Apple today enhanced its iBook G4 line with faster Power PC G4 processors running up to 1.42 GHz, 512MB memory across the line, higher performance graphics and built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. New models are :

The 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 4.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $999 (US) and includes:

- a crisp 12.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
- 512MB DDR SDRAM expandable to up to 1.5GB maximum memory;
- a 40GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
- AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
- two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400;
- VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
- 56K v.92 modem, Ethernet (10/100 BASE-T); and
- a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive.

The 1.42 GHz PowerPC G4 iBook, weighing just 5.9 pounds, has a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US) and includes:

- a brilliant 14.1-inch (diagonal) active-matrix TFT display;
- 512MB DDR SDRAM expandable to up to 1.5GB maximum memory;
- a 60GB Ultra ATA hard drive;
- AirPort Extreme 54 Mbps 802.11g WiFi wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR;
- two USB 2.0 ports, FireWire 400;
- VGA video out, S-video and composite video out support;
- 56K v.92 modem, Ethernet (10/100 BASE-T); and
- a slot-load SuperDrive (DVD+/-R/CD-RW) drive.

Rogue Amoeba has updated its famous audio streaming software Nicecast to version 1.8. Nicecast 1.8 brings with it support for UPnP (Universal Plug-And-Play) and NAT-PMP (Network Address Translation Port Mapping Protocol) routers, which will automatically be configured as needed. Most new LinkSys, Netgear and Apple routers support one of these protocols, so users can get down to the business of broadcasting without worrying about their network setup. The new version also brings broadcasters enhanced security and control, with the ability to kick listeners and password protect that stream.

Nicecast 1.8 is a free update for all previously registered users. New users are encouraged to test Nicecast out and then purchase it, for $40.

Apple has posted an update to version 2.0.2 for Garageband. This release improves Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger compatibility, and addresses issues with time signature handling, Apple Loops authoring, and locking tracks. This update is available via "Software update" control panel or on the Apple support page...

...and of course in the MacMusic software section !

Digidesign introduced MassivePack 4 and MassivePack 4 Pro plug-in bundles for Digidesign Pro Tools|HD systems. The MassivePack 4 plug-in bundle is also available for VENUE live sound environment systems, and features :

- Phoenix, by Crane Song
- ReVibe, by Digidesign
- Smack!, by Digidesign
- Fairchild 660 and 670 Bundle, by Bomb Factory
- Pultec Bundle, by Bomb Factory
- H3000 Factory, by Eventide
- Quadravox, by Eventide
- Channel G, by McDSP
- MC2000, by McDSP
- Oxford OXF-R3 EQ, by Sony Oxford
- Speed, by SoundToys (not available for Venue systems)
- Master X3, by TC Electronic
- A10 Series, by URS
- N12 Series, by URS.

MassivePack Pro 4 includes a Pro Tools|HD Accel card in addition to all of the plug-ins in the MassivePack 4 bundle.

Waves in association with Paul Reed Smith Guitars announces Waves GTR system, a new system designed for guitar digital recording. The system contains the Waves/PRS Guitar Interface, a hardware guitar impedance and level matching unit, Waves Amp, a plug-in which offers 7 emulated amps, and Waves Stomp, a plug-in featuring 23 classic and new guitar effects. Waves GTR is compatible with both Native and TDM systems .

As often, no release date but prices are $600 Native, $1,200 TDM.