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
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Review.
News & Opinion
Apple Updates
Tech Trends
Products
News & Opinion
Apple Updates and Expands MacBook Pro Family with
13" Model, Lower Prices
PR: Apple on Monday
updated the aluminum unibody MacBook Pro line to include 13", 15", and
17" models featuring Apple's innovative built-in battery for up to 40%
longer battery life. Each MacBook Pro includes an LED-backlit display
with greater color intensity, the innovative glass Multi-Touch™
trackpad, an illuminated keyboard, an SD card or ExpressCard slot, a
FireWire 800 port, and state of the art Nvidia graphics. Starting at
just $1,199, the MacBook Pro line is more affordable than ever, with
some models up to $300 less than the previous generation. The
industry's greenest notebook lineup, every Mac notebook achieves EPEAT*
Gold status and meets Energy Star 5.0 requirements, setting a new
standard for environmentally friendly notebook design.
"Across the line, all of our new MacBook Pro models now include
Apple's innovative built-in battery for up to seven hours of battery
life, while staying just as thin and light as before," said Philip
Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
"Starting at just $1,199, the aluminum unibody MacBook Pro is more
affordable than ever and sets a new standard for environmentally
friendly notebook design."
The new 13" and 15" MacBook Pro models include Apple's innovative
built-in notebook battery for up to seven hours of wireless
productivity on a single charge without adding thickness, weight or
cost. Using Adaptive Charging and advanced chemistry first introduced
with the 17" MacBook Pro earlier this year, the built-in battery
delivers up to 1,000 recharges before it reaches 80% of its original
capacity - nearly three times the lifespan of conventional batteries.**
The longer battery lifespan equals fewer depleted batteries and less
waste.
The new 13"
MacBook Pro is a significant upgrade at a lower price than the
original aluminum
MacBook it replaces. With the same sleek and durable design popular
with consumers, students, and professionals, all 13" MacBook Pro models
now include a seven hour built-in battery, an SD card slot, a FireWire
800 port, an illuminated keyboard, and an improved LED-backlit display
with 60% greater color gamut. Featuring the powerful Nvidia GeForce
9400M integrated graphics processor, the 13" MacBook Pro is available
in two models: one with a 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB of RAM
and a 160 GB hard drive priced at $1,199, and another with a 2.53 GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo, 4 GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard drive priced at
$1,499.
The perfect balance of performance and portability, the 15" MacBook Pro now
features a seven hour built-in battery, an SD card slot, an improved
LED-backlit display with 60% greater color gamut and 4 GB of RAM
across the line at an entry price $300 less than before. The new 15"
MacBook Pro is available in three models: a 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
system with a 250 GB hard drive and Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics for a
new entry price of $1,699; a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a
320 GB hard drive, and Nvidia GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for
$1,999; and a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 500 GB hard drive,
and Nvidia GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT graphics for $2,299.
The 17" MacBook Pro, which
includes an eight hour built-in battery, an ExpressCard slot, a
brilliant LED-backlit display, 4 GB of RAM and Nvidia GeForce
9400M and 9600M GT graphics, has been updated to include a faster 2.8
GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and a larger 500 GB hard drive for
$2,499, which is $300 less than before.
All MacBook Pro systems feature Apple's revolutionary aluminum
unibody design and for the first time can be upgraded with up to
8 GB of RAM, and up to a 500 GB hard drive or up to a 256 GB solid
state drive. The 15" and 17" MacBook Pro models can also be upgraded to
a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. All MacBook Pro systems include
a next generation, industry-standard Mini DisplayPort to connect with
the 24" Apple LED Cinema Display.
Apple today also updated the incredibly thin and light MacBook Air, making it more
powerful and more affordable. Measuring just 0.16 to 0.76-inches thin
and weighing just three pounds, the MacBook Air is available in two
models starting with the new entry price of $1,499 for a 1.86 GHz Intel
Core 2 Duo system with a 120 GB hard drive and Nvidia GeForce 9400M
graphics, and a 2.13 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo system with a 128 GB solid
state drive and Nvidia GeForce 9400M graphics for $1,799.
Every Mac notebook achieves EPEAT Gold status and meets Energy Star
5.0 requirements, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly
notebook design. Each unibody enclosure is made of highly recyclable
aluminum and comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays
that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. All MacBook Pro
and MacBook Air models contain no brominated flame retardants and use
internal cables and components that are PVC-free. The built-in battery
design results in less waste and depleted batteries can be replaced for
$129 or $179, which includes installation and disposal of your old
battery in an environmentally responsible manner.
Every MacBook Pro comes with Apple's innovative iLife '09 featuring
iPhoto for managing photos, iMovie for making movies and GarageBand for
creating and learning to play music. Every Mac also runs Leopard, the
world's most advanced operating system, featuring Time Machine, an
effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac; Spaces, an
intuitive feature used to create groups of applications and instantly
switch between them; Mail with easy setup and elegant, personalized
stationery; and iChat, the most advanced video chat.
The new 13" MacBook Pro, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, and
MacBook Air are now available through the Apple Store, Apple's
retail stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Mac OS X Snow
Leopard™ will be shipping in September 2009, and any new Mac
system purchased without Snow Leopard from Apple or an Apple Authorized
Reseller between June 8, 2009 and the end of the program on December
26, 2009, is eligible for the Mac OS X Snow Leopard Up-To-Date upgrade
package available for a product plus shipping and handling fee of $9.95
(US). Users must request their Up-To-Date upgrade within 90 days of
purchase or by December 26, 2009, or whichever comes first.
Macworld Posts 2.13 GHz MacBook White
Benchmarks
Macworld's
James Galbraith reports that the latest entry-level 2.13 GHz MacBook
rolled out by Apple last week, according to Macworld Lab tests, now
outperforms the 2 GHz aluminum unibody MacBook costing $300 more,
running about 6.5 percent faster with an 8 percent boost in Photoshop
times and iTunes MP3 encoding scores, and Cinema 4D about 5 percent
faster.
Link: 2.13 GHz White MacBook
Benchmarks
Apple Extends MacBook Pro Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT
Graphics Defect Coverage to 3 Years
Apple has announced that their extended service program for MacBook
Pro users whose machines have certain Nvidia graphics processor units
and are experiencing video anomalies such as distorted or scrambled
video - a fault that has been acknowledged by Nvidia, will be extended
to three years coverage instead of the previously announced two
years.
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
In July 2008, Nvidia publicly acknowledged a higher
than normal failure rate for some of their graphics processors due to a
packaging defect. At that same time, Nvidia assured Apple that Mac
computers with these graphics processors were not affected. However,
after an Apple-led investigation, Apple has determined that some
MacBook Pro computers with the Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics
processor may be affected. If the Nvidia graphics processor in your
MacBook Pro has failed, or fails within three years of the original
date of purchase, a repair will be done free of charge, even if your
MacBook Pro is out of warranty.
Reportedly,
Nvidia already spent $43.6 million during its last fiscal year covering
warranty and product replacement claims related to graphics chips that
were manufactured and sold with a "weak die/packaging material set."
according to a company report cited.
The June 2007 and early 2008 revisions of the original MacBook Pro
are the models that shipped with the allegedly affected Nvidia GeForce
8600M GT graphics processor in both 15" and 17" MacBook Pros
manufactured between approximately May 2007 and September 2008.
Specific Apple products affected are :
- MacBook Pro 15" and 17" models with Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT
graphics processors
- MacBook Pro (17-Inch, 2.4 GHz)
- MacBook Pro (15-Inch, 2.4/2.2 GHz)
- MacBook Pro (Early 2008)
These computers were manufactured between approximately May 2007 and
September 2008
If you have one of the potentially affected machines, here's what to
look for:
- Distorted or scrambled video on the computer screen
- No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though
the computer is on
If your MacBook Pro is exhibiting any of the symptoms described
above, you are instructed take it to an Apple Retail Store or an Apple
Authorized Service Provider for evaluation, or call your local Apple
Contact Center. Before visiting the Genius Bar at the Apple Retail
Store, it's requested that you make a reservation.
Apple is issuing refunds to customers who may have paid for repairs
related to this issue. Contact Apple support for details on the refund
process.
Note: If your MacBook Pro is not (at least so far) experiencing any
of these symptoms, you are advised to not contact Apple, which pledges
to continue evaluating repair data on these machines and to provide
further repair extensions as needed.
Link: MacBook Pro:
Distorted Video or No Video Issues
Requiem for a MacBook
Blogger Andrew Currie says:
"Last night I handed over my 2007-vintage BlackBook to my sister in
law, whose IBM ThinkPad has been compromised - most probably by her
kids clicking on banner ads.
"Though this is the last version of Apple's consumer portable to
have FireWire (and target disk mode) built-in, it has become too
cumbersome for me to cart around and has been replaced by a diminutive
Asus Eee PC running Linux."
Currie goes on to muse on what he'll miss about the MacBook and what
he won't.
Link: Requiem
for a MacBook
Apple Netbook Makes More Sense Than iTablet - For
Now
So says The
Mac Observer's John Martellaro, arguing that there is a known market
for notebook computers, and that market had been soaring until the
economy went bonkers. There is a known and growing market for netbooks,
and Apple can, if it wishes, carve out a piece of that market as well.
But what is the market for an iTablet?
But that market has to be driven by fundamental needs combined with
new, compelling technology. That's why I now think the MacNetBook will
come first, in 2009, and as the needs of mobile users gets sorted out,
Apple will unexpectedly seize a new, emerging market that doesn't mimic
the Lunar Lander scenario. It will be wholly unexpected and ground
breaking. But that market won't emerge until we're out of the recession
in 2010.
Finally, the consensus of the blogsphere and twitterverse is that
Apple will release an iTablet soon. I take that as the necessary and
sufficient condition that Apple will do something much smarter. Build a
MacNetBook that isn't crap, flesh out the product line, and make
money.
Link:
Apple Netbook Makes More Sense Than iTablet - For Now
Apple Updates
MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.3
The MacBook Pro SMC Firmware
Update 1.3 adjusts the fan behavior in MacBook Pro systems (15" and
17") when running under high workload conditions.
The updater application will be installed in the
/Applications/Utilities folder and will launch automatically. Please
follow the instructions in the updater application to complete the
update process.
File Size: 833 KB
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.4.11
- Mac OS X 10.5.7
Link:
MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.3
Apple Portables: Calibrating Your Computer's
Battery for Best Performance
A newly updated Apple Knowledge
Base article explains how you can calibrate your iBook, PowerBook,
MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro computer's lithium ion battery for
best performance.
The article notes that battery has an internal microprocessor that
provides an estimate of the amount of energy in the battery as it
charges and discharges. The battery needs to be recalibrated from time
to time to keep the onscreen battery time and percent display accurate
and to keep the battery operating at maximum efficiency. You should
perform this procedure when you first use your computer and then every
few months after that. If you normally leave your Apple portable
computer connected to AC power and very rarely use it on battery power
you may want to perform this process once a month. The website
www.apple.com/batteries has more helpful information regarding
batteries and offers an iCal calendar to remind you to calibrate your
battery.
Link: Apple Portables:
Calibrating Your Computer's Battery for Best Performance
Tech Trends
Dell Axes Hackintosh Makers' Favourite Netbook -
Inspiron Mini 9
Register Hardware's Tony Smith reports:
"It's official: one of the most hackintosh-friendly netbooks, the
Dell Inspiron Mini 9, is no more.
"Dell has knocked the 9in machine on the head, preferring instead to
point punters at the 10in Mini 10 and Mini 10v.
"...according to Boing Boing's guide to netbook hackintosh
compatibility, the 10v isn't as Mac OS X friendly as the Mini 9
was...."
Link: Dell Axes
Hackintosh Makers' Favourite Netbook - Inspiron Mini 9
Microsoft Redefines 'Netbook' to Push Up Windows 7
Price
Electronista
reports that Microsoft at Computex said it wants PC builders to avoid
using the term "netbook" in the future, and instead to call them "low
cost small notebook PCs" [good luck with that] because many of these
devices support features that are no longer just for the Web. The
article suggests that Microsoft's objective is to force system makers
into using more expensive versions of Windows 7 on certain models.
Link:
MS Redefines 'Netbook' to Push Up Win 7 Price
Netbooks Not for Multimedia, But Sales Are Booming
Anyway
Forbes' Brian
Caulfield notes that Intel staged an unusual demonstration for
investors last month in aid of impressing on its OEM customers that
computers based on the Intel Atom processor, widely used in small
"netbook" laptops, is not designed handle streamed video and such, and
that it should be made clear to netbook consumers that they're not
intended as multi-media platforms - a point of confusion Caulfield
notes has led to netbook return rates as high as 30 per cent for last
year.
All of that notwithstanding, Caulfield cites Gartner Group
predicting netbook sales will double to 21 million units in 2009 from
11.7 million units last year.
Link:
Netbooks Not for Multi-Media, But Sales Are Booming Anyway
The Future Is Ultra-Thin: New Intel Chips Redefine
Laptop Style, Performance, Battery Life
PR: At Computex, Intel
Corporation introduced four new processors, including a low-power
version and a value chipset, to usher in mainstream ultra-thin laptops.
Intel ultra-low voltage (ULV) processors will enable new sleek consumer
laptop designs less than an inch thick, weighing 2 to 5 pounds, and at
mainstream price points. These processors also consume less power to
enable longer battery life, delivering the type of experience consumers
expect from Intel-based laptops. In addition, Intel also announced the
addition of new devices that can now wirelessly connect using optional
Intel My WiFi Technology.
With an ultra-thin laptop powered by Intel ultra-low voltage
processors, consumers experience a unique balance of performance and
power consumption that is incomparable in the market today all in a
slim, sleek package, said Mooly Eden, vice president and general
manager of the Mobile Platforms Group at Intel. And at mainstream price
points, Intel is proud to deliver ultra thin for all.
Intel extends its leadership on the standard voltage (SV) Intel Core
2 Duo processors, with offerings up to 3.06 GHz. These energy-efficient
processors deliver breakthrough mobile performance and responsiveness
for demanding business users and consumers. Users will see improved
performance when running multiple, intense applications simultaneously,
as well as dual-core optimized applications.
In addition,
Intel unveiled the Mobile Intel GS40 Express Chipset for the new
ULV-based laptops. This value chipset enables ULV-based laptops to
support features consumers have come to expect from laptops including
HD playback, Windows Vista!" Premium support and native support for
integrated HDMI.
Consumers have choice when it comes to their wireless options by
adding embedded WiMAX or Intel My WiFi Technology to their laptops.
Using Intel My WiFi Technology, more devices can now wirelessly connect
to Intel Centrino 2 processor technology laptops. My WiFi Technology
transforms a laptop into a WiFi personal area network, connecting
directly with up to eight WiFi certified devices without cables or
wires, including cameras, printers, HDTV and MP3 players, to print,
share, show and sync wirelessly at home or on the go. With high-speed
broadband WiMAX networks rolling out in new cities around the world,
embedded WiMAX is also an option for users, putting consumers on the
forefront of 4G wireless with an entire city as their own hotspot.
+System performance, battery life, power savings, high-definition
quality, video playback and functionality, and wireless performance and
functionality will vary depending on your specific operating system,
hardware, chipset, connection availability and rate, site conditions,
and software configurations. References to enhanced performance
including wireless refer to comparisons with previous generation Intel
technologies. Wireless connectivity and some features may require you
to purchase additional software, services or external hardware.
See http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/index.htm
and http://www.intel.com/go/consumerbenchmarks
for more information on performance, wireless, power savings and energy
efficiency.
#Requires WiFi-enabled devices connecting to the PC via the Intel My
WiFi Technology. WiFi devices must be certified by the WiFi Alliance
for 802.11b/g/a and support WiFi Protected Setup. Check with your PC
manufacturer for more details.
Products
New Options, Lower Pricing: Modbook 'Mac Tablet'
from $1,899 at OWC
PR: Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the
availability of new memory and data storage upgrade options and a $200
price reduction on brand new units of the Axiotron Modbook, the world's only
Mac-based tablet computer that lets users draw and write directly on
the screen. OWC is an exclusive US-based distributor for Modbook, as
well as being an Axiotron Authorized System Manufacturer (AASM) and
fully certified to convert existing MacBooks into full-featured
Modbooks via the Modservice program.
New Modbooks Ship Within 48 Business Hours
OWC offers consumers a variety of Modbook 'Build to Order'
customization options. A new 13.3" Modbook tablet computer starts at
$1,899 (including instant rebate) and comes standard with a Core 2 Duo
2.0 GHz processor, 2 GB of memory, 120 GB internal hard drive, an
8X Dual-Layer SuperDrive, and WAAS enabled GPS (while supplies last).
Both base unit and custom configured orders with new performance
upgrades like memory up to 6 GB, internal hard drive storage up to
820 GB or a Solid State Drive (SSD) up to 160 GB, and Core 2 Duo
processor up to 2.4 GHz ship from OWC within 48 business hours.
'Bring Your Own 'Book' (BYOB) Option
Owners of existing Intel Core 2 Duo white or black MacBook computers
can select the "Bring Your Own 'Book" (BYOB) Modservice option and have
OWC fully convert their MacBook into a full-featured Modbook with all
of the same functionality that has earned Modbook numerous awards and
accolades. Modservice prices start at $1,149.99 for the turnkey
service, which includes a protective shipping box and FedEx shipping to
and from OWC.
Both new Modbook and Modservice conversion offerings are backed by a
One Year Warranty, which can be optionally extended to a full Three
Year Warranty for an additional $349. The Extended Warranty covers the
original MacBook components; any customer-selected upgrades installed
by OWC at the time of modification, and the tablet components.
Link: Modbook
and Modbook Pro
