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Review. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Products & Services
News & Opinion
MacBook Air Knockoff with Apple Logo Sells for
$249
MIC Gadget reports that the Chinese are proving once again how
creative they can be in making knockoffs. There's a really cool-looking
MacBook Air wannabe
featuring a glowing Apple logo with different color Apples. "Apple
fanboys might love this," suggests the author.
Editor's note: Speaking as a veteran fanboy, these rigs look mighty
attractive aesthetically. Check out the pictures (many) in the article
linked below.
Unfortunately, these are not Macs; they have generic PC netbook guts
with 1.66 GHz Atom N280 processors, 1 GB of RAM, 160 GB hard
drive, a 3-cell battery, 2 USB ports, HDMI out, ethernet, microphone
and speaker jacks, 802.11n WiFi, a chiclet keyboard (just like real
MacBooks, but you can choose a white or black keyboard), big touchpads,
and a 13.3" (1280 x 800) LED backlit screen, run Windows XP or Linux,
can be upgraded to 2 GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive, and a SD Card slot
BTO, and sell for an easy-to-take equivalent of roughly $249. Your
editor would buy one in a heartbeat.
The article says MacBook Air knockoffs are available for sale
everywhere in Shenzhen. cm
Other editor's note: If anyone would like to donate one of these to
Low End Mac.... ;-)
Link:
MacBook Air Knockoff with Glowing Apple Logo Sells for $249
The MacBook Air 'Delay'
Cnet's Brooke Crothers observes that Apple rumors can be stubborn
things. Repeated often enough, they become stubborn facts. Crothers
notes that it's been more than a year since the last refresh of the
MacBook Air.*
What's going on? The theory goes that the new MacBook Air, which has
always used a special power-frugal version of a standard Intel
processor, has been delayed due to an Intel chip shipment snafu.
It's an intriguing rumor, says Crothers, except that power-efficient
versions of new Intel processors always ship later than standard
models.
* Editor's note: According to my records, the MacBook Air was
updated in June 2009, somewhat short of "more than a year" -
dk
Link: The MacBook Air
'Delay'
ExpressCard SSD Boosts MacBook Pro
LogicalVue's Paul Lefebvre says he's always looking for ways to get
more speed out of his MacBook Pro. He recently installed a FileMate
SolidGo 48 GB ExpressCard Ultra SSD from Tiger Direct ($140), although
it appears that Tiger Direct is now out of stock.
Anyway, Lefebvre says he's very pleased with the SolidGo's
performance, which he describes as "amazingly fast," with apps starting
in just one bounce, the system booting incredibly fast, and everything
just seeming "snappier" overall, although the case feels a lot
hotter.
Lefebvre contends that SSDs are the future of storage, and if you
have a MacBook Pro with an ExpressCard slot, getting an ExpressCard SSD
is a low-cost way to get in on the fun - a lot easier than installing
an expensive 2.5" SSD as a replacement for the internal hard drive.
Link:
ExpressCard SSD in MacBook Pro
Purchase Link: Amazon.com
currently has the FileMate SolidGo 48 GB ExpressCard Ultra SSD in stock
for $144.99 shipped - very competitive!
Fastest Text Input: Laptop, iPhone, Pen, Palm, or
Newton?
Gizmodo's Dan Nosowitz reports:
"In this totally unscientific but reasonably fair test, one man
writes a long paragraph on several different devices (including pen and
paper) to test speed. The results may surprise and anger you."
Editor's note: No surprise - a real keyboard wins hands down. One
discovery is that the positively ancient Newton MessagePad (Nosowitz
doesn't say which model) is 25% faster than Palm's Graffiti.
dk
Link:
The Fastest Text Input Test: Laptop, iPhone, Pen, Palm, or
Newton?
Products & Services
Mercury Extreme Enterprise 2.5" SATA SSD
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) announced the OWC Mercury
Extreme Enterprise SSD as the fastest, most reliable, and longest
endurance 2.5" SATA Solid State Drive (SSD) available on the market for
Macs and PCs in single or multiple drive use including all RAID
configurations. Designed and made in the US from imported parts, the
OWC Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD is available for immediate ordering
in capacities up to 200 GB priced starting at $229.99.
Immediately Available for Macs and PCs
The new OWC Mercury Extreme
Enterprise SSD is available immediately in three bare drive
configurations that are compatible with Mac and PC computers that can
utilize a 2.5" SATA 1.5/3.0 Gb/s drive:
- 50 GB OWC Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD with Five Year Warranty
$229.99
- 100 GB OWC Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD with Five Year Warranty
$399.99
- 200 GB OWC Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD with Five Year Warranty
$779.99
With heavy ordering volume expected, OWC is planning same day
shipping of Extreme SSD orders to begin on/around Friday, January
29th.
The Fastest, Most Reliable Long Term Performance Available
Ordinary SSDs offer fast read/write performance during first initial
uses, but then experience significant write speed degradation over
repeated usage. The OWC Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD with its
SandForce Processor is able to provide sustained and consistent read
and write times over 260 MB/s with 0.1 ms latency and experience
virtually no reduction in data transfer rate over the five year
warranty life of the drive. This type of consistent, long term
performance makes the OWC Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD able to
withstand demanding, mission critical enterprise level deployment, but
the drive is also priced affordably so consumers can add the pinnacle
of internal drive performance to their Mac or PC for near instantaneous
data access.
OWC_SSD_Benchmark_Proven_Performance.gif
Up to 100x Greater Data Protection
Utilizing SandForce DuraClass Technology, the OWC Mercury Extreme
Enterprise SSD is able to provide up to 100x higher data protection
than provided by ordinary SSDs as well as leading enterprise class Hard
Disk Drives. By combining the highest level of Error Correction Code
(ECC) and SandForce RAISE™ (Redundant Array of Independent
Silicon Elements) technology, the OWC Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD
provides RAID like data protection and reliability without loss of
transfer speed due to parity.
Up to 8.5x Longer Use Hours
With several DuraClass technologies working in tandem, the OWC
Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD employs ultra-efficient block
management, state-of-the-art wear leveling, and intelligent "recycling"
for advanced free space management. These operational efficiencies
enables the OWC Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD to deliver best in class
performance for 10 million operating hours . . . up to 8.5x
longer use hours than ordinary SSDs.
First SSD Worthy of the OWC Name
For the past 12 months, OWC engineers were driven to create a SSD
that would continue the tradition of unrivaled performance and
reliability established by the Mercury Elite hard drive based storage
line. Until the recent introduction of the SandForce Processor, none of
the SSD products OWC considered for development could offer that same
consistent performance track record synonymous with its Elite-AL line.
To remain the choice of A/V, digital photography, music, and graphics
professionals' data storage and backup, OWC knew it had to be patient
and wait for just the right technology to enhance its highest quality
components and manufacturing processes in order to deliver the best SSD
on the market.
"With over 21 years of high performance memory and storage product
development experience, we weren't going to bring a SSD to market until
we had a solution that would be worthy of wearing the OWC name," said
Larry O'Connor, CEO, Other World Computing. "Over one million customers
around the world have come to expect the highest level of performance,
quality, and reliability from us. And our customers expect those
products to be real and shipping, not just preannounced, so they can
immediately begin enjoying newfound performance," continued O'Connor.
"From faster boot times, app loading, and overall system
responsiveness, our new SSD drive will make any Mac or PC better than
new."
Link:
Mercury Extreme Enterprise SSD
The Fin for Polycarbonate Unibody MacBook
PR: Premier provider of high-quality stands for Apple's
MacBook line of computers, Fins-Up, LLC, has announced the availability
of the Fin for Apple's Polycarbonate Unibody MacBook. Designed and
manufactured to exacting standards exclusively for Apple's MacBook line
of laptop computers, the Fin is constructed from durable 100%
aircraft-grade aluminum.
The Fin boasts a beautiful
powder coated finish which perfectly matches the MacBook line. The Fin
easily attaches to the MacBook and sports equally easy removal. When
installed, the Fin tilts the MacBook to a perfect ergonomic angle for
typing and screen viewing. The Fin also serves as a convenient handle
that not only makes carrying the MacBook easier, but aides with the
insertion and retrieval of the MacBook from computer bags. And when
installed, the Fin provides beneficial heat dissipation for the
MacBook, helping to increase product longevity in the process.
"We're very excited to bring the Fin for the MacBook 13"
Polycarbonate unibody enclosure model to MacBook users around the
world," said Tim Trombly, founder and CEO of Fins-Up, LLC. "The Fin is
really three superior products in one: a stand, handle and cooling
system that perfectly blends with the MacBook to add to its overall
form and function. Moreover, the price point we've set means everyone
can easily afford a Fin of their own."
Priced at $39.95, the Fin is available for all of the
MacBook/MacBook Pro unibody enclosure models, MacBook Pro 15", MacBook
Pro 17" non-unibody enclosure models, and MacBook 13" (black and white)
models. Visit Fins-Up online for complete details as well as to
purchase directly.
Link: The Fin
V7 Laptop Security Locks
PR: V7, the exclusive house brand for Ingram Micro Inc. and
provider of premier computer accessories worldwide, today introduced
its new line of laptop security locks to the US market starting at
$24.99.
"The V7 Laptop Security Locks are the ideal choice for both
commercial and consumer applications to help ensure the security of
valuable hardware and data"
With an estimated 1,000 laptops stolen each day, and the value of
lost data per device estimated to be anywhere between $50,000 and $1
million,1 laptop security is a leading concern for consumers and
business people at home, in the office or on the road.
The V7 Laptop Security Locks offer a simple and cost-effective way
to secure a laptop or desktop PC, monitor or projector with a built-in
lock slot. Offered in a combination or keyed option, the security locks
feature 5 feet (1.5 meters) of cable made of galvanized steel wire core
with a plastic scratch-resistant jacket for enhanced durability and
protection.
"The V7 Laptop Security Locks are the ideal choice for both
commercial and consumer applications to help ensure the security of
valuable hardware and data," said Robert Forster, director of product
marketing for Ingram Micro's Private Label division. "End-users and
customers of value-added resellers alike will find peace of mind in the
security, quality and cost savings of these products, fully backed by
Ingram Micro's powerful distribution network and reputation for
service."
With a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $24.99, the
V7 Combination Laptop Security Lock (model # SLC500-8N) features 10,000
personalized combination codes that users can change at any time.
Available at $34.99 MSRP, the V7 Keyed Laptop Security Lock (model #
SLK500-8N) includes two identical keys for convenience. Each lock
features a sleek, silver design with black security cable appropriate
for workplace or home.
Manufactured by Kensington and featuring its patented computer
security lock technology, the V7 locks are compatible with all
Kensington Security Slots and fit virtually all notebook computers
manufactured today.
All V7 Laptop Security Locks come with a lifetime warranty and are
offered exclusively through Ingram Micro's global distribution
network.
For more information on these and other V7 products, visit V7-world.com or call (800) 456-8000 to
speak to an Ingram Micro sales representative.
Link: V7
Introduces Line of Laptop Security Locks
BookBook Hardback Leather Case for MacBook and
MacBook Pro
PR: BookBook is a one-of-a-kind, hardback leather case
designed exclusively for MacBook and MacBook Pro. Available in Classic
Black or Vibrant Red, BookBook brings three levels of security to your
prized Mac. First, the hardback cover and spine provide solid
protection from the rigors of the road. Second, the vintage book design
disguises MacBook for superior security. And third, the stylish case
protects you from being like everyone else because BookBook is totally
original, just like you.
Hardback cover softens the blows.
Protecting your MacBook is a top priority and it's job one for
BookBook. Slip your Mac inside the velvety soft, padded interior. Zip
it closed and your baby is nestled between two tough, rigid leather
hardback covers for a solid level of impact absorbing protection. The
rigid spine serves as crush protection for an additional line of
defense. BookBook creates a hardback book structure that safeguards
your MacBook like few other cases can. Far better than any floppy
neoprene bag ever will.
The real story. No two are alike.
Each BookBook is brought to life with hand craftsmanship and
distressing, ensuring no two are exactly alike. From dual zippers with
leather pulls, that at first glance look like bookmarks, to the sturdy
reinforced hardback covers, BookBook is a vintage work of art built to
protect modern day Macs. Along with classic looks, BookBook was
designed to use as a traditional sleeve or to work while connected via
elastic corner clips. Those dual zippers give you the option to charge
your MacBook while it safely stays inside BookBook. This case is
designed with good looks and smart functionality, cover to cover.
BookBook is the perfect disguise.
One of the neatest features of BookBook is the stealthy
security it delivers. Tucked inside BookBook, no one will ever see your
MacBook, even when it's right under their nose. Sitting on a coffee
table, dorm room or desk, BookBook looks like a vintage piece of
literature, not an expensive laptop. It's a great disguise and a simple
way to reduce the risk of your MacBook getting stolen.
What is the benefit to keeping your MacBook in BookBook?
Chances are, a big part of your life - photos, music, work, school
work and other important documents - is stored on your MacBook. It's
critical to protect it as best you can. BookBook is a hardback case
with a leather spine that offers superior protection as you shuttle
your 13" MacBook/MacBook Pro or 15" MacBook Pro from place to
place.
How is BookBook different from other cases?
Along with a totally unique look, BookBook protects your
MacBook in three ways. First, its hardback sides with reinforced
corners protect from impacts encountered on your daily commute. Second,
the vintage designed spine provide crush protection. Third, BookBook
disguises your MacBook from being seen. Safely stowed inside, your
MacBook looks like a vintage book left on a desk or table, reducing the
odds of someone stealing it.
Compatibility
- 13" MacBook
- 13" MacBook Pro
- 15" MacBook Pro
Can you use BookBook with MacBook Air?
Dimensionally MacBook Air will fit inside BookBook with some wiggle
room. You can use this extra space for documents, folders, and other
paperwork that travels with your MacBook Air.
Key Features:
- A totally unique, handmade case designed for MacBook and MacBook
Pro
- Hardback cover and spine offers the superior protection of an
actual hardback book
- Vintage design offers stealthy security
$79.99
Link: BookBook
BambooBook Case for 13" MacBook Pro
PR: High-tech electronics and quality hardwoods
have been combined in luxury automobiles for years. Skydda Design
thought Apple Computers sleek new MacBook Pro deserved the same
treatment. The BambooBook is manufactured of exotic bamboo and lined
with plush, padded suede fabric. Its brushed metal hardware and
contoured shape perfectly compliment the fine aesthetics of the MacBook
Pro - a case to transport and protect your MacBook Pro that is its
equal in elegance and design.
Work Inside Your Case
Thanks to the BambooBook s innovative design, you'll retain full
operation of your MacBook Pro without having to remove it from the
case. Just set it down on your desk, open the lid and you re ready to
go.
If you're one of those folks who take the
word "laptop" literally, you'll love how cool and comfortably the
BambooBook sits on your lap. You can even plug in your computer's AC
adaptor and access your USB port while working within the case. The
BambooBook incorporates a unique combination of beauty and
function.
Whether you re waiting to board a flight or sipping a cup of coffee
at your local Starbucks, just open the BambooBook, lift the lid of your
MacBook Pro, and voilà!, your computer is ready to use This
unique feature sets the BambooBook apart from most other computer cases
on the market.
Skydda says extensive testing has revealed that the
MacBook Pro does not run hot even after continuous use in the
BambooBook, so you don t have to worry about your computer overheating.
And, no more sweaty thighs; the BambooBook feels cool, comfortable and
secure on your lap.
To protect the BambooBook s polished hardwood finish while
traveling, Skydda have designed a stylish, formfitting vinyl cover that
is included with your case purchase. The cover zips around each side of
the case up to the handle for easy access to your BambooBook, and it
even has a pocket to conveniently store your AC adaptor, iPhone and
other accessories.
Our planet's ecosystem is of great concern to us all.
Apple has worked hard to protect the environment by eliminating many of
the toxins that are commonly used in computer manufacturing. The
MacBook Pro's recyclable, arsenic-free glass and mercury-free LED
helped it to earn the highest rating of EPEAT Gold, making it the
greenest computer on the market.
Green Bamboo
Unlike other hardwoods that take several decades to reach maturity,
bamboo matures in three years, regenerates without need for replanting
and requires minimal fertilization or pesticides. Furthermore, bamboo
has a warm, attractive grain that is harder than maple yet 30% lighter.
Protect the environment and do it in style. Go green with a BambooBook
from Skydda Design.
The BambooBook's hardwood exterior and padded interior provide
maximum protection for your computer. Drop tests from a height of five
feet onto a stone floor resulted in minor bruises to the BambooBook,
whereas the MacBook Pro was free from any damage. Skydda Design s
BambooBook is excellent insurance for the protection of your MacBook
Pro.
The BambooBook, like the MacBook Pro, is a marvel of fine
craftsmanship and innovative engineering. Measuring just 1-5/8" X
14-3/8" X 11", the streamlined BambooBook is not much larger than most
of today's laptops. As Apple sets itself apart as the most progressive
manufacturer of computers in the world, the MacBook Pro has become the
laptop of choice for discerning computer users. The BambooBook by
Skydda Design is intended to be its perfect match.
BambooBook Features
- Custom made for the MacBook Pro 13"
- Hardwood case provides maximum protection for your computer
- Option to use your computer without having to remove it from the
case
- Premium bamboo exterior and plush, suede fabric interior
- Comfortable rubber handle with steel expansion inserts
- Contoured shape and brushed metal hardware match the MacBook
Pro
- Formfitting cover to protect your case and carry accessories
- Environmentally friendly product
Compatibility: The BambooBook is designed for the 13" MacBook Pro it
will also fit the MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
Introductory Price: $119
Link: BambooBook
Case
Bargain 'Books
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.
