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
Tech Trends
Products
News & Opinion
Nvidia Driven MacBooks on October 14?
ITWire's Davey
Winder says:
"The Apple world has been going crazy over news of the new MacBooks.
You know, the aluminium bodied, glass-trackpad festooned objects of
desire that everyone thought would already be on sale. Now we are told
that they will have added Nvidia power and be unveiled next week...
"According to a posting on that bastion of all things Apple shaped
and rumour flavoured, The Unofficial Apple Weblog, we do not have long
to wait for the new MacBook.
"What's more, those same sources are insisting that the MacBook will
come complete with some Nvidia power under the hood. 'A source tells us
that Nvidia is showing off new MacBooks to their employees' TUAW
says."
Link: Rumour: Nvidia Driven
MacBooks Out October 14th?
Photo May Reveal More about Next MacBook Pro
AppleInsider
reports:
"A photo originating on a Chinese website and making the rounds
on the Web this afternoon resembles descriptions of Apple's
next-generation MacBook Pro, which is expected share design
similarities with the company's MacBook Air and aluminum iMacs.
"The photo depicts what could be the left-hand side of a 15- or
17-inch MacBook Pro with a new speaker grill design and keyboard cutout
that matches the one already employed by the company's 13-inch MacBook
Air....
"This would appear to conform with expectations that both Apple's
new MacBook and MacBook Pro would borrow design cues from the most
recent iMacs and MacBook Air, as was outlined in an AppleInsider report
in April...."
Link:
New Photo May Reveal More of Apple's Next-gen MacBook Pro
Time for a Mac Netbook? I Don't Think So
Mobile Devices
Today's Michael says:
"Forget an Apple Tablet, Kevin C. Tofel makes a good case for a Mac
Netbook and as much as I want one too, it isn't going to happen.
"It's just too niche of a market right now and would potentially
cannibalize too much of the market for high end devices."
Link:
Time for a Mac Netbook? I Don't Think So
3 Reasons Why We'll See an Apple Netbook Soon
jkOnTheRun says:
"I mentioned this crazy scheme in our last podcast, but now that
more blurry pics of an anticipated MacBook Pro refresh have resurfaced,
it's a good time to rehash. I've been wondering if and how Apple will
get into the netbook market. With millions of netbooks selling this
year, I don't think it's a market they can afford to ignore. Others
like HP, Dell and Lenovo agree or they wouldn't have jumped in with
low-priced, small notebook computers. But Apple has a far more limited
product line than the PC manufacturers, so how can they fit another
device in the mix? They can't, but they still will. Here's why I think
so and how I expect they'll do it...."
Link: 3 Reasons Why
and How We'll See an Apple Netbook Soon
Is the 'Brick' a New Manufacturing Process?
9 to 5 Mac's
Seth Weintraub reports:
"The MacBook Brick is a block of high-quality, aircraft grade
aluminum. It is the beginning.
"The beginning of what?
"It is the beginning of the new Apple manufacturing process to make
MacBooks. It is totally revolutionary, a game changer. One of the
biggest Apple innovations in a decade.
"The MacBook manufacturing process up to this point has been
outsourced to Chinese or Taiwanese manufacturers like Foxconn. Now
Apple is in charge. The company has spent the last few years building
an entirely new manufacturing process that uses lasers and jets of
water to carve the MacBooks out of a brick of aluminum...."
Link: And
the 'Brick' Is...
Potential MacBook 16:9 Screens Compared to Current
16:10
9 to 5 Mac's
Chauncey Dupree reports:
"iMacmatician has used his mathematics skills for good and not evil
to create a helpful guide for what we feel will be new MacBook screen
sizes. The 16:9 ratio seems like a lock at this point so we will have
some nice new sizes to choose from....
"...the height is about the same but the screens will become a bit
wider at various sizes. Most likely the bezel around the screen will
have to change significantly for the new MacBooks."
Link: Potential MacBook 16:9
Screens Compared to Current 16:10
Turn a 12"
iBook into a Mac mini-like Tower
Hardmac's
Lionel says:
"Aurore got an iBook G4 12" for her son, however the notebook had a
problem with the LCD display. She could not find spare parts, so she
decided to turn the iBook into a Mac mini-like desktop tower.
"The entire hardware of the iBook has been installed in a 5.25"
enclosure initially designed to host a DVD burner. Everything is kept,
including the SuperDrive. For those willing to improve further this
mod, by up scaling the cooling system, one could overclock the CPU and
the GPU."
Link: Turn an iBook G4 12"
into a Mac mini-like Tower
Apple Settles Class-action Suit Over Faulty
Notebook Adapters
AppleInsider's
Katie Marsal reports:
"Apple has agreed, without admitting fault, to settle a class-action
lawsuit alleging that power adapters sold with certain PowerPC-based
iBook and PowerBook notebooks were defective in that they could
dangerously fray, sparks and prematurely fail to work.
"The settlement offers to provide a cash payment to customers who
purchased certain model Apple PowerBook or iBook computers, had their
power adapter fail within the first three years following the initial
retail purchase, and then purchased a replacement adapter."
Link:
Apple Settles Class-action Suit Over Faulty Notebook Adapters
Tech Trends
Asus Launches 'MacBook Air Killer'
The Guardian
reports:
"Taiwan's Asus aims to move the Eee PC line upscale with its
slim and light S101, which is in some respects better than a MacBook
Air for a fraction of the price
"Taiwanese manufacturers are not known for inviting the world's
press to fancy product launches, but this afternoon in rainy Taipei,
Asus put on a little fashion show to launch the latest Eee PC, the
S101. This is a cut above the previous models in being thin and
stylish, and Asus reckons it's 'a successful melding of fashion and
functionality' that puts it at the 'pinnacle of netbook computing.' And
while it comes at a higher price - $699 - it's much lighter (1 kg) and
cheaper than a MacBook Air, it looks nicer, and it has a much more
practical specification."
Link: Asus
Launches Fashion-friendly Eee S101 MacBook Air Killer
Lithium-Ion Battery Beater to Debut in 'Major'
Laptop Release
Register Hardware's
Tony Smith reports:
"Left-field battery developer ZPower has signed up a 'major notebook
computer' manufacturer, which will release a laptop fitted with its
silver-zinc power packs next year.
"Unsurprisingly, perhaps, ZPower isn't saying who it is. Still, it's
a coup for ZPower, which has been trying to persuade the world for a
few years now that it has a better rechargeable battery solution that
lithium-ion.
"Its central pitch is that its technology delivers power for longer
than a same-size lithium-ion battery will, and that it does so in a
form not only more eco-friendly but one that has no risk of spontaneous
combustion too.
"ZPower's projections have silver-zinc beating lithium-ion energy
density by 30-40 per cent, a lead it claims can only increase over time
as silver-zinc technology continues to evolve."
Link:
Lithium-Ion Battery Beater to Debut in 'Major' Laptop Release
Murata Working on Turning Laptop Heat Into
Power
IDG News
Service's Sumner Lemon reports:
"Murata Manufacturing's unicycling robot was the star attraction at
the company's Ceatec booth this year, but visitors in a hurry to see
the robot perform likely rushed by one of the company's more
interesting projects: a thermoelectric device capable of turning heat
into electricity. The device could one day find a home in laptops, and
other products....
"The thermoelectric device generates electricity when two ceramic
semiconductors are subjected to different temperatures. When the
semiconductors are connected, the temperature gradient produces a
slight electric current...."
Link: Murata Working on Turning
Laptop Heat Into Power
Products
8 to 10 Hours of Total Battery Power for MacBook
Pro
PR: QuickerTek announces the MacBook External Battery/Charger
for the Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook laptops. This product
either charges or powers MacBooks with up to 10 additional hours of
computing power. It's available from QuickerTek and its dealers for
$449.95 .
"We built MagSafe compatibility into this product", said Rick
Estes, president, QuickerTek, Inc. "We use the regular MagSafe
connectors coming out from the Battery/Charger, so you don't have to do
anything different," he continued.
This product is an logical extension of QuickerTek's first MacBook
Air External Battery/Charger, and gives MacBook Pro users far more
flexibility in how and when they choose to use their laptops. With up
to 10 extra hours of battery power - beyond the battery life of the
built-in battery - users can plan for longer airline flights, more time
outdoors and plenty of time for several leisurely cups at the coffee
shop.
QuickerTek claims that a total of 8 to 10 total hours of MacBook Pro
use are easily available when using the External Battery/Charger. Users
can easily monitor how the external battery is working by checking the
battery charge indicator in the menu bar, which stays at 100% for
hours, before the internal battery is used.
While the stock MacBook Pro recharges in five hours using the AC
wall adapter, the MacBook Pro External Battery/Charger recharges in
only three hours. Styled to blend with your Apple equipment, the
MacBook Pro External Battery/Charger is aesthetically attractive, and
being both compact and lightweight it's ideal for traveling.
Specifications
- Physical: 9 x 6 x 1 inches;
- Weight: 5 lb.;
- Battery: Li-Ion Polymer;
- 8 to 10 hours of total battery life;
- LED charging status indicator
MacBook Pro External Battery and Charger $449.95
You'll need one modified MagSafe power adapter:
Modified 85W MagSafe power adapter $100
Modify customer's 85W MagSafe adapter $25
MacBook Air External Battery/Charger $349.95
You'll need one modified 45W MagSafe power adapter:
Modified MagSafe power adapter $100
Modify customer's 45W MagSafe adapter $25
Like most QuickerTek products, the MacBook Pro External Battery
Charger is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Link: 15-inch
MacBook Pro External Battery and/or Charger
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible for
AppleCare.
PowerBook, iBook, and MacBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
Changes from last week are that the $2,099 MacBook Air is gone
again, the $1,649 15" MacBook Pro is sold out, as is the $1,899, 2.33
GHz 17" MacBook Pro. 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/64 SSD, $2,299
- 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/200/SD, $1,699
- refurb 15" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,999
- refurb 15" 2.6 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,299
- refurb 17" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,299
- refurb 17" 2.5 GHz Penryn 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" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,399.99
- 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,548.99
- 15'' 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,768.98
- 15'' 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,814.99
- 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,499.99
- 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, 60 day warranty,
$645.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, 60 day warranty,
$699.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 512/80/SD, 60 day warranty,
$749.99
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, 60 day warranty,
$769.99
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/120/SD, 60 day warranty,
$799.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $599.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $639.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, $679.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, $729.99
- 15" hi-res PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SD $799.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $699.95
- 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/DVD, $849.95
- 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 256 RAM, 60/Combo, $849.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/60/SD, $949.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/SD, $999.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, 1 year warranty,
$894.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, $929.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, $1,199.95
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, $1,109.95
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/120/Combo, 1 year warranty,
$1,089.95
-
Lombard PowerBook G3/400, 128/6/DVD, $150
- 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, 1 GB/60/Combo, $699
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, 1 GB/80/Combo, $799
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, 1 GB/80/SD, $825
- 2.16 GHz Core Duo 15" MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,099
- 2.16 GHz Core Duo 17" MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,199
- 12" iBook G4/800, 640/0/Combo, APX, no hard drive, $259
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, $655
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, $729
- 15" hi-res PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, $759
- 15" 2.1 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,129
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $499.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 768/40/Combo, AP, AppleCare, $599.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/667 MHz DVI, 256/30/Combo, $479.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $849.95
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, APX, $1,499.95
- 12" iBook G3/600 MHz, 128/20/CD, OS X 10.2, $279.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, OS X 10.4, $449.99
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.
