Thunderbolt
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How would you change Apple's Thunderbolt-equipped MacBook Pro?
Same 'ole, same 'ole? There's no doubt that Apple's newest MacBook Pro looks awfully similar to the models that have come before it, but the engineers in Cupertino still managed to shake a few things up on the early 2011 model. Aside from throwing an AMD GPU under the hood, pairing that with Intel's integrated HD 3000 chipset and implementing Sandy Bridge, there's also an entirely new I/O port: Thunderbolt. But was that really enough? For those of you who couldn't escape the upgrade bug, we're curious to know if you've been satisfied with the upgrade. If you had control of things, what would you change? Add a few more USB ports? Insist that native USB 3.0 support be added? Throw in a Blu-ray drive? Maybe add a couple of palm rest stickers? Toss your ideas out in comments below -- but let's keep it civil down there, cool?
HTC Thunderbolt inductive charging back hits FCC, makes life with LTE a little easier
That inductive-charging backplate for the HTC Thunderbolt just hit the FCC, which means keeping the battery-devouring device juiced is about to get a little less inconvenient. Instead of having to plug in three times a day just to keep that LTE radio happy you'll simply be able to rest it on a charging mat... three times a day. The part made a brief appearance in the Verizon shop for $39, but the rumored April release date came and went without so much as a peep from Big Red. While we still can't say for sure when it will land, at least we know it's coming sooner rather than later -- and we've got one less reason to reconsider that pocket-busting extended battery.
Verizon sends out OTA update for the HTC Thunderbolt, lacks fix for LTE
At long last, Verizon's finally giving us that OTA firmware update for the Thunderbolt we caught wind of a few weeks back. Owners of the flagship device can grab it now through a manual download, and the good news is that it's meant to fix some connectivity issues. Bad news is it's just for 3G. The new code is also meant to stabilize data-dependent apps, speed up GPS updates for Google Maps and VZ Navigator, and fix a few minor messaging glitches. We're glad the wait is over, but would it have killed them to fix LTE too? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Droid Charge to revive its battery via induction, completes Verizon's Qi-based trifecta
After many unexplained delays, Verizon's Droid Charge has coaxed many anxious consumers toward the edge of their seats, but we've now uncovered a tidbit that's sure to drive these folks up the wall -- an FCC document confirms this elusive Droid supports inductive charging. Just like the Thunderbolt and Revolution, the Charge uses Qi-based technology to accomplish this wizardry, which combines an optional back plate that pairs nicely with Big Red's forthcoming charging pad. As for the launch of the phone, we've stopped holding our breath. Many local Verizon resellers report the handset is in stock, however the carrier seems content in toying with the hearts of its devotees. Jump the break for a quick peek at the FCC label, which admittedly is rather bland... although it delivers the proof we all desire.
Verizon pushes update to HTC Thunderbolt, remains mute on LTE and videocam issues
Heads-up kvetchers -- Verizon is now rolling out an update for the Thunderbolt, its pioneering LTE handset that's been plagued by an unfortunate series of woes. Of course, this is the same fix we'd reported earlier, which promises improved 3G connectivity, better organization of SMS and MMS messages, and quicker GPS load times. Sadly, Verizon is eerily silent about whether this update also addresses those troublesome hotspot cycling and video capture issues, so we'll just remain hopeful until we learn otherwise. There's no download for this one -- it's going to be automatically pushed to your handset -- and once you receive it, we're hoping you'll share your experience in the comments.
Apple plans to make Thunderbolt, USB ports thinner, more durable
A patent uncovered by AppleInsider suggests Apple may be improving the I/O ports on its desktop and notebook Mac computers. The approved patent describes several design changes that make the USB or Thunderbolt ports slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing. The bulky shell enclosing could be removed and replaced with a single, seamless material that expands dynamically to fit the cable. The port could also be crafted so that it matches the color and texture of a computer giving the sides and back of the machine a smooth profile. The patent also describes an improved manufacturing process that would eliminate any imperfections in the current port design. In a standard I/O port, finger contacts extend to meet the cable and form an electrical connection. The stamping process to create these fingers often leaves sharp edges that wear down the connection prematurely. Apple's patent would eliminate these burrs and increase the lifespan of both the cable and the computer port. This design would also give a satisfying click to let users know when their plug is seated properly.
Apple updates 2011 MacBook Pro firmware to v1.4, fixes stability, Thunderbolt, and Turbo Boost issues
In spite of the "Pro" in its name, Apple's 2011 MBP got off to a bit of a bumpy start for many users. Some encountered problems when outputting video through the Thunderbolt port to their Cinema Displays, while others found the new MacBook Pro freezing up when processing loads got that little bit too intense. The good news is that Apple now has a software update geared to remedying all these maladies, with changes specifically designed to improve graphics stability, 3D performance, and support for external displays and Thunderbolt devices. You can grab the download at the source link below or use Mac OS' built-in Software Update utility to freshen up your laptop with the latest code. [Thanks, Mats] Update: A separate EFI Update (version 2.1) has also been rolled out. This one fixes the perplexing issue some reviewers had reported of seeing Intel's Turbo Boost disabled on some machines. Turns out the problem was related to Boot Camp and Apple has now resolved whatever was causing it. Click below for more info. Thanks, Francesco!
Apple issues EFI and Thunderbolt updates for new iMacs, MacBook Pros
Apple has issued several updates for Thunderbolt-equipped iMacs and MacBook Pros. The updates include: Mac OS X v10.6.7 Update for iMac (Early 2011) -- includes general OS fixes and improved Thunderbolt device support. 382.56 MB. iMac EFI Update 1.6 -- includes fixes that improve performance and stability for Thunderbolt. 6.1 MB. MacBook Pro EFI Update 2.1 -- includes fixes that resolve an issue with Turbo Mode in Boot Camp and improve performance and stability for graphics and Thunderbolt. 3.06 MB. MacBook Pro Software Update 1.4 -- includes fixes that improve graphics stability, address issues with external display support and 3D performance and improve Thunderbolt device support. 132.69 MB. You can download the individual updates by clicking the links above or run Software Update on your Thunderbolt-equipped iMac or MacBook Pro.
Comparing the old iMacs with today's new models
Earlier today, Apple updated the iMac line with Thunderbolt, quad-core processors across the line and a HD camera for FaceTime. Prices start at US$1,199 for the 21.5", 2.5 GHz model and climb to $1,999 for the big daddy. How do the specs compare to the previous models? Here are some of the highlights. Processor There are still two basic models: 21.5" and 27". Each starts with two configurations, beginning with the processor. As of January 2010, the 21.5" model sold with a 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3 or a 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3, while the 27" model featured either a 3.2 GHz Intel Core i3 or a 2.8 GHz Intel Core i5. Today, the 21.5" machine offers either a 2.5 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 or a 2.7 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5, while the 27" iMac features a 2.7 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5 or a 3.1 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5. That's the first time quad-core has been available across the entire iMac line. (The previous 27" model had an i7 build-to-order option, but that processor wasn't the current Sandy Bridge variety.) Additionally, the previous models featured a 3 MB shared L2 cache, with a build-to-order 8 MB shared L3 cache option for the 27" iMac. Current models feature a 6 MB on-chip shared L3 cache across the board. Display The display resolution is the same as it's been. The current options are 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution for the 21.5" model and 2650 x 1440 pixel resolution for the 27" iMac. Apple notes that the current iMac displays feature "in-plane switching," or IPS. Originally designed by Hitachi in 1996, IPS improves color and contrast at sharp viewing angles. RAM Current models all start with 4 GB of RAM, just as previous models did. The current 21.5" models are upgradable to 8 GB of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM from Apple, while the 27" models can house up to 16 GB of the same. Graphics Previous models featured either a NVIDIA GeForce 9400M or an ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256 MB on the 21.5" model, while the 27" model offered the ATI Radeon HD 4670 or an ATI Radeon HD 4850 with 512 MB. The new iMacs are clearly improved. The base 21.5" model sports either an AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512 MB or an AMD Radeon HD 6770M with 512 MB, while the 27" starts with either that same Radeon 6770M or an AMD Radeon HD 6970M with 1 GB. All this at the same price points. The new iMac line is clearly compelling. Maybe I'll finally replace my long-suffering G4.
Apple iMac hands-on, with dual 30-inch displays! (video)
One Thunderbolt port on your new MacBook Pro? Pah. The new 27-inch iMac has twice that many -- two. When we got ours out of the box we just had to do the natural thing: fire up as many pixels as possible. Two 30-inch Dell displays and a couple of dual-link DVI display adapters later and we have what you see above: a wide swath of LCD covering 11,878,400 pixels. Sure, any average desktop can do this, but how many all-in-ones can push that many dots? The iMac's 27-inch, 2,560 x 1,440, LED-backlit IPS panel is definitely a highlight, but flanked by another two monsters the combination is, honestly, a little overwhelming. We tried working this way but only made it about 30 minutes before retreating to smaller fields of view. Other tid-bits we've learned about the updated iMac: those who'd rather swipe than drag can now choose to order theirs with a Magic Trackpad instead of a Magic Mouse, though we're sure Apple would surely be happy to sell you both. Additionally, the 21.5-inch model can now be configured with a 256GB SSD, just like its big bro. The bigger news, of course, is what's on the inside, with updated Radeon HD graphics featuring GDDR5 memory and Sandy Bridge processors all-round. We'll be back with a full review later to get a feel for just how powerful this thing is, but until then dig all those pixels in the video below. %Gallery-122731%
Target Display Mode on new iMacs limited to Thunderbolt sources (updated)
Cast your minds back to the launch of the 27" iMac in mid-2009. One of the new features was Target Display Mode, which introduced the ability to use the iMac as a pure external monitor, bypassing the built-in computer entirely. This could be useful if you wanted to dock a laptop to a big screen temporarily -- or if you were worried that the substantial investment in a 27" screen would, in years to come, be hobbled by the aging CPU and GPU inside the iMac. The theory was that you could eventually just stop using everything but the display. However, Apple has quietly dropped substantially modified the feature on the latest iMacs, which were announced today. For one, the Apple knowledgebase article describing the feature specifically mentions it is for "iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010), iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)," excluding the newest model. For two, while this archive of the old model's tech specs page states "27-inch models also support input from external DisplayPort sources," there is no such mention on the updated page for today's model. UPDATE: MacRumors spoke with an Apple rep who said the feature is still supported on the new models (through the Thunderbolt ports), despite not being mentioned on the tech specs page. UPDATE 2: Macworld has confirmation from Apple that the new iMacs will support Target Display Mode, but only when the device they are connected to is also a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac; the trick won't work with older mini DisplayPort models. So, a new MacBook Pro connected to a new iMac will work, but older MacBook Pros will not, and a current MacBook Air won't work either. This also means the popular Kanex adaptors (which convert HDMI signals to mini DisplayPort ones, letting users plug things like game consoles into their iMacs) probably won't work with the new iMacs -- we've contacted Kanex to ask for confirmation. This change is probably tied to the mini DisplayPort being replaced by two Thunderbolt ports. Whatever clever hack Apple did to make the mini DisplayPort connection bi-directional in the earlier iMacs is presumably difficult or impossible to replicate through Thunderbolt, as it has less control over the protocol (remember that Thunderbolt is an Intel design, and uses a special Intel communications chip). UPDATE 3: Consider that, for legacy mini-DisplayPort devices to work, the Thunderbolt interface would need to consume a raw display signal -- not one wrapped up in the clever Thunderbolt protocol (note, PDF link), which combines PCIe and DisplayPort data into a single stream. This is probably why the new Thunderbolt ports cannot maintain backwards compatibility with older devices. However, when the device sending the signal also has Thunderbolt, they can negotiate a way to send the signal that the receiver can understand. What do you think, readers -- was Target Display Mode always a pointless curiosity, or do you think this is a loss for the iMac's feature set? Has anyone out there used Target Display Mode in anger?
Apple updates iMac with Thunderbolt, beefier GPUs
Apple has refreshed its iMac all-in-one desktop line with upgraded CPUs and a few other new features. The key upgrades for the iMac refresh are the new quad-core Sandy Bridge processors and the Thunderbolt I/O port first introduced in the most recent MacBook Pro updates. Offering speeds of up to 10 Gbps, Thunderbolt provides a far faster connection than either USB 3.0 or Firewire. The iMac has also seen an upgrade to its GPUs, which are now three times faster than the previous model. The iMac comes in two 21.5-inch and two 27-inch models, as detailed below: iMac 21.5" Price: Starting at US$1,199 CPU: 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 or 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 RAM: 4GB (2 x 2 GB) HDD: 500 GB or 1 TB hard drive GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6750M or AMD Radeon HD 6770M Other: Single Thunderbolt port, FaceTime HD camera, aluminum and glass design, IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, Mini DisplayPort, One FireWire 800 port, Four USB 2.0 ports, SDXC card slot, Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive, Audio in/out, Gigabit Ethernet, IR receiver, 802.11 a/b/g n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and an Apple wireless keyboard with a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad. iMac 27" Price: Starting at $1,699 CPU: 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 or 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 RAM: 4GB (2 x 2 GB) HDD: 1 TB hard drive GPU: AMD Radeon HD 6770M or AMD Radeon HD 6970M Other: Two Thunderbolt ports, FaceTime HD camera, aluminum and glass design, IPS LED-backlit high resolution display,Mini DisplayPort, One FireWire 800 port, Four USB 2.0 ports, SDXC card slot, Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive, Audio in/out, Gigabit Ethernet, IR receiver, 802.11 a/b/g n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and an Apple wireless keyboard with a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad. The new iMacs are available now on Apple's online store.
Apple iMac refresh official: Thunderbolt and next gen quad-core processors
The last time Apple updated its iMac line we were treated to Intel Core 2010 processors. So it's no surprise -- really, no surprise at all -- to see Apple refreshing the lineup today. Prices start at $1,199 (as usual) for the 21.5-inch (1,920 x 1,080 pixel IPS panel) model with new 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and 512MB of AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics. Prices soon jump to $1,999 for a 27-inch (2,560 x 1,440 IPS) model with 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 CPU and 1GB of AMD Radeon HD 6970M graphics, or optional 3.4GHz quad-core Core i7 proc and 2GB of HD 6970M graphics if you so desire. We're talking Intel Sandy Bridge, of course, but Apple never goes into specifics. New owners will also be treated to a Thunderbolt jack (one on the 21.5-inch model and two on the 27-incher) and FaceTime HD camera with 24 hours shipping. Yeah, it looks the same, but it's the insides that count. %Gallery-122705%
HTC Thunderbolt getting new radio firmware, according to Verizon doc
Looks like AT&T isn't the only carrier patching cellular connectivity issues this month -- a Verizon document suggests that we'll be getting some brand new radio firmware for the beleaguered HTC Thunderbolt. The handset not only fell victim to Verizon's LTE outage but has had 3G data and CDMA / LTE cycling issues since day one, so we're hoping this latest baseband will bring at least a modicum of relief for affected speed demons across the country. What we don't know is when this patch might show up -- we thought the Xoom's security update would be imminent, but those documents were unceremoniously pulled.
Intel touts 50Gbps interconnect by 2015, will make it work with tablets and smartphones too
Woah there, Mr. Speedy. We've barely caught up with the 10Gbps Thunderbolt interconnect, debuted in the new Macbook Pro, and now Intel's hyperactive researchers are already chattering away about something five times faster. They're promising a new interconnect, ready in four years, that will combine silicon and optical components (a technology called silicon photonics) to pump 50Gbps over distances of up to 100m. That's the sort of speed Intel predicts will be necessary to handle, say, ultra-HD 4k video being streamed between smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes and TVs. Intel insists that poor old Mr. Thunderbolt won't be forced into early retirement, but if we were him we'd be speaking to an employment lawyer right about now.
Verizon's LTE network takes the night off, leaves a bunch of Thunderbolt users bewildered
Is your fancy new phone lacking that certain extra G that makes it special? Worry not, it's not just your device, Verizon's entire LTE network seems to be having problems as outages have been reported from across the US. We tested our own Thunderbolt in San Francisco this morning and it was indeed making do with only 3G connectivity. It's important to note that Verizon's 3G network seems to be ticking along quite alright, it's just 4G service that's down at the moment. Some folks have reported losing both 3G and 4G connectivity, but that's owing to a documented issue with 3G provisioning on the Thunderbolt -- we've noted the way to overcome that problem in a previous post. For now, just enjoy your regular-speed mobile internet until the super-fast stuff is fixed and back up. Update: The Verizon Wireless Twitter account has confirmed the issue, and that the company's network engineers are "working to resolve quickly." Update 2: As of 4:13pm ET Verizon has determined the cause and is "working with major vendors to restore connections." Still no ETA for a fix. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
iMac rumor mill suggests new models could be coming next week
This one is obviously still very much in rumor territory, but a couple of separate reports have cropped up today that suggest Apple could be set to debut some updated iMacs as soon as next week. That includes a report from 9 to 5 Mac that iMac orders are being delayed until May 2nd, despite the fact that they're still listed as shipping within 24 hours on Apple's website, and a separate confirmation from a trusted source of the site, who says that Apple will stop shipping iMacs to retailers this week in advance of next week's supposed release. That's further backed up by a report from Mac Rumors, which cites another source who says that Apple will be changing the promotional materials in its retail stores for a launch on Tuesday, May 3rd. Details are comparatively light on the rumored new iMacs themselves, but the safe money seems to be on Sandy Bridge processors and Thunderbolt ports.
Rumor: MacBook Air refresh including Thunderbolt, Core i5/i7 coming soon
If you're eager for a featherweight Mac laptop with enhanced I/O and the latest Intel CPUs, you may not have to wait that much longer. Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has told AppleInsider that Apple is set to begin mass production on new models of the MacBook Air in May. The new Air will sport a Thunderbolt port as well as Intel's latest Sandy Bridge microprocessors and integrated Intel graphics. Kuo's assertions are based on checks with system builders and other suppliers in the region. A May production date would make sense for several reasons: it corroborates earlier reports for a June launch of an updated MacBook Air, but more importantly, it means that Apple's hottest laptop would be refreshed in time for the back-to-school buying season, which typically begins in late June/early July. Kou's assertion about the new MacBook Air gains some additional weight based on his track record; he accurately predicted the 11.6-inch MacBook Air three months before Apple unveiled it.
HTC Thunderbolt drops to $130 for new Verizon customers at Amazon over the weekend
If the Droid Charge has you thinking that Verizon LTE phones have to cost an arm, a leg, and an extra $100, you'll want to take a look at this. Amazon Wireless is chopping the Thunderbolt, Verizon's original 4G bad boy, down to the extremely palatable price of $130 on contract, valid for new Verizon subscribers who buy the phone between now and midnight Pacific Time on Monday. The 4.3-inch, Android 2.2 smartphone from HTC impressed us greatly with the 4G speeds it was able to pull down in our review, and while those might not remain quite so spectacular once that network starts loading up more customers, a price like the present one makes it an excellent proposition in the short term. The source link is where you'll find it.
Next-generation Mac Pro rumored to feature rack mount, stackable drives
If a rumor posted on 9 to 5 Mac has any validity, the Mac Pro may be the next member of the Apple family to receive an updated design. The top-of-the-line Mac Pro has been somewhat neglected in the design department, as the current design debuted with the Power Mac G5 in June of 2003. Since then, the Mac Pro has received processor, RAM and storage updates, but the exterior design is basically the same. 9 to 5 Mac is reporting that a Mac Pro prototype is now in testing that features a narrower (just about 5 inches wide) and shorter (about 19 inches) design that could fit into a standard server rack. This makes sense in that a rack-mountable Mac Pro could easily replace the gaping hole in the product line left by the discontinued Xserve. If the rumored design could be placed vertically for "under desk" use or horizontally rack-mounted as a server, the power of the Mac Pro could be harnessed for high-end professional work as well as for organization-wide applications. The rumor says that the new Mac Pro features stacked drives with two drives per sled for a higher storage density than is currently available. The sleds can be configured either with SSDs or conventional hard drives. It's expected that the Mac Pro would be a 3U (5.25 inch) thick device in the rack-mounted configuration. We think 9 to 5 Mac has another good point -- a new Mac Pro with Thunderbolt, Blu-ray and a new design would be a perfect complement to the new version of Final Cut Pro that's arriving in June.
