Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/acers-aspire-3951-leaks-with-macbook-air-like-specs-available/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/acers-aspire-3951-leaks-with-macbook-air-like-specs-available/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/acers-aspire-3951-leaks-with-macbook-air-like-specs-available/#comments
It looks like Acer may be dropping down to the lightweight laptop division, now that images of its so-called Aspire 3951 have leaked out of Vietnam. An ostensible rival to the recently refreshed MacBook Air, the 13.3-inch 3951 reportedly boasts a similarly slim design, measuring 13mm thick and weighing less than 1.4 kilograms (about three pounds). According to Sohoa, the aluminum-cased device is powered by a second generation Intel Core processor, features an optional 160GB SSD, and offers more than six hours of battery life, along with Bluetooth 4.0 support. Much like the Air, this Aspire can purportedly boot up pretty fast, as well, rousing from sleep mode in just 1.7 seconds. It's rumored that Acer will release this new line in October within the curiously affordable price range between $770 and $960, but we'll have to wait and see whether that actually comes to fruition. In the meantime, you can check out an extra image of the Aspire 3951 below, or hit the source link for the full collection.

[Thanks, @tranquochuyvn]

Update: Oddly enough, it appears that we've caught a glimpse of this exact same laptop before, except it was portrayed by M.I.C. Gadget as a Thunderbolt MacBook Air leak. Perhaps the folks received some bad intel, be it intentional or not.

Continue reading Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October?

Acer's Aspire 3951 leaks with MacBook Air-like specs, available in October? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13-inch160gbaceracer aspireAcerAspireairaspireaspire 3951Aspire3951battery lifeBatteryLifebluetoothbluetooth 4.0Bluetooth4.0bootingCPUimageintelintel coreIntel Core iIntelCoreIntelCoreIlaptopleakmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirprocessorrumorssdvietnamTue, 09 Aug 2011 07:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's MacBook Air duo to receive Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt upgrade in June or July?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/apples-macbook-air-duo-to-receive-sandy-bridge-and-thunderbolt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/apples-macbook-air-duo-to-receive-sandy-bridge-and-thunderbolt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/18/apples-macbook-air-duo-to-receive-sandy-bridge-and-thunderbolt/#comments We've already seen Intel's Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt reinvigorating the MacBook Pro line, so it's only logical for the MacBook Airs to eventually follow suit -- presumably they'll pick up Sandy Bridge's 17W mobile processors to match the current 10W and 17W Core 2 Duos. So when can we expect this to happen? Well, according to DigiTimes' sources within the supply chain, Apple may receive shipment of the refreshed Airs in late May ahead of a June or July launch -- this echoes earlier reports from Apple Insider and CNET that cited the same time frame. Additionally, DigiTimes says Quanta will continue to assemble Apple's ultra-portable laptops, with Simplo Technology and Dynapack supplying the battery packs. As always, we shall remain open-minded about such rumors, but you'll know the real deal as soon as we do within the next couple of months or so.

Apple's MacBook Air duo to receive Sandy Bridge and Thunderbolt upgrade in June or July? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airAppleApple InsiderAppleInsiderCNETDigitimesIntellaptopMacBookMacBook AirMacbookAirQuantarefreshrumorSandy BridgeSandyBridgeslimThunderboltThunderbolt IOThunderboltIoultraportableunibodyupdateupgradeWed, 18 May 2011 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple switching to AMD graphics in 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-switching-to-amd-graphics-in-15-and-17-inch-macbook-pros/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-switching-to-amd-graphics-in-15-and-17-inch-macbook-pros/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/apple-switching-to-amd-graphics-in-15-and-17-inch-macbook-pros/#comments Back in December, CNET let loose a rumor claiming that Apple would be ditching NVIDIA in favor of Intel and AMD graphics in its future MacBook lineup. Now, here we are with a credible leak showing an entry level 13.3-inch MacBook Pro sporting a Thunderbolt port, Core i5 Sandy Bridge processor, and Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with the laptop's main memory. Today CNET is repeating its original claim while adding that the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pro models will feature an automatically switchable AMD discrete GPU that augments the Intel graphics whenever more power is required. Of course, they'll also feature that new Thunderbolt port and 32-nanometer Core i series Sandy Bridge processors for improved performance and power savings. We'll see soon enough, since the whole thing is supposed to get official later today.

Apple switching to AMD graphics in 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdappleatigpuhd graphics 3000HdGraphics3000intelintel hd graphics 3000IntelHdGraphics3000macbookmacbook proMacbookPronvidiarumorsandy bridgeSandyBridgeswitchable graphicsSwitchableGraphicsThu, 24 Feb 2011 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's Light Peak implementation called Thunderbolt, coming in new MacBook Pros?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/apples-light-peak-implementation-called-thunderbolt-coming-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/apples-light-peak-implementation-called-thunderbolt-coming-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/23/apples-light-peak-implementation-called-thunderbolt-coming-in/#comments The rumor gears are really starting to churn with regard Apple's upcoming MacBook Pro refresh and now we have a purported leak of the upcoming spec sheet for the new 13-inch model. The highlight is a note (and image, above) seemingly confirming that Apple will implement Intel's Light Peak high-speed interconnect, renaming it the Thunderbolt. Yes, we know there's an HTC handset headed to Verizon with that very same name -- and we've checked the USPTO archives, Verizon's the only tech company with any trademark claim filed for "Thunderbolt" -- but Apple has done weirder things before. Also notable are the apparent inclusion of an SDXC card reader and the absence of a discrete GPU chip, indicating that perhaps the new Core i5 integrated graphics from Intel are finally good enough to convince Cupertino to rely on them full time. Jump past the break to see the full data sheet.

Update: We now have an image claiming to show the new Thunderbolt port, which happens to look exactly like the Mini DisplayPort but has a tidy little lightning logo next to it. That's extremely easy to Photoshop, as is the accompanying photo displaying a broader trackpad on the MBP, but we'll let you judge the validity of those images for yourself. Check them out after the break.

Update 2: One more image of the spec sheet, this time in English, provided by MacRumors along with the note that it's for the "low-end" 13-inch MacBook Pro. The doc states that the Thunderbolt port supports "high-speed I/O and Mini DisplayPort devices," which would explain why it looks the way it does.

[Thanks, Leon and Rodney]

Continue reading Apple's Light Peak implementation called Thunderbolt, coming in new MacBook Pros?

Apple's Light Peak implementation called Thunderbolt, coming in new MacBook Pros? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applelaptoplaptopsleaklight peakLightPeakmacbookmacbook proMacbookProrefreshrumorsdxcspecsspeculationthunderboltupdateupgradeWed, 23 Feb 2011 06:09:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Pros may be in for an imminent refresh, about time too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/macbook-pros-may-be-in-for-an-imminent-refresh-about-time-too/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/macbook-pros-may-be-in-for-an-imminent-refresh-about-time-too/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/macbook-pros-may-be-in-for-an-imminent-refresh-about-time-too/#comments Welcome back to our annual tradition of speculating on just when and how Apple will freshen up its laptop range. AppleInsider is citing multiple sources today in support of its assertion that the MacBook Pro line will be getting upgraded by Apple, potentially as soon as next week. The Mac OS vendor is reportedly briefing folks to be ready for a "significant product launch" soon, which is narrowed down to its laptop division by a couple more pieces of circumstantial evidence. Apple's Asian online stores have shifted their promised MBP delivery times from 24 hours to "one to five days," indicating potentially lower stock quantities, while Italian blog iSpazio has dug up five new product SKUs that could be the markers for new laptop models. None of that sets anything in stone, of course, but we're also hearing the expected upgrade to Sandy Bridge won't afflict Apple's new machines with that Cougar Point chipset flaw, so whenever Apple deigns to bring us this upgrade it should be nice and pristine.

MacBook Pros may be in for an imminent refresh, about time too originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applelaptoplaptopslaunchmacbookmacbook proMacbookProrefreshrumorsandy bridgeSandyBridgespeculationupgradeFri, 18 Feb 2011 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple MacBook Air survey gets chatty about 3G]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/apple-macbook-air-survey-gets-chatty-about-3g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/apple-macbook-air-survey-gets-chatty-about-3g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/apple-macbook-air-survey-gets-chatty-about-3g/#comments Apple isn't much of one for customer surveys, but this recent missive to select MacBook Air owners has all sorts of goodies inside it. Most notable is the large amount of questions on 3G data connectivity, a feature that Apple has so far avoided adding to any of its laptops, even though it sells a tablet computer with the functionality. Interestingly, Apple has waited so long on this feature that its primary objection -- the need to pick a specific carrier over another -- has disappeared thanks to Qualcomm's Gobi chipset. On the other hand, most people get 3G data onto their laptops these days through tethering, whether it be with their phone or a dedicated MiFi-style device, and Apple's survey seems to be designed to pick up on the prevalence of all these tendencies. Other aspects of the survey deal with data storage and syncing (MobileMe and Dropbox get shout outs), missing functionality that keeps the Air from being a primary computer, and other miscellany. If you want to get overanalytical with the whole thing, Apple might actually be trying to feel out the dividing line between an iPad and a MacBook Air, instead of the dividing line between a MacBook Pro. Perhaps this year's expected Sandy Bridge or (we wish) Fusion refresh of the MacBook Air could have something more in store? Check out the source link for the whole thing.

Apple MacBook Air survey gets chatty about 3G originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gairapplecustomer surveyCustomerSurveydropboxmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirmobilemerumorsurveyTue, 15 Feb 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New iMac and MacBook Pros coming in 2011?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/new-imac-and-macbook-pros-coming-in-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/new-imac-and-macbook-pros-coming-in-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/new-imac-and-macbook-pros-coming-in-2011/#commentsNew iMac and MacBook Pros coming in 2011? We know, it's shocking, but some people think that Apple might actually introduce some new home and mobile computers next year. DigiTimes is reporting that MacBook Pro and iMac refreshes are coming, the latter specifically getting "a new panel size and a price point for the mainstream market." That certainly screams "smaller" and "cheaper" to us, but don't let us rain on your desktop-crushing, 55-inch all-in-one dreams. Regarding the MacBook Pro rumor, there are said to be four or more revised models arriving with "a slight change in chassis design" and Mac OS X 10.7 Lion onboard. Both sets of revisions are said to be due sometime in the first half of next year, which won't be "next" for very long at all.

New iMac and MacBook Pros coming in 2011? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.7digitimesimaclionmacmac os x 10.7macbookmacbook proMacbookProMacOsX10.7os xOsXrumorThu, 16 Dec 2010 06:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple to rely on Intel's Sandy Bridge graphics in future MacBooks, AMD GPUs in MacBook Pros?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/09/apple-to-rely-on-intels-sandy-bridge-graphics-in-future-macbook/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/09/apple-to-rely-on-intels-sandy-bridge-graphics-in-future-macbook/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/09/apple-to-rely-on-intels-sandy-bridge-graphics-in-future-macbook/#commentsApple will use Intel's Sandy Bridge CPUs in its future laptops, no surprises there, but what's interesting about these forthcoming machines is that some of them might rely solely on Intel's chip for both general and graphical processing tasks. That's the word from the usual "sources familiar with Apple's plans," who expect "MacBook models with screen sizes of 13 inches and below" to eschew the inclusion of a discrete GPU and ride their luck on the improved graphical performance of Intel's upcoming do-it-all chip. There are currently no sub-13.3-inch MacBooks, so the suggestion of one is surely intriguing, but the major point here seems to be that NVIDIA's being left out of the Apple party, because MacBook Pros are also predicted to switch up to AMD-provided graphics hardware. All these changes should be taking place with Apple's next refresh, which is naturally expected at some point in the new year. Although, as CNET points out, this could all be just a massive negotiating ploy to get NVIDIA to play nicer with its pricing, we're inclined to believe Intel has finally gotten its integrated graphics up to a level where it pleases the discerning tastemakers at Apple.

Apple to rely on Intel's Sandy Bridge graphics in future MacBooks, AMD GPUs in MacBook Pros? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdapplechipcore 2011Core2011cpufuturegpugraphicshardwareintegratedintegrated graphicsIntegratedGraphicsintellaptoplaptopslow-endmacbookmacbook proMacbookPromobile graphicsMobileGraphicsnvidiaplansprocessorradeonroadmaprumorsandy bridgeSandyBridgespeculationThu, 09 Dec 2010 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Is this the new MacBook Air?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/16/is-this-the-new-macbook-air/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/16/is-this-the-new-macbook-air/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/16/is-this-the-new-macbook-air/#comments We just received this shot of what is purportedly the inside of the new MacBook Air. Contrary to popular belief, the machine appears to be another 13.3-incher, with the primary modification being extra room for battery cells and apparently no room for a hard drive. Of course, this is only one SKU, so who knows what else Apple has in store. From what we can tell from the photo, Apple is taking its unibody styling and construction and running with it here, not that the MacBook Air was too far off from the MacBook Pro to begin with. The telltale sign is the black hinge, though it also appears Apple has done away with the drop-down side ports.

Based on our own professional squinting ability, there are USB plugs on the left and right sides, Mini DisplayPort and an SD card reader on the left, and a power plug on the right. Of course, since the screw holes are facing us, we're probably looking at this from the bottom, so flip all of those around if you want to imagine using this thing (because, of course, the power plug will be on the Apple-standard left side). We also have it on good authority that the rest of the machine has been restyled in modern unibody style, including the large single mouse button, but that the screen is still like the current MacBook Air, instead of the edge-to-edge glass with black edges. Also, it's apparently running the same Core 2 Duo SL9400 processor of the current generation MacBook Air -- possibly further proof that this is a very early prototype (our source says the model dates back to at least April). We're working on getting more images and information, but for now at least two things seem (relatively) clear: Apple hasn't forgotten about the MacBook Air, and 13.3-inches isn't going out of style just yet. Hopefully we'll know for certain next week!

[Thanks, anonymous]

Gallery: Is this the new MacBook Air?

Is this the new MacBook Air? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewsexclusiveleakmacbookmacbook airmacbook air 2010MacbookAirMacbookAir2010rumorunibody macbook airUnibodyMacbookAirSat, 16 Oct 2010 01:48:00 EST<![CDATA[AppleInsider: New MacBook Air 'certain' to be 11.6-inches, may have flash-based instant-wake ability]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/appleinsider-new-macbook-air-certain-to-be-11-6-inches-may-h/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/appleinsider-new-macbook-air-certain-to-be-11-6-inches-may-h/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/appleinsider-new-macbook-air-certain-to-be-11-6-inches-may-h/#commentsRumors of an 11.6-inch MacBook Air refresh are nothing new at this point, but AppleInsider says it's confirmed a smaller version of Apple's ultraportable is coming at next week's "Back to the Mac" event, and that units are rolling off factory lines right now in preparation for near-immediate delivery. AI also says it's been told that the revised machine will feature a novel new storage system called "SSD Card" that looks like a stick of RAM -- a smaller form factor that would obviously allow the new Air to be even smaller, and possibly sport instant-on wake times, something that's been rumored from other sources this week as well. We'll be at the event live next week so we'll see what happens -- keep it locked right here.

Update: CNET's chiming in with rumors of a "significantly lower" price than the current model's $1,499 starting point, which is always fun to hear -- the catch is that it might still use an older Intel Core 2 Duo chip and NVIDIA chipset, which is far less fun. We'll see!

AppleInsider: New MacBook Air 'certain' to be 11.6-inches, may have flash-based instant-wake ability originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airappleback to the macBackToTheMacmacbookmacbook airMacbookAirrumorrumorsFri, 15 Oct 2010 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Air supply dwindling for online retailers, rumor mill raises an eyebrow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/macbook-airs-supply-dwindling-for-online-retailers-rumor-mill/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/macbook-airs-supply-dwindling-for-online-retailers-rumor-mill/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/macbook-airs-supply-dwindling-for-online-retailers-rumor-mill/#comments In the market for a MacBook Air? Well, now may not be the best time. Apple Insider is reporting indirect sales channels (read: non-Apple stores) are running out of the thin-and-light with no indication of a replenishment. Indeed, we just checked Amazon, Best Buy, and a few other online retailers and were consistently greeted by limited- and out-of-stock notices. So, you know what the means -- new hardware rumors. Or rather, old ones resurfacing, such as the 11.6-inch display from late September. Compounding the community's curiosity would be vague tweets from famed company insider John Gruber, who casually mentioned "the imminent" new MacBook Air as a possible reason for the recent Apple Store downtime. Of course, that didn't turn out to be the case, and for all we know it could just mean some refreshed specs -- if even that, really.

AI reminds us that October has been historically the month of refreshed Mac hardware in the lead-up to holiday shopping... but that doesn't mean it's the case now. All we really know now is that third-party outlets aren't currently stocking the Air and it's unknown if they're getting anymore shipments of this particular model -- which, we know, isn't nearly as exciting as the imagination. Sorry about that.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

MacBook Air supply dwindling for online retailers, rumor mill raises an eyebrow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airamazonamazon comamazon.comAmazonComapplebest buyBestBuymac bookmac book airMacBookMacBookAirmb airmbaMbAirrumorrumorssupplyWed, 06 Oct 2010 20:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple MacBook refresh leaked in Vietnam (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/15/apple-macbook-with-2-4ghz-core-2-duo-and-nvidia-geforce-320m-gra/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/15/apple-macbook-with-2-4ghz-core-2-duo-and-nvidia-geforce-320m-gra/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/15/apple-macbook-with-2-4ghz-core-2-duo-and-nvidia-geforce-320m-gra/#comments
 We're not sure what's going on in Vietnam these days but it's suddenly a hot bed for industry leaks. Perhaps it's due to manufacturers expanding from China to Vietnam's relatively cheap (but limited) labor pool? Or maybe it's because the kids at Tinhte are just resourceful as hell? Whatever it is, they've just scooped themselves what appears to be an unannounced MacBook update (identifying itself as a MacBook7,1) that includes a faster 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (up from 2.26GHz) and NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM (an update from the GeForce 9400M found in the current MacBook6,1) -- right, the same CPU and GPU as the entry level 13-inch MacBook Pro but for only $999 (assuming Apple maintains the same entry-level pricing). These minor bumps aren't enough to warrant a model change, however, as we're still seeing "Model No: A1342" stamped on the box. Of course, this could be an elaborate hoax, but Tinhte has an impressive track record and these MacBook specs are right in line with what we'd expect since the white MacBook was last updated in October 2009. No word on when we'll see these announced but it's gotta be soon -- Tuesday perhaps, with a refreshed MacBook Air if we're lucky. Video unboxing after the break and plenty of pics for Zaprudering at the source link below.

Continue reading Apple MacBook refresh leaked in Vietnam (video)

Apple MacBook refresh leaked in Vietnam (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 May 2010 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1342applecore 2 duoCore2Duolaptopleakmacbookmacbook71rumortinhtevideovietnamSat, 15 May 2010 08:19:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Air feeling the wind of change?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/macbook-air-feeling-the-wind-of-change/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/macbook-air-feeling-the-wind-of-change/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/macbook-air-feeling-the-wind-of-change/#comments A tipster who apparently correctly predicted the recent MacBook Pro refresh has alerted Australian Macworld to a new SKU making its way through Apple's systems down under. According to said "well-placed" source, the MC516LL/A K87 BETTER BTR-USA code string identifies an incoming batch of all-new MacBook Air laptops. This makes all the sense in the world given the recent hubbub about Intel offering ULV versions of its 32nm Core 2010 processors and the Air's overdue need for an upgrade, but there is the proviso that this could also be referring to shipments of new 27-inch LCDs, to match the ones found on the latest iMac generation. Either way, we're looking at some unannounced hardware rapidly making its way to Australia. Hey, doesn't Apple make a habit of announcing new goodies on Tuesdays?

MacBook Air feeling the wind of change? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 05:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airapplemacbookmacbook airMacbookAirrefreshrumorspeculationthin and lightThinAndLightultraportableultrathinupdateupgradeMon, 10 May 2010 05:43:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Pro updates almost upon us? Screenshot of new model numbers offers hope]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/10/macbook-pro-updates-almost-upon-us-screenshot-of-new-model-numb/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/10/macbook-pro-updates-almost-upon-us-screenshot-of-new-model-numb/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/10/macbook-pro-updates-almost-upon-us-screenshot-of-new-model-numb/#comments It seems silly to give up all expectation for a MacBook Pro refresh. After all, isn't a spec bump for Apple's flagship laptops a total inevitability? Still, the arduous wait has begun shake our faith, and we're happy to see even this sliver of evidence to snap us from our stupor. An internal Microcenter system is listing four new laptops with new part numbers, which, if legitimate, almost certainly harbor new Core i5 and Core i7 processors (maybe even those NVIDIA Optimus graphics if we're lucky). According to the Microcenter employee who sent this out, a similar thing happened in November with a correct model number and price for the new MacBook. Mac Rumors claims to have been able to receive independent confirmation on the numbers, so we might really have something here. Now, as for a specific launch date, the best we have so far is that April 13th rumor, but with a tips box buzzing with rumors, we're starting almost feel confident in seeing a new MacBook Pro this century.

[Thanks, Ross W.]

MacBook Pro updates almost upon us? Screenshot of new model numbers offers hope originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecore 2010core i5core i7Core2010CoreI5CoreI7intelmacbookmacbook proMacbookPromicrocenterrumorSat, 10 Apr 2010 21:40:00 EST<![CDATA[15-inch MacBook Pros MIA on BestBuy.com, long-awaited refresh really, truly coming April 13th?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/15-inch-macbook-pros-mia-on-bestbuy-com-long-awaited-refresh-re/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/15-inch-macbook-pros-mia-on-bestbuy-com-long-awaited-refresh-re/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/15-inch-macbook-pros-mia-on-bestbuy-com-long-awaited-refresh-re/#comments iPhone, iPhone, iPhone... wait, what's that? You're still pining for those refreshed, possibly Core i5- / i7-equipped MacBook Pros that have been long rumored? If a source close to Australian MacWorld has any merit, we'll finally be seeing updates to the laptop line -- Pro and Air, allegedly -- this Tuesday, April 13th. No word on what the new models would feature if true, but without an event all its own, the best we can expect is probably a spec boost. Best Buy seems to be adding some fuel to the fire, first by showing a proverbial mark of death in its database last month, and now by making the 15-inch model unavailable on BestBuy.com. Undoubtedly the retailer's waiting for a new shipment of potent portables, but the question remains, what will they run under the hood?

[Thanks, Ryan]

Update: UK retailer John Lewis is also showing its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air options as out of stock, though it suffers no such shortages with MacBooks. Draw your own conclusions [Thanks, Ben].

15-inch MacBook Pros MIA on BestBuy.com, long-awaited refresh really, truly coming April 13th? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15 inch15-inch15Inchairapplebest buybest buy.comBestBuyBestBuy.commac bookmac book airmac book proMacBookMacBookAirMacBookProrumorrumorsFri, 09 Apr 2010 01:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Current MacBook Pro SKU given mark of death in Best Buy database?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/current-macbook-pro-sku-given-mark-of-death-in-best-buy-database/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/current-macbook-pro-sku-given-mark-of-death-in-best-buy-database/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/current-macbook-pro-sku-given-mark-of-death-in-best-buy-database/#comments We'll admit to not being leading the field of study in Best Buy-ology, but here comes a new quiz for us care of a tipster who sent TUAW a screenshot of the inventory screen that shows what looks to be the current MacBook Pro SKU with status: deleted. What that means is no new orders can be made for that unit, at least for that particular store. Sign of impending MBP refresh? Intel certainly had us riled up last month with that Core i5-infused flier, but we won't get fooled again. Don't hold your breath for this one, but if more telltale signs start popping up, we'll be sure let ya know.

Update: Giving credit where due; the image originates from the MacRumors forums.

Update II: Another tipster familiar with Best Buy's systems wrote in and noted that "Deleted only means that the that particular store is having it pulled from their planogramed assortment." Sorry to burst your bubble.

[Thanks, Jose R]

Current MacBook Pro SKU given mark of death in Best Buy database? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alumiumapplebest buyBestBuyleakleaksmac bookmac book proMacBookMacBookPrombmbprumorrumorsskuunibodyMon, 08 Feb 2010 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple rumor roundup: pipe dreams, Lala's role and Verizon's iPhone 4G]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/apple-rumor-roundup-pipe-dreams-cloud-storage-and-verizons-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/apple-rumor-roundup-pipe-dreams-cloud-storage-and-verizons-ip/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/apple-rumor-roundup-pipe-dreams-cloud-storage-and-verizons-ip/#commentsIn case you haven't noticed, things are getting out of hand in the world of Apple rumors. Frankly, it's all we can do to read another one and trudge onward, but hey -- we've no problem with folks putting their reputations on the line here. Let's dig in to the latest pair, shall we?

The rumor: Apple's acquisition of Lala will actually lead to customers having access to an "online locker" for multimedia. This could be a cloud storage location for one's iTunes library, enabling them to have access to their jams and vids even when away from their at-home storage. The trick is that the cloud would only hold the metadata, and streaming would originate from somewhere else on Apple's end.
Our take: Okay, so we want to believe. Just imagine if your next Apple tablet or iPhone knew exactly what songs you owned in iTunes, and at a moment's notice, you could tap into the iTunes store and stream full, unedited versions of those songs from anywhere. Amazing, no? Problem is, the bulk of iTunes libraries aren't made up of content that was purchased in iTunes (or purchased at all). It seems that the best Apple could do would be to negotiate streaming deals for content you've actually purchased within iTunes, which results in a half-baked user experience. Last we checked, Stevie J wasn't much on half-baked user experiences.

The rumor: Astoundingly, the mythical Apple tablet won't be the company's "one more thing" next week; instead, it'll be a refreshed iPhone... that works on Verizon Wireless. Oh, and iPhone OS 4.0. So says Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek, anyway.
Our take: Ha! Apple has never been one to showcase too much at one time, and we're guessing that the outfit would be smart enough to withhold a new iPhone introduction for a separate press event. We don't doubt that a Verizon iPhone is in the works (though an LTE version will be at least a year or two out), but there's no way Jobs steals the tablet's thunder by giving every rabid iPhone user hot sweats when considering the switch to Big Red. Bottom line? Don't bank on it.

At this point, we reckon everyone would be best served by taking a huge step back, a deep breath and one of those so-called "chill pills." Next Wednesday ain't so far away, now is it?

Apple rumor roundup: pipe dreams, Lala's role and Verizon's iPhone 4G originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleApple Tablet leaked photoAppleTabletLeakedPhotocloudcloud storageCloudStorageIpAddressiphoneiphone 4gIphone4gislatelalamacbookrumorrumor roundupRumorRoundupslatestoragetablettablet pcsTabletPcsverizonThu, 21 Jan 2010 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple to introduce host of new machines, new multitouch input devices tomorrow?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/apple-to-introduce-host-of-new-machines-new-multitouch-input-de/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/apple-to-introduce-host-of-new-machines-new-multitouch-input-de/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/apple-to-introduce-host-of-new-machines-new-multitouch-input-de/#comments We're not sure why John Gruber and Dan Lyons are having some sort of megalomaniacal Apple super-pundit standoff, but we'll sit here and take the spoils: Gruber's just one-upped Lyons's earlier vague tease of new Apple gear tomorrow with a pretty specific list of things he's apparently heard we'll see, including new iMacs and plastic MacBooks, revved Mac Minis (including one that runs OS X Server), a new multitouch "Magic Mouse" (ha!) and some sort of multitouch desktop trackpad accessory. That pretty much covers every rumor and vague whisper we've heard over the past few months, so it's actually a fairly conservative set of predictions, outside of that trackpad -- which itself may or may not be related to this multitouch input device patent from a couple weeks ago. We'll see what happens tomorrow morning -- at this point we're half expecting a tablet, a pony, and some sort of multitouch waffle maker as well.

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Apple to introduce host of new machines, new multitouch input devices tomorrow? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleimacmac minimacbookMacMinimagic mouseMagicMousemighty mouseMightyMousemousemultitouchmultitouch mousemultitouch trackpadMultitouchMouseMultitouchTrackpados xos x serverOsXOsXServerrumortrackpadMon, 19 Oct 2009 20:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Google AdSense leaks Apple's refreshed iMac, Mac mini, Macbook?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/google-adsense-leaks-apples-refreshed-imac-mac-mini-macbook/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/google-adsense-leaks-apples-refreshed-imac-mac-mini-macbook/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/04/google-adsense-leaks-apples-refreshed-imac-mac-mini-macbook/#comments
This one is for all you online tea leaf readers and Apple SKU / crystal ball aficionados: Further confirming our suspicion that something more affordable may be on the horizon, Google AdSense this weekend started serving users in the Netherlands with ads for new iMacs, MacBooks, and Mac minis. Pointing to a dead link at the country's Apple Store, the ads read (via Google Translate): "Apple's Newest MacBook. Thinner, lighter and faster! Free delivery. Order today," "The Brand new iMac. Ultra Thin 20 & 24 inch models. From only €1099 (roughly $1,603). Apple Store," and "Apple's New Mac mini. Faster and more affordable than ever. From only € 499 ($723). Order immediately." (For a little perspective, that's €100 ($145) less than the cheapest Mac mini currently on the Netherlands online store.) Granted, whenever peeping purported translations from foreign tipsters we're always half-afraid that we're actually reading Celine Dion lyrics or dialogue from Caddyshack, but this one seems to be the real deal -- for whatever that's worth.

Update: Apple's "New Mighty Mouse" advertised as well.

[Thanks, Ronald V.]

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Google AdSense leaks Apple's refreshed iMac, Mac mini, Macbook? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsenseadvertisementapplegoogleimacleakmacmac minimacbookMacMinimouserumorrumorsSun, 04 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple about to unveil refreshed plastic MacBooks?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/apple-about-to-unveil-refreshed-plastic-macbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/apple-about-to-unveil-refreshed-plastic-macbooks/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/apple-about-to-unveil-refreshed-plastic-macbooks/#comments The white plastic MacBook has been looking pretty lonely at the bottom of Apple's lineup ever since all the unibodies went Pro, but we'd been hearing Apple had some grand plans for the low-end -- and now AppleInsider says revised MacBooks in a thinner, sleeker shell have hit manufacturing and could launch "in the coming weeks" alongside that rumored iMac refresh. AI also says there are hints at a new-school integrated battery and a white plastic case, but we'll see what happens -- anyone think Apple might cut prices below $999?

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Apple about to unveil refreshed plastic MacBooks? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applelaptopmacmacbookplastic macbookPlasticMacbookpolycarbonate macbookPolycarbonateMacbookrumorrumorsSun, 27 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Polycarbonate MacBook to live on, be redesigned?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/polycarbonate-macbook-to-live-on-be-redesigned/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/polycarbonate-macbook-to-live-on-be-redesigned/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/25/polycarbonate-macbook-to-live-on-be-redesigned/#comments It might seem like Apple's been ignoring its non-Pro MacBook line lately -- even doing hardware updates on the sly -- but consumers haven't, and they've been lapping up that solitary SKU with unabated enthusiasm. No surprise then that Cupertino would have bigger plans on the horizon, and AppleInsider claims Apple's engineers are already hard at work on an "industrial design overhaul" for the humble 13-incher, with some configurations expected to come in under the current $999 price point. Great news if you're lusting after a Mac, but still want to be able to buy groceries -- right, Giampaulo?

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Polycarbonate MacBook to live on, be redesigned? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple MacBookAppleMacbookdesignMacBookplasticplastic macbookPlasticMacbookpolycarbonaterefreshrumorrumorswhite macbookWhiteMacbookTue, 25 Aug 2009 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple 'fesses up to 7200 RPM HDD issues, aims to dispatch a fix forthwith]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/apple-fesses-up-to-7200-rpm-hdd-issues-aims-to-dispatch-a-fix/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/apple-fesses-up-to-7200-rpm-hdd-issues-aims-to-dispatch-a-fix/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/apple-fesses-up-to-7200-rpm-hdd-issues-aims-to-dispatch-a-fix/#comments
MacBook Pro owners suffering from 7200 RPM noise pollution and performance issues, Apple has acknowledged your pain and wants you to know that it's working hard to remedy the situation. According to CNET, the problem seems to be restricted to 500GB / 7200 RPM hard drives, with the likely culprit being code that's somehow "causing the drive to sleep during use." No word yet on a release date for the patch, but you'll know as soon as we do. As you know, we'll pretty much take any opportunity we can find to run a Lloyd Dobler Photoshop.

[Via Register Hardware]

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Apple 'fesses up to 7200 RPM HDD issues, aims to dispatch a fix forthwith originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7200 rpm7200Rpmapplebrokebrokendisk drivedisk storageDiskDriveDiskStoragehard disk driveHardDiskDrivehddmacmac bookmac book proMacBookMacBookPromemoryrumorrumorsseagate storageSeagateStoragetechnical issuesTue, 11 Aug 2009 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook Pros with 7200RPM HDDs getting a touch too noisy?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/12/macbook-pros-with-7200rpm-hdds-getting-a-touch-too-noisy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/12/macbook-pros-with-7200rpm-hdds-getting-a-touch-too-noisy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/12/macbook-pros-with-7200rpm-hdds-getting-a-touch-too-noisy/#comments MacBook Pro hard disk storage really seem to be down on its luck this generation. First was the 3Gbps SATA transfers (now fixed), which honestly didn't affected but a marginal percentage of users upgrading to SSD themselves. Now comes word from a number of irate users on the Apple support forums that claim their HDDs, specifically those spec'd at 7200RPM, are suffering from performance issues and some audible clicking / beeping sounds. The folks at Other World Computing chimed in to say that it might have something to do with the Seagate Momentus 7200.4 G-Force drives, which takes anti-shock precautions that are possibly causing both noise and extra strain. If you're not hearing anything now, we wouldn't suggest you start getting hyper paranoid over the issue -- it's the internet, where things often get blown way out of proportion, in case you haven't noticed. If you're still worried / curious, hit up the read link for the full collection of anecdotes.

[Via Engadget Spanish and MacNN]

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MacBook Pros with 7200RPM HDDs getting a touch too noisy? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7200 rpm7200Rpmapplebrokebrokendisk drivedisk storageDiskDriveDiskStoragehard disk driveHardDiskDrivehddmacmac bookmac book proMacBookMacBookPromemoryrumorrumorsseagatestoragetechnical issuesTechnicalIssuesSun, 12 Jul 2009 04:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple mulling price cuts, developing netbook competitor?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/30/apple-mulling-price-cuts-developing-netbook-competitor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/30/apple-mulling-price-cuts-developing-netbook-competitor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/30/apple-mulling-price-cuts-developing-netbook-competitor/#comments
Sure, Apple just posted a record quarter of earnings, but it's been taking a beating lately on the price issue -- not only have cheap netbooks become the hottest category in the market, Microsoft's Laptop Hunters commercials have reignited the Apple tax debate. That appears to have the wheels in motion in Cupertino: AppleInsider says the MacBook and iMac lines are soon to be bolstered with lower-cost options that should take some of the bite out of Redmond's marketing. That's certainly interesting, but here's the real noise: according to AI, the low-cost machines are just an interim solution while Apple preps a new tablet line to take on netbooks directly without making any of the design sacrifices Steve Jobs has repeatedly pooh-poohed. Wild -- but it jibes with those recent whispers about a Verizon / Apple meetup and those reports that Quanta's busy building something with a 10-inch display. So -- cheaper Macs in the short term, crazy-insane iPhone tablet / MID thing riding a unicorn sometime later. You believe any of that?

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Apple mulling price cuts, developing netbook competitor? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleimaciphonemacbookmidnetbookrumorrumorstabletThu, 30 Apr 2009 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple prototyping "iPhone lite" and MacBook Mini / media pad for Verizon?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/apple-prototyping-iphone-lite-and-macbook-mini-media-pad-for/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/apple-prototyping-iphone-lite-and-macbook-mini-media-pad-for/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/28/apple-prototyping-iphone-lite-and-macbook-mini-media-pad-for/#comments

Hot on the heels of yesterday's reports of Apple and Verizon dealings comes some tantalizing, but still unconfirmed, new details from BusinessWeek. According to the publication, the gang in Cupertino has prototyped two devices for the carrier. The first one is a smaller, less expensive device that's been dubbed as "iPhone lite" by someone who's apparently seen it in person. The other is called a "media pad" (Joggler, anyone?) for music, photos, HD video, and placing calls over WiFi. Details are scant beyond that, and while that pad sounds a lot like an iPod touch to us, we can't help but wonder if it has something to do with those 10-inch displays that Quanta's rumored to be manufacturing. Don't put too much stock into this, as the reports could end up being all for naught, but one thing's for sure: you can bet the suits at AT&T are keeping a very, very close eye on this. In other, even sketchier and likely unrelated rumors, a listing for "MacBookMini" has popped up in Adium's statistics. While we wouldn't normally think anything of this -- as TUAW correctly notes, anyone can edit their computer IDs -- it was from these pages that we first heard the name MacBook Air. Chances are this is nothing, but with all this talk of 10-inch screens and media pads, it kind of makes you wonder.

[Via TUAW; image courtesy of Frunny]

Read - BusinessWeek
Read - Adium stats

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Apple prototyping "iPhone lite" and MacBook Mini / media pad for Verizon? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adiumappleapple iphoneapple iphone liteapple macbook miniapple media padapple rumorapple rumorsAppleIphoneAppleIphoneLiteAppleMacbookMiniAppleMediaPadAppleRumorAppleRumorsiphoneiphone liteiphone osIphoneLiteiphoneosmacbookmacbook miniMacbookMinimedia padMediaPadminimobilenetbookrumorrumorstablettablet pcTabletPcverizonverizon iphoneverizon iphone liteverizon macbook miniverizon media padverizon rumorverizon rumorsverizon wirelessVerizonIphoneVerizonIphoneLiteVerizonMacbookMiniVerizonMediaPadVerizonRumorVerizonRumorsVerizonWirelessvzwTue, 28 Apr 2009 01:41:00 EST<![CDATA[17-inch unibody MacBook Pro with non-removable battery rumored for Macworld]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/04/17-inch-unibody-macbook-pro-with-non-removable-battery-rumored-f/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/04/17-inch-unibody-macbook-pro-with-non-removable-battery-rumored-f/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/04/17-inch-unibody-macbook-pro-with-non-removable-battery-rumored-f/#comments
9to5Mac is reporting that a unibody, 17-inch MacBook Pro will be announced at Macworld, following in the footsteps of the previously released unibody 13 and 15-inchers. The rumor, backed up by some "whisperers" at Macrumors, isn't really an earth-shattering surprise -- though the accompanying revelation that this model is expected to have a slim, extended-life, non-removable battery is rather eye-opening -- and somewhat disappointing, considering the lameness of non-removable batteries. We'll know for sure on Tuesday at the keynote.

Update: Apple Insider is now independently confirming the imminent arrival of the unibody 17-incher, and also corroborating the fixed internal battery theory.

Read - Apple 17-inch MacBook Pro to go Unibody, sans removable battery (Silver-Zinc replacement?)
Read - 17" Unibody MacBook Pro with Non-Removable Extended-Life Battery?
Read - Sources: 17-inch MacBook Pro, NVIDIA Mac mini due shortly

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17-inch unibody MacBook Pro with non-removable battery rumored for Macworld originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macbookmacbook proMacbookPromacworldmacworld 2009Macworld2009rumorunibodySun, 04 Jan 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New MacBook Pro to feature removable battery and hard drive, according to latest leaked shots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/new-macbook-pro-to-feature-removable-battery-and-hard-drive-acc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/new-macbook-pro-to-feature-removable-battery-and-hard-drive-acc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/new-macbook-pro-to-feature-removable-battery-and-hard-drive-acc/#comments
It took a little while to come back around to them specifically, but if these pictures are any indication, Apple Insider's MacBook leak way back in July had a pretty good grasp on things to come -- even if it was frustratingly premature. New shots depicting the bottom of the new purported 15-inch MacBook Pro have surfaced on Chinese forum MacHome. The source confirms both a removable battery and a swappable hard drive for the upcoming laptop, with the whole bottom rear of the device lifting off to remove the goodies in store. Not not like this little tidbit is changing any opinions on the laptops due to be announced by Steve in a couple of hours, but hopefully it can serve as a filling, not fattening, snack to get you through to the keynote.

[Thanks, Chris]

Continue reading New MacBook Pro to feature removable battery and hard drive, according to latest leaked shots

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New MacBook Pro to feature removable battery and hard drive, according to latest leaked shots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebatterymacbookmacbook proMacbookProremovable hard driveRemovableHardDriverumorTue, 14 Oct 2008 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Mr. Blurrycam reveals the updated MacBook Pro, $899 laptop model shows up in Apple inventory systems (Updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/mr-blurrycam-reveals-the-updated-macbook-pro-899-laptop-model/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/mr-blurrycam-reveals-the-updated-macbook-pro-899-laptop-model/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/mr-blurrycam-reveals-the-updated-macbook-pro-899-laptop-model/#comments
Well, maybe -- we're not calling it official until Steve pulls the cloth off himself tomorrow morning . Still, there's no denying the similarities between this image and all those other case leaks we've seen, and the list of specs we've been given matches up as well -- that "metal and glass" enclosure now houses an NVIDIA GPU, but no FireWire 400, and video-out is apparently through a connector "more compact" than MicroDVI. We'll find out soon enough -- oh, and just to amp up expectations, Boy Genius says he's confirmed the existence of an $899 part number in Apple's retail systems. Counting down...

Update: Our source just hit us with another pic, this time from the side -- it's after the break. We're also told that there's not one, but two NVIDIA GPUs inside -- we're guessing an integrated / discrete setup like in the VAIO Z, but we'll find out for sure tomorrow.

Update 2: Our source just hit us again to say that it's two full-on NVIDIA GPUs -- sounds like a hybrid SLI setup to us, which is pretty wild. Wilder still, they say the MacBook and 17-inch MacBook Pro aren't getting refreshed tomorrow, which we find hard to believe, but we'll see when we see.

Update 3: John Gruber over at Daring Fireball, the first to accurately predict today's launch event, has confidentally chimed in with many more details. The button-less trackpad is indeed glass, and "is a button itself" which opens the door for a few hours of trouser-heated speculation about the trackpad doubling as a BlackBerry Storm-like display (Gruber doesn't say and it doesn't appear to be in that image above so don't count on it). Gruber also claims that none of the new laptops will reach the rumored $899 price point -- the part number spotted earlier seems to be associated with a new 24-inch LED Apple Cinema Display with DisplayPort according to MacRumors, not a low-end MacBook. To support this, Gruber says that the aluminum MacBooks will indeed be announced in $1,299 (2GHz, 2GB memory, 160GB disk) and $1,499 (2.4GHz, 2GB memory, 250GB disk) configs and will ship by the end of the week along with new 120GB HDD and 128GB SSD configurations of the MacBook Air. While CPU clocks will remain pretty much the same, all new MacBooks -- regular, Pro, and Air -- will feature the new NVIDIA 9400M GPU -- the 15-inch MacBook Pro (the 17-inch will remain unchanged albeit with 4GB of memory and bigger 320GB disk) will feature a second 9600M GT GPU making it a true graphics powerhouse as previously speculated. Lastly, the current 2.1GHz white MacBook remains in the line-up but will be cut to $999.

Continue reading Mr. Blurrycam reveals the updated MacBook Pro, $899 laptop model shows up in Apple inventory systems (Updated)

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Mr. Blurrycam reveals the updated MacBook Pro, $899 laptop model shows up in Apple inventory systems (Updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewsmacbookmacbook proMacbookProrumorrumorsMon, 13 Oct 2008 22:37:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook / MacBook Pro rumor roundup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/12/macbook-macbook-pro-rumor-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/12/macbook-macbook-pro-rumor-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/12/macbook-macbook-pro-rumor-roundup/#comments
Well the rumoratti has certainly been working overtime today when it comes to Apple, so we've decided to bundle all the news that's currently doing the rounds into one tasty and nutritious post.

First up, there are new -- and quite detailed -- pictures out of what appears to be those MacBook and MacBook Pro casings we saw during the week. Again, we can't 100 percent confirm that these are the real deal, but they certainly have that Air-meets-MacBook hybrid quality to them that would suggest we're looking at the next iteration of the line.

Secondly, Apple has gone and published a support document for the "MacBook/MacBook Pro (Late 2008)" -- which suggests (gasp!) that there might be some late 2008 refreshes in our future. Oh really? Weird.



Rounding out the excitement, AppleInsider "confirms" the rumor that the new MacBooks will jettison the integrated Intel graphics which earlier models have used in favor of NVIDIA's MCP79 platform. The GPUs apparently use a new set of GeForce 9300 and 9400 chips that will make previous performance look archaic by comparison. Additionally, according to hotshot Mac rumor specialist Kevin Rose, the new systems will support Blu-ray drives, thus finally allowing you to watch season 4 of Lost the way the lord intended it.

As with all rumors, you can never really know which one of these is going to stick, but luckily we won't have to wait very long to get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, feel free to peruse the various links below and soak in the sweet, sweet gossip.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Read - Leaked MacBook / MacBook Pro casing photos
Read - Apple Document Confirms MacBook/MacBook Pro (Late 2008)
Read - Apple dumping Intel chipsets for NVIDIA's in new MacBooks
Read - Kevin Rose drops MacBook Blu-Ray Rumor at Live Diggnation event

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MacBook / MacBook Pro rumor roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblu-raykevin roseKevinRoseleaked photosleaked picsleaked picturesLeakedPhotosLeakedPicsLeakedPicturesmacbookmacbook proMacbookProMCP79nvidiarumorrumor roundupRumorRounduprumorsspeculationspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotsSun, 12 Oct 2008 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA[More pics of Apple's supposed new laptops surface]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/more-pics-of-apples-supposed-new-laptops-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/more-pics-of-apples-supposed-new-laptops-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/09/more-pics-of-apples-supposed-new-laptops-surface/#comments
Oh Apple -- release some new laptops so this madness can end. The forums at MacRumors are abuzz over a Taiwanese site that's showing off pictures of what appears to be a very close cousin of that MacBook Pro-esque casing we saw earlier. This isn't the same model, surely, but it does bear a striking similarity in both design and materials -- and after lots of deliberation and comparisons, we're fairly sure this isn't the Air either (the hinge ends in a totally different spot in relation to the keys). That machined quality we noted in the earlier post is present, though as we said previously, the sides of these housings do look like separate pieces. Regardless, if any of this is even remotely true (and not another Photoshop from someone's mother's basement), Apple is indeed taking its laptops in an Air direction, which isn't surprising -- but signs of these being the end-result of new manufacturing process? The jury's still way out. One more pic after the break of that controversial side piece.

[Via MacRumors]

Continue reading More pics of Apple's supposed new laptops surface

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More pics of Apple's supposed new laptops surface originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Apple rumor mill has really cooked up a doozy this time. According to 9to5mac -- a site with a fairly good track record -- Apple's next big thing isn't just a laptop or an iPod... it's an entirely new manufacturing process. If you believe the site's sources, an as-yet-unannounced event on October 14th will herald in a new iteration of the MacBook dubbed the "Brick," but the big news won't actually be about the laptop. Apparently, Apple has created a brand-new process to sculpt casings for products out of aircraft-grade aluminum, using a system that carves the pieces out of a single block of metal using "3D lasers" and water-jet cutting. The new technique will supposedly allow for seamless components which require no bending or folding, won't use screws to join together, are ultra-light but also "super strong," and will enable the company to rapidly prototype and produce new designs. Of course, not a single word of this is confirmed or even acknowledged by Apple, though we have been hearing whispers of the "Brick" for a few weeks now. Ultimately, everyone should approach this news with extreme skepticism, but if these rumors get magically transmuted into reality, there's no telling what kind of new gear Apple might have up its sleeve.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Apple introducing new manufacturing process, MacBook 'Brick'? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If there's one thing we've learned over years (aside from the fact that Segway users will always be looked at strangely), it's that Best Buy's inventory systems are famous for turning us on to forthcoming wares. Just this year, strange part numbers in its stock system have correctly predicted the arrival of new MacBook Pros, the Nikon D90 and an unlocked US 3G Touch Diamond. Now, we're feasting our eyes upon the latest snippet from Future Shop's (Best Buy's Canadian sibling) inventory system, which shows a half dozen new Mac placeholders for French and English language machines. Unfortunately, "Apple Mac" is about as vague as it gets, but we wouldn't be shocked one iota to see new MBPs surface in the near future. C'mon stock system -- don't let us down.

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New Mac placeholders appear in Future Shop stock system originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If we're to believe a report out today from Citigroup analyst Richard Gardner, Steve Jobs may be taking his "one more thing" to its logical -- and lengthy -- conclusion. According to Gardner (via Barron's) "field checks" on Apple's movements have "confirmed shipments" of "new MacBooks." Gardner goes on to detail stand-out features of the new laptops, saying the currently-en-route devices boast a "very thin aluminum casing, an LED backlit display and an aggressive entry-level price point." Sure, this crazy talk does happen to fall somewhat in line with recent tips we've received suggesting that a new MacBook Pro will be headed onto store shelves come September 23rd, but that doesn't change the fact that all of this information is being reported by lone sources (Citigroup affiliation notwithstanding) with absolutely no evidence to back up their claims. We won't argue that it would be great to see a much-needed update to MacBooks and / or Pros in the very near future, but we don't recommend placing any bets... not until we see some more of those juicy Apple leaks.

[Via Electronista]

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New MacBooks already shipping, hitting stores September 23rd? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystanalyst speculationAnalystSpeculationapplemacbookmacbook proMacbookProrichard gardnerRichardGardnerrumorSeptember 23rdSeptember23rdspeculationMon, 15 Sep 2008 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report claims iPod, MacBook, and MacBook Pro shortages coming... along with new gear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/30/report-claims-ipod-macbook-and-macbook-pro-shortages-coming/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/30/report-claims-ipod-macbook-and-macbook-pro-shortages-coming/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/30/report-claims-ipod-macbook-and-macbook-pro-shortages-coming/#commentsAccording to a report from AppleInsider, the Cupertino giant is issuing "advisement bulletins" to some of its channel partners suggesting they get their hands on iPods and MacBooks / MacBook Pros while the gettin's good. It seems that Apple is telling resellers to place orders for a four-week block's worth of top-selling iPods, saying that within the next seven days supplies will become extremely limited, while recommending a three-week supply of MacBooks and MacBook Pros. The article claims that this practice is familiar to third-party sellers, and indicates Apple is ramping up for its holiday season (and new iPods and MacBooks / Pros, presumably). Of course, right now this is just whispers in high school hallways, but we can promise you this: Apple will be selling something this holiday season. You have our word.

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Report claims iPod, MacBook, and MacBook Pro shortages coming... along with new gear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An interesting wave of MacBook rumors hit today, for some reason, following up on these weird case images we saw a while back. First up, Seth Weintraub at Computerworld says the new machines will be manufactured in an all-new process out of one sheet of aluminum and feature glass multi-touch trackpads -- which seems entirely unnecessary, since there's no reason for the trackpads to be clear if there's no screen underneath them. (No, there's not going to be a screen underneath them. Stop it.) Second, AppleInsider says that the inherent suck of Intel's integrated graphics solutions is pushing Apple away from using the Centrino 2 / Montevina platform in the MacBook, and that the company's planning on doing its own custom chipset instead. That'd be a big step for Apple, since it's basically used Intel reference designs ever since it went x86 -- but given how useless Intel's integrated graphics are when really pushed, we can see why Apple's ready to walk away. Of course, this is all nothing more than rumor and speculation, so we wouldn't expect any of this to actually come to pass, but hey, it's fun to dream, right?

Read - Computerworld
Read - AppleInsider

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MacBook rumors swirling: glass trackpads, custom chipsets, ponies, ice cream originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Word on the street -- and by "street" we mean "the internet" -- is that Apple will begin exclusive use of LED BLUs for displays in all of its MacBooks come 2009. According to the Chinese-language paper Economic Daily News, the computer-maker's Taiwanese supplier of LED backlight units, Kenmos, will increase shipments in the coming year of the brighter, longer-lasting, better dressed components. Of course, the paper could be making this all up to toy with our emotions and break our little hearts... but why would they do that?

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Apple to add LED BLU displays to all MacBooks in 2009 says paper originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whoops! Apple's gone and leaked its brand new aluminum MacBook and redesigned MacBook Pros to the interblogs. Yeah, it seems old Jobsy has really loosened the binds over in Cupertino -- he doesn't care what gets out these days. No, but seriously, some cats on the internet supposedly discovered a .Mac page which appears to display mockups (or actual product renderings) for a new line of laptops, as well as adverts for iTunes 8 and iPhones in the 32GB variety (for Australia, naturally). Of course, this is wild, crazy, unfounded speculation, and likely has no basis in reality at all. Then again, you never know... stranger things have happened. Steve, we await your takedown requests. See full pages for yourself in the gallery after the break.

Update: Looks like MacRumors got duped by its own forum members -- these are fan-made mockups. Oh well, at least we can dream.

[Thanks, al and sleuth]

Gallery: Sketchy pictures of new MacBook, MacBook Pro, and 32GB iPhone surface

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Sketchy pictures of new MacBook, MacBook Pro, and 32GB iPhone surface originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've always heard that Apple deliberately sends out misinformation to distract the rumor sites, and it looks like that may actually be true -- check out these shots of the Future Shop inventory system, listing the upcoming MB402LL/A and MB403LL/A SKUs from Apple as being priced at CA$1149 and CA$1349, respectively. That's MacBook pricing, if we had to make a guess -- but remember that earlier Best Buy shot that showed a box size of 17 inches square, which is way bigger than any non-Pro MacBook. So, to recap: there are definitely new Apple laptops coming soon, but we have almost no idea what kind -- based on product cycles, we'd say it's the MacBook Pro, but signs point to the MacBook as well. Confused yet? Yeah, we thought so -- but hopefully answers are coming soon.

Continue reading More Apple MacBook / MacBook Pro models numbers pop up

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More Apple MacBook / MacBook Pro models numbers pop up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our tip jar, it brings us so much joy -- and it brings you, dear reader, this printout of what's purported to be the Best Buy database listing for one of those heretofore-unknown MacBook model numbers. You'll note that whatever MB402LL/A turns out to be, it's said to be in stock on March 2nd, which is just a few days away -- but also note that current MacBook Pros have MA-series model numbers, while the regular MacBook has traditionally carried the MB designation. That's interesting, but we doubt a $1,999 MacBook is about to surface -- besides, the current MacBook box is 15 inches square, smaller than the 17 inches listed here. (Yes, we measured.) As always, we'll see when we see -- come on Tuesday, you're almost here.

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Yep, new MacBook part numbers are in Best Buy's database originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well kids, it was bound to happen. With Macworld speeding our direction, and all the exciting, unfounded, and wildly hopeful Apple rumors we've been hearing as of late, a doctored (or not doctored) picture was bound to crop up. Well, here you have it -- a rendering, real or otherwise, of the supposed (yet not in any way confirmed) ultraportable MacBook we've been hearing about. It goes without saying that this image is totally unverifiable and probably fake, especially taking into consideration that the point of origin is the first (and only) post of an unknown contributor to the MacRumors forum. As evidenced by the photo, the thin-as-hell MacBook has no optical drive and sports an extra wide trackpad and button, which makes the whole thing look pretty goofy. We're not going to let the fact that this prototype user also seems to be reading Dan Brown's Angels and Demons further shake our confidence -- though it's hard to get below zero. Inspect the picture above and draw your own conclusions.

[Thanks, stem]

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Is this the ultraportable MacBook? (Answer: probably not) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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