Apple accelerates PowerBooks and iBooks

Apple has revamped its entire portable range, with updates to both the iBook and the PowerBook G4 placing the emphasis on speed. Neither machine has received any cosmetic changes, but specifications have been improved across the board. The PowerBook G4 range comprises a 550MHz 'Fast' and a 667MHz model; both have 256K of level 2 cache running at processor speed and the 667 will gain an significant performance boost from the accelerated system bus running at 133MHz. ...more

Iomega's Microdrive hits the high street

There's 340Mb of storage space available to anyone willing to stump up ?219 inc VAT, as Iomega launches its Microdrive in Europe. Compatible with equipment sporting a CompactFlash+ Type II slot, the IBM Microdrive, under the Iomega brand, comes bundled with Iomega's Quik Sync 2 security utility, as well as Adobe ActiveShare and MusicMatch Jukebox. Still, if you're going to use this to store MP3s, you might as well buy a decent CD-R/W burner for less, although owners of PDAs with MP3 capabilities may still find it useful. ...more

Canon bubbles over with five new printers

Canon has revamped its Bubble Jet printer line-up with the announcement of five new models, ranging in price from ?79 to ?289. Two of the printers are aimed squarely at home users, the ?79 i455 and the ?149 i475. Both four-colour printers support the new PictBridge technology, which enables similarly-equipped digital cameras from any manufacturer to output directly to the printer without having to go via a PC. ...more

Co-existence is as easy as APC

Apple UK has published a guide explaining how easy it is to for Macs and PCs to 'peacefully co-exist' 'The Macintosh and Windows worlds are no longer separated by incompatible standards,' says the site. 'Contrary to popular myth, Macs and PCs connect seamlessly to the same networks, share many common applications and exchange data and files 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.' The guide is broken down into four sections: exchanging files between platforms, which includes a few solutions, hints and tips; sharing the same network connection; communicating over the Internet and using PC applications on a Mac, noting that several easy-to-use PC emulators for the Mac are now available. ...more

Freeserve subscription flaw detected

A bug has been detected in the sign-up page for Freeserve's unmetered access service. When users upgrade to Unlimited Freeserve Time they are emailed a link to a web page that alters the settings on their browser software so that you automatically dial into the new number. However, Microsoft Outlook Express will need to be changed manually otherwise it will continue to dial the old number and you will be charged local rates. ...more