Apple to Ship 300,000 MacBooks in November
30 November 2006 07:47 EST
Chris Barylick
Apple may be doing better than expected with its recently released version of its Intel Core 2 Duo-based laptop, according to a report from Chinese publication Commercial Times. The report cites that 300,000 MacBooks will likely be sold in November alone according to build orders provided to Taiwanese manufacturing partner Asustek. Apple could easily ship 1,000,000 MacBooks for the December quarter at this rate.
The report also added that Asustek's shipments dropped for October since Apple was in the process of transitioning the MacBook to the faster Core 2 Duo processor.
Analysts have predicted that Apple will ship between 1.6 and 1.8 million MacBooks for the December quarter according to AppleInsider.
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Mac Sales On the Rise at Penn State
29 November 2006 08:23 EST
Chris Barylick
Mac sales seem to be on the rise at Pennsylvania State University where the Penn State Computer Store saw a significant jump in its sales of Macintosh computers this past summer as opposed to its summer 2005 sales, according to Robin Anderson, communications director of the university's information and technology services.
A recent study, conducted by Student Monitor, a research organization that studies college student consumer trends, found that 13% of college students planning to purchase laptops have opted for a Maintosh, placing the brand second behind Dell.
Eric Weil, managing partner of Student Monitor, expressed that he felt the numbers showed a noteworthy change.
"It's probably up two or three [percentage] points in just a year," he said. "That's a significant increase."
Martin also expressed that he thought the popularity of the iPod had boosted Apple's image on campus.
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MacBook Users Reporting Trouble with External Keyboards/Mice
28 November 2006 10:53 EST
Chris Barylick
According to a recent post on MacFixIt.com, some users have reported troubles using external keyboards and mice with their MacBooks after waking the laptops up from safe sleep. The issue is sometimes accompanied by reports of underpowered USB ports.
Some users have reported successful fixes in disabling the option "Allow Bluetooth Devices to Wake this computer" in Mac OS X's Bluetooth pane of the System Preferences menu.
Others have found a more technical fix to disable Safe Sleep in general by entering the following command in the Terminal program:
sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 0
Stay tuned for more on the story as it develops and if you have and ideas, fixes or workarounds, be sure to post them as comments.
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Apple Releases Updated Core 2 Duo-Powered MacBooks
08 November 2006 09:59 EST
PowerPage Contributor
Following last week's insistence on Apple's part that UK online retailer play.com remove their pre-order page for Apple's upcoming Core 2 Duo-based MacBook line, Apple has unveiled the anticpated new laptops. The Apple Store web site is currently being updated as of this writing, typically a sign of a major product introduction to market.
The new MacBooks, still available in white and black colors, will be priced at $1,099, $1,299 and $1,499 respectively depending on features. The units, which run at 1.83 GHz and 2.0 GHz configurations, feature 13" glossy widescreen displays capable of a 1280 x 800 resolution, a 667 MHz front side bus, an Intel GMA 950 graphics unit, built-in iSight video camera, built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port, one audio line in port, one audio line-out port, Apple Remote and MagSafe power adapter.
The low-end 1.83 GHz configuration will feature 512 MB of RAM, a 60 GB hard drive and Combo drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW). The 2.0 GHz models will feature 1 GB of RAM, a 6x SuperDrive with dual-layer burn support and 120 GB hard drive. All MacBook models can be expanded up to 2 GB of RAM provided the user installs matched pairs.
Apple executives have claimed the new units are up to 25% faster and will help with key holiday-focused tasks such as photo work (iPhoto rated 25% faster), digital editing (iMovie rates 20% faster) and web publishing (iWeb rated 27% faster).
The new MacBooks are scheduled for release on Monday, November 13th and will be available for pre-order through Apple's online store, typically within a few hours based on past product releases.
Contributed by: By Chris Barylick
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The Apple Core: Apple store closed; MacBooks coming?
08 November 2006 08:34 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
The Apple online store is down as of this morning and speculation is beginning to swirl.
The Interweb is all cranked up about an apparent "slip up" at Web site Play.com and the leak of details of a Core 2 Duo-powered MacBook. SpyMac orginally broke the story that UK online Apple retailer Play.com is taking pre-orders for a Core 2 Duo MacBook. According to their site, the Core 2 Duo-powered MacBook will be available on 13 November 2006.
Read the rest of the story on my ZDNet Blog: The Apple Core.
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15.4-inch MacBook due in May 2007
01 November 2006 12:23 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Foxconn Electronics (the registered trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry) will produce a 15.4-inch MacBook model for Apple for the first time, with shipments to commence in May 2007, according to sources at notebook makers. Because of the new order, Asustek will no longer be the sole supplier for Apple's MacBook, the sources said. Both Foxconn and Asustek declined to comment on the news.
DigiTimes :: Foxconn to ship 15.4-inch MacBook to Apple in May 2007
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Why no SATA 160GB Drive Option in MacBooks?
12 October 2006 08:00 EST
You can now order a Mac mini with a 160G SATA drive and this is the same physical drive type found in the MacBooks and MacBook Pros. So why hasn't Apple made this a BTO for the portables?
Contributed by: Ole J. Jacobsen
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MacBook Shutdown Caused by Heat Sink?
08 October 2006 09:32 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Apple has faced temporary problems sourcing spare parts for MacBooks affected by intermittent random shutdowns. Some users have complained that their MacBooks have developed a penchant for this problem. In essence, the fault is one in which some - but not all - MacBooks will simply close down during normal use.
This fault appears to affect a small but substantial minority of MacBooks, and usually manifests itself after a period of normal use. The fault is intermittent and hard to pin down. Apple's technical support department has told some users that re-seating the memory modules may mitigate it in some cases.
Neowin.net - MacBook Shutdown Caused by Heat Sink?
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MacBook Pro Runs Vista Better Than Vaio VGN-A790
12 September 2006 08:16 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Still, in 2006, this is where we stand: Apple's hardware runs Windows, and does so quite well. In fact, the MacBook Pro I bought in May is better equipped to run Vista than the Sony Vaio I bought less than a year ago. At the time, the Vaio VGN-A790 was pretty much a top-of-the-line machine from Sony, with a 2-GHz Pentium M chip from Intel, 1GB of RAM, a 7,200-rpm hard drive and 256MB of dedicated video RAM. I have since doubled the RAM to 2GB.
Computerworld > Hands on: Running Vista on a MacBook Pro
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MacBook Overheat Analyzed: Recall Brewing?
06 September 2006 09:50 EST
PowerPage Contributor
Since isolating the heatsink as the cause of the MacBook’s Rapid Sudden Shutdown (RSS), readers have isolated the specific part of the heatsink that is causing the problem, is actually the CPU thermometer itself.
Essentially the heatsink can expand during use, and comes into contact with the lead from the termometer’s sensor cable. A short circuit results, and the SMC pulls the plug. Once the system cools down, the heatsink resides and the contact is broken. This also explains why sometimes you cannot immediately power the MacBook back on. The heatsink is still in contact with the metal lead.
Apple’s solution to this is to realign the location of the thermometer and cabling on the heatsink so that it does not short circuit. That is why the new heatsink is necessary. In the view of this writer, it warrants a public recall. Any user can produce easily the scenario that causes the MacBook to crash, even with pre-installed applications such as iLife.
This also explains Apple’s recent SMC Update for the MacBook. In short, the ramped up fan is a response to Apple knowing the heatsink is going to expand, and attempts to proactively cool it down to prevent the short circuit.
Unfortunately, as countless users have shown, it is still possible with something as simple as a terminal command, to overheat the CPU. The only solution is to reproduce the crash, call Apple, and have them replace the heatsink.
That is what every MacBook owner should do until Apple implements a recall program.
Contributed by: Christopher Price - www.pcsintel.com
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Korean Air bans Mac portable use
05 September 2006 08:48 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Korea's national airline, Korean Air, has forbidden the use of Apple and Dell laptops during flights in response to the recent battery recall by both firms. The ban came into effect on 30 August and is designed to protect passengers from any accidental fires. Apple and Dell have both issued battery recalls in connection with a large batch (6 million) of potentially faulty Sony battery cores.
Macworld UK - Korean Air bans Mac laptop use
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MacBook Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS) Isolated
05 September 2006 08:01 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Chris Price has found an update on MacBook Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS). Apple has isolated it to a design flaw in the heatsink. He called Apple and asked why his MacBook repair was "on hold" and they said that they were waiting for one part, a heatsink.
It's hard to say what's wrong with it, it could be a flaw with the installation (like, a gallon of thermal grease), or something with the design of the unit itself. I suspect that they've retooled the heatsink since many people are listed as "on hold" waiting for this one part.
UPDATED 01 September 2006:
Apple has posted a ridiculous knowledge base article on the topic that simply says "If your MacBook is shutting down intermittently, please contact AppleCare for service."
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MacBook Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS)
31 August 2006 08:01 EST
PowerPage Contributor
Delivering the keynote address opening the academic term of a leading law school in South America, using Keynote on my two-week-old MacBook (white, 2GHz), the computer shut down in the middle of the presentation. Like others posting on different Mac newsgroups, my MacBook has Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS).
Until now this happened running on the battery, so I made sure to plug the machine in. In the middle of a presentation to 150 people, the machine suddenly shut down - plugged in, with the battery charged. It was embarrassing to have to restart the computer, log in and reload the Keynote presentation in the middle of the keynote presentation.
Having used a PowerBook 160, Wallstreet, Pismo and trading in a TiBook 800 for the MacBook, I had come to expect that as a Mac notebook user, I would not experience this sort of profession-impeding problems. Other user experiences I've read suggest that Apple's various repairs have not resolved the problem and that Apple doesn't seem to fully understand what causes it.
Surprisingly, this happened with the notebook the Apple Store in North Carolina gave me to replace a machine I had bought two days earlier, which had a rough and grainy display (as if it was stuck in 'thousands of colors.') This experience gives me the unpleasant impression that Apple is slipping in quality control as it ramps up production to increase demand. It certainly made me miss my bombproof TiBook.
Contributed by: JD
More cases of MacBook Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS) can be found on this site dedicated to the flaw. -Ed
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The Apple Core: Test for MacBook Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS)
29 August 2006 08:00 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
MacBook Random Shutdown Syndrome (RSS) seems to becoming more common with MacBook owners. Luckily there's a simple test to diagnose if your MacBook is afflicted.
Read the rest of the story on my ZDNet Blog: The Apple Core.
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Seattle Times: Best computer for school? MacBook
28 August 2006 09:02 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
I've always had a weakness for stationery, and the end of August is when it's worst. I can get lost in a drugstore's overstocked aisles of back-to-school gear for half an hour or more looking at notebooks and art supplies, reminiscing back to that transitional window between summer and fall.
But students today are just as likely to find themselves bathed in the LCD glow of the computer aisles of electronics chains. The question of which computer to take to school has become more important than which type of pens to buy.
In years past, I'd suppress my inner Mac booster and point out that you should weigh the school's operating system suggestions (which typically means Microsoft Windows) in your deliberations, and I'd note in fairness that a Windows laptop can be better suited for some people.
Boy, am I glad I don't have to do that anymore.
Get a MacBook.
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Best computer for school? MacBook
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MacBook Discoloration Solved (via Peeling)
22 August 2006 12:05 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
I thought you might find this interesting. I bought my MacBook the day they came out at the San Francisco Apple store. I've had major discoloration with it (partly because my work environment is so dusty).
I was going to take it to the Apple Store (as noted they will replace or do whatever with the plastic). Then, today, I looked at the dirty edge of my MacBook, and it was -- for lack of a better word -- fraying. With a little nudging, the "surface" of my dingy MacBook began to peel away, revealing a beautiful white plastic underneath.
My MacBook had been running very hot for about 30-45 minutes before this happened (I was doing some heavy processing). Since my MacBook has cooled it has stopped peeling.
So, either someone somewhere forgot to take the protective coating off my MacBook, or I've burned through an intended layer of plastic. This is odd, as I've previously tried various ways of "cleaning" my MacBook to no avail -- strange it should just start to peel now.
I don't know if this is the reason for anyone else's discoloring, or if mine (with this layer peeling away) will start to discolor in different ways. In any case, that's my story.
Sorry the photos are so blurry, the only camera I had on hand was my Pocket PC (ick!).
Four larger (albeit blurry pics) after the jump...
(Contributed by: Tim Nevits)
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MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.4f10 Released
18 August 2006 10:47 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Apple has released another SMC firmware update, this time it appears to be just for the MacBook and not the MacBook Pro.
The SMC Firmware Update adjusts fan behavior in the MacBook. After this update has completed successfully, your SMC Version will be: 1.4f10.The updater application will be installed in the /Applications/Utilities folder.
Apple - Support - Downloads - MacBook SMC Firmware Update
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MacBook SuperDrive and Battery Issues may be Related
17 August 2006 12:06 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Evidence of battery, logic board-related issue Further evidence is appearing that would seem to indicate that at least some SuperDrive issues are related to problematic batteries or logic boards. Readers continue to report improved function after receiving replacement batteries and/or logic boards.
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MacBook and MacBook Pro SuperDrive failure (#2): Battery-related?; Try PMU reset; more
15 August 2006 09:44 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
I haven't experienced any problems with the SuperDrive in my MacBook Pro, but others have:
A surprisingly high number of readers have responded to our initial coverage of an issue where the SuperDrives in both MacBooks and MacBook Pros fail -- generally with an inability to mount or read data from otherwise viable media... in most cases, the problem affects CDs, but issues with DVDs have also been reported. The problematic discs mount properly and can be read from other Macs, but fail the same processes when inserted into some MacBooks and MacBook Pros.
MacFixIt - MacBook and MacBook Pro SuperDrive failure (#2): Battery-related?; Try PMU reset; more
technorati tags:MacBook, MacBookPro, SuperDrive
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MeromBooks as Soon as September
14 August 2006 09:48 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
It appears that Apple is on track to release Merom-equipped MacBooks and MacBook Pros as soon as next month. Merom, you'll remember is Intel's new cooler-running Core 2 Duo mobile chip with 4MB L2 cache for notebook computers
Sources at PC and notebook component makers indicated that Apple will launch its MacBook laptops using Intel's new 64-bit Merom CPU in September, with associated OEM makers, such as Asustek and Quanta Computer, expected to benefit from that, according to a Chinese-language Commercial Times report.
DigiTimes >> New Merom-based MacBooks to boost orders at Asustek and Quanta
technorati tags:Intel, Merom, Core2Duo, MacBook, MacBookPro
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Do MacBooks Make Business Sense as PC Laptops?
01 August 2006 10:58 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
One of my clients found themselves overdue for ordering new PC laptops for their business, but were out of options: the Dell Latitudes they'd bought over the last five years had not held up well, and the HP laptops they bought more recently couldn't accommodate reasonable upgrades and were heavy and unpopular with users.
I arranged with Apple Enterprise to obtain four MacBooks for a month long trial to determine if Apple's new Intel based laptops could replace PC laptops in a business environment running Windows. Here's an introduction to what I learned in using MacBooks and BootCamp to run Windows.
Roughly Drafted >> Do MacBooks Make Business Sense as PC Laptops?
technorati tags:MacBook, PC, Notebook, Intel, Windows
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New Information On The MacBook Palmrest Issue
28 July 2006 09:20 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
One of our readers has sent us an Apple's internal document providing additional information concerning the MacBook palmrest issue. This information is valid world-wide. To have its MacBook case exchanged, the following points have to be met...
Hardmac.com : Le "Macbidouille" in English
technorati tags:MacBook, Palmrest, Discoloration
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Apple Kbase doc on White MacBook Palmrest Discoloration
24 July 2006 09:52 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
Some weeks back a reader sent a link to an Apple forums thread where some White MacBook owners reported discoloration of the palmrest area (the thread was pulled IIRC). Apple now has a kbase doc titled About white MacBooks' palmrest area
Accelerate Your Macintosh! News Page - 7/24/06
technorati tags:MacBook, Discoloration
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Battery Maker DynaPack Sees Robust Sales From MacBook
24 July 2006 08:24 EST
Jason D. O'Grady
DynaPack International Technology is confident its monthly revenues will continue to grow in the second half of this year, thanks to substantial orders for battery modules for the MacBook and a new customer, according to the company.
DynaPack attributed strong revenue growth in May and June to the rapid growth of MacBook shipments. The company is positive about its shipments not only for MacBooks, but also from new orders and anticipated demand growth driven by the back-to-school season.
DigiTimes > Battery maker DynaPack sees robust sales from MacBook
technorati tags:MacBook, Battery
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REVIEW: STM Alley is a Perfect Fit
18 July 2006 08:25 EST
Looking for the perfect fit for your new MacBook? Look no further than the small Alley shoulder bag made by STM and distributed by RadTech. I like to keep my mobile load light and this bag weighs in at a svelte one pound six ounces. More than just a laptop sleeve, the Alley has a nice zippered compartment in the outer flap, the ability to hold letter size documents and a small phone pouch on the strap.
Priced at only $39.95, the Alley is as much a bargain as the MacBook itself. This vertical shoulder bag reminds me of the similarly bargain priced TiBag, designed specifically to fit the Titanium G4 PowerBook a few years back. While STM does not deliver the high style of fellow Australian bagmaker Crumpler, they provide a trim understated solution that protects your MacBook with a minimum of fuss. It is available in black or green and my only suggestion would be to replace the green with a light gray or silver color and to provide a contrasting lighter color fabric for the bag interior.
Combine the small Alley case with a BT510 mid-size Bluetooth mouse, to keep your MacBook mobile and light. Available in black or white to match the MacBook I find the size and simplicity of this mouse a perfect compromise between portability and useability. In fact, this mouse and bag combination seem tailor made for the new MacBook and it would be hard to find a better fit for what may be the best Apple value ever in a notebook computer.