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Wednesday, September 20th 2006
MacBook, MacBook Pro Updates in Time for Holidays?
The generally-reliable AppleInsider has word of an impending portable update at Apple, giving the MacBook and MacBook Pro lines a refresh in time for the holiday buying season. According to the rumor, the technical side of the update is essentially complete, and it's merely a matter of when Apple believes it's the best time to release the updated models. Major changes are not expected, but a switch to Core 2 Duo is nearly guaranteed, and a slight bulking up of the specs could happen.
Apple Releases Tool to Restore Firmware to Factory State
If you're like us, you've had bad things happen in the midst of a firmware update, leading to even worse things. In the past, this could mean needing anything from a simple restart to a not-so-simple system reinstall. Apple has seen fit to provide a firmware restoration disk image to help avoid these sorts of problems, though. Burn that bad boy to a CD and pop it into your Intel Mac if you've had a failed or interrupted firmware update and it'll revert you back to your original firmware. Also good for reversing those firmware updates that do more harm than good.
TechRestore Offers Overnight Glossy Screen Upgrade for PowerBooks
Site-sponsor TechRestore sent us this info on a new service they're providing to help us PowerBook users keep up with the cool kids with their fancy glossy-screened Intel 'Books:
Concord, CA -- September 20, 2006 - TechRestore, Inc announced today that they have begun offering an overnight Glossy Screen Upgrade for PowerBook G4 Systems.More information on the service can be found on the TechRestore website.PowerBook G4 owners that are scheduling an overnight screen replacement now have the option of selecting from the standard matte finish LCD screen or upgrading to a glossy display. TechRestore's Overnight LCD Screen Replacement service provides a fast and hassle-free repair method for Macintosh laptop owners that experience a screen failure due to mechanical issues or accidental damage. The LCD screen repair program has a 24-hour turnaround time and flat-rate pricing that includes parts and installation at prices starting at just $449 for PowerBooks and $349 for iBooks.
"The new glossy displays offered on MacBook and MacBook Pro systems offer rich colors and darker blacks," said Shannon Jean, Founder and President of TechRestore. "We're thrilled to now offer existing PowerBook G4 owners the same glossy screen experience as current models when performing a screen repair."
The TechRestore flat-rate LCD repair service is a complete, door-to-door overnight service for customers in the continental U.S. Once a repair is scheduled, a RestoreBox is sent via overnight courier to the customers home, office or school where their system is picked up and brought back overnight to TechRestore. Within 24-hours of receipt, a new LCD screen is installed and the system is sent back to the customer's location via overnight courier. Customers outside the U.S. can use our Self-Restore service to schedule a screen repair. The Glossy Screen upgrade option is just $79 for PowerBook G4 12-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch systems and it is available immediately.
Monday, September 18th 2006
Another Airlines Bans Batteries
Virgin Atlatic is the latest airline to ban Apple and Dell laptops from being used with battery power during flights. It appears that in this case, Virgin Atlantic is just banning the use of all Apple portables using battery power, avoiding the difficulties in training employees to recognize which models could be problems and which are safe. The good news, though, is that Virgin Atlantic is one of the best airlines for providing laptop plugins in their planes, and they will be providing appropriate adapters when possible so that laptop users can keep working (or watching those ill-advised Mama's Family DVDs) without a battery.
Protect your Laptop with Fire-Retardant Sleeves
Laptop Logic has word of some intriguing new fire-retardant laptop sleeves. The sleeves appear, from the photos, to resemble other corduroy models we've seen, but they are lined with a form of graphite that both helps retain the shape of the sleeve and helps protect from fire. Now, the question with recent battery fire news is whether you are trying to keep your on-fire laptop from burning you, or whether you are trying to protect your laptop from other fires... The sleeves come in several colors and have personalization options for an added cost. Prices start at $30.
Tuesday, September 12th 2006
Battery News Update
With all of the news on batteries igniting, being recalled, being replaced, and just generally in the news, we thought we'd just provide some of the more interesting and relevant links in a handy format.
Tech Digest has a positive spin on the recall, citing the fact that years-old batteries will have lost capacity anyway, and the replacement batteries possibly have a higher capacity than even recently-produced units.
The Mac Observer has one of their patented quick tips on shipping back recalled batteries. The short of it is to remember to discharge the battery before sending it back to Apple. They also have good news on earlier-than-expected arrivals of the replacement batteries.
MacFixIt has some interesting reader reports on defective replacement batteries. Apparently some of the replacement batteries look pretty rough by the time they reach the user, while others look okay but don't function properly. Interestingly, it seems that Apple knew they'd sent bad batteries in some cases, as replacements for the replacements were sent out to some people quite quickly. Strange story, but hopefully it's just limited to a few people.
Watch TV on your MacBook Pro
For those of you wondering when you'd finally find a use for that ExpressCard/34 slot in your MacBook Pro, Miglia might have something that interests you with their TVBook Pro. The add-on allows you to watch digital terrestrial television on your MBP using its "amplified/active digital antenna" and the well-known EyeTV 2 software. For added portability, the antenna can be powered via a USB port on the MacBookPro to keep you free of power cords. The TVBook Pro is shipping on October 16 for $206.
ExpressCard/34 SATA II Adapter Available from Sonnet
Macworld is reporting on a new ExpressCard/34 SATA II adapter available from Sonnet. The card costs $130 and expands your MacBook Pro's capabilities to include two 3Gb/s Serial ATA II ports. If you're in the market for connectivity to some very fast hard drives, this could be right up your alley.
News and Notes
Mobile Tech Review has a terrific summary on how to fix problems commonly associated with the MacBook. Highly recommended for those of you trying to keep track of solutions to all the minor ailments that have cropped up.
MacFixIt has a look at what parts are being replaced in MacBook Pros suffering from whining sounds.
Think Secret has word of a rumor that Apple will again team up with U2 and produce some products clad in red. Considering how much the black MacBook costs, let's not even hazard a guess as to what a limited-edition red MacBook might garner...
Thursday, September 7th 2006
MacBook Sudden Shutdown Isolated, Acknowledged...Solved?
The effervescent Jason D. O'Grady has been all over the reports of MacBooks shutting down seemingly at random. Relaying (in English) word from a German Mac site, O'Grady has information on the problem being related to the CPU thermometer. MacBooks in for repair are apparently having their heatsinks replaced, but with many of the ailing MacBooks 'on hold' at Apple, it looks like there is a wait for an improved heatsink that allows for aligning the internals of the MacBook to prevent the contact that is causing problems.
In pithy fashion, Apple has confirmed the problem, asking MacBook owners to call AppleCare if they experience the problem. Some are suggesting a recall could be imminent, but don't hesitate to let Apple know if you're having problems.
As an aside, Gizmodo has a DIY solution. Considering the warranty status of most MacBooks, we're not sure why someone would want to not just have the problem fully addressed by Apple, but you never know.
News and Notes
Macworld has word on some new protective port covers for your notebook. If you're working in a dusty, sandy, or wet environment, these could save the day, and feature some slick MagSeal technology that functions similarly to MagSafe to keep the cover in place.
InfoWorld shows a sadistic streak in its article on stress testing your Mac. This article might be useful if you need to know how to get your Mac warm enough to make dinner on.
Finally, HardwareGeeks.com has an interesting feature on the value of buying a second-hand iBook. If you're looking for a cheap portable as a backup computer, something for the rare trip, or just to save money, this could be helpful as you do the math on the value of such a purchase.
Battery News Roundup
MobileMagazine has an interesting discussion of lithium-based batteries and what can be done to prevent problems like those making the news lately. One company has worked around issues by not using a liquid form of lithium, but a solid core keeps things from exploding at inappropriate moments without affecting performance.
Korea Air is on board with the banning of certain Dell and Apple notebooks on flights. The interesting detail is that you can take the laptop itself in the cabin, but the battery must be checked with your luggage. If you have access to a plug at your seat, then this could keep your computer plugging along sans battery.
Lastly, JO has a blog update with a dissection of an iBook G3 battery. If you've ever been curious what's going on in there, now's your chance to see from a safe distance.
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