Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited
by Dan Knight
- 2006.10.27
This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
Big news: The MacBook Pro models all received a speed boost and
Core 2 Duo CPUs.
Small news: Apple has finally released an airline power adapter
for MagSafe 'Books.
Bad news: You can't use the airline adapter in your terrestrial
cigarette lighter plug.
Good news: 3M is working on safer lithium-ion batteries.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
Core 2 MacBook Pro
Tech Trends
Tech Tips and Info
Products and Services
Software
Core 2 MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro Notebooks with Intel Core 2 CPUs 'Up
to 39% Faster'
Apple on Tuesday announced that its entire MacBook Pro line of
notebooks now includes the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor and
delivers performance that is up to 39% faster than the previous
generation. All MacBook Pro models now offer double the memory and
greater storage capacity than the previous generation, as well as a
FireWire 800 port for connecting to high-speed peripherals. The new
MacBook Pro's stunning, lightweight, aluminum enclosure is just
one-inch thin, available in 15" and 17" models, and features a
built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing on-the-go.
"With an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, greater storage capacity,
and FireWire 800 connectivity, the new MacBook Pro delivers
unprecedented performance and mobility in an incredibly thin and
light design," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president
of Worldwide Product Marketing. "We are thrilled that our notebook
sales are growing twice as fast as the overall notebook market, and
we hope these new MacBook Pro models continue that success."
Every MacBook Pro features the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor
with 4 MB of shared level 2 cache, which is up to 39% faster
than the previous 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro and more than seven times
faster than the 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4 running industry standard
benchmarks.* Apple has enhanced Mac OS X to take advantage of
the technology advances from Intel's Core 2 Duo processors,
resulting in increased performance in professional applications
like Aperture 1.5, Final Cut Pro 5 and Logic Pro 7.
Ideal for business and creative professionals, MacBook Pro
delivers advanced performance including 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory
expandable up to 3 GB, ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 graphics with
up to 256 MB of dedicated GDDR3 graphics memory, and a double-layer
SuperDrive for burning professional-quality DVDs. With the latest
high-performance connectivity options, every new MacBook Pro
includes built-in 10/100/1000 Base-T gigabit ethernet for
high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth
2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 800 and a FireWire 400
port, combination analog and optical digital audio input and output
ports, an ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot, and a DVI video
output to connect up to a 30" Apple Cinema HD Display.
MacBook Pro comes with Apple's MagSafe Power Adapter that
magnetically couples the power cord to the MacBook Pro and safely
disconnects when there is strain on the power cord, preventing the
notebook from falling off its work surface. Apple now offers a new
MagSafe Airline Adapter that makes using the MacBook Pro on an
airplane even more convenient by connecting to in-seat power ports
for continued productivity throughout the duration of a flight.
MacBook Pro also includes an illuminated keyboard, Apple's Sudden
Motion Sensor that is designed to protect the hard drive in case of
a fall, and a Scrolling TrackPad to easily scroll through long web
pages or pan across large photographs.
MacBook Pro comes with iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's
award-winning suite of digital lifestyle applications featuring
iPhoto®, iMovie® HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iWeb, the latest
iLife application that makes it super-easy to create amazing
websites with photos, blogs and podcasts and publish them on .mac
for viewing by anyone on the Internet with just a single click.**
Every MacBook Pro also comes with the latest release of the world's
most advanced operating system, Mac OS X version 10.4.8 Tiger
including Safari, Mail, iCal, iChat AV, Front Row and Photo Booth,
running natively on the Intel-based notebook.
The new 15" MacBook
Pro is shipping today, the new 17" MacBook Pro will ship next
week, and every model will be available through the
Apple Store, Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized
Resellers. The Apple MagSafe Airline Adaptor is shipping today for
a suggested retail price of $59.
The 2.16 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
- 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 1 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 3 GB
- 120 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden
Motion Sensor
- a slot-load 6x SuperDrive™ with double-layer support
(DVD+R DL/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 wireless networking and Bluetooth
2.0+EDR
- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot
- two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one FireWire 400
port
- one audio line in and one headphone out port, each supporting
optical digital audio
- Scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard
- the infrared Apple Remote
- 85 Watt Apple MagSafe Power Adapter
Differences in the 2.33 GHz 15" MacBook Pro, for a suggested
retail price of $2,499:
- 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 3 GB
Differences in the 2.33 GHz 17" MacBook Pro, for a suggested
retail price of $2,799:
- 17" widescreen 1680 x 1050 LCD display with 300 cd/m2
brightness
- 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
- 2 GB of 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, expandable to 3 GB
- 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden
Motion Sensor
- a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+R
DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) optical drive
- three USB 2.0 ports
Additional build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include
the ability to upgrade to a 200 GB (4200 rpm) or a 160 GB (5400
rpm) hard drive, up to 3 GB DDR2 SDRAM, Apple MagSafe Airline
Adapter, Apple USB Modem, glossy widescreen display, 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 www.apple.com/macbookpro for
more information.
- **Internet access required, fees may apply.
New MacBook Pros Cheaper than Comparable
Dells
Newsvine.com's Sean Balsiger says:
"After seeing how well equipped the updated MacBook Pros are I
decided to go and compare them to comparable Dell machines. To my
pleasant surprise the Macs are substantially cheaper.
"I took a quick look at the Dell store and found the Dell
Precision line to be closest to the MacBook Pro line. It is their
high-end line of notebooks. I started out with the basic 15.4 inch
model and upgraded the Dell to match the standard features the
MacBook Pro has. For the most part they are identical, there are a
few differences though. First of all, I didn't upgrade the Dell's
screen. I'm guessing an upgraded screen would be closer to Apple's
but I wanted to give Dell the best chance possible to beat Apple
(so that people won't try to claim I'm just trying to make Apple
look good). The next difference confused me. The MacBook Pro had a
128 MB video card. The Dell has a 256 MB card and can use 256 MB of
shared system memory for a total of 512 MB. I'm not an expert on
video cards but we'll call Dell the winner. The final difference is
that the Dell does not have a DVD burner. I could have added one
but the MacBook Pro is 6x and all I could find for the Dell was 8x
so I left it with a CD burner.
"Final Price - Apple: $1,999 Dell: $2,874"
Link:
Apple Does It Again: New MacBook Pros Cheaper than Dell
Inside Apple's New Core 2 Duo Chip
The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady says:
"Apple released a significant update to the MacBook Pro
yesterday adding a new Core 2 Duo T-series processor to the mix.
Let's take a look at what's changed.
"Core 2 Duo Microprocessor
"Apple has upgraded the MacBook Pro to the latest Intel silicon
and the Core 2 Duo chip features a 64-bit architecture.
Unfortunately, Mac OS 10.4 is only a 32-bit OS. The good news is
that Apple has promised that Mac OS 10.5 (Leopard) and most of
their software will be 64-bit aware by the time Leopard is released
in the Spring of 2007.
"The other significant bump in the Core 2 Duo processor is that
it ships with 4 MB of Level 2 cache, double the L2 cache in
the previous MacBook Pro. That alone should add a noticeable
performance jump in the new MacBook Pro."
Link: Inside Apple's New Core 2 Duo
Chip
Apple Laptops Get a New Core
PC Magazine's Cisco Change says:
"Apple's iMac desktops made the transition to the Core 2 Duos
last month, a move that left Apple fanatics wondering - What about
a Core 2 Duo MacBook and MacBook Pro? You have to love how Mr. Jobs
keeps people on their heels. Today, the Apple core gets the
official refresh, upgrading the MacBook Pros to the Intel Core 2
Duo, but not the MacBooks. The move comes right after reporting
terrific 3rd-quarter earnings and is timed perfectly for the
holiday season."
Link: Apple Laptops
Get a New Core
Tech Trends
3M's Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries
Technology Review's Kevin Bullis reports:
"New electrodes and electrolytes could mean higher energy and
less danger from lithium-ion batteries.
"By the end of next year, engineers at 3M, based in St. Paul,
MN, expect to have ready for battery makers new materials and
manufacturing methods that will add 30 percent more capacity to
lithium-ion batteries. These new methods will also address safety
concerns surrounding the use of such batteries in laptops."
Link:
3M's Safer, Lithium-Ion Batteries
Tech Tips and Info
MagSafe Airline Power Adapter Not Compatible
with Automobile Power Ports
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"Never plug the MagSafe Airline Adapter, with or without the 20
mm adapter or third-party adapter, into an automobile's cigarette
lighter or auxiliary power socket. Using the MagSafe Airline
Adapter in a car won't provide power to the computer or charge the
battery."
Link: New MagSafe
Airline Power Adapter Is Not Compatible with Automobile Power
Ports
Products and Services
OptiMist Prime Laptop Spray Cleaner
PR: ShaggyMac Announces OptiMist Prime, a laptop spray
cleaner. There are many public misconceptions concerning what
should be used to clean a laptop screen. Some people use household
cleaners and paper towels, while others use different types of
alcohol sprays to get the job done. The aforementioned cleaners
have the potential to permanently damage the sensitive surface of a
laptop screen and are not recommended by professionals.
ShaggyMac OptiMist Prime is an advanced, molecular level
cleaner, specifically engineered to clean the most sensitive
optical surfaces. OptiMist Prime is compatible with any laptop
screen, matte or glossy. It also safely cleans LCD screens, plasma
TVs, camera optics, iPods, and more. Originally used in the
Aerospace Industry, OptiMist Prime excels at safely purifying all
optical surfaces. OptiMist Prime is a clear aqueous formula, which
does not contain alcohol, detergents, vinegar, dyes, ammonias,
acids, phosphates, polymers, chlorides or caustics.
ShaggyMac
OptiMist Prime Features
- Applicator: Ultra-fine Misting Spray
- Environmental Properties: Biodegradable, Eliminates
Bacteria
- Electrical Properties: Antistatic, Nonconductive 1.5M
ohm/cm
- Freezing/Boiling Pt: -5.5° C/102.5° C
- pH: Neutral 7.0
- Volume: 5 oz/148 ml
- Product of USA
The 5 oz spray bottle retails for $8.95 and is sufficient for
hundreds of applications. ShaggyMac recommends using OptiMist
Prime™ in conjunction with their TrueMicro polishing cloths.
It is also distributed at a wholesale level, contact ShaggyMac for
details.
Link:
OptiMist Prime
Mobile Office Now a Reality for Commuters
PR: The reality of the mobile office is often
experienced while precariously balancing a laptop inside a rented
midsize. This is not the mobile office dream that technology has
promised. Rissler Research and Development (RR&D) has developed
the Mobile Office Extension (MOE) to help make the reality a little
friendlier.
The MOE securely mounts a laptop or other electronics into a
vehicle, while still being easily removable. Many companies and
professionals rely on leased or personal vehicles; and most leasing
plans do not allow installation and mounting of hardware. The MOE
eliminates such problems by installing and removing without
hardware and the need for tools. The MOE quickly transports between
vehicles and stows easily in a laptop bag. The modern vehicle is
expected to do more than provide basic transportation; we now
expect to be helped to our destination and entertained along the
way.
The MOE and laptop combination can bring all the
functionality of your office workstation, while having the added
benefit of adding GPS / entertainment systems to almost any
vehicle. The MOE can also be used as a lap-table while on a plane,
van , carpool and provide a stable and insulated work surface. The
MOE can be an integrated tool for almost any professional
today.
Many professions now rely on laptops while away from the office.
RR&D is focused on improving the ergonomics that the current
mobile office operates with. The MOE is designed to help make time
in the car as productive and efficient as possible. The MOE
consists of a cradle that securely holds a laptop and a base-plate
that attaches to the interior of a vehicle. The base-plate allows
for a very flexible attachment system that accommodates a multitude
of vehicle layouts while being easily removable. The cradle is
configurable for most common laptop brands with screens ranging
from 12 to 21 inches.
Provisions allow for the use of standard security cables to
prevent theft or the cradle/laptop combo is easily removed from the
vehicle as a unit. Various accessories allow for height and offset
adjustment that can be used to suit almost any preference or
position. The MOE disassembles easily and stores flat pack style
within the size of a standard laptop carrying case. Travel and ease
of airline check-in was a major consideration.
The MOE can be carried easily in travel luggage and all of the
components are built of nonmetallic materials. Many other
electronics are suitable for mounting with the MOE besides laptops.
Additional products include a multiple laptop extension, portable
printer enclosure, writing desk insert, utility/storage box,
sun/glare/privacy screen, and a screen stabilizer bar. The MOE has
been adopted as an important tool for jobs that range from sales to
life saving.
The MOE is a portable and compact solution to your mobile office
needs . Anyone can now mount a Laptop, DVD player and Multimedia/
Gaming device in a vehicle.
Using the MOE with laptop GPS software provides most vehicles
with a navigation system rivaling factory installed units. This
provides a larger screen for easier viewing and system upgrades.
Features:
- Securely locates laptops, DVD players and Multimedia/ gaming
devices.
- Disassembles and stows easily in most travel cases
- Fits most vehicles (personal and rental)
- Adjusts easily for different devices
- Setup and transfer to additional vehicles is easy and
convenient .
- Converts to a lap table (excellent for vanpools or onsite work
situations)
The MOE series of products are intended to fit most any
vehicle that has any of the following( Console, Armrest, Open
seat).
Installation is relatively painless. First time setup ( includes
sizing for the individual device)may take 10-15 minutes. subsequent
installs may take only 5-10 minutes.
Units are primarily constructed of ABS plastics. ABS is used
extensively in automobile components due to its ability to survive
a broad range of environments , relatively light weight and is
difficult to break under normal usage. Nor will it cause damage to
the interior of vehicles. Also it is much easier to transport
through airlines, since it will not cause delays as a metal version
might.
The MOE series of products are warranted against manufacturing
defects. Such defects should be apparent within initial usage. we
offer 30 days return for defects or repair.
$179.95
Link: Rissler Research and
Development
nova media Unveils First Macintosh Support for
Wireless HSDPA ExpressCard Modem
PR: Use the Merlin XU870 ExpressCard modem with a MacBook
Pro - First Macintosh support for wireless HSDPA ExpressCard modem
available
nova media has unveiled launch2net version 1.4.9 with support of
the Novatel Merlin XU870 wireless ExpressCard modem. This
ExpressCard allows mobile Internet connections with up to 3.6
Mbit/s in all HSPDA networks around the world as well as 3G UMTS,
EDGE and GPRS connections.
"MacBook Pro users can finally use a wireless HSDPA ExpressCard
modem", states Jan Fuellemann, PR spokesperson at nova media. "It
is the most convenient way to establish a mobile Internet
connection and MacBook Pro users are not left in the dark any
more."
launch2net is available today for 75€ plus VAT at the
company's website. The update to version 1.4.9 is free for current
owners of a valid launch2net license.
Link: nova
media Unveils First Macintosh Support for Wireless HSDPA
ExpressCard Modem
Software
Fan Control for MacBook, Pro
PR: Do you think your MacBook (Pro) is running to hot?
Give Fan Control a try then.
Some MacBook (Pro) are just too hot for day-long use. Fan
Control adjusts the minimum fan speed depending on the current CPU
temperature. For safety, it leaves the original automatic fan speed
control intact.
Fan Control is Open Source
Fan Control is distributed under the GNU General Public License
(GPL). The sources are included in the download.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4 or later
- MacBook
System support: Intel
Free
Link: Fan Control 1.1 for
MacBook (Pro)
DyCPU Switches Your Second CPU Core On
or Off
PR: DyCPU is a simple utility that helps you dynamically
switch on or off your second CPU core in your dual core MacBooks or
MacBook Pros.
DyCPU is a simple utility that helps you dynamically switch on
or off your second CPU core in your dual core MacBooks or MacBook
Pros.
DyCPU provides 3 main values for adjusting when the second core
of your machine will be turned on or off.
- Gauge: This defines the time period that will be used to
compute the load of the system.
- Threshold: This defines at what load level will the second CPU
be turned on.
- CheckInterval: This defines the time interval that DyCPU will
check the load average value.
If Gauge is set at "Five", this means that DyCPU will be using
five minute load averages as the checking measure. The value read
at the moment in time, will be compared to the threshold. Note that
each CPU is capable of a load index of 1 (i.e. 100%). If the actual
load is below the threshold, the second CPU will be switched/kept
OFF. However, if the actual load is higher than the threshold
value, the second CPU will be triggered on automatically. Once the
actual load is checked, DyCPU will sleep for CheckInterval number
of seconds before the next check on the system.
Setting the threshold value to 0 will keep both CPUs on all the
time. Setting the threshold value to the number of CPUs that you
have will keep only one CPU turned on.
You typically do not need to restart DyCPU after making changes
in the Preferences Pane. DyCPU will pick up the new settings
automatically at the next Check interval. However, if you wish to
do so, click on the Restart button to apply the settings
immediately.
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.4 or later, Xcode 2.4
System support: PPC/Intel
Freeware/donationware
Link: DyCPU
QuickerTek Connect Software Updated
PR: The QuickerTek Connect product is a true wireless
antenna with exceptional power and now the included setup software
version 1.5 is completely automated so that anyone can set it
up.
The Connect is a wireless super-antenna that does not require
opening the computer case for installation. Connect is designed to
work with the MacBook Pro, MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook models.
The Connect is the first wireless antenna that anyone can install
and setup and have the benefit of 200 milliwatts of wireless RF
power. Most current portable Macs have less than 50 milliwatts of
RF power and the Connect boosts the wireless distance, signal
strength and wireless speed with up to four times the RF power.
Using the new version 1.5 software, the initial setup is now
completely automated, so that the product is as easy to setup and
use as the Mac itself.
QuickerTek has been a recognized leading innovator of antennas
and RF products for Apple Power Macintosh, Mac Pro, iMac PPC and
Intel, PowerBook, MacBook and MacBook Pro computers. QuickerTek
products can be purchased online and from authorized dealers.
Link: QuickerTek
Connect
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, iBook, and MacBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
With the introduction of the new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros this
week, prices on refurbished Core Duo models have been reduced.
- refurb 15"2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/80/SuperDrive, matte or
glossy, $1,449
- refurb 15" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SuperDrive, matte or
glossy, $1,599
- refurb 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SuperDrive, matte or
glossy, $2,199
TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to 'Book Review readers
off any PowerBook or iBook in stock. Just enter the code CWM during
checkout when ordering online. The coupon code is valid from now
through 2007.12.31.
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, APX, AirPort Extreme Base
Station, $789.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/SuperDrive, $999.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/80/Combo, BT, $1,099.99
- PowerBook "Lombard" G3/333, 256/10/CD, $215
- PowerBook "Pismo" G3/400, 256/20/DVD, $305 (add AirPort for
$95)
- iBook G3/366, 256/10/CD, $199 (add AirPort for $95)
- PowerBook "Pismo" G3/400, 128/6/DVD, $349.99
- PowerBook "Pismo" G3/500, 128/6/DVD, $399.99
- PowerBook "Pismo" G3/400, 256/40/DVD, $439.99
- PowerBook "Pismo" G3/500, 256/40/DVD, $479.99
- Order a 24x Combo (slot load) with Pismo, $109.99
- Add an AirPort Wireless card, $99.99
- G4/550 MHz upgrade (only available with purchase of Pismo),
$199.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/CD, $279
- 12" iBook G3/800, 128/30/CD, $299
- 12" iBook G3/900, 256/30/Combo, $449
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $679
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 768/60/SuperDrive, APX, BT, $829
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4,
iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.
We also track iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
