All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktop news is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews
Review.
News & Opinion
Products & Services
Software
News & Opinion
Apple Now #1 Notebook with Consumers
The Wall
Street Journal's Ben Worthen reports:
"Companies are starting to think different: Corporate purchases of
Apple computers will reach an all-time high next quarter, according to
a new report.
"The study, released today by ChangeWave Research, found that 7% of
companies buying laptop computers in the first quarter of 2008, and 6%
of companies buying desktop computers, plan to buy Apple Macintosh
machines. Both numbers are the highest rates for Macs since ChangeWave
began its quarterly survey in May 2005....
"Just in case there's any doubt where that momentum is coming from:
The study found that more consumers will buy Apple laptops than any
other brand. Twenty-nine percent of consumers who are buying a laptop
next quarter said they'll buy a Mac, ahead of Dell (28%) and H-P
(21%)...."
Link: Macs
Make Business Inroads - Apple Now #1 Notebook with Consumers
Penryn-Based MacBooks Slated for Macworld?
Wired's Bryan Gardiner
says:
"In October, Intel began churning out its 45-nm 'Penryn' processors
at the company's new $3 billion manufacturing facility in Chandler,
Arizona. Now, various reports indicate those new mobile processors
might find homes in laptops and other portable devices as soon as CES
and Macworld."
Link: New
Penryn-Based MacBooks Slated for Macworld?
Ultra-Portable MacBook Trifecta Expected at
Macworld 2008?
Mobile
Magazine's Michael Kwan says:
"At Macworld 2007, Steve Jobs unleashed the Apple iPhone onto the
world. As we turn our attention to Macworld 2008 (which takes place
next month in San Francisco), we're inundated with rumors surrounding
not one, not two, but three new MacBook laptop computers. Better still,
two of these just might be rocking NAND Flash. Bear in mind that these
are just rumors at this point, but seeing how several of the iPhone
rumors came to fruition at the beginning of this year, there is a
distinct possibility that these MacBook rumors may also come to
pass."
Link: Ultra-Portable Apple
MacBook Trifecta Expected at Macworld 2008?
Apple Future Headline: New Products Including Super
Laptop?
CNBC's Jim Goldman
reports:
"A very good source of mine with good connections to Apple's Asian
manufacturing partners called me this morning with some news: Seems
like Apple will be making headlines in the next few weeks and months
with some of its hottest products: the iPod Touch, the iPhone and a new
ultra-portable laptop.
"First, the item on the Touch: this source is being told that a
company involved with its manufacturing has increased production to 5.1
million units for the holiday shopping quarter....
"For iPhone, AT&T tipped Apple's hand last week when the
company's CEO, Randall Stephenson, reported that a 3G version of the
iPhone was coming in 2008....
"And then there's this: this source says he has now heard from
manufacturing partners in Asia that Apple is preparing to unveil a new,
ultra portable laptop computer at the company's Macworld event next
month in San Francisco."
Link: Apple Future
Headline: New Products Including Super Laptop?
Why Apple Needs a Pro Ultra-Portable Again
PBCentral's
Joe Leo says:
"Everyone keeps talking about what will probably be the hottest
ticket at Macworld Expo 2008. No, not the one that gets you in to see
Steve-o, but the product that may become known as the MacBook nano, or
the mini MacBook Pro. And while rumors have been flying about the
return of the ultra-portable Mac notebook for quite some time?
"That rumor may have finally found a place to land, with breaking
news from a CNBC report yesterday afternoon, which immediately became
the top story on Mac news sites everywhere.
"I started writing this piece back on November 19th, just days after
acquiring my newest Mac portable - a 'new' aluminum 15-inch PowerBook
G4 - with plans to publish it this month as a lead up to Macworld Expo
2008 (which by the way, we will be covering again this year). Being a
12-inch PowerBook G4 user and loving every aspect of it since day one,
the topic was?
"Why Apple needs a MacBook Pro mini (or MacBook Pro nano) in its
notebook line-up.
"So of course, with the news yesterday that Apple is indeed creating
a new ultra-portable Mac, or, well, at least a 'sub-notebook' Mac, it
bumps up the need to publish this story. Like today. (Funny thing is, I
totally missed that report and didn't come across it until I read about
it on the other Mac news sites... usually I'm watching CNBC and passing
on the news to all of you!)."
Link:
Why Apple Needs a Pro Ultra-Portable Again
Ultralight Mac Notebook Rumors Gather Steam
Computerworld's Gregg Keizer reports:
"Rumors that Apple Inc. will unveil a new thin, lightweight MacBook
in just over a month gained strength today as the CNBC cable network
cited sources claiming the portable was real.
"Jim Goldman of CNBC said that the subnotebook system will be 50%
thinner and lighter than the MacBook Pro, which is approximately 1-in.
thick and weighs between 5.4 and 6.8 pounds, depending on the
model."
Link:
Ultralight Mac Notebook Rumors Gather Steam
Apple Subnotebook Emerging for Macworld
The Inquirer's
Martin Veitch reports:
"What do you give to the company that has almost everything? Well,
for Apple, that would be a thin-and-light subnotebook and a 3G iPhone,
naturally. The theory that a subnote is on its way has been doing the
rounds for yonks and for good reason - it's as obvious as robins and
holly tipping up for Christmas."
Link:
Apple Subnote Finally Emerging for Macworld
An Analysis of Apple's Notebook Strategy
The Apple Core's Jason D.
O'Grady says:
"There are several directions that Apple could take with their
notebook strategy in 2008 and I want to flesh out a few of them.
"The MacBook is targeted at consumers, the MacBook Pro at, well,
professionals - this much we know. There is much speculation that Apple
is going to add a new product to their notebook lineup at Macworld Expo
2008 based on a) the age of existing hardware and b) the need to fill a
void.
"The Mac Tablet
"The iTablet is probably the most over-predicted product in Apple's
history....
"The Pro Subnotebook ('The Pro Sub')
"Currently professional Mac users have to opt for MacBook Pro with a
15 or 17-inch screen while on the road. I know a couple of pro
photographers that need pro level performance and features but don't
want carry a hefty MBP15 or 17 across the globe - especially the ones
with more than a million frequent flier miles....
"The Flash Subnotebook ('The Flasher')
"This is the notebook has the most sex appeal - and a ticket price
to match....
"The MacBook enclosure is also getting tired. The white one looks
like something that belongs in the toy aisle and the black one gets so
disgustingly dirty that it's embarrassing to use in public...."
Link: An Analysis of
Apple's Notebook Strategy
Products & Services
802.11n WiFi ExpressCard
PR: MacBook Pro users can now upgrade to 802.11b/g/n wireless
to access virtually any wireless network found while working mobile.
New triple anntenas are outside of the wireless signal-degrading (but
beautiful) 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro case. Combined with the
advantage over the stock twin antennas, an improvement in wireless
performance is guaranteed. This exclusive wireless upgrade also works
with all Apple AirPort Base Stations including the 802.11n AirPort
Extreme.
MacBook Pro
users can now upgrade to 802.11b/g/n wireless to access virtually any
wireless network found while working mobile. New triple anntenas are
outside of the wireless signal-degrading (but beautiful) 15-inch and
17-inch MacBook Pro case. Combined with the advantage over the stock
twin antennas, an improvement in wireless performance is guaranteed for
only $149.95.
This exclusive wireless upgrade also works with all Apple AirPort
Base Stations including the 802.11n AirPort Extreme. Also MacBook Pro
users can use almost any wireless network - from coffee shop to library
to work and school, and with better than stock performance in range and
signal strength. The triple antennas provide the highest speed MIMO
specification wireless performance. Virtually any wireless network
running 802.11b/g/n equipment on 2.4 GHz range is available.
Since this upgrade uses the MacBook Pro ExpressCard slot, users
don't have to disassemble the MacBook Pro to get inside to the AirPort
card slot. And the ExpressCard slot design also makes it ideal for
those users who must have a removable wireless card - often government
agencies and other organizations where security is under tight
controls.
The ExpressCard Wireless Upgrade supports all standard security
protocols including WPA, WPA2-64bit Personal and 128-bit WEP, so you
can login anywhere you have password access. It also supports Mac OS
10.4 and Leopard (10.5) including Sleep Mode, so users do not sacrifice
functionality to get better performance.
Like most QuickerTek products, the MacBook Wireless ExpressCard is
backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Additional product
information is found at the QuickerTek website.
Link: ExpressCard
30% Discount on 250 GB Hard Drive Upgrades
PR: MacService announced a 30% discount on all 250 GB 5400
RPM hard drive upgrades for the month of December. You can now get a
high capacity hard drive installed for your PowerBook, iBook, MacBook
or MacBook Pro at low prices. All prices include free ground roundtrip
shipping, installation and a laptop shipping container. Overnight
roundtrip service is available.
MacService announced a 30% discount on all 250 GB 5400 RPM hard
drive upgrades for the month of December. You can now get a high
capacity hard drive for your PowerBook, iBook, MacBook or MacBook Pro
at prices as low as $206. All prices include free ground roundtrip
shipping, installation and a laptop shipping container. Overnight
roundtrip service is available for $79.
How the service works:
MacService sends a custom laptop shipping container to you. Once it
arrives, simply pack your laptop and send it back using the prepaid UPS
shipping label. Once your laptop is back at MacService, a certified
technician installs the new drive and transfers the data over from your
old drive. If your old hard drive is failing, a new operating system is
installed.
After the service is completed, your laptop is cleaned, tested and
sent back to you, along with your old drive. All services are completed
within 24 hours of arrival.
Use code SAVE30 on checkout to receive your discount. The promotion
ends December 31st, 2007. For more information visit the MacService
website, or call 877-622-3473.
Link: MacService
Software
SideTrack Updated, Not Quite Ready for
Leopard
PR: SideTrack 1.5.1 is not compatible with Mac OS X 10.5
(Leopard). See the News page for the latest information and a public
beta of SideTrack 1.6.
SideTrack is a replacement driver for Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro,
PowerBook and iBook trackpads. With SideTrack installed your standard
trackpad becomes a powerful multi-button scrolling mouse.
Leave your external mouse at home and take full control over your
trackpad:
- Vertical scrolling at left or right edge of pad.
- Horizontal scrolling at top or bottom edge of pad.
- Map hardware button to left or right click.
- Map trackpad taps to no action, left click, left click drag (with
or without drag lock), or right click.
- Map trackpad corner taps to mouse buttons 1-6 or simulated
keystrokes.
- Extensive control over accidental input filtering.
SideTrack is multiuser aware and fully compatible with Mac OS X fast
user switching (FUS). Every user on your laptop can have different
settings depending on their needs.
System requirements:
SideTrack supports most Apple laptops, including MacBooks, MacBook
Pros, PowerBooks and iBooks
Link: SideTrack
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.
Changes this week with Apple refurb. 'Books include just one 15"
MacBook Pro model available, $2,100 2.33 GHz 17" MacBook Pros and a
diminished selection of refurb. MacBooks. cwm
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,049
- refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,249
- refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,099
- refurb 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,199
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,399
- refurb hi-res 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD,
$2,599
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.
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $799.99 less $25 =
$774.99
- 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,199.99 less $25 =
$1,174.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,299.99 less $25 =
$1,274.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,299.99 less $25 =
$1,274.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,349.99 less $25 =
$1,324.99
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,399.99 less $25
= $1,374.99
- 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, 512 MB VRAM, $1,179.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/100/SD, 256 MB VRAM, $1,239.99
- 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, 512 MB VRAM, $1,299.99
- 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,459.99
- 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,499.99
- 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,529.99
- 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/200/SD, $1,519.99
Free ground shipping
- open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, warranty
started, $1,199
- open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,229
- open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, warranty
started, $1,399
- open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,439
- open box 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,229
- open box 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,599
- open box 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, warranty
started, $2,688
- open box 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,669
- open box 17" hi-res 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD,
$3,079
- 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/CD, AP, small crack, $249
- 15" PowerBook G4/550, 128/30/Combo, $349
- 12" iBook G4/1.0 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $475
- 12" iBook G4/1.0 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $509
- Add AirPort Extreme for $39
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $199.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/40/CD, $219.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/CD-RW, $239.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/Combo, $299.95
- 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $229.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $249.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $479.95
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 192/6/Zip, $249.95
- 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, $549.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $449.95
- 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $599.95
- 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 512/3/CD, tested battery, power cord,
OS X 10.3, $235
- $189.99 with OS X 10.3 with 288 MB RAM
- $149.99 with OS X 10.2 and 160 MB RAM
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, OS X 10.4, $589.99
- 12" iBook G4/1.07 GHz, 256/30/Combo, APX, $399
- new Apple battery for 12" iBook G3 or G4, $42.99
For more deals on current and discontinued models, see our MacBook deals, MacBook Pro deals, 12" PowerBook G4 deals,
15" PowerBook G4
deals, 17"
PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4
deals, iBook G4
deals, PowerBook G3
deals, and iBook G3
deals.
