Apple More Green, New MacBook Details, FireWire on MacBook Petition, Benchmarks, 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

• Apple Posts 2008 Environmental Update
• Greenpeace Says Apple Is Greener, Has More To Do
• 10 Things You May Not Know About the Aluminum MacBook
• FireWire's Absence from Aluminum MacBook: Inconvenience or Fatal Flaw?
• The FireWire Controversy
• FireWire, USB, and nVidia Controller Inside Aluminum MacBooks
• FireWire Omission on Aluminum MacBooks a Troubleshooting Nightmare
• Petition Asks for FireWire Ports in Aluminum MacBooks
• FireWire and Matte Screens on the Way Out?
• Why Glossy Screens Don't Work in Notebooks
• Display a Strength of New MacBook Pro
• Audio and Video in the New MacBooks
• MacBook Pro Does Not Support Both GPUs Simultaneously
• MacBook and MacBook Pro Benchmarked
• Performance Analysis: 'Late 2008' MacBook and MacBook Pro
• Next-gen 17" MacBook Pro Due 'in a Few Months'
• I Chose a New MacBook
• New MacBook Pro Battery Has Less Power than Old One

Apple Updates

• Apple Service Program Addresses Distorted Video/No Video Issues in MacBook Pro

Products

• QuickerTek External Battery/Charger for MacBook Pro
• New Axiotron Service Converts MacBook to Modbook
• InvisibleShield Brings Military-Grade Protection to New MacBook Models
• RAMJET Releases Memory Upgrades for New MacBook and MacBook Pro
• OWC High Performance Hard Drives for MacBooks & MacBook Pros
• OWC 4 GB DDR3 Memory Upgrade Kit for New MacBooks

Bargain 'Books

News & Opinion

Apple Posts 2008 Environmental Update

A 2008 Environmental Update signed by Steve Jobs says:

"For the past several years, Apple has made a concerted effort to be more transparent about the steps we are taking to protect the environment and make our business more sustainable. In this environmental update, I'd like to inform you of our recent progress and introduce you to a groundbreaking system of reporting that we believe is unmatched in our industry."

Link: Apple 2008 Environmental Update

Greenpeace Says Apple Is Greener, Has More To Do

Sci-Tech Today's Frederick Lane reports:

"At last Tuesday's laptop event on the Apple campus in Cupertino, Calif., the environment got a lot of attention. CEO Steve Jobs, who has been pushing for a 'greener Apple' for months, flatly declared that the new Mac laptops, with their unibody aluminum construction and less toxic parts, 'are the industry's greenest notebooks.'

"The verdict from the planet's leading environmental group, Greenpeace, is a qualified yes. 'Compared to where Apple was before Tuesday,' said Casey Harrell, Greenpeace International's toxics campaigner, 'its laptops are definitely better. That in and of itself is a good thing. But not all toxic pieces have been eliminated yet.'"

Link: Apple Is Greener, Greenpeace Says, But Has More To Do

10 Things You May Not Know About the Aluminum MacBook

APC Magazine's Dan Warne reports:

"We've had one of the new MacBooks for 24 hours and have discovered some interesting secrets hiding within...

1. Yeah, target disk mode . . . about that...
2. The system migration tool has been updated
3. The system chipset has changed, not just the GPU
4. Break the glass screen fascia; replace the whole screen
5. The MacBooks run a special build of OS X, not yet released to other Macs
6. The battery indicator is now on the left side of the notebook
7. The chicklet keyboard on the MacBook is very firmly supported
8. The speakers are surprisingly good
9. The viewing angle on the LCD is still lacking
10. Installing a hard drive is now even more superbly easy
11. How about a full set of system profiler specs?"

Link: Top 10 Things You Didn't Know About the New MacBook

FireWire's Absence from Aluminum MacBook: Inconvenience or Fatal Flaw?

Macworld's Peter Cohen says:

"As our first look at Apple's new laptops suggests, there's plenty to talk about with the new laptops introduced this week. But it's what's not there in the revamped MacBook product line that has people talking - yelling in some cases. And that's Apple's as-of-yet unexplained decision to drop FireWire connectivity from its consumer-focused laptops. Some users are saying point-blank that they're not going to order the new hardware without FireWire.

"The absence of FireWire ports is certainly an inconvenience for some users. But it shouldn't be considered a deal-breaker for most of us, anyway...."

Link: FireWire's MacBook Absence - Inconvenience or Fatal Flaw?

The FireWire Controversy

SchwarzTech's Eric Schwarz says:

"I decided I'd wait the weekend before writing this article to collect some outside opinions and gather my own thoughts. Last Tuesday, Apple's new MacBook marked what many are considering the next step in the slow death of FireWire. First, it was the iPods, followed a few years later with the MacBook Air. Is this port really necessary?....

"Most of the people I know who have MacBooks have not used the FireWire port. Some have had their MacBooks for over 2 years and have never connected anything there. Some have external USB drives for backup (because that's mostly what Best Buy/Wal-Mart/Circuit City sell). None knew about Target Disk Mode. My point is, FireWire is not something that people even think about nowadays unless they need it. It's not a consumer-grade connection."

Link: The FireWire Controversy

FireWire, USB, and nVidia Controller Inside Aluminum MacBooks

AppleInsider's Prince McLean reports:

"Apple's new MacBook and MacBook Pro models contain more innovation than just their case design, graphics, and the improved accessibility of their internals. Here's a look at other details related to FireWire, USB, and the new nVidia-based controller that replaces Intel's chipset."

Link: Inside the New MacBooks: FireWire, USB, and the nVidia Controller

FireWire Omission on Aluminum MacBooks a Troubleshooting Nightmare

MacFixIt reports:

"Apple's omission of a FireWire port on the new Aluminum (Late 2008) MacBooks is stirring discontent among MacFixIt readers and on Apple's discussion boards....

"Indeed, the elimination of FireWire target disk mode leaves a huge troubleshooting gap. Many users utilize FireWire target disk mode to diagnose issues, retrieve files from otherwise defunct computers, run disk repairs while booted from another drive in lieu of a Mac OS X startup disc and perform other procedures....

"There are limited USB-to-FireWire converters, but most don't provide power or 6-pin connectivity...."

Link: FireWire Omission on New MacBooks a Troubleshooting, iMove Nightmare (only available to paid subscribers)

Petition Asks for FireWire Ports in Aluminum MacBooks

Thorsten Raasch has created and posted an online FireWire ports in Apple consumer notebooks Petition to Apple Inc. The petition reads:

"To: Apple Inc.

"We all love your products, Apple Inc.! But your recently refreshed line of consumer notebooks lacks the possibility to plug in digital audio and video equipment as well as fast mass storage devices. Therefore, we pledge to purchase a new MacBook or MacBook Air if you, the inventor of FireWire technology, would be so kind to bring back FireWire ports to those products.

"Sincerely,
The Undersigned"

Link: FireWire Ports in Apple Consumer Notebooks Petition

FireWire and Matte Screens on the Way Out?

TidBITS' Adam C. Engst says:

"Last week's introduction of the redesigned MacBook and MacBook Pro brought a number of welcome (or at least interesting) changes - the buttonless glass trackpad, a magnetic latch for the MacBook Pro, the capability to drive a 30-inch external display, and more.

"But two seemingly small details have generated a firestorm of complaints from Mac users: the elimination of FireWire from the MacBook, and the dropping of a matte screen option from the MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro (the 17-inch MacBook Pro retains the matte option for now). Has Apple gone too far in the quest to simplify, or are users just whining? And with the removal of FireWire - first from the MacBook Air and now with the MacBook - are we seeing the beginning of the end of the technology for Mac users?"

Link: On the Way Out: FireWire and Matte Screens?

Why Glossy Screens Don't Work in Notebooks

The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady says:

"I've been complaining about Apple's switch to glossy screens for a while now. As I've said in the past, glossy screens simply don't work on portables as the glare makes the screen practically unreadable.

"What started as an option on the MacBook Pro, became the only choice on the MacBook. Then the iMac. The MacBook Air. Now Apple's gone 100 percent glossy across their entire line. Bummer...."

Jason has also posted a note and a photo from a reader that graphically underscores his aversion to glossy screens.

Link: Why Glossy Screens Don't Work in Notebooks

Display a Strength of New MacBook Pro

The Houston Chronicle's Bob Levitus says:

"...new MacBook Pros, along with all other Apple notebooks, now have ultrathin glossy LED-backlit displays. The new screen is thinner and brighter, and with its gorgeous, richly saturated colors and deep dark blacks, it may be the best-looking notebook display I've ever seen...."

Link: Display Is a Strength of New MacBook Pro

Audio and Video in the New MacBooks

AppleInsider's Prince McLean reports:

"Apple's new MacBook and MacBook Pro models present a variety of changes in the way audio and video are handled, including support for iPhone-style integrated mic headphones and the new DisplayPort standard. Here's what's new in audio and video...."

Link: Inside the New MacBooks: Audio and Video

MacBook Pro Does Not Support Both GPUs Simultaneously

MacRumors' Arnold Kim reports:

"When Apple introduced new MacBook Pro notebooks with two types of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) from nVidia, many wondered if both GPUs could be used simultaneously. nVidia's Hybrid SLI/GeForce Boost technology allows some notebook configurations to use one or both of a notebook's GPUs. When both GPUs are utilized simultaneously, the user can see dramatic performance boosts.

"nVidia has since clarified that the new MacBook Pro only supports the ability to switch between the integrated and discrete GPUs for power conservation ('HybridPower'), but does not allow the use of both at the same time ('GeForce Boost')...."

Link: MacBook Pro Does Not Support Both GPUs Simultaneously

MacBook and MacBook Pro Benchmarked

Primate Labs says:

"Earlier this week Apple released new MacBooks and MacBook Pros. While the biggest changes are the new enclosures and the new graphics cards, the new laptops also have a new chipset (an nVidia chipset instead of an Intel chipset) and faster DDR3 memory. These last two features might improve processor performance even though the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros don't really have upgraded processors.

"So, do the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros have better processor performance than the old MacBooks and MacBook Pros? Does the new memory and chipset make a difference? Let's find out!...

"I used Geekbench 2, our cross-platform benchmark, to measure the processor and memory performance of the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros...."

Link: Primate Labs Blog Posts MacBook and MacBook Pro Performance (October 2008)

Performance Analysis: 'Late 2008' MacBook and MacBook Pro

Bare Feats' rob-ART Morgan reports:

"The 'late 2008' MacBook and MacBook Pro have significant performance improvements that we are anxious to benchmark. We plan to test both as soon as we get our hands on them. Meanwhile, we want to give them both our preliminary assessment from a performance standpoint...."

Link: Performance Analysis: 'Late 2008' MacBook and MacBook Pro

Next-gen 17" MacBook Pro Due 'in a Few Months'

AppleInsider reports:

"Apple on Tuesday introduced its next-generation 13-inch MacBooks and 15-inch MacBook Pros but was unable to ramp production of its new 17-inch model, which is now expected to make an appearance by early next year.

"...a report published by MacNN earlier this week noted two problems that appear to have plagued the new notebook. Specifically, the site reported that the 'initial run of 17-inch models have both optical drive and display issues, which will delay shipments.'"

Link: Apple's Next-gen 17-Inch MacBook Pro Due in a Few Months

I Chose a New MacBook

The Apple Blog's Tom Reestman says:

"Fellow TAB writer, Charles Moore, wrote a great article about why it's a good idea to seriously consider the 'mature technology' of a refurbished Mac as soon as a new generation is announced. I won't recount the details in that article, but his reasoning is very sound, and it's solid advice.

"So solid, in fact, you might almost wonder why it makes sense not to take advantage of the especially good deals that can be had as soon as a new model comes out. Well, I thought I'd look at it from the other side - or, at least my side - and describe why I took a different path and ordered a brand new MacBook...."

Link: I Chose a New MacBook

New MacBook Pro Battery Has Less Power than Old One

Gizmodo reports:

"This confirms what I suspected - the new MacBook Pro battery has a lower capacity than the old one. About 16 percent less to be specific. The old battery was rated at 5600mAh/60Wh, but the new ones are rated at 4700mAh/50Wh. This perfectly explains why you now need to use the integrated nVidia GeForce 9400M on the new Pro to get the same five-hour (rated, not real world) battery life as you did with the discrete 8600M GT on the previous-gen Pro...."

Link: New MacBook Pro Battery Has Less Battery Power than Old One

Apple Updates

Apple Service Program Addresses Distorted Video/No Video Issues in MacBook Pro

Apple has announced a service program for MacBook Pro users whose machines have certain nVidia graphics processor units and are experiencing video anomalies such as distorted or scrambled video - a fault that has been acknowledged by nVidia.

"In July 2008, nVidia publicly acknowledged a higher than normal failure rate for some of their graphics processors due to a packaging defect. At that same time, nVidia assured Apple that Mac computers with these graphics processors were not affected. However, after an Apple-led investigation, Apple has determined that some MacBook Pro computers with the nVidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor may be affected. If the nVidia graphics processor in your MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within two years of the original date of purchase, a repair will be done free of charge, even if your MacBook Pro is out of warranty.

"What to look for:

• Distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen
• No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on

"Specific products affected:

• MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models with nVidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors
• MacBook Pro (17-Inch, 2.4 GHz)
• MacBook Pro (15-Inch, 2.4/2.2 GHz)
• MacBook Pro (Early 2008)

"These computers were manufactured between approximately May 2007 and September 2008

"Products Affected

MacBook Pro, models with nVidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics processors

"Resolution

"If your MacBook Pro is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, please take it to an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) for evaluation, or call your local Apple Contact Center. Before visiting the Genius Bar at the Apple Retail Store, please make a reservation.

"Apple is issuing refunds to customers who may have paid for repairs related to this issue. Contact Apple for details on the refund process.

"If your MacBook Pro is not experiencing any of these symptoms, you do not need to contact Apple."

Link: MacBook Pro: Distorted Video or No Video Issues

Products

QuickerTek External Battery/Charger for MacBook Pro

PR: QuickerTek has announced the Apple Juicz External Battery/Charger for the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro. This new product gives users up to 10 additional hours of computing power, and gives users far more flexibility in how and when they choose to use their computers. Styled to blend with your Apple equipment, the MacBook Pro External Battery/Charger is both lightweight and good looking. The Apple Juicz External Battery/Charger will be available in three weeks. Pre-orders are being taken online.

QuickerTek announces the Apple Juicz External Battery/Charger for the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro. This new product gives users up to 10 additional hours of computing power.

This product is an logical extension of our first MacBook Air External Battery/Charger, gives MacBook Pro users far more flexibility in how and when they choose to use their computers. A total of 8 to 10 additional hours of battery power and uses the MagSafe adapter which is included in the kit.

The Apple Juicz External Battery/Charger recharges in only three hours, while the stock MacBook Pro battery recharges in five hours. Styled to blend with your Apple equipment, the MacBook Pro External Battery/Charger is both lightweight and good looking.

Specifications:

• Physical: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Battery: Li-Ion Polymer

The Apple Juicz External Battery/Charger will be available in three weeks. Pre-orders are being taken through the webstore. Like most QuickerTek products, the Apple Juicz External Battery/Charger for the 15" and 17" MacBook Pro is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.

Link: Apple Juicz External Battery/Charger

New Axiotron Service Converts MacBook to Modbook

PR: Axiotron announced Axiotron Modservice, a groundbreaking new service that will for the first time enable customers to transform their existing Apple MacBook computer into an Axiotron Modbook, the one and only Mac-based tablet computer. Customers will be able to send their Apple MacBook to an Axiotron authorized and trained service provider for conversion into a full-featured Axiotron Modbook.

Axiotron Modservice will be available for pre-ordering in the US beginning October 28, 2008, starting at just $1,299.

Our Axiotron Modservice is a customer-driven initiative, plain and simple.

The Axiotron Modbook is the world's only tablet Mac solution - an award-winning tablet computer that seamlessly integrates an Apple MacBook, a state-of-the-art Penabled digitizer from Wacom and Axiotron's own hardware and software technology. The result: a revolutionary slate tablet that lets users draw and write directly on the screen.

Until now, all Axiotron Modbooks have incorporated only brand new Apple MacBook base systems. With Axiotron Modservice, virtually any Intel Core 2 Duo-based Apple MacBook can become an Axiotron Modbook. This new service also enables enterprises and educational institutions to take advantage of their existing supply agreements for Apple hardware when purchasing Axiotron Modbooks.

"Our Axiotron Modservice is a customer-driven initiative, plain and simple," said Axiotron CEO Andreas Haas. "We have had intense demand for a service that would give customers a way to turn their computer into a Modbook, and we are excited to offer them this new option."

When Axiotron launches Modservice on October 28, 2008, customers can place a pre-order for the service. Customers who pre-order early secure a place in line when Modbook conversions begin in November.

Axiotron will soon announce an expansion of its US network of service providers to perform Axiotron Modservice, as well as a new line of warranty options for the service.

Link: Axiotron Modservice

InvisibleShield Brings Military-Grade Protection to New MacBook Models

PR: Zagg Inc., provider of protective film coverings for personal electronics, introduces the InvisibleShield for the new MacBook 13" and MacBook Pro 15" models. With a sleek aluminum casing and ultra-thin LCD display, these stylish laptops require a unique, low-profile brand of protection.

Zagg's InvisibleShield is a thin polyurethane film originally created for the military to protect the leading edge of helicopter blades. What's unique about this military-grade, patented film is how tough it is - it doesn't scratch. What makes Zagg's exclusive InvisibleShield so strong, flexible and scratchproof? Its Nano-Memory technology. With this technology, it also allows it to curve and contour around an entire device (not just the screen) and adhere to the device unless you want to remove it (without leaving adhesive).

Introduced to the world in early 2005, the InvisibleShield is the first product of its kind. Its patent-pending solution of wrapping handheld devices with a clear protective film, has revolutionized the industry and has changed the way people think of protecting their beloved gadgets. Others have tried to imitate the InvisibleShield so don't be fooled by cheap copycats.

Apart from keeping your devices scratch-free, the InvisibleShield provides some unexpected benefits. Unlike cases, its uncompromising design doesn't take away from the look and feel of your device. It adds no bulk, allowing you to freely hold, carry, and dock your device without interruption. Also, its "grippy" feel gives your device an improved grip making it less likely that you will drop your once-slippery device.

The InvisibleShield is made from a patented adhesive film exclusive to Zagg for the purpose of protecting high-performance mobile electronics such as laptops, mobile phones, PDAs and gaming devices. Zagg's InvisibleShield, the thinnest protective skin of its kind, protects the new MacBook and MacBook Pro from wear and tear without altering the innovative design.

"Apple's new MacBook models incorporate some of the most impressive, forward-thinking aesthetics in the industry," said Robert G. Pedersen II, President and CEO of Zagg. "As the toughest transparent skin on the market, the InvisibleShield keeps them looking new for life without covering up the attractive aluminum casing."

Combining this military-grade strength with precision-cut designs for over 2,500 different devices, the InvisibleShield, backed by a lifetime guarantee, allows customers to use their electronics without the fear of scratches or nicks.

Link: InvisibleShield

RAMJET Releases Memory Upgrades for New MacBook and MacBook Pro

PR: These kits contain two (2) 2 Gig module and are specifically designed and SPD configured for the MacBook Pro and MacBook

4 Gig DDR3-1066 Kit for MacBook Pro

Specifications: DDR3-1066, 1066 MHz, PC3-8500, CAS Latency 7, Non-ECC, Unbuffered, 1.5V, 204-pin SO-DIMMs

This kit contains two (2) 2 Gig module and is specifically designed and SPD configured for the MacBook Pro.

This module is compatible with the latest Apple Firmware.

Price: $139

Link: 4 Gig DDR3-1066 Kit for MacBook Pro

4 Gig DDR3-1066 Kit for MacBook (2x 2 Gig)

Specifications: DDR3-1066, 1066 MHz, PC3-8500, CAS Latency 7, Non-ECC, Unbuffered, 1.5V, 204-pin SO-DIMMs

This kit contains two (2) 2 Gig module and is specifically designed and SPD configured for the MacBook Aluminum.

This module is compatible with the latest Apple Firmware.

Link: 4 Gig DDR3-1066 Kit for MacBook

OWC High Performance Hard Drives for MacBooks & MacBook Pros

PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced a full selection of new 7200 RPM and 5400 RPM 2.5" SATA internal hard drives in capacities up to 500 GB for Apple's MacBook, MacBook Pro 15", and MacBook Pro 17" models. The OWC hard drive lineup offers higher capacity and performance compared to standard factory drive options. OWC also provides greater performance for Apple's MacBook models with 4 GB OWC Memory Upgrades from as low as $69.99.

OWC 2.5" SATA internal hard drive upgrades are available immediately, with the most popular options including:

• Hitachi Travelstar 5K320 - 320 GB 2.5" 5400 RPM with 8 MB cache, 3 year warranty $74.99*
• Hitachi Travelstar 7K320 - 320 GB 2.5" 7200 RPM with 16 MB cache, 3 year warranty $109.99*
• Seagate Momentus 7200.3 - 320 GB 2.5" 7200 RPM with 16 MB cache, 5 year warranty $119.99
• Samsung Spinpoint M6 - 500 GB 2.5" 5400 RPM with 8 MB cache, 3 year warranty $179.99

*Price after $20 Hitachi Sponsored rebate

OWC Drive Upgrades Offer Bigger Capacities, Higher Performance, and Longer Warranties

Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro models have shipped standard with drive capacities as low as 60 GB, with the recently announced new models offering as little as 160 GB drive capacity. The wider selection of drives available from OWC enables MacBook and MacBook Pro owners to select the drive that best meets their needs. Offering bigger capacity and higher performance, OWC's drive upgrades often cost far less than similar options installed at the factory, as well as offering a longer warranty. In addition, MacBook and MacBook Pro owners that purchase a new drive from OWC also enjoy the benefit of keeping their existing drive, which can be used as a temporary backup drive, converted into an external storage solution, or sent to OWC for a cash back trade-in.

Easy to Install with Free Online Video Guide

• OWC makes installing new hard drive upgrades easy, with free online video guides <http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/installation.cfm>
• Additionally, a step-by-step "tech tip" article, available: <http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/tech_tips/sparedrive.cfm>
• Explains how to transfer data to a new drive using the NewerTech USB Universal Drive Adapter: <http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/U2NV2SPATA/>
• And offers suggestions on what to do with the "old" drive after upgrading, such as turning it into an external drive with a kit from OWC: <http://eshop.macsales.com/search/enclosure+kit>

Link: MacBook and MacBook Pro Upgrades

OWC 4 GB DDR3 Memory Upgrade Kit for New MacBooks

PR: Other World Computing (OWC) offers a 4 GB DDR3 OWC Memory Upgrade Kit for Apple's new MacBook 13" and MacBook Pro 15" models, which were announced Tuesday (October 14, 2008) and are just starting to ship. OWC Memory is also available in modules and kits of up to 4 GB for all previous MacBook and MacBook Pro models, as well as for nearly every current and past Apple computer model.

OWC Kit pricing for upgrading new MacBook 13" and MacBook Pro 15" models:

* 4 GB DDR3 Memory Upgrade Kit - $139.99 (matched pair of 2 GB memory modules)

OWC Memory is also available immediately for all previous Core 2 Duo MacBook and MacBook Pro models, including the still offered MacBook "White" 2.1 GHz, in a 4 GB DDR2 Memory Upgrade Kit (matched pair of 2 GB memory modules), priced at $69.99. Additional memory savings are also available for customers who take advantage of OWC's trade-in program, which provides $7.50 Cash Back per 1 GB Apple Factory Standard memory module.

In addition to memory, OWC offers MacBook and MacBook Pro owners a full selection of 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM internal hard drive options in capacities up to 500 GB to upgrade/replace their factory stock drives. Prices start at $59.99 for a 200 GB 5400 RPM drive, with the most popular upgrades including a 320 GB 7200 RPM drive priced at $119.99 and a 500 GB 5400 RPM drive priced at $179.99.

"OWC is all about maximizing performance, and as our real-world testing illustrates, more memory makes an impressively tremendous difference," said Larry O'Connor, President, OWC. "Installing the full 4 GB of memory lets you truly reap the full performance of Apple's MacBook and MacBook Pro systems."

OWC is an Apple Developer Connection Premiere member and OWC brand memory upgrades meet Apple's electrical and mechanical design requirements. OWC maintains an active state-of-the-art test lab to ensure the highest product quality and reliability. Its modules provide a lifetime of high-performance, reliable operation, backed with a Money Back Guarantee and OWC's Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty.

OWC also offers a full line of memory for upgrading nearly every Apple model made in the last twenty years, including Mac Pro Xeon, iMac, PowerMac, Xserve, iBook, and PowerBook computers.

Link: MacBook and MacBook Pro Upgrades

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 major price drops on MacBook Air, no 15" MacBook Pros at all (as of October 26), and price cuts in the 17" MacBook Pro - some substantial. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

• refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,349
• refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,399
• refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $1,799
• refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,049
• 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, $2,099
• refurb 17" 2.6 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,299
• refurb 17" 2.6 GHz hi-res Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,399

• 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,349.99
• 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,443.99
• 15'' 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,499.98
• 15'' 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,643.99

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

- 15" Aluminum PowerBook - MacBook

• 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

• 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, $1,109

• 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

For more deals on current and discontinued 'Books, 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.