BYO $550 Mac Netbook, New MacBooks Rumored for October, Notebook Battery Famine, and More

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV news is covered in The iNews Review.

News & Opinion

• Make a Slick Mac NetBook for $550
• MacBook Overhaul Rumored for Mid-October
• MacBook Air Owners Find Latest Apple Update Produces Mixed Results
• Notebook Battery Famine to Continue

Tech Trends

• Intel Introduces Solid-State Drives for Notebook and Desktop Computers
• Intel X-25M SSD Reviewed: Fast and Costly
• Toronto Company Pioneers Backup Laptop Service
• HP EliteBook Breaks 24-hour Laptop Battery Life Barrier

Products

• Docking Station Connects Laptop to USB Devices, Ethernet, and Monitor Using One USB Port

Bargain 'Books

News & Opinion

Make a Slick Mac NetBook for $550

CultofMac's Leander Kahney reports:

"Writer Scott Gilbertson has a very cool Mac netbook that cost him only $550.

"It's got a slick black case, weighs nothing, gets hours of battery life and runs Leopard, the latest version of Mac OS X. It's not a MacBook Air.

"It's a hacked EeePC - a tiny liliputer , as they're now called, fresh from Asus, a Tawainese manufacturer best known for PC motherboards.

"Gilbertson's netbook is the device Mac fans have wanted for years: A low-cost cousin to the beautiful but pricey MacBook Air.

"It runs like a champ but has a couple of quirks (one big one) and may not be strictly legal, though Apple's never going to prosecute unless these machines are sold commercially...."

Link: Get a Slick Mac NetBook for Less than $600 (Not Strictly Legal, of Course)

MacBook Overhaul Rumored for Mid-October

AppleInsider reports:

"Apple may be planning to hold its final media gathering of the year a little over a month from now to usher in much anticipated overhauls to its MacBook line of notebook computers, according to a new report.

"In his write-up of Apple's music announcements this week, Daring Fireball's John Gruber said sources 'familiar with Apple's hardware plans' have informed him that the company's new line of Mac notebooks will arrive on Tuesday, October 14th."

Link: Apple Notebook Overhaul Rumored for Mid-October

MacBook Air Owners Find Latest Apple Update Produces Mixed Results

Appleinsider's Aidan Malley reports:

"Users of Apple's ultraportable Mac are increasingly reporting that a firmware update might be taming processor usage, but is still leaving many of their systems too hot to use and prone to software freezes.

"While a number of owners at Apple's discussion forums say the hardware patch solved a problem that would force a core to shut down entirely and ramp up the internal temperature, others still note the slim system continues to overheat and in some cases will bog down as the MacBook Air is unable to cope with a given application's demand, particularly an OS component known as kernel_task...."

Link: MacBook Air Owners Find Latest Apple Fix Producing Mixed Results

Notebook Battery Famine to Continue

The Register's Kelly Fiveash

"The world's largest laptop battery manufacturer has warned that a global shortage of power cells will last three months longer than expected.

"Simplo Technology Co said makers are failing to increase output fast enough to meet demand.

"The Taiwan-based firm's chief financial wonk, Jackie Ding, told Bloomberg yesterday that laptop battery supply may hit its targets in the second quarter of 2009. Simplo had previously expected the shortage to end by the first quarter of next year."

Link: Notebook Battery Famine Set to Continue

Tech Trends

Intel Introduces Solid-State Drives for Notebook and Desktop Computers

PR: Intel Corporation has announced it has begun shipping Intel X18-M and X25-M Mainstream SATA Solid-State Drives (SSDs) based on multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash technology for laptop and desktop computers. The new high-performing data storage devices give computer buyers a new level of system responsiveness in a lightweight, rugged, low-power package that can replace traditional hard disk drives.

Validated for Intel-based computers, the X18-M is a 1.8-inch drive and the X25-M a 2.5-inch drive, offering several advantages over hard drives including faster overall system response, boot and resume times. With no moving parts, SSDs run cooler and quieter and are a more reliable option than hard drives. In addition, SSDs remove input/output (I/O) performance bottlenecks associated with hard disk drives that help maximize the efficiency of Intel processors, such as the company's Core family of products. For example, lab tests show that the Intel X18-M and X25M increase storage system performance nine times over traditional hard disk drive performance.

"Validated by our rigorous testing and OEM customer feedback, we believe that we have developed an SSD that delivers on the promises of SSD computing," said Randy Wilhelm, Intel vice president and general manager of the NAND Products Group. "By combining our experience in flash memory design with our processor and computing expertise, we have added advances such as our parallel 10-channel architecture, proprietary controller, firmware and memory management algorithms that address write amplification and wear leveling issues to redefine SSD performance and reliability for computing platforms."

The Intel X18-M and X25-M Mainstream SATA SSDs are available in 80 gigabyte (GB) capacities, with 160GB versions sampling in the fourth quarter of this year. The 80GB drive achieves up to 250MB per second read speeds, up to 70MB per second write speeds and 85-microsecond read latency for fast performance. The 80GB version is priced at $595 for quantities up to 1,000. These SSDs are available now and end-customer products containing the Intel High-Performance SATA SSDs are expected to begin shipping in the next few weeks.

The company is also expected to introduce a line of single-level cell (SLC) SSDs for the server, storage and enterprise environments within the next 90 days. Called the Intel X25-E Extreme SATA Solid-State Drive, these products are designed to maximize the Input/Output Operations Per Second (IOPS), which equates to higher performance and lower enterprise costs. Since SSDs lower energy consumption, maintenance, cooling and space costs, an SSD-based data center will reduce overall infrastructure costs while increasing performance-per-square-foot by as much as 50x.

Intel X-25M SSD Reviewed: Fast and Costly

The Register's Leo Waldock reports:

"After leaks galore about Intel's foray into solid-state drives, we've finally got our hands on an 80GB X25-M - dial 'M' for 'mainstream'.

"The X25 and X18 family of SSDs will both be initially available in 80GB versions. There's a 160GB X25 due in Q4. The X25 and X18 differ in terms of their form-factor. As the model codes suggests, the X25 has a laptop-friendly 2.5in form factor while the X18 is a dinky 1.8 incher....

"The test results for the X25-M are staggeringly fast and blow the other drives out of the water....

"Performance in PCMark05 was absolutely mind-blowing....

"The X25-M uses a trivial 0.15W when it's working and remains cold to the touch. It is silent in operation. The 80GB capacity is something of an issue but that should be resolved when the 160GB version goes on sale. It's small but you could live with the capacity, especially if you RAID a few drives together.

"The only problem with that plan is that you would end up bankrupt...."

Link: Intel X-25M Laptop, Desktop SSD Reviewed

Toronto Company Pioneers Backup Laptop Service

The Canadian Press reports:

"The shattering jar of a laptop hitting pavement, a cup of coffee elbowed onto a keyboard or the forgotten computer bag driving away in the back seat of a taxi - all are disasters that usually add up to lost or compromised data and heart palpitations for business managers great and small.

"These situations might be catastrophes to some, but to No Panic Computing they're bread and butter.

"The Toronto-based company offers what some believe is a novel and trend-setting service: secure, fully backed-up laptops that can be replaced complete with the data that was on them before they accidentally met with a bad end....

"No Panic offers 24/7 support, backup, security, encryption and accidental damage protection for about $130 a month per laptop over a three-year lease . . . notebooks are configured for each user and No Panic's backup 'keeps nine copies deep of every file and the current file you are working on is forever.'"

Editor's note: Unfortunately No Panic used HP Compaq notebooks exclusively, so no Mac support. dk

Link: Toronto Company Pioneers Back-up Laptop Service

HP EliteBook Breaks 24-hour Laptop Battery Life Barrier

PR: HP has announced an unprecedented milestone in mobile computing: up to 24 hours of continuous notebook operation on a single battery charge.

As measured by an industry-standard benchmark, the new HP EliteBook 6930p configured with an optional ultra-capacity battery delivered up to 24 hours of battery runtime.1

"All-day computing has been the holy grail of notebook computing," said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, HP. "With the HP EliteBook 6930p, customers no longer have to worry about their notebook battery running out before their work day is over."

Designed and tested to last, HP batteries benefit from a combination of HP engineering and energy-efficient notebook components such as Intel solid-state hard drives (SSD) and mercury-free LED displays. For example, the highly efficient HP Illumi-Lite LED display boosts battery run time by up to 4 hours compared to traditional LCD displays, while the Intel SSD provides up to a 7 percent increase in battery life compared to traditional hard drives.

With up to 24 hours of battery life, business travelers can easily:

• Use an HP EliteBook 6930p continuously on the world's longest scheduled commercial airline flight linking Newark Liberty International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport approximately 18 hours, 40 minutes.
• Take more than 10 trips on the EuroStar train between London and Paris approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes each direction before recharging the battery.
• Travel as a passenger by car from Maine to Florida using a notebook during the entire journey.

Solid state for mobile professionals

Inspired by aircraft construction and designed for style-conscious mobile professionals, HP EliteBook notebooks feature the latest mobile technologies.

In October, customers will be able to purchase an HP EliteBook with the new Intel high-performance SSDs HP is a launch customer for new Intel X25-M and X18-M Mainstream SATA SSDs.

In addition to helping achieve outstanding battery life, these new Intel SSDs provide greater durability and reliability as well as faster system responsiveness. Internal HP benchmarks show overall performance boosts of up to 57 percent on industry benchmarks, and data transfer rates almost six times faster than traditional hard disks.

"Intel architected its new line of high-performance solid-state drives specifically to bring a new level of performance and reliability to the computing platform and make significant impact to the way people use their PCs," said Randy Wilhelm, vice president and general manager, NAND Products Group, Intel. "The HP milestone is an example of the impact of this new level of performance that specifically delivers on lower power consumption for longer battery life."

EliteBook 6930 for mobile professionals

The initial Energy Star-qualified HP EliteBook 6930p configuration starts at only 4.7 pounds (2.1 kilograms). It features a 14.1-inch diagonal widescreen display and is available with an optional, mercury-free Illumi-Lite LED display.

The HP EliteBook 6930p is built for the corporate road warrior as it features a shock-resistant hard drive, enhanced display panel and spill-resistant keyboard to help defend data against bumps, drops and spills. It was designed to meet the tough MIL-STD 810F military-standard tests2 that measure levels of environmental reliability and operation at extreme temperatures, while withstanding vibration and high humidity.

The inner magnesium shell of the notebook's HP DuraCase is equipped with a honeycomb pattern that is thermally bonded to anodized aluminum for a solid construction.

All HP notebooks are designed with the environment in mind, with energy-efficient features and select materials for easier recycling. For example, HP has set a goal to remove all mercury a material commonly found in notebook screens from its entire notebook line by the end of 2010.

1. Requires separately purchased Ultra Capacity Battery and customer download of the latest Intel graphics driver and HP BIOS. Notebook must be configured with optional Intel 80 GB SSD drive and HP Illumi-LiteLED Display (planned to be available October 2008) and requires Microsoft Windows XP operating system. Battery life will vary depending on the product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, and power management settings.The maximum capacity of the battery will decrease with time and usage.
2. Testing was not intended to demonstrate fitness for U.S. Department of Defense contracts requirements or for military use. Test results are not a guarantee of future performance under these test conditions.

Products

Docking Station Connects Laptop to USB Devices, Ethernet, and Monitor Using One USB Port

PR: StarTech.com, a manufacturer of hard-to-find connectivity and technology parts, has announced the availability of the USB to VGA 4-in-1 Docking Station, designed to provide access to multiple commonly used ports via a single USB 2.0 connection.

Now available for purchase, the Docking Station houses a DB15 High Density (female) VGA port, as well as four USB A (female) ports, one USB Mini B (female) port, one RJ45 (Female) 10/100Mbps network port, and two 3.5mm audio (mic, line out) ports that can be accessed using a single USB connection from the host computer.

"The 4-in-1 Docking Station allows mobile and desktop users to add several of the most commonly used connections to their computer, using only one USB connection," says John Mardinly, Product Manager for StarTech.com. "Now, you only need to connect your notebook to one device to easily access everything you need, including an additional display."

Features and benefits of the Docking Station include:

• Display resolutions of up to 1680 x 1050 (widescreen), 1600 x 1200 (standard displays)
• Three distinct video operating modes, including desktop extension from primary display to secondary display
• Small form factor design saves desktop space, stores easily in notebook carrying case

The MSRP for the Docking Station is $129.99.

This product will be available through leading technology resellers including CDW, PC Connection, Insight, Amazon.com. The products will also be distributed by Ingram Micro, Tech Data, D&H, and SYNNEX.

Editor's note: I haven't been able to determine conclusively whether this product supports the Mac, but since it's a USB device, I'm cautiously optimistic. The company website only mentions compatibility with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. cm

Link: USB to VGA 4-in-1 Docking Station

Bargain 'Books

Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible for AppleCare.

There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233 MHz, the cacheless MainStreet version and the later Series II with a level 2 cache. It's not always possible to determine from the vendor's listing which is being offered, so we've included links within this paragraph to the two models. The same goes for the PowerBook G4/667 (VGA) and G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs. aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz 15" PowerBooks.

PowerBook, iBook, and MacBook profiles linked in our Portable Mac Index.

Changes from last week are that the $1,899 17" MacBook Pro and the lowest priced MacBook are sold out. Each model comes with an Apple one-year warranty, and ground shipping is free.

• refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,499
• refurb 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $2,099
• refurb 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $2,299
• refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,099
• refurb 2.4 GHz Penryn MacBook, black, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,299
• refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,699
• refurb 15" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,999
• refurb 15" 2.6 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,299
• refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,899
• refurb 17" 2.5 GHz Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,299
• refurb 17" 2.5 GHz hi-res Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,499
• refurb 17" hi-res 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,499
• refurb 17" 2.6 GHz Santa Rosa MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,649
• refurb 17" 2.6 GHz hi-res Penryn MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $2,699

• 15" 2.2GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, glossy, 2 GB/120/SD, $1,599.99 less $200 mail-in rebate = $1,399.99

• 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,499.99

• 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, 60 day warranty, $699.99
• 1.83 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 512/80/SD, 60 day warranty, $759.99
• 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, 60 day warranty, $729.99
• 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 512/80/SD, 60 day warranty, $779.99
• 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, 60 day warranty, $799.99
• 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/120/SD, 60 day warranty, $829.99

• 12" PowerBook G4/867 MHz, 256/40/Combo, $699.95
• 12" PowerBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/DVD, $849.95
• 12" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 256 RAM, 60/Combo,- $849.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.2 GHz, 512/60/DVD, $949.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.3 GHz, 512/60/DVD, $999.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/DVD-R Drive - $929.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/DVD, $1,199.95
• 17" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 512/60/SD, $1,109.95
• 12" PowerBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, $699.95
• 15.2" PowerBook 1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, 1 year warranty, $894.95
• 17" PowerBook 1.67 GHz, 512/120/Combo, 1 year warranty, $1,089.95

• Lombard PowerBook G3/400, 128/6/DVD, $150
• 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, 1 GB/60/Combo, $699
• 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, 1 GB/80/Combo, $799
• 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, 1 GB/80/SD, $825
• 2.16 GHz Core Duo 15" MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,099
• 2.16 GHz Core Duo 17" MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,199

• 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $719
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.67 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $785
• 15" 2.1 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, APX, $1,129

• open box 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80, $1,699
• open box 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 2 GB/160/SD, $1,249
• open box 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $1,899
• open box 15" 2.6 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,649

• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $499.95
• 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 768/40/Combo, AP, AppleCare, $599.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/667 MHz DVI, 256/30/Combo, $499.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 1 GB/80/Combo, APX, $999.95
• 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, APX, $1,599.95

• 12" iBook G3/600 MHz, 128/20/CD, OS X 10.2, $279.99
• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/CD, APX, OS X 10.4, $449.99

For more deals on current or discontinued models, see our MacBook deals, MacBook Air deals, 15" MacBook Pro deals, 17" MacBook Pro deals, 12" PowerBook G4 deals, 15" PowerBook G4 deals, 17" PowerBook G4 deals, titanium PowerBook G4 deals, iBook G4 deals, PowerBook G3 deals, and iBook G3 deals.