Notebook News: Rotten Apple OS X Security, Asustek Rolls, Laptops and Flying

Sony VAIO X505 and IBM ThinkPad T42 Pre-Order

For those of you that just have to be the first ones to have the latest gadgets, the new Sony VAIOX505 super thin noteboook is available for Pre-Order from Sony for the measly sum of $2,9999:

Sony X505 Pre-Sale

And a few retailers are now pre-selling the IBM ThinkPad T42:

IBM ThinkPad T42 Pricing and Pre-Order ($2097.95)

Apple has released an OS Update and Security Patch that doesn't work

The new release is available as a 39.5MB standalone download from Apple's web site, or via the operating system's Software Update System Preferences panel.

Components of the client edition include fixes for OS X's Mail and Address Book apps; some network tweaks; improved iPod, camera and Bluetooth handset connectivity; a variety of printing and faxing enhancements; and some Finder fixes.

However, this update does not fix the security flaws revealed in the OSX operating system earlier this week. Apple released a security update for a problem. The vulnerability actually involves two flaws. One allows a Web site to place a file on the Mac's hard drive when a user clicks on a uniform resource locator, or URL, specifically designed to bypass Mac OS X's security. The other gives an attacker the ability to run a file on another user's computer, provided the location of the file is known. Used together, the flaws constitute a major security hole that could result in a potential instant-messaging or e-mail virus.

Apple released a security patch last week to fix this flaw, problem is that it didn't. Oops, rotten Apples to iBook and PowerBook owners I guess. Either way, if it makes you feel better to have the latest security patch it can be downloaded here:

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/securityupdate__2004-05-24_(10_3_3).html

Merill Lynch gives Asustek a pat on the back

Investment bank Merill Lynch is impressed by Asustek. "Successful brand repositioning, cost-competitive lines, component affiliates in China and faster product diversification should help Asustek stand out against other motherboard makers and notebook ODMs [original design manufacturers]," Merrill Lynch said in a report released yesterday. Following these comments Merill Lynch upgraded estimated earnings for Asustek.

Laptops, the major driver of growth for Asustek, are expected to surpass motherboards to be the largest division of Asustek's product mix this year, taking 32 percent of annual sales from 29 percent last year.

Asustek laptop shipments are estimated to grow from 1.7 million units to 3 million units this year, including 1.3 million branded laptops, driven by strong growth for products bearing own names and full-year shipment of around 1.7 million to Apple Inc.

Flyingthis holidayWeekend? U.S. Transporation Security Administration says Label your Laptop if you carry it along

According to the good old TSA, that we know well by now for their role in airport security, laptop computers are one of the top left behind items in security. Apparently people are so excited or anxious to make their flights that they leave laptops in X-ray machines. I tend to remember a $2000 piece of equipment if I have to part with it. Whatever the case, the TSA website says the following:

"You may carry-on your laptop, but it must be removed from its case to pass through screening. We recommend you tape your name and contact information on your laptop. Laptops often are left behind at screening checkpoints. Providing your name allows screeners to page you in the airport and return your property before you depart. Electronic equipment such as portable stereos or games can be carried on but may be subjected to enhanced screening. Again, taping your name and contact information on expensive electronics will help screeners contact you if property is left behind."

http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=090005198008fd16

Brits Jolly Well want Wi-Fi on the Train

Three out of four UK business travellers want to use Wi-Fi for Internet access while on their train commute, believing on-train connectivity is a clear reason to choose rail travel over other forms of transport, according to research released by Broadreach Networks Limited. The findings come from the UK’s largest-ever study of the awareness and interest in Wi-Fi technology amongst business rail travellers, commissioned by Broadreach, the UK’s leading provider of Internet locations earlier this year.

Makes sense to me, if you're on the train for an hour to get to your job in London then why not do work by sending emails and other work online work-related activityinstead of reading yesterdays sports news or bad comic strips.Work, work, work!