US Customs Can Seize Any Laptop, Aluminum and Ultraportable MacBook Rumors, and More

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

• US Customs Can Seize Your Laptop without Probable Cause
• TSA to Allow Laptops in Approved Bags
• Blog Claims Photos of Next-gen Aluminum MacBooks
• UBS Claims Ultraportable Mac 'Delayed'
• What Will Be in Apple's Next Laptops?
• Misconception: Macs and Their Prices
• 'I Want to Marry the Apple MacBook Pro'
• MacBook Pro Sob Story
• Do It Yourself MacBook Pro Hard Drive Replacement

Products

• New MacBook Air Cases from Proporta

Bargain 'Books

News & Opinion

US Customs Can Seize Your Laptop without Probable Cause

The Register's John Oates reports:

"The Department of Homeland Security has outlined what we've all known for some time - that border agents are allowed to snoop through files on your computer, mobile phone or any other digital device.

"Officials can keep documents or computers, take them to an off-site location, copy the contents and share the data with other agencies. If there is no probable cause to keep the information after this it must be destroyed. A San Francisco court upheld the right of border agents to search laptops even without reasonable cause back in April."

Link: US Customs: Yes, We Can Seize Your Laptop, iPod

TSA to Allow Laptops in Approved Bags

Time magazine reports:

"There's a new option for people annoyed at having to take their laptops out of their bags at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration will now allow travelers to leave their computers inside 'checkpoint friendly' cases....

"To qualify as 'checkpoint friendly,' a bag must have a designated laptop-only section that unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray machine belt and contains no metal snaps, zippers or buckles and no pockets.

"Among the manufacturers selling TSA-approved laptop bags are Mobile Edge, Skooba Design and Targus Inc."

Link: TSA to Allow Laptops in Approved Bags

Blog Claims Photos of Next-gen Aluminum MacBooks

AppleInsider reports:

"A Chinese-language blog responsible for leaking photographs of a genuine next-generation Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro casing has posted a similar set of photos purported to be that of the company's upcoming aluminum 13-inch MacBooks.

"The four photos (below) published by Apple.pro show a hollow 13-inch aluminum notebook display casing with the word 'MacBook' imprinted on the bezel.

"Last month, the same blog published a single photo showing the empty shell of what was said to be Apple's next-gen MacBook Pro enclosure. People familiar with the upcoming notebooks later confirmed to AppleInsider that the enclosure in the photo was indeed authentic."

Editor's note: However, AppleInsider cautions that this latest batch of alleged spy photos, unlike the earlier ones, appear to have been doctored somewhat, so should be taken with a proverbial grian (sic) of salt.

Link: Taiwanese Blog Claims Photos of Apple's Next-gen 13-inch MacBooks

UBS Claims Ultraportable Mac 'Delayed'

AppleInsider's Aidan Malley reports:

"A relative newcomer to covering Apple's financial health, UBS Investment Research is beginning its examination of the electronics firm with a positive outlook on the 'stickiness' of the company's brands but also the assertion that it has had to delay shipping a new ultra-mobile Mac.

"Analyst Maynard Um echoes analyst reports and leaks that anticipate new Macs (including a revamped MacBook line) and iPods in the second half of 2008 but cites industry checks which point to a 'sub-notebook' originally intended for this year but which has allegedly been pushed back to a launch for the first half of 2009."

Link: UBS Starts Apple Coverage with Claims of Ultraportable Mac Delay

What Will Be in Apple's Next Laptops?

Macworld's Rik Myslewski says:

"You can never be sure what advances will find their way into the next round of Apple hardware updates until practically the moment Cupertino makes the big announcement. But that doesn't mean it's not fun to guess a little bit.

"Soon after Intel's recent announcement of its new Centrino 2 mobile platform, rumors began to circulate about what would be inside Apple's next round of MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops (which are, themselves, rumored to be refreshed in the near future). Since Apple's current laptop line is based on Intel's earlier Centrino (aka Santa Rosa) platform, most observers assumed that Apple would adopt Intel's new platform - despite some uncertainty caused by Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer's veiled reference to a "product transition" during the company's July 21 earnings conference call....

"So what can you expect in the next round of Apple laptops?

"Five dueling scenarios

"The rumorosphere has come up with five competing scenarios for the new Apple laptops:

• Apple may, as Shrout contends, switch to an nVidia chipset and keep the Intel processor.
• Apple may dump Intel entirely, and adopt an AMD processor and a chipset from AMD's 2006 acquisition, ATI.
• Apple may stick with an Intel processor, but switch to an ATI chipset.
• Apple may stick with Intel for both processor and chipset, embarrassing all the rumormongers.
• Apple may stick with Intel processors, but design its own chipset, much as the company did in the pre-Intel days."

Link: What Will Be in Apple's Next Laptops?

Misconception: Macs and Their Prices

Tom's Hardware's Tuan Nguyen says:

"After my first article on Macs and OS X, there were several readers who just down right bashed Macs for pricing and OS X without solid reasoning or legitimate hand's on experience of Macs. So this is a follow-up.

"Let's get straight to the point. Tom's Hardware isn't about being a 'PC fanboy.' It's about finding the best hardware, revealing up and coming tech and debunking predetermined notions. That begs the question, especially here: what's so special about a Mac anyway?

"Here's the short answer: nothing really, just some very elegant aluminum chassis designs. The key, is the operating system. Even still, let's settle this issue about price.

"In a recent comment, someone came up with an analogy that a Mac isn't really a BMW, but rather a Hyundai dressed up in a nice exterior. One problem: Hyundai's don't have nice European car exteriors. And to generalize it this way shows the lack of willing to understand the core of the Mac: its operating system. Because that's really what it's about....

"...you can always buy a cheaper car to get you from A to B. Instead, let's see what you can get for $2000, from Apple and from others. For $2000, do you really get much less?

"Let's take a quick look at some of Apple's competition and their pricing structure compared to Apple's...."

Editor's note: the results may be an eye-opener for some.

Link: The Apple Mac Cost Misconception: Macs and Their Prices

'I Want to Marry the Apple MacBook Pro'

Earn a Living at Home says:

"I use a Dell Inspiron 1100 to do many of my blog posts while I'm in bed. It's handy to have it hooked up to the wireless network in my house and be able to blog from anywhere. I've had this computer for about 4 years now. It has been nice and I've had no reason to upgrade until now.

"I've dealt with the fact that the Inspiron sounds like a hovercraft getting ready to take off from my lap. The fan has to kick into overdrive just to keep the thing cool.

"Last night I was able to use an Apple MacBook Pro to submit my last blog post. What a freaking dream machine! My wife was using the hovercraft and my brother-in-law had left his MacBook Pro at our house. He has urged me to use it anytime I can. I'm now convinced he works for Apple and gets a commission when he gets people like me to use their products, fall in love and get one for myself.

"I want to marry the Apple MacBook Pro."

Link: Why I Fell in Love with the Apple MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro Sob Story

TUAW's Cory Bohon says:

"When faced with the dilemma of upgrading my iBook G4 in June, I started looking for a replacement that would have the same performance as my Intel iMac. I decided upon getting a MacBook Pro 15". With money in hand, I eagerly clicked the 'buy now' button on Apple's website. Little did I know that I would be trading in my MacBook Pro more than 6 times over the next 2 months."

Link: Apple's Quality Dwindling?: MacBook Pro Sob Story

Do It Yourself MacBook Pro Hard Drive Replacement

Hard Mac's Lionel reports:

"André Sterpin just wrote a step by step note explaining how to change the 17" MacBook Pro Hard Drive (French language). He installed a 500 GB Samsung Hard Drive which, even if not the fastest, still has the highest capacity available:

"http://www.sterpin.net/disque_dur_macbook_pro.htm"

Link: Do It Yourself: Hard Drive Replacement on Your MacBook Pro

Products

New MacBook Air Cases from Proporta

PR: If you're the lucky owner of a MacBook Air, you'll know want to give this beautiful machine the protection it deserves. Proporta has introduced two MacBook Air cases, both very different from each other, but both attractively designed.

The Profile Case (MacBook Air) is made from a thin, yet really tough polycarbonate and covered in a stylishly designed soft leather wrapping. The MacBook Air Profile Case, with its funky stripe design is the perfect accessory to keep your device protected from scratches and dust invasion. Complete with rubber grips to keep your MacBook Air stable whilst in use.

Tilt the case's "feet" to elevate your MacBook Air for ergonomic usage and take advantage of the rubber grip points to allow your MacBook Air to remain stable when in use.

The MacBook Air Profile Case is a unique design to Proporta and forms part of the Proporta Limited Edition Range, meaning you'll need to get your hands on one quickly as there are only 10 of these cases available.

Key Features

• Snap on protective hard shell
• Temperature resistant
• Allows access to all ports and controls
• Polycarbonate "feet" allow elevation of MacBook Air
• Rubber grip points allow your MacBook Air to remain stable when in use
• Funky stripe design
• Limited edition - only 10 available

Price: $81.95

For a simpler design, try Proporta's Classic Sleeve - MacBook Air. This custom design fits the exact specifications of your MacBook Air and keeps it completely protected whilst it's not in use.

Made from an alternative to leather, it's easy on the wallet (not to mention the cows) and provides the same stylish protection of a leather case

Price: $59.95

When you purchase Classic Sleeve - MacBook Air you can make savings on the products listed below Proporta Coloured Stereo Headphones

You Pay $22.46 - normally $24.95

Proporta USB Mobile Device Charger (USB Rechargeable Battery) with Car and World AC Power

You Pay $53.96 - normally $59.95

Also check out Proporta's 4 Port USB Compact Hub. The easiest way to add extra USB ports to your PC, Mac or Laptop computer. Perfect for your MacBook Air.

• Link: Profile Case (MacBook Air)
• Link: Classic Sleeve - 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.

Two more MacBook Air models this week, one more 15" MacBook Pro ($1,649.00) and one fewer 17 inchers plus the 2.1 GHz MacBook has dropped 50 bucks to $899.00. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

• refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,499
• refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,699
• refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $2,099
• refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $2,299
• refurb 2.1 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/Combo, $899
• refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,099
• refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, black, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,299
• refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,649
• refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,699
• refurb 15" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,149
• refurb 15" 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,399
• refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,899
• refurb 17" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,349
• refurb 17" 2.5 GHz hi-res Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,499
• refurb 17" hi-res 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,499
• refurb 17" 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,649
• refurb 17" 2.6 GHz hi-res Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,699

• 15" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 4 GB/500/SD, $3,069

• 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,499.99

- 12" PowerBook - 17" PowerBook - 15" MacBook Pro - 17" MacBook Pro

• 12" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/40/Combo, $489.99
• 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,099.99
• 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,154.99
• 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/ 100/SD, $1,399.99
• 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, $789.99
• 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, /512/80/SD, $849.99
• 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, /1/100/SD, $879.99
• 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, /1/100/SD, $909.99
• 17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,299.99

• 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $719
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $785
• 15" 2.1 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, APX, $1,129

• open box 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,699
• open box 2.1 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/1620/SD, $1,049
• open box 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,249
• open box 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,899
• open box 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, warranty started, $1,899
• refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,988
• open box 17" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,188
• open box 17" 2.5 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, APX, $2649
• open box 17" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,649

• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, $499.95
• 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 768/40/Combo, AP, AppleCare, $629.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/667 MHz DVI, 256/30/Combo, $529.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $999.95
• 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, APX, $1,849.95

For more deals on current or discontinued models, see our MacBook deals, MacBook Air deals, 15" MacBook Pro deals, 17" MacBook Pro deals, 12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" PowerBook G4 deals, 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.