Christmas in January: MacBook Pro and Lite Widely Anticipated for Macworld Expo

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

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

News & Opinion

• Apple Now #1 Notebook with Consumers
• Penryn-Based MacBooks Slated for Macworld?
• Ultra-Portable MacBook Trifecta Expected at Macworld 2008?
• Apple Future Headline: New Products Including Super Laptop?
• Why Apple Needs a Pro Ultra-Portable Again
• Ultralight Mac Notebook Rumors Gather Steam
• Apple Subnotebook Emerging for Macworld
• An Analysis of Apple's Notebook Strategy

Products & Services

• 802.11n WiFi ExpressCard
• 30% Discount on 250 GB Hard Drive Upgrades

Software

• SideTrack Updated, Not Quite Ready for Leopard

Bargain 'Books

News & Opinion

Apple Now #1 Notebook with Consumers

The Wall Street Journal's Ben Worthen reports:

"Companies are starting to think different: Corporate purchases of Apple computers will reach an all-time high next quarter, according to a new report.

"The study, released today by ChangeWave Research, found that 7% of companies buying laptop computers in the first quarter of 2008, and 6% of companies buying desktop computers, plan to buy Apple Macintosh machines. Both numbers are the highest rates for Macs since ChangeWave began its quarterly survey in May 2005....

"Just in case there's any doubt where that momentum is coming from: The study found that more consumers will buy Apple laptops than any other brand. Twenty-nine percent of consumers who are buying a laptop next quarter said they'll buy a Mac, ahead of Dell (28%) and H-P (21%)...."

Link: Macs Make Business Inroads - Apple Now #1 Notebook with Consumers

Penryn-Based MacBooks Slated for Macworld?

Wired's Bryan Gardiner says:

"In October, Intel began churning out its 45-nm 'Penryn' processors at the company's new $3 billion manufacturing facility in Chandler, Arizona. Now, various reports indicate those new mobile processors might find homes in laptops and other portable devices as soon as CES and Macworld."

Link: New Penryn-Based MacBooks Slated for Macworld?

Ultra-Portable MacBook Trifecta Expected at Macworld 2008?

Mobile Magazine's Michael Kwan says:

"At Macworld 2007, Steve Jobs unleashed the Apple iPhone onto the world. As we turn our attention to Macworld 2008 (which takes place next month in San Francisco), we're inundated with rumors surrounding not one, not two, but three new MacBook laptop computers. Better still, two of these just might be rocking NAND Flash. Bear in mind that these are just rumors at this point, but seeing how several of the iPhone rumors came to fruition at the beginning of this year, there is a distinct possibility that these MacBook rumors may also come to pass."

Link: Ultra-Portable Apple MacBook Trifecta Expected at Macworld 2008?

Apple Future Headline: New Products Including Super Laptop?

CNBC.com's Jim Goldman reports:

"A very good source of mine with good connections to Apple's Asian manufacturing partners called me this morning with some news: Seems like Apple will be making headlines in the next few weeks and months with some of its hottest products: the iPod Touch, the iPhone and a new ultra-portable laptop.

"First, the item on the Touch: this source is being told that a company involved with its manufacturing has increased production to 5.1 million units for the holiday shopping quarter....

"For iPhone, AT&T tipped Apple's hand last week when the company's CEO, Randall Stephenson, reported that a 3G version of the iPhone was coming in 2008....

"And then there's this: this source says he has now heard from manufacturing partners in Asia that Apple is preparing to unveil a new, ultra portable laptop computer at the company's Macworld event next month in San Francisco."

Link: Apple Future Headline: New Products Including Super Laptop?

Why Apple Needs a Pro Ultra-Portable Again

PBCentral's Joe Leo says:

"Everyone keeps talking about what will probably be the hottest ticket at Macworld Expo 2008. No, not the one that gets you in to see Steve-o, but the product that may become known as the MacBook nano, or the mini MacBook Pro. And while rumors have been flying about the return of the ultra-portable Mac notebook for quite some time?

"That rumor may have finally found a place to land, with breaking news from a CNBC report yesterday afternoon, which immediately became the top story on Mac news sites everywhere.

"I started writing this piece back on November 19th, just days after acquiring my newest Mac portable - a 'new' aluminum 15-inch PowerBook G4 - with plans to publish it this month as a lead up to Macworld Expo 2008 (which by the way, we will be covering again this year). Being a 12-inch PowerBook G4 user and loving every aspect of it since day one, the topic was?

"Why Apple needs a MacBook Pro mini (or MacBook Pro nano) in its notebook line-up.

"So of course, with the news yesterday that Apple is indeed creating a new ultra-portable Mac, or, well, at least a 'sub-notebook' Mac, it bumps up the need to publish this story. Like today. (Funny thing is, I totally missed that report and didn't come across it until I read about it on the other Mac news sites... usually I'm watching CNBC and passing on the news to all of you!)."

Link: Why Apple Needs a Pro Ultra-Portable Again

Ultralight Mac Notebook Rumors Gather Steam

Computerworld's Gregg Keizer reports:

"Rumors that Apple Inc. will unveil a new thin, lightweight MacBook in just over a month gained strength today as the CNBC cable network cited sources claiming the portable was real.

"Jim Goldman of CNBC said that the subnotebook system will be 50% thinner and lighter than the MacBook Pro, which is approximately 1-in. thick and weighs between 5.4 and 6.8 pounds, depending on the model."

Link: Ultralight Mac Notebook Rumors Gather Steam

Apple Subnotebook Emerging for Macworld

The Inquirer's Martin Veitch reports:

"What do you give to the company that has almost everything? Well, for Apple, that would be a thin-and-light subnotebook and a 3G iPhone, naturally. The theory that a subnote is on its way has been doing the rounds for yonks and for good reason - it's as obvious as robins and holly tipping up for Christmas."

Link: Apple Subnote Finally Emerging for Macworld

An Analysis of Apple's Notebook Strategy

The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady says:

"There are several directions that Apple could take with their notebook strategy in 2008 and I want to flesh out a few of them.

"The MacBook is targeted at consumers, the MacBook Pro at, well, professionals - this much we know. There is much speculation that Apple is going to add a new product to their notebook lineup at Macworld Expo 2008 based on a) the age of existing hardware and b) the need to fill a void.

"The Mac Tablet

"The iTablet is probably the most over-predicted product in Apple's history....

"The Pro Subnotebook ('The Pro Sub')

"Currently professional Mac users have to opt for MacBook Pro with a 15 or 17-inch screen while on the road. I know a couple of pro photographers that need pro level performance and features but don't want carry a hefty MBP15 or 17 across the globe - especially the ones with more than a million frequent flier miles....

"The Flash Subnotebook ('The Flasher')

"This is the notebook has the most sex appeal - and a ticket price to match....

"The MacBook enclosure is also getting tired. The white one looks like something that belongs in the toy aisle and the black one gets so disgustingly dirty that it's embarrassing to use in public...."

Link: An Analysis of Apple's Notebook Strategy

Products & Services

802.11n WiFi ExpressCard

PR: MacBook Pro users can now upgrade to 802.11b/g/n wireless to access virtually any wireless network found while working mobile. New triple anntenas are outside of the wireless signal-degrading (but beautiful) 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro case. Combined with the advantage over the stock twin antennas, an improvement in wireless performance is guaranteed. This exclusive wireless upgrade also works with all Apple AirPort Base Stations including the 802.11n AirPort Extreme.

MacBook Pro users can now upgrade to 802.11b/g/n wireless to access virtually any wireless network found while working mobile. New triple anntenas are outside of the wireless signal-degrading (but beautiful) 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro case. Combined with the advantage over the stock twin antennas, an improvement in wireless performance is guaranteed for only $149.95.

This exclusive wireless upgrade also works with all Apple AirPort Base Stations including the 802.11n AirPort Extreme. Also MacBook Pro users can use almost any wireless network - from coffee shop to library to work and school, and with better than stock performance in range and signal strength. The triple antennas provide the highest speed MIMO specification wireless performance. Virtually any wireless network running 802.11b/g/n equipment on 2.4 GHz range is available.

Since this upgrade uses the MacBook Pro ExpressCard slot, users don't have to disassemble the MacBook Pro to get inside to the AirPort card slot. And the ExpressCard slot design also makes it ideal for those users who must have a removable wireless card - often government agencies and other organizations where security is under tight controls.

The ExpressCard Wireless Upgrade supports all standard security protocols including WPA, WPA2-64bit Personal and 128-bit WEP, so you can login anywhere you have password access. It also supports Mac OS 10.4 and Leopard (10.5) including Sleep Mode, so users do not sacrifice functionality to get better performance.

Like most QuickerTek products, the MacBook Wireless ExpressCard is backed with a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Additional product information is found at the QuickerTek website.

Link: ExpressCard

30% Discount on 250 GB Hard Drive Upgrades

PR: MacService announced a 30% discount on all 250 GB 5400 RPM hard drive upgrades for the month of December. You can now get a high capacity hard drive installed for your PowerBook, iBook, MacBook or MacBook Pro at low prices. All prices include free ground roundtrip shipping, installation and a laptop shipping container. Overnight roundtrip service is available.

MacService announced a 30% discount on all 250 GB 5400 RPM hard drive upgrades for the month of December. You can now get a high capacity hard drive for your PowerBook, iBook, MacBook or MacBook Pro at prices as low as $206. All prices include free ground roundtrip shipping, installation and a laptop shipping container. Overnight roundtrip service is available for $79.

How the service works:

MacService sends a custom laptop shipping container to you. Once it arrives, simply pack your laptop and send it back using the prepaid UPS shipping label. Once your laptop is back at MacService, a certified technician installs the new drive and transfers the data over from your old drive. If your old hard drive is failing, a new operating system is installed.

After the service is completed, your laptop is cleaned, tested and sent back to you, along with your old drive. All services are completed within 24 hours of arrival.

Use code SAVE30 on checkout to receive your discount. The promotion ends December 31st, 2007. For more information visit the MacService website, or call 877-622-3473.

Link: MacService

Software

SideTrack Updated, Not Quite Ready for Leopard

PR: SideTrack 1.5.1 is not compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). See the News page for the latest information and a public beta of SideTrack 1.6.

SideTrack is a replacement driver for Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook and iBook trackpads. With SideTrack installed your standard trackpad becomes a powerful multi-button scrolling mouse.

Leave your external mouse at home and take full control over your trackpad:

• Vertical scrolling at left or right edge of pad.
• Horizontal scrolling at top or bottom edge of pad.
• Map hardware button to left or right click.
• Map trackpad taps to no action, left click, left click drag (with or without drag lock), or right click.
• Map trackpad corner taps to mouse buttons 1-6 or simulated keystrokes.
• Extensive control over accidental input filtering.

SideTrack is multiuser aware and fully compatible with Mac OS X fast user switching (FUS). Every user on your laptop can have different settings depending on their needs.

System requirements:

SideTrack supports most Apple laptops, including MacBooks, MacBook Pros, PowerBooks and iBooks

Link: SideTrack

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 this week with Apple refurb. 'Books include just one 15" MacBook Pro model available, $2,100 2.33 GHz 17" MacBook Pros and a diminished selection of refurb. MacBooks. cwm

• refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,049
• refurb 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,249
• refurb 15" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,099
• refurb 17" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,199
• refurb 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,399
• refurb hi-res 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,599

TechRestore is offering a $25 discount to 'Book Review readers off any PowerBook or iBook in stock. Just enter the code CWM during checkout when ordering online. The coupon code is valid from now through 2007.12.31.

• 15" PowerBook G4/1.5 GHz, 512/80/Combo, $799.99 less $25 = $774.99
• 15" 1.83 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,199.99 less $25 = $1,174.99
• 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,299.99 less $25 = $1,274.99
• 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, $1,299.99 less $25 = $1,274.99
• 15" 2.0 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,349.99 less $25 = $1,324.99
• 15" 2.16 GHz Core Duo MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,399.99 less $25 = $1,374.99

• 15" 1.83 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/80/SD, 512 MB VRAM, $1,179.99
• 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 512/100/SD, 256 MB VRAM, $1,239.99
• 15" 2.0 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, 512 MB VRAM, $1,299.99
• 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/100/SD, $1,459.99
• 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,499.99
• 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,529.99
• 17" 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro, 1 GB/200/SD, $1,519.99

Free ground shipping

• open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, warranty started, $1,199
• open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, white, 1 GB/120/SD, $1,229
• open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, warranty started, $1,399
• open box 2.16 GHz Core 2 MacBook, black, 1 GB/160/SD, $1,439
• open box 15" 2.2 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,229
• open box 15" 2.33 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, $2,599
• open box 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/160/SD, warranty started, $2,688
• open box 17" 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $2,669
• open box 17" hi-res 2.4 GHz Core 2 MacBook Pro, 2 GB/200/SD, $3,079

• 12" iBook G3/700, 128/20/CD, AP, small crack, $249
• 15" PowerBook G4/550, 128/30/Combo, $349

• 12" iBook G4/1.0 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $475
• 12" iBook G4/1.0 GHz, 512/30/Combo, AirPort, $509
• Add AirPort Extreme for $39

• 12" iBook G3/500, 128/10/CD, $199.95
• 12" iBook G3/500, 128/40/CD, $219.95
• 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/CD-RW, $239.95
• 12" iBook G3/500, 256/10/Combo, $299.95
• 12" iBook G3/600, 256/20/CD, $229.95
• 12" iBook G3/800, 256/30/CD, $249.95
• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/30/Combo, $479.95
• Pismo PowerBook G3/400, 192/6/Zip, $249.95
• 14" iBook G4/1 GHz, 512/40/Combo, $549.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/500, 256/20/DVD, $449.95
• 15" PowerBook G4/800, 256/40/Combo, $599.95

• 12" clamshell iBook G3/300, 512/3/CD, tested battery, power cord, OS X 10.3, $235
  • $189.99 with OS X 10.3 with 288 MB RAM
  • $149.99 with OS X 10.2 and 160 MB RAM
• 12" iBook G4/1 GHz, 256/40/Combo, OS X 10.4, $589.99

• 12" iBook G4/1.07 GHz, 256/30/Combo, APX, $399
• new Apple battery for 12" iBook G3 or G4, $42.99

For more deals on current and discontinued models, see our MacBook deals, 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.