<![CDATA[Gizmodo: ibook]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: ibook]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/ibook http://gizmodo.com/tag/ibook <![CDATA[CT Scanner Bares Apple Notebook, PS3, and Big Mac to Their Core]]> Satre Stuelke seems to have three passions: McDonald's fast food, toys, and gadgets—specially the GE 4-slice medical research scanner he uses to create these stunning images and videos at Cornell University's Biomedical Imaging Centre:

Stuelke—a medical student and artist—started this project back in the summer of 2007, using the four-slice General Electric scanner at Cornell. He uses the scanner when nobody is using it for more serious tasks than capturing the most intimate guts of these mundane objects. Stuelke then processes the resulting DICOM images—the standard file format in radiology and tomography—in an iMac, using a software called Osirix.

The results, as you can see in the gallery and the videos, are at times surprising, at times spooky, but always beautiful. [Radiologyart—Thanks Don]

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<![CDATA[Why Does This Apple iBook Have a Microsoft BSOD?]]> So there's this commercial on TV right now for some computer maintenance service with technologically-inept people frustrated over their crappy, virus-laden, machines. At one point an iBook even flashes a BSOD...wait, what?

Oh, the joys of low budget commercials and oblivious ad men! If El Jobso saw this, he would be furious! Plus, they show the iBook running Windows XP. OK, so it's not the end of the world to not know that BSODs only happen on machines that can run Windows (some might even take pride in it). Still, Don Draper would never let this happen.

And if that's not enough for you, there countless other ridiculous parts, such as an angry, snotnosed gamer reminiscent of Angry German Kid, and a middle-aged, corporate suit who speaks about his computer in the same way as his failing marriage. You should really just watch it.

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<![CDATA[Oncore 6-Bay MacBook and iBook Charger Lightning Review]]> The Gadget: Oncore's 6-Bay MacBook or iBook battery charger that really only charges three batteries at one time because it's a cluster of charging bays and not six individual chargers. Once the first battery in a single charging bay is full it will switch charging to the other battery which allows for six batteries to be fully charged over time.


The Price: $389 MacBook Model / $409 iBook Model—which doesn't include any batteries

The Verdict: My first impression is that this charging bay seems cheaply made, especially with the $400 price tag. The bay is basically a hollow plastic box with battery ports indented on the top. The ports aren't even that deep, so for MacBook batteries that are about 9" tall they stand rather unsecured.

Then there is the issue of how it can only charge three batteries at one time and not six like you would think. At first this is kinda stupid, but in reality it's OK. The way Oncore has managed to send power to each charging bay set is good for the batteries and your electricity bill because once all the batteries are charged it will shut off charging so the batteries aren't constantly charging and the power isn't always running.

Overall Oncore's 6-bay battery charger is actually a pretty good charging bay for MacBook or iBook batteries, and it will successfully charge six different batteries like it advertises. The type of person who would actually need six different batteries all ready to go at any given time is kinda slim. I can only see it being usefully for a business or family of frequent travelers who require more than one battery on each job or trip. So for those who are just looking for an extra battery charger, there are cheaper alternatives that should do the job just as well. [Oncore]

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<![CDATA[Etch-A-Sketch Laptop Case Is More Fun Than the Computer Inside]]> 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.

[bertz white via technabob]

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<![CDATA[Six-Bay MacBook and iBook Charger Is An Orgy Of Charging]]> 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]

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<![CDATA[Apple's Sparking Power Supply Lawsuit Settled (Verdict: They're Paying)]]> 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]

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<![CDATA[Laptop Accelerometers Used to Study Earthquakes, Desk "Bumping"]]> 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]

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<![CDATA[Traveling Apple Users Cheer "The Continental" With a Glass of Champagna]]> 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]

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<![CDATA[Apple iBook's Fatal Flaws Uncovered]]> 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.


Danish Agency Finds Apple G4 Design Flaw
[PCMag]

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<![CDATA[FastMac Truepower Indestructible iBook and Powerbook Charger Hands-On]]> 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.

Product Page [Fastmac]

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<![CDATA[How To Enable Two Finger Scrolling on Old Apple Laptops]]> 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.

Project Page [Sourceforge]

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<![CDATA[Color Customize the Apple Logo on Your Laptop]]> 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.

Product Page [Via TechPwn]

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<![CDATA[Screw Geek Squad, Just Use Fire to Fix the iBook]]> 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.

DIY obsolete iBook logic board repair [Via MAKE]

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<![CDATA[Apple's RED iMac, MacBook?]]> 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.

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

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<![CDATA[Apple Recall Batteries Rolling In Already]]> 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!

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<![CDATA[iBook in Flames, Film at 11]]> 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.

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

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<![CDATA[Rumor: MacBooks Next Tuesday?]]> 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]

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<![CDATA[Apple Begins Producing MacBooks, Due Tomorrow?]]> 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]

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<![CDATA[Case Mod: Skinned iBook G3]]> 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!]

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<![CDATA[PimpMyLaptop.com Pimps Your Laptop]]> 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]

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