This Week's MacBook, PowerBook, and iBook News
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review.
News & Opinion
Products and Services
News & Opinion
Burned by a MacBook, Apple Customer
Service
The Register's Emily Turner reports:
"Can you run a business using a MacBook? No, is my answer. My
experience with a new MacBook, which turned out to be a complete
and utter lemon, and my battle with Apple's derisory customer
service nearly sent me bananas, lost me thousands of pounds worth
of freelance journalism and consultancy work, and left me with a
burn mark on my arm. This camel's back was truly broken.
"The problems began in March when I was trying to burn my
accounts onto a disc. The MacBook refused to burn despite trying
various types of CD. I tried DVD movies to see if they worked and
even the system discs but it spat them out. Then I noticed they
were all scratched. I took it into the Bluewater Apple store the
next day on 16 March and they told me it wouldn't take long to get
things sorted. A week later I still hadn't heard anything. The
Genius bar told me it hadn't even been looked at and could be
another two weeks."
Link:
Burned by a MacBook
Intel Announces 'World's Highest-Performing
Mobile Processor'
PR: Addressing demand for even faster laptop computers
for hard-core gamers, artists, and media enthusiasts, Intel
Corporation today introduced its first Intel Core 2 Extreme mobile
dual-core processor - the world's highest-performing mobile
processor1 - adopting the brand from the company's
flagship desktop offerings. The company also introduced new desktop
processors and said it expects to announce battery-friendly
quad-core processors for laptop computers next year.
The new products come on the heels of the company's 1-year
anniversary of introducing server, desktop and laptop processors
based on the innovative Intel Core microarchitecture.
"Laptops are the fastest-growing computing market segment, and
there is increasing demand from those who crave the ultimate in
video, gaming and design computing performance yet want the freedom
and flexibility that a laptop brings," said Mooly Eden, Intel vice
president and general manager, Mobile Platforms Group. "Due to our
innovative technology and design capabilities, we can offer
world-class, power-smart performance for the most demanding mobile
users, and are proud to offer it under our Intel Core 2 Extreme
brand - a name that has become synonymous with ultimate
performance."
The Intel Core 2 Extreme X7800 mobile dual-core processor, with
both cores running at a brisk 2.6 GHz, also features
mobile-specific power-saving features that help Intel's
computer-maker customers deliver more energy-efficient and
higher-performing designs. For example, the Intel Core 2 Extreme
mobile processor X7800 offers up to 28 percent more
performance2 than our previous-generation mobile
processor. In addition, for experienced enthusiasts who desire more
capability, the Intel Core 2 Extreme mobile processor bus ratio
locks (overspeed protection) have been removed.3 This
offers added technical flexibility in customizing the system so
OEMs can unleash even more performance.
Flagship Desktop Processor Introduced
For desktop PCs, Intel is announcing a robust set of new
processors, including the flagship Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850
quad-core processor. Clocked at 3.0 GHz with a new, faster 1333 MHz
system bus speed, the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 will be welcomed
by game developers looking to deliver new features and performance
levels. Intel also announced new Intel Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad
processors.
"Thanks to the Intel Core 2 Extreme quad core processor, the PC
version of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter5 2 raises
gaming to new heights," said Bo Anderson, CEO, GRIN Development
Studio5. "Developed by GRIN and published by Ubisoft5, the game
draws upon the power of Intel's next-generation multithreaded
engine to provide amazingly realistic game play. Intel's quad-core
processor uses one core for physics, one for rendering, one for
game logic and one for miscellaneous tasks, which can provide
consistently higher and more stable frame rates."
Intel Core Microarchitecture - One Year Later
A year ago this month the company began introducing these
innovative and energy-efficient products, and in that year Intel
Core microarchitecture and its processors have achieved a number of
milestones, including:
Delivering the world's first x86 software-compatible quad-core
processor line for servers and PCs, as well as storage and embedded
systems. To date, Intel has introduced 14 quad-core processor
versions.
Receiving more than 75 independent awards and other accolades
from online publications and magazine editors around the world. The
full list can be reviewed at www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/core2duo/awards.htm.
Securing nearly half (224) of the 500 top-ranked
high-performance computers as measured by the recently announced
Top 500 Supercomputers List (www.top500.org).
Doubling the performance of laptops with Intel Core 2 Duo
processors while maintaining impressive battery
life.4
Paving the way for the biggest change to transistor design in 40
years that will combine the company's 45-nanometer manufacturing
process and the next-generation Intel Core 2 and Intel Xeon
processors.
New Processor Pricing and Availability
The Intel Core 2 Extreme X7800 mobile processor, running at 2.6
GHz with 4 MB of L2 cache, is available to OEMs now at a cost of
$851. Notebook systems will appear on the market within the next
two weeks. The new Intel desktop processors are also shipping to
OEMs now, with product available to end users within the next two
weeks. Pricing and specifications for the new desktop processors
are as follows: Processor - Number of Cores - Frequency - Front
Side Bus (FSB) - L2 Cache, Price in 1,000-Unit Quantities
- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 - 4 3.0 GHz - 1333 MHz - 8 MB,
$999
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 - 4 2.66 GHz - 1066 MHz - 8 MB,
$530
- Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 - 2 3.0 GHz - 1333 MHz - 4 MB, $266
- Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 - 2 2.66 GHz - 1333 MHz - 4 MB, $183
- Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 - 2 2.33 GHz - 1333 MHz - 4 MB, $163
- Performance measured on Intel Core 2 Extreme mobile processor
X7800 running SPECint_base2006. Actual performance may vary. See
www.intel.com/performance
for more information. SPEC, SPECint, SPECfp, and SPECrate are
trademarks of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation. For
more information about SPEC benchmarks see: www.spec.org
- As measured comparing the Intel Core 2 Extreme Mobile processor
X7800 with the Intel Core Duo processor T2600 on the 3DMark06 CPU
test. Details and system specs at www.intel.com/performance/mobile/extreme
- Altering clock frequency and/or voltage may (i) reduce system
stability and useful life of the system and processor; (ii) cause
the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause
reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional damage; and
(v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does
not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its
specifications.
- As measured by SPEC CPU2006 comparing the Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor T7700 and T7100 with a comparable frequency single core
Intel Pentium M Processor. Actual performance may vary. See
www.intel.com/performance/mobile/benchmarks.htm
for important additional information. SPEC, SPECint, SPECfp,
SPECrate, SPECweb, SPECjbb are trademarks of the Standard
Performance Evaluation Corporation. See: www.spec.org for more
information on the benchmarks.
Link: Intel
'Santa Rosa' MacBook Pro Firmware Update
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"This EFI Firmware update fixes a display issue on 2.2/2.4 GHz 15-inch MacBook Pro
models.
"This update requires MacBook Pro Software Update 1.0."
"System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later
- MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.2 GHz or 2.4 GHz
- MacBook Pro Software Update 1.0"
Link:
MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.3
Products and Services
ExpressCard to PCMCIA/CardBus Adapter
PR: Duel Systems,
a business unit of Methode Electronics, Inc., announces a new
addition to its DuelAdapter product line with the DuelAdapter
Cradle™, the ExpressCard to PCMCIA and CardBus adapter. The
DuelAdapter Cradle enables users of computers that only have PCMCIA
or CardBus slots to use a new ExpressCard device (for memory,
audio, video, broadband, etc.) without any need to upgrade their
computers.
The DuelAdapter Cradle mechanically and electrically bridges the
two formats with no compromise in speed and with "plug-and-play"
ease of use. The Cradle seamlessly converts information and
transfers data at the full PCMCIA and CardBus transfer rates
supported by the computer. Moreover, the Cradle is hot pluggable,
and requires no software driver. It is compatible with Windows XP,
Vista, and Mac OS X 10.3.9 and higher operating systems. The Cradle
is FCC, CE, and RoHS compliant.
The DuelAdapter Cradle can be preordered now at the DuelAdapter
ecommerce website. Standard retail price for the Cradle will be
$49.95, but for a limited time, the DuelAdapter Cradle will be
offered at $45.95 for advance orders received before July 31, 2007.
The DuelAdapter Cradle will also be available through select
resellers in North America, Europe, and the Far East.
For more information on the DuelAdapter Cradle, visit the
product website. For more information on any of Duel Systems'
products including PCMCIA, Compact Flash, ExpressCard packages, or
any other metal/plastic packaging design, contact: Duel Systems,
1750 Junction Ave., San Jose, CA 95112. Phone: 408-436-4931. Fax:
408-436-6063. Email: info@duel-systems.com
Link: DuelAdapter
Cradle
High Sierra Groove Backpack has Built-in iPod
Control
PR: Guaranteed to rock.
Designed specifically to work with iPod, the integrated BackBeat
control switch gives you full control of your iPod from the
backpack strap of the pack. With its multi-compartment design and
deluxe organizer pocket, our Groove pack lets you stay organized
and connected to your music wherever you go.
Features:
- Wired for iPod compatibility.
- Large, front-load main compartment, and easy-access top-load
center compartment.
- Convenient, easy-access zippered shoulder strap pocket has a
30-pin connector that is compatible with any iPod (with dock
connector); integrated headphone access port.
- Integrated, backlit switch controls volume, play, pause and
track advance.
- Deluxe, multi-pocket organizer with removable key fob.
- Webbing daisy chain to attach accessories.
- Side mesh pocket holds a 500ml water bottle.
- S-shaped Vapel mesh Airflow padded backpack straps with
thumb-ring pulls for easy adjustments.
- Padded back for added comfort.
- This product has been designed specifically to work with iPod
and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance
standards.
Size:
17.5" x 12.75" x 8.75"
Capacity: 2190.0 cubic inches
Materials: Grid-Weave Duralite
Colors:
- 422: Pacific Blue, Charcoal
- 202: Charcoal, Black
- 801: Chipotle, Charcoal
Suggested Retail: $125
Link: High Sierra Groove
Backpack
High Sierra Audible Computer Bag has Built-in
iPod Control
PR: Guaranteed to rock. Designed specifically
to work with iPod, the integrated BackBeat control switch gives you
full control of your iPod from the side pocket of the messenger
pack. With its large capacity main compartment and deluxe
multi-pocket organizer, our Audible messenger bag lets you stay
organized and connected to your music wherever you go.
Features:
- Wired for iPod compatibility.
- Large capacity zippered main compartment.
- Convenient, easy-access zippered shoulder strap pocket has a
30-pin connector that is compatible with any iPod (with dock
connector); integrated headphone access port.
- Integrated, backlit switch controls volume, play, pause and
track advance.
- Protective lid, with adjustable straps and hook and loop
closure points, has an easy-access zippered slash pocket.
- Deluxe, multi-pocket organizer with removable key fob.
- Side mesh pocket holds a 1000ml water bottle.
- Reflective safety strip on the lid.
- Adjustable shoulder strap with Vapel mesh shoulder pad.
- LED blinker loop.
- Contoured grab handle.
- This product has been designed specifically to work with iPod
and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance
standards.
Size: 18.5" x 12.0" x 7.5"
Capacity: 1386.0 cubic inches
Materials: Shiny Mini-Waffle Weave, Reflective Ribbon
Colors:
- 0: Black
- 202: Charcoal
- 804: Lava
Suggested Retail: $125
Link: High Sierra Audible
Computer Bag
Bargain 'Books
Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible
for AppleCare.
There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233
MHz, the cacheless MainStreet
version and the later Series II
with a level 2 cache. It's not always possible to determine from
the vendor's listing which is being offered, so we've included
links within this paragraph to the two models. The same goes for
the PowerBook G4/667 (VGA) and
G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs.
aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz 15"
PowerBooks.
PowerBook, iBook, and MacBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.
- refurb 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $849
- refurb 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/Combo, $999
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,099
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,299
- refurb 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,499
- refurb 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,899
- refurb 17" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD,
$1,999
- refurb 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,199
TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to 'Book Review readers
off any PowerBook or iBook in stock. Just enter the code CWM during
checkout when ordering online. The coupon code is valid from now
through 2007.12.31.
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/Combo, $469.99 less $25 = $444.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, $699.99 less $25 =
$674.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/400, 256/20/DVD, $549.99 less $25 =
$524.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 1 GB/6/SD, one RAM slot, $699.99
less $25 = $674.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, $999.99 less $25 =
$974.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/80/SD, $1,099.99 less $25 =
$1,074.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/SD, $1,149.99 less $25 =
$1,124.99
- 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $769.99
- 15" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/30/Combo, $719.99
- 15" titanium PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/60/Combo, $699.99
- 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/80/SD, $559.99
- 12" iBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $499
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 768/30/Combo, $549
- 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $599
- 14" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 768/60/Combo, AirPort, $649
- 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/SD, AirPort, $749
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.25 GHz, 512/80/SD, APX, BT, $849
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/1/CD, $199
- 15" PowerBook G4/867, 512/40/SD, $579
- Add Airport for $70
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, blueberry, 64/3/CD, $169.95
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/366, Key lime, 128/10/CD, $289.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $219.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/40/CD-RW, $279.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/CD, $239.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $379.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AP, $549.95
- 14" Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 256/20/DVD, $349.95
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, AP, $629.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $449.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/CD, $284.95
- 12" iBook G3/700, 256/20/CD, $379.95
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 64/3/CD, OS 9, $129.99
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 256/3/CD, OS X 10.3, $189.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, OS X, $209
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/30/CD, OS X, $279
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/30/CD, OS X, $329
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.
