QuickerTek today announced new Carbon Fiber carry handles for PowerBooks. Available for the 12, 15 and 17-inch aluminum PowerBooks and the 15-inch TiBook, the carbon fiber and aluminum handles attach to the PowerBook case and offer an easy way to carry them as well as a tilted stand for desktop computing.

Why Carbon Fiber?
Because it is so strong, it’s used in race cars, aircraft and now in handles for your PowerBook. When you want a handle for your PowerBook, you only want something that is strong enough – nay – way too strong! Sure, it’s a bear to work with compared to metals, but there is nothing better. We could have made these handles with a lot of other materials, but what else would be cool enough for your PowerBook?

The new handles are now available for US$30 (15-inch Ti, 12-inch Aluminum) and US$35 (15 and 17-inch Aluminum).

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According to the Mercury News Microsoft has announced a new mouse designed by cutting-edge European designer Philippe Starck. Philippe Starck is an interior and industrial designer and architect known worldwide for bringing cutting-edge design to everyday products.

In a design-driven world of iPods and PowerBooks, the PC can seem rather old-school, Brooks Brothers to Apple’s Prada. Now it’s Microsoft’s turn to accessorize with a new Philippe Starck-designed mouse. A lighted strip bisects the two body-length buttons on the silver and streamlined Starck mouse.

The new mice will be widely available to consumers in stores and online by the end of August 2004 for the following estimated retail prices:

• Optical Mouse by S+ARCK: $34.95
• Wireless Optical Mouse in Mood Ring: $44.95
• Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer in Cobalt Basin: $54.95
• Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer in Crimson Fire: $54.95

What do you think of the newest MS mouse? Cool designer peripheral or more “me too” from Redmond? Sound off in the comments below.

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According to our friends at Engadget the OQO “ultrapersonal computer” is due to ship on 14 October 2004. Readers of these pages will remember that the OQO was developed by some of the original members of the PowerBook G4 Titanium development team and that OQO promised that “first products will be available in 2nd half of 2002.”

Speaking of the Neonode N1 and vaporousness, the current heavyweight champion of vaporware, OQO’s oft-delayed Model 01 ultrapersonal computer (that handheld with the slide-out QWERTY keyboard that runs on a full version of Windows XP and has a 20GB hard drive, 1GHz processor, and built-in Bluetooth and WiFi), is all set to become a reality when it finally becomes available on October 14th. Our lustful hearts can’t wait.

We’ll believe it when we see it.

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Featured on the next cover of Newsweek, The iPod G4 seems like a nice generational bump for the full size pod. The big design flaw of the 3G iPod is fixed – with navigation like the mini, there are no longer separate buttons above the wheel! Reputed to be slightly thinner and presumably lighter than the model it replaces, the new lineup should provide 20GB, 40GB and 60GB capacities at lower price points for the two smaller drives. I am happy to see the bigger machine retain its trademark color scheme to keep its identity distinct from the mini. This is a nice conservative approach for the flagship model and the big question and potential snag is supply. The 60GB drive is new and demand for the big boy could outstrip supply. Understandable, but potentially embarrassing when combined with mini shortages and the missing iMac.
Read More to find out more about what’s new in the iPod 4G…

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InCase and DC Shoe Co. have co-developed a cool case that will hold your PowerBook, iPod, and skateboard. While the concept sounds good, the bag may be a tad pricey at US$120. The other problem is that the camoflage beast looks like it got hit with the ugly stick – which means that the skate community will probably love it. Links and a picture at Gizmodo.

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Kaidan will be having a huge company flea market/”garage” sale this Saturday morning 17 July 2004. They’ll be selling all kinds of stuff. In addition to things Macintosh-related they’ll be selling off digital and conventional photography equipment, printers, tradeshow booths, industrial items, craft items, electrical components, building materials, wheeled carts, household items, office equipment, and just tons of goodies. Other companies in their office park are also joining in, so you’re likely to find whatever you’re looking for.

Kaidan and Feasterville Business Campus
HUGE FLEA MARKET – GARAGE SALE
Saturday, July 17th, 2004
Directions
Time 8:30-2:30
We’re conveniently located right off Street Road (Rt 132) in Feasterville, PA. We’re very close to Interstate 95, Route 1 and the PA Turnpike.

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Consumers can take old computers and other electronics to Office Depot (ODP) stores for free recycling this summer, the retailer and its partner Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) are expected to announce Tuesday.
H-P already offers PC recycling via mail. But it charges about $35 for shipping and processing. Most of its rivals charge as well. That’s why the free offer is “fabulous,” says Kate Krebs of the non-profit National Recycling Coalition.
The offer includes all brands, not just those made by H-P. From Sunday to Sept. 6, Office Depot will accept computers, monitors and most other peripherals, digital cameras, copiers, fax machines, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and TVs 27 inches or smaller. Customers can recycle one product per day. A PC and its peripherals count as a single item. (USAToday).

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Apple needs to take a financial risk with the new G5 iMac and show the world that Apple is still a major force in desktop computing.
I was as excited as anyone with the positive earnings announcement Apple presented this quarter but there was something in there that has me worried. This idea that the G5 (970fx) chip will be constrained through the rest of the year. This is a major concern, because it limits the number of systems Apple can ship and may even further delay any hopes of a G5 PowerBook (which will be a huge money maker when it ships).
Read More…

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Sony Ericsson today announced the P910 smartphone, a Symbian OS v7.0-powered update to the popular P800/P900 phones. In addition to the 262K color screen and integrated keyboard the P910 features expanded memory (64MB, up from 16MB) and supports Sony’s Memory Stick Duo Pro up to 1GB.
To add to the good news, Sony Ericsson has posted their fourth quarterly profit in a row for fiscal Q2. (Photo courtesy Gizmodo).
I have to admit to coveting this phone after being a devout P800 user for so long. But what’s the deal with the keyboard? It looks a little small for my mitts. What about the whole “PDA is dead” thing? Do ‘smart’phones like the P910 drive another nail into the coffin of PDAs? Sound off in the comments below (no reg. req’d).

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Is the Treo 610 coming soon? Well Sprint PCS is putting the Treo 600 on sale, which is normally a pretty tale tell sign of things to come. Read More…

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