jay dryden dot net

Our sources have recently discovered that Apple is quietly preparing to introduce a low-cost backup solution for Mac users. Pictured below is the tentatively-titled “iSave” hard drive.

Targeted at the laptop-user, the iSave contains a 60 GB, 5200 rpm IBM/Hitachi 2.5″ hard drive with an 8 MB cache. Most likely, Apple decided to use a 2.5″ drive to conserve the pricier 1.8″ drives manufactured by Toshiba for the higher-margin iPod line. As would be expected, the device features LRF support. The iSave’s street price is estimated to be $125.

At 0.5 x 2.9 x5.0 in., the iSave (shown below with Cruzer thumb drive and keys for size comparison) is slightly larger than an iPod.

Before Apple’s attorneys get too excited Read the rest of this entry »

… unless, of course, that special Geek happens to be me, as I already own them.

(Alphabetically, by author. Click on a book’s cover art to be taken to its entry at amazon.com.)

1) Hahney,Leander , The Cult of Mac.

Mr. Hahney is the author of both the Wired News: Cult of Mac site and the Cult of Mac Blog.

2) Hertzfeld, Andy , Revolution in the Valley: The Insanely Great Story of How the Mac Was Made.

Mr. Hertzfeld originally published his firsthand account of the early years of Macintosh development on his website, folklore.org. I enjoyed reading the anecdotes for the first time on his site, and I enjoyed reading them for the second time in this beautifully-bound volume.

Although Mr. Hertzfeld is a software engineer, he writes in a conversational manner that makes his sometimes technical tales both interesting and easy to read. This is a must-have volume for any Mac enthusiast who is interested in Apple history.

3) Wheaton, Wil , Just a Geek.

For better or worse, most people remember Wil Wheaton either as the cute little boy from Stand by Me or as Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation. I say “for worse,” as he is also an accomplished voice-over talent, the author of one of the most popular weblogs on “the Internet” (according to Wired magazine), and a very talented author who has just published his second book.

I discussed the fun I had installing a new battery in my 2G 20 gig iPod here. After charging the battery for the first time, the iPod played continually for nineteen hours and fifteen minutes (that’s 305 songs). Six weeks later, the battery is still working flawlessly.

So, if you have an older iPod (1G or 2G) and want to greatly increase its battery life, then consider this upgrade. For just under $40, it’s worth it.

Here is the direct link to purchase the battery (I have no affiliation with the seller other than as a satisfied customer).