, has much better airport reception and runs lots cooler—both expected since it's the cover that's keeping all the air trapped inside and interfering with reception. Not that we actually recommend this. The case is what prevents stuff like, oh, half a can of diet coke, from destroying your entire system. But it is pretty cool to see done to an old G3. We salute your de-casing skills.

Skeletor [Thanks Aaron!]

PimpMyLaptop.com Pimps Your Laptop

johnb — Fri, 05 May 2006 16:33:40 EDT

No, this service doesn't force your laptop into a life of prostitution, silly. That's heroin! Instead, these guys allow you to upload an image and they create a MacBook, PowerBook, or iBook sticker that fits perfectly over your computer. Based in Finland, they offer 1-week shipping on all orders and the stickers start at about $20. They also take PayPal, so it's kind of a nice, one-off purchase idea. Great for Mother's Day if you hate your mother—seriously, buy her some flowers.

Product Page [PimpMyLaptop]

Bye Bye iBook?

gizmodo.com — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 17:06:30 EDT

Hard to believe it's only been seven years since Steve Jobs first showed us the candy-colored clamshell iBook at Macworld NYC, isn't it? Who knew all it would take for us to realize laptops could be cute was colored plastic?

If you've just purchased a new iBook, you're probably going to be more annoyed than nostalgic if AppleInsider and ThinkSecret's predictions that Apple's going to ditch the iBook name in favor of calling their entry-level consumer notebooks MacBooks in the next 30 to 60 days turn out to be true. The new Macbooks are supposed to have 13.3 inch screens, built-in iSights, and either Core Solo or Core Duo processors.

Apple to ditch iBook brand alongside notebook launch [AppleInsider
MacBook to land at last by May [Think Secret]

Intel-Packing iBooks in June?

Charlie White — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 12:15:40 EDT

Now that we've seen Intel inside the Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Pro, what about the iBook (current G4 versions shown above)? We got a sneak peek into what might be happening in a report published by the Commercial Times, saying Taiwan's Austek signed a contract with Apple to manufacture 1.2 million of the upcoming iBooks. The Intel-powered notebooks will reportedly have 13.3-inch LCD displays and will ship in June.

At the same time, Apple reportedly contracted the flat panels for those notebooks from three different suppliers, AU Optronics, stalwart LCD maker Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp, and South Korea's LG Philips LCD. They'll supposedly be delivering those panels in April. If all this is true, looks like the wheels are turning. We say, bring on the Intel Power Macs!

Taiwan's Austek wins order for 1.2 mln Apple iBook notebook computers - report [Forbes]

New iBook Coming?

tgrumet — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 11:40:08 EST

Want another Apple surprise after the big Macfest a few weeks ago? Looks like a new series of iBooks could be rolled out this spring, all built around a 13-inch screen and Apple's Front Row software. Supposedly, the new laptops will

sport the first major design revision to the iBook in several years and come bundled with both Front Row and the Apple Remote.

They will also have built-in iSight video cam and come with the Apple's Photo Booth software. Rumour has it that they will look like a slightly-smaller MacBook Pro, but in classic iMac white. Expect two retail configurations—one with a SuperDrive and one without, the latter hopefully falling within the sub-$1000 range.

Apple's Front Row media experience coming to iBook line [Appleinsider]

The Only OS X Tablet Never Sold.

Noah R — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 10:25:58 EST

Yesterday everyone doggy-piled on the iTab, an iBook hardware hack that was put to auction on eBay. Naturally, this limited edition series of 100 iTabs did not meet with eBay's standards. Did this surprise anyone? Today there is a new auction, starting bid $1,500 (zero bidders so far). The folks behind the iTab, ThePlaceforitAll, have done some great software mods—but hardware? I'd sooner put money down on how quickly this auction will disappear.

That said, I do love the idea behind this imaginary machine.

The iTab is built by taking Apple's excellent 12" iBook laptop, taking the screen off, applying a touchscreen, then flipping the screen around and fastening it on. The whole thing is finished off by putting the leftover screen backing over the top of the iTab, giving it the "rounded white edges." The image above is a very close approximation of what iTab should look like when constructed. The iTab is not built yet.

Product Page

Will a single iTab ever be built? Vote yea or nay after the jump...

Upgrading Your 12-inch Powerbook for Fun and Profit

johnb — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 08:59:23 EST

Hardmac ran an interesting upgrade article and one valiant reader took the plunge and cracked the hermetically-sealed titanium beast. After installing a DVD burner, a gigabyte of RAM, and a sassy new hard drive, he pulled the speaker cable out of the thing and had to use a soldering iron to put it back together. Luckily, he now has a tricked out Powerbook rather than a hunk of shiny metal. [Thanks, Daniel]

A step-by-step to turn your iBook12" into a PowerBook12"-killer [HardMac]
Install Post [Mac-Forums]

Apple iBook Riots in VA

johnb — Tue, 16 Aug 2005 15:54:58 EDT

What do you get when you mix record heat, $50 4-year-old iBooks, and a burgeoning back-to-school season? Riot! Folks in Richmond, Virginia piled up at the doors of the Richmond International Raceway to get their hands on one of about 1,000 laptops. The ensuing chaos caused one intrepid shopper to lose her footwear:

"This is total, total chaos," said Latoya Jones, 19, who lost one of her flip-flops in the ordeal and later limped around on the sizzling blacktop with one foot bare.

Another charming and telling quote:

One woman went so far to wet herself rather than surrender her place in line.

They couldn't donate these things? Tell the kids to take one home?

Panic ensues in rush for cheap laptops [CNN]
iBook frenzy, as it happened [GatewayVA]
Video [NBC12]

New Apple iBooks and Minis- Ehhh

johnb — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 10:39:37 EDT

I was kind of dreading writing about these new iBooks. It's not like they are any great shakes. It's a pair of G4 notebooks starting at $999 for a 12-inch model with 1.3-GHz processor and 512MB memory. Both of these, the 12-inch and the 14-inch, include Tiger, iLife '05, Bluetooth, and an Airport Extreme card. The Minis are the same except ~~all of them have Bluetooth and Airport Extreme, now, which makes me angry because I bought one when the first came out and now I'm a pariah.~~they're a bit faster and the more expensive ones come with Bluetooth and Airport Extreme. The $499 one still comes with nothing.

Anyway, thank you reader Naoya for breaking me out of my anti-new iBook stupor. When these things can fly or run on hydrogen, maybe I'll get excited. Let's all save our squeals of delight for the iPod Video, shall we?

Product Page [Apple]