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Tuesday, October 24th 2006
Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros Announced
Ending months of rumors and speculation, Apple today announced that all MacBook Pro portables will now be powered by Intel's Core 2 Duo processor. The 15-inch MacBook Pro comes with either 2.16 GHz or 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo processors, while the 17-inch MacBook Pro is only available with the 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo. The 15-inch models are shipping now, with the 17-inch on the way next week. Other niceties in the revision include larger standard hard drives and the option to upgrade to a 200GB hard drive and up to 3GB of DDR2 SDRAM, making these portables quite the titans of performance. Toss in MCE's OptiBay and you could rock 360GB of storage in your notebook. SuperDrive speeds have also been upped to 6x on the 15-inch mdoel and 8x on the 17-inch. Finally, Apple has seen fit to include FireWire 800 in the new MacBook Pros, quieting some complaints. The two 15-inch models retail for $1999 and $2499, while the big brother 17-inch will run you $2799.
Monday, October 23rd 2006
MCE Allows Dual Hard Drives in PowerBooks, MacBook Pros
MCE Technologies has long been an innovator in accessories for Apple portables, but even we were surprised and impressed with the inventiveness of their OptiBay hard drive for MacBook Pros and PowerBook G4s. The OptiBay is a hard drive that replaces the optical drive in your 15-inch MacBook Pro, 17-inch MacBook Pro, 12-inch aluminum PowerBook G4, 15-inch titanium or aluminum PowerBook G4, or 17-inch aluminum PowerBook. Hard drive options range from 80GB to 160GB, with both 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM drives and prices between $250 and $400. When the hard drive is installed, it can simply appear as a second volume, or you can create a RAID to meet your needs:
Two bootable hard drives inside your system open up a whole world of freedom and flexibility never before experienced in a Mac laptop... Scratch disk/System disk, RAID configurations, "System-dedicated" drives, and more.
MCE also includes an external FireWire enclosure for the removed optical drive, meaning you aren't left without that functionality. Additionally, a three-year warranty, backup software, and an installation guide and tools are tossed in for the price. If you really need the maximum internal storage, this looks like the way to go without sacrificing much
Western Digital Hard-Drive-Equipped MacBooks and MacBook Pros Susceptible to Kernel Panics?
The blog Mac Specialist has a very interesting article about Western Digital hard drives that employ the ShockGuard technology and how this causes problems when interfering with Apple's own sudden motion sensor. After upgrading their MacBook to a Western Digital Scorpio hard drive featuring ShockGuard technology, they experienced kernel panics that got them wondering:
Then it hit us like 3 tons of bowling balls, the Scorpio has built-in shock protection. The ShockGuard technology that WD employs is interfering with the Macs own head parking technology. We placed another call into Other World and returned the second Scorpio in exchange for the slightly more expensive Seagate Momentus (which does not have built-in shock protection). After installing the Momentus and cloning over the now tired image, we haven't had a single kernal panic.
MacBook Pros Get Gigabit Ethernet Card
Small Tree Communications is part of the new wave of ExpressCard 34 accessories for use with the MacBook Pro with its new gigabit ethernet card. Here's the lowdown on the device:
The PEG34m is a 10/100/1000M Ethernet ExpressCard, which is specifically designed to plug into a MacBook Pro (or other Windows desktop or laptop) equipped with an ExpressCard 34mm slot. The PEG34m provides throughput and connectivity at gigabit speeds up to 1000 Mbps (1Gbps) raw bandwidth, that is 100 times faster than the original Ethernet, yet is compatible with existing Ethernets. It works in conjunction with the built-in Gigabit Ethernet port and supports 802.3ad link aggregation and Jumbo frames up to 9000MTU.The PEG34m is available now for $79.
Monday, October 16th 2006
Make Your Mac Run Cooler
One of the biggest complaints from owners of MacBooks and MacBook Pros has been the heat and the discomfort of using a laptop on an actual human lap. Lots of speculation and do-it-yourself fixes were discussed, much of it centered on an excess of thermal paste and lethargic fans. Now there is a way to easily--that is, without using the command line--adjust fan behavior on your MacBook or MacBook Pro to get a cooler (and louder) machine.
smcFanControl is freeware and open source and allows you to adjust fan behavior so that they run at higher speeds. The program wisely prevents users from making their fans run any slower than the Apple default, in an effort to prevent unfortunate accidents, but we would still like to emphasize that using this software is not recommended for those with no clue what they're doing. This software potentially voids your warranty and could lead to shortened lifespans of the fans in your computer. Be careful and use some prudence with this software. Still, many users have noticed significantly cooler temperatures without losing much battery life or quietness, even without taking dramatic steps on fan behavior.
Speck Re-imagines the Hard Sleeve
It's rare these days to be surprised by a new case or sleeve for notebook computers, but it seems Speck has taken that as a challenge:
Palo Alto, CA (PRWEB) October 16, 2006 - Speck today announced that it has invented a new accessories category for notebook computers, believed to be the first translucent hard shell design for computers in the market. SeeThru(tm) hard shells for the MacBook Pro(tm) 15-inch notebook start shipping today at www.speckproducts.com...SeeThru hard shells for MacBook and MacBook Pro are made of sturdy, polycarbonate plastic and come in clear and red colors. With the easy snap-on design, users can shield their notebook from scratches and bumps while enjoying access to all features including keyboard, drives and ports. Shells come complete with rubber feet to help prevent movement on slippery surfaces. The durable shell is the perfect add-on when transporting your notebook alone, in a sleeve, briefcase or luggage.
Versions of the SeeThru for the 15-inch MacBook Pro are currently shipping at a price of $40, whilst a MacBook version is due in early November. The SeeThru comes in translucent red and clear.
Fastmac Announces First High-Capacity Battery for MacBook Pro
Our buddies over at FastMac sent us the good word on their latest product, a high-capacity replacement battery for the MacBook Pro:
Fastmac today announced the first & only high capacity, extended life battery upgrade for Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro computer. The new 62 Whr battery uses Lithium-Polymer cells (with integrated charge indicator LEDs) that are manufactured to the highest quality standards and utilize TruePower technology to provide a safe computing experience. Fastmac's TruePower battery for the 15-inch MacBook Pro is scheduled to ship within 10 days and is available for pre-order from www.fastmac.com for a special introductory price of $99.95. Each battery carries a 1 year warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee.Fastmac's TruePower line of battery upgrades replace the computer's original battery with a larger capacity and longer lasting advanced power cell battery that utilizes TruePower technology. This technology incorporates sensors in the integrated circuit inside the battery that detect undesirable levels of swelling or a short circuit that will power off the battery in certain extreme conditions. TruePower batteries do not contain or use any Sony cells that are subject to the recent series of recalls issued by major computer manufacturers.
"As a replacement, or a spare, our battery not only lasts longer but is $30 cheaper than any other MacBook Pro battery," said Michael Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager for Fastmac Performance Upgrades, Inc. "This new battery furthers our mission strategy of providing the Mac user with better products with better technology at a better price."
Fastmac's use of TruePower technology has attracted a lot of interest in other potential uses and applications. Fastmac is working with 2 ODMs to incorporate this technology into digital cameras and smart phones, such as the Palm Handspring Treo and RIM Blackberry.
The TruePower battery would also be good for those of you who "double-fist" your batteries for long trips. The battery should be shipping within a week for a special introductory price of $100 and includes a one-year warranty. More information is available on FastMac's product page.
Monday, October 9th 2006
Tom Bihn's Imago Reviewed
At long last, our review of the chic Tom Bihn Imago messenger bag is here. Come see what has our reviewer so excited. We have several more reviews on the way, so stay tuned for the good word on some of the options available for Mac portable owners.
Two Months with Verizon's EVDO Service
Increasing connectivity is all the rage these days, with cell phones that can do more and wireless hotspots on (what seems like) practically every block. If you need something with a little more power than your cell phone and a little better range than AirPort, Rick LePage at Macworld has a great look at using EVDO with his MacBook Pro. Rick has been using Verizon's service for the last two months (Sprint also offers a similar service), and has found it to be a good experience, in general. Speeds are typically robust at 450-750 Kbps in real-world use, though that currently drops down significantly outside of metropolitan areas, and coverage is good and still improving. The one drawback, aside from cost, seems to be that the connection has a hard time handling streaming data for audio or video.
Nearly Double your MacBook's Wireless Range
Those guys at QuickerTek must run their labs like a sweatshop, because they have a new product every day. Their latest gem is the MacBook Connect, which nearly doubles the range of the MacBook's wireless. The Connect either attahes to the MacBook or can be placed up to a few feet away and connected via USB; the USB connection can also serve to power the Connect, or an AC adapter can be used. A MacBook using the Connect has 200 milliwatts of RF power, nearly four times that of the stock wireless networking (or so the experts tell us). Included with the connect is a 2dBi external antenna, but this can also be upgraded for even more wireless power. Okay, so we don't actually know all that much about what these numbers mean, but it sounds like $200 gets you a pretty slick device that can double your wireless range without a lot of hassle.
Summary of Recalled Batteries
Forbes has a listing of all recalled batteries by notebook manufacturer and model. We thought it would be a good idea to just give the full listing, for those of you who moonlight as PC notebook users:
Dell Inc.:
Recall total of 4.2 million.
Laptop models affected: Latitude D410, D500, D505, D510, D520, D600, D610, D620, D800, D810; Inspiron 6000, 8500, 8600, 9100, 9200, 9300, 500m, 510m, 600m, 6400, E1505, 700m, 710m, 9400, E1705; Dell Precision M20, M60, M70 and M90 mobile workstations; XPS, XPS Gen2, XPS M170 and XPS M1710. Batteries may also have been sold separately. Models affected were sold from April 2004 through July 2006.
Apple Computer Inc.:
Recall total of 1.8 million, of which 1.1 million were sold in the U.S.
Models affected: Apple iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 laptops sold between October 2003 and August 2006. The batteries may have been purchased separately. Part numbers are A1061 (12-inch iBook G4); A1079 (12-inch PowerBook G4); A1078 and A1148 (15-inch PowerBook G4).
Lenovo Group Ltd. and IBM Corp.:
Recall total of 526,000, of which 168,500 were sold in the U.S.
Models affected: ThinkPad notebook T Series (T43, T43p, T60); R Series (R51e, R52, R60, R60e); and X Series (X60, X60s). The batteries may have been purchased separately. Part numbers are ASM P/N 92P1072, 92P1088, 92P1142 or 92P1170; or FRU P/N 92P1073, 92P1089, 92P1141, 92P1169 or 93P5028. Models affected were sold between February 2005 and September 2006.
Toshiba Corp.:
Recall total of 830,000, of which 200,000 were sold in the U.S.
Lines affected: Dynabook, Qosmio, Satellite Portege and Tecra. Information on specific models and dates sold were not yet available Wednesday.
Fujitsu Ltd.:
Recall total of 287,000.
Models affected: In Japan: FMV-BIBLO LOOX P70R, P70S, T50M, T50R, T50RN, T50S, T50SN, T70M, T70M/T, T70MN, T70R, T70R/T, T70RN, T70S, T70S/V, T70SN and FMV-P8210. Models sold elsewhere, including the U.S., are the Lifebook P1510, P1510D, P7120, P7120D, S7020, S7020D, S7025, S7025D. C1320 and C1320D.
Fujitsu said more details on the recall to come shortly.
News and Notes
Wrappers has a very cool new MacBook sleeve. The "My Sleeve Not Yours" sleeve has artist's canvas on the exterior and a soft waterproof black microfiber lining on the inside. The lining keeps your MacBook scratch-free and dry, while the canvas allows you to give your sleeve any look you desire with paint, markers, or anything else you can imagine. The sleeves are 16 GBP and are shipping now.
AppleInsider is saying that Apple will very shortly begin product of Core 2 Duo MacBook Pros, if they haven't already done so. The new models will almost assuredly be released by Thanksgiving, making them available for the holiday shopping season. The MacBooks are also expected to be updated, but it's unclear in what fashion.
Tuesday, October 3rd 2006
External Battery Pack Keeps the Lights on Longer
Battery Geek has a sweet-looking new external battery pack suitable for MacBooks and MacBook Pros. The 140 watt hour Portable Power Station offers as much as six hours of bonus juice, in addition to the built-in battery. While the sale price of $350 is a significant reduction from the normal $600, it's still quite a chunk of change, but maybe worth it for those long flights (assuming they let you use a battery at all).
QuickerTek Doubles MacBook Wireless Reception
Those crafty devils down at QuickerTek are at it again with their new 27dBm transceiver for the MacBook. The transceiver includes its own external antenna and can be clipped onto the MacBook, or connected via a cable and kept up to five feet away. Both 802.11b and 802.11g networks are supported and should improve range and signal strength significantly. The $200 kit includes the transceiver, antenna, cable, adapter, AC power adapter, installation manual and utility software.
Flash-Powered MacBooks on the Way?
AppleInsider has some exciting gossip on Apple potentially using NAND flash memory in future notebooks. Intel is planning to incorporate the technology in its Santa Rosa notebook platform, expected in the first half of 2007, and Apple has strong existing ties to the suppliers of the memory due to the iPod. It sounds like notebooks using solely flash memory are unlikely in the beginning, but could be used to store certain components, such as the operating system, for improved performance and battery life.
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