$214K MacBook Air, iPads and MacBooks for All at Seton Hill, New Hackintosh Netbook Site, and More
So we can post our three news roundups (Mac News Review, The 'Book
Review, and The iNews Review) earlier, we first do a quick proofread and
link check, leaving out images. We add images later when time permits.
dk
General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPad, iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews Review.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Hackintosh Netbooks
Reviews
Tech Trends
Products & Services
News & Opinion
Planning to Buy a Macbook? Wait!
Techtree's Rohan Naravane says that while everybody is excited about
Apple expected to announce an iPhone 4G this June, the Macbook range
could very well get a refresh before that. Consequently, if you're
planning to purchase a Macbook or Macbook Pro anytime soon, it might be
worthwhile to hold off for a while.
The Macbook Pro line was last updated in June 2009. Then, in October
2009, the cheaper Macbook
received an redesign that brought many of the key features of the
Macbook Pro to it.
Naravane speculates that the Core 2 Duo will be replaced soon by
Intel's Core i5/i7 processors and that Nvidia's recently released
Optimus tech, which lets laptops with two graphics chips switch
automatically depending on usage, will be included. His personal guess
is that USB 3.0 will also be included, at least on the Macbook Pros,
further noting that the Macbook Air also hasn't received
an update in almost a year, so if you're planning to buy any Macbook
any time soon, he'd suggest waiting a month or two if you can.
Link:
Planning to Buy a Macbook Now? 'Don't!' Says Pundit
Future MacBooks Could Have Screens Backlit by the
Sun
AppleInsider's Neil Hughes reports that a new Apple patent
application revealed this week describes technology that would allow an
external light source, such as the sun, to provide the backlight for a
display, helping to conserve battery life.
Hughes says that the patent application, entitled "External Light
Illumination of Display Screens," observes that current LCD displays
can be difficult to view when outdoors in direct sunlight nad that it
often takes high-powered components to properly light the display, and
goes on to describe how a portable computer such as a MacBook, could
collect external light to illuminate the computer screen.
Link:
Future MacBooks Could Have Screens Backlit by the Sun
Seton Hill to Give iPad and MacBook to Every
Full-time Student
PR: A newly announced iPad initiative kicks off Seton Hill
University of Greensbrook PA's Griffin Technology Advantage
Program.
Beginning in the fall of 2010, all first year undergraduate students
at Seton Hill will receive a 13" MacBook laptop and an iPad. Students
will have complete access to these mobile technologies for classes as
well as at all times for personal use. After two years, Seton Hill will
replace the laptop with a new one that the user can take with him or
her upon graduation.
iPadatSetonHillUniversity.jpeg
This technology is youted with creating a just-in-time learning
environment, letting students stay in touch with professors, advisors,
and classmates, research any topic at any time, engage in hybrid and
fully on-line courses, and access a whole host of Seton Hill technology
services.
Installed software is to include:
- Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (incorporating Time Machine, Quick
Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book,
QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer
Tools)
- The iLife suite (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb,
iDVD)
- Mac Office 2008
- VMWare Fusion
- Windows XP
- Microsoft Office 2007
Seton Hill is a Catholic university rooted in Judeo-Christian
values, its mission statement declaring: "In the tradition of Elizabeth
Ann Seton, we educate students to think and act critically, creatively,
and ethically as productive members of society committed to
transforming the world."
Founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1885, Seton Hill started out as
a small liberal arts college for women. It has since grown into a
2000-student coeducational university. A Catholic university, Seton
Hill embraces students of all faiths.
For more information on the Griffin Technology Advantage Program,
visit the website.
Link: The Griffin Technology
Advantage
Link: An iPad for
Everyone
Link: Apple MacBook and
an iPad
Inspiring, Awesome, and Stylish Mac Setups
AppStorm's David Appleyard says:
"We spend an awful lot of time discussing applications and software
on Mac.AppStorm, and today we wanted to take a slight departure to
investigate a few physical Mac setups. After all, you need a relaxing
and inspiring environment in which to use your computer!
"Our roundup will take a look at 50 visually inspiring, gorgeous Mac
setups. Some are very minimal, others are wonderfully cluttered. They
may not all use the most powerful Mac hardware, but will hopefully give
you some great ideas for improving your desk and workspace. Enjoy!"
Link:
50 Inspiring, Awesome & Stylish Mac Setups
iPads May Be Nice, but Notebooks and Netbooks Still
Rule
There seem to be two dominant schools of thought about the iPad's
degree of market success and cultural impact. Many seem to think the
iPad will be the greatest thing since the proverbial sliced bread.
On the other hand, PCWorld's Preston Gralla predicts that iPads will
top the publicity charts this week when they launch - for that matter,
they have been for weeks - but netbooks will still top the sales
charts, far outselling iPads into the foreseeable future, while the
iPad will remain an expensive, niche device compared to all-purpose
netbooks.
Gralla observes that a recent IDC report shows netbook and notebook
sales will dwarf sales of the iPad, and that according to the EETimes,
even by 2011, after the iPad has become a well-established presence,
its sales will lag far behind that of netbooks, with IDC estimating
shipments of 47 million netbooks that year versus just 15 million
tablets, of all types (not just iPads), while conventional notebook
sales will still massively outstrip both both, with projected sales of
260 million.
Link: iPads May
Be Nice, but Notebooks and Netbooks Still Rule
MacBook Pro Switcher Has Some Complaints
Iron Tongue of Midnight blogger Lisa Hirsch has posted an open
letter to Apple saying she just switched from a Windows laptop to a
15" MacBook
Pro and has a few complaints, saying that she prefers the Windows
interface with no fixed menu bar, but it's the physical stuff that's
making her want to have a talk with Steve Jobs - specifically that
Apple doesn't believe in docking stations, which means she's got a pile
of cables snaking around her desk.
Your editor can sympathize and identify. The top of my desk looks
like a plate of spaghetti.
On the upside, Hirsh notes that the MacBook Pro is giving her about
50% longer battery runtime than the Lenovo ThinkPad it replaced, and
while the Mac has a fan, but it's rarely on.
Back in the negative column, she notes that the Lenovo's case was
made out of plastic with the front edge rounded and sloped slightly,
compared with Mac's sharp right angle aluminum edges that dig into her
wrists - so much for the belief that Apple is so careful and thoughtful
about design issues.
Editor's note: Now that Apple is building all MacBook Pro models
with aluminum unibody construction, there's no reason that hard, right
angle edge shouldn't be machined for comfort when the computer is
built. Users have been complaining about this edge since 2006.
dk
Link: Dear
Apple
Hackintosh Netbooks
Insanely Mac Launches MyMacNetbook.com for
Hackintoshing Netbooks
Cult of Mac's John Brownlee says his guilty little secret is that
his ugly Asus Eee PC 1000HE netbook is actually his favorite Mac
laptop, although not the prettiest (a Frankenstein) or the most
powerful (a sloth). It is the one with the 20 hours of battery life
spread between two interchangeable batteries - and now, thanks to the
OSx86 project and a new netbook hackintoshing guide, it's the one Mac
he's always guaranteed to have on him.
John notes that many netbooks are capable of running OS X, and
these days they can do so pretty much out of the box, but it can still
be a conundrum sussing out exactly what OS X features your netbook
supports and then find the appropriate guides. That would be Insanely Mac's latest site, MyMacNetbook, which promises to be a
constantly updated resource for people who want to Hackintosh their
netbooks, while acknowledging that indubitably wiggling beyond the
confines of OS X's EULA is an individual ethical call, but netbook
owners who do so have great rewards to look forward to.
Link:
Insanely Mac Launches MyMacNetbook.com, a Resource for Hackintoshing
Netbooks
Not Getting an iPad? Don't Forget the Netbook
Option
TUAW's Mel Martin says that in the midst of all the netbook (not to
mention iPad) hoopla, it's worth remembering that Apple really hasn't
filled the need for a full-featured, really small laptop, with Steve
Jobs' obstinate contention that he can't build a cheap netbook without
sacrificing quality, leaving Mac lovers who want one, quite literally,
left to their own devices.
Ergo, Martin cites myMacNetbook.com as being able to help, providing
all of the latest news about getting OS X to run on a netbook in
one place, along with a valuable chart showing which PC netbooks work
best with OS X and links to the software that you'll need to get
OS X up and running, including step-by-step directions for turning
a netbook into your OS X compact notebook dream machine -
observing that currently 10 different netbook models lend themselves to
OS X installs.
LINK:
Not Getting an iPad? Don't Forget the 'Netbook Option'
Mac Netbook Computer Compatibility Chart
AppleGazette's Kevin Whipps says:
"My Mac Netbook [is] a neat little site that walks you through the
process of installing OS X on your non-Apple hardware,
step-by-step. Not a bad idea if that's what you're looking to do.
"But the big kicker here is the computer compatibility chart. It
shows you every netbook out there, and what functions work with
OS X installed."
Link:
Bring Your Own OS: My Mac Netbook Computer Compatibility Chart
The Definitive Netbook Hackintosh Guide?
9 to 5 Mac's Seth Weintraub says he's not fixing to judge or be
judged, but just throwing out news of what he calls the most complete
and up -o-date netbook Hackintosh table he's ever seen.
Of particular note, Mac OS X 10.6.2 is probably as far
up-to-date as you should ever expect to go, since going any further
isn't a sure possibility, and in his opinion the iPad at a few hundred
dollars more and can do most of the stuff netbooks do - and do them
"Better" (cf: S. Jobs) - arguing that cramped keyboards suck almost as
much as on-screen keyboards, but that the $385 Eee 1000HE and $250 Dell
Mini 10V make solid Hackintoshes (or so he's heard)
Link: The Definitive
Netbook Hackintosh Guide?
Reviews
USB Flash Drive Durability Tested
ZDNet blogger Robin Harris says:
"We know flash storage wears out after too many writes. But are
vendor claims to be trusted? Researchers at Northeastern University
decided to find out. Here's what they found.
"Simona Boboila and Peter Desnoyers' Write
Endurance in Flash Drives: Measurements and Analysis (pdf) used
chip-level testing, reverse engineering, whole device testing and
analytic approaches to test 3 different USB flash drives to see how
they hold up.
"Happily, the news is overwhelmingly good."
The cheapest flash drive tested "handled 77 million writes before
failing."
Link: USB Drive Life: Fact or
Fiction?
Tech Trends
Linux: This Time, It Really Is Time
Libertarian Backwoods Home blogger Claire Wolfe says:
"Every once in a while, I beat the drum for Linux. I swear it's not
just for geeks any more. After all, I'm no geek and I've been using
Linux - and watching it get better and better - for 12 years.
"Windows users usually ignore me when I bang my Linux drum
. . . but a couple of things happened recently that convinced
me Linux has finally, truly, really, no-kidding gone beyond being a
contender against Windows for the average desktop user. It has become
clearly superior to Windows for the average desktop user.
"So, you who are using (or being used by) Windows, bear with me once
more as I offer:
- Two evidences that Linux is ready for the rest of us
- 10 specific reasons to try Linux
- Three reasons not to try Linux
- One great Linux for newbies
- Five other n00b-compatible Linuxes and
- How to get 'em - free, cheap, and easy"
Link:
Linux: This Time, It Really Is Time
Products & Services
Super-Strong Carry Handle for MacBook
MacBooks
PR: QuickerTek has announced a strong and secure means of
carrying the Apple MacBook Air laptop. This new carry handle is made
from non-flex aircraft quality aluminum for strength and weight
savings. The new QuickerTek MacBook Air Carry Handle is priced at
$79.95 and is available from QuickerTek and its dealers.
NewHandleMBA.jpeg
While the MacBook Air is beautiful to work with, it's smooth design
makes it a challenge to carry. The Carry Handle ensures that the trim
laptop doesn't slip and hit the floor. The lightweight handle is super
strong and it's attached to the latop by a stiff aluminum mount that
uses the existing screw holes in the Air. New countersunk longer screws
secure the Carry Handle to the Air. The finish of the aluminum
complements the MacBook Air, so it looks like it belongs there.
The Carry Handle also elevates the MacBook Air to allow air
underneath the laptop for better cooling when you go mobile for hours
and hours. This slight angle adjustment also keeps the keyboard at a
non-tiring position for many hours of use. Rubber feet on the Carry
Handle prevent you from chasing your laptop around on a hard surface
like a desk.
SIDEVIEWMBAHANDLE.jpg
The QuickerTek MacBook Air Carry Handle does not alter your MacBook
Air, and is completely reversible without any telltale marks.
This product is compatible
with the following:
- Apple MacBook Air
- 1" unibody-white & alum
- 13" & 15" MacBook Pro
Weight: 3.8 ounces
Like most QuickerTek products, the MacBook Air Carry Handle is
backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
QuickerTek has been a recognized leading innovator of power
products, antennas and RF products for Apple Power Macintosh, Mac Pro,
iMac PPC and Intel, PowerBook, MacBook and MacBook Pro computers.
QuickerTek products can be purchased online at quickertek.com and from
authorized dealers.
Link: MacBook
Carry Handles
$214,000 MacBook Air Supreme Ice Edition: Platinum
and Diamonds
PR: For the discerning individual who strives to be
distinctive, Stuart Hughes brings you the MacBook Supreme Ice Edition.
Encrusted with 25.5 carats of 'I'F' Flawless diamonds, a magnificent
total of 53 individually set sparkling gems dwell beautifully in their
solid Platinum Apple logo. The whole front housing is made from a
single piece of highly polished solid platinum, weighing an immense
2,500 grams, with the remaining sections left in a beautiful polished
aluminium finish.
mbice.jpg
This superior laptop has brought together the subtle beauty and
elegance of platinum, with the magical radiance of diamonds, and
created an exquisite work of art. There is no finer relationship than
platinum & diamonds. They are pure, rare, and eternal. This is a
true celebration of your individuality. This item is of a limited
edition of only 10 units to be made.
mbice2.jpg
Price - £139,995
Link: Stuart Hughes
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.
