POWERWATCH NEWS POWERWATCH VIEWS POWERWATCH SYSTEMS POWER TECH POWERWATCH FILES ABOUT POWERWATCH POWERWATCH LINKS JEFF'S LOSTWORLD		January Power News Archive (Up to February 1997 News) Friday, January 31 A PowerWatch reader pointed out a discrepancy between PowerBase pricing online and in Power's print ads. Upon further investigation, I notice the following: PowerBase 240's are $200 less than what is listed in the print ads. PowerBase 200's are $100 less than what is listed... PowerBase 180's are the same as in the print ads. Buy your computer online and save! Thanks, Mark G. I'm getting mixed messages about the MacOS Up-to-Date program. Some people said that Apple says send in those order forms; Others were told to wait til next week. Rumor has it that the PowerCenter 180 is on the way out, since both IBM and Motorola are phasing out the PowerPC 604/180mhz. Let's welcome back our favorite (and currently, only) advertiser, Mushkin memory! They'll be sponsoring us for the next three months. I'm still waiting for the other advertisers to start.... We seem to have trouble with this page reloading itself once after you hit the home page. I'm trying to figure out why, although it only happened to me once. As for the WebCrossing problems, I think they may finally be over.   Thursday, January 30 Jody Houston reports that if you call up Apple's MacOS Up-To-Date people, you can actually order your upgrade as a PowerComputing owner.. they haven't updated the web site, Jody was told. You can call Apple at 800-335-9258 and see what they have to say. There is a known bug with 7.6 and Speed Doubler 2.. however it doesn't seem like that bug is what caused my disk to be destroyed. I'm still trying to find out what's going on. We've moved to a new server-- thanks to the great folks at pair networks. WebX should work much better and the site should be more responsive overall. Tuesday, January 28 Could it be true? Yes! The famed PowerLogix Mach9 is shipping! I don't like to get nasty on PowerWatch very often, but here goes: It's pretty pathetic that PowerCC is still not on Apple's MacOS Up-to-Date list. Update: Brian Combs says it should be later this week. The salt shaker is on the table. PowerWatch reader Bryan Haggerty created a cool PowerCC startup screen which replaces the "two faces" that you currently probably have. I put it on the PowerWatch ftp site for your downloading pleasure. Joe Fox from Strata asked me to see if anyone was having any incompatibilities with StrataStudioPro (2.0) and PowerComputing machines. Please let him know if you are. As you probably noticed, the counter has been changed to a more reliable (and unfortunately, flashier) counter. I don't anticipate anymore counter resetting problems. I'm also still waiting on a possible server move.   Tuesday, January 28 We're having trouble with Web Crossing as many of you have noticed. It is getting killed by the server because it takes up too much memory. I am working with pair networks to get us moved onto a new server (sorry folks, I can't afford a dedicated server). I'm still working on tracking problems with the Iomega software and directory damage (see yesterday). I've turned the investigation over to MacFixIt and MacInTouch, but I'll keep you all posted here as well. AJ Colianni sent this picture to me, and it was too funny not to post. You can do this on Power's online store with just a little fiddling.   Monday, January 27 Congrats go out to Eric 'MRP' Belsley on the birth of his son! I'm still thankful for the help Eric gave me in setting up this site. Remember the trouble I had with installing the Iomega software, which caused major directory damage on my hard drive and forced me to reformat? For a brief reminder of what happened: I ran the installer. It said it couldn't install, and it gave me the option to quit or try again. When I quit, many icons and folders disappeared from my hard drive. I had to reformat since no utility I had could fix the problem. Anyhow, it seems I'm not the only one who had a problem with it. It was version 5.0.1 of Iomega's Zip and Jaz software. Anyone else? PowerTech is taking longer than I was hoping. Later this week, after midterms, I will be back on it.   Sunday, January 26 Adobe's new Sitemill 2.0 beta and Pagemill 2.0 make a great team. In fact, I seem to be much more impressed with these two more than Frontpage. Nevertheless, I used Sitemill to hunt down some dead links, and I have made some repairs.   Saturday, January 25 A recent check of the web stats says that over 56,000 different unique people have visited PowerWatch since December 1. I have changed the banner at the top; We don't need anymore advertisers right now.. where are they then, you ask? Soon, friends, soon. PowerWatch sightings today: First, found on the MacAddict web site: With all these people keeping an eye on Apple, it stands to reason that somebody has to keep an eye on Power Computing, and Jeff Keller's PowerWatch fills this need most admirably. Here, you'll find out what's actually shipping, what Power customers think of their machines, and other useful info for clone owners. Also, we're on page 40 of Macworld March 1997 Finally, we're in the Power Computing ad (the big fold out) in both MacWorld and MacUser March. I have been told that WebCrossing 2.0 will be fixing the problems we've been having, in addition to chat. Watch for it in 2-3 weeks. Friday, January 24 I may have figured out the problem with WebCrossing; It appears that over 84,000 pages were discarded due to something or other. It told me to give the server more memory, which I did. I will be tracking this problem now that I know how; Thanks to those who complained-- I never noticed it! It's a sign of increasing PowerWatch popularity, for sure! We talk a lot about customer service on PowerWatch; today, I tell you of an experience with another company: Olympus. You see, my new (and awesome) digital camera from them didn't come with the promised software. So I emailed them, and got a reply on Tuesday that they would send me the software. Well, yesterday a mysterious FedEx package arrived-indeed, there it was! I was very impressed.   Thursday, January 23 Systems page and ShipWatch updated with the latest reports! Lots of news today; I will hopefully be able to update all the systems tonight, or at least get a start on it. Here's the news: If you buy any new Power machine direct today, you'll get a free set of Labtec LCS-1020 speakers. Also there are now several more Quickship computers: PowerTower Pro 200 64/2000/8x with 33.6 modem, 17" monitor $3995 (great deal, man, big savings over my computer) and Director 5.0 ... in addition there are many base systems (PTP 200, PBase 200) which are quickship systems as well. Please check out the new, updated Systems page for more. All the new modems seem to be 33.6 global village modems. Powerbase 240's are now shipping-- really! We've lost (read: discontinued) the PowerCenter 132 and 166, as well as all the PowerTower models, and the PowerTower Pro 180 models. Thanks Brian Combs for the update! Remodeling has now reached PowerWatch; note the smaller, imagemap-free logo. Easy to find text links. Less clutter. Feedback is welcome. Also notice the new section, PowerTech. I'm not one to ripoff other people's ideas but the Unofficial Starmax site's Issue Tracking is a good idea. So here's how it'll work: We'll have the hottest issues regarding use of Power Computing systems; whether it's SCSI and scanners, System 7.6 problems, whatever. We'll have them up there, kind of like a FAQ--this will help cut down on redundant posts and emails to me. But first, I need some issues to post! Send me them! PowerTech will be up later this week! Still no sign of Power on the MacOS Up-to-Date list... I was told by PowerLogix that the Mach9's will ship Friday, almost definitely.   Wednesday, January 22 Regarding the Monday news item about the scanner/scsi fix: I have reuploaded the file (it was binhexed twice) and renamed it to be more appropriate. It is a photoshop plug-in for UMAX scanners. If you've got a problem with your scanner, try this.   Tuesday, January 21 The news many of you have been waiting for: Power Computing should be part of Apple's MacOS Up-to-Date program by tomorrow.   Monday, January 20 I had a major crash last night, while installing the newest version of the Iomega drivers. It's funny that I was just reading info about discontent against Iomega earlier that day. Nevertheless, I lost a ton of stuff off my hard drive, and am in the process of rebuilding. I'd steer clear of that Iomega update for a while. People are having trouble getting the PowerBase 3D software off of Power's site. So, thanks to a kind PowerWatch reader, we now have the software on our FTP site. Download it now! Users may also be interested in something I just remembered having: The fix from Umax for their scanners and SCSI problems (I think it was with the Powerbase systems). If you have a SCSI disk, you can't use Apple's fix, so try this. My Lostworld pages are all new and completely redone. Take a look and tell me what you think!   Friday, January 17 MacSense reports that Power has updated their price list online; And they're correct! Note the different software bundles at the bottom. Interesting posting found on USENET, concerning that $24 System 7.6 upgrade: All Mac OS licensees have been offered the option of participating in this program. PowerComputing has not notified us that they wish to participate. -- David Schmitt Mac OS Product Marketing Manager Apple Computer, Inc. We've all heard that the Powerbase 3d software was supposed to be shipping-- anybody seen it yet? 150,000 hits! If you remember, we started back on September 27th, and 3.5 months later, we've done this! Over 42,000 hits per month! Thank you!   Thursday, January 16 Finally some Power-related rumors; A user wrote in with some info for those interested in MP systems or upgrades. The PowerTowerPro 225/250MP systems ship later this month An upgrade card from single to dual processors also this month A single processor 250MHz system in February. Again, these aren't confirmed, but hey, you guys like rumors, right? The temptation to buy a digital camera is getting stronger; The $900 Canon Quickshot 600 has great image quality, but no mac version. I'm thinking the Olympus 300D .. still want reviews if you've got either. On a side note, my remodeling of the Lostworld pages is almost complete; a re-doing of PowerWatch may follow.   Wednesday, January 15 Word has quickly spread that PowerTower's are no longer mentioned on Power's site. Yes, they are being phased out. You may be interested in a PowerTowerPro core system though-- they cost around the same and include Macromedia Director free! The words MacMall'ers have been waiting to hear for a long time, come from our favorite Brian Combs: "All of MacMall's orders have been released from our system. They should ship in a few days" I got an interesting system error last night.. while working in Photoshop 4.0 with Extensis PhotoTools, the mac suddenly popped into Macsbug and said "This should _never_ happen." Cute. I killed Photoshop and survived the crash, so far at least. Frontpage stinks for the most part.. hardly functions.. but again, it's a great idea.. So I'll continue to use Pagemill 2.0 (as I have been) to remodel the other pages on my site, as well as this page when it's time comes. A user wrote in to remind me to say that Frontpage is only in beta still.   Tuesday, January 14 I'm experimenting with Microsoft Frontpage. It's got a lot of bugs in it but it may have some potential. I went through all 244 surveys I received before I put it away.. here's the summary, as well as my thoughts on each. Special offers (presumably on Power systems-- nobody ever made that really clear). Sounds good to me. Let's wait and see what develops on this one. Online chat. I've been mentioning this for a while. As soon as WebCrossing 2.0 comes out, we will be able to hold such an event! I'll keep you all posted on this one. Technical info: The most common site I've been referred to is the StarMax unofficial site. I suppose this could be done, but isn't this what PowerViews is for? More news on upgrades: I'm working on this. Better user interface: ditto here. My numbers on sales were wrong; I've been hearing more like over 200,000 units shipped, but since Power is a private company, they don't have to disclose the number (and they haven't). Rumor has it that Power has been closed for the last two days due to inclement weather. Gee, when my backyard was underwater a few weeks ago, you didn't see PowerWatch closed ;-) Apparently Power customers aren't "in" on that $24 upgrade deal to System 7.6. Hopefully this will change (although believe me, 7.6 isn't anything to be upset about not having) and we'll let you know when it happens. Okay, I found one person who has an Olympus digital camera. Anyone else? I'm considering one and want reviews! Want to hear a horror story? Read this -- to say that Power's customer and technical support has... a few bugs.. is an understatement.   Monday, January 13 Sounds like Power shipped around 100,000 machines last year (including like 3 to me), according to a News.com story. Here's the quote: The first company to obtain a Mac OS license from Apple has shipped nearly 100,000 units in its first year and was able to turn a profit after its first full quarter, said company founder, chairman, and CEO Stephen Kahng. I picked up MacBench 4.0 (the CD) at the expo, and time permitting, will be running all the graphic tests for the old PT200e. I will post them this week. The web server went down last night, taking PowerWatch Views down with it. Everything has been restored this morning. Sorry for any inconvenience. PowerWatch's advertising system have changed quite a bit. Check out PowerWatch Notes for the details. Oh yeah, if you're wondering where those ads are, you won't be for much longer.   Sunday, January 12 A few people have mentioned an MPEG upgrade for the IMS Twin Turbo card; anyone have more information on this? Did you get the BeOS at Macworld or at the bookstore?? Did you know we have a forum in PowerWatch Views dedicated to it? Check it out!   Saturday, January 11 Addendum to the message below.. I did install BeOS DR8.2 on the PowerCenter 166-- WOW! I saw the demo at MacWorld, and was impressed there, but once I dropped that onto a home computer, it was great! Speed, speed, speed! Can't wait to get it on the PT200e! Well, I went to MacWorld on Friday.. I guess I could probably write a novel but I'll keep in brief. I don't have any breaking news or anything, but I can just relate my experiences. Power definitely had the best booth, and the biggest crowds. Apple's booth paled in comparison.. Power had a great military-style layout with all the employees dressed up.. they gave away lots of free stuff.. my friend ended up winning an old 286 (which we left there purposely) I met most of the Powerwatch readers in the world.. meaning, Power Computing employees [grin] .. met Joel Kocher the new President, met Marketing man Mike Rosenfelt (who was very helpful in filling my hands with free goodies), Brian Combs, and many (many) more. Nice to see finally meet people you've only known "digitally" if you know what I mean. Also met Mark Gonzales from Be, Inc., but no Mr. Gassee. Going to try out the old BeOS on a PowerCenter my dad is bringing home from work. If you got one of the brochures that says "Choosing the right Mac is easy if you know what to do...", flip the page, and you'll see PowerWatch at the bottom of the page. I'd be a hypocrite if I brought up the topic of copyrights ;-p Anyhow, I did get a new press kit, and will be updating various sections of the web page, and we have some big advertising starting up in less than a week! Stay tuned! Thursday, January 9 More Macworld news: Power's presence at Macworld is huge; I am yet to see it firsthand (but I will be there tomorrow) but readers say it's very cool, and more impressive than Apple's. A user wrote in to say that the show special computers (Powerbase 200, PTP225) can be ordered by calling 1-800-769-5917 and mentioning Macworld special. I can't guarantee that this works, but you can sure try. Finally, don't forget to post your Macworld experiences to the special forum in PowerWatch Views. Wednesday, January 8 A user wrote in saying that the MP systems introduced this week will be available in March or April. The deconfigured PowerTowerPro's will be shipping next week. Finally, there is no upgrade path announced for upgrading a current PTPro to a MP system, even though it's just a daughtercard swap. Time to update the ShipWatch page. I'm still looking for feedback on Power's presence at Macworld -- if you went, do tell! I do have confirmation that the PowerTowerPro225 show special has 128Mb RAM, 2gb HD, 8x CD-ROM, IMS TwinTurbo 8mb VRAM, keyboard, mouse, 17" monitor and modem for $4995. It should be noted that you must attend the expo to receive this deal! If you don't, you get 64 mb of RAM for the same price. Tuesday, January 7 Here's the news from MacWorld. Hang on. If you see any glaring errors let me know. I'll have a report up Friday night after my visit with Power at the expo. PowerTower Pro 225MP and 250MP introduced - twin 604e systems, from $4995. PowerTower Pro "deconfigured systems" include ATI 2mb video card and 5400RPM hard disk. 200mhz for $3295, 225mhz for $3795 PowerTower Pro's all come with Macromind Director 5.0 from now on. PowerCenter 300 shown off; That's a 300mhz 603e mind you. New 15" and 17" multimedia monitors introduced; $379, $695. PowerBase 3D software shipping; will be sent out this week; Includes Weekend Warrior from Bungie. Prices on PowerTower Pro's officially reduced (but we already knew that), with 32mb RAM standard. New Quickship systems, which ship within 48 hours of credit approval. Includes either a PowerTower Pro 225 or Powerbase 200LP at very good prices. The PowerTowerPro 225 won best product at Macworld, and the Powerbase won best system. Wow! Show Specials: (Someone please confirm these) PowerTower 225 128/2000/8x/IMS 8mb with 17" multimedia monitor, and 28.8 modem (possibly 33.6) $4995 Powerbase 200 16/1.2/8x with 15" multimedia monitor, and modem $1995. Online shopping! The PowerComputing online store has gone live at http://store.powercc.com Press releases and stories Full info and new Umax machines in MacWeek story.... Power Computing's Macworld Booth and Webcast information. Where else to find Power machines at the show. Info on the Disc IV (filled with demos of old games) Info on Power events elsewhere at MacWorld: A contest, user group breakfast, and a private party with Lyle Lovett that I can't make it to. Apparently the BeOS will be available to users who bought their PowerBase before November 26th, but who received it after that date, a user reports. My mini- review of the PowerLogix Mach9 is finally up.   Monday, January 6 MacWorld help: If you're going to Macworld this week, please do report in any PowerCC news you hear of. I know that if you're in the market for a PTPro 225 you will be a happy camper due to a generous expo deal. MacInTouch has the news on the new PowerTowerPro MP250 and MP225 systems: $4995-5995 is the price. (I thought these chips were in short supply...). Also news on the quickship PowerBase 200 (16/1.2/8x/15" monitor/modem) for $1995. There are several PowerTowerPro quickship programs, as well as Macworld specials we'll be reporting on tomorrow here at PowerWatch. I apologize for the lack of updating; I moved back to San Diego this weekend. Watch for my Mach9 review soon! Friday, January 3 Over on MacInTouch, Ric has a story about PowerTowerPro's not recognizing Asante FastEthernet PCI cards. Not sure who's problem it is (Asante or PowerCC) but we'll keep our eyes peeled. I had the unique pleasure of testing out a PowerLogix Mach9 for the last two days on my PowerTower. And I think you'll be pleased with the results. I'll be writing up a review and it will be posted Friday afternoon. Look for it! (ps-I was assured that after macworld there will be thousands of mach9's ready to ship) (Down to December News Archive)