Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.02.17
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod news is covered
in The iNews Review. News about
Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and other Intel developments is
covered in The Macintel Report.
News & Opinion
Products and Services
News & Opinion
Apple Begins Shipping MacBook Pro with Faster
Processors
PR: Apple this week will begin shipping the new 15-inch MacBook Pro notebook computer
featuring the new Intel Core Duo processor which delivers up to
four times the performance of the PowerBook G4*, a built-in iSight
video camera for video conferencing on-the-go and the breakthrough
Front Row media experience with Apple Remote.
All models of the new MacBook Pro will ship with faster Intel
Core Duo processors than previously announced, delivering even
greater performance at no additional cost. The $2,499 model now
includes a 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from the previously
announced 1.83 GHz, and will begin shipping this week. The $1,999
model now includes a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, up from the
previously announced 1.67 GHz, and will begin shipping next week.
In addition, customers may now upgrade to a 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo
processor as $300 a build-to-order option on the Apple Online
Store.
"We are incredibly excited to start shipping the MacBook Pro, a
groundbreaking new notebook with dual-processor desktop performance
in a thin, sleek design," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice
president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "The new MacBook Pro
includes even faster Intel Core Duo processors than originally
announced, up to 2.16 GHz, and we think customers are going to love
them."
The first Mac notebook using Intel's new Core Duo processor, the
new MacBook Pro features a stunning aluminum enclosure just one
inch thin, weighs only 5.6 pounds, includes a built-in iSight video
camera for video conferencing on-the-go, the Apple Remote and Front
Row software for a simple, intuitive and powerful way for users to
enjoy their content wherever they go and Apple's new patent-pending
MagSafe magnetic power connector, designed especially for mobile
users.
Every new MacBook Pro comes with the latest release of the
world's most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4
"Tiger" and iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's award-winning
suite of digital lifestyle applications, running natively on the
new Intel-based MacBook Pro for maximum performance. Mac OS X also
includes an innovative software translation technology called
Rosetta that lets customers run most Mac OS X PowerPC applications
seamlessly.** Intel-based Mac customers have more than 700
Universal applications to choose from and the list is growing each
day with hundreds of developers including Adobe, Quark and IBM's
Lotus division announcing support for Mac OS X Intel-based
applications. An updated list of Universal applications for Mac OS
X is available online.
The new MacBook Pro will begin shipping this week and will be
available through
The Apple Store, Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized
Resellers.
The 1.83 GHz, 15" MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of
$1,999, includes:
- 15.4" widescreen 1440 x 900 LCD display with 300 cd/m2
brightness;
- 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor;
- 512 MB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2 GB;
- 80 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden
Motion Sensor;
- a slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical
drive;
- PCI Express-based ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 128 MB GDDR3
memory;
- DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included,
Composite/S-video out adapter sold separately);
- built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD
Display;
- built-in iSight video camera;
- Gigabit Ethernet port;
- built-in AirPort Extreme WiFi wireless networking and Bluetooth
2.0+EDR;
- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
- two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting
both optical digital and analog;
- scrolling trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
- the infrared Apple Remote;
- 60 Watt hour lithium polymer battery; and
- 85W AC power adapter with MagSafe magnetic power
connector.
The 2.0 GHz, 15" MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of
$2,499, includes:
- 15.4" widescreen 1440 x 900 LCD display with 300 cd/m2
brightness;
- 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo processor;
- 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 2 GB;
- 100 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden
Motion Sensor;
- a slot-load SuperDrive (DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical
drive;
- PCI Express-based ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256 MB GDDR3
memory;
- DVI-out port for external display (VGA-out adapter included,
Composite/S-video out adapter sold separately);
- built-in Dual Link support for driving Apple 30-inch Cinema HD
Display;
- built-in iSight video camera;
- Gigabit Ethernet port;
- built-in Airport Extreme WiFi wireless networking and Bluetooth
2.0+EDR;
- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot;
- two USB 2.0 ports and one FireWire 400 port;
- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting
both optical digital and analog;
- scrolling trackpad and illuminated keyboard;
- the infrared Apple Remote;
- 60 Watt hour lithium polymer battery; and
- 85W AC power adapter with MagSafe magnetic power
connector.
Additional build-to-order options for the 15-inch MacBook Pro
now include the ability to upgrade to a 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo
processor for $300 extra, as well as 120 GB (5400 rpm) or 100 GB
(7200 rpm) hard drive, up to 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple USB Modem,
and the AppleCare Protection Plan.
*Based on estimated results of industry-standard
SPECint and SPECfp rate tests. SPEC is a registered trademark of
Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC); see
http://www.apple.com/macbookpro for more information.
** See http://www.apple.com/rosetta/ for information on Rosetta
supported Apple software. Contact the manufacturer directly for 3rd
party software.
New MacBook Pro Orders Expected to Ship in
March
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Apple's decision to ship faster processors with its first
MacBook Pro models will certainly please its customers, but the
move may mean many of them don't get their machines quite as
quickly as they might have hoped. After announcing . . .
that it will this week begin shipping the new Intel-based
notebooks, Apple quietly nudged back the new-purchase delivery
estimates to March.
"The Core Duo-based MacBook Pros debuted in January. At the
time, Apple CEO Steve Jobs promised the laptops would leave the
company's assembly plants in February. Apple's online stores in the
UK and the US immediately offered the machines on a preorder basis
and said the computers would ship in 'February', as Jobs had
pledged."
- Link:
Apple Pushes MacBook Pro Ship Dates Back to March
iBook Replacement Expected in April
Macworld UK's Jonny Evans says:
"Apple will launch a new Intel iBook at a special thirtieth
anniversary press event in April, a leading analyst believes.
"Needham & Co analyst Charles Wolf told his clients: 'At
this event, it's highly likely that the company will introduce the
new Intel iBook...'.
"During his Macworld Expo San Francisco keynote speech, Apple
CEO Steve Jobs mentioned Apple's thirtieth anniversary on April 1,
2006. Wolf sees this as a signal that the company will hold a major
event that day...."
- Link:
Apple Plans April Intel iBook Launch - Analyst
Windows Will Be Welcome on MacBooks
BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl says:
"The gulf between OS X and Windows made my trip to the Demo
confab a cumbersome, two-laptop affair. But new Mac offerings made
it worthwhile
"If this were a wire service, I would open this column with
Dateline: Phoenix, as opposed to my usual digs in New York. I,
along with about 700 others, have flocked to sunny Arizona for Demo
2006....
"One reason I really like making the annual pilgrimage is that
there's usually a Mac-friendly contingent of companies, and this
year is no exception....
"The trouble is, being a Mac fan traveling for a
not-so-Mac-addicted publication can be a challenge. I lugged two -
count 'em, two - laptops with me....
"The hassles of traveling with both have been many. And they
illustrate why I and so many others are asking Apple that the
nascent generation of new Macs using chips from Intel support a
simple method that would allow both the Mac OS and Microsoft's
Windows to coexist peaceably on a single machine."
- Link:
Windows on MacIntel 'Books Will Be Welcome
PowerBook: So Cold and Still Working
Hardmac's
Lionel reports:
"If recently we have reported numerous issues/problems related
to bug and/or quality control failure with Apple products, it does
not imply that Cupertino-designed products are not reliable...
"The photo shows Nicolas Vanier testing the limits of his
PowerBook in a industrial fridge in order to validate his notebook
before bringing it with him towards Siberia and its polar
temperatures...."
- Link: PowerBook: So Cold
Outside and Still Working...
Acer Unseats Toshiba as No. 3 Notebook
Brand
Acer is my favorite PC laptop brand, thanks to its
über-cool Ferrari-styled model with a 64-bit Athlon
processor.
Acer announced Friday that they have surpassed Toshiba as the
world's No. 3 notebook brand in Q4 2005, with 66.7% year-on-year
growth - highest among the top-five notebook vendors, according to
preliminary data from Gartner Dataquest. Acer notebooks ranked No.
1 in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), and No. 3 in Asia
Pacific with 117.1% growth, the highest among the top-ten
vendors.
For the Total PC market, Acer ranked No. 4 and demonstrated the
highest year-on-year growth of 56.2% among the top-ten vendors.
Acer also ranked No. 3 in EMEA and No. 5 in Asia Pacific, with
respective year-on-year growth of 48.3% and 62.4%, both growth
rates were the highest among the top-five vendors.
In the U.S. market, Acer is showing its strength as a rapidly
rising PC player, by delivering 145.3% growth for Total PCs, and
202.6% for notebooks - highest among the top-ten brands. Moreover,
Acer was the only desktop brand that demonstrated growth among the
top-ten players.
Q4 2005 Worldwide notebook shipments
- Dell - 17.1%
- Hewlett-Packard - 16.5%
- Acer - 12.2%
- Toshiba - 10.5%
- Fujitsu Siemens - 8.1%
Source: Gartner Q4 2005 preliminary data
Apple placed ninth in a recent tally of laptop sales
worldwide.
Seagate to Spin 12 GB 1" Hard Drive in
Q3
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Seagate yesterday not only pledged to ship a 12 GB 1in hard
disk drive in Q3, it also promised the drive would ship in a much
smaller casing than its current 1in HDD line-up does and consume
two-thirds of the power. What's more, the drive incorporates
perpendicular recording technology, the company said."
- Link: Seagate
to Spin a 12 GB 1in HDD in Q3
Products and Services
'World's Smallest' External Hard Drive
The Register's Tony Smith
reports:
"Japanese peripherals specialist Elecom has introduced what it
claims is the world's smallest external hard drive. Its MF-DU204G
packs in 4 GB of storage capacity yet is sufficiently small to
warrant its own, integrated USB connector.
"The secret? The use of a bus-powered 0.85in HDD, Elecom said.
The drive is packed into a unit that measures 6.8 x 3 x 1.3 cm and
weighs just 44g." [For the non-metric among us, that's 2.7" x 1.2"
x 0.5" and 1.5 oz.]
- Link:
Firm Launches 'World's Smallest' External HDD
XLR8 PowerBook G4 1.92 & 2.0 GHz
Upgrades
PR:
Daystar Technology, the Original Mac Performance Shop, has
delivered another new milestone in PowerBook speed. The
introduction of the new XLR8 CPU upgrade for the Aluminum PowerBook
G4 systems delivers up to 40% faster performance for owners of most
PowerBook G4 systems. The PowerBook G4 upgrade dubbed, "XLR8
MAChSpeed G4 Aluminum" is a factory installed upgrade, and is
available for immediate purchase.
Like the XLR8 MAChSpeed G4 Pismo, Lombard, Titanium and iMac
Flat Panel CPU upgrades, the PowerBook G4 upgrade is a factory
installed CPU upgrade. Users simply place their PowerBook in the
provided box. The shipping, testing, installation and 100% quality
assurance is handled completely by Daystar's Apple Certified
Technicians.
Wondering if an upgrade is right for your system? Consider
this...
Your PowerBook G4 doesn't need an emulation mode!
In real-world tests, the newest Mac laptops are only marginally
faster when running "universal applications"... and are up to 33%
slower when running normal PowerPC applications.
Now is not the best time to buy new
Need we say more? Remember Mac OS X 10.1 . . . and
the first Apple Portable?
Do you need Classic?
The newest systems do not run OS 9, Classic at all.
You get "the speed you need" without the risk - Today!.
Daystar is the original Mac Performance company. Our customer
testimonials speak for themselves. Have your PowerBook upgraded by
a name you can trust, and get the speed you need . . .
today.
No Compromise, Just Raw Speed.
The CPU is the primary bottleneck on a PowerBook G4. To maximize
speed and compatibility, Daystar uses the latest model, highest
rated Freescale PowerPC (7447a/b) CPUs. The CPU runs transparent to
the operating system and is fully compatible, fully AltiVec
enabled, without any additional software required. The result is a
system with much faster processing power, and improved performance
in the Finder and every application.
- xBench 1.2 Scores jump from high 20's to over 50, faster than
any Apple Laptop to date.
- Over twice as fast as Intel-based systems running current Mac
PowerPC applications.
- QuickTime encoding is up to 30% faster than the first
Intel-based Macs.
- 48 hour, factory installation via Apple Certified
Technicians.
- Effortless shipping with Daystar's custom boxes and prepaid
FedEx shipping options.
- Compatible with Classic and Mac OS 10.3.5 - 10.4.x... and
beyond.
- Includes XLR8 MAChSpeed Control for testing and monitoring
- All upgrades warranted at speeds sold, with Daystar's exclusive
90/720 warranty program.
"This new upgrade provides a "non-Intel" performance choice to
stranded PowerBook G4 owners", said Gary Dailey, president of
Daystar. "It delivers an honest improvement in speed today, unlike
the MacBooks which currently run in slow PowerPC emulation mode,
and don't support FireWire 800, VirtualPC or Classic.
The new XLR8 MAChSpeed G4 Aluminum CPU upgrade is available for
most PowerBook G4 systems. Users can choose from a variety of 3-way
shipping options with varying costs. The upgrade is available
worldwide.
The base price of $499 includes all parts and labor.
- PowerBook G4 15": 1.0, 1.25, 1.33 upgraded to 1.92 GHz
- PowerBook G4 15": 1.5 is upgraded to 2.0 GHz
- PowerBook G4 17": 1.33 upgraded to 1.92 GHz
- PowerBook G4 17": 1.5 is upgraded to 2.0 GHz
Problem System? No Problem! Daystar is an Apple Authorized
Service Provider! If your PowerBook is having problems, needs a new
screen, new parts, or just a full end-to-end cleaning, Daystar will
handle the task. Just include your service request on the system
checklist when you ship your PowerBook. Daystar will provide a full
estimate on repairing or refurbishing your system before
upgrading.
Week-ender program for nearly zero downtime! This program
includes overnight shipping of your iMac (USA only), and 12 hour
conversion of your system. So, you ship your system on Thursday,
then start working at G4 speeds Monday! Yes, it is expensive, but
if downtime is an issue, this is your answer.
Daystar Technology is simply a Macintosh Performance Shop. The
company specializes in developing custom performance solutions, and
integrating leading Apple and XLR8 brand technologies for
consumers, enterprise and creative professionals. Daystar operates
as an Apple Authorized Reseller and Service center, and maintains a
staff of Apple Certified Technicians. Daystar is also the designer
and manufacturer of XLR8 brand products. With its history as the
creator of the original Mac upgrade, the company continues to
deliver the best of the best for the Apple based computing
platform.
Software Compatibility:
- Apple Mac OS 9.2.2 Classic Mode
- Mac OS X Panther and Tiger
- Standard Mac Software.
CPU Performance:
- Freescale 7447A CPU
- 512 KB Internal 2 Cache at CPU speed.
- 1.0 GHz systems @ 1.92 GHz
- 1.25 GHz systems @ 1.92 GHz
- 1.5 GHz systems @ 2.0 GHz
Includes:
- Complete installation and testing.
- Fully CPU / Cache Upgrade.
- 30 Days of Daystar ProTech Support.
- Custom thermal and electrical modifications.
- Custom shipping container.
- XLR8 MAChSpeed Control.
- Daystar 21 point test and diagnostic.
- Overnight burn-in and thermal testing.
- 3-way US ground shipping + options.
Daystar currently distributes/resells Apple, XLR8, Giga Designs,
QuickerTek, Northstar and a variety of leading brand products via
its store front and web store.
Daystar offers a wide array of Apple performance products. It
also sells and services Apple products via its storefront in
Buford, Georgia.
Additional information on Daystar Technology and XLR8 can be
found via the Daystar website.
- Link:
XLR8 MAChSpeed G4 Aluminum
PB FixIt Changes Name To iFixit
PR: PB FixIt, maker of the extremely useful Fixit Guide
series, has announced that it has changed its name to iFixit. The
new web address is iFixit.com.
Explaining the move, iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens said, "Why are we
changing names? A few reasons. The first: iFixit sounds cooler.
Secondly, Apple is discontinuing the PowerBook name and we want to
stay relevant to all Mac owners. But most important, we want to
keep our options open. Our team is working incredibly hard to
improve our product line and develop the Fixit Guide series."
iFixit's revolutionary do-it-yourself laptop repair manuals, the
Fixit Guide Series, will continue to be free online at http://www.iFixit.com/Guide
iFixit also announced the expansion of its online products. "I'm
proud to announce that we have over 600 different Mac parts and
upgrades in-stock and ready to ship. We couldn't be more excited
about our market position," said Kyle Wiens.
Fixit Guides are available for these computers:
- Mac mini
- PowerBook G3 (233 - 500 MHz)
- iBook G3 (300 - 900 MHz)
- iBook G4 (800 MHz - 1.42 GHz)
- PowerBook G4 Titanium (400 MHz - 1 GHz)
- PowerBook G4 Aluminum (867 MHz - 1.67 GHz)
iFixit launched in 2003 and instantly became the leader in the
Mac laptop part industry. iFixit is dedicated to helping Macintosh
zealots everywhere keep their Macs running. For more information,
visit iFixit.com or call 1-866-61-FIXIT.
- Link: iFixit
Noreve Launches Universal Laptop Briefcase
PR: Noreve's Universal Laptop Briefcase is an intelligent
solution for comfortably carrying and protecting your computer with
style.
Its French designers have taken care of every detail.
Handcrafted in top grain genuine leather, it is ideal for the
executive who appreciates quality and good taste.
Brushed metal slide-in buckles make the detachable shoulder
strap strong and one-of-a-kind.
The discrete combination lock allows you to safely carry your
laptop computer and important documents.
Benefits and Key features :
- Leather handle
- Length adjustable and padded shoulder strap
- Soft touch
- Rapid-release closing mechanism
- Durable
- Elegant and slim
- Hard bottom keeps case in upright position - Outside back slip
pocket
Interior features :
- Multiple interior pockets for additional organization and
storage
- Detachable and adjustable computer pocket
- Elastic expandable pocket
- Card holder pocket
- 3 pen loops
- Mobile pocket
- Zip Top Net Pocket for other accessories
- Separate partition for documents or files
These Laptop briefcases are especially made for Laptops of the
following brands : Apple (iBook, notebook), Sony, Dell, Toshiba,
Acer and Asus
Available in
three sizes: 12", 15" and 17"
Colors: Black, Camel, Pink
- Link:
Noreve Universal Laptop Briefcase
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible
for AppleCare.
There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233
MHz, the cacheless MainStreet
version and the later Series II
with a level 2 cache. It's not always possible to determine from
the vendor's listing which is being offered, so we've included
links within this paragraph to the two models. The same goes for
the PowerBook G4/667 (VGA) and
G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs.
aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz 15"
PowerBooks.
PowerBook and iBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
- iBook 300, 96/6/CD, $229.99
- Add Airport Wireless Card, $99.99 installed
- Add 256 MB RAM, $29.99 installed
- Add 512 MB RAM, $99.99 installed
- Add a new 4000 mah battery, $79.99
- used 12" iBook G3/600, 256/40/CD, $390
- used 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $725
- extra 512 MB, add $89
- refurb 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $699
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
$1,399
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, Backlit keyboard - $1,599
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,699
Power Max
- refurb 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,249
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, $1,399
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX,
$1,479
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, APX, BT 2.0,
C$1,679
- refurb 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, C$1,999
- refurb 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/100/SuperDrive, APX, BT
2.0, C$2,219
For more deals on current or recently discontinued models, see
our best 15" MacBook Pro deals,
our best 17" MacBook Pro deals,
12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" aluminum PowerBook G4 deals, 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.
