All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews
Review.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Tech Trends
Apple Updates
Products
News & Opinion
Latest Mac Performance Benchmarks
Primate Labs
says:
"Back in February Apple released new MacBooks and MacBook Pros which
means the previous Mac Performance chart is out of date. Time for an
update!
"Results were collected from the Geekbench Result Browser for Macs
with standard processors (i.e., no processor upgrades, overclocked
processors, or Hackintoshes) with at least 512 MB of RAM running
Leopard."
Link: Latest
Mac Performance Benchmarks (April 2008)
National Institutes of Health Forbids Sensitive
Data on MacBooks
InformationWeek's Paul McDougall reports:
"In the wake of a widely publicized security breach that left
thousands of patient records exposed, the federal government's National
Institutes of Health is forbidding all employees who use Apple's
MacBook laptops from handling sensitive data as of Friday,
InformationWeek has learned.
"Employees at the health agency who store medical records and other
personal information on laptops must use systems that run either on
Microsoft's Windows operating system or Linux, according to an agency
memo.
"Those systems must be equipped with Check Point Software's Pointsec
encryption tool as of April 4, according to an NIH mandate. Systems
running Windows Vista can also use Vista's built-in BitLocker disk
encryption tool.
"NIH imposed the no-MacBooks rule because there is no
Apple-compatible version of Pointsec. To date, Check Point has only
released a beta version of Pointsec for Macs that's not yet ready for
government use."
Link:
US Health Agency Forbids Sensitive Data on Apple MacBooks
Troubleshooting a MacBook Air That Won't Turn
On
A new Apple Knowledge Base
article says:
"There are some simple troubleshooting steps you should try if your
MacBook Air won't turn on. Use these steps if:
"Your MacBook Air display has no picture after you turn it on.
"You don't hear any fan or hard disk activity sounds after you turn
the computer on, and the sleep light doesn't turn on.
"The computer doesn't seem to have any power when you try to turn it
on."
Link: Troubleshooting
a MacBook Air That Won't Turn On
Reviews
Life with the MacBook Air
TUAW's Chris Ullrich reports:
"It's been almost two months now, and life is still almost perfect
living and working with the MacBook Air. To recap, for those
of you just joining us, in previous articles I told you my reasons for
ordering a MacBook Air. Then, after having it for a few days, posted a
fairly well-regarded review of the new Mac.
"Now, after a bit of time has gone by and I've had a chance to use
the MBA on a daily basis, it's time for an update on my experiences,
both good and bad...."
Link: Life with
the MacBook Air
FastMac TruePower Battery for 17" MacBook Pro
Macworld's
Peter Cohen reports:
"I've been a diehard advocate of 17-inch laptops ever since Apple
produced its first model, a PowerBook G4 variant. I'm a big guy, and
it's the only laptop I use that doesn't feel like a toy in my hands.
Unfortunately, 17-inch models also tend to be pretty power-hungry, so
I'm always looking for additional juice. Enter FastMac's TruePower
17-inch MacBook Pro battery. It offers looks and runtime similar to
Apple's own battery, but it's priced $30 less."
Link: FastMac
TruePower 17-inch MacBook Pro Battery Reviewed
Tech Trends
Toshiba Unveils Innovative Sleep-and-Charge USB
Ports
PR:
Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba
America Information Systems, Inc., today announced that its newly
designed Satellite laptops are equipped with innovative
Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, which make it possible to charge and power
electronic devices no matter if the laptop is powered-on, off, or in
sleep mode.
"Toshiba has long been a leader of innovation, and prides itself on
creating solutions that make the digital lifestyle even better," said
Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division,
Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. "With the development of the
Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, Toshiba has developed an innovative
technology that helps ensure that our digital products are ready for
use at the moment we need them."
A common shortcoming among today's laptops is that USB ports are
only powered while the computer is on or in use. Once the laptop is
turned off or placed in sleep mode, the powered ports become dormant,
leaving devices such as MP3 players, mobile phones, digital cameras, or
PDAs without a full battery charge. Toshiba's innovative
Sleep-and-Charge technology eliminates this problem by allowing users
to charge and power their devices simultaneously via USB in a variety
of power settings. While off or in sleep mode, as long as the laptop is
plugged into an outlet, users are able to charge their devices at any
time.
Toshiba's four redesigned Satellite model series, the Satellite
U400, Satellite M300, Satellite A300 and Satellite P300 are each
standard equipped with Toshiba's Sleep-and-Charge USB ports. Each
Satellite model series will be available from a variety of major
consumer electronics and computer stores nationwide, or directly from
Toshiba at: http://www.toshibadirect.com
Link: Toshiba
'Diamondville' to Shine as Intel's Next Atom
Register Hardware's
Tony Smith reports:
"Having launched the first batch of 45nm Atom-brand processors
yesterday, Intel today began touting the next set, these ones aimed at
sub-laptops and small form-factor desktops rather than Mobile Internet
Devices (MIDs).
"Codename watchers will be wondering where 'Diamondville' fits into
Intel's Atom family, and now we know for sure. It's the part that will
become the Atom N series, leaving the Atom Z series - aka
'Silverthorne' - for MIDs.
"Diamondville and Silverthorne are based on the same
microarchitecture, developed from the ground up under the Silverthorne
codename since that was the first chip of the family to be developed.
Both versions are fully compatible with the 'Merom' Core 2 Duo, so
they're limited to SSE 3 rather than SSE 4, part of the 'Penryn' Core
2s."
Link: 'Diamondville'
to Shine as Intel's Next Atom
Apple Updates
Mac Book Air EFI Firmware Update 1.0
This update fixes several
issues to improve the stability of MacBook Air computers.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot
ROM Version will be: MBA11.00BB.B03
You can confirm the version of the BootROM installed on your
computer using System Profiler.
Link:
Mac Book Air EFI Firmware Update 1.0
MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.2
This update fixes several
issues to improve the stability of MacBook computers.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot
ROM Version will be: MB31.008E.B02
You can confirm the version of the BootROM installed on your
computer using System Profiler.
Link:
MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.2
Mac Book Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5
This update fixes several
issues to improve the stability of MacBook Pro computers.
After the firmware is successfully applied to your Mac, your Boot
ROM Version will be: MBP21.00A5.B08 or MBP31.0070.B07
You can confirm the version of the BootROM installed on your
computer using System Profiler.
Link:
Mac Book Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.5
Products
Keyboard Protectors for MacBooks, Apple
Keyboards
PR: Developer of high quality accessory products for
Macintosh, iPod, and iPhone, Gadget Wrap, today announced its debut
along with its first product offerings, the Gadget Wrap KeySkin
Keyboard Protector series for Apple wired and wireless keyboards, as
well as MacBook keyboards.
Each
Gadget Wrap KeySkin Keyboard Protector is made from super thin, high
quality, durable silicone to ensure it provides keyboards with
exceptional protection and a tailor-made fit. Available in a variety of
colors, the Gadget Wrap KeySkin Keyboard Protectors help guard and
protect against liquid spills, food crumbs, dirt and dust, and other
contaminates that can easily damage or destroy a keyboard. What's more,
Gadget Wrap KeySkin Keyboard Protectors even help extend keyboard life
by reducing normal day-to-day wear and tear.
Gadget
Wrap also announced MacBook KeySkin Pro for Adobe Photoshop. The
MacBook KeySkin Pro Keyboard Protectors provide the same exceptional
protection as Gadget Wrap KeySkin Keyboard Protectors, but also
includes keyboard shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop printed directly on the
protector. Providing the best of both worlds, not only is the user's
keyboard protected, but no longer do they have to memorize or look up
various Photoshop keyboard commands, making work much more efficient
and productive.
"We're
very excited to be bringing these new product lines to Macintosh
customers everywhere, and we're looking forward to following up with
equally great products for the iPod and iPhone markets," said Gadget
Wrap president, Charleen Becchina. "We've worked really hard to provide
super top quality products at superb price points that handily beat our
competitors."
Gadget Wrap, Inc. will soon be releasing its own line of high
quality products for Apple's wildly popular iPod and iPhone series of
products. For complete information on Gadget Wrap, Inc. and its
products, visit their website.
Link: Gadget
Wrap
Marware Sportfolio Sleeve and Vertical
Sleeve for MacBook Air
PR: Marware has introduced the Sportfolio Sleeve and
Sportfolio Vertical Sleeve cases for the MacBook Air.
Sportfolio Sleeve for MacBook Air
The Sportfolio Sleeve serves as two cases in one: as an ultra-slim
carrying case or as an extra layer of protection in a bag or backpack.
Constructed of rugged neoprene, the sleek design allows for easy
notebook storage and retrieval. The Orca-skin front pocket conveniently
stores objects while the plush interior and lined zipper deliver
multi-layered protection. The Sportfolio Sleeve features an easy-grip
edge for carrying as a folio.
$34.99
Link:
Sportfolio Sleeve for MacBook Air
Sportfolio Vertical Sleeve for MacBook
Air
The Sportfolio Vertical Sleeve serves as two cases in one: as an
ultra-slim carrying case or as an extra layer of protection in a bag or
backpack. Constructed of rugged neoprene, the sleek vertical design
allows for easy notebook storage and retrieval. The Orca-skin front
pocket conveniently stores objects while the plush interior and lined
zipper deliver multi-layered protection. The Sportfolio Vertical Sleeve
features an easy-grip edge for carrying as a folio.
Features:
- Rugged neoprene construction
- Plush interior
- Ultra-slim design
- Sleek Orca-skin pocket
- Add extra protection to your existing laptop bag
$34.99
Link:
Sportfolio Vertical Sleeve for MacBook Air
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.
Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground
shipping is free. Changes this week are the addition of a 2.6 Ghz 17"
MacBook Pro with high-res dislpay and a 2.2 GHz Black MacBook.
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $949
- refurb 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $999
- refurb 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,049
- refurb 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,449
- refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,649
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,099
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz hi-res Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD,
$2,299
- refurb 17" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,299
- refurb 17" 2.6 GHz hi-res Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD,
$2,499
- 15" PowerBook G4/667 (VGA), 256/30/Combo, $619.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/667 (DVI), 256/30/Combo, $629.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, $999.99
- 12" iBook G4/800 MHz, 256/30/Combo, $319.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $349.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo, $399.99
- 12" iBook G4/ 1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, BT $499.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $499.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $549.99
- 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT $519.99
- 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/SD, APX, BT $549.99
- 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/Combo, APX, BT $529.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $599.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $629.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $679.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $699.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $709.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, $739.99
- 15" hi-res PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz 512/80/SD, $799.99
- 12" iBook G4/800, 640/30/Combo, $379
- 12" iBook G4/800, 640/30/Combo, APX, $410
- 12" iBook G4 1.07 GHz, 640/30/Combo, APX, $505
- 12" iBook G4 1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, APX, $599
- open box 2.1 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/Combo, $1,049
- open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1/120/SD, warranty started,
$1,099
- open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1/160/SD, warranty started,
$1,129
- open box 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,299
- open box 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,749
- open box 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2/120/SD, $1599
- open box 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2/120/SD, $1639
- open box 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,288
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, warranty
started, $2,088
- open box 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, warranty
started, $2,399
- 17" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,699
- clamshell iBook G3/300, Blueberry, 64/3/CD, $149.95
- clamshell iBook G3/300, Tangerine, 64/3/CD, $169.95
- clamshell iBook G3/366 SE, Graphite, 128/10/CD, $199.95
- clamshell iBook G3/366, Key Lime, 192/10/CD, $259.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $199.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/Combo, $279.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $289.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, AppleCare, $1,099.95
- 17" 2.5 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 4 GB/200 7200 rpm/SD, $3,099
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.
