Top 10 Laptop Disasters, Apple and the Netbook Phenomenon, What Good Is the SD Card Slot?, and More

General Apple and Mac desktops is covered in The Mac News Review. iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV news is covered in The iNews Review. All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

News & Opinion

• Top 10 Laptop Disasters
• Can Apple Afford to Ignore the Netbook Phenomenon?
• MacBook Logistics and Security for the College Bound
• What Good Is the MacBook Pro SD Card Slot Anyway?
• Asus Tops for Laptop Reliability, Apple Drops to Second Place
• Nvidia to Launch New Chipsets for Intel- and AMD-based Notebooks in 1Q10
• Apple to Use Two New Nvidia Platforms?
• Apple, Nvidia, Intel: Happy Together?

Apple Updates

• Mac OS X v10.5.8 Issues with AirPort Performance When Running on Battery Power
• MacBook Pro Hard Drive Firmware Update Fixes Drive Noise

Troubleshooting

• Some MacBooks Not Able to Install AirPort Client Update 1.0
• MacBook Pros Not Going to Sleep with Error 'Wake Reason = PCI'

Reviews

• June 2009 MacBook Air 'as Tempting as Ever'
• 'I Love You, MacBook Pro'

Products & Services

• TechRestore Canada Officially Opens
• MusicSkins for 15" MacBook Pro

Bargain 'Books

News & Opinion

Top 10 Laptop Disasters

The top-10 most ridiculous, violent, and sometimes disgusting ways that consumers break their own laptop computers, detailed by independent laptop computer repair company, Micro Replay of Billerica, Massachusetts. Micro Replay CEO Joe Kouyoumjian describes ten common (or not-so-common) scenarios that can cause a laptop computer to need repair. The causes, ranging from amusing to outrageous, are based on real examples of laptop computers sent to Micro Replay for repairs within the last 12 months. Kouyoumjian also included estimated cost of repairs for each type of laptop disaster.

10 Most Notable Causes of a Broken Laptop Computer:

#10: Sorry Honey I Punched the Laptop:

"Striking a your laptop computer with a closed fist, even while closed, will jostle the logic board and stop the computer," said Micro Replay's CEO Joe Kouyoumjian. Estimated repair cost: $1,000.

#9: Facebook Freak-out:

A teenage girl discovers a picture of her boyfriend kissing another girl becomes outraged and flings her MacBook off the desk, sending it crashing onto the hardwood floor. Estimated repair cost: $475.

#8: Cockpit Crusher:

The pilot of a commercial Airbus A320 moves his seat forward while the laptop is on the floor, crushing the case and breaking the logic board. Estimated repair cost: $800.

"Full disclosure: Numbers 10 through eight are very rare, less than 1% of all laptop computer repairs that we see," said Kouyoumjian.

#7: Temper Toss (a Subset of the 'Facebook Freakout'):

Hurled objects can easily break a laptop's screen. "If you receive bad news on your Blackberry, resist the temptation to throw near your open Apple MacBook Air," Kouyoumjian suggests. Estimated repair cost: $500

#6: Vomit Comet

"If you puke on your laptop, don't even tell the laptop computer repair company what the liquid is," notes Kouyoumjian. "If we know it's bodily fluid, we don't want it." Estimated repair cost: Fix it yourself, please.

#5: Passing Out Drunk on Your Dell Laptop

Your sleeping bodyweight can bend the case, and may also ruin the screen. Estimated repair cost: $325 - $500

#4: MacBook Laptop as Foot Stool, or Scale.

No Laptop computer is designed to support your weight, so stepping on your laptop will almost certainly break it. Repair cost: Depends on how much you weigh...

#3: Ear-buds as Laptop or Notebook Computer Terrorist:

"Closing your laptop with your ear-buds inside will crack the screen," according to Kouyoumjian. "This kind of laptop computer repair is growing with alarming speed. It seems we love our ear buds, yet forget that they are not made of cushy foam. We see a lot of cracked screens as a result." Estimated repair cost: $440

#2: Your Five Year-Old Discovers Gravity!

Any time you drop your laptop from more than 2 feet, it can shake loose a chip or board, and break the machine. Estimated repair cost: ($300)

#1: Starbucks Hates Your Keyboard!

"Liquid spills on a laptop's keyboard short them out every time," says Joe Kouyoumjian. "Maybe it's the caffeine that makes us jittery, but so many laptops are killed by coffee there should be a warning on the paper cup." Estimated repair cost: $350 to $500, depending on the amount of time the computer was left running after the spill.

Micro Replay provides complete mail-in laptop computer repair services for Apple and other laptop computers, including bona fide component-level repair of damaged and failed logic/circuit boards, difficult-to-fix liquid spills, tough abuse cases such as dropped/immersed systems, and cracked or broken screens. Micro Replay offers industry-leading service, using knowledge developed from over 24 years of experience in the industry. Using the highest quality parts, highly skilled technicians, and the latest testing and repair equipment, Micro Replay diagnoses and repairs even the most difficult laptop problems, including those which others have said cannot be fixed. The company serves all types of customers, from individuals, to large companies, to schools and institutions of all sizes.

Link: Micro Replay

Can Apple Afford to Ignore the Netbook Phenomenon?

Computerworld's Scot Finnie says:

"It's human nature to get on the bandwagon of a 'good thing.' Take the screaming hype that is the netbook phenomenon, for example. Although it's clear the netbook trend is real, my hype meter wagged over into the 'tilt' field when I read these words from Dan Nystedt of the IDG News Service:

"'The network will truly become the computer, as Sun Microsystems used to say. Or in more modern terms, the Cloud for consumers will have arrived.'

"Nystedt was writing to express surprise at Apple COO Tim Cook's recent negative comments about netbooks. Like Nystedt, I don't think any computer manufacturer can afford to ignore the netbook trend...."

Link: Questioning the Netbook Phenomenon

MacBook Logistics and Security for the College Bound

The Mac Observer's John Martellaro posted a helpful guide for students planning to take a new MacBook to college this fall, including tips and mini-tutorials on transporting, backups and security.

If you, or someone you love, are/is headed off to college this fall with a new Apple laptop (or other notebook for that matter) in hand, this column is well worth checking out.

Link: MacBook Logistics and Security for the College Bound

What Good Is the MacBook Pro SD Card Slot Anyway?

OWC blogger Michael says:

"While there has been quite a debate over Apple's decision to provide an SD card slot rather than an ExpressCard slot on the MacBook Pro 13.3" and 15.3" models, the fact of the matter remains that these machines are available and that many of us will be using these laptops. So how do we make the best use of our new port?"

Link: What Good Is the MacBook Pro SD Card Slot Anyway?

Asus Tops for Laptop Reliability, Apple Drops to Second Place

The Register Hardware's Tony Smith reports:

"Asus laptops were the most reliable notebook computers during Q2, US repair specialist has claimed. Apple came second, Lenovo third.

"The three manufacturers scored 416, 394 and 314, respectively, on Rescuecom's reliability index. Fourth-placed Toshiba scored 218. HP, which came in fifth place, rated 142 points."

Editor's note: Asus was almost unknown on the laptop scene prior to introducing the Eee PC 701 and 1001 in late 2007 and launching the netbook craze. Apple has been selling notebook computers since 1991, so there are a lot more old Apple notebooks out there. As The Register notes, the number of Asus laptops that Rescuecom has repaired in the last quarter increased over the previous quarter. dk

Link: Asus Laptops Top for Reliability in Q2; Apple Drops to Second Place

Nvidia to Launch New Chipsets for Intel- and AMD-based Notebooks in 1Q10

DigiTimes' Monica Chen and Joseph Tsai report:

"Nvidia plans to launch two new chipsets, the MCP89 and MCP99 for Intel-based notebooks, and MCP85 for AMD notebooks, in the first quarter of 2010, according sources at notebook makers."

Link: Nvidia to Launch New Chipsets for Intel- and AMD-based Notebooks in 1Q10 (subscription required)

Apple to Use Two New Nvidia Platforms?

Electronista reports:

"Apple will not only move on to a newer Nvidia platform for its notebooks but may include a second chipset, insiders claimed on Friday...."

Link: Apple to Use Two New Nvidia Platforms?

Apple, Nvidia, Intel: Happy Together?

9 to 5 Mac's Jonny Evans says:

"Apple seems set to use a new Nvidia chip inside future Macs, but there's a sticking point - Intel has launched a lawsuit against the graphics chip maker to prevent manufacture of the very GPUs Apple's seemingly intending to use. Meanwhile, in the background, Apple's PA Semi team are quietly developing new processor platforms for Apple devices...

"Sounds like a soap opera? It's not. Here's the deal...."

Link: Apple, Nvidia, Intel: Happy Families?

Apple Updates

Mac OS X v10.5.8 Issues with AirPort Performance When Running on Battery Power

A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"In some cases, after installing Mac OS X v10.5.8 you may experience AirPort performance issues while running on battery power.

"Products Affected

"AirPort, MacBook (13-inch Late 2007), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2008), MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2008), MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008), Mac OS X 10.5.8 , MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008)

"Resolution

"Download and install the AirPort Client Update for MacBook and MacBook Pro update. This is recommended for some portable Intel-based Macintosh computers running Mac OS X v10.5.8; it addresses an issue with AirPort performance while running on battery power.

"You can install this update only on these computers:

• MacBook (13-inch, Late 2007)
• MacBook (13-inch, Early 2008)
• MacBook (13-inch, Late 2008)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008)"

Link: Mac OS X v10.5.8: Issues with AirPort Performance While Running on Battery Power

MacBook Pro Hard Drive Firmware Update Fixes Drive Noise

MacBook Pro Hard Drive Firmware Update 2.0 reduces certain infrequent noises made by 7200-rpm drives.

These drives shipped with the June 2009 MacBook Pro.

To complete the firmware update process, please follow the instructions in the updater application ( /Applications/Utilities/Hard Drive Update.app ).

The updater will launch automatically when the installation is complete.

• New Hard Drive firmware will be: 0007APM2
• File Size: 3.71 MB
• System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5.7 or later

Link: Hard Drive Firmware Update 2.0

Troubleshooting

Some MacBooks Not Able to Install AirPort Client Update 1.0

MacFixIt's Topher Kessler reports:

"Some people who had AirPort problems after upgrading to 10.5.8 may not be able to install the patch Apple released today, especially if they have modified their system with various workarounds to get AirPort working again."

Link: MacBooks Affected by AirPort Bug Not Able to Install AirPort Client Update 1.0

MacBook Pros Not Going to Sleep with Error 'Wake Reason = PCI'

MacFixIt's Topher Kessler reports:

"There is a problem some MacBook Pro users are having where the computer will not go to sleep when the lid is shut or command is given to do so. Instead, the computer will output a "Wake reason = PCI" error in the console."

Link: MacBook Pros Not Going to Sleep, with Error: 'Wake Reason = PCI'

Reviews

June 2009 MacBook Air 'as Tempting as Ever'

The Register Hardware's Stephen Dean observes that the MacBook Air is still marred by limited connectivity but, with the lightweight design and improved performance, it remains as tempting as ever.

Link: Apple MacBook Air June 2009 Release

'I Love You, MacBook Pro'

Blogger Justin Lee says:

"I finally bought the 13" MacBook Pro, 2.53 GHz with an 8 gig RAM upgrade. I've used it for more than 2 months and here are my thoughts on it...."

Link: I Love You, MacBook Pro: After 2 Months

Products & Services

TechRestore Canada Officially Opens

PR: TechRestore, a Concord, California-based Mac, iPod, and iPhone repair center specializing in Mac laptops, is opening a new TechRestore Canada location to provide overnight repair services to clients throughout Canada.

TechRestore has a proven track record in overnight repair services for Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook, and iBook laptops as well as iPhone, iPod, and Sony PSP systems.

The TechRestore Canada repair center is now open for business, and TechRestore's Founder and President Shannon Jean says repairs are already coming in daily from all areas of Canada. Repairs are completed within 24-hours of receipt to their repair center, which is located in Abbotsford, BC, eliminating the extra hassle, delays, and expense of cross-border shipping. The new TechRestore Canada repair center is staffed with Apple Certified technicians that have been helping customers with their repair skills for years.

"TechRestore has performed tens of thousands of overnight repairs for our customers in the United States," says Jean, "We have a very loyal following in Canada and we are excited to be able to offer our clients a fast, easy and trusted repair solution for their Mac, iPhone, iPod, and PSP repairs from within their own country, with no customs hassles or extended shipping delays."

TechRestore Canada is accepting repairs immediately and is fully staffed with certified technicians that are performing repairs on all models of Mac laptops, iPods, iPhones, and Sony PSP gaming systems.

"We are thrilled to bring TechRestore's unique service to a Canadian audience," commented Aaron Attwater, General Manager for TechRestore Canada. "We love Apple products and being Apple users ourselves, we enjoy being able to breath new life back into them so that our clients can continue to enjoy them. We're committed to the same level of service and practices used at TechRestore USA and we look forward to helping you with your next repair."

Canadian repairs can be scheduled online.

Editor's note: I purchased my Apple Certified Refurbished 17" PowerBook from TechRestore back in 2006, and was completely satisfied with the excellent service I received. cm

Link: TechRestore Canada

MusicSkins for 15" MacBook Pro

Test Freaks' Tomas Ratas says:

"With the introduction of removable Skins, the homogenous world of mass produced electronics has been given a fashion makeover. Skins allow the owner of devices such as iPods, iPhones, Blackberries, Zunes, and handheld gaming consoles to express their individual tastes.

"Several different companies produce skins to personalize such devices. MusicSkins LLC is one such company; what differentiates them from other skin makers is their licensing agreements with several popular bands and artists from around the world.

"Besides adding personality and style to popular electronic devices; skins provide some protection from scuffs and scratches. MusicSkins LLC has sent me several skins to test out and today I will look at a MusicSkin for 15" Laptops/MacBook Pro...."

Link: MusicSkins for 15" MacBook Pro

Bargain 'Books

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

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

Apple Store

Factory refurbished units with Apple's full one-year warranty.

• 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80 HD, $999
• 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120 HD, $1,099
• 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 SSD, $1,149
• 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/80 HD, $1,099
• 1.8 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/64 GB SSD, $1,199
• 2.0 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/160/SD, $899
• 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD, $999
• 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/128 SSD/SD, $1,299
• 13" 2.26 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $999
• 13" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/250/SD, $1,299
• 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/250/SD, $1,349
• 15" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,449
• 15" 2.53 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/128 SSD/SD, $1,599
• 15" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,599
• 15" 2.93 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,949
• 17" 2.5 GHz hi-res MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,999
• 17" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,949
• 17" 2.66 GHz Unibody MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, antiglare, $1,999

MacMall

• 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, 2 GB/120, $1,124.99
• 2.0 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/160/SD, $924.99
• 2.0 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD $1,024.99
• 17" 2.66 GHz hi-res Core 2 MacBook Pro, 4 GB/320/SD, $1,849

TechRestore

• 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 1 GB/60/Combo, $589.99
• 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $619.99
• 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/80/SD, $629.99
• 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $679.99
• 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $719.99
• 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/80/SD, $699.99
• 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $849.99
• 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/80/SD, $899.99
• 15" 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/200/SD, $899.99
• 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $949.99
• 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,049.99
• 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, APX, $1,269
• 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,399

Beta Macs

• Lombard PowerBook G3/400, 256/6/DVD, OS 9, $179
• Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 512/10/no optical drive?, AP, $299
• 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 1 GB/80/SD, $879

Wegener Media - Pismo - Clamshell iBooks - G3 iBooks - G4 iBooks - MacBook

• Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 128/6/DVD, $299.99
• Pismo PowerBook G3/500, 128/6/DVD, $349.99
• Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 256/40/DVD, $399.99
• Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 256/60/DVD, $419.99
• Pismo PowerBook G3/500, 256/40/DVD, $439.99
• Pismo PowerBook G3/500, 256/60/DVD, $449.99
• Pismo PowerBook with G4/550 upgrade, 256/40/Combo, $529.99
• Clamshell iBook G3/300, 96/6/CD, blueberry or tangerine, $179.99
• 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $169.99
• 12" iBook G3/600, 128/15/CD, $249.99
• 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/Combo, $329.99
• 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/Combo, $399.99
• 12" iBook G4/800 MHz, 256/30/Combo, 60 day warranty, $289.99
• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/30/Combo, 60 day warranty, $369.99
• 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 256/30/Combo, 60 day warranty, $409.99
• 12" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/40/Combo, AirPort & Bluetooth, 60 day warranty, $489.99
• 14" iBook G4/1.33 GHz, 512/60/Combo, 60 day warranty, $499.99
• 14" iBook G4/1.42 GHz, 512/60/SD, 60 day warranty, $529.99
• 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $594.99
• 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, white, 512/60/Combo, $659.99
• 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook, black, 512/80/SD, $719.99
• 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white Core2 Duo, 1 GB/80/SD, $769.99
• 2.0 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black Core2 Duo, 1 GB/120/SD, $799.99

ExperCom

• 12" iBook G3/800 MHz, 384/30/Combo, $249
• 12" iBook G4/1.2 GHz, 640/30/Combo, $299
• 2.0 GHz MacBook, white, 2 GB/60/SD, scratched, $549
• 2.0 GHz MacBook, white, 2 GB/120/SD, $749
• 2.0 GHz MacBook, black, 1 GB/100/SD, $749
• 2.16 GHz MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $699
• 2.4 GHz Unibody MacBook, 2 GB/250/SD, AppleCare, $1,259
• 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, scratched $699
• 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, $849
• 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/100/SD, scratched $749
• 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/100/SD, screen blemish, $749
• 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 2 GB/80/SD, $899

For more deals on current and discontinued 'Books, see our 13" MacBook and MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, 15" MacBook Pro, 17" MacBook Pro, 12" PowerBook G4, 15" PowerBook G4, 17" PowerBook G4, titanium PowerBook G4, iBook G4, PowerBook G3, and iBook G3 deals.

We also track iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle deals.