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Apple TV news is covered in The iOS News
Review. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Apple Updates
Products & Services
News & Opinion
Apple Improves Design of MagSafe Power Adapter
TUAW's Michael Grothaus reports:
"Apple has quietly updated the design of 85-watt MagSafe power
adapter used with the 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros...."
Link:
Apple Quietly Updates Design of MagSafe Power Adapter
Unexpected Delays for Custom-built MacBook
Pros
AppleInsider's Neil Hughes reports:
"Users who have purchased Apple's new 15-inch MacBook Pro models
with build-to-order options have been notified that their shipments are
delayed."
Link:
Unexpected Delays Slow Delivery of Custom-built MacBook Pros, Apple
Says
Lenovo Has Best Notebook Keyboards and Touchpads;
Apple Takes Second Place
Laptop magazine's K. T. Bradford reports the results of a reader
poll on which notebook brand has the best keyboards and touchpads.
Laptop readers chose the same brand the magazine did for the top spot:
Lenovo (34.2%).
Apple (26.5%) was a close second amongst readers, which coincided
with Laptop's scoring, while HP (17.4%) and Toshiba (8.4%) came in
third and fourth place, which didn't sync. with Laptop's own rankings
that gave Toshiba and Samsung 12 and 11 points out of 15
respectively.
Link: Laptop Readers'
Choice: Lenovo Has the Best Notebook Keyboards and Touchpads
MacBook Pro (April 2010): Frequent Stalls/Hangs
Caused by Hard Drive Issue
appletoolbox.com reports:
"Several users of newly released MacBook Pro (April 2010) models
reported frequent stalls/hangs, accompanied by the spinning beach ball
progress indicator, under varying conditions. The problem appears to be
hard drive-related, and occurs most frequently with the standard 320 GB
5400 RPM drive, but is also occurring with the 5400 500 GB and 7200 500
GB drives.
"When this problem occurs, the hard drive becomes unresponsive for
up to 30 seconds."
Link:
MacBook Pro (April 2010): Frequent Stalls/Hangs Caused by Hard Drive
Issue
Virtual Memory on the MacBook Pro
Mac Performance Guide notes that when your Mac gets low on real
memory (RAM), virtual memory kicks in, swapping content from real
memory to and from the (much slower) hard drive - a process that
involves both writing (paging out) and reading (paging in).
The article observes that while few megabytes or tens of megabytes
of page outs are acceptable, more than a few hundred megabytes means
you're losing performance in a major way, and the strongly recommended
remedy is to add more memory if possible. Failing that, you at least
need a fast system drive.
Unfortunately, we're still limited to 8 GB of RAM on the 2010
MacBook Pro, as opposed to, say, the Mac Pro, which supports up to 64
GB, or the iMac, which will recognize 16 GB,. This makes having a
fast-response drive like a high-RPM hard drive or a SSD even more
important on these laptops.
Link: Virtual
Memory on the MacBook Pro
Reviews
13" MacBook Pro (Spring 2010): 'Not a Lot of Reason
to Upgrade'
Macworld's Jonathan Seff reports:
"The latest crop of MacBook Pro laptops from Apple has several new
features, such as a new generation of Intel processors, improved dual
graphics, and increased battery life. Most of the changes, however, are
relegated to the 15- and 17-inch models. The 13" models remain the
least expensive of the Pro line, but also remain the most similar to
the previous generation."
Link:
Apple 13" MacBook Pro (Spring 2010)
New 13" MacBook Pro: 'Modest but Notable
Improvements'
Cnet's Scott Stein reports:
"We have our hands on the new 13" MacBook Pro here at Cnet, and have
been putting it through its benchmark paces. In the meantime, we've
been eager to see what differentiates this 2010 update from the 2009
version. While we had a wish list of features we wanted to see included
and were disappointed that a handful were omitted, there are some key
improvements that we're glad to see [notably the new Nvidia GeForce
320M IPU and improved battery life]....
"Looks-wise . . . a few small touches can be eagle-eyed by
frequent Mac users....
"Ports remain the same, but all new MacBook Pros contain a small but
important upgrade to their Mini DisplayPort-out jacks - they now output
HDMI audio and video....
"The large glass multitouch clickable trackpad now has 'inertial
scrolling' that makes the trackpad work even more like an iPhone or
iPad for flick-scrolling documents with two-finger gestures...."
Link: Hands-on with
Apple's New 13" MacBook Pro
15" 2010 MacBook Pro 'the Best So Far'
T3's Ian Osborne reports:
"The MacBook Pro returns with a very significant upgrade
"Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro is the ideal notebook for Mac users who
need a good balance of portability and power....
"The MacBook Pro's graphical capabilities certainly impress. In our
tests, the notoriously resource-hungry Doom 3 ran at almost 100 frames
per second, despite our ramping up the screen resolution and turning
graphical detail to maximum....
"The new 15-inch MacBook Pro is the ideal machine for the serious
notebook user and the best so far...."
Link:
Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch Review
New 15" i5 MacBook Pro 'a Sweet Deal'
Computerworld's Ken Mingis reports:
"It took Apple Inc. all of 10 days to remind the tech world - still
in the thrall of the iPad launch on April 3 - that it hasn't taken its
eye off the laptop business.
"While new iPad owners were wondering whether the Apple tablet would
sound the death knell for laptops (and netbooks), Apple was putting the
finishing touches on the next generation of its professional laptop
line....
"In other words, the laptop is alive and well at Apple - and I say
that as the owner of a new iPad, which I do think will change the way a
lot of people use computers and access data and the Web."
Link:
The New 15-in. MacBook Pro an Elegant Combo of Power,
Thriftiness
Core i5/i7 MacBook Pros 'Could Well Be the Best
Apple Notebook Computers Yet'
PB Central's Steve Hildreth & Charles W. Moore report:
"After 10 months and in the wake of all the iPad hype and hoopla,
Apple introduced new MacBook Pros in April 2010. The third-generation
refreshment proved to be just about what everyone expected, save for
the fact that the 13 inch model retains a Core 2 Duo processor rather
than one of Intel's latest 32 nanometer technology Core i3 or i5 CPUs.
More discussion about that below.
"Apple wisely chose not to mess with the delightful and extremely
solid aluminum unibody design, minimal change of which suits us fine,
since the aluminum unibody is our favorite Apple portable since the
PowerBook G3 Pismo of 10 years ago.
"It also appears that speculation as to why Apple was so slow out of
the blocks in getting Core-i machines into the channels being due to
the ongoing third-party dispute between Intel and Nvidia over licensing
the latter to create integrated graphics processing silicon for the new
Intel CPU family. Some sort of accommodation has now obviously been
agreed to, since the 15 inch and 17 inch MBPs are equipped with an
Intel integrated graphics chipset plus the new Nvidia GeForce 330M 48
core graphics processor unit (as opposed to the 32 core GeForce 9600M
GT GPU used in 17" and high-end 15" 2nd gen. MBPs) that Apple claims
can provide performance up to twice as fast as the integrated GeForce
320M graphics in the new 13" MacBook Pros, but the two larger models
Core-i models use more pedestrian Intel HD integrated graphics rather
than the GeForce 320M. The Intel IGU sips power, but is actually less
powerful performance-wise than the Nvidia GeForce 9400m integrated
graphics used in previous MacBook Pro generation, so there's real
necessity for the discrete graphics processor in graphically-intense
situations that the 9400M or new 320M could handle nicely...
"Other than the long wait, in general we're pleased with the way
Apple has executed this upgrade, notwithstanding that the continued
unavailability of Core "i" power in the 13" MacBook Pro is a bit of a
disappointment as is the absence of USB 3. Steve Jobs is quoted as
stating that "We chose killer graphics (for the 13" MacBook Pro) plus
10 hour battery life over a very small CPU speed increase. Users will
see far more performance boost from the speedy graphics." Because of
the aforementioned licensing dispute between Nvidia and Intel, Apple
would have had to include a discrete graphics chip with a 13" MacBook
Pro i3, and there is simply no room on that model's logic board for a
graphics chip, as well as the added cost for such a configuration.
"Time will tell, but these 3rd-generation unibodies could well be
the best Apple notebook computers yet, and we rate this a very
successful refreshment."
Link: Review: 15" 2.66
GHz i7 MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro Core i7 SATA Performance Is Top
Notch
Lloyd Chambers says:
"Just added to my review of the new Apple MacBook Pro Core i7 is a
new page showing that the new model eliminates the impaired SATA
performance of the 2009 model, along with results for single drives,
and RAID mirror and RAID striping.
"This kind of performance was formerly the province of the Mac Pro,
but with an MPG Pro Laptop, you can now get Mac Pro drive performance
with solid state drives. Wow!"
Link:
MacBook Pro Core i7 SATA Performance Is Top-notch!
15" 2010 MacBook Pro: Battery Life Tests, Hi-Res
Display Evaluated
AnandTech's Anand Lal Shimpi & Brian Klug report:
"Apple has somehow found a way to make something as small as just
another processor refresh exciting."
"The previous generation unibody MacBook Pro posted some incredible
battery life numbers. And two weeks ago Apple paired it with Intel's
Core i5 and i7 mobile CPUs, delivering the sort of desktop-like
performance we've been waiting for.
"...in response to many of your requests, we've got more battery
life results and a full evaluation of the 15-inch MacBook Pro's display
quality. Apple is often the go-to manufacturer for creative
professionals, we put our colorimeter on the MacBook Pro to find out if
they're making the right choice....
"You're going to think something is wrong with me, but I actually
prefer the glossy display of the MacBook Pro to the optional matte
display. I rarely use my machine outdoors and the glossy display just
looks nicer to me. The picture just looks punchier and more contrasty
. . . The matte option really only makes sense if you plan on
using it a lot outdoors in overwhelmingly sunny conditions."
Link:
Apple's 15-inch 2010 MacBook Pro: More Battery Life Tests, High Res
Display Evaluated
Early 2010 MacBook Pros Provide a Nice Jump in
Performance
AppleInsider's Daniel Eran Dilger reports that Apple's revised 13",
15", and 17" MacBook Pros with their Nvidia GeForce 320M/330M dedicated
graphics performance and CPU options that include Intel's new Arrandale
Core i5 and i7 gain a stronger edge in both processing and graphics
performance over the entry level white MacBook and compact MacBook
Air.
However, on the Core "i" models Apple is stuck with using Intel's
built-in HD plus dedicated graphics in tandem with an Nvidia GeForce
discrete graphics processor, and to "make lemonade of this Intel lemon
of a situation, Apple has developed automatic switching technology that
allows the higher end MacBook Pros to coast along using the integrated
Intel HD Graphics GPU, and then switch to using the dedicated new
Nvidia GT 330M with its own graphics RAM whenever advanced graphics are
needed."
Link:
Review: Apple's early 2010 MacBook Pros
Spring 2010 15" MacBook Pro: 2.4 GHz Model the
Best Deal
Macworld's James Galbraith reports that while Apple's new 15-inch
MacBook Pro lineup may look identical to its predecessor, under the
hood, changes to both the CPU and GPU combine to make an impressive
leap in performance over the June 2009 systems these new models
replace, and concluding that "the new 15-inch MacBook Pros leave little
to complain about."
Link:
Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro (Spring 2010)
MacBook Pros (April 2010): Poor Battery Life
AppleToolbox reports that some users of the April 2010 MacBook Pros
are reporting poor-to-mediocre battery life from the notebooks, finding
real world battery life to be half or less of that claimed by Apple,
presumably caused by constant engagement of the discrete Nvidia GeForce
GT 330M graphics card, even during usage of seemingly less-intense
graphics applications. The discrete graphics processor kicks in
automatically even under light loads that could be handled by the Core
"i" chips' integrated Intel HD graphics when certain applications are
running.
Workarounds are suggested.
Link:
MacBook Pros (April 2010): Poor Battery Life; Causes and Fixes
15" Core i7 MacBook Pro 'Has All the Right
Things'
MacGroup.org's Terry White reports that the MacBook Pro he uses for
work recently got upgraded to a MacBook Pro 15" Core i7 with 8 GB
RAM, 15.4" Antiglare LED Display, 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, and
500 GB 7200 RPM drive
White notes that one of first things that caught him by surprise was
that Apple changed the default resolution of the 15.4" display to 1680
x 1050 from the former 1440 x 900, and appreciates having more screen
real estate visible without scrolling, but noting that if you have a
hard time reading/seeing small things on screen this may not be an
entirely welcome innovation.
Another pleasant surprise is the new machine's quietness compared
with his former MacBook Pro that seemed to always be running the fan,
and this one's fan much much quieter than the last one.
Link: MacBook
Pro 15" Core i7 Review
Long Term Impression of Apple's MacBook Air
ComputerGlory says that the MacBook Air is possibly the sexiest
laptop in the world, even now, years after its launch, noting that
nothing looks quite like it, with the beautiful unibody (actually the
first unibody laptop from Apple) aluminum construction and sculpted
shape.
The article acknowledges that much has been criticized about the
MacBook Air, but while the reviewer has his own criticisms, he doesn't
agree with most of the MacBook Air negativity, noting that the Air is
targeted at a certain type of individual well-heeled enough to not
require one device to do it all, although he agrees that the Air is
most certainly not worth the retail prices that Apple charges. He
bought his refurbished from Apple for about half the price of a new
one, but with the same warranty as new, and in essentially brand new
condition with only 3 cycles on the battery.
Praised are the screen (same size as the standard MacBook, but of
much better quality); the full-size, backlit keyboard; the very large
and very functional trackpad; the weight and ease of carrying it; and
the including of a dual-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, Bluetooth, and WiFi
802.11n
On the downside are the serious shortcoming of non-upgradeable RAM -
2 GB just doesn't cut it these days, and without a built-in optical
drive, you're dragooned into buying Apple's $100 peripheral SuperDrive.
Then there's the mediocre speaker and the standard PATA 80 GB hard
drive that spins at a leisurely 4200 rpm.
Link:
Long Term Impression of Apple's MacBook Air
Apple Updates
Control Brightness on New 13" MacBook Pro While
Connected to an External Display
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"Learn where to find the brightness controls for the external and
internal displays when your computer is connected to an external
display and using Windows with Boot Camp.
"Open Boot Camp or Boot Camp Control Panel to control the brightness
on an LED Cinema Display (24", Late 2008) while you're running Windows
7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP. Open Boot Camp with the Boot Camp
System Tray item or choose Start > Control Panel > Boot Camp
Control Panel in Windows XP or Start > Control Panel > System and
Security > Boot Camp in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. Select the
Brightness tab to see the slider control, as in the image below.
"Use F1 to lower the brightness and F2 to increase the brightness of
the internal display while a Cinema Display is a attached.
"To control the brightness of the internal display with a slider
control while a Cinema Display is a attached, choose Start > Control
Panel > System and Security > Power Saver with Windows 7 or
Vista,. The brightness control should be on the left."
Link: MacBook Pro (13", Mid 2010):
Brightness Control Location While Connected To An External
Display
Products & Services
NewerTech Mini DisplayPort with Digital Audio to
HDMI
PR: 'All In one' adapter combines Digital Surround Sound
& HD video signals - $59.95 MSRP adapter combines full 1080p HD
mini DisplayPort video output with 5.1 channel digital audio output
from Mac computers into a single HDMI connection for use with TVs and
other HD displays.
Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) announced
its new $59.95 MSRP NewerTech Mini DisplayPort with Digital Audio to
HDMI Adapter integrates the video and digital audio output of Macs
without Mini DisplayPort audio support into a single HD 1080p video and
full digital audio 5.1 output to HDMI solution.
Overcomes Non Audio Support of Mini DisplayPort on 2008 & 2009
Macs
Featuring a dedicated TOSLINK audio cable that provides the audio
signal from a Mac's headphone jack (or mini jack), the NewerTech Mini
DisplayPort with Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter overcomes the non audio
support of 2008-2009 Mini DisplayPort equipped Macs. By providing
support for full 5.1 channel digital audio (such as Dolby Digital)
along with high definition video up to 1080p, the NewerTech Mini
DisplayPort with Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter is ideal for using a Mac
as part of home theater setup. Since it's bus powered (no AC adapter
needed) it's Plug and Play easy to use and move among different
systems.
"With the introduction of this latest Mini DisplayPort to HDMI
adapter cable, NewerTech now truly offers Mac users a complete display
connection solution line," said Grant Dahlke, Brand Manager, NewerTech.
"By expanding our line of highest quality adapters, we provide Mac
notebook and desktop users from 2006 to the present the ability to
expand their display options."
The NewerTech Mini DisplayPort with Digital Audio to HDMI Adapter is
available immediately for $59.95 MSRP from NewerTech's exclusive
distributor, Other World Computing (OWC®), as well as through the
retail channel.
Single Cable HDMI Adapter Solution for New Macs
Owners of the new 2010 MacBook Pro computers as well as in Late 2009
iMac models which feature the latest DisplayPort 1.2 specification
which supports audio output can add the $24.99 MSRP Mini DisplayPort to
HDMI Adapter and output both high definition video up to 1080p and
surround sound digital audio to HDMI interface equipped High Definition
televisions with a one cable adapter solution. Like all NewerTech video
adapters, the Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter uses superior shielding
and thicker gauge cabling for the highest quality, interference free
display output.
Complete Line Of Adapters for Any Display Need
NewerTech offers Mac users six additional display adapters for
connecting their Mac to a projector; extending their display onto a
second monitor; or viewing movies, network broadcasts, and playing
games on a larger screen display:
- Mini DisplayPort To DVI Adapter $24.99
- Mini DisplayPort To VGA Adapter $29.99
- Mini DVI To HDMI Adapter $17.99
- Mini DVI To DVI Adapter $14.99
- Mini DVI To VGA Adapter $14.99
- USB Video Display Adapter $95.99
Link: NewerTech Announces
Mini DisplayPort with Digital Audio to HDMI
CinemaView 24" LCD for Mini DisplayPort Now
Shipping
PR: CinemaView, Inc. has announced that its new 24" LCD
display for Mini DisplayPort Macs is now shipping. The new CinemaView
24 works with any Mini DisplayPort equipped Mac and provide a full HD
1920x1080 work space that connects natively, without adapters. Priced
at $399.99, it's a full $500.00 less than Apple's $899.00 24"
display.
Since Apple transitioned its entire Mac product line to
the new Mini DisplayPort jack for connecting external displays no
manufacturer has offered plug-compatible display products. Also, no
display maker has adopted Apple's current industrial design theme of
Aluminum, black, and glass in products aesthetically matched to current
Macs.
The new CinemaView display is 24"es diagonal at 1920x1080 pixels,
manufactured to a high quality standard, and includes a 4-port powered
USB 2.0 hub and an all-in-one cable that provides Mini DisplayPort, USB
2.0, and DC power. Its UniFrame Aluminum construction precisely matches
the design of current Apple computers. The company says its entire
approach taken in designing the product has been aimed to precisely
please the most ardent Mac fans.
At last there's an affordable native Mini DisplayPort LCD display
for the over 18 million Macs shipped with Mini DisplayPort
connectors.
The CinemaView 24 can be ordered today for $399.99, including ground
shipping to USA and Canada destinations.
CinemaView markets its products globally through a select group of
regional master distributors. These companies are among the finest
computer and consumer electronics sales and support organizations in
the world, and each is the sole, exclusive agent for the CinemaView
brand in their territory. d
CinemaView, Inc. is a USA based company specializing in multimedia
electronics products, headquartered in Tennessee, with operations in
the USA, UK, Taiwan, and China.
Link: CinemaView
24" LCD for Mini DisplayPort
Dual Display Extender for Mini DisplayPort Macs
Now Shipping
PR: CinemaView, Inc. announces that its new Duo dual display
extender for Mini DisplayPort Macs is now shipping. The Duo works with
either two 24" Apple LED Cinema Displays, creating a total 3840x1200
pixel display space, or with two CinemaView 24 LCD displays, creating a
total 3840x1080 pixel display space.
Until this product there has been no native Mini DisplayPort product
that enables the use of dual displays with Apple computers manufactured
since November, 2008. Until now some arrangement of plug adapters has
been required to make these Macs work with dual displays. The
CinemaView Duo has one male Mini DisplayPort plug that connects to a
Mac, and provides two female Mini DisplayPort ports into which two
identical Mini DisplayPort equipped monitors can be connected. The Duo
analyzes the individual screen resolution of each connected display,
adds the two together, and sends a composite - extended - resolution
signal to the Mac - up to 3840x1200 pixels.
Finally, there is a native Mini DisplayPort dual display solution
for the over 18 million Macs shipped with Mini DisplayPort connectors.
The CinemaView Duo can be ordered today for =24149, including ground
shipping to USA and Canada destinations.
CinemaView markets its products globally through a select group of
regional master distributors. These companies are among the finest
computer and consumer electronics sales and support organizations in
the world, and each is the sole, exclusive agent for the CinemaView
brand in their territory.
Link: CinemaView
Duo
SurfacePad Colors Custom Covers for MacBook
PR: Remember the
amazing original iMacs in five different colors and the original
brightly-colored clamshell iBooks? Notice the rainbow of colors iPods
come in? Now you can bring a burst of color to your plain white MacBook
or 13" MacBook Pro with SurfacePad Colors Custom Covers offered By
TwelveSouth for both models.
Available in Cyan Blue, Orange Crush, Perfect Pink and Infinite
Grey, these super thin layers of soft leather let you both personalize
and protect your MacBook. Each is tailored to seamlessly cover the
keyboard deck and wrist rest area, making it more comfortable to use
while providing a hit of color to make your MacBook fit your taste and
style.
The Perfect Shade Of Protection
Made from high quality
leather, SurfacePad Colors covers protect and preserve the surface
around your keyboard and wrist wrest area from dirt, oils from your
skin and scratches from jewelry. This protection comes without extra
bulk, letting you keep your Mac in mint condition and kiss those
annoying stains your wrists leave behind good-bye.
A MacBook To Match Your Personality
SurfacePad Colors make it super easy for you and your MacBook stand
out of the crowd in the classroom, coffee shop or conference room. With
its burst of Perfect Pink, Orange Crush, Cyan Blue or Infinite Grey
(for the hard-core Apple fan), SurfacePad is tailored to seamlessly
cover the keyboard deck so you get to enjoy the new splash of color
while you work. You may even be able to choose a SurfacePad Color to
match your existing colored shell or protective sleeve cover.
You'll Never Know It Was There
SurfacePad
Colors attach to your MacBook with a light adhesive that allows
repositioning and even temporary removal if necessary. Not a drop of
glue or sticky residue will be left behind. Simply peel up the colored
leather pad and you will find nothing but the like-new surface of your
MacBook. This keeps your machine in top condition for Craigslist or
eBay when it's time to upgrade.
Give Your Wrists A Cozy Perch
When you want to make a desk more comfortable you add a soft leather
desk pad, and that's exactly what SurfacePad Colors adds to your
MacBook. Your wrists will feel better resting and working on a super
soft padded leather surface. SurfacePad makes hours on the keyboard
more enjoyable and comfortable, and when worktime is over, SurfacePad
won't get in the way of your MacBook closing and going into Sleep Mode
as usual.
Key Features:
- Protects against stains and scratches
- Lets you personalize your MacBook
- MacBook operates and closes as normal
- Adhesive keeps SurfacePad in place, then leaves nothing behind when
removed
Available Colors:
- Cyan Blue - (matches current iPod nano blue)
- Perfect Pink - (matches pink Incase neoprene sleeves)
- Infinite Grey (matches grey of MacBook base)
- Orange Crush (Clemson/UT/Syracuse orange)
Compatibility:
- 13" White MacBook (unibody)
- 13" MacBook Pro (unibody)
- 13" MacBook (2008 unibody)
$29.99 - Free Shipping for a limited time
Link: SurfacePad
Colors Custom Covers for MacBook
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,
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