Type of Article: MacMinute Web Site

Apple will release faster PowerBooks—up to 700MHz—later this month, speculates The Register. The new PowerBooks will feature the PowerPC 7440 processor, which operates on a 133MHz bus but consumes more power (and thus produces more heat). Rumor site Think Secret, meanwhile, is reporting speed-bumped PowerBooks and iBooks will arrive in the near future, as supplies of current models are drying up.

Yahoo’s lead among consumer Internet sites has dropped dramatically in the past year, as Micrososft’s MSN has increased its visitors from 47.5 million a year ago, to 63.6 million in September. Yahoo, in contrast, increased its visitors from 58.1 million to 65.7 million. While some analysts blame Yahoo’s lack of aggressive marketing, others point out that many MSN visitors inadvertently end up at the MSN Search page when they enter an incorrect URL in Internet Explorer.

VersionTracker notes the release of Microspot’s MacDraft 5.0.5 — a multi-layered, scaled drawing environment for CAD users of all levels. Version 5.0.5 offers a large collection of bug fixes and is available for download now.

Micromat has posted TechTool Pro 3.0.5, as noted by VersionTracker, which adds the ability to modify file and folder attributes, support for Mac OS 9.2.1, and more.

The Mac Show, an Internet-based live radio show focusing on all things Mac, has announced their guest lineup for tonight’s broadcast (9:00-11:00 pm ET). Tonight’s guests include Daryl Cagle, PoliticalCartoonist and fellow Mac user; a “surprise” special guest; and Dr. Farallon to answer your networking questions.