In the newest version of MacUser, a product called a Bookendz is advertised as being the newest productivity accessory for the PowerBook. A call to the company brought a copy of their brochure through my fax machine, the basic text of which is reproduced here:
Imagine never having to fumble with connectors on your PowerBook again! No more crawling under your desk looking for that elusive cable. no more bent or broken pins on a mismatched connector. You'll never leave your PowerBook on your desk again because it was difficult to disconnect everything. When you return, you'll reattach everything for true desktop power in seconds.
BookEndz accepts the standard PowerBook peripherals you already have. Your connectors for networks, audio in and out, modems, printers, floppy disk drives, scanners, and CD-ROM drives, as well as DC power can be housed in the BookEndz docking station.
BookEndz models are available for PowerBook 100, 140, and 170. Every PowerBook user benefits from BookEndz.
The BookEndz docking station is styled to match your PowerBook and you won't be searching for another outlet because BookEndz does not requrie AC, DC or battery power for operation.
We use high impact, precision molded ABS plastics to make BookEndz attractive, strong, lightweight and an extremely reliable device which will provide years of service.
SPECIFICATIONS
Since the PowerBook does not offer any access to the CPU bus, BookEndz does not have slots for cards of any kind. Instead, we've found a way to trap all common connectors within the BookEndz assembly. By doing so, the user simply has to slide the PowerBook in or out of the device to attach or detach from all devices simultaneously. The initial installation takes about five minutes, and the user can be in or out of BookEndz in two seconds after that.
We maintain alignment within a few 1000ths of an inch, assuring accurate registration of connectors with PowerBook ports every time.
BookEndz adds only 3.5" to the rear of any PowerBook and is less that 2.25" high.
BookEndz weighs less than 1.5 pounds (.68 kg)
BookEndz accepts the following styles of connectors (and is adaptable to others which may be devised in the future):
Mini-DIN serial connectors from .450" to .510" in diameter.
Including round, tapered, round with square shoulders, half
round with square top, etc. This includes connectors from
almost every vender, including: Farallon, Apple, Hayes, and
many others.
ADB connectors like those above.
RJ-11 and Mini DIN modem connectors
SCSI connectors from Apple (HDI-30 system and HDI 30 disk
adaptors cables which in turn connect to industry standard
SCSI devices.
Apple Power Supply (furnished with each PowerBook)
Apple Microphone connector (furnished with each PowerBook 140
and 170
Standard 3.5 mm audio output connectors with diameters of .320
to .410 inches
External disk drive connector from Apple (for the 100 only)
Also furnished is a page of "Common Questions" that the mythical average user is presumed to ask. Bits of information extracted from those of interest include:
The plug of the adapter used with the BookEndz is held in by a screwed down plate. Since it is a little difficult to pull the screw every time you remove the computer, you might want to invest in a second power supply if you ever intend to go portable with your PowerBook yet want to use line power.
The interrupt and reset switches on the 140 and 170 are operated by some sort of pass-through push rods built into the BookEndz.
The connections are made to the computer by the original connectors (or so it seems from two of the questions on the sheet). Just how the little plastic prong on the RJ-11s and the autolocking SCSI and external drive plugs is worked is not made apparent.
The BookEndz are manufactured by: Pilot Technologies
Minneapolis MN 55344
612 828 6002 voice
612 828 6806 telefascimile
800 682 4987 Order Line
The BE 100 BookEndz for the PowerBook 100 is $149.00 retail
The BE 147 BookEndz for the PowerBooks 140 and 170 is $179.00 retail
According to the flyer, current estimates place initial shipments on or about May 18, 1992.
At first blush, the BookEndz looks like a piece of frivolity along the lines of a mouse cover in the shape of a rat. In addition, the entrapment method of containing the various and sundry cords would tend to make it very difficult to utilize your power adapter, external disk drive, or HDI-30 disk adaptor anywhere but where the BookEndz is located. However, in some circumstances the BookEndz makes a lot of sense:
o It looks good (er better)
The Pilot Technologies folks have produced an attractive product. If your machine is used on your desk at work, the BookEndz presents a better "back end view" to clients or employees than a bunch of varied connector styles and colors.
o It holds them in
I have had more than one print job interrupted by a disturbed connector on my PB 100. Having all of them trapped will prevent that.
o It WILL fit some computer "setups" already in place
I, for one, already have a work cabling setup, with a second power adaptor, RJ-11 line from the telephone, and printer cable that stays at work (as well as a second Stylewriter power brick). It would not be an inconvenience to have all of these "trapped" in a BookEndz. If I only had one power adapter, I would not consider spending $100 ish (when the device becomes available through the mail order houses) for a cosmetic device.
As for the "saves time" claims of the Pilot Technologies folks, I can spare the extra five seconds thank you.
