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
Reviews
Products & Services
News & Opinion
MacBook: The Best Selling Mac Ever
The Loop's Jim Dalrymple says that if you think the iMac is Apple's best selling computer ever,
you are mistaken.
Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product
Marketing, told Dalrymple that Apple's best selling computer ever is
the MacBook, with more then
10 million units of the company's entry-level notebook out the door
since it first was unveiled in May 2006.
Link:
MacBook Is Apple's Best Selling Mac Ever
Apple Updates MacBook with LED-Backlight,
Multitouch Trackpad, 7-Hour Battery
PR: Apple on Tuesday updated its entry-level MacBook with a new,
durable polycarbonate unibody design featuring a brilliant LED-backlit
display, a glass Multi-Touch™ trackpad and Apple's innovative
built-in battery for up to seven hours of battery life. Inheriting
technology and design features from the MacBook Pro line, the new
MacBook is an ideal consumer notebook for students and new Mac users,
and is available for $999.
"The new MacBook includes many of the great features
found on the innovative MacBook Pro, such as an LED-backlit display,
glass Multi-Touch trackpad and built-in long-life battery," said Philip
Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
"With the only lineup of notebooks all featuring unibody enclosures,
LED-backlit displays and long-life battery technology, there's never
been a better time to switch to a Mac."
The new MacBook features a unibody, polycarbonate enclosure that
makes it lighter and more durable. The new design includes a unique
nonskid bottom surface and at just 4.7 pounds, the sleek MacBook slides
easily into a backpack or briefcase. MacBook comes standard with a
bright, LED-backlit display with the same wide-angle viewing technology
used in the MacBook Pro line. The new MacBook has a 2.26 GHz Core 2
processor, 2 GB RAM, a 250 GB hard drive, and powerful Nvidia
GeForce 9400M integrated graphics.
The new MacBook includes Apple's innovative built-in notebook
battery for up to seven hours of wireless productivity on a single
charge, and up to 1,000 recharges.* At nearly three times the life span
of conventional notebook batteries, Apple's built-in battery results in
fewer depleted batteries and less waste. Depleted batteries can be
replaced for $129, which includes installation and environmentally
responsible disposal of your old battery.
The energy-efficient MacBook joins the
industry's greenest lineup of notebooks, with every Mac notebook
achieving EPEAT Gold** status and meeting Energy Star 5.0 requirements.
The entire Mac notebook line now comes standard with energy efficient
LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free
glass. Mac notebooks contain no brominated flame retardants, use
internal cables and components that are PVC-free and are constructed of
recyclable materials.
Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world's most
advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple's innovative suite of
applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and
learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X
innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core
technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife
features iPhoto, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie with
powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video
stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which
introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and
guitar.
The new MacBook is available immediately through the Apple Store,
Apple's retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers.
The new MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $999, includes:
- 13.3" widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display
- 2.26 GHz Core 2 with 3 MB shared L2 cache
- 1066 MHz frontside bus
- 2 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4 GB
- Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics
- 250 GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden
Motion Sensor
- a slot-load 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R
DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately)
- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth
2.1+EDR
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- built-in iSight video camera
- two USB 2.0 ports
- one audio line in/out port, supporting optical digital out and
analog in/out
- glass Multi-Touch trackpad
- built-in, 60 WHr lithium polymer battery
- 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.
Build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to
upgrade to 4 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, or 320 GB 5400 rpm, 500 GB
5400 rpm hard drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort
to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to
VGA Adapter, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection
Plan.
Disassembling the New MacBook
iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens says:
"After three and a half years, the venerable plastic MacBook
finally received a makeover. Apple has added an LED display, upgraded
processor speed, added curves, increased battery life, and made things
more fun to disassemble by using a combination of Phillips, tri-wing,
and Torx screws. Unfortunately, it's not all positive news. Apple has
also quietly removed the FireWire port, IR port, and the useful
external battery indicator.
"Points of interest:
- Apple's certainly giving us quite the screw variety on this
machine. We've found tri-wing, Phillips #00, T6, T7, and T8 Torx
screws.
- The Bluetooth antenna has been relocated to the display assembly.
This is likely an attempt to improve the MacBook's notoriously dismal
Bluetooth range. On previous MacBooks the Bluetooth antenna was located
above the optical drive.
- The battery is 60 watt-hours, the same capacity as the 13" MacBook
Pro. The previous plastic MacBooks featured a 55 watt-hour battery and
claimed a 5-hour run time. With this machine, Apple has added 5
watt-hours of battery capacity and two hours of claimed run time.
- The new MacBook's battery boasts a power-to-weight ratio that's
23.5% better than its predecessor.
- Some disassembly is required to replace the battery, which is
readily accessible by ordinary users with the right tools.
- Apple removed the IR port for a remote control. As far as we know,
that makes this MacBook the only currently-shipping Apple laptop that
doesn't support a remote.
- FireWire is gone! If you need FireWire, only a MacBook Pro will
do.
The Pictures
Successful removal of the battery.
The space-age heat sink.
Partially removing the "Do Not Remove" sticker.
Comparison of the new MacBook ports with the MacBook Pro 13" and old
MacBook:
Photos courtesy iFixit.
Link: Disassembling
the New MacBook Unibody
Apple Bucks Netbook Trend - and Thrives
IT World's Agam Shah reports that netbooks were instrumental in the
increase in PC shipments for most manufacturers during the third
quarter, but Apple defied the trend despite offering standard laptops
at premium prices, according to figures from analyst firm Gartner, with
growth driven by dedicated fans purchasing new Macs and the education
market where there is a a big installed base of Apple systems in the
education market whose buyers tend to stick with Macs through thick and
thin.
Link:
Apple Bucks Netbook Trend, Gartner Says
Bringing an Old Laptop Back from Death
The New York Times' John Biggs has a tale of woe about picking up a
strong kid-proof drawer lock magnet in the same hand as his laptop,
which caused the hard drive to go haywire (how's that for a technical
term?) and his computer was dead.
However, he says that while it seems like it's the end of the line
when a laptop dies, wounded laptops can be healed, and he proceeds with
a tutorial on how to repair it.
I perceive that John is a Mac user, since he mentions check out
sites like ifixit.com and macsales.com (OWC) as parts sources and
notes that iFixit offers step-by-step guides for adding memory and hard
drives to almost any Macintosh laptop model.
A good overview article for anyone unfamiliar with fixing laptops
who thinks they might like to give it a go.
Link:
TLC to Help an Old Laptop Overcome Its Age
Reviews
'Basically a White MacBook Pro'
Gizmodo's Jason Chen says:
"It was inevitable that Apple would take their unibody manufacturing
prowess from their MacBook Pros and focus it on the MacBook line. We
just never expected the new MacBook to be as enticing as the 13-inch
Pro.
"It's basically a White MacBook Pro...."
Link: Unibody Apple
MacBook Review
Multitouch MacBook Loses as Much as It Gains
CNET UK's Nate Lanxon says:
"Look what we have here. It's the new Apple MacBook, now with a
multi-touch trackpad, rounder corners and a battery you can't
replace.
"So here's the thing: this is a refresh, despite its entirely new
chassis and new trackpad. Fundamentally it's still the same entry-level
Mac, just with certain refinements that bring it better in line with
its MacBook Pro brothers."
"...the removal of the separate audio sockets is inexcusable, and
the inability to manually upgrade the hard drive or RAM easily troubles
us enormously. You'll need to weigh up what's important to you -
battery life and multi-touch, or upgradability, FireWire and audio
flexibility."
Link: Apple's
Multi-touch MacBook: Hands-on
Late 2009 MacBook 'a Compelling Buy'
Laptop Magazine's Michael A. Prospero says:
"Apple's elegantly redesigned MacBook offers strong performance,
excellent ergonomics, and good battery life for a reasonable
price....
"With its new $999 MacBook - a slightly stripped down MacBook Pro in
a plastic chassis - Apple has delivered a notebook that not only offers
similar performance to its higher-end cousin, but is now price
competitive with Windows 7 machines that have similar specs.
Considering its long battery life - not to mention Apple's excellent
Snow Leopard operating system and first-rate customer support - the new
MacBook is a strong buy...."
Editor's note: The review erroneously refers to a "13.3" LED-backlit
matte display", but it's the same glossy finish that's now standard on
Apple notebooks. dk
Link: Apple
MacBook (2009)
Products & Services
Samsung Improves Workspace with Seamless Dual
Display for Laptops
PR: Samsung Electronics America Inc. has announced the
release of its Lapfit monitors, LD220G & LD190N, for use as a
secondary display for notebook computers. Now available through Samsung
resellers and retailers at an estimated street price of $249.99 and
$149.99 respectively, Lapfit offers notebook users the benefits of
having dual displays to view multiple web sites, documents, tool
palettes and widgets.
"With the strong growth in the laptop and netbook categories, our
Lapfit monitors offer a great synergy for users needing multiple
screens," said Doug Albregts, vice president, Information Technology
Division, Samsung Electronics America Inc. "Lapfit enables users to be
more productive by eliminating the awkward external monitor
configuration that comes with pairing standard LCD monitors with a
notebook"
Dual Display Harmony
With more consumers migrating to laptops, the Lapfit is a convenient
display solution that complements and enhances the laptop. Lapfit
enables multiple applications to run simultaneously or display movies
and games in 16:9 widescreen high definition format and 1080p (LD220G)
picture quality. Settings, such as brightness, backlight and color
effects, can be quickly customized with a touch of a key using the
MagicColor, MagicBright, Color Effect and Image Size functions. It also
maintains 100% image integrity and eliminates distortion using its
intelligent image size function to accommodate normal and widescreen
content.
Simple and Quick Connections
The Lapfit requires minimal set up and offers the simplicity of
being instantly functional. The LD190N installs quickly with a standard
VGA cable. The LD220G has the added benefit of USB connectivity with
Samsung's UbiSync technology, which allows users to quickly plugin and
manage multiple monitors without using additional video cards or
changing system settings. The LD220G also serves as a USB hub to attach
additional UbiSync monitors or peripherals.
Elegant and Versatile Form
The Lapfit features sleek, clean contours and high-glossy black
casings that can be placed almost anywhere. Weighing less than 10
pounds and possessing an integrated kickstand, the Lapfit maintains a
thin profile taking up minimal space on the desk or on the go. While
the uneven positioning of most external monitors can cause eye or neck
strain, the Lapfit's low profile remains level with the notebook,
creating a more convenient view in addition to the benefit of multiple
monitors. The adjustable stand can tilt from 10 to 40 degrees to match
the laptop screen's angle.
For laptop users in the academic environment or mobile power users,
the Lapfit is a great tool to boost productivity and the laptop's
capabilities," says Young Bae, director, Information Technology
Division, Samsung Electronics America Inc. "For netbook users that want
to watch video in HD formats, the LD220G is an affordable solution for
screens that are too small."
LD190N & LD220G Specs
- 1360 x 768 (LD190N) and 1920 x 1080 (LD220G) resolution
- 250 cd/m2 brightness
- Dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000:1
- 16:9 Aspect Ratio
- 5ms response time
- UbiSync technology for connectivity via USB (LD220G)
- Low power consumption
Monitors are available through Samsung resellers and distribution
channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting
the company website.
Link: Samsung
iResQ Offers New MacBook Pro Repairs, Lower iPhone
3GS Repair Pricing
PR: New iResQ pricing for iPhone 3GS digitizers drops to $94.
13" matte-finished LCD screens for the MacBook are now $99
(self-installation) or $189 (full-service). Replacement of the display
glass panels on the 17" and 15" unibody MacBook Pros is $299. Prices
for other repairs have fallen or will fall in the near future.
Apple consumers can find discounted prices on many repair services
starting this week, including services for the iPhone 3GS, MacBooks and
MacBook Pros. The Midwest's premier Apple Authorized Service Provider
is offering substantial price drops on its already industry-leading
low-priced repairs.
MacBook matte LCD screen replacement
"The computer and electronics repair industries have been resilient
through the last few months of the shaky economy," explained Brian
Buffington, iResQ's General Manager. "We're taking this opportunity to
try and give back to our loyal customer base by dropping prices on some
of our more common repairs, especially the iPhone 3GS."
Among the repair services that iResQ will be offering at new
discount prices are the ubiquitous iPhone 3GS digitizers; replacement
of a 3GS digitizer now matches the 3G digitizer at $94, which is a full
25% lower than iResQ's nearest competitors.
Matte-finished LCD screens for the 13" MacBook are now $99 for
self-installation or $189 for full service. Many repairs across the
board have either been dropped or are in the process and will be
discounted in the near future. Prices do not include shipping.
iResQ is also now replacing display glass panels on the 17" Unibody
MacBook Pro. At $299, replacement of the glass for the 17" and 15"
MacBook Pro costs far less than similar services and is guaranteed to
be performed by genuine Apple Certified Technicians. In addition, LCD
replacement for models with a matte screen is now $329.
As always, due to high freight volume, iResQ shipping prices are a
fraction of UPS published rates. Customers can take advantage of its
low rates, or ship portable devices on their own if they prefer.
iResQ, a division of ResQ Systems, LLC, is an Apple-Authorized
Service Provider that repairs Apple computers and portable devices in
addition to the Sony Playstation Portable within a 15,000-square-foot
commercial facility. Servicing Apple products since 1994, its team of
dedicated, full-time technicians boasts years of experience and
multiple Apple Certifications. They joined the Apple Authorized Service
Provider network in 2008 and consequently provide Apple Warranty
service as well as out-of-warranty repairs. The company has been
"Customer Certified" by BizRate for over 8 years. Twenty-four-hour
diagnostics and repair service cover the entire line of iPods, iPhones,
Portable Macs, and Mac Minis. This includes the entire PowerBook G4
family, the iBook family, plus the MacBook and MacBook Pro systems, as
well as all versions of the iPod except the iPod Shuffle. The company
provides a standard 90-day warranty on all work performed, and free
technical support on all repairs backed by a 30-day return policy with
no restocking fees. iResQ cares about the environment and has a
flexible recycling program in place.
iResQ is also an ideal solution for schools and computer repair
shops. Its repair depot can handle large numbers of repairs quickly and
efficiently, and it provides volume discounts.
For more information or to order repair services, call
1-888-447-3728 or visit iresq.com.
Link: iResQ
Tough Flash Survivor USB Drive Reaches 64 GB
PR: Corsair, a specialist in high-performance computer
memory, power supplies and flash memory products, including solid-state
drives, has announced the new 64 GB Flash Survivor!" USB drive, claimed
to be the most rugged high-capacity flash drive on the market.
The new
64 GB Flash Survivor takes the industry's most popular rugged USB drive
and takes it to the next level, with a huge amount of storage space,
plus best-in-class performance.
The 64 GB Survivor is ideal for storing and transporting your music,
videos, pictures and other important files, safe in the knowledge that
your data will be safeguarded inside the Survivor's protective
shell.
Corsair's ultra-durable Flash Survivor USB drives have proven
popular with consumers thanks to their super-strong, CNC-milled,
aircraft-grade aluminum casing, which makes them practically
indestructible. Each drive is also fitted with a molded,
shock-dampening collar and EPDM seal, which provides water-resistance
to a depth of 200 meters. In independent reviews, the Flash Survivor
has been dropped, baked, boiled, encased in ice, zapped in a microwave
and even run over by an SUV, yet it still came back for more.
The 64
GB Flash Survivor boasts the same ultra-rugged credentials, with the
added benefit of high storage capacity and higher performance compared
to most other 64 GB flash drives currently available.
"The new 64 GB Flash Survivor takes the industry's most popular
rugged USB drive and takes it to the next level, with a huge amount of
storage space, plus best-in-class performance," said Jim Carlton, VP of
Marketing for Corsair. "The 64 GB Survivor is ideal for storing and
transporting your music, videos, pictures and other important files,
safe in the knowledge that your data will be safeguarded inside the
Survivor's protective shell."
The 64 GB Survivor's ruggedness and high capacity also makes it
ideal for use as a super-secure data backup device, in combination with
backup products, such as Corsair's Flash Voyager!" Port. Combining the
64 GB Survivor with the Disaster Recovery feature of the NovaBACKUP
software bundled with the Flash Voyager Port creates a near
disaster-proof backup solution.
The Corsair 64 GB Flash Survivor is available immediately through
Corsair's worldwide authorized dealer channel. Each drive is bundled
with a USB extension cable and dog tags, and is backed by a 10-year
limited warranty and comprehensive customer support via telephone,
email, forum and the Tech Support Express helpdesk.
Link: Flash
Survivor
Purchase Links
Iomega's New Mac Compatible eGo Portable Hard
Drives
PR: Iomega has announced the worldwide availability of the
new Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive for Mac users, featuring multiple
interface connections, a stylish new aluminum design, superior
ruggedness and a robust combination of software, all backed with a
three-year limited warranty. Available in three different colors and up
to 500 GB in capacity, the new Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive for Mac
users provides the dependability and versatility to meet today's
on-the-go data storage needs.
"Featuring both flavors of FireWire and USB 2.0
connectivity, the new Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive is ideal for Mac
fans that want to take their files anywhere with the assurance of
compatibility no matter which interface is needed," said Jonathan
Huberman, president of Iomega and the Consumer and Small Business
Products Division of EMC. "Just like the new USB 2.0 eGo models we
announced two weeks ago, the new triple interface eGo Drives deliver
dependability and style with a compact, sleek new aluminum enclosure in
eye-catching colors, as well as a collection of backup software to
protect your data."
Scott Zahl, vice president, vendor management for Ingram Micro US,
one of Iomega's largest IT distribution partners, said, "Iomega's next
generation of eGo Portable Hard Drives are well positioned to meet the
increasing business and consumer demands for greater mobility, capacity
and flexibility when it comes to accessing and storing their data.
Iomega's eGo Drive has become a channel favorite among our Apple
resellers, especially as demand for portable hard drives continues to
build within data-intensive vertical markets such as education,
finance, and retail. We're pleased to be working side by side with
Iomega to bring this next generation of in-demand portable hard drive
technology to market." Cool Hardware with Superior Functionality
The new Triple Interface eGo Portable Hard Drive features one
FireWire 800 port, one FireWire 400 port, and one USB 2.0 port, and
comes in variety of colors and capacities: the Apple-esque Alpine White
model is available in 250 GB; the deep Midnight Blue model is available
in 320 GB; and the Ruby Red model comes in 500 GB. (Color and capacity
combinations vary in international markets.) These drives are also
formatted HFS+ for a great out-of-the box Mac experience.
Inside an aluminum shell little more than a half-inch thick (16 mm)
and weighing less than 7 ounces (200 grams) is a state-of-the-art 2.5"
portable hard drive. Iomega's Drop Guard feature protects data on the
new triple interface eGo drive from drops of up to 51 inches, or 40%
above the industry average!
All of the new triple interface eGo Portable Hard Drives receive
power from a laptop or computer's FireWire or USB 2.0 ports, so there's
no power supply to carry around. Each drive includes both FireWire 800
and FireWire 400 cables, as well as a USB 2.0 "Y" cable which gives
users the flexibility to use two USB ports to power the drive, if
needed. And with up to 500 GB of capacity, the new eGo Drive for Mac
users can store up to 2,000,000 photos, over 9,250 hours of music, or
750 hours of video. Plenty of Software Bundled, Too
Bundled free of charge with the new eGo Portable Hard Drives for Mac
users are three backup software programs, giving users added protection
for their photos, videos, music and other files.
The software bundle with the new triple interface eGo Drives
includes: Iomega QuikProtect: backup software for simple scheduled
file-level backup of data to hard drives and network-attached storage
devices (for Windows and Macintosh desktops and notebooks). EMC
Retrospect Express or Express HD: backup all of your data plus
applications and settings (for Windows and Macintosh desktops and
notebooks). MozyHome Online Backup: Convenient online backup service
with 2 GB of online capacity for free (unlimited online storage
for $4.95/month). MozyHome Online service allows you to restore your
most important data from any computer with Internet access, at any
location in the world.
All of the software elements are accessible via easy download to new
eGo Portable Hard Drive owners. Compatibility
The new Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive for Mac users is compatible
with Mac OS X 10.4 or above, as well as Microsoft Windows 2000
Professional, Windows XP, and Windows Vista. MozyHome software is
available for Mac OS X 10.4 and above, along with Windows XP and
Windows Vista. EMC Retrospect software is available for both Mac OS X
and Windows operating systems. New eGo Portable Hard Drive
Accessories
Available for purchase at go.iomega.com are two new accessories for
the new eGo Portable Hard Drive: a durable black carry case that can be
used for both the USB and triple interface models; and the Iomega Power
Grip Belt for added durability, available in black and translucent
colors (for the USB models only). Pricing, Availability and
Warranty
The triple interface Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive for Mac users is
available today. The 250 GB Alpine White eGo model is priced at $99.99;
the 320 GB Midnight Blue model is $109.99; and the 500 GB Ruby Red
model is $149.99. (All pricing is US suggested retail.) All of the new
Triple Interface eGo models include a 3-year limited warranty, and are
available from online retailers, distributors including Ingram Micro
Inc., VARs, resellers and select retailers, as well as iomega.com.
Link: eGo Portable Hard Drive
for Mac
Purchase Links
ColcaSac Introduces New Protective Sleeve for
MacBook Pro
PR: ColcaSac, creators of the discreet MacBook sleeve, debuts
its newest protective sleeve for the MacBook Pro, the Black ColcaSac.
The latest edition to the ColcaSac family like its predecessors, offer
MacBook users heavily padded protection from drops, dents and scratches
that commonly occur with laptops.
ColcaSac vertical-loading
sleeves are designed to provide fast and easy access for MacBook users
that are constantly on-the-go. In addition, its original look acts as a
theft deterrent as no one associates a laptop with natural fabrics.
Each ColcaSac sleeve is unique and a breath of fresh air from the
carbon copy neoprene competition. Each design adds an original flavor
unseen in MacBook sleeves today including the natural appeal of the
original sleeve made from all-natural environmentally friendly
fabrics.
ColcaSac strives to create the most functional and appealing cases
for Apple notebooks on the market today, said Jared Rasmussen,
President and founder of ColcaSac. The company was born out of
necessity, filling a void in the small but important market of MacBook
protection and provides users with an alternative to generic
sleeves.
All ColcaSac
protective sleeves are fashioned from a heavy-duty hemp canvas, lined
with cream, 100% polyester sherpa fleece that provides protective
padding for MacBooks and secures the user's MacBook with a durable,
easily accessible Velcro closure. Heavyweight hemp boasts the longest
and strongest natural fiber available today (stronger than cotton).
Each ColcaSac MacBook sleeve features a pocket that conveniently
carries a power adapter, DVDs, or CDs, etc. Original, efficient and
simple, a ColcaSac MacBook sleeve is designed to be used as solo
protection, or combined with your backpack, briefcase, or shoulder
bag.
See the ColcaSac Difference:
- All ColcaSac Sleeves are made by hand with all-natural
environmentally friendly fabrics.
- Theft-Deterrent, no one associated a ColcaSac sleeve with
electronics.
- Heavily padded protection from drops, dents and scratches that
commonly occur with laptops.
- Natural Earthy Feel, a real out of the box experience.
- A range of designs and colors (Red, Black, Sherpa, Brown etc.) from
very basic to fashionable.
- Vertical loading for easy access and quick departure.
- Heavyweight hemp boasts the longest and strongest natural fiber
available today (stronger than cotton).
This name heritage stems from Colca Canyon, in Peru, which has a
prodigious depth more than twice that of the Grand Canyon. Additional
ColcaSac styles include Original, Black, ColcaSac, Passion Vine, Red
Delicious, Peony Lace, Morning Glory and the Romana.
ColcaSac donates 1% of sales to help purchase land in
environmentally sensitive areas.
The Black ColcaSac ($33) and other ColcaSac products are currently
available at colcasac.com.
Link: ColcaSac
The Messenger Bag by ColcaSac
PR: Ready? Your Messenger Bag by ColcaSac is. Tough enough
for your daily adventures, big enough for work or school, and
comfortable enough for both.
This Messenger Bag is made from high quality, heavy 18.5 oz canvas
combined with a waterproof liner, and features an integrated padded
MacBook compartment that fits all Apple notebooks (13",15",17"). It
features a velvet lined sunglass pocket, a zippered exterior pocket, 5
interior pockets, pen holders, and a key ring tether.
Features:
Heavy 18.5 ounce
basket-weave canvas- Waterproof nylon liner
- Integrated soft velvet padded notebook compartment
- Adjustable shoulder strap
- Zipper accordion exterior pocket
- Five internal pockets, two with zippers
- Sunglasses pocket with protective velvet liner
- Key ring tether
- Strong Velcro closure to secure flap
Dimensions
External dimensions
- length - 18.5 inches
- height - 10.0 inches
- depth - 6.5 inches
Notebook compartment dimensions
- length - 15.4 inches
- height 9.6 inches
- depth 1.5 inches
Link: ColcaSac Messenger Bag
Waterfield Designs' New SleeveCase and Bags for
MacBook Unibody
PR: Waterfield
Designs, maker of custom laptop sleeves and designer bags and cases for
consumer electronics, announces a new, custom-fitted, protective
SleeveCase for the 13.3" unibody MacBook. Waterfield Designs
manufactures in San Francisco enabling lightning fast turnaround on
cases for new devices. The new size 13-4 SleeveCase is available now
for preorder and will ship November 2, 2009. WaterField's new size 13-4
SleeveCase is compatible with the popular, recently announced Muzetto
13" laptop bag also from Waterfield.
"People spend a lot of cash on their Mac laptops, so it is important
to protect them well," explained owner, Gary Waterfield. "Your case
should fit snugly for optimal protection - the Waterfield Designs case
is an exact fit for the new unibody MacBook dimensions and it is very
protective. The Muzetto, a favorite of Mad Men actor Rich Simmons, is a
good choice to use with the new SleeveCase."
The
SleeveCase secures and protects the 13.3" unibody MacBook without
zippers, allowing quick access to the laptop. It combines a nearly
indestructible ballistic nylon outer shell with a high-grade, 6mm
neoprene interior that absorbs shock as it cradles the computer. A loop
at one end lets users hold the SleeveCase while easily removing the
device. Travelers passing through airport security can leave the
MacBook Pro protected in the TSA friendly sleeve while it makes its way
through the x-ray machine, thereby minimizing loss or damage at
security checkpoints.
Inserted into WaterField's Muzetto, Cargo, Cozmo, or VertiGo bag,
the SleeveCase protects the MacBook from other bag contents and can
remain inside when the computer is removed. Or, one can add a strap to
the sleeve and use it as stand-alone case. Waterfield also offers the
13" Racer-X & HardCase laptop bags and the new 13-4 Suede Jacket
Sleeve for the unibody MacBook.
- SleeveCase new size 13-4: $39.
- Options include: Suspension Shoulder Strap with D-rings ($18)
- Simple Shoulder Strap with D-rings ($12)
- Piggyback accessory pouch ($22)
- Suede Jacket Sleeve new size 13-4: $29. Preorder now from the
Waterfield Designs website. Ships November 2, 2009.
The 13-4 SleeveCase is compatible with the 13" Laptop Muzetto
($239), Small Cargo ($179-$209), Small Cozmo ($179), and Medium VertiGo
($85). The HardCase size 13" ($229) and the Racer-X 13" ($169) laptop
bags fit the new MacBook. All are available now.
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
- 2.1 GHz MacBook White, 2 GB/120/SD, $749
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 2.4 GHz MacBook, white, 2 GB/250/SD, $924.99 after mail-in
rebate
- 1.86 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120, $1,394
- 2.13 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/128 SSD, $1,694 after rebate
- 2.13 GHz Core 2 MacBook White, 2 GB/16/SD, $929 after rebate
- 13" 2.26 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,114.00 after rebate
- 15" 2.53 GHz June 09 MacBook Pro, 4 GB/250/SD, $1,594 after
rebate
- 17" 2.8 GHz MacBook Pro, 4 GB/500/SD, $2,294 after rebate
Club Mac
- 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120 HD, Nvidia GeForce 9400M, $1,099.99
with mail-in rebate
- 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $619.99
- 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $719.99
- 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $729.99
- 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
- 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
- 2.16 GHz MacBook White, 1 GB/100/SD, $749
- 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, $849
- 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
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.
