General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Tech Trends
Products & Services
News & Opinion
Where to Buy MacBook Memory
mac.blorge's Ronald O Carlson has posted a concise guide to where to
get the best deals on MacBook/Pro memory upgrades, noting that after a
week of using OS X 10.6 he realized all the cool stuff he likes
like about Snow Leopard aside, 2.5 GB of RAM just wasn't making it, so
he went shopping and took some notes whilst out and about on the
interwebs.
I'm happy to note that Other World Computing, where I purchased my
recent 4 GB RAM upgrade for my Unibody MacBook was more than
competitive in Ronald's comparison shopping.
And as he observes, "4 GB is just oh so smooth....'
It sure is.
Link:
Where to Buy MacBook Memory Upgrades
How to Upgrade Memory in a 2008 or 2009
MacBook
Fairer Platform says:
"There are a lot of reasons to love your MacBook with build quality
and intelligent industrial design likely topping the list. As you d
expect, upgrading the memory in your Apple consumer portable is really
quite simple and requires just one simple tool and about 10 minutes of
your time."
For my own illustrated account of upgrading the RAM in my Unibody
MacBook, see Upgrading
My Unibody MacBook's RAM on Power|'Book Central.
Link:
How to Upgrade Memory in a 2008, 2009 MacBook
6 Easy Laptop Repairs Step-by-Step Guide
Computerworld's Brian Nadel says:
"There's a lot you can do to fix a broken notebook yourself. While
many people think that notebook damage can be repaired only by the
manufacturer or a computer shop, there are some problems that can be
inexpensively and easily fixed with common tools, spare parts and a
little effort. Many of these repairs are no harder than high school art
projects."
Brian's 6 quick laptop fixes
- Frayed charger cord
- Cracked notebook case
- Bad fan
- Stuck key
- Scratched screen
- Waterlogged laptop
Link:
6 Easy Laptop Repairs Step-by-Step Guide
Taiwanese Suppliers Ramp Up Apple's Tablet
While Apple's much-rumored tablet computer is still regarded as
speculative here in North America, it appears that in Taiwan it's
considered a done deal.
Taiwan Economic News's Steve Chuang reports that Apple will launch
its new tablet PCs next February, and some Taiwanese suppliers of parts
and components have already managed to join the supply chain and will
start delivery to Apple in December, according to unnamed industry
sources.
Chuang says the Apple tablet will feature a 9.6" screen, touchscreen
control, and a built-in HSPDA (high speed download packet access)
module, be powered by an Apple in-house a P.A. SEMI CPU with a long
lasting battery pack, and sell for between $799 and $999.
According to the report, DynaPack International Technology Corp. has
been exclusively contracted to supply up to 300,000 units of long
lasting battery packs for the Apple tablet, while Wanshih Electronic
Co., Ltd. is expected to supply around 70% of Apple`s orders for mini
coaxial cables for the tablets
Scientific-Technics Co., Ltd. and Wintek Corp. are to supply power
chokes and touch panels, respectively.
Link: Taiwanese
Suppliers Ramp Up Supply Chain for Apple's Tablet Computers
Dead MacBook Pro Display Update
LogicValue's Paul Lefebvre has posted an update regarding dead
displays on MacBook Pro computers, noting that an Apple Genius he
consulted was aware of the Nvidia chipset issue and after a quick test
to confirm the displays were dead, took it out back to do a "specific
test for the Nvidia issue". He came back a few minutes later and
confirmed that this was the Nvidia chip failure and confirmed that
Apple is repairing it for free even for users who don't have AppleCare
coverage.
Link:
Dead MacBook Pro Displays: An Update
Use MacBook Pros with 75 Watt Airplane Power
Ports
Mac OS X Hints contributor mxcantor says:
"As far as I know, the Unibody MacBook Pros (and probably most
MacBook Pros) ship with 85 watt power supplies. Unfortunately, a lot of
in-seat power ports on airplanes are limited to 75 watts, and plugging
in your 85 watt power supply will quickly overload the power supply.
This is not dangerous to the plane or anything, but the power will shut
off."
Link: Use
MacBook Pros with 75 Watt Airplane Power Ports
Tech Trends
Different Views on Netbook Shipments for 2010
DigiTimes' Max Wang and Joseph Tsai report that global netbook
shipments are expected to reach 25-30 million units in 2009, but that
opinions are divided over the 2010 outlook, with some netbook players
forecasting growing volumes, while others think netbook shipments will
stay flat at 25-30 million units in 2010 or even drop slightly as
competition increases from ultra-thin notebooks being sold bundled with
3G services, (or not noted by DigiTimes, but Apple's rumored tablet
device if and when it materializes) as well as falling prices of
regular notebooks.
Currently, the article says, netbooks account for around 20% of
total notebook shipments.
Link: Players Hold
Different Views on Netbook Shipments in 2010 (subscription
required)
HP Takes on MacBook Pro with ENVY Premium
Notebooks
PR: HP's new line of premium, high-performance notebooks are
bright, thin, high-performance, come in 13" and 15" versions, and are
obviously inspired by the unibody MacBook Pro.
The HP
ENVY is being pitched as a high-end sub-brand that offers customers
precision-crafted, high-performance models featuring HP Metal Etching
and HP's concierge service and support.
HP says the new ENVY 13 boasts the brightest display in its class,
and that the HP ENVY 15 is the company's fastest consumer notebook PC
ever.
"HP ENVY includes the latest in materials and technology inside and
out and pushes the technological and performance boundaries of what can
be done in sleek, powerful and lightweight notebook PCs," said Ted
Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global
Business Unit, Personal Systems Group, HP. "Discerning consumers will
get a premium experience and performance."
Metal Etching on the lid and palmrest of the ENVY 15, and on the
palmrest of the ENVY 13 is a luxury touch. The combination of materials
provides the metal look and feel while using energy-responsible
manufacturing methods.
The HP ENVY line
To offer consumers what it claims to be the best audio experience
available on a notebook PC, HP partnered with Beats by Dr. Dre to
develop a unique, high-performance audio software solution. Available
exclusively on the HP Envy, Beats Audio offers users playing music or
audio through headphones or external speakers the optimal sound
experience - the way the artist intended it.
The lightweight heavyweight: ENVY 13
The
ENVY 13's Radiance display is claimed to be twice as bright as other
notebook displays in its class - 410 nit - providing an exceptional
movie and photo experience, even in high ambient light conditions. With
82 percent color gamut (versus standard 45-60 percent), photos appear
richer with amazing color depth. Additionally, with fast 8-millisecond
response time, users can view movies with TV-like performance.
The ENVY 13 is less than an inch thick and weighs 3.74 pounds. The
exterior's aluminum and magnesium construction provides durability in a
sleek design. An VGA webcam optimized for low light also is
included.
HP placed the same focus on design into its optional Slim Fit
Extended-Life Notebook Battery. Taking the form of a "slice," it
preserves the svelte look of the ENVY 13 while giving users up to 18
hours of battery life with the extended-life battery. The standard
battery is user-replaceable, which some of us still prefer to Apple's
non-swappable mode.
ATI Switchable Graphics technology dynamically switches between ATI
Mobility Radeon HD 4330 discrete graphics and the Intel integrated
graphics processor for either high-powered graphics processing or low
power consumption for long battery life without booting the notebook.
The Core 2 processor provides the power of dual processor cores while
delivering extended battery life when the notebook is unplugged.
The ENVY 13 notebook's AC adapter is small and light, and draws
minimal power, has built-in surge protection and includes a rubberized
strap that keeps the cables organized and the adapter from slipping off
a slick surface. An optional HP USB Ethernet Adapter also is
available.
Performance Powerhouse: ENVY 15
This ENVY 15 is touted as HP's fastest consumer notebook. The full
metal case features a laser-etched metal design on the lid that is
repeated on the palmrest, while the magnesium alloy casing provides
lightweight durability in a 1-inch thick, 5.18-pound package.
Customers have maximum speed and mobility with the future Intel Core
i7 processor and up to 16 GB of DDR3 1,066-MHz system memory in four
SODIMM memory slots. Storage options include the ability to add two
solid-state drives in a RAID-0 configuration to improve the overall
speed of the ENVY 15 while providing excellent disk performance.
Bundled are full versions of Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 and Corel
VideoStudio Pro X2 for creating photo and video content.
Power users and gamers can take advantage of premium graphics
performance via ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4830 graphics with 1 GB of
dedicated video memory for visually intense applications, DirectX 10.1
games and high-definition video playback.
A choice of two 15.6-inch HP Brightview high-resolution LED backlit
displays, including the Full High Definition LED HP Ultra BrightView
Widescreen Display with up to 300-nits brightness, provides an
appropriate display experience for a notebook in this class. A
Nightvision VGA webcam that is optimized for low-light or zero-light
conditions is standard on the HP ENVY 15, incorporating an infrared LED
that assists the webcam by providing the necessary illumination in dark
environments.
The ENVY 15 has an optional Slim Fit Extended-Life Notebook Battery,
giving up to seven hours of battery life.
Designing the ENVY
The HP ENVY line includes HP's QuickWeb instant-on technology that
lets users access key applications without booting the PC. In less than
30 seconds, you can can access the Internet, music, videos and photos,
and email.
HP Clickpad integrates the buttons into the touchpad and allows
users to disable the clickpad if desired.
The keyboard's direct-action keys (versus typical function keys)
allow users to quickly access often-used commands such as print and
volume adjustment.
An optional external optical drive complements the ENVY design and
gives users the flexibility to carry the extra weight only when
necessary. Two USB ports transform the drive into a dock for additional
capability.
The HP ENVY 13 and ENVY 15 are expected to be available in the
United States on Oct. 18 with a starting price of $1,699 and $1,799,
respectively; Register for availability notification at:
Link: HP
ENVY
Acer Launches Ferrari One Netbook with VISION
Technology from AMD
PR: The Acer Ferrari One, unveiled at the Italian Monza
Formula 1 circuit last week, with its racing red cover proudly
displaying the Scudetto Ferrari that has dominated Formula One since
the very first race, is pitched by Acer as "quite simply the world's
most exclusive netbook, designed and created with the same passion and
technological experience the drives two of the world's finest
brands."
Photo
Courtesy Flickr
The new Ferrari netbook comes with an 11.6" high-definition 1366 x
768 pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, Acer CineCrystal LED LCD
display that the company says provides true HD entertainment driven by
VISION technology from AMD and support for simultaneous multiwindow
viewing via Acer GridVista.
Complementing its video sophistication, the Ferrari One's speakers
are specially engineered to optimize an enhanced audio quality - each
pair fine-tuned by Dolby Laboratories with advanced audio tuning
technologies featuring Dolby Home Theater v3 to delivers a true
cinema-style experience in vibrant surround sound.
Dolby Home Theater v3 features:
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx that expands stereo or 5.1-channel audio from
movies, music, TV, or games to 6.1-or 7.1-channel playback on machines
built to support it as well as changing stereo content to a 5.1, 6.1,
or even 7.1 surround sound listening experience.
- Dolby Headphone that simulates 5.1-channel surround sound through
any stereo headphones.
- Sound Space Expander that dramatically widens the perceived field
of sound and opens up your digital sound experience.
- Natural Bass that extends speaker bass response by up to an octave
without distortion or risk of damage to any components.
- Dolby Digital Live that converts any audio signal from a PC into
Dolby Digital for easy connection to home theater systems.
- High-Frequency Enhancer that improves high frequencies for a
stunningly real sound experience and • Audio Optimization that
corrects common audio problems caused by the physical limitations of
laptops.
The Ferrari One's "engine" is a Second Generation AMD Ultrathin
Platform for notebooks with VISION technology the AMD Athlon X2
Dual-Core Processor L310 featuring low-power CPU design, DDR2 800 MHz,
and AMD HyperTransport 3.0 technology and an ATiRadeon HD 3200 Graphics
chipset coupled with up to 4 GB of DDR2 667 MHz system memory.
The Ferrari One will be released next month with preinstalled 64-bit
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Home Home Basic operating
systems.
Photo
Courtesy Flickr
A 160 GB hard drive is standard with larger capacities optional. The
keyboard features a dedicated key that instantly launches the web
browser and connects to www.ferrari.com, while the Ferrari-engraved
touchpad offers multi-gesture functionality, including the possibility
to scroll up and down when surfing the web pages, viewing documents,
navigating files, checking music playlists, viewing photos up or down,
pinch to zoom-in or zoom-out in various applications such as Microsoft
Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Google Earth, flip back-and-forth through
photos, web pages, PDF documents, Microsoft Office documents or media
albums by sliding two fingers and also rotate images while viewing
pictures.
As for connectivity, the Ferrari One sports the Acer InviLink Nplify
802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED network connection, supporting Acer
SignalUp wireless technology and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data
Rate). Optionally, the Ferrari One can be had 3G-ready and also
features the Acer Video Conference solution that includes the low-light
enhanced Crystal Eye webcam for super-clear VoIP call quality, even in
noisy environments.
All Acer notebooks come with a standard 1 year Carry In
(International travelers warranty - ITW).
The Acer Ferrari One will ship in October at a price estimated to be
around $800.
Products & Services
Laptop Burka Lets You Use Your 'Book in Bright
Sunlight
PR: The new Laptop Burka lets you work and play on your
laptop without the glare of sunlight or stares from uninvited
strangers. Laptop Burka lets you work or watch movies in your own
portable private space, and its made from high-quality, breathable,
lightweight fabric.
Take it anywhere, anytime. No more eye straining or battery draining
from glare. Take your Laptop Burka to the pool . . . the
patio . . . the park . . . anywhere.
Laptop Burka
works with any hat that has a brim.
Easy to use:
- Slip it on ...
- Tighten the flexible draw cord ...
- You're ready to go
Link: Laptop Burka Lets You Use Your
'Book in Bright Sunlight Environments
Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 Joins Lineup of
Notebook Products
PR: If you can't imagine using your laptop without a mouse,
the new Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 offers a comfortable base, a
retractable mouse pad and a thin and light design.
If you have a laptop, you've likely found yourself browsing the
Internet from the couch with the TV on in front of you, responding to
e-mail from the kitchen table, or watching a movie while relaxing in
bed.
Although laptops are great at helping create flexible workspaces,
you've most likely experienced some discomfort while trying to balance
your laptop on your lap or avoid the heat given off by the laptop. To
help out in that area, Logitech have developed several products that
are meant to help beat the heat and add comfort - including the newly
announced Portable Lapdesk N315.
Portable Lapdesk N315
If you can't imagine using your laptop without a mouse, the new
Logitech Portable Lapdesk N315 offers a comfortable base, a retractable
mouse pad and a thin and light design. The anti-slip top helps keep
your notebook (15 inches or smaller) firmly in place, and because we
know that accidents can happen, we've made the washable surface easy to
clean. The Portable Lapdesk N315 will be available in the US and Europe
this month for a suggested retail price of $29.99 (US).
Link:
Portable Lapdesk N315
Comfort Lapdesk
If you're looking for a simple way to be more comfortable when using
a laptop around the house, the Logitech Comfort Lapdesk has a stable,
lightweight design that acts as a heat-shielding barrier. It's angled
for improved neck and leg comfort (when used in a seated position).
Link:
Comfort Lapdesk
Cooling Pad N100
For improved airflow around the laptop, the Logitech Cooling Pad
N100 features USB-powered fan that distributes air quietly and evenly.
The slotted surface allows for virtually silent airflow and a rear
intake design enables for steady, unobstructed airflow.
Link:
Cooling Pad N100
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.
Factory refurbished units with Apple's full one-year warranty.
- 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120 HD, $1,099
- 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80 HD, $1,099
- 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 GB SSD, $1,199
- 1.86 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/128 GB SSD, $1,249
- 1.86 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120 GB HD, $1,349
- 2.13 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120 GB HD, $1,549
- 2.13 GHz MacBook White, 2 GB/160/SD, $849
- 2.0 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/160/SD, $899
- 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD, $999
- 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/128 GB SSD/SD, $1,299
- 13" 2.26 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $999
- 13" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/250/SD, $1,299
- 15" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,449
- 15" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/128 SSD/SD, $1,599
- 15" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,599
- 15" 2.93 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,949
- 17" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,949
- 17" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, antiglare,
$1,999
- 2.0 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/160/SD, $924.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $619.99
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $629.99
- 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $719.99
- 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $779.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $799.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/200/SD, $899.99
- 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $949.99
- 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, APX, $1,269
- 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,399
- Lombard PowerBook G3/400, 256/6/DVD, OS 9, $179
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 512/10/no optical drive?, AP, $299
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 768/40/Combo, AP, OS X 10.6, $299
- Clamshell iBook G3/300, 96/6/CD, blueberry or tangerine,
$179.99
- 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $499.99
- 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $549.99
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white Core2 Duo, 1 GB/80/SD, $599.99
- 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $599.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/100/SD, $639.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $629.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $634.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $669.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $694.99
- 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $849.99
- 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 4 GB/120/SD, $939.99
- 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 4 GB/160/SD, $1,169
- 12" iBook G3/800 MHz, 384/30/Combo, $249
- 2.16 GHz MacBook White, 1 GB/100/SD, $749
- 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD, AppleCare, $1,259
- 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, $849
For deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro,
MacBook Air, 13" MacBook Pro, 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 iPad,
iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.
