Macopinion

The Road Warrior Mailbag - March 17, 2008

Wallstreet Revisited
"Grandson of Pismo" is on target
MacBook keyboard
A Vote For The Black MacBook

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Wallstreet Revisited

From Ryan

Hi Charles:

I have taken possession of two hardly used Wallstreets. They were purchased back in 98 and never really used at all. They even smell new. What an amazing find, at only $100 each with shipping. I did have two Sonnet G3 500 MHZ upgrade cards laying around, upon which one of them is in this Wallstreet that I am typing on now. They are both Rev. 2s, with the better graphics cards and slower bus speed (67 mhz).

Strangely, the other G3 500 upgrade card would not work in either of them. While the machines would boot, there was no video, totally black (not dissolved black, but no video period). I did try and install the card in each machine, where both are running 9.2.2, in terms of flashing them with the Crescendo/WS 1.2.2 Installer, but no go. It did not like these Wallstreets. Now, the two older machines these upgrade cards came from are Rev. 1s, so I think when the cards were flashed originally in those machines, they won't be able to be reflashed in these Rev. 2s. However, one of them is working, so I don't know...

As for the Wallstreet I am typing on, wow. I managed to get Tiger 10.4.11 on here. I installed 9.2.2 on the second partition, and Tiger on the first (7 GB), using the 100 GB HD that was placed in an external MacAlly HD enclosure, connected to an iBook G4 via Firewire. The installs went well, and I then transplanted the drive back into the Wallstreet, upon which in booted into 9.2.2. I then used XPostFacto from 9.2.2 to boot into Tiger, and it worked. I did have the purple screen problem (purpleish colors everywhere), but I managed to reboot back into 9.2.2, and deselected the "Use Old NRDVs" and "PatchedRageProLT". Once BOTH of those option were UNSELECTED, I booted back into Tiger with no screen issues, except the inability to change the brightness, which I do need a solution for.

Anyway, I am running a 500 G3 upgrade card in here with the L2 cache enabled via Sonnet's cache enabler. I have also the 100 GB 5400 RPM Seagate in here, with 512 MB RAM. I just surfed the iTunes music store, pretty cool.

Now, one more amazing thing... I know guys like us love these older machines, they look great and function even better. But the biggest problem for me is not lack of support (I am a nerd like you!), but the Wifi card that sticks out the side of the PC Card slot, like the Orinoco Wifi cards, for instance. Man, how horrible. Well, I managed to buy a 3com Wifi card that sits FLUSH with the case! The antenna is retractable. I used the Wifi driver for this atheros chipset from OrangeWare Corp and by god it works like a charm.

What can I say, a fully maxed out, brand new Wallstreet running the latest Tiger revision with a flush Wifi card. I just need to install iWork and I am off to the races.

Ryan

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Hi Ryan;

What a great discovery - kind of like the proverbial "barn find" in an automotive context. Thanks for the interesting report.

The Ws was such a super machine. Had mine started up the other day to retrieve a file from its HD. The original battery has now completely died (nine years is quite acceptable battery life!), but ohterwise it's working fine - still 233 MHz.

I expect that the issue with the processor upgrade cards has to do with the different bus speed on the Rev. 2 units.

The 3Com wiF card sounds like an elegant solution. My Buffalo WiFi card works superbly with no additional driver needed, but it does stick out and I have to remove it to carry the Pismo in my wonderful old Willow Kerouac computer case/backpack.

Congratualtions on the successful hotrodding tweaks and the unsupported Tiger install. A lot of life in these old black PowerBooks yet.

Charles

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"Grandson of Pismo" is on target

From Jim;

Charles,

"Grandson of Pismo" is on target, mostly. I also want something like the Pismo again, with Intel processor, etc. I would love the MacBook size or smaller, but have something very close to the two ejectable bays for two batteries, or maybe even an ejectable hard drive. And, of course, the Pismo keyboard - best ever I think.

Yesterday, I was in the Orlando Millenia Mall Apple store with me Pismo, and one of the sales people there asked to see it and handle it! He had only heard of the Pismo, never seen one, and was very excited that I had one, and he also loved the keyboard.

Apple will probably never make another Pismo-like Mac, so I'll probably have to settle for the MacBook or MacBook Air. MacBook is great with the easily replaceable hard drive, and when you actually handle the MBA - you WANT one!! It has that kind of appeal. The store was full of people as usual, and the MBA section was constantly crowded - people incredibly interested. It is very strong, plenty fast for me (I am, after all, using a Pismo!), and could be my only Mac, as the Pismo currently is my only Mac. MBA could replace Pismo for my use.

Keep writing...

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Hi Jim;

I agree that the likelihood of Apple building a "Grandson of Pismo" is remote.

Great anecdote about the Apple Store person having never seen a Pismo!. It's easy to forget that the newest Pismo is now more than seven years old.

The MacBook Air's form factor is seductive. I like small computers, and as far as speed goes, you're right; the Air would be a lot speedier than the 1.33 GHz PowerBook and two hotrodded Pismos I'm using now. It's the lack of hard drive space and connectivity that would rule it out for me. I have trouble getting along with just two USB ports and a 4-Port USB hub, which are constantly fully utilized and I still have to do a lit of cable-switching, to say nothing of FireWire and Ethernet.

The only time I ever use wireless for anything is occasionally on the road when I'm in range of a WiFi hotspot, so that aspect of the Air isn't a big pull for me. My home LAN is still hard-wired Ethernet.

A MacBook makes a lot more sense for me, but if you could be happy living with the MacBook Air's limitations, it would be a fun computer to own.

Charles

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MacBook keyboard

From Pete

Charles:

A brief comment on your 1/22/08 Macbook vs MB Pro ruminations: I went with a MacBook 2GHz/2GB unit (replacing an aging 12" Ibook with a failing HD). Six months on, I'm reasonably happy with the new machine, but the keyboard is almost unacceptably stiff -- I'm still not quite adjusted to it, and you really have to push those keys hard to avoid dropped characters. Definitely slows my none-too-fast typing.

Yes, it does run hot. I do like the fast wireless card -- we went broadband at the same time, and one less cord to trip over is nice. As is the magnetically-coupled charger cord, for when you stumble over that!

The keyboard is my only serious complaint - but it's a biggie.

Always enjoy your columns -

Cheers - Pete

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Hi Pete;

Thanks!

The keyboard and heat are the two big MacBook caveats for me as well. I haven't had an opportunity to do any extended typing on a MacBook, but stiff-action KBs are a nemesis for me due to my ongoing struggles with fibromyalgia and neuritis. At least I know I can tolerate the keyboard in the MacBook Pro, since it's basically the same one as in my G4 PowerBook, although not nearly as good as the keyboards in my Pismos.

Hopefullly, the latest Penryn MacBooks will run a bit cooler, but a refurb. MacBook Pro may be the most sensible choice for me due to teh keyboard issue.

Charles

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A Vote For The Black MacBook

From Brett

Enjoyed the write up as usual. Let me put in an unexpected vote for the black MacBook - based on texture more than color. I just picked up the previous model at a $600 discount (including bundled Applecare) thanks to a sale, but the catch was, the black one was a much better deal than either of the previous generation white ones, and I just couldn't bring myself to pay more money for less computer (smaller HD, slower chip) just to get white. (Nor would I do so to get black, for that matter.)

Like you, I prefer a white case ... or so I thought. I once sold my 2.5 year old black Pismo for a white iBook and liked the white better. (I'd have loved a keylime original iBook but at the time it was available way back when I was able to get the Pismo on sale for only about $100 more.) I'm not a business type, so I don't need black to conform to some image of responsibility or seriousness. In fact that's a big reason I preferred white, to stand out from the herd. But in this case, the black wins out. I think the white model's white keys against the greyish background looks a little cheesy compared to the black on black. I've not noticed smudges or greasy stains except on the trackpad, and they go away with a single swipe of the polishing cloth. (They're certainly less annoying than the scratches that plagued my white iBook, and which I assume would also mar the glossy white MacBook.)

The white apple looks better against black. (And unlike on my Pismo, it's right side up!) It and the unusual , handsome greyish matte finish visually distinguish the MacBook from every other black laptop I've seen, which is a relief for my nonconformist side. But the big difference is the tactile feel of the black case - it's kind of rubbery, so less apt to slip out of your hand. And it has a very soft, pleasant feel when typing or carrying it around, much better than my G4 PowerBook. The whole MacBook just feels solid, and I think the rubbery exterior has something to do with it. (I also just love the new keyboard - by far the best I've ever used, including four PowerBooks and two iBooks) All things being equal, I still might go for the white, or I might not, but they weren't even close to being equal thanks to the sale. And I now really think the elegant black model is just better looking (sleeker, more minimalist looking) than the white and it certainly FEELS better in and under my hands. So... black is beautiful, the sweetest computer I've ever had. If only it came in key lime....

Brett

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Hi Brett;

Hey; for a $600 discount plus free AppleCare, I would have gone for the black unit too in a heartbeat. Sounds like you got a really sweet deal, and you make a vigorous case for the black.

However, I stand by my preference for the glossy white. While I appreciate that the matte finish of the black unit makes it easier to grip, it doesn't appeal to me aesthetically. Now if they made it glossy black..... And of course, Key Lime would be uber cool.

It's fascinating how subjective preferences for keyboard feel are. I now have letters in this week's mailbag expressing diametrically opposite views on the MacBook keyboard. I'm still agnostic. I have friends with MacBooks and I've tried out the MacBook keyboard briefly, but not for long enough to form a conclusive impression. For me. the WallStreet and Pismo are the high water benchmarks of computer keyboards, along with the Kensington Slimtype freestanding keyboard which has similar action.

It's good to hear that you like yours.

Charles

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Re: A Vote For The Black MacBook

From Brett

Whoops, sorry, meant to say the $600 discount included the bundled Applecare, not in addition to. Even with the $150 black tax, it's still quite a good deal, better than any other I could find. I've always gotten my Macs when Apple dumps previous models via university edu. bookstores and vendors, and that was the case here. Fortunately, I don't need to be on the bleeding edge and have never gotten a brand new model. (I got my Pismo at huge discount when the G4 Titaniums came out and was very happy with that decision, in part because of the problems the Titaniums had, in part because the Pismo was just a great computer.)

As for the keyboard - yes, keyboard preference always seems to be totally subjective, no doubt based on variables such as finger length. All I know is, I make far fewer typos with this MacBook keyboard, and I love the firmness of it. In fact, I like it so much that I'm going to sell my Matias external keyboard and buy one of the new Apple wireless keyboards, which I've read are quite similar to the MacBook keyboards. I've noticed that it takes me a long time to adjust to the different boards when switching back and forth. ( I use the external when typing at my desk, with the MacBook raised to eye level at the top of a 4-level stackable wire mesh in-basket that just happens to be the right size for the MacBook and also keeps it cool. I'm using the other levels to store other computer components, including cable modem, audio hookup and soon a Time Capsule. )

Anyway, after two weeks of use as my only computer, I now think the MacBook is just about the ideal computer for most users who don't need big screens or extreme power - just the ideal compromise among size, weight, cost, power, sturdiness et al. I've owned a half dozen PowerBooks (including favorites s uch as the Pismo and 12" PB) and an iBook, but this one already feels like my favorite. I prefer plastic to metal, and this particular plastic is so soft and grippable, yet solid and sturdy that it just begs to be picked up and used. I just wish it came in different colors!

Keep up the good work and good luck with your impending purchase.

Brett

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Hi Brett;

Still a great deal on your MacBook. I've always gone for either low end systems or somewhat back of the bleeding edge higher-end stuff. I almost got a leftover Pismo back in 2001 myself, and therein is a story.

After the Macworld TiBook intro MacWarehouse Canada advertised some deep discounts on leftover Pismos, like Can$2,200 off the 500 MHz model. I calle them and the guy at the other end, said he thought all the 500 MHz machines offered at Can$2999 had been sold, but he checked, and came back on the line to say that there were still two left. He said he figured they would be gone by the end of the day. A 500 MHz Pismo including a 64 MB RAM upgrade for Can$2999 (about US$1,950 at the time) seemed like an exceptional deal. After all, a couple of months ago this same machine had been selling for Can$5,195 without the extra RAM. The 400 MHz TiBook was then priced at Can$3,895, which was out of my price range, but a 500 MHz Pismo at Can$2,995 seemed a much better value than the 400 MHz Pismo (also with 64 MB upgrade) that MacWarehouse was offering for Can$2,499 (roughly US$1,625. then).

I thought about it for twenty minutes, discussed it with my good wife, and phoned them back. I was told I should have the machine in about two days (Toronto is 1,200 miles from where I live).

I spent the next day mapping out the logistics of switching to the new computer. Two days later, the Priority Courier car arrived. "Parcel from MicroWarehouse," called my wife. Cool! I went to take a look. The box was about the size of my big Webster's dictionary. Uhh.... couldn't be a Pismo in there. Upon opening the box, we discovered that it was just the 64 MB RAM upgrade. Ah well. Probably the computer would arrive tomorrow.

The next morning. Priority came again=, still with no computer. I phoned MacWarehouse, an after talking with three different people and being dumped on hold about fifteen minutes, I was finally talking to an efficient fellow who I explained the situation to and gave him the order number, he asked me to relate my conversation on Monday with the sales guy - a seemingly odd request. I was put on hold again. A few minutes later he came back.

"Here's what happened," he said. "We had two of the 500 MHz machines on Monday, and 12 orders. The first two credit cards that cleared got the PowerBooks. And the RAM? Shipping department error. I had specified that the RAM not be installed, for which there was an extra 25 dollar charge, and shipping person sent it out without the computer. And yes, my credit card had been dinged 35 dollars for the shipment. Kevin gave me an RMA number and a courier account number to use to return the RAM. There were still about 25 of the 400 MHz machines left, I was. However, I was somewhat ticked and decided against reordering one of those, which in hindsight was a dumb decision

Instead I bought an open box G4 Cube, which I liked, but it was no laptop, and I'm a laptop junkie. I ended up trading the Cube even for a year-old 500 MHz Pismo in October, '01, and I'm still using that machine daily as my "utility" computer.

As for keyboards, my general rule is that the key action can't be too light to suit me, and "firmness" is not a quality that appeals. You have a Matias 'board, I'm guessing the one with the Alps mechanical keyswitches, which I find impressive, but which has my arms burning and in pain from fingertips to shoulder after about five minutes typing. While I agree that the MacBook hits the value and form factor sweet spot, the KB issue might be a compelling reason to go MacBook Pro. I know I can live with that keyboard.

That wire basket sounds like a really good laptop stand!

Charles

*** cmoore@macopinion.com

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