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Monday, July 31st 2006
Worldwide Exchange Program Begun for 15-inch MacBook Pro Batteries
If you bought a 15-inch MacBook Pro between February 2006 and May 2006, Apple is offering a free battery exchange as part of a new worldwide program being initiated. Here is an excerpt from Apple's support article on the topic:
We recently discovered that some 15-inch MacBook Pro batteries supplied to Apple do not meet our high standards for battery performance. To give our users the best experience possible, we will replace these batteries for customers free of charge.Note: The affected batteries do not pose a safety risk. You may continue to use your current battery until a replacement arrives.
The affected batteries have model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC.
Apple adds that people who have bought second batteries for their MacBook Pros should check to see if those fall within the affected range, as well. After veryifying that your battery is in need of replacement, simply fill out this form from Apple and they will send a new battery, as well as recycle the old battery. No word yet on how many batteries this could end up being, but given that it could be just about every 15-inch MacBook Pro sold for four months, the numbers could add up.
Merom-Powered Notebooks Coming in August
MacNN has the dirt on Intel's Merom processor making it to your friendly neighborhood computer maker. The beefed-up-but-power-saving processor is already on the way to companies planning to use it in laptops reaching consumers in August. While not significantly faster than the current CoreDuo processors, Merom allows for clockspeeds up to 2.33 GHz with 64-bit processing and 4MB of L2 cache (double the current amount found in today's MBs and MBPs), all without sacrificing battery life. Merom-powered MacBooks and MacBook Pros shouldn't be too far away.
MacBook Pro Sleeves on the Cheap
We saw this linked over at Gizmodo and knowing we have some duct tape enthusiasts among our own readers, thought you would all be interested in the DIY MacBook Pro Sleeve Case. We would ask that if you make this item for more than the fun of it, please take the aesthetics of your MacBook Pro and its case into consideration. We won't want Jonathan Ives to besobbing at the sight of teal-and-black-duct-tape wrapper on the beautifully-designed MacBook Pro.
Friday, July 28th 2006
New Titanium PowerBook CPU Upgrades Introduced
Daystar has introduced new XLR8 MAChSped [sic] G4 CPU upgrades for the Titanium PowerBooks. For the earlier 400 MHz and 500 MHz G4 PowerBooks, there are $250 upgrades available to boost your clockspeed to 550 MHz, while for the later Titanium PowerBooks the upgrades are G4s at 1.25 GHz to 1.33 G4 for the price of $450. Daystar receives your PowerBook and handles the upgrade with certified technicians, making a painless process, and can also add a cooling handle or upgrade your RAM, hard drive, battery, or optical drive while they're at it.
Wrappers Releases Linen MacBookSleeves
For those of you looking for something a little different to cover your MacBook, Wrappers has these new linen sleeves. The sleeves come in five colors and make a point of being nearly devoid of branding. A unique tailoring of the material leaves the MacBook completely covered inside, despite not using any zippers, velcro, buttons, etc. One interesting feature is the ability to have a custom monogram on the sleeve, perhaps making a nice wedding present for the geek couple in your life that isn't so interested in towels. Standard sleeves are GBP 15.99, while monogrammed sleeves run GBP 18.99.
Limited Edition Signature MBPs Offered by ColorWare
We can't find this on ColorWare's website, but according to Engadget, ColorWare is making a limited-edition MacBook Pro. It's unclear if one client is having all of these made for their purchase, or if you just need to offer ColorWare some serious scratch to get one of the no more than ten units being produced. If you do get your hands on one of these, you'll likely have one of the only Apple notebooks without an Apple logo on it.
Thursday, July 27th 2006
Apple Fesses up to Discolored MacBooks
After examining the situation, Apple is doing the right thing and offering to replace the cases on discolored white MacBooks. If your MacBook has suffered from discoloration problems and has a serial number between 4H617XXXXXXXX and 4H627XXXXXXXX, you can have your notebook's casing replaced via AppelCare. Apple is supposed to have had the problem corrected so that it won't happen again with the new casings. More information is available from AppleInsider
If you want to avoid needing to replace the casing at all, ShuffleArt's Koobniks may be of interest to you. These soft vinyl accessories attack to the wrist area and trackpad button of your Apple notebook to protect against scratching and oils. The $25 items supposedly leave no residue, are reuseable, and come in a variety of designs.
Apple Recognizes Whining MacBook Pro Problem
In the day's second admission by Apple, there is a new support article that reads:
If your 15-inch MacBook Pro emits a high-pitched buzzing sound, please contact AppleCare for service.
From all accounts, it appears that Apple will replace the logic board on poorly-behaved MacBook Pros with a newer revision of the logic board. To re-read the one-sentence article on Apple's own website, check here.
Wednesday, July 26th 2006
AMD Purchase of ATI Puts Apple in Tough Spot
The ever-vigilant Jason D. O'Grady has voiced some of the same concerns on the AMD acquisition of ATI in his latest blog entry. With Apple using ATI graphics technology in the MacBook Pro and iMac, and rumored to be using ATI technology in the Mac Pro, ATI's new status as part of rival AMD's possessions leaves Apple in a difficult position. There aren't many serious options for a replacement in the graphics card world, with Nvidia possibly the only other adequate vendor of high-end graphics cards. Considering AMD seems to have its eyes on moving up in the graphics world, perhaps Intel will counter by attemping to improve their own graphics chipsets to the point where they can handle intensive gaming and graphics work. It will take some time for all of this to be sorted out, but it will be interesting to see how it shakes out.
Synaptics Back in the Apple Fold?
Forbes is reporting on some analysts' comments about Synaptics renewing its relationship with Apple. In the past, Synaptics has helped to provide trackpads and other touch-sensor components for Apple's portable computers and iPods, but Apple has recently handled an increasing amount of this work in-house. While it's unclear what exactly Synaptics would be doing for Apple, be it notebook or iPod components, it could lead to changes for the MacBook and MacBook Pro down the line.
Tuesday, July 25th 2006
Pimp Your Laptop to an Even Greater Degree
We're not sure if Skinit.com is new, or just new to us, but they provide vinyl decals to give portable devices flair. They have categories like flags of the world, art, sports, and music in sizes suitable for the 12-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch Apple portables. The skins run $30 and don't use an adhesive, preventing any unsightly residue on your computer and allowing for easy swapping to match your outfit. A very cool feature is the ability to turn your own photos and images into custom skins for no extra cost (mark that one down for your favorite geek's birthday), so you need to meet your pieces of flair quota, this site has some nice offerings.
Apple Acknowledges MacBook Discoloration Issue
Apple has posted an article in its support database acknowledging the tendency of early-production white MacBooks to become discolored in the palm rest area. Here is the entire text:
If your MacBook is exhibiting discoloration on the top case after some use, please contact AppleCare for service.
So it's not exactly begging for forgiveness and expressing remorse, but at least they'll admit they know what you're talking about when you call AppleCare.
Odds and Ends
AMD is on the verge of acquiring ATI Technologies, the maker of the graphics chips found in Apple's MacBook Pro and iMac lines. Given Apple's close ties to Intel, and Nvidia potentially producing chips for a new video iPod, it's unclear if this transaction will lead to a more significant relationship with Nvidia and a distancing from ATI.
NewerTechnology has lowered their battery prices. If you're interested in a higher-capacity battery, or just want a replacement unit for your Apple portable, Newer's prices are lower than ever.
Monday, July 24th 2006
Timbuk2 Laptop Messenger Bag Reviewed
For those of you interested in a laptop bag that won't be confused for a laptop bag, we have a new review of Timbuk2's Laptop Messenger bag.
New Intel Chips on the Way
Both MacRumors and AppleInsider have reports on new chips that could make their way into the MacBook Pro lineup in the relatively-near future. The Core 2 Duo processors (codenamed Merom) are expected to be launched this week with clockspeeds ranging from 1.66GHz to 2.33GHz. The performance increase is expected to be about 20% beyond the current CoreDuo processors at the same clockspeed, and the 2.0GHz, 2.16GHz, and 2.33GHz incarnations will have 4MB of Level 2 cache, versus 2MB of L2 cache in the current CoreDuo processors found in MacBooks and MacBook Pros. Apple is expected to use Merom in the MacBook Pro line in coming months, though it's unclear if it will also be used in the MacBook line. More information is available at AppleInsider and MacRumors.
Pimp Your MacBook
They're new to us, but Uncrate is apparently a site devoted to toys for grown men (something we can all enjoy), and they have a fun guide to pimping your MacBook, which includes everything from the everyday and mundane to the exotic and expensive. No sign of neon lighting or spoilers, but everything short fo that.
Pimp Your MacBook
Coolest Gadgets has a bit on a neat-looking flexible keyboard. Now, if only we had a flexible LCD, hard drive, and processor, we could really get somewhere with this roll-up computer idea.
iLounge has a report about one MacBook owner who sent in his computer for the notorious mooing problem, but found that upon its return the cow had been downsized to a squeaking mouse. Apparently Old McDonald's farm is doubling as an Apple manufacturing and repair facility.
Speaking of computer troubles, Macworld has a nice guide to spotting lemons. Particularly for those of you who are new to Macs or computing in general, this could be a way to narrow those wide eyes.
Friday, July 21st 2006
MaxUpgrades Releases MaxSleeve II
MaxUpgrades has begun shipping a new incarnation of their MaxSleeve, the MaxSleeve II. The MaxSleeve II comes in sizes for the 13-inch MacBook, 15-inch MacBook Pro, and 17-inch MacBook Pro, with prices ranging from $35-$39. Made out of synthetic leather on the exterior with foam panels for protecting against falls and other traumaus to your notebook, the sleek MaxSleeve II is available now from MaxUpgrades webstore.
Apple Notebook Marketshare Up to 12 Percent
The Mac Observer has information on the latest marketshare numbers for Apple. Amazingly, Apple's marketshare in portable computing is up from 6 percent in January to 12 percent in June. Some of this growth is being attributed to all of those consumers who had been waiting on the release of the MacBook, in addition to the popularity of the MacBook Pro.
Wednesday, July 19th 2006
Apple Portables Not Alone in Egg-Frying Abilities
Ars Technica has an informative news item that might give some perspective to those with MacBook heat concerns. Comparing the temperature of a 1.83GHz CoreDuo MacBook to a current Dell Latitude model, the MacBook was barely warmer than the Latitude. Of course, temperature can vary unit-to-unit, and the tester notes that particular quadrants can have dramatically different temperatures, but this does illustrate how Apple products can sometimes be held to much higher standards.
Logic Board Problems in MacBook, MacBook Pro?
At it again, Ars Technica has a summary of an ongoing problem with MacBooks and MacBook Pros shutting off at seemingly random points, much to the chagrin of their owners. It's unclear to this point how widespread the problem is, or what the source (or sources) could be, though there is some suspicion that this could be another logic board problem in some cases.
Odds and Ends
The always-reliable O'Grady's PowerPage has a brief review of the STM Alley from RadTech.
The Register has some coverage of the future of solid-state drives in portable computers.
Tuesday, July 18th 2006
Kamas Stand Available for MacBook, MacBook Pro
The Kamas stand has long been a bit of a cult classic in PowerBook accessories, coming as a specialty item from MacImports. Now there's a version suitable for the MacBook and MacBook Pro with new features and improvements on the previous model. The adjustable stand imported from Japan fits all MacBook, MacBook Pro, and PowerBook G4 models (we'd assume the G3 and G4 iBooks would also work just fine) and includes a heat sink and thermal pad to reduce heat. It is also now possible to use the optical drive with the portable on the stand. The Kamas stand is made of some very smooth-looking metal and is for use with a full-size external keyboard for cooler operation and better ergonomics. The Kamas stand is available now in silver and black for $119 from MacImports.
QuickerTek Offers Free iBook or PowerBook Handle with Transceiver Purchase
If you were interested in buying one of QuickerTek's add-on 500 mW transceivers, they've sweetened the deal by offering a free handle for use on PowerBooks or iBooks. The handles are a $50 value, making that quite a throw-in with the transceivers, which generally run about $200. The transceivers improve signal strength and range with wireless networks while the handles provide a handy (no pun intended) carrying option.
Odds and Ends
For those of you looking to increase your chances of a car accident, Mobile Magazine has a look at an almost-comical desk accessory for the passenger seat of your car. Yes, you too can be even more tied to your job for only $150-$330. You might not mention owning such an item to your insurance company.
The Mac Observer has some quick tips on getting the most out of your portable's battery.
Red Herring has an interesting article on the growing trend of faulty batteries, including mention of some of the major battery recalls of recent years.
Monday, July 17th 2006
Powering Multiple Large Monitors on Your MacBook Pro
The 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pros can power the 30-inch Apple Cinema HD display with their dual-link DVI video out, but what if that's not enough screen real estate for you? First, you might try reconsidering your expectations, because that's a lot of LCD already, but otherwise, try waiting until this fall. Macworld has some reader mail on this topic, and reports that Digital Tigers is working on an ExpressCard 34 version of their SideCar product that allows for powering of multiple displays. If you're splurging on multiple Cinema HD displays, though, remembering to budget $1300 for the SideCar, as that's what the PC Card version runs.
Odds and Ends
We recently showed some very nice-looking etching done by lasers on PowerBook and MacBook Pro cases, but now it has gone too far. Some of the comments on the photo bring up a good point, though: some corporate-branded etching would make a great promotional item for convention raffles, etc.
Next, we have this blog post about one MacBook owner who is taking lemons and making lemonade by using his MacBook to fry eggs and his AC adapter to keep his coffee warm. We don't recommend you try this at home, but points for creativity. For all of you dorm-bound college students out there, let your parents know about the world's best hot plate.
Friday, July 14th 2006
2GB SO-DIMMs Released, Macs Incompatible
Transcend Information has upped the ante and managed to squeeze 2GB of RAM on an SO-DIMM for use in laptops and some desktop computers, unfortunately this RAM is incompatible with the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and many PC computers, despite the company's press release stating otherwise. Apple clearly states that there is a 2GB RAM limit with their computers, so it's uncertain where the mistake happened. Of course some people would go for 4GB of RAM if they could, but the reality is that there aren't many activities on a laptop that would see real-world gains from more than 2GB. No word yet from Apple on whether it's possible to offer a workaround for greater RAM capacity, but it's looking doubtful.
Case for Apple Remote Set for Release
Chic iPod case maker Tunewear is expanding its repertoire with the announcement of the TuneRemote. The nappa leather case keeps your Apple Remote from scratches and grime, without hindering access to buttons. A metal hook attachment is included for use with a belt loop or bag strap. The TuneRemote will be available for purchase next month.
First Notebook with HD DVD Ships
Toshiba has set the pace with the release of its Qosimo G35-AV650 (or, as we call it for short, the QG35-AV650), the first to ship with an HD DVD drive. With the QG35-AV650 retailing for $3000, it could be some time before HD DVD optical drives are spotted in models bought by mere mortals. Apple, of course, is backing the rival Blu-Ray format, but there's been no word on when Apple will be introducing this technology.
Wednesday, July 12th 2006
160GB Drive Available from MCE
MCE has upped the ante with a new 160GB 2.5-inch hard drive for use in the MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and other Apple portables of recent years. These are the highest-capacity drives currently available for portable computers, making use of perpendicular recording technology for more densely-packed data. The $300 drive is available now and includes installation instructions, the tools needed for installation, and an anti-static wrist strap. For you MacBook users with the easy-access hard drive, this upgrade should be a snap.
In related news, a contributor to one of our favorite sites in O'Grady's PowerPage has a piece on disappointing gains in portable hard drive technology. The writer is of the opinion that more emphasis has been placed on physically large drives for desktops and external enclosures, while portable computer owners must pay an extreme premium for marginal gains in capacity. As with most things in portable computing though, trickle down is inevitable, and prices will come while the technology shrinks.
Explosive Dell Prompts Laptop Safety Concerns
Laptop Logic has a summary of concerns from an analyst at Info-Tech Research Group, who is calling for greater safety oversight and testing for batteries and AC adapters used by portable computers. While we understand some concerns, it's worth taking a look at the body count from notebook batteries and AC adapters. One only has to look at all the attention the PowerBook 5300's igniting potential got to realize companies are pretty self-regulating from fear of bad publicity.
Speaking of safety, Blizzard Internet has a blog post of sorts about keeping your laptop safe on the road. With the recent attention gained by some pilfered laptops, there are some words to the wise here. Particular attention is paid to wireless network security, one of the major concerns for the modern road warrior.
Tuesday, July 11th 2006
ExpressCard 34 Accessories on the Way
Macworld UK has an interesting news item about the impending release of ExpressCard 34 devices. The dearth of ExpressCard 34 devices has not gotten a lot of attention, but having some options is certainly going to please owners:
Listed products - some of which are Mac-compatible - include interface modules such as FirmTek's ATA ExpressCard Adaptor, memory card readers, television tuners, and SmartCard readers.
Notebook Makers Push Size Extremes
USA Today has an article discussing the trend of notebook makers to push the extremes of size, making both tinier laptops at one end and more massive laptops at the other. Examples include a new portable from Sony that is six inches across, and a Dell laptop that tips the scales at 18.3 pounds. One reason given for the emphasis on more extreme sizes is to offer excitement and novelty to consumers who have seemingly seen everything, which also justifies a greater price.
Monday, July 10th 2006
Nylon vs Leather for Laptop Bags
Your friend and mine Jason D. O'Grady has updated his ZDNet blog with a post about choosing the right laptop bag. Jason is also asking for feedback on what readers are using, so send it in if you have an opinion. The column includes links to a number of our favorite makers of sleeves and bags, but also features some unfamiliar names to check out.
Put the 'Lap' back in 'Laptop'
Macworld has an article with a very cost-effective solution for those of us who want to do more than go from desk to desk with their notebooks. Instead of paying a premium for a special device designed to shield your legs from the heat of a laptop, Dan Frakes recommends going to your nearest Target or toy store to buy one of the simple lapdesks used for filling out crossword puzzles and drawing in bed or on the couch. For as little as $10, it's hard to go wrong.
Make Your MacBook into a Seismograph
Software developer Suitable Systems has given another example of innovative use of the Sudden Motion Sensor used in MacBook Pros, MacBooks, and some PowerBooks and iBooks, creating SeisMac, a freeware application that uses your Sudden Motion Sensor as a seismograph. SeisMac can show the vibrations from banging on your desk, household activities, and yes, earthquakes. People are already discussing ways of using the data produced by it to study seismic readings of earthquakes across great distances, so there is potential for the project to become even more interesting and useful.
Friday, July 7th 2006
MacBook Pro Whining Solved with Logic Board Revision?
Laptop Logic has word of at least one instance where replacement with a new revision of the logic board found in the 15-inch MacBook Pro solved the whining noise problem. Earlier logic board replacements have had no effect on the noise, but Apple has apparently solved the problem now. It's unclear if Apple is replacing the 15-inch MBP's logic board without any hassle, or if this is an isolated event.
WaterField Horizontal MacBook SleeveCase Review Posted
For today we have another review for you, this time with coverage of WaterField's versatile horizontal version of their SleeveCase for the MacBook.
Thursday, July 6th 2006
No Battery Life Gained with Single Core Operation
Tom Yager over at InfoWorld had an interesting question: how much battery life could be gained by shutting down one of the cores in the MacBook or MacBook Pro? Even a single core MacBook or MacBook Pro is a pretty powerful machine, and in many instances would be a perfectly adequate tool while on battery power, but is there a worthwhile gain in battery life? Well, Tom answered his own question and found there to be no gain in battery life. One potential limitation in increasing battery life, according to these pieces, is that the L2 cache is still being fully utilized and is a big power drain. The LCD, hard drive, and optical drive also are still getting their share, making a subtraction of one processor core not particularly significant in this case.
Hack Your Mac (Literally): Installing Biometric Security
We came across this blog post from one very adventurous MacBook Pro owner. Using a dremmel and some slick soldering, he installed a Sony Puppy FIU-600 fingerprint identification unit. Details are a little scarce, so it's unclear if this works with Mac OS X or under Windows, but more information is supposed to be forthcoming. If you're interested in repeating this feat, keep in mind that it most certainly does void the warranty.
Wednesday, July 5th 2006
Apple Expands MacBook Configurations
Apple has added two new pre-packaged retail configurations of its MacBook line, reducing the need to use the online build-to-order feature of The Apple Store for commonly-added options.
The new configuration of the white MacBook includes 1GB of RAM (a 512MB increase over standard) and an 80 GB hard drive (20 GB over standard), with a 2.0GHz processor and SuperDrive at $1449.
The other configuration is the so-called 'MacBook Ultimate', a black, 2.0GHz model with 1GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, and SuperDrive for $1599.
New MacBook Pro Handle Offered by QuickerTek
QuickerTek, known largely for their wireless products, has begun shipping a handle for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. The aluminum handle is brushed and anodized to match the case of the MBP, while featuring a non-slip grip to prevent scratches and drops. The handle also hinges so that it can serve as a stand for your MacBook Pro while in use, lifting it off a desk or tabletop to increase airflow and improve ergonomics. The $48 kit includes the handle, mounting hardware, installation tools, and instructions, making it a comprehensive solution if you're feeling nostalgic for the handle of that first-generation iBook from your youth.
Fresh MacBook Pro Case on the Way?
In an article focusing on Intel Xserves and new PowerMacs, Think Secret also mentions the possibility of a refreshed enclosure for the MacBook Pro. While most major technological updates to Apple products are accompanied by a change in enclosure, the MacBook Pro bucked this trend, but it appears that is set to change. Speculation is that the new enclosure could see release alongside the introduction of Intel's new Merom processor in the fall.
Monday, July 3rd 2006
Temporary Solution to MacBook Trackpad Problems?
AppleInsider has an article for those suffering from mushy trackpads on their MacBooks. Some users have reported unresponsive, sticking, or otherwise troublesome trackpads, but one person found that by putting a piece of paper between the battery and the trackpad, the action became somewhat crisper. While this is hardly a great solution in the long run, hopefully it can suffice until a more thorough resolution can be reached.
Beating the Heat of Summer, Notebooks
In other Apple portable ailment news, the Seattle Times has a timely piece on keeping your laptop (and your lap) cool. Author Jeff Carlson takes a look at a few tools to assist with protecting your person and your computer from the dangers of high heat. One of the items, the RoadTools Podium CoolPad will be featured in a PBZone review in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned for more on that product.
News and Notes
Ars Technica has a photo of something called the MagritteBook, a PowerBook modded in a fashion we've never seen before. Very slick work, and we're looking forward to seeing an attempt at some impressionistic etching.
The Mac Observer has word that the problem with discolored white MacBooks is a manufacturing flaw whereby the plastics used are overly-porous, leading to the embedding of oils in the case. Apple has reportedly teamed up with Neutrogena to shrink the pores on the newer MacBooks, keeping out oils and preventing blemishes.
Mac Rumors has a solution for 'mooing' Apple MacBooks. Resetting the Power Management Unit seems to significantly, if not completely, alleviate the mooing. Putting a sheet over the mooing MacBook will also cause the problem to cease. The cows inside the MacBok, like birds in a covered cage, will believe it is time to sleep when shrouded in darkness.
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