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
Products
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
Hardmac'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.
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 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.
