PCMCIA (w & w/o CardBus) FLEXIBILITY OF FUNCTIONS--I will only address some functions which enable the 2400 to (additionally) do what iB2 cannot: --2nd MONITOR--driven digital/analog, mirrored and extended desktop modes, via accelerated 4-32mb vram up to 2048 x 1536 pixels at 100 Hz refresh rates up to 1600 x 1200 pixels --GSM/GRPS WIRELESS--tri-band GSM plus GRPS connectivity rates up to 68 Kbit/s, worldwide in all GSM based countries on 2.5G (this alone is incredible mobility at a very decent speed=real usable computing power). --GSM/HSCSD--same as above at 43.2 Kbit/s via dual-band Nokia Card Phone 2.0, an attractive international wireless alternative at falling data rate costs (note WiFi/Airport is limited to 150', Bluetooth to 30', but GSM/HSCSD/GRPS is wirelessly (un)limited to the GSM mobile phone net worldwide, a very powerful and flexible option). --GSM/802.11b--another new Nokia PC card looks to combine seamlessly transitions from operator 802.11 LANS to mobile phone networks, so wireless options look better all the time --AIRPORT--vis a vis Ti, the use of a PC card offers far greater range as the titanium metal case seems to seriously impede Ti Airport performance --MULTIPLE MODEMS--certain modems and scripts perform differently on different phone lines. I carry two types which perform very differently, each with several scripts so I can always optimize any location, saving a lot of time and money. The Ti and iB2 w/built in modems often have problems with dropped lines or speeds under certain conditions due to each modem's inherent limitations. The Type III slot allows immediate back to back testing with decisive resolution in a few minutes. --PRO AUDIO--some pro-level solutions such as Digigram�s VXpocket series with their own digital/analog I/O signal processing built-in converts the 2400 into a powerful Pro sound studio (I have a friend running a full recording/mixing studio with Cubase etc. on a G3-2400). --USB 2.0--upward adaptability assured via PCMCIA --FILE TRANSFER/WIN COMPATIBILITY--removable flash media ATA/CF/SM/MMC/MS Microdrives all offer far faster/easier transfers than USB (and eliminate multiple extra appendages); a digital camera can remain in use in tight shooting while a card is being downloaded. The BEST way for PC file compatibility is the lowly floppy and the fastest way to easily transfer 100's of MBs from Mac to a PC is via flash to a laptop--this is much easier than trying to get on someone else's network, or burning a CD, or emailing or fax printing. The 2400's Type III slot enables me to run all essential apps, extensions and modem, and local configurations together over a flash card, and lets me instantly control guest access on my 2400. --SECURITY--new motion detecting anti-theft PC cards (great for countering the epidemic of lost laptops at airport security controls these days)
IrDA--very useful for urgent wireless 9600 bps GSM connections (international cell phone standard) but not so much in the USA where standards are fragmented (and a great impediment to wireless connectivity). I've emailed and faxed pressing communications from remote places, as well as put myself (and friends) online to catch important breaking news. PACKING (FLEXIBILITY)--Too much stuff to carry? I use 2-3 unpadded (very critically evaluated) black nylon/leather cases that fit progressively inside one another. By judicious packing, each serves as "padding" for the next and a "full" configuration (including CDRW, 2 spare batteries & floppy) can be carried in a 13" x 15" x 2-3-4" volume. I can store multiple PC cards in a slide type sheet array so it's no thicker than one PC card, even if I have 6-12 pcs to serve as side padding. Users of Firewire/USB/SCSI in other PBs still have to carry much bulkier cables to make sure they have "connections". An external Firewire drive might be an essential for them. I'd never trust a preconfigured CD alone to get me out of trouble on the road (CD drives can be fickle about booting and reading CDs burned in other drives). My important cables and Madsen power supply often travel under the 2400, providing shock absorbent cushioning and minimal increase in bulk. This approach allows the minimum to be brought to any meeting or in a half-sized shoulder bag which has other essentials as well. The modularity of such a system allows flexible configurations for any momentary situation while keeping carry-on bulk/weight to a minimum. The 2400 also sits vertically side by side with papers in a slim briefcase, keeping everything slim. DURABILITY--I've dropped a 2400 in an unpadded bad 4' onto a concrete sidewalk (as it fell out of a 3-sided zipper bag behind my shoulder). I expected at least a cracked case/screen but everything worked without a scratch. Neither Ti nor iB2 would have been close to surviving unscathed. I would have bought a G4-Ti667 combo, but for poor WiFi and a loud fan, despite its size and anemic cache. But I know I'd leave it on my desk, and if mightily motivated to drag it abroad, would inevitably try to secret it in a hotel room (plus worry). I would have bought an iBook2 12" but for missing a PC slot--and I've never had the need to burn CDs on the road or watch a DVD... Carry CDs?--just disk image vital CDs on a big HD. I have nearly daily access to Ti, iB2 and others so it's not that I'm blind to the virtues of other PBs. My take on Bob F's comment on Gil Amelio: anybody who cannibalized 5-8 years of product sales by such a versatile computer "deserved" to be fired! ;-) Sidney Ho / Pt. 2 ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> RoadTools $30 PodiumPad available at Apple retail stores, $20 Traveler CoolPad at Staples. Both in white for iBooks at <http://roadtools.com> Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
