iBook vs. NEC Versa TXi, pt. 2
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by Paul Cesarini

iBook vs. NEC Versa TXi, Part Two
What will that extra $1000 buy?
Based on the amount of feedback received for the "iBook / Versa TXi" comparison, I though a follow-up might be appropriate. As expected, several people emailed saying that a 500mhz G3 was far more powerful than a 750mhz mobile PIII. A near equal amount emailed proclaiming the exact opposite, including one person who demanded that I ".quantifiably prove a 500mhz Mac G3 [sic] is anywhere near as good as a 750mhz Pentium III." While I could perhaps resort to the trusty ByteMark integer tests that Apple has touted since the very first G3 system shipped, I have neither the time nor inclination to do so. After all, this isn't my day job. Since I use Macs, Windows-based systems, and Linux systems at work and at home, I'm really just going by gut feeling on the whole processor thing. Let's just agree to disagree about processor speed comparisons, ok? A few of you pointed-out that the whopping $1000 price difference between similarly-configured iBooks and Versa TXi systems could be further widened if the additional ram and larger hard drive were bought from a third party, rather than directly from the Apple Store. I agree. In spite of Apple's recent 50% off ram promotion, it is still cheaper to click over to Ramseeker.com, scan for the lowest price, and order from one of numerous memory vendors. The $193 Apple wants to swap-out the stock 10gb drive in place of a 20gb one is certainly no deal, either. Prices on 20gb IBM TravelStar drives, or similar ones from Toshiba, have dropped to $125 - $145 range. If you bought one and swapped-out the stock 10gb drive, you'd have an excellent back-up drive available. All you'd need is an external FireWire drive kit enclosure, which are readily available and darn cheap, too. :) The main reason why I opted to exclude third-party vendors is that I wanted to go with a straight Apple -> NEC comparison, with as few middlemen as possible, to keep it a clean fight. This proved difficult, though, due to NEC not having their own online store. One person also mentioned the ATi chips used in the iBook and Versa appear to be different, as do the beefiness of the LiON batteries. This may well be true; I'll need to look at both more closely. Same goes for the person who pointed-out the PC card slots on the Versa, which the iBook of course lacks. Since nearly
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http://www.pbzone.com/nec2.shtml (1 of 3) [5/18/2001 11:26:16 AM]
everything is built into the iBook, the lack of PC card slots, to me, is really less of an issue than, say, the lack of monitor-spanning capability. There are plenty of external, USB solutions to flash memory readers, cell phone modem use, etc. I admit that there may well be some instances where no external solution, either USB-based or FireWire-based, exists, and that could be construed as a minor shortcoming of the new iBooks. Hats-off to the person who pointed-out that 128mb on the new iBooks, if ordered through the Apple Store, likely means getting the motherboard with 128mb soldered-on while still having an empty ram slot. On the Versa, no such luck: 128mb means you have to yank some existing ram if you ever want to add more. Anyway, the main reason why I felt a "pt. 2" might prove interesting is due to a suggestion one of you sent: what will the extra $1000 get you? My first reaction was, "A bunch of stuff, of course." After mulling it over, however, I started to really think about what to do with that extra grand. Picture this: You own a small business, are fairly platform indifferent, and were about to drop down $2700 for a cool new Versa TXi until you saw the new iBooks and changed your mind. You've already set aside the $2700 -- you've already planned on spending that much -- but now find yourself with a cool grand leftover. Aside from pumping that grand back into your business, here are some suggestions. Top 10 "Bonus Grand" Possibilities: q Since you just bought a new iBook, use the extra $1000 to get a color inkjet printer, extra AC adapter, flash memory reader, extra battery, scanner, carry case, max-out the memory, external monitor, USB keyboard & mouse, Virtual GameStation, and maybe The Simms. You'll still likely have some cash left-over. Two words: gas money. q Get a brand-new iMac. You'd have both a laptop and a desktop computer for the price of the Versa. q Get a brand-new Windows-based desktop system. Seriously. If you were already considering the Versa, that means you were already considering Windows. Hell, build your own system and you could get two for $1000. Play Half-Life. We can't. q Get a second iBook. A grand won't buy you a new one, but it sure will buy you a refurbished model from last year. Better yet, get two base models of the new iBooks. At $1299 each, you'd still be coming in $200 below the Versa. Buy some extra ram with the $200. q Give it to me. My PayPal account is: pcesari@cyberdude.com. I guarantee the transaction will be quick and efficient. q Invest the extra grand in Apple stock. Wait 18 months. Sell the stock and get that Versa. You will have likely made some money off the investment by then, and this hot, new Versa TXi should be marked-down quite a bit. It really does looks like a decent, Windows-based laptop. q Build a patio. I just did. It cost $1000, and looks good. (gas grill and patio furniture are extra, unfortunately). q Call 1000 friends for 20 minutes each, using one of those "10-10" phone services. q Visit your grandparents, or similar older relatives. This has nothing to do with the extra grand. My grandparents live over 1200 miles away. I don't see them anywhere near as often as I should. q Donate the extra grand. The American Cancer Society, as well as numerous churches, schools, and similar organizations, could always use the help.

http://www.pbzone.com/nec2.shtml (2 of 3) [5/18/2001 11:26:16 AM]
Of course, these are just suggestions. You could, and probably should, just pocket the extra cash and drop it back into whatever account you pulled it from. While you're doing that, you could also thank Apple for making such a cool little laptop, and for saving you $1000 in the process.
Published by Doug B. Landry and contributing staff. Design By Jake Rodkin/Oasis Productions Trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. reserved. 2001Delta Design. Publishing headquarters is located in Baton Rouge, LA. Index version 1.0.1
http://www.pbzone.com/nec2.shtml (3 of 3) [5/18/2001 11:26:16 AM]

NEC Versa TXi

15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery
Congratulations on purchasing a 15-cell Maximum-Life Battery for your NEC Versa notebook computer! This powerful primary battery allows you to run your system for extended periods when the system is not plugged into a 120- or 240-volt, 50- or 60-Hz wall outlet. Before installing the battery be sure to read the information in this document about:

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Features Removing the Existing Primary Battery Installing the 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery Removing the 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery Charging the Battery Determining Battery Status General Battery Precautions Battery Disposal Battery Specifications
To prevent accidental battery ignition or explosion, adhere to the following:

! ! ! ! !

Keep the battery away from extreme heat. Keep metal objects away from the battery connector to prevent a short circuit. Make sure the battery is properly installed in the battery bay. Do not alter or disassemble the battery. Read any precautions printed on the battery.
Keep the following in mind when removing or replacing a battery.
Use only the battery designed for your system in your NEC Versa notebook computer. Mixing other manufacturers batteries, or using a combination of very old and new batteries can deteriorate battery and equipment performance. Clean the battery connector with a dry cloth when it gets dirty. Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
Information in this publication is subject to change without notice. NEC is a registered trademark and Versa is a U.S. registered trademark of NEC Corporation and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. Both are used under license. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Printed in the U.S.A. 04/2001. 2001 NEC Computers Inc.
NEC Versa TXi 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery

Features

The NEC Versa 15-cell Maximum-Life Battery is used as the main source of power when your system is not plugged into an AC power source. See the following figure for 15-cell MaximumLife Battery features.
The 15-cell Maximum-Life Battery
A Alignment Grooves B Connector
C Latch D Securing Tab (Within battery when latch is not locked)
Removing the Existing Primary Battery
Use the following steps to remove the existing primary battery from the system.

1. 2. 3.

Save your files, exit the Microsoft Windows operating system, turn off system power, and unplug the system. Close the LCD panel and turn the system over. Slide the battery release latch toward the right side of the system and hold firmly.
Locating the battery bay release latch
A Existing Primary Battery

B Battery Release Latch

2 NEC Versa TXi 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery
Continue to hold the battery release latch as you slide the battery out of the system.
Removing the existing battery
A Connector in Battery Bay B Battery Release Latch
C Existing Primary Battery
Installing the 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery
Insert your new battery as follows:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Locate the connector in the battery bay. Turn the battery over so its connector is on the underside of the battery. Line up the connector in the battery bay with the connector on the battery and place the battery on the system. Slide the battery along the system until it covers the memory module bay cover (B in the following figure) and the slots (A) on the far edge of the system.

Inserting the battery

The battery in position
A Slots on the Far Edge of the System B Memory Module Bay Cover
Turn the system around so battery latches are facing you.
Locating latches on the Maximum-Life Battery

A Two Latches 6.

Each latch is made up of two sliders. See the following figure.
Rectangular slider (labeled 1 on the system). Bullet-shaped slider (labeled 2 on the system).
Both sliders must be locked for the latch to secure the battery.
Latch sliders both unlocked
Each latch requires a two-step action to lock the battery in place.
Move the rectangular slider toward the center of the latch (A in the following figure). Move the bullet-shaped slider toward the center of the latch (B in the following figure).

4 NEC Versa TXi 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery
Sequence for locking the latches
A Moving the Rectangular Slider B Moving the Bullet-Shaped Slider
C Latch in the Locked Position
For the latch on your left, the locations of the bullet-shaped latch and the rectangular latch are reversed.
Removing the 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery
If you need to remove the 15-cell Maximum-Life Battery, follow these steps.
Power off and unplug the system. Close the LCD panel. Turn the system over to access the battery. Turn the system around so battery latches are facing you.

A Two Latches

Bullet-shaped slider (labeled 2 on the system). Rectangular slider (labeled 1 on the system).
Both sliders must be unlocked for the latch to disengage from the battery.
Latch sliders both locked
Unlock each latch using a two-step action.
Move the bullet-shaped slider away from the latch center (A in the following figure). Move the rectangular slider away from the latch center (B in the following figure).
Sequence for unlocking the latches
A Moving the Bullet-Shaped Slider B Moving the Rectangular Slider
C Latch in the Unlocked Position
6 NEC Versa TXi 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery

Charging the Battery

Charge the primary battery and secondary battery (if any) by simply connecting your NEC system to an AC power source. To monitor the charging activity, observe the battery charging LED on the front of the system. The battery charging LED lights as follows:

! ! ! !

Lights amber when the primary battery is charging. Blinks amber if the primary battery encounters an error while charging. Lights green when the secondary battery is charging. Blinks green if the secondary battery encounters an error while charging.
During charging, keep the environmental temperature between 32F and 104F (0C to 40C).
For directions on getting a detailed battery status, see the section, Determining Battery Status.
Determining Battery Status
Your NEC Versa system provides tools to help you keep track of the primary and secondary battery power level. If your system is configured (default setting) to display the Power icon on the taskbar, an electrical plug appears when the system is connected to an AC power source or a battery icon displays when the system is not connected to an AC power source. Use the systems power meter to determine battery status. Access the systems power meter in the following ways:

Move the cursor over the Power icon on the taskbar to display the remaining battery power for the systems primary battery. Right click the Power icon on the taskbar to open the power meter or to adjust power properties. Double click the Power icon on the taskbar to display the remaining power for both the primary and secondary battery (if any). Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double click the Power Management icon and select the Power Meter tab.
General Battery Precautions
To prevent accidental battery ignition, rupture, or explosion, adhere to the following precautions.
There is a danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturers instructions. To avoid personal injury and property damage, read these battery precautions on handling, charging, and disposing of Li-Ion batteries.
Keep the battery away from heat sources including direct sunlight, open fires, microwave ovens, and high-voltage containers. Temperatures over 140 F (60C) may cause damage. Do not drop or impact the battery. Do not disassemble the battery. Do not solder the battery.
Do not puncture the battery. Do not use a battery that appears damaged or deformed, has any rust on its casing, is discolored, overheats, or emits a foul odor. Keep the battery dry and away from water. Keep metal objects away from the battery connector. Metal objects in contact with the connector can cause a short circuit and damage.

If the battery leaks:

If the battery leaks onto skin or clothing, wash the area immediately with clean water. Battery fluid can cause a skin rash and damage fabric. If battery fluid gets into eyes, DO NOT rub; rinse with clear water immediately and consult a doctor. Take extra precautions to keep a leaking battery away from fire. There is a danger of ignition or explosion.

Battery Disposal

The 15-cell Maximum-Life Battery is made of lithium ion (Li-Ion). Do not place used batteries in your regular trash. The batteries must be collected, recycled, or disposed of in an environmentally approved manner. Contact your local waste management officials for other information regarding the environmentally sound collection, recycling, and disposal of the batteries.

Battery Specifications

15-cell lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery primary (main) system battery output voltage of 11.1V, 8250 mAh

819-200745-000 04/2001

*819-200745-000*
8 NEC Versa TXi 15-Cell Maximum-Life Battery