Michael Sherlock » macbook pro

Spotlight Turns to Notebooks: Apple Event Racap

Michael Sherlock — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:00:38 +0000

The apple event “Spotlight Turns to Notebooks” brought an entirely new look to apple’s notebook line-up. Mostly for the better, this event revamped the macbook and macbook pro lines, updated the macbook air and announced a new monitor. However, there are some major issues in these new products that are uncharacteristic of apple.

Problems

Glossy screens only.
Prosumers need a monitor that displays colors accurately, which this glossy screen does not, and one that can be used in different lighting environments without being crippled by glare. Have a choice was good, a matte only option would be fine, but Glossy only is a problem.
Cinema Display Connectivity
Although this new display does have a 3 port usb hub built in along with an isight and speakers it is only compatible, out of the box, with the new macbook’s and macbook pro’s. For any other machine, you need an adapter which costs extra money.
Firewire 400
The macbook does not have any firewire options and the pro variety has firewire 800 only. This is a huge problem. Macbook users will no longer be able to use their external hard drives or video cameras and pro users are down a port. Come on apple, it’s just one little port but would be wonderful for many people.

Watch the keynote .

Apple’s Notebook line to see physical redesign

Michael Sherlock — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:43:34 +0000

It’s become clear that over the next few months Apple inc. will be redesigning the macbook and macbook pro lines respectively.
As you can see, the current models have not changed since their release in 2006. In fact, the current macbook pro looks very similar to the powerbook G4 from 2001. Also, the macbook looks almost exactly the same as the iBook G3 from 2001. In both instances, major cosmetic upgrades have been simply slimming the design and adding an isight camera. (New keyboards have also been added.) The macbook has been updated with a magnetic latch too. Nothing too amazing has changed the overall physical aspect however.

Similar to the redesign of the iMac and the all new macbook air, it is apparent that an aluminum macbook is in the works. “Shedding their plastic enclosures for ones constructed from more eco-friendly materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel” state people familiar with the matter. This not only makes for a more uniform notebook line but it’s clear this would also put Apple in a position to accomplish the goal of becoming a greener company.

Not only would a redesign freshen up a dated but classy line-up, it would also allow apple to make logic board changes. All of apple’s notebook lines are expected to receive “Montevina” (Penryn version 2) based CPU’s, which require ‘socket b’ logic boards. This upcoming Centrino 2 platform will feature 1066MHz front-side bus and run briskly from 2.26GHz – 2.8GHz. (These new processors are expected sometime this June.)

This only adds to current apple rumors with the inevitable refresh of the iMac and Mac Mini lines which are set to receive penryn processors the same way the macbook/pro lines have. Plus, with apple expected to update the iPhone with 3G capabilities, it makes for very juicy apple rumors to come.

MacBook Pro

Michael Sherlock — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:57:37 +0000

Hey guys,
Just a quick update. I just, on Sunday, purchased a new MacBook Pro. Yes, I am finally a mac users and don’t have to worry about spyware and trojans. Life is good. Anyway, if you haven’t checked out my youtube channel I have embedded the unboxing video I made. Overall, I love my new machine. A full review, or initial impressions, post to come. For anyone using windows right now for anything but gaming, I suggest you switch.

Think Different.
-Michael