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News & Opinion
New MacBook Pros Could Go Completely Quad-Core
Using First Ivy Bridge Processors
Ars Technica's Chris Foresman speculates that the six quad-core
mobile processors Intel launched on Monday in the first wave of its
transition from Sandy Bridge to Ivy Bridge would allow Apple to make
its revamped MacBook Pro lineup all quad-core if it wanted to take that
route. Other alternatives would be to release the new MacBook Pros in
stages, with quad-core powered higher-end MacBook models rolling out in
May, and lower-end dual-core 15" machines and 13" models following in
June as dual-core Ivy Bridge silicon becomes available.
Foresman notes that 45W TDP quad-core CPUs make a good fit for
Apple's higher-end 15" and 17" MacBook Pros, while less power-hungry
(35W TDP) dual-core units are more suitable for low-end or smaller form
factor models, but that Intel has announced a Core i7-3612QM quad-core
unit that shaves a few megahertz off the maximum GPU and CPU
frequencies, allowing it to max out at 35W TDP, so if Apple wanted to
it could offer an all quad-core MacBook Pro lineup with processors
Intel is including in its first wave Ivy Bridge release. He reasons
that Apple could use a quad-core/dual-core distinction to position the
MacBook Pro as its maximum performance laptop, with the MacBook Air
targeted to users willing to trade some performance for ultimate
portability and lower price points.
On the other hand, some prognosticators contend that Apple is fixing
to eliminate the distinctions of Pro and Air altogether, and merge the
two lines into one contiguous notebook family simply called MacBook,
while dropping the 17-inch model entirely. I'm skeptical, but we'll
see.
Foresman thinks it more likely that if Apple shuns his all quad-core
suggestion, they will wait until June to launch an full series of
MacBook Pro models, which your editor considers the likeliest
scenario.
Link: MacBook Pros
Could Go All-quad-core with First-wave Ivy Bridge
Processors
Apple Applies to Patent MacBook Air
Design
Wired's Christina Bonnington reports that an expanded patent
application for the the MacBook Air 
form factor passed through the US Patent and Trademark Office,
the patent being for a portable computing device with a wedge-shaped
top case and a lid pivotally connected to the base via a hinge. Apple -
in short a design we know as the MacBook Air.
Bonnington suggests that Apple may be beefing up its patent library
to counter 
the onslaught of Intel PC Ultrabooks, with
nine MacBook Air-related patent applications lumped together under the
category Portable Computing Device, and which if granted, could
theoretically allow Apple to enforce its patent and
sweep Intel-based MacBook Air lookalikes off store shelves.
Publisher's note: Although it didn't have a hinge at the back like
the MacBook Air, the 1989 Macintosh Portable was definitely
wedge-shaped - and a whole lot thicker and heavier than any Mac
notebook since. Of course, it wasn't Apple's first wedge-shaped
computer. That honor goes to the Apple IIc from 1984.
dk
Link: Apple Wants to
Patent Its MacBook Air Design
Products & Services
Samsung Introduces World's Thinnest External
Optical Drive
PR: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced its new slim
external DVD writer, the SE-218BB optical disc drive (ODD) that it
claims sets the industry standard for ultra portable drives.
Through
its AV connectivity mode, the drive is also ideal for Tablet PC users
that want to view or hear content from a disc.
Built to accompany a new generation of ultrabook and slim laptop
designs, the SE-218BB features a compact size that is 18% thinner than
conventional DVD writers and is the world's thinnest external optical
disc drive with a 14mm height. The drive is 8% lighter than Samsung's
conventional DVD writer and built to accommodate today's mobile
lifestyle.
"With its ultra small footprint, consumers will appreciate the
SE-218BB sleek drive as an ideal companion for ultrabook users that
quickly connects and is USB powered to access content wherever they
are," says Maverick Choi, ODD senior manager, Samsung Semiconductor,
Inc. "Through its AV connectivity mode, the drive is also ideal for
Tablet PC users that want to view or hear content from a disc."
Using Smart Power technology, SE-218BB connects through its single
USB port to power the drive and provide AV connectivity to PCs and
notebook computers. For Tablet PCs with a built-in USB port and
supporting Android Honeycomb OS 3.1 or above, the SE-218BB allows users
on-the-go to watch DVD content on their tablets.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is engineered to be compatible with all
major operating systems, including Windows 7 and Mac OS X.
Featuring Buffer Under Run technology, the drive works to prevent
errors that result from writing speeds that can exceed data transfer
speeds, while also enabling PC multitasking.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is an eco-friendly product, manufactured
with lead-free soldering technology that eliminates harmful materials
such as Pb, cd, cr+6, Hg, PBBs, and PBDE.
The external DVD drive is capable of reading and writing files at a
variety of speeds across different data media types including: 24x
CD-ROM, 24x CD-RW, 8x DVDR recording, 5x DVD-RAM recording, 6x DVD+R
Dual Layer recording, 6x DVD-R Dual Layer recording, 8x DVD+RW
recording, and 6x DVD-RW recording.
The SE-218BB is available now worldwide at online retail outlets
with a MSRP of $59.99.
AOC 22" USB Powered Monitor
PR:
AOC suggest that their new 22" USB Powered Monitor is ideal for
presentations and dual monitor displays, with no external power cord
needed.
The 22" e2251Fwu USB monitor is also slim and lightweight for
maximum portability, and features a piano-black glossy bezel and base.
No power cord or VGA cable are required, and the display is plug &
play compatible with both PC and Mac.
Technical
Specifications:
- Viewable Image Size 21.5" (16:9)
- Response Time 5ms
- Optimum Resolution 1920 x 1080 @ 60 Hz
- Colors Supported > 16 Million
- Digital Input - USB
- ENERGY STAR Compliant
- EPEAT Rated
Street price is about $160
Publisher's note: All monitors that use USB for video use DisplayLink, which
creates a virtual graphics card on your Mac or Windows PC, which sends
compressed data to the display, because USB 2.0 does
not have enough bandwidth to support resolutions higher than 1024 x
768 without resorting to data compression. The Mac driver requires
OS X 10.4 or later on Intel hardware. Windows XP or newer required
on PCs. Tom's Hardware reviewed the technology last summer using
Windows 7 and found
that at the 1920 x 1280 resolution of this AOC display, video or a
2-images-per-second slide show would create a 40-50% CPU workload on a
mobile i5 processor - and just moving the mouse used 15%. The article
also notes that DisplayLink is not really suitable for 3D gaming. I
have not been able to find an in-depth review of this technology used
on Macs. dk
Link: AOC 22" - e2251Fwu
(available
from Amazon.com for $168.51 shipped)
Altego Coated Canvas Cyan Series and Channel
Stitched Ruby Series Laptop Bags
PR:
Altego has announced the launch of two new distinct lines of laptop
bags and cases designed for the Apple MacBook and iPad. The Coated
Canvas Cyan Series and Channel Stitched Ruby Series are touted as both
natural fits for the fashion-forward yet minimalist Apple user.
"Our goal is to offer products that enhance the user's lifestyle,"
says Altego's Director of Marketing Drew Bowers. "Individuals are
looking to protect their MacBook and iPad without compromising fashion
or functionality and I believe we have produced that winning
combination."
The Coated Canvas Cyan Series and Channel Stitched Ruby Series don't
feature new ways of carrying technology of today but instead make it an
afterthought. These bags and cases offer upgraded materials, simplistic
clean lines, and realistic features.
Coated Canvas
Cyan Series Product Features:
- Weather resistant coated canvas for a unique look and added
durability
- Soft quilted lining offering ultimate protection for MacBook and
iPad
- Custom molded waffle design back padding for sleek look, extra
durability and extreme comfort
- Interior iPad pocket lined with soft padded fabric
- Metal self-locking twist buckles for quick one-handed closure while
on the go
- Commercial grade five bar seat belt webbing shoulder strap
- Cyan lining and accents
Channel
Stitched Ruby Series Product Features:
- Quilted soft flannel lining offering ultimate protection for
MacBook and iPad
- Custom molded waffle design back padding for sleek look, extra
durability and extreme comfort
- Interior iPad pocket lined with soft padded flannel
- Channel stitched front flap with adjustable front buckle
closure
- Commercial grade five bar seat belt webbing shoulder strap
- Plaid flannel lining with ruby red accents
- Durable weather-resistant poly construction
Altego bags and cases will be available through retail and online
stores including CompUSA, Amazon.com, Tigerdirect.com, and more.
Link: Altego
(available through Amazon.com)
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