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Apple to fix 'unresponsive' 13-inch MacBook Pros
A few early adopters of Apple's new 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro are reporting problems with the keyboard and trackpad not working properly. Apple confirmed on its support site that a fix is on the way. While you wait for the patch to arrive, Apple says you can close the display for 60 seconds and then open it to reset the affected hardware. [Via Engadget]
Apple dumps 'highest-resolution notebook ever' tagline thanks to Chromebook Pixel
Apple's 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro was advertised as the world's second-highest resolution notebook, sitting right behind the company's 15-inch Retina model. That coveted position changed hands when Google introduced its Chromebook Pixel and grabbed that number two spot. As noted by 9to5Mac, Apple has modified the advertising taglines for its MacBook Pro to reflect this change. The hallmark feature of the 12.85-inch Chromebook Pixel is its high-resolution display that checks in with 2,560 x 1,700 pixels. Though this screen doesn't beat the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro and its 2,880 x 1,800 display, the Pixel does edge out the 13-inch Retina model, which has a 2,560 x 1,600 display. On Apple's website, the Retina MacBook Pro models are no longer advertised as being "The highest-resolution notebook ever. And the second highest." Now, the tagline for the Retina MacBook Pro claims, "High performance has never been so well defined." A similar re-wording is also present on the webpage that describes the major features of the Retina MacBooks. On this Features page, Apple now claims the 13-inch model is "just as impressive" as the 15-inch model. The pair are no longer "in a class of their own," which is how Apple previously described its Retina notebook models.
Apple releases updates to MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, lowers starting price
Apple is updating specs and dropping prices on select MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. According to a company press release, the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro will now start at US$1,499 for the base model with 128 GB of flash storage, down from the original $1,699 price tag. The premier 13-inch Retina model will get a processor boost to 2.6 GHZ and a similar price drop from $1,999 to $1,699. The lower-end (if such a phrase can apply in this case) 15-inch model Retina MacBook Pro will keep the same price tag, but it will be boosted to a 2.4 GHz quad-core processor in the base model. A new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor will replace the current 2.6 GHz CPU in the top-of-the line model. The MacBook Air will keep the same specs, but will now set you back $1,399. The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air models are available today through Apple's Online Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Show full PR text Apple Updates Processors & Prices of MacBook Pro with Retina Display CUPERTINO, California-February 13, 2013-Apple® is making the MacBook Pro® with Retina® display faster and more affordable with updated processors and lower starting prices. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now starts at $1,499 for 128GB of flash, and $1,699 for a new 2.6 GHz processor and 256GB of flash. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display now features a faster 2.4 GHz quad-core processor, and the top-of-the-line 15-inch notebook comes with a new 2.7 GHz quad-core processor and 16GB of memory. Apple today also announced that the 13-inch MacBook Air® with 256GB of flash has a new lower price of $1,399. The MacBook Pro with Retina display features the world's highest resolution notebook display. Whether you're reading emails, writing text, editing home movies in HD or retouching professional photography, everything appears vibrant, detailed and sharp, delivering an unrivaled viewing experience. The MacBook Pro with Retina display features flash storage that is up to four times faster than traditional notebook hard drives, and delivers improved reliability, instant-on responsiveness and up to 30 days of standby time. Pricing & Availability The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display and MacBook Air models are available today through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Pricing details, technical specifications, configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/macbook-pro and www.apple.com/macbookair.
TUAW TV Live: Talking minis, opening boxes
Welcome back for another fun episode of TUAW TV Live! Today I've got a lot of hot topics: the new Macs -- mini, 13" Retina MacBook Pro, and iMac; the new iPads and the handful of accessories that were announced by Tim Cook and Phil Schiller yesterday. In addition, I have been inundated over the past few weeks with piles of hardware to review. It's everything from iPhone 5 cases to compact disk drives, from web cams to USB hubs. We'll do a little unboxing on the show this afternoon, and you can give me your first opinions on what you're seeing. Below, you'll find a Ustream livestream viewer and a chat tool. The chat tool allows you to participate by asking questions or making comments. You'll be watching the show in glorious HD! If you're driving somewhere and would like to watch TUAW TV Live while you're stuck in traffic, please don't -- keep your eyes on the road! However, if someone else is doing the driving, you can watch the show on your iPhone and join the chat by downloading the free Ustream App. It's a universal app and is wonderful on an iPad, both for viewing and participating in the chat. In addition, the live stream and chat will be available through our Facebook page. Just point your browser here to watch the show and chat with other viewers while you're on Facebook. Last, but certainly not least, you can watch here and join the chat with your favorite IRC client. Join us on server chat1.ustream.tv, chat room #tuaw-tv. We'll start at about 5 PM ET, so if you're seeing a prerecorded show, be sure to refresh your browser until you see the live stream. For those of you who are not able to join us for the live edition, you'll be able to view it later this evening on our TUAW Video YouTube channel and as part of the TUAW TV Live podcast viewable in iTunes or on any of your Apple devices.
Apple announces 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display: 2,560 x 1,600 resolution, Thunderbolt and HDMI starting at $1,699
If the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display was feeling lonely up there on its high-resolution pedestal, it needn't any longer. As expected, Apple just announced a 13-inch version to keep it company. The 2,560 x 1,600 resolution means that 13-inch screen offers a ppi of 232, marginally more than its larger brother's 226. As well as that lovely new display, there's a pair of Thunderbolt ports, and a full-size HDMI port to let you make good use of it with, as well as a pair of USB 3s. While this might not be the primary focus of the day, it will definitely be one of the more hotly anticipated reveals from the company's San Jose event this afternoon. The base model will run you $1,699 and comes with a 2.5GHz i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of flash memory. At the top end you can expect 768GB hard drive, atop a Core i7. And, like last time, to top it all off, all the new goodies come in a slimmer, desire-stoking design -- weighing a whole pound less than the 2011 13-incher and at just 0.75-inches thick, 20 percent thinner. Already full of want? Then don't hang around, as it ships today! In the meantime, keep your retinas locked right here for our hands on. For more coverage, visit our Apple Special Event hub!
Retina MacBook Pro meets EPEAT standards
Back in July 2012, Apple removed the EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) green certification from its products, resulting in a flurry of excitement when school systems and governmental agencies threatened to drop Apple products from their "approved to buy" lists. About a week later, Apple apologized to customers and put the products back on the EPEAT listing. Now the company is happy to announce that the MacBook Pro with Retina display meets the EPEAT standards. Previously, the MacBook Pro's inability to be "upgraded with commonly available tools" kept it and other unibody laptops off of the EPEAT list. EPEAT has changed its definition to now include hard drives and optical drives that can be connected externally through Thunderbolt and USB 3.0. EPEAT also wasn't happy with the process of disassembling sealed unibody notebooks, since it makes it difficult to do things like replace batteries or recycle the devices at the end of their useful lives. Manufacturers including Apple provided disassembly instructions, and the EPEAT labs were able to take most laptops apart in 20 minutes or less, removing batteries in less than three minutes. What's good for EPEAT isn't necessarily good for all "green" organizations. According to TechCrunch, Greenpeace's Casey Harrell bemoaned the EPEAT change in definition, stating that "It's unclear why EPEAT caved in, but the impact is that EPEAT has confused consumers and businesses who want to buy green electronics that can be repaired and will last a long time, and sets a dangerous trend for the burgeoning market of Ultrabooks."
Are Retina MacBooks displaying screen issues?
If a 56-page discussion thread on the Apple Support forums is any indication, there appears to be a problem with some MacBook Pros with Retina displays. The Retina displays with the issues show image retention and burn-in; others do not. TUAW reader Joe K. sent us a note about the issue, which appears to be happening to MBPs with displays manufactured by LG; other displays made by Samsung don't have the problem with image retention and burn-in, are brighter, and seem to display colors with more accuracy. To determine the make of the Retina display installed in your MacBook Pro, Joe supplied a helpful terminal command: ioreg -lw0 | grep \"EDID\" | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6 It's basically the same command seen on OSXDaily to check for LG screens on MacBook Airs, which will also tell you how you know if you have a Samsung or LG display. If your display code begins with "LP," it's an LG display. Mike Rose has verified that with his LG panel he sees faint ghosting of Finder windows when he goes into a PowerPoint slideshow with a gray background. Those who own a MacBook Pro with Retina display and see this problem as described in the thread should contact their local Apple Store or AppleCare for resolution.
WaterField Designs: Protecting your 15" Retina display MacBook Pro with panache
As an admitted computer bag fanatic, I have a special affinity for the creations of WaterField Designs in San Francisco. I personally use one of their bags (the Travel Express) to carry either my MacBook Air, two iPads, or the MBA and an iPad. That bag has gone through a lot in the last three years, but it still looks like it just came out of the box. When Heidi the PR lady at WaterField Designs told me about the line of new bags that they've specially created for the Retina display MacBook Pro, I decided to jump on getting some review products to try out and to give away to TUAW readers. In this review, I'll talk about both the Smart Case (US$99.00) and City Slicker ($149.00) for the 15" Retina display MacBook Pro, and then at the end you'll have an opportunity to win one from TUAW courtesy of WaterField Designs. Smart Case Let's start with the Smart Case. While it's not a total "bag" for your Retina MBP, it's designed to offer protection to your baby while you toss it into a briefcase, backpack, or any other larger bag. What's great about the Smart Case (as with all of WaterField Designs' products) is that it has padding everywhere you can imagine. There are high-impact rigid plastic inserts to keep your MBP safe from bumps and bangs, and it's cradled inside an Ultrasuede liner. The outside of the case features water-resistant nylon in a choice of six colors -- black, pearl, pine (dark green), green, flame (orange), and copper (tan). There's no stitching visible on the outside of the case, and the sides are encased in distressed brown leather trim. On the back side of the Smart Case is a stretchable pocket for carrying your power adapter and other cables. %Gallery-161878% The Smart Case is designed to hold your machine so snugly that it won't slide out, yet it's easy to pull it out for security checkpoints or doing work. While the video below shows the version of the Smart Case that's available for the 11" and 13" MacBook Air rather than the Retina Display MBP model, it still provides a comprehensive look at the features of the Smart Case. City Slicker A case is supposed to be something you buy after you get a new MacBook or iPad, and the City Slicker almost makes me want to go out and buy a new MacBook Pro just so I can get the case! The top and front of the case are nicely protected by luscious leather. The sample case I received used distressed, naturally tanned dark "Chocolate" leather -- you also have a choice of black or lighter tan "Grizzly" leather. What's nice about any leather surface like this is that it gains character over time as it is bumped, spilled on, and otherwise abused by life. The City Slicker comes initially without a handle or strap. The handle (a $10 option) is a rather tight fit, even for my small hands, but allows you to carry the bag just like a briefcase. You can also get D-rings ($5) attached if you have a favorite strap already, purchase a "Simple Strap Mini" for $12, or go all out and get the "Suspension Strap" for $22. My suggestion? Go with the high-end strap -- it's very comfortable and allows you to juggle papers and iPhones with your hands while you're carrying the bag. %Gallery-161879% The protection built into the City Slicker is awesome. Just under the outside later is a hard plastic insert, then a layer of spongy neoprene, and then the interior lining of the bag. There's extra padding in the bottom, since that's the spot that gets the most abuse when you place the case onto tables, desks and other surfaces. For all of the other things you'll want to carry along with your $2,200 laptop, there are two pockets. They're made of a stretchy material that lets you see what's in the pocket while ensuring that the contents aren't going to fall out. The video below once again shows the features of the MacBook Air version of the City Slicker; just scale this bag up to the size of a Retina display MacBook Pro and you have a perfect idea of how it looks. Conclusion Sure, you can buy less expensive computer and tablet bags elsewhere, but wouldn't you rather purchase something that is going to last and also looks great? (Also, did we mention that $2,200 sticker price for the Retina MacBook Pro? Skimping on protection seems short-sighted.) WaterField Designs bags do exactly that; they're cases that protect your investment in Apple equipment for years and that will gain the envy of anyone who sees them. If you need a way to keep your Retina display MacBook Pro safe and protected inside another bag, the Smart Case is perfect and is also reasonably priced. But if you need a new case for that beautiful Retina MBP, seriously consider the City Slicker. It's a gorgeous bag that offers unparalleled protection as well. If you're not impressed with either the City Slicker or Smart Case, I suggest that you take a look at the other designs that are available for the MacBook Pro with Retina display. Pros Distressed leather highlights on both the Smart Case and City Slicker are both beautiful and protective WaterField Designs' multi-layer protection keeps your Retina display MacBook Pro safe from impacts and scratches The bag and case are surprisingly thin considering the protection that they offer Made in the U.S.A in San Francisco Cons The handle on the City Slicker is a bit tight on your hand; I'd recommend forgoing the handle for the top-of-the-line Suspension Strap. Who are they for? Owners of Apple's new MacBook Pro with Retina display who want the best possible protection while exhibiting some style Giveaway We're kind of in a giveaway frenzy this week, and the first two items we're giving away are these wonderful cases from WaterField Designs. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before August 9, 2012 at 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. Two winners will be selected. One will receive a WaterField Designs Smart Case for MacBook Pro with Retina display valued at US$99.00, while the other will receive a WaterField Designs City Slicker (with optional handle) valued at $159.00. Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Entry Retina MacBook Pro now available with 512 GB, 768 GB drives
In a silent update to the online Apple Store, the entry-level model of the MacBook Pro with Retina display gained a few configure-to-option upgrades that can now be selected by buyers eager for the latest MacBook Pro. Initially, the entry-level Retina MacBook Pro could only get an upgrade from the standard 8 GB of RAM to 16 GB; no upgrades to faster processors or more storage than 256 GB were available without moving to the high-end model. Now Apple's made it possible to select from the base 2.3 GHz Quad-Core Intel i7 CPU, a 2.6 GHz model (for $100 more) or a 2.7 GHz version (for an extra US$350). Even better, there are now larger storage options available for the base Retina MacBook Pro. Instead of just the 256 GB SSD, you now have the choice of a 512 GB drive for $500 more or a 768 GB monster SSD for a cool $1000. However, before you rush to the Apple online store and order your new Retina MacBook Pro you might want to wait until things settle down a bit. Some commenters at MacRumors were reporting issues with adding the new options to their shopping cart, while others couldn't even see the new options. #next_pages_container { width: 5px; hight: 5px; position: absolute; top: -100px; left: -100px; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }
Latest MacBook Pro & Air models get software update
Apple has released a software update for the new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models introduced in June of 2012. The update, which is 76.64 MB in size, "...fixes an issue that can lead to increased CPU power consumption, and it improves compatibility with some USB devices." According to a tweet from veteran Mac backup utility developer Dave Nanian of Shirt Pocket, "There's no question-the new MacBook Pro Retina update improves thermal performance and battery. I *think* it's using integrated video more." The update is available through Software Update, or can be downloaded directly from http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1556
How the new MacBook Pros got EPEAT Gold rating
Apple's recent relationship with the EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) environmental rating is getting even more interesting. First, we reported on Apple dropping its entire product line from the program upon realizing that the new Retina display MacBook Pro models wouldn't get the coveted Gold rating due to their almost-impossible-to-recycle glued-in batteries. Then retiring Apple VP Bob Mansfield kissed and made up with the group later in the week. Now we're finding that Apple gave the MacBook Pro with Retina display the EPEAT Gold rating ... although it doesn't merit it. Fortune's Philip Elmer-DeWitt reports that Apple put all eligible products back on the Green Electronic Council's registry, thus clearing the way for purchases by schools and governments that are required to purchase EPEAT-approved computers. However, Apple also added the Gold label to all four models of the new MacBook Pro with Retina display. Almost immediately, the Electronics TakeBack Coalition took offense with what had happened. Barbara Kyle, the National Coordinator for the ETBC said "We seriously doubt that these MacBooks should qualify for EPEAT at any level because we think they flunk two required criteria in the 'Design for End of Life' section of the standard." Those criteria include 4.3.1.3, which states that "External enclosures shall be easily removable by one person alone with commonly available tools" and 4.3.1.5, regarding "Identification and removal of components containing hazardous materials." Basically, Apple just gave itself the rating against the EPEAT criteria. An EPEAT review has not yet happened, and the group could require Apple to remove the Gold label from the MacBook Pro models in question. Elmer-DeWitt also commented on the timing of Apple's withdrawal from EPEAT, noting that the AAPL Sanity board (membership required) pointed out that the annual fee for getting on the registry and fees for all listed products -- which can be in the millions of dollars -- came due on July 1. [via The Loop]
Daily Update for July 16, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Daily Update for July 13, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
MacBook Pro Retina display ship times improve
That didn't take long! One day after the MacBook Pro with Retina display was released, shipping times jumped to 2-3 weeks, and then to 3-4 weeks. Apparently the initial demand for the product has been met or more of the luscious laptops are making their way out of factories, because ship times are beginning to improve. In the U.S. online Apple Store, ship times are back down to the 2-3 week range; still annoying for those who want to get their new laptop now. The first markets that received the good news were those in the Asia-Pacific sector; now the improved estimates are visible in the Americas and many of the European stores.
Adobe acknowledges InDesign crash issues on new MacBooks
Adobe InDesign owners using a new MacBook Pro with an Intel Ivy Bridge processor are reporting problems with both the Creative Suite 5 and Creative Suite 6 version of the app. A growing thread on Adobe's website documents the problem which happens when performing routine tasks like deleting a page with content. The InDesign app reportedly locks up and displays a blank warning box before crashing. Adobe acknowledged the issue and says the only fix right now is to roll back OS X to a version before 10.7.4. Mac OS X version 10.7.4 was released in May to all Mac owners. Pre-Ivy Bridge customers affected by this glitch can restore their machines to factory software and ignore the 10.7.4 update. Customers who just bought a new MacBook Pro or MacBook Air may run into difficulty as their systems shipped with 10.7.4 installed. Adobe did not explain why the issue seems to effect Ivy Bridge Macs more than their Sandy Bridge counterparts. It's also not know whether this problem will be present in Mountain Lion, which should be released later this month. You can follow the Adobe thread to read more about the issue. Hopefully, Adobe will continue to address this problem and respond to user's concerns. [Via AppleInsider]
13" MacBook Pro with Retina display appears in Geekbench benchmark
Back in mid-May, we reported on sightings of MacBook Pro and iMac benchmarks on Geekbench that appeared to show the 15" Ivy Bridge-based MacBook Pro with Retina display that was announced about a month later. Now MacRumors is reporting that a similar benchmark for what appears to be a 13" MacBook Pro with Retina display has shown up on Geekbench. The listing in question is for a MacBookPro10,2 running a special engineering build of Mac OS X 10.8 (build 12A2056). While this model number could be faked, it's in line with model identifiers for the 15" models. The 15" MacBook Pro is MacBookPro9,1 and the 15" MacBook Pro with Retina display is MacBookPro10,1. The 13" MacBook Pro carries a designator of MacBookPro9,2 and it's assumed that the Retina model would follow the scheme as a MacBookPro10,2. The benchmark shows the device as having an Intel Core i7-3520M running at 2.90 GHz, but loaded with only 4 GB of RAM -- that's inconsistent with the non-Retina 13" MacBook Pro, which comes with 8 GB of RAM when paired with the same Core i7 processor. Of course, Macs showing up in benchmarks isn't always an indicator of new devices appearing in stores. The May Geekbench post showed new iMac models that haven't yet made it to market. But moving the entire MacBook Pro line to Retina display is in line with KGI Securities Ming-Chi Kuo's assertion that Apple's laptop line will eventually consist of the 11" and 13" Retina MacBook Air and 13" and 15" Retina MacBook Pro. If the new 13" MacBook Pro with Retina display is imminent, it would make sense for Apple to try to get the product into stores prior to the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year.
Apple posts FAQ regarding MacBook Pro Retina display
Apple has released a FAQ that covers the new Retina MacBook Pro. This list of questions adds to the information that is found on the notebook's product page and focuses on issues that arise when you start using the machine. You can learn how to adjust the resolution of your Retina display and how to setup an external display. Current and prospective MacBook Pro with Retina Display owners can read the FAQ on Apple's website. [Via Electronista]
Daily Update for June 25, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Servicing MacBook Pro with Retina display requires special classes and test
It's no secret that the MacBook Pro with Retina display is a difficult machine to service. Now it turns out that Mac Geniuses and technicians at Apple-Authorized Service Providers need to take two special classes and pass an exam to be qualified to service the device. As noted in a post on 512 Pixels, there are two self-guided online courses that are prerequisites to grabbing your pentalobe screwdriver and popping open the Retina MacBook Pro. The first is a general "MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012) self-paced training course", while the second "Embedded Battery Safety self-paced training course" deals with the glued-in battery pack in the device. The post includes a link to a take-apart guide for the newest MacBook Pro, which states that the non-removable battery is not a replaceable part, and that the entire top case assembly needs to be replaced to service a faulty battery. That guide also shows the location of ten Liquid Contact Indicators that are built into the Retina MBP; damage due to liquids isn't covered by the Apple warranty or AppleCare, and it appears that Apple's going to be very sure that your device hasn't gone for a swim before offering to repair it.
Daily Update for June 21, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
