Rain Recording, creator of purpose-built computer systems for audio production, has introduced an new mobile audio workstations – the LiveBook Zephyr mobile songwriter laptop.

While Apple systems have become the first choice of many audio producers, the LiveBook Zephyr looks like a great alternative for those that prefer Windows or have to work on Windows.

LiveBook Zephyr is an ultra-portable songwriter’s notebook. At 4.3 pounds, Zephyr is the lightest and smallest LiveBook ever.

Here are the specs:

• CPU: Intel Core Duo 1.66Ghz T2300 2MB L2 667Mhz FSB
• Chipset: Mobile Intel 945GM & ICH7-M
• Video: Embedded Intel 945GM (GMA 950)
• Sound System: Built-in Intel HD, Built-in Stereo Speakers and Microphone
• Memory: 1.5GB DDR2 533MHz
• Display: 13.3″ WXGA (1280×800) TFT LCD Color Shine and Crystal Shine Technology
• Storage: 100GB PATA 8MB Buffer 5400RPM
• Optical: CD-RW / DVD-RW +/- Dual Layer
• Modem: 56k V.90/V.92 Modem RJ-11
• WiFi LAN: Integrated mobile Intel Pro Wireless 3945 a/b/g
• Wired LAN: 10/100/1000 built-in/Realtek Fast Ethernet Controller
• Input Devices: Touch pad with 2 click buttons, Desktop-Like Ergonomic Full-Size 83-key
• Battery: Li-Ion 6 cell: 4800mAh, 53W/Hrs battery pack Battery Charging time, 2hrs quick charge (power off), 4hrs (power on)Run-time: 4.8 Hrs
• I/O Ports
  • 3 x USB 2.0 ports
  • 1 x IEEE 1394 port (1x 4-pin internal + 2x 6-pin w/ TI Chipset on PCIe card)
  • 1 x VGA port/MiniD-sub 15-pin for external monitor
  • 1 x S-Video Composite (TV-Out)
  • 1 x Card Reader (MMC/SD/MS/MS-Pro)
  • 2 x Audio jack: Audio out (SPIDIF)/Mic-in
  • 1 x RJ11 connector for Modem
  • 1 x RJ45 connector for Ethernet
  • 1 x Express Card Slot
• Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.9 x 1.4 inch (WxDxH)
• Weight: 4.3 lbs. w/ 6 cel battery

The Livebook Zephyr is priced starting at $1,500.

Also now available is the RainPAK counterpart to LiveBook Zephyr called ZPAK. ZPAK is a complete songwriter digital tool-kit including LiveBook Zephyr, the Tascam US122L audio interface, a Tascam LD-74 microphone and even a mic cable and desktop mic stand. ZPAK also includes copies of Cubase LE and Gigastudio 3 LE, the light versions of two industry-standard audio production software titles for recording, editing and mixing digital audio, loops and samples.

ZPAK, the first RainPAK (Professional Audio Kit) is designed to give the modern, budget-minded songwriter everything he or she needs to make high-quality recordings, demos and sketches at home or on the road. ZPAK is completely set up for plug & play when it arrives with drivers installed, cables included and every component tested and optimized for performance including a copy of Windows XP specially tuned for audio production.

“ZPAK with LiveBook Zephyr is very much a Rain product in that it provides a complete solution for a specific purpose”, says Rain President Bill Paschick. “Our mission is to provide transparent technology so our customers can get right down to the job of creating – which is why they got a Rain computer in the first place. When you have a great idea for a song, the last thing you want to do is sit on the phone with tech-support”.

The RainPAK program is designed to provide a complete solution, tested and certified for optimum performance, for a specific purpose like songwriting, DJ’ing or mobile recording. Rain is in the business of making it easy for creative people to harness technology. Other RainPAK products including MixPAK, StudioPAK and GuitarPAK are scheduled for release in early 2008.

“With Intel Core 2 Duo performance, more memory and state-of-the-art graphics, this MacBook Pro is a portable powerhouse for creative and professional users,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Apple’s notebooks have always led the industry in innovation with features like built-in 802.11 and the MagSafe Power Adapter, and now the industry’s first 15-inch LED-backlit display is another step toward completely eliminating mercury from our displays.”

Every MacBook Pro model includes an Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4MB of shared L2 cache, an 800 MHz frontside bus and 2GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory, running professional applications like Final Cut Pro 6 and Logic Pro 7 more than 50 percent faster than the original MacBook Pro with Core Duo. Delivering more realistic graphics for animation and gaming, every MacBook Pro now includes the state-of-the art NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT and is more than 50 percent faster than the original MacBook Pro with Core Duo.

The MacBook Pro’s lightweight, aluminum enclosure is available in three models: 2.2 GHz and 2.4 GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro models, and a 2.4 GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro model. The new 15-inch MacBook Pro models feature a brand-new, power-efficient LED-backlit display and are the first of Apple’s notebooks to transition to LED backlighting as part of the company’s effort to eliminate the use of mercury in its products. The 17-inch model now offers a new optional 1920-by-1200 high-resolution display, providing over 30 percent more screen real estate than the standard 1680-by-1050 display.

Designed for mobile professionals, the MacBook Pro includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go, Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook Pro and safely disconnects when under strain, and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g. Every new MacBook Pro also includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 800 and a FireWire 400 port, a backlit illuminated keyboard, an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot for expansion solutions such as 3G wireless networking, and a DVI video output to connect up to a 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.

The MacBook Pro comes with iLife ‘06, the next generation of Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb. The MacBook Pro also comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.9 Tiger, including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.

Pricing & Availability
The new MacBook Pro models are now shipping and will be available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The 2.2 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

* 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440-by-900 LCD display;
* 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive® with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 128MB GDDR3 memory;
* DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
* built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one headphone out port, each supporting optical digital audio;
* Scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

* 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440-by-900 LCD display;
* 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
* DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
* built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one headphone out port, each supporting optical digital audio;
* Scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.4 GHz, 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,799 (US), includes:

* 17-inch widescreen 1680-by-1050 LCD display;
* 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 2GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB;
* 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
* DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included, Composite/S-Video out adapter sold separately);
* built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
* three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one headphone out port, each supporting optical digital audio;
* Scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter.

Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to a 160GB (5400 rpm), 160GB (7200 rpm), 200GB (4200 rpm) or a 250GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, Apple USB Modem, glossy widescreen display, 17-inch 1920-by-1200 high-resolution display and the AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional build-to-order options also include pre-installed copies of iWork™ ‘06, Logic Express 7, Final Cut® Express HD 3.5 and Aperture™ 1.5.

*AirPort Extreme is based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Actual performance will vary based on range, connection rate, site conditions, size of network and other factors. iChat AV and video-conferencing require broadband internet connection; fees may apply.

**Based on estimated results comparing a pre-production 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro with a 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro.

“The MacBook is a huge hit with customers, and is one of the reasons that Mac sales are growing three times faster than PC sales,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The new MacBook is faster, has even more memory and storage, and is an ideal notebook for customers’ growing library of digital music, photos and movies.”

The one-inch thick MacBook comes in three models: white 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz MacBook models, and a black 2.16 GHz MacBook model. The MacBook includes a built-in iSight video camera for video chatting on-the-go with friends or family using iChat AV, recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife ‘06, or taking fun snapshots with Photo Booth. The MacBook includes Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects when under strain, and the latest generation of 802.11n wireless networking for up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g.

At prices starting at $1,099 (less for students & teachers), MacBooks are an excellent entry level option for podcasters and musicians. They come with iLife ‘06, featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb. The MacBook also comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.9 Tiger, including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth.

Pricing & Availability
The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,099 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 667 MHz front-side bus;
* 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
* 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme® 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire® 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling TrackPad;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.16 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 667 MHz front-side bus;
* 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
* 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling TrackPad;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.16 GHz, 13-inch black MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

* 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display;
* 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
* 667 MHz front-side bus;
* 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
* 160GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
* a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
* Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
* built-in iSight video camera;
* Gigabit Ethernet port;
* built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
* two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
* one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
* Scrolling TrackPad;
* the infrared Apple Remote; and
* 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 120GB or 160GB (5400 rpm) or a 200GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional build-to-order options also include pre-installed copies of iWork ‘06, Logic Express 7, Final Cut Express HD 3.5 and Aperture 1.5.

*AirPort Extreme is based on an IEEE 802.11n draft specification. Actual performance will vary based on range, connection rate, site conditions, size of network and other factors.

**iChat AV and video-conferencing require broadband internet connection; fees may apply.

via Podcasting News

Griffin has designed Elevator as a substantial realization of a simple design. Elevator uses a 1/2-inch-thick crossbar to hold two 1/4-inch-thick aluminum standards, positioning the laptop’s screen at an ideal height for viewing.

Crystal-clear polycarbonate and aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte silver finish meet in Elevator’s minimalist design to create a desktop accessory that looks as good holding the laptop as it does sitting empty, waiting patiently to be of service.

Elevator raises the laptop 5.5 inches (13.9cm) off the desktop to decrease user neck strain. Elevator’s open-air design allows air to freely circulate around the laptop’s cooling vents.

What to do with that newly created space under your laptop? Most users will find it handy for tucking keyboard and mouse away when not in use. The extra-resourceful among you will discover that the space also makes an ideal hideaway for that oft-stolen stapler, or the bowl of sunflower seeds that the guy from Marketing plunders when you’re not looking.

Compatibility

Griffin’s Elevator desktop stand accommodates all Macintosh laptops and other laptops 10 inches wide and wider.

Pricing and Availability

Griffin’s Elevator Desktop Stand for Portable Computers, $39.99, is now available.

Apple

“MacBook has helped drive Apple’s notebook market share to over 10 percent in US retail, and the new MacBooks will be among this holiday season’s most exciting new products,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With Intel Core 2 Duo processors across the entire line, these new MacBooks are up to 25 percent faster than their predecessors.”

With prices starting at $1,099, the new MacBook lineup includes three models: sleek white 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz MacBook models, and a black 2.0 GHz MacBook model. With Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo processors, the new MacBook is up to 25 percent faster than the previous MacBook and up to six times faster than the iBook, making it even easier for consumers to manage and enjoy their digital content with iLife ‘06. Consumers will also benefit from the added power in the new 2.0 GHz models, including double the memory and greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a double-layer SuperDrive for burning professional-quality DVDs.

The new MacBook features a 13-inch glossy widescreen display, ideal for enjoying videos, DVDs and photos with Apple’s breakthrough Front Row media experience. The MacBook is just one-inch thin and includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go with friends or family using iChat AV, recording a video podcast or iMovie using iLife ‘06, or taking fun snapshots with Photo Booth.

The MacBook includes Apple’s MagSafe Power Adapter that magnetically connects the power cord to the MacBook and safely disconnects under strain, preventing the notebook from falling off its work surface. Apple now also offers a new MagSafe Airline Adapter that makes using a MacBook on an airplane even more convenient by connecting to in-seat power ports for continued productivity throughout the duration of a flight. The MacBook also includes Apple’s Sudden Motion Sensor, designed to protect the hard drive in case of a fall, and a simple and intuitive Scrolling TrackPad for scrolling through long web pages or panning across large photographs.

The MacBook design includes built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate). Each MacBook also includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire 400 port, combination analog and optical digital audio input and output ports and a mini-DVI video output to connect up to a 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display.

The MacBook comes with iLife ‘06, the next generation of Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb, the latest iLife application that makes it super-easy to create amazing websites with photos, blogs and podcasts and publish them on .Mac for viewing by anyone on the Internet with just a single click.** The MacBook also comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.8 Tiger, including Safari™, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth, running natively on the Intel-based notebook.

Pricing & Availability

The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter is available for a suggested retail price of $59 (US).

The 1.83 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,099 (US), includes:

• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness;
• 1.83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
• 667 MHz front-side bus;
• 512MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
• 60GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
• Scrolling TrackPad;
• the infrared Apple Remote; and
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch white MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), includes:

• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness;
• 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
• 667 MHz front-side bus;
• 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
• 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 6x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
• Scrolling TrackPad;
• the infrared Apple Remote; and
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch black MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 (US), includes:

• 13.3-inch glossy widescreen 1280 x 800 display with 250 cd/m2 brightness;
• 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor;
• 667 MHz front-side bus;
• 1GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
• 120GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load 6x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950;
• Mini-DVI out (adapters for DVI, VGA and Composite/S-Video sold separately);
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• built-in AirPort Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
• Scrolling TrackPad;
• the infrared Apple Remote; and
• 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 80GB, 120GB or 160GB (5400 rpm) or a 200GB (4200 rpm) hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem, Apple Mini-DVI to DVI adapter, Apple Mini-DVI to VGA adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional build-to-order options also include: pre-installed copies of iWork ‘06, Logic Express 7, Final Cut Express HD 3.5 and Aperture 1.5.

*Based on estimated results of industry-standard SPECint and SPECfp rate tests. SPEC is a registered trademark of Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC); see www.apple.com/macbook for more information.

**Internet access required, fees may apply. The .Mac service is available to persons age 13 and older. Terms and conditions apply.

Rain Recording

“The new revisions and enhancements in LiveBook and LiveBook Studio provide the ability to do more desktop applications than ever before,” said Bill Paschick, Rain Recording President. “This is the first time mobile technology has approached the speed, HD capacity and performance of a desktop workstation.”

The redesigned Rain Recording LiveBook offers new features including a built-in Web Cam, Bluetooth and internal SATA hard drive as well as the integrated Azalia Audio Chip. LiveBook gives you everything you need to record, play back, and share music without over-heating or audio drop-outs.

LiveBook Studio features a new 17″ Widescreen display with built-in Web cam, DVD/RW Super Multi drive, external SATA port and Bluetooth. Core Duo architecture powers Windows XP, with 2 GB of RAM for optimized performance. Additionally, Rain Recording’s proprietary Quiet Cool allows you to work in any environment regardless of the ambient temperature.

More information is available at the Rain Recording site.

Apple

The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4 laptop computers.

Apple is voluntarily recalling the affected batteries and has initiated a worldwide exchange program to provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge. This program is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other international safety authorities.

Apple has set up a page on its site to deal with questions about the recall.

A list of affected serial numbers is available at the site. According to Apple, replacement batteries will take 4 to 6 weeks to be delivered. Shipping time may vary due to availability of your battery model.

MacWorld Update:

“MacBook Pro delivers dual-processor desktop performance in a thin, sleek notebook,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “The new MacBook Pro, with its Intel Core Duo dual-core processor, delivers the performance of not just one, but two G5 processors in the world’s most stunning one inch thin design.”

The MacBook Pro is up to four times faster than the product it replaces, the PowerBook G4, running industry standard benchmarks.

Every new MacBook Pro comes with a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go using Apple’s award-winning iChat AV, or recording a video Podcast or iMovie using iLife ‘06. MacBook Pro also includes Photo Booth, Apple’s fun-to-use application that lets users take quick snapshots with the built-in iSight video camera, add entertaining visual effects and share their pictures with the touch of a button.

The new MacBook Pro is the first notebook to feature Apple’s breakthrough Front Row media experience and the Apple Remote, turning MacBook Pro into a portable theatre. Front Row gives customers a simple way to enjoy their content wherever they go—including songs from their iTunes music library, photo slideshows from iPhoto, videos including TV shows, Podcasts, iMovies and DVDs, and popular movie trailers streamed from apple.com—all from up to 30 feet away.

The new MacBook Pro also debuts Apple’s patent-pending MagSafe magnetic power connector, designed especially for mobile users. The MagSafe power connector makes charging the notebook’s battery easier than ever by magnetically coupling the power cord to the MacBook Pro. The MagSafe power connector safely disconnects from the notebook when there is strain on the power cord, helping to prevent the notebook from falling off its work surface when the power cord is inadvertently yanked.

The new MacBook Pro features a 67-percent brighter 15-inch display, which is now as bright as Apple’s Cinema Displays, and offers a completely new system architecture for faster performance, including a 667 MHz front-side bus that is four times as fast as the PowerBook G4 and 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable to 2GB that is twice as fast as the PowerBook G4. Each MacBook Pro comes standard with ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 PCI Express graphics, with either 128MB or 256MB of dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory. Each MacBook Pro includes built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), integrated AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking,*a scrolling TrackPad and Apple’s Sudden Motion Sensor that is designed to protect the hard drive in case of a fall.

The MacBook Pro includes iLife ‘06, the next generation of Apple’s award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring major new versions of iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and introducing iWeb, a new iLife application that makes it super-easy to create amazing websites with photos, blogs and Podcasts and publish them on .Mac for viewing by anyone on the Internet with just a single click. All the iLife ‘06 applications are Universal applications that run natively on the new Intel-based MacBook Pros for maximum performance.

Every new MacBook Pro comes with the latest release of the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.4 “Tiger” including Safari™, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth, running natively on Apple’s first Intel-based notebook. Mac OS X Tiger includes an innovative software translation technology called Rosetta that lets customers run most Mac OS X PowerPC applications seamlessly.***

Pricing & Availability

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro will be available in February through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The 1.67 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

• 15.4-inch widescreen 1440 x 900 LCD display with 300 cd/m2 brightness;
• 1.67 GHz Intel Core Duo processor;
• 512MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
• 80GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load SuperDrive™ (DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• PCI Express-based ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory;
• DVI-out port for external display;
• built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• built-in AirPort® Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire® 400 port;
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
• scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard;
• the infrared Apple Remote;
• 60 Watt hour lithium polymer battery; and
• 85W AC power adapter with MagSafe magnetic power connector.

The 1.83 GHz, 15-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

• 15.4-inch widescreen 1440 x 900 LCD display with 300 cd/m2 brightness;
• 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor;
• 1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2GB;
• 100GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor;
• a slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive;
• PCI Express-based ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB GDDR3 memory;
• DVI-out port for external display;
• built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display;
• built-in iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• built-in Airport Extreme wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
• ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
• two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
• one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog;
• scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard;
• the infrared Apple Remote;
• 60 Watt hour lithium polymer battery; and
• 85W AC power adapter with MagSafe magnetic power connector.

Additional build-to-order options for the 15-inch MacBook Pro include the ability to upgrade to 120GB (5400 rpm) or 100GB (7200 rpm) hard drive, up to 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem, and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Description: The recalled lithium ion batteries are used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.

Consumer Contact: Contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple’s web site at www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange to check your battery’s serial number and apply for a replacement battery.

Name of Product: Rechargeable batteries for iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 computers.

Units: About 128,000 units (in the United States)

Computer Manufacturer: Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.

Battery Manufacturer: LG Chem Ltd., of South Korea

Hazard: An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Apple has received six reports worldwide of batteries overheating, including two reports in the United States.

Computer model name Battery model number Battery serial number range

• 12-inch iBook G4 A1061 HQ441 – HQ507
• 12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 3X446 – 3X510
• 15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 3X446 – 3X509

Details are available at the CPSC site.

The DAWin 6400 is powered by a 32- and 64-bit capable AMD Athlon 64 processor for desktop replacement (DTR) notebooks and an ATI Mobility RADEON 9700 (M11-P) graphics accelerator chip with a 128MB DDR video ram. The 17.0-inch WXGA+ display with maximum resolution of 1680 X 1050 gives the DAWin-64M eye-popping visual characteristics rivaling those of high-end office-bound workstations.

Features:

• CPU – AMD Athlon 64 for desktop replacement notebooks
• Core Logic – VIA K8T800 + VIA8235CE
• Memory – 512MB on board; Expandable up to 2048MB 200-pin DDR400 SDRAM Dual Channel Memory Module x2
• ROM Drive – 24X24X8X24 Optical Combo drive or optional Super Combo 4X DVD-/+R/RW Optical drive
• Hard Drive – 2.5″ 9.5 mm height: 60/80 GB 5400RPM — 60GB 7200RPM – Ultra DMA 66/100/133
• Floppy Drive – Included external FDD w/ USB I/F; 3.5 Format for 720KB/1.2MB/1.44MB
• Display – 17″ WXGA+ TFT Display;
• Resolution: 1680X1050
• Video Controller – ATI M11P with 128MB External VRAM (Reserve for additional 128MB VRAM)
• Keyboard -Full size 85 keys with 101/102 emulation; supports “Windows” Key & Application keys including full size numeric keypad
• Button – 1x Wireless RF switch button with LED
• Pointing Device – Glide pad with 2x buttons and 4 direction scroll button
• PCMCIA – TypeII X1 without ZV -Cardbus Support
• Multicard Reader – 4-in-1 Card Reader
• Indicator – 3 LEDs for Power/Battery status (on display housing) – 1 LED for Radio wave status Power LED (with switch button) – 5 LEDs for HDD Access, ODD Access, Num lock, Cap lock and Scroll Lock – 1 LED for Card reader status
• Audio System – Sound Blaster Pro compatible – AC97 V5.1 Codec – Built-in Mono Microphone – 4X Speaker and subwoofer
• I/O Ports
• • Bi-directional Parallel Port (EPP/ECP) x 1
  • USB port (2.0, backward compatible with USB1.1) x 4
  • RJ-11 port x 1 RJ-45 port x 1
  • IR port x 1, complies with IrDA 1.1
  • DC input x 1
  • DVI monitor port x1
  • Audio-out x 1 (S/P DIF)
  • Mic-in x 1
  • Hardware Volume Control S VideTV-Out x 1 (NTSC/PAL)
  • IEEE1394a x 1
  • Mini PCI (type III B)
• TV Tuner – Built-in TV Tuner and Remote Control
• Digital Camera – Integrated CMOS Digital Camera
• Communication – Built-in 56Kbps V.90 modem – Built-in 10/100/1000 MB based-T LAN – One Mini PCI slot and one antenna reserved for wireless LAN (Type III B)
• Wireless LAN – 802.11g Ultra WiFi
• AC Adapter Universal AC adapter 150W (3 pins) / 120W; Input: 100-240V, 50/60Hz AC (support power on charge)
• Battery – 8 cell (2200mAH/3.7V) Li-ion standard
• Dimensions (H) x (W) x (D) : 1.7″x15.5″x10.8″
• Weight – 9.15lbs. with Battery
• Accessories – Power Cord (3 pins), AC Adapter, RJ-11 Phone Cable, Manual, System Driver CD-Title, Notebook Carry Bag, Remote,
• Architecture – Support PC2001 Specification, Designed for Windows XP (driver ready for 98, ME, and 2000)

More information is available at http://www.digitalaudiowave.com.