All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple
TV news is covered in The iNews
Review.
News & Opinion
Reviews
Tech Trends
Products
News & Opinion
MacBook Air 1.8 GHz, SSD Price Drop
On Friday, July 4, Apple quietly reduced the price for the 1.8 GHz
CPU and 64 GB Solid State Drive used in the MacBook Air. The premium for the
faster CPU dropped to $200 from $300, and the SSD now costs $600 more
than the 80 GB 1.8" hard drive, down from $1,000. The 1.8 GHz SSD model
now retails for $2,598, a $500 price reduction.
Link: Apple Store
MacBook Shipments Up 61% over Q1 2007
Macworld's Jim
Dalrymple reports:
"A new report from market research firm DisplaySearch shows Apple's
notebook shipments grew 61 percent from the first quarter of 2007 to
the first quarter of 2008. Shipments rose from almost 900,000 to just
over 1.4 million.
"The growth puts Apple in seventh place in overall notebook market
share with 4.6 percent. HP (20.8 percent), Dell (15.1 percent), Acer
(14.6 percent), Toshiba (9.3 percent), Lenovo (7.5 percent), and
Fujitsu-Siemens (5.2 percent) all had higher market share numbers. Asus
(4.3 percent) and Sony (4.2 percent) rounded out the list behind
Apple.
"The growth rate from 2007 to 2008 tells a different story. Apple is
second overall in growth behind Asus, which grew 67 percent. Lenovo is
the only other company that was close coming in with 58 percent
growth."
Link: Apple
Notebook Shipments Up 61 Percent
MacBook and MacBook Pro Design Overhaul Rumors
Resurface
MacBlogz' Aviv
says:
"We have received some new information regarding Apple's MacBook and
MacBook Pro models, which have been long overdue for a design overhaul.
Although the current case design is nearly flawless on both, rumors
have continued to circulate about complete case refreshes for both
machines.
"We have spoken with a connected source close to us, and they tell
us that the MacBook Pro will, '100% have a MacBook Air-like keyboard.
Feeling more like the MacBook's current keyboard, yet offering
backlight.'"
Link:
MacBook and MacBook Pro Design Overhaul Rumors Re-surface. New Keyboard
100%.
2-Finger Scrolling for pre-2005 PowerBooks and
iBooks
The
Apple Blog's Jenny Kortina says:
"I was reformatting a PowerBook the other day and after a fresh
Leopard install I went to use the two finger scroll function to scroll
down a page . . . but it wasn't there. I have been using
Intel based laptops for so long that I just take the two finger scroll
feature function and the two finger secondary right click function for
granted, and sorely miss them when they're not available. Luckily, with
the help of some third party software the two finger scroll feature and
the two finger secondary right click function are easily added to older
G4 laptops."
Link:
Two-Finger Scrolling for pre-2005 PowerBooks and iBooks
Hacking the MacBook Air SuperDrive for non-MBA
Use
tnkgrl Mobile says:
"So like me, you have a MacBook Air SuperDrive... It's affordable,
it's functional, it's sexy. If only it was usable with other Macs and
PCs!
"Well rejoice :) I have successfully hacked my MBA
SuperDrive to work with other Macs and PCs. All you need is a $9 part
(shipping extra) and a bit of soldering and you too can do this
mod."
Tutorial:
MacBook Air SuperDrive for All
Santa Rosa MacBook Pro Video Failure
MacNN reports:
"Owners of Santa Rosa-based MacBook Pros are suffering from video
failures, reports claim. Victims say that the problem arises after
waking or rebooting a Pro, at which point the computer may suddenly
stop displaying video, whether on its native LCD or an attached
monitor....
"AppleCare is said to be recommending a replacement of a Pro's logic
board, but those who have have gone through with the procedure note
that the fix may only be temporary, as the display can quickly go blank
a second time...."
Link: Santa
Rosa MacBook Pros Experience Video Failures
Mopar Launches Wireless In-vehicle Internet with
Notbeook, iPhone, and iPod Support
PR: Mopar has announced
that it will launch uconnect web, Chrysler LLC's in-vehicle wireless
Internet connectivity for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge consumers in the US.
uconnect web, powered by Autonet Mobile, delivers continuous Internet
connectivity to all vehicle passengers for entertainment and real-time
information access on the go.
uconnect web will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar
Accessory. Mopar is Chrysler LLC's original equipment parts
manufacturer and distributor.
The industry-first technology provides high-speed data transfer,
combining WiFi and 3G connectivity. uconnect web transforms the vehicle
into a mobile "hot spot," delivering unlimited, reliable and
uninterrupted Internet connectivity for all passengers in and around
the vehicle. The "hot spot" connection radius is approximately 100 feet
-making it convenient to access the Internet at a soccer field or
family picnic.
Wherever cellular service is available, uconnect web enables all
vehicle passengers to simultaneously connect with WiFi-enabled devices
like a laptop, iPhone, Sony PlayStation (PSP), PDA and more to:
- access the Internet for e-mail, chat and IM
- view streaming movies or television shows
- download music and download/upload images
- play online games
"Mopar's uconnect web brings a new level of convenience and
technology to our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles," said Rob Richard,
Director - Mopar Part Sales and Service Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "With
uconnect web, all passengers in or near the vehicle are continuously
connected to the Internet. They can make dinner reservations, check
directions or weather, make online purchases, surf Facebook, MySpace,
Disney or Webkinz, watch the latest YouTube videos, upload photos to a
Flickr account - all at the same time."
"uconnect web goes beyond today's DVD and GPS solutions, letting
passengers extend their Internet lifestyle to the car," said Sterling
Pratz, CEO of San Francisco-based Autonet Mobile. "The Internet is the
future of in-car entertainment. We're delighted to be working with
Chrysler LLC to deliver the first WiFi Internet access that lets
families, business and leisure travelers stay connected."
The US Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router
module is $449. Dealer installation is estimated at approximately
$35-50. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29
a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a
one-time $35 service activation fee. Customer support assistance for
hardware and service is available.
Run over integrated 3G and 2.5G (EVDO, 1xRTT) cellular data
networks, the router module with antenna hard-mounts in any vehicle.
High-speed Internet access ranges from 400-800 Kbps/sec., with upload
speeds averaging 400 Kbps/sec. The WiFi connection is secured with WEP
encryption, Mac address restriction or WAN port restriction. Compatible
with all operating systems supporting WiFi including Windows, Mac,
Linux and Solaris, no special software is required.
Autonet Mobile is the first wireless Internet service provider for
vehicles. Founded by a corporate executive and former race car driver
and a leading network architect and designer, the company is dedicated
to enhancing the in-car experience, by bringing the power of the
Internet to the 200+ million cars on the road in the US Autonet Mobile
currently provides Avis Rent a Car with the Avis Connect service and is
used by Storm Chasers, NASCAR and others. For more information about
Autonet Mobile visit:
Link: Autonet
Mobile
Reviews
500 GB Notebook Drives: Samsung vs. Hitachi
Bare
Feats' rob-ART Morgan reports:
"Two exciting new SATA notebook drives with 500 GB capacity are
causing a stir. We benchmarked them against each other using a SATA
notebook drive enclosure and SATA ExpressCard/34 on our MacBook Pro
'Penryn.'...
"The Samsung 500G notebook drive is slower overall than the Hitachi
500G notebook drive but has the advantage of being thinner (9.5 mm vs.
12.5 mm). That means that the Samsung will fit all laptops and
notebook enclosures while the Hitachi will only fit some.... I
understand from one reader that the Hitachi does fit nicely inside his
MacBook Pro."
Editor's note: These are both 5400 rpm drives with 8 MB buffers.
dk
Link: Shootout: 500 GB Notebook Drives
Samsung versus Hitachi
Living with the MacBook Pro
David Alison says:
"It's now been a couple of weeks since I bought a MacBook Pro and
handed my MacBook down to my youngest daughter. In that time I've used
the MBP quite a bit and overall I'm quite happy with the upgrade. The
only issue that I've had with it has been the heat it generates, though
to a large degree I haven't really noticed it any longer. Either my
left wrist has adjusted to being slightly warmer than my right wrist or
the Fan Control I installed has helped keep the machine running a
little cooler. I actually believe it's a bit of both."
Link: Living
with the MacBook Pro
17" MacBook Pro 'a Thing to Behold'
The Houston Chronicle's Bob Levitus says:
"For the past two months I've been testing a new 17-inch MacBook Pro
and have come to prefer it over my 15-inch MacBook Pro in almost every
way....
"The system I tested was decked out with the optional
high-resolution glossy widescreen display.... it's the fastest, most
powerful and most capable notebook I've tested.
"But while performance was impressive, the thing that really blew me
away was its high-resolution glossy display.
"All I can say is, 'Wow!'
"I would replace my 15-inch MacBook Pro with one in a heartbeat - if
I could only afford it."
Link: 17-inch
MacBook Pro Is a Thing to Behold
Tech Trends
Preorders Being Taken for Centrino 2
Laptops
IDG News
Service's Agam Shah reports:
"Preempting Intel's official launch of its latest Centrino 2 mobile
processors, PC makers and chip resellers are leaking processor details
by letting customers preorder the chip through channels and in
laptops.
"The Centrino 2 platform, codenamed Montevina, is an upgrade to
Intel's current Centrino platform and will include five Core 2
processors running at clock speeds between 2.26 GHz and 3.06 GHz. The
chip will also come with WiMax support....
"The processors are being offered by Santech, a European PC vendor,
in its X46 laptop. The laptop will support up to 4 GB of RAM,
include a 15.4-inch display, WiMax capabilities and wireless A/G/N
networking. The X46 prices begin at €619 (US$963)."
Editor's note: Centrino 2/Montevina is widely anticipated to be the
heart of next generation MacBook and MacBook Pro models. Intel will
officially release it on Monday, July 14. dk
Link: Intel's
Centrino 2 Chips Mushrooming on Retail Sites
Intel Atom 230 Ultra Low-power Desktop
CPU
Register Hardware's
Leo Waldock reports:
"We recently reviewed Asus' Eee PC 901, which uses the new 1.6 GHz
Intel Atom N270 processor. Atom uses the same 45nm technology that
you'll find in the latest 'Penryn' Core 2 CPUs and it packs in some
nifty power-saving features that result in a TDP of a mere 2.5W which
makes it a natural choice for Small, Cheap Computers.
"But there's another side to Atom, as Intel also sells it in desktop
form, the 230, which is likewise clocked at 1.6 GHz. Atom processors
are generally soldered onto the motherboard so your choice of Atoms is
limited to a single model. Buy an Intel D945GCLF motherboard - it was
codenamed 'Little Falls' - and you get a 230 as part of the
package....
"When we requested a D945GCLF sample from Intel the response wasn't
especially encouraging so we took the plunge and bought one. That's not
quite as bold as it sounds as Atom is very cheap. Intel sells the Atom
230 for $29 per CPU in batches of 1000 and the board and chip arrived
at our door for £57 including VAT and carriage."
Link: Intel
Atom 230 Ultra Low-power Desktop CPU
7" $299 Windows CE/Linux RazorBook 400
Mini-Notebook
PR: 3K Computers, LLC (3K) announces the second generation of
its RazorBook 400 mini-notebook computer - the Windows CE powered 3K
RazorBook 400 Mini Notebook Ultra Mobile PC. It's ultra lightweight -
just under 2 lb. - and includes a 7-inch LCD TFT Display and a
full-size keyboard for the same MSRP of $299.
"This is very exciting news for us since we are bringing a
mini-notebook to market for the price of $299 that can support Remote
Desktop functionality and comes equipped with Microsoft Internet
Explorer and Windows Media Player. Microsoft Windows CE also boasts the
familiar Windows interface that US based end users have been requesting
daily through our support forum," said Dan Jacobs, CEO, 3K
Computers.
The RazorBook 400 is already available running Genuine CE Linux OS
Version 2.4.
The RazorBook 400 is perfect as a low-cost portable internet
appliance for mobile professionals, students, internet browsing on the
go, playing Flash games, secure online shopping, instant messaging, and
playing music and movies while on the road.
With a bootup time of less than 8 second, the RazorBook 400 was
designed to be turned on and off instantly just like any other
appliance in your home. The energy-saving RISC architecture processor
is fan-less and offers completely quiet computing with very low energy
consumption. Without a spinning hard disk drive, the RazorBook 400 is
shock-resistant and touts 4 GB of solid-state storage for your
documents or media files.
With an energy saving 400 MHz CPU, our Mini Notebook features a
portable 7" TFT LCD screen, a full size keyboard, 3 USB connection
ports and 1 ethernet 10/100 LAN port. It runs on a Linux Operating
System. End users will have a pleasant experience with a GUI Based
Full-Flash menu interface for ease of use.
Dimensions: 8.25" Length x 5.5" Width x 1.25" Depth
"The scheduled release of the second generation RazorBook 400s is
set for the end of July to early August, right in the middle of the
back to school buying season. This is going to be one of the hottest
back to school items on the market since it's so affordable and such an
essential for any student. We have been in talks with many of the large
retail outlets about stocking the RazorBook 400s in their retail
stores. This is very exciting news for us!" says Will Jordan, Vice
President of Sales, 3K Computers.
The RazorBook 400 is available at most major online e-tailers for
consumers. Resellers and Value-Added Resellers can purchase directly
from Ingram Micro, the world's largest technology distributor.
Link:
RazorBook 400
Products
FeDom Notebook Desks with Built-in Stereo
Speakers and Cooling Fans
PR: Interesting new variation on the laptop desk theme
from FeDom (China) Limited of Shenzhen, China, that probably will be
available to consumers in North America soon.
I can't provide any ordering information for this product, but it's
an interesting new variation on the laptop desk theme from FeDom
(China) Limited of Shenzhen, China, that probably will be available to
consumers in North America soon. According to FeDom Business
Development Executive Elven Zhang, they are now trying to find
distributors in America and will let me know when they finish
negotiations and find the right agents. The retail price is as yet
undetermined.
FD-800 Notebook Desk with Built-in 2.1 Speakers & Cooling
Fans
Features:
- 2.1 Stereo: two 5W speakers & one 10W subwoofer
- Powered through USB from your notebook or 4 Size-D batteries
- No additional software or driver needed
- Built-in ultra-silent cooling fans
- Foldable table legs
- Audio Input for MP3 players, Portable DVD players, and Game
consoles
- Works with all laptops
- Control buttons: Power On/Off, Fans On/Off, Mute, Volume Down,
Volume Up
- Compatible with Win98 SE/ Win ME/ Win 2000/ Win XP/ Win Vista and
Mac OS 9/OS X
Specification:
- Dimension - 645 x 375 x 40 mm
- Stand - 280mm
- Weight - 5kg G.W.
- Material - ABS Plastic
- Power Requirement
- - USB Bus Power
- - Battery Type: D/Voltage: 1.5V x 4
- Cooling Fans
- - rpm: 1500
- - CFM: 28
- - Noise Level: 25dbA
- 2.1 Stereo Speakers
- - Amplifier: Class D
- - Speakers: 5W each / Subwoofer: 10W
- - Rated Impedance: 4½
FD-810 Notebook Station with Built-in 2.0 Speakers & Cooling
Fan
Features:
- Integrated 2.0 Stereo System - two 3W speakers
- Ultra-silent cooling fan
- Foldable speakers for easy storage
- Powered by your notebook through a USB cable.
- USB2.0 full speed compatible.
- No audio cables and additional drivers needed.
- Control Center: Power On/Off, Volume & Bass control, 5-Mode
Preset Sound Selection
- Compatible with Win98 SE/ Win ME/ Win 2000/ Win XP/ Win Vista and
Mac OS 9/OS X
- Suitable for all notebooks
Specifications:
- Dimensions - 320 x 225 x 25mm
- Weight - 1.5kg G.W.
- Fan
- - rpm: 1500
- - CFM: 28
- - Noise Level: 25dbA
- 2.0 Stereo Speakers
- - Amplifier: Class D
- - Speakers: 3W each
- - Rated Impedance: 8½
- Power
- - USB Bus Power
- - Includes: 2' standard USB to mini USB cable, 3.5' 3.5mm MP3
cable
Potential distributors and resellers can contact:
- FeDom (China) Limited
- 18C, Building 1, Fulian Mansion, North Lianhua Village, FuTian
District, Shenzhen, 518035, P.R.China
- Tel: 86-755-83166456
- Fax: 86-755-83611945
- Cell: 86-13265415958
- E-mail: elven@fedom.com.hk
- Skype: zhch328
- MSN: elven-8@hotmail.com
Link: FeDom (China)
Limited
MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 ExpressCard Adapter
PR: The MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 Mode
ExpressCard Adapter allows use of USB based ExpressCards with USB 2.0
equipped computers. USB mode ExpressCards include: Novatel Wireless
Merlin ExpressCards (XU870, EX720, V740), Option Wireless GT Max 3.6
Express and GT Express 7.2, storage media ExpressCards like the expSSD,
simple minded RS-232 host adapters like Synchrotech's EXP34-RS232-01,
most ExpressCard to memory card media adapters like Synchrotech's
CFExpressPro, and several others. The DEVICE WILL NOT WORK WITH any
ExpressCard using the PCI Express (PCIe) portion of the ExpressCard
standard. This is the majority of ExpressCards that do any other than
the devices discussed above. Any real host adapter for SATA, FireWire,
Ethernet, USB 2.0, etc. WILL NOT WORK WITH the MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to
USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard 34/54 Host Adapter.
The MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard 34/54 Host
Adapter should provide more than enough power to ExpressCards when
plugged into a 500mA USB 2.0 port. However, some ExpressCards including
WWAN wireless broadband cards benefit from the use of the DoubleQueue
cable plugged into two USB ports. The additional power helps when
located further from wireless carrier towers. Use with 300mA USB 2.0
ports is not recommended and may not provide sufficient current for
certain ExpressCard applications. Using USB 2.0 technology, the device
supports high speed applications including HSDPA and HSUPA
ExpressCards. The MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard Host
Adapter is very small and lightweight, providing excellent
portability.
- USB-EXP-ADP-02 MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to USB Mode ExpressCard 34/54
Multi-Voltage Host Adapter - $48
Optional Accessories
- CAB-USB2-AAFA-0020C DoubleQueue USB 2.0 A+A (Power) to A (Female) Y
Extender Cable 19cm/.62F Extender with option of drawing current from
second USB Port for MicroU2E or other USB devices - $6.00
- CAB-USB2-AFA-0020C AirQueue USB 2.0 A (Male) to A (Female) Extender
Cable 19cm/.62F Use MicroU2E or USB devices with large or unusually
designed connectors with MacBook Air - $6.00
Features
- USB bus powered, no power adapter required
- Compatible with all USB 2.0-MODE ExpressCards including many WLAN,
WiMax, 3G (HSDPA and CDMA) and memory
- Compact and portable design with low power consumption
- Up to USB High Speed 480 Mbps (Megabits) interface access to host
systems with USB 2.0
- LED indicator for Activity
- Easy Installation
- RoHS Compliant
- CE Approved
Host Connection
Devices Accepted
- USB 2.0 Based ExpressCard 34 or ExpressCard 54
- Not compatible with any PCIe based ExpressCards - examples
include SATA, FireWire, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, etc.
System Requirements
- PCs with USB running Windows ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista or
later
- Macs with USB running Mac OS X
- Macs with USB running Mac OS 8.6 or later or Mac OS X
- Unsupported, but known to work with USB 2.0 capable BSD and Linux
distributions
Transfer Rates
- High Speed 480 Mbps (Megabits)
Electrical Characteristics
- Operational Voltage: DC +5.0 Volts ± 5% direct from USB
Physical Dimensions
- 45.9 x 58.2 x 13.4mm (WLD)
Link:
MicroU2E-MV USB 2.0 to USB Mode ExpressCard 34/54 Multi-Voltage Host
Adapter
OWC Announces 320 GB 7200 rpm Mercury
On-the-Go
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced today the
highest capacity 7200 rpm portable bus-powered storage solution on the
market - the Mercury On-The-Go 320 GB 7200 rpm portable storage drive.
The Mercury On-The-Go is blazing fast with 3.5" desktop hard drive
performance in a 2.5" solution. And at 320 GB, it provides a 60% higher
capacity than any other 7200 rpm 2.5" competitor.
Immediately available and priced starting at $239.99, the new
Mercury On-The-Go 320 GB 7200 rpm drive has models available with USB
2.0, USB 2.0+eSATA, FireWire 400+USB 2.0, and FireWire 800/400+USB 2.0
Interfaces. These portable drive solutions are built with the latest
Hitachi 7K320 mechanism with OWC's custom bridge interfaces and provide
the highest performance of any portable storage solution available on
the market.
Geared for the demanding "On-the-Go" professional road warrior who
requires dependable, high-performance storage, the OWC Mercury
On-The-Go 320 GB 7200 rpm portable drive solution offers options for
virtually all computers and gadgets with an available FireWire or USB
port, including all Macs and PCs, as well as digital cameras and
camcorders for an instant on-the-go portable storage solution to
quickly and safely store all your digital photos and video when
traveling.
With The Mercury On-The-Go portable drive, you can back-up your
entire desktop computer and bring it with you everywhere you go. For
easy backup, the drive also includes the full retail versions of the
latest award-winning Prosoft DataBackup III for OS X and NovaStor
NovaBackup for Windows.
In addition to the 320 GB 7200 rpm drive, OWC also offers additional
7200 rpm models with capacities of 100 GB to 200 GB, priced from
$109.99; and 5400 rpm Models from 60 GB to 500 GB, priced from $74.99.
All drive solutions offer leading performance and reliability due to a
well thought-out design, performance bridge interface, and the best
hard disk drive mechanisms inside.
The Mercury On-The-Go 320 GB 7200 rpm portable storage drive is
available immediately priced starting at $239.99 through OWC and other
retailers. It includes a carrying case, connecting cables, Prosoft
DataRescue III for OS X, and NovaStor NovaBackup for Windows. All
Mercury-On-The-Go models are covered by a one-year warranty and are
compatible with Apple OS Versions 8.5 through 9.2.x; Apple OS X
(including the latest OS 10.5.x); and Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000,
XP, Vista.
Link: Mercury
On-the-Go
CaseCruzer Pelican Laptop Case Gives
Protection for MacBook Pro
PR: When traveling designers and editors use a laptop case,
they aren't worried about protecting their MacBook or laptop. Their
greatest fear is losing the sophisticated graphics and videos contained
inside. That's why they choose the stylish new Pelican case by
CaseCruzer when traveling long distances or between home and
office.
The Apple 1490 laptop case is a sleek addition to the
CaseCruzer reputation for innovative design. But don't be fooled by its
good looks. The sole mission of this tough, do-or-die briefcase is to
safely secure the creativity of web developers, graphic designers, art
directors, photographers, and video editors who travel or commute with
an Apple MacBook Pro 15" laptop (and 13.3" MacBook).
This Pelican case warrants trust and top honors because it comes
with a custom Polyurethane foam interior. That kind of cushion and the
lid's interior egg-crate-style convoluted foam (no pick and pluck)
provide a dense, superior protection with a snug fit. No need to worry
about annoying gaps that in other cases allow too much wiggle room for
your delicate companion.
By including more foam padding, the Pelican case actually
improves on the excellent universal version laptop case by CaseCruzer.
As a result, it guards against the major risks of travel: shock, impact
and vibration - the bane of all creative people whose genius is trusted
to the sanctuary of a MacBook Pro.
This laptop case is also ideal for airline travel. Premier safety
latches tightly secure your laptop. And the small handle on the top of
this carryon luggage makes it easy to maneuver into an aircraft's
overhead bin - a significant advantage now that airlines charge a fee
for each checked bag. The convenience allows business travelers to
access and work on their Apple MacBook Pro laptops while on the way to
important meetings.
The traveling case weighs only 8.7 lb. (when empty). Its outer
dimensions are 19.43" L x 13.93" W x 4.69" H.
The suave, sophisticated case also enjoys the renowned, standard
Pelican features: it is indestructible, watertight, airtight - no need
to worry about dusty, sandy or gritty environments - extremely buoyant,
and as if that weren't enough, it comes with an unconditional lifetime
guarantee. Its specifications also meet US military standards and the
carryon case.
Successful business people know genius is in the details. Think a
Pelican case is special? You're right. But when you see or hear the
name CaseCruzer, think Pelican Plus.
More information by phone is available at 800-882-4730 in the US or
909-613-1999 internationally and by fax 909-465-5598. Or write to
CaseCruzer at 4665 State Street, Montclair, CA 91763.
Link: 1490 Laptop Cruzer
Orbino Aria Case for the MacBook
Air
PR: Orbino's new Aria MacBook Air case is Crafted
with premium hand folded leather and an aluminum frame sculpted from a
single block of pure aircraft-grade aluminum with integrated
handle.
The case's spring-loaded latch closure provides positive security,
while the hand-stretched and folded leather body gives it a rich and
sumptuous elegance, and the Aria is also available in premium leathers
and special-order exotic skins.
The Aria case's inside is, if anything, more sumptuously
appointed than its exterior, and it comes equipped with Orbino's
removable accessories pocket and a padded ergonomic shoulder strap. The
Aria is available in four standard colors: Black Calfskin, Brown
Pebbled Leather, Deep Red Pebbled Leather, and Orange Kidskin.
Priced at $529, the Aria costs nearly one-third as much as the base
MacBook Air itself, but there's no denying that it looks great and
should do a fine job of protecting the Air.
LINK: Orbino Aria Case
for the MacBook Air
Orbino Arista Case for the MacBook
Air
PR: The ultra slim premium leather case for the
MacBook Air. Crafted entirely by hand, lets you carry your MacBook Air
and essential accessories in style
The Orbino Arista is a premium, super-slim, vertical messenger-type
bag for MacBook Air crafted entirely by hand, and featuring a fully
padded computer bay and gusseted accessories pocket.
The Arista is pure detailing, featuring a raw-edge design to
accentuate its slim, clean lines, with no superfluous or bulky pockets
- just like a finely-tailored Italian suit.
However, as noted, there is a front gusset pocket to carry your
power adapter and cord, as well as an internal tailored pocket to hold
an iPhone.
The case features handstitched detailing in all areas of wear, using
high-tensile woven and waxed thread. Every case comes with a
certificate of authenticity.
Though remarkably thin, the Arista offers excellent protection for
your MacBook Air, and is surrounded by a rigid lip of leather to absorb
impact. The MacBook Air itself is enveloped in a cell of soft
cushioning material.
A palette of vegetable-tanned leathers gives the Arista
case its extraordinary allure. As a leader in premium accessories,
Orbino has access to a wide range of Italian leathers, and can do
custom colors on request.
Standard colors include Black Tuscan Leather, Brown Tuscan Leather,
Burnished Whiskey Leather, Deep Red Tuscan Leather and Handstained
Mahogany Leather)
Prices for the Orbino Arista start at $349 for most colors while the
Handstained Mahogany Leather version sells for $375.
Link: Orbino Arista
Case for the MacBook Air
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.
The only change this week is that black Penryn MacBooks are back.
Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping
is free.
- refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,549
- refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $2,699
- refurb 2.1 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/Combo, $949
- refurb 2.1 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/Combo, $949
- refurb 2.2 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $999
- refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,099
- refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, black, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,299
- refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,649
- refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,699
- refurb 15" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,149
- refurb 15" 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,399
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,099
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz hi-res Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD,
$2,299
- refurbn 17" 2.5 GHz Intel Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD,
$2,399
- refurb 17" hi-res 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD,
$2,499
- refurb 17" 2.6 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,649
- refurb 17" hi-res 2.6 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD,
$2,749
- open box 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,499.99
- 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $169.99
- 12" Book 600, 128/15/CD, $249.99
- 12" iBook 700, 128/20/Combo, $329.99
- 12" iBook 800, 128/30/CD, $299.99
- 12" iBook 800, 256/30/Combo, $399.99
- 12" iBook 900 256/40/Combo, $489.99
- 12" iBook G4/800 MHz, 640/30/Combo, $329
- 12" iBook G4/800 MHz, 640/30/Combo, $370
- 12" iBook G4/1.07 GHz, 640/30/Combo, $375
- 14" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/60/Combo, $425
- 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 640/60/SD, APX, $535
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $719
- 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $785
- 15" 2.1 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, APX, $1,129
- open box 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,699
- open box 2.1 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,049
- open box 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,249
- open box 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,249
- open box 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,449
- open box 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, warranty started, 2/160/SD,
$1,749
- open box 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, warranty started, 2/200/SD,
$1,899
- open box 15" 2.5 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,399
- refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,988
- open box 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,188
- open box 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, warranty
started, $2,288
- open box 17" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,649
- Blueberry clamshell iBook G3/300 MHz, 64/3/CD, $149.95
- Tangerine clamshell iBook G3/300 MHz, 64/3/CD, $159.95
- 12" iBook G3/500, 192/10/DVD, $249.95
- 12" iBook G3/800, 256/10/DVD, $289.95
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, $499.95
- 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, APX, AppleCare, $599.95
- Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 192/6/Zip, $269.95
- 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,499.95
- Lombard PowerBook G3/400, 128/6/DVD, battery in unknown condition,
$150
- 12" iBook G3/600, 128/20/CD, OS X 10.2, working battery,
$279.99
- 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, OS X 10.4, stop theft tags on
the cover, $449.99
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.
