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 Updates
Tech Trends
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Intel Ups MacBook Air Chip to 2.13 GHz
Electronista
reports:
"Intel is now known to be launching significant updates to its
notebook processor line on Monday that should be headlined by an
upgrade to the processor line central to Apple's MacBook Air and Lenovo's ThinkPad
X301. An update list obtained by CNET has the semiconductor company
upgrading its Core 2 Duo S to include a 2.13 GHz model, the SL9600. The
chip is a significant update over the previous 1.86 GHz ceiling but
should still preserve an identical 17W of peak thermal power
consumption, 6 MB of Level 2 cache and the 1,066 MHz system
bus...."
Link:
Intel Ups MacBook Air Chip Speed; CULV in Summer
Hey, Lauren! Is Apple's 17" MacBook Pro
Expensive?
Technologizer's Harry McCracken says:
"There's
something about comparing the prices of Windows PCs and Macs that makes
otherwise cool and collected people - Windows and Mac users alike -
become profoundly emotional and partisan, until steam shoots out of
their ears and their eyeballs turn bright red. You can see this passion
crop up in some of the comments on Ed Oswald's two recent posts
(here
and
here) on Microsoft's new 'Lauren' ad comparing 17-inch Windows
laptops to the MacBook Pro. I've also
encountered it every time I've tried to do the math on the Windows vs.
Mac question - which I started doing within a few weeks of
Technologizer's launch last summer.
"...asking whether Macs are more expensive than Windows PCs is like
asking whether Audis are more expensive than General Motors cars: It's
a meaningless question without context, since the answer is entirely
contingent on the models you choose...."
Link:
Hey, Lauren! Is Apple's 17-Inch MacBook Pro Expensive?
Is 17" MacBook Pro Overpriced vs. Dell, HP, Lenovo,
Sony?
ZD Net's Andrew Nusca says:
"Hot on the heels of Microsoft's line-in-the-sand advertisement for
'Lauren,' the girl who 'isn't cool enough for a Mac,' comes this laptop
shootout from Technologizer pitting Apple's 17-inch MacBook
Pro against similarly-equipped PCs to find out if there really is a
$500 Apple tax.
"In this corner, the 17-in. Apple MacBook Pro, for $2,799.
"In the far corner, the Dell Precision M6400 Mobile Workstation for
about $3,000; the HP Elitebook 8730W for about $3,000; the Lenovo
ThinkPad W700 for about $2,500; and the Sony Vaio FW for about
$1,600....
"As it turns out, there is an Apple tax. And a Dell tax. And an HP
tax. And a Lenovo tax...."
Link: Is Apple's New 17-in.
MacBook Pro Overpriced vs. Dell, HP, Lenovo, Sony?
Troubleshoot Your MacBook
Macworld's Ted
Landau says:
"From touchy trackpads to balking batteries, Apple's portable
computers (the MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air) are vulnerable to
certain problems not shared by their desktop siblings. If you have an
Apple laptop that's giving you grief, here's how to fix the most common
woes."
Topics Covered Include:
- Glossy Display
- Need FireWire
- Sluggish Performance
- Battery Not Charging
- Trackpad Button Failure
- Keyboard Problem
Link:
Troubleshoot Your MacBook (Pro, Air)
Make Your Laptop Last
Business
24/7's David Tusing says:
"It's difficult to imagine life without our laptops. And in these
credit-crunched times, there's all the more reason to make them last
longer and work better.
"We've asked our experts to give us their top tips on how to
de-stress your system and make your laptop live a longer, happier
life...."
Link:
Make Your Laptop Last
Updating iBook Workhorse Can Work Up a Sweat
The
Press Telegram's Steven Rosenberg says:
"It's not easy keeping a computer up to date.
"Aside from all the hardware issues you might have during the usable
life of a laptop or desktop machine, there are software updates - at
the operating-system level as well as with applications to keep up
with.
"One of my ongoing projects is keeping our 2003 Apple iBook in working
condition.
"Over the past few years, that has meant adding a
wireless-networking module ($40 on eBay and fairly easy to do),
stuffing an additional gigabyte of memory ($30 at Fry's and also
relatively easy) under the keyboard (yep, that's where it goes) and
replacing a dying hard drive ($60 at Fry's)...."
Link: Updating iBook
Workhorse Can Work Up a Sweat
Apple Selling 8 GB Memory Upgrade Kits for 15"
MacBook Pro
AppleInsider's
Slash Lane reports:
"It will cost you an arm and a leg, but Apple is now offering an
official 8 GB memory upgrade kit for the mid- and high-end models
of its current 15-inch unibody MacBook Pro family, AppleInsider has
discovered.
"The kit containing a pair of 4 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SO-DIMMs is
available immediately for a whopping $1200, or nearly the price of the
company's entry-level 13-inch unibody MacBook...."
Link:
Apple Selling 8 GB Memory Upgrade Kits for 15" MacBook
Orange and Apple Plan Cheap Mobile Broadband
MacBook Deal
Macworld
UK's Nick Spence reports:
"Orange, a provider of mobile phones, mobile broadband and home
broadband, will sell Apple laptops on its network from the summer,
according to a UK mobile phone industry source.
"Mobile Today magazine, reports that Orange will be the first
company to subsidise Apple s laptops with a mobile broadband, similar
to those offered by Carphone Warehouse and others...."
Link: Orange
and Apple Plan Cheap Mobile Broadband MacBook Deal
Apple Updates
17" MacBook Pro (Early 2009): Brightness Level
Affected by Operating System Versions
A new Apple Knowledge Base
article says:
"The operating system installed on MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
computers should be Mac OS X v10.5.6 or later, with a minimum build of
9G2141 or higher. Running an older version of the operating system with
less than a minimum build level of 9G2141 will cause the display to
appear less bright.
"Products Affected: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
"Resolution: Installing the latest version of the operating system
will return the display to its normal brightness levels...."
Link: MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009):
Brightness Level Affected by Operating System Versions
Tech Trends
Better Lithium-ion Batteries Coming
Technology
Review's Prachi Patel reports:
"A new incarnation of lithium-ion batteries based on solid polymers
is in the works. Berkeley, CA-based startup Seeo, Inc. says its
lithium-ion cells will be safer, longer-lasting, lighter, and cheaper
than current batteries. Seeo's batteries use thin films of polymer as
the electrolyte and high-energy-density, light-weight electrodes.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is now making and testing cells
designed by the University of California, Berkeley spinoff."
Link: Better Lithium-ion
Batteries
Products & Services
Laptop Flip Stand
PR: New PC Gadgets has released their new Laptop Flip
stand for Mac laptops.
Raising your laptop increases ventilation and reduces heat. The
Laptop Flip raises the back of your laptop 1" creating a better working
angle, and also lets you store your 'Book in the vertical position when
not in use creating additional space on your desktop. Laptop Flip is
made from lightweight acrylic, and easily stores in your laptop
bag.
Features:
- Small enough to carry in your laptop bag.
- Raises your laptop to a more comfortable viewing angle
- Creates better ventilation and reduces heat build up
- Securely stores your laptop in vertical position freeing up desk
space
- Attractive lightweight acrylic design with a nonskid rubber
surface
- Stores in your laptop carrying case
Dimensions: 3 1/2"W x 8"L x 3"H
Laptop Flip sells for $18.95
Link: Laptop Flip
Stand
$15 Mini Display Port to HDMI Adapter
PR: Monoprice delivers cost effective solution for
adapting your new Mini-DisplayPort equipped laptop to your current
display.
Mini-DisplayPort is a miniaturized version of DisplayPort, the
newest digital display interface developed by the Video Electronics
Standards Association (VESA). Monoprice have a collection of Mini-DP
adapters that will allow you to connect your new laptop to the widely
used current standards of VGA, DVI or HDMI.
Review by Gizmodo.
Max Supported Resolution - 1920 x 1080p, 12 bits/channel or 12*3 =
36 bits on all channels.
NOTE: This adapter will support audio only if your source device
allows audio output through the Mini DisplayPorts interface. If you're
not sure, please check with the manufacturer or website, to confirm if
your device allows audio out through the Mini-DP interface.
Original Value: $22.50
Monoprice Price
- 1 - $14.25
- 2 - 9 - $13.69
Currently on Back Order - Estimated Time Arrival: 4/3/2009
Link:
Mini Display Port to HDMI Adapter
GainSaver's 10% Off Sale on Used MacBook Pros
PR: GainSaver, an online reseller of used Macintosh computers
announced today its Recession Buster Sale, which gives price-conscious
consumers an additional 10% off all used Macintosh MacBook notebooks in
stock.
GainSaver, an online reseller of Certified Preowned Macintosh
computers announced today the launch of its latest sale of used
Macintosh computers: the Recession Buster Sale. This promotion gives
GainSaver customers an additional 10% off all MacBook Pro
notebooks.
The company's inventory of used MacBook computers is the largest in
the industry. The entire selection is on sale:
- $692 - MacBook Pro 15.4" 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo (MA463LL/A)
- $719 - MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.0 GHz Intel Core Duo (MA600LL/A)
- $782 - MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo (MA601LL/A)
- $836 - MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo (MA895LL/A)
- $836 - MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo (MA609LL/A)
- $872 - MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo (MA610LL/A)
- $899 - MacBook Pro 15.4" 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo (MA896LL/A)
- $1,142 - MacBook Pro 17" 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo (MA092LL/A)
- $1,169 - MacBook Pro 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo (MA611LL/A)
- $1,214 - MacBook Pro 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo (MA897LL/A)
"We want to make the Mac affordable for everyone," said Steve
Harper, director of sales at GainSaver. "The MacBook Pro is the
favorite of business users, designers and students. These groups are
especially hard hit by the current economic situation, but they still
need a Mac to get their work done. We are backing them up with low
prices and a 100% satisfaction guarantee."
At the time of purchase, shoppers at the GainSaver website can
customize their MacBook computer to their own requirements. Integrated
into the company's online shopping cart, the Configurator lets shoppers
select just the components they need from a range of hard drives,
optical drives, software programs and memory options. All components
are installed and tested before shipping at no extra charge.
For best selection, GainSaver is recommending that customers order
now. Recession Buster pricing will continue on all MacBook models only
while supplies last.
Link: GainSaver
Software
ScreenRecycler Lets You Use Your Old Mac as a
Second Display
PR: If you own two computers with separate screens you can
use ScreenRecycler. Even your laptop can be used as a second screen for
your main machine. Recycle your old iMac, PowerBook, or even Windows
PC.
There no such thing as enough screen real estate.
You like working with multiple documents and multiple applications?
You hate when windows are being hidden behind your current application
? ScreenRecycler is the right thing for you !
shapeimage_2.png
Use your old iMac as second screen for your new iMac like on the
picture above. Use your notebook as additional screen when you place it
beside your desktop Mac.
What do you need ? - Two computers !
If you own two computers with separate screens you can use
ScreenRecycler. Even your laptop can be used as second screen for your
main machine.
Mac OS X on Windows PC's ? - For sure !
You have a Windows laptop/PC and a Mac? Use ScreenRecycler to create
a second display for your Mac with it.
Why ?
Many Mac users have a second computer sitting right next to their
main computer on their desk including a nice display. ScreenRecycler
now enables you to use this spare computer as second display for your
Mac. You can even use an old Windows PC for that purpose.
Targeted to all users with two computers to extend screen real
estate. It's like a dual monitor setup without the need to buy an
additional monitor.
Use any machine as additional monitor on your Mac.
New in version 1.3:
- Added iPhone and Netbook resolutions and double resolutions (2 x
1024 x 768,2 x 1280 x 1024) to the driver. As the old driver is
compatible (just added those resolutions) you do not see a driver
upgrade panel. If you want the new resolutions install the driver. It's
located inside the application bundle.
- Internal cleanup of code, fixed possible bug introduced in the last
version.
- Fixed nib file.
- Fixed trial version panel for unregistered users. (this build)
System requirements:
- MacOS X 10.4 and 10.5 on one Mac
- Two computers one being a Mac
Price ¥19.95 + tax
Link: ScreenRecycler
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.
A good selection of old-school MacBooks this week, plus a full slate
of refurb Unibodies, save for the 17-incher.
- refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $999
- refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $1,199
- refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,099
- refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $1,299
- refurb 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/Combo,
$849
- refurb 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/160/SD $949
- refurb 2.0 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,099
- refurb 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,399
- refurb 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/128 SSD/SD, $1,899
- refurb 17" 2.5 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250 GB/SD, $1,799
- refurb 17" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200 GB @ 7200 rpm/SD,
$1,899
- Axiotron Modbook - Value Priced Preconfigured Modbook Systems -
$1,699
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $899.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $949
- 17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,199
- 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,099.99
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,214.99
- 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,489.99
- 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,929.99 less $150
mail-in rebate = $1,779.99
- 15" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 B/320/SD, $2,199.99
- 17" Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD,- $1,899.99
- 17" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $2,543.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $169.99
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/15/CD, $249.99
- 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/Combo, $329.99
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $399.99
- 12" iBook G3/900, 256/40/Combo, $489.99
- 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, 60 day warranty,
$594.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, 60 day warranty,
$659.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 512/80/SD, 60 day warranty,
$719.99
- 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" Titanium PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/30/Combo, $549.99
- 15" Titanium PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $699.99
- 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $599.99
- 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $639.99
- 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, $679.99
- 15" Aluminum PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, APX, $729.99
- 15" hi-res Aluminum PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 512/80/SD, APX,
$799.99
- 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, 90 day warranty, $899.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD 90 day warranty, $979.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/100/SD 90 day warranty, $1,099.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, 90 day warranty,
$1,179.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 1.25 GB/40/Combo, $449
- 1.83 GHz MacBook, white, 1 GB/60 GB/Combo, $599
- 2.0 GHz MacBook, white, 1 GB/60/SD, $679
- 2.0 GHz MacBook, black, 2 GB/80/SD, $749
- 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, $849
- 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, $899
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, scratched, $649
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD $799
- 1.83 GHz MacBook, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $600
- 15" hi-res PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/SD, $715
- 15" hi-res PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1.5 GB/100/SD, $805
- 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, APX, $969
For more deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our MacBook, MacBook Air, 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 iPod
touch, iPod
classic, iPod nano,
and iPod shuffle
deals.
