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FastMac U-Socket delayed due to safety redesign, now going for $20
And here you were thinking this thing had vanished into the never-ending Lairs of Vaporwareville. Lucky for you, the gents and gals over at FastMac have been hard at work caving to the also never-ending list of demands from the UL and various other safety agencies. That means that the utterly brilliant U-Socket is indeed still on track for mass production, but it'll be slightly redesigned and stacked with a few bonus features by the time it hits the market. According to an update sent out to loyal pre-orderers (which can be seen in full after the break), the USB sockets have been relocated as a compliance measure, but now, they're of the SuperSpeed variety. Each one is also capable of 10W power (read: iPad-friendly) and it also smokes the EPA's Energy Star requirements. The modifications have pushed the expected ship date back to October, and the original $9.95 price has been bumped up to $19.95 -- though the company is quick to point out that each one is made in the US of A, and those who got in early will have their orders honored. An extra Hamilton for USB 3.0 and 10W charging? We're still as sold as ever. [Thanks, Brian]
FastMac TruePower U-Charge juices up those Apple laptop batteries
Even accessory-laden Apple users have a dearth of options when it comes to offboard battery chargers, which is why we're sure Mac-toting road warriors will be taking a close look at FastMac's new TruePower U-Charge. Basically, it's a $70 laptop battery charger -- not a power adapter -- with a variety of tips and connections for Mac batteries both modern (MacBook / MacBook Pro) and dating all the way back to the G3-era (like Pismo / WallStreet PowerBooks). FastMac is also apparently working on rounding out the collection with higher voltage connectors for machines like the original iBooks and TiBook, if you happen to holding out in a bunker with one of those suckers, browsing Engadget on Internet Explorer for Mac 5.0.
FastMac releases external charger for Mac notebook batteries
FastMac announced a new line of Mac notebook chargers today. FastMac found a work around for Apple not licensing the MagSafe chargers. TruePower U-Charge allows you to charge your notebook's batteries externally. Note that this does not power the Mac, it only charges batteries.This charger will charge iBook G3/G4 12", PowerBook, MacBook, and MacBook Pro batteries without skipping a beat. FastMac also has plans for a 14.4V charger that would charge batteries for the clamshell iBook, iBook G4 14", and Ti PowerBook 15". The TruePower U-Charge comes in 2 different colors (black and white) to match your machine better. The prices for these chargers start at $69.95. You can purchase the U-Charge on the FastMac website.
