MacBooks

15″ MacBook Pro (Penryn)

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LEM's Leopard Group is for those using Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6.

Overview

Multitouch. Introduced with the iPhone, brought to the Mac with the MacBook Air, it now makes its debut on the MacBook Pro. Surprisingly, Apple is doing it using the same trackpad, not a larger one like the MBA has.

Apple has refreshed the 15" MacBook Pro in almost every aspect - except for its looks, which is the same time tested design introduced with the first aluminum 15" PowerBooks.

15" MacBook Pro The new model comes in 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz versions, along with a 2.6 GHz build-to-order option. These are the Penryn version of Intel's Core 2 CPU: the 2.4 GHz chip has a 3 MB L2 cache (smaller than before), while the faster chips have 6 MB (50% more than before), and the new chips have an enhanced SSE4 vector engine.

Apple has also updated its notebook keyboards, which no longer have an embedded numeric keypad and have an Option key on the right side, replacing the old Enter key.

The 2008 models use the same Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor, but with twice as much VRAM as the 2007 model. 200 and 250 GB hard drives are standard. 2 GB of RAM is standard, with a 6 GB ceiling.

Note that the built-in display is only capable of 18-bit color, not the full 24-bit color you might expect.

Unlike pre-2007 models, where every USB port could provide 500 mA of power, only a single high-powered device can be attached to the USB ports, and software will enable one of its downstream ports to supply 500 mA of power. If a second high-powered device is attached, it will behave like a normal bus-powered hub and only provide 100 mA per downstream port.

The Apple Remote, which had been included with previous models, is now a US$20 option.

Closed Lid Mode: All Intel 'Books support "lid closed" (or clamshell) mode, which leaves the built-in display off and dedicates all video RAM to an external display. To used closed lid mode, your 'Book must be plugged into the AC adapter and connected to an external display and a USB or Bluetooth mouse and keyboard (you might also want to consider external speakers). Power up your 'Book until the desktop appears on the external display and then close the lid. Your 'Book will go to sleep, but you can wake it by moving the mouse or using the keyboard. The built-in display will remain off, and the external monitor will become your only display. Since all video RAM is now dedicated to the external monitor, you may have more colors available at higher resolutions. The TiBook is designed to run safely in closed lid mode, but if yours runs hot (perhaps due to overclocking or high ambient temperatures), you may want to open the lid when in closed lid mode: The screen will remain off and the computer will more readily vent heat from the CPU.

To resume use of the internal display, you need to disconnect the external display, put the computer to sleep, and then open the lid. This will wake up your 'Book and restore use of the built-in display.

Intel-based Macs use a partitioning scheme known as GPT. Only Macintel models can boot from GPT hard drives. Both PowerPC and Intel Macs can boot from APM (Apple's old partitioning scheme) hard drives, which is the format you must use to create a universal boot drive in Leopard. Power PC Macs running any version of the Mac OS prior to 10.4.2 cannot mount GPT volumes. PowerPC Macs won't let you install OS X to a USB drive or choose it as your startup volume, although there is a work around for that.

Battery life is expected to be 30-60 minutes longer than on earlier MacBook Pro models.

Details

introduced 2008.02.26 at US$1,999 (2.4 GHz) and US$2,499 (2.5 GHz); 2.6 GHz build-to-order option; replaced by faster Unibody model 2008.10.14.
requires Mac OS X 10.5.2 or later
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard compatibility
- Grand Central Dispatch is supported.
- 64-bit operation is supported.
- OpenCL is supported.
CPU: 2.4/2.5/2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, soldered in place, no upgrade options
bus: 800 MHz
performance:
- Geekbench 2 (Leopard): not yet tested
RAM: 2 GB, expandable to 6 GB using PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM
Level 2 cache: 3 MB shared cache on 2.4 GHz CPU, 6 MB on faster CPUs
Video: Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT on PCI Express with dual-link DVI support
VRAM: 256 MB on 2.4 GHz model, 512 MB on 2.5 GHz model.
Video out: DVI connector (VGA supported with included adapter; S-video and composite video supported with optional adapters)
display: 15.4" (38 cm) 16-bit 1440 x 900 110 ppi color active matrix
supports 1280 x 800, 1152 x 720, 1024 x 768, 1024 x 640, 800 x 600, 720 x 480, and 640 x 480 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 x 768, 800 x 600, and 640 x 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 x 480 at 3:2 aspect ratio
allows mirroring to external display or extended desktop mode
hard drive: 200/250 GB 5400 rpm Serial ATA standard
optical drive: 8x dual-layer SuperDrive writes DVD±R and DVD+R at up to 8x, DVD-RW at up to 4x; dual-layer DVD±RW at up to 4x; reads DVDs at 8x (double-layer at 6x), dual-layer and DVD-ROM at 6x; writes CD-R at 24x, writes CD-RW at 16x, reads CDs at 24x
expansions bays: none
USB: 2 USB 2.0 ports, one on each side, only 1 high-powered device device allowed
FireWire 400: 1 port
FireWire 800: 1 port
IR port: none
IR receiver: supports Apple Remote
ethernet: 10/100/gigabit
modem: optional v.92 56k external USB modem
WiFi: 802.11n AirPort Extreme built in
Bluetooth: BT 2.1 built in
ExpressCard/34: 1 slot
size: 9.6 x 14.1 x 1.0" (259 x 357 x 25.9 mm)
weight: 5.4 pounds (2.45 kg)
Part no.: MB133 (2.4 GHz), MB134 (2.5 GHz)

Online Resources

Best online 15" MacBook Pro deals, updated biweekly.
Best Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6 deals. Best online prices for Leopard and Snow Leopard.
The October 2008 MacBook value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.10.15. Apple changed the entire MacBook lineup on Tuesday. How do close-out prices compare to the new ones?
Mac notebook value for the college student, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.08.20. "...Apple 'Books represent the best long-term value for money spent, not to mention user experience...."
MacBook Pro a revelation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2010.02.08. After using G4 Macs for over a decade, spending a weekend prepping a first generation MacBook Pro was a real eye opener.
5 best sub-$1,000 Mac notebooks for gamers, Dan Bashur, Apple, Tech, and Gaming, 2009.09.25. Good Mac 'Books for gaming start below $300 and cover the G3, G4, and Intel eras.
Protect your notebook against loss, theft, data loss, and security breaches, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.08.25. 10 percent of laptops are lost or stolen every year. Tips on preventing theft, securing your data, and recovering from a lost, stolen, or broken notebook.
The 64-bitness of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.19. Although Apple is promoting Snow Leopard as a fully 64-bit operating system, it defaults to running in 32-bit mode.
The road ahead: 64-bit computing, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.08.19. Personal computers started with 8-bit CPUs, Macs started out with a 24-bit operating system, and 32-bit computing is starting to give way to 64 bits.
OS X 10.6 requirements, why Apple owns the high end, when to upgrade your Mac, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.08.14. Also Microsoft Word patent infringement, BackPack shelf for iMac and Cinema Displays, two updated Bible study programs, and more.
OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard for $29, run Windows on your Mac for Free, Update Breaks Office 2008, and more, Mac News Review, 2009.08.07. Also getting your Mac ready for Snow Leopard, Time Capsule doubles capacity, Picasa 3 for Mac, Bodega Mac app store, and more.
Optimized software builds bring out the best in your Mac, Dan Knight, Low End Mac's Online Tech Journal, 2009.06.30. Applications compiled for your Mac's CPU can load more quickly and run faster than ones compiled for universal use.
Intel's promise fulfilled: More processing power per processor cycle, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2009.06.30. Apple promised improved CPU efficiencies when it announced the move to Intel in 2005. Three years of MacBooks show the progress.
Low End Mac's Safe Sleep FAQ, Dan Knight, Online Tech Journal, 2009.06.15. What is Safe Sleep mode? Which Macs support it? How can you enable or disable it? And more.
The 'Safe Sleep' mailbag, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2009.06.15. Safe Sleep mode is enabled by default on modern MacBooks. How it works, and how to change how it works.
MacBook White updated, DIY Mac tablet, danger of 'Safe Sleep', $350 80 GB SSD kit, and more, The 'Book Review, 2009.05.29. Also Apple tablet 'confirmed', 3G and lower cost MacBook Air models rumored, 500 GB bus powered hard drive, Mini DisplayPort adapters, bargain 'Books from $179 to $2,299, and more.
Mac 'Book power management adventures, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.05.19. If your 'Book won't power up, shuts down while your working, or has other power issues, resetting its internal power manager may clear things up.
Making the switch from a G4 PowerBook to a Unibody MacBook, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.03.17. The transition to an Intel-based Mac hasn't been without its problems - slow dialup performance, incompatibility with Eudora, and no real gain in speed with standby apps.
2 compact portable USB 2.0 hubs, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2009.01.12. Compact hubs from Targus and Proporta make a great complement to your notebook computer. Each accepts a third-party AC adapter to provide bus power.
Unbuntu Linux and Boot camp make it easy to create a triple boot Mac, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.12.24. Boot Camp makes it easy to install Windows on Intel Macs, and Ubuntu now makes it easy to install Linux to a virtual Windows drive.
Notebooks and blackouts, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.12.23. When the power goes out, a notebook computer with long-lasting batteries lets you keep working for hours and hours.
Love my MacBook Pro, excellent upgrade advice, unexpected Opera 10 Alpha behavior, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.12.18. Also Firefox 2 and 3 as processor hogs, almost no chance of Snow Leopard for PowerPC Macs, and Eudora withrawal woes.
The 'better safe than sorry' guide to installing Mac OS X updates, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.12.16. Most users encounter no problems using Software Update, but some preflight work and using the Combo updater means far less chance of trouble.
How come Dell can sell a new 15" notebook for half the price of a refurbished MacBook?, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.12.11. With Dell Canada selling a 15" Inspiron notebook for $549 and Apple selling a refurbished last generation MacBook for $1,049, one has to wonder.
Why you should partition your Mac's hard drive, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.12.11. "At the very least, it makes sense to have a second partition with a bootable version of the Mac OS, so if you have problems with your work partition, you can boot from the 'emergency' partition to run Disk Utility and other diagnostics."
MacBook slowdown without battery, DisplayPort and DRM, 256 GB SSD, MagSafe solutions, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.11.26. Also Mac netbook prospects, laptop cooling table with 2 fans, solar notebook bag, hard shell cases for unibody 'Books, bargain 'Books from $500 to $2,299, and more.
Software to keep your MacBook cool, Phil Herlihy, The Usefulness Equation, 2008.11.25. Heat is the enemy of long hardware life. Two programs to keep your MacBook running cooler.
Virtualization shootout: VMWare Fusion 2 vs. Parallels Desktop 4, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2008.11.20. Both programs do the same thing, but one runs Windows XP smoothly alongside Mac apps, while the other bogs down everything but Windows.
Just right: Papa bear, mama bear, and baby bear MacBooks, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.11.20. Some people like small and light notebooks, others prefer huge desktop replacements, but the best value tends to be in the middle.
Love my refurb MacBook Pro, Eudora forever, and the lightest AA batteries, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.11.18. Also questions about Nvidia GeForce 8600 problems in earlier MacBook Pro models and importing Eudora mailboxes into Eudora successors.
Kensington Ci95m Wireless Mouse: Great battery life, smooth performance, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.11.13. Kensington's slim wireless mouse is well built, works smoothly, has great battery life, and avoids Bluetooth pairing and wake-up issues.
Refurb MacBook Pro value, MacBook too big to replace 12" PowerBook, Pismo noise, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.11.12. Also installing OS X using FireWire Target Disk Mode, running Virtual PC under Leopard, and how to use filters in iCab.
Best refurb MacBook Pro value, AirPort Card thermal issues, Opera vs. iCab, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.11.05. Also more thoughts on the lack of FireWire on the Unibody MacBook.
One OS to rule them all, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.10.29. With Fusion or Parallels letting you run Windows at full speed, Mac OS X gives you the best of both worlds.
New Unibody MacBook or discontinued 15" MacBook Pro?, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.10.28. The new aluminum MacBook is tempting, but the older MacBook Pro has so many more expansion options.
New Unibody MacBooks provide some reasons to buy an earlier MacBook Pro, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2008.10.27. While the new MacBook line offers some improvements, Rev. A fears and the lack of a matte display can make the previous design a better choice.
Economic crunch may slow Mac sales, a recycled Cube, ToCA Race Driver 3 for Mac, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.10.10. Also don't buy RAM from Apple, customize your Mac's appearance, MacTribe expanding into print, My Apple Space social networking, and more.
How to clone Mac OS X to a new hard drive, Simon Royal, Mac Spectrum, 2008.10.07. Whether you want to put a bigger, faster drive in your Mac or clone OS X for use in another Mac, here's the simple process.
CodeWeavers brings Google's Chrome browser to Intel Macs, Alan Zisman, Zis Mac, 2008.10.02. Google's new Chrome browser uses separate processes for each tab and brings other changes to Windows users. Now Mac fans can try it as well.
Apple trumps Microsoft in making the 64-bit transition transparent to users, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.09.18. To use more than 4 GB of RAM under Windows, you need a 64-bit PC and the 64-bit version of Windows. On the Mac, OS X 10.4 and later already support it.
Portable Mac as primary vs. secondary computer, looking at ThinkPad design, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.09.17. Also learning from the Mac Portable, upgrading a PowerBook 5300, another free app to assure maintenance routines are run, and more.
SATA, SATA II, SATA 600, and Product Confusion Fatigue, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.09.08. In addition to the original SATA specification and the current 3 Gb/s specification, SATA revision 3.0 is just around the corner.
Does running OS X system maintenance routines really do any good?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.08.26. Mac OS X is designed to run certain maintenance routines daily, weekly, and monthly - but can't if your Mac is off or asleep.
MagSafe out of warranty replacement, Nvidia Flaw Affecting Macs, MacBook Air revision soon, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.08.22. Also 160 GB microdrive from Intel, MacBooks on grocer's shelves, Intel future CPU plans, a checkpoint friendly notebook case, bargain 'Books from $220 to $2,699, and more.
Simple Mac security in the age of malware, Kev Kitchens, Kitchens Sync, 2008.08.13. Unlike Windows PCs, at this point Macs can't become infected simply from being on the Internet, but you still need to be careful about your downloads.
'All Nvidia GeForce 8600 chips bad', subcompact MacBook in 2009?, instant on notebooks, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.08.15. Also MacBooks in high demand in education, first quad-core ThinkPad, new Dell notebook claims 19 hour battery life, new Logitech mouse clips to your notebook, bargain 'Books from $200 to $3,069, and more.
US Customs can seize any laptop, aluminum and ultraportable MacBook rumors, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.08.08. Also thoughts on the next generation of MacBooks, "I want to marry the Apple MacBook Pro", do it yourself MacBook Pro hard drive replacement, bargain 'Books from $490 to $3,069, and more.
Tricking out your notebook for superior desktop duty, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.07.29. For desktop use, you don't need to be limited by the built-in trackpad, keyboard, and display or a notebook's compromised ergonomics.
The compressed air keyboard repair, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.07.24. If your keyboard isn't working as well as it once did, blasting under the keys with compressed air may be the cure.
Kensington Portable Power Outlet a great accessory for the road warrior, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.07.22. With three AC outlets and two USB charging ports, this compact device is a great way to have extra power outlets when you're on the go.
Free VirtualBox for Mac now a virtual contender, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.07.21. A year ago, the Mac version of VirtualBox lacked some essential features. Over the past year, it's grown into a very useful tool.
New MacBook models for the back-to-school buying season?, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.07.21. Intel's new Centrino 2 platform plus the long time since MacBook and MacBook Pro updates makes new Mac notebooks almost a certainty before school resumes.
4-core Core 2 Extreme mobile CPU in August, 256 MB SSD coming to MacBook Air, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.07.18. Also Centrino 2 shipping, OS X running on tiny MSI Wind notebook, fuel cell notebooks one step closer, free laptop tracking service, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,649, and more.
MacBooks cheaper than PC laptops, SSD power draw debated, MacBook Air showdowns, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.07.11. Also Samsung fires up 128 GB SSD, next gen MacBook Pro design, drawbacks of MagSafe, 7200 rpm vs. 5400 rpm drive benchmarks, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,649, and more.
More air: Expectations for future MacBook and MacBook Pro models, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.07.08. Next generation 'Books are expected to include Intel's next generation Montevino processor, but wireless power and wireless USB could give Apple a leg up on the competition.
Laptop a better bet than desktop, MacBook vs. Pro, problems with 17" MacBook Pro screen, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.06.26. Also making AppleCare worthwhile, Toshiba takes on Apple in the 'thin laptop' war, 200 GB 7200 rpm drive for $99.75, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,749, and more.
Win the depreciation game by buying on the low end, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.06.24. The worst depreciation afflicts high-end models. By buying a less powerful version, choosing certified refurbished, or picking up a used computer, you'll come out ahead.
MacBook vs. MacBook Pro, 500 GB drive for MacBooks, Toshiba intros lightest laptop, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.06.20. Also 17" MacBook Pro 'best desktop replacement', 15" MacBook Pro vertical stripes and off-color screen, solar power for the MacBook Air, magnesium shell for the MacBook, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,749, and more.
No widescreen display for me, accessing MacWrite files, Fedora Linux for G3 Macs, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.06.19. Why monitors need more height, not more width; using MacWrite files, unleashing old Macs with Linux, and using badram to work around bad RAM in LInux.
16:9 computer displays: Let's not go there, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.06.17. "...there's no reason our computer displays should match the proportions of our television displays."
SSD prices to dive, MacBook heat, solid state drives for MacBook and MacBook Pro, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.06.09. Also Scorpio 7200 rpm 300 GB notebook drive, USB 2.0/FireWire Blu-ray drive, Acer's tiny, low-cost Linux laptop, bargain 'Books from $180 to $2,699, and more.
5 business essentials for 'The Switch', Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.06.06. If you're planning a migration from Windows to Macs, these five steps will help you succeed in making the switch.
Fast drives mean fast Macs, 256 MB SSD, 16:9 ratio notebook screens the new norm, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.05.30. Also Centrino 2 delayed, traveling with a MacBook Air, time for notebooks to drop internal optical drives, how to right click with a trackpad, bargain 'Books from $279 to $2,699, and more.
WiMax likely, Apple not green enough, next MacBook in Q3, Cool Feet for notebooks, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.05.23. Also LED backlighting in all MacBooks in 2009, cooling down hot laptops, OLPC plans second generation laptop, universal Apple notebook battery charger, slim external third-party SuperDrive, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
MacBook holds its own against Dell and HP notebook pricing, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 2008.05.23. Comparing specs and prices, the MacBook also trounces Sony, but the MacBook Pro is another story altogether.
SheepShaver brings Classic Mac OS to Intel Macs and Leopard, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2008.05.20. Mac OS X 10.5 doesn't support Classic Mode. Neither does Leopard. But SheepShaver lets you emulate a PowerPC Mac and run the Classic Mac OS.
Limited USB bus power in Santa Rosa Macs, 1 TB in your 'Book, MacBook cooler, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.05.16. Also Hitachi first to market with 320 GB 7200 rpm notebook drive, Apple to refund for sparking power adapters, interoffice style sleevecases, 10 hour external MacBook Air battery, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
Windows on Macs: Three paths for integration, Jason Packer, Macs in the Enterprise, 2008.05.14. Mac users have three routes for running Windows apps: Run Windows using Boot Camp or virtualization, or use a compatibility layer such as WINE.
Where's the best MacBook value: Top, bottom, or middle?, Charles Moore, 'Book Value, 2008.04.29. When it comes to MacBook and MacBook Pro value, the top-end model is usually the worst value, but which model holds the sweet spot?
Mac growth 4x PC rate, USB power famine, Montevina chips not in new iMacs, and more, Mac News Review, 2008.05.02. Also reducing energy waste from peripherals, fixing the Mac's shortcomings, Open Computer shipping and reviewed, why Apple bought PA Semi, 5x the range for Time Capsule, Mac gaming mouse, and more.
Firmware 1.5 screen blanking, air travel notebook stand, battery calibration, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.25. Also aluminum MacBook rumored, PowerBook converted to desktop, Apple IIgs converted to notebook, new battery tech may end explosions, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
Graphic glitches plague Penryn 'Books, MacBook Air reassuringly solid, 3D Notebook mouse, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.18. Also adding RAM to a MacBook Pro, notebook buyer's guides, falling in love with the MacBook Air, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
18 bits can't display millions of colors, today's magic is different from yesterday's, and more, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2008.04.16. Also more feedback on Mac browsers, slow dialup Internet, and a SCSI-to-USB 2.0 solution.
Mac benchmarks, firmware updates for all MacBooks, sleep-and-charge USB ports, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.04.11. Also troubleshooting the MacBook Air, keyboard protectors and sleeve cases for the MacBook Air, bargain 'Books from $150 to $3,099, and more.
18-bit video inadequate, restoring AppleWorks speed, Macintosh display info, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.04.09. Also problems importing AppleWorks drawings and a damaged, unfixable mail database in Outlook Express 5.
Millions vs. thousands of colors: What's the difference?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.04.07. Once again Apple is being sued over a Mac that can display 'only' 262,144 colors per pixel, not the millions it claims. Does it realy matter?
First 320 GB 7200 rpm notebook drive, USB ports inside MacBook Air, Modbook impressive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.03.28. Also Vista on MacBook Air, 256 GB SSD you can't afford, new BTO MacBook Pro 18 percent faster, MacBook impressive, solar laptop bag, bargain 'Books from $150 to $2,699, and more.
MacBook Air tossed out with newspapers, Penryn MacBook and MBP reviews, MacBook Periscope, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.03.14. Also Intel shows 160 GB SSD, Microsoft losing ground, fix for MacBook Air overheating, mini surge protector with USB power, multiple monitors with MBP, bargain 'Books from $260 to $2,699, and more.
2.6 GHz MacBook Pro worth it?, iBook video fixed, Compact Flash vs. SSD, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.03.13. Also buying a used Power Mac G4, a Power Mac 7600 still in daily use, OCR software for modern Macs, and Leopard on a Blue and White G3.
Apple outsells Dell in education, 2008 MacBooks reviewed and benchmarked, migration tips, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.03.07. Also an open firmware fix for PowerBook RAM slot issues, wireless FAQ for PowerBooks, 256 GB MacBook Air possible for 2009, new Samsung and Travelstar drives, bargain 'Books from $229 to $2,699, and more.
Penryn advantages, Leopard on a G4 Cube, scanner advice, upgrading Sawtooth, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.03.05. Also why no LED backlight on the new MacBook, Final Cut mostly works with integrated graphics, and Diablo II problems under Leopard.
When is 2.1 GHz slower than 2.0 GHz? When it's the new MacBook, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.02.28. It's completely counterintuitive, but the 2.1 GHz MacBook benchmarks slower than the 2.0 GHz model it replaces.
New MacBook and MacBook Pro models, MacBook Air design 'wasteful', Penryn benchmarked, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.02.29. Also hands on with the new MacBooks, MagSafe issues, MacBook Air temperature tests, cooling stands and notebook cases, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,349, and more.
The 2008 MacBook Pro value equation, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.02.27. "Perhaps the best thing about the new models is what they've done to prices of last year's MacBook Pro line."
$18 USB WiFi adapter, AirPort flaw in last gen iBook, SuperDrive failure in MacBook, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.02.26. Also DVD-RAM for MacBooks, the quietest MacBook, aluminum PowerBooks and Mac OS 9, and expansion slots in affordable Macs.
Too few USB ports in too many Macs, developer Leopard ran on Yikes, Mac IIfx RAM heaven, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2008.01.16. Also Macworld Expo disappoints, Pismo a great field computer, using flash memory in vintage Macs, and Word vs. Pages for academic writing.
Restore stability to a troubled Mac with a clean system install, Keith Winston, Linux to Mac, 2008.01.15. If your Mac is misbehaving, the best fix just might be a fresh reinstallation of Mac OS X - don't forget to backup first.
We need more than 2 USB ports in MacBooks, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2008.01.14. There's something wrong when you can't plug a flash drive, mouse, and printer into a notebook computer at the same time.
Modbook shipping, new MacBook confirmed, Blu-ray for MacBook Pro, XO vs. eMate, and more, The 'Book Review, 2008.01.04. Also fixing MIA Bluetooth on MacBook Pro, US bans spare batteries from checked luggage, an in-flight laptop stand, bargain 'Books from $200 to $2,649, and more.
MacBook nano rumored, laptop sales strong for holidays, MacBook Software Update 1.1, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.12.21. Ultralight MacBook expected at Macworld Expo, Software Update for MacBook and MacBook Pro, Sonnet's ExpressCard/34 memory card reader, and bargain 'Books from $140 to $2,599.
MacBook Pro 'absolutely flies', not just for pros; mobile 'Penryn' to debut in January; and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.12.07. Also 8 steps to buying a MacBook, MacBook nano "short of a sure thing" at Macworld Expo, more LED backlighting expected from Apple, Hitachi vs. Seagate 7200 rpm drives, bargain 'Books from $200 to $2,688, and more.
iPods, notebooks, and other modern electronics more readily replaced than repaired, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2007.12.07. Whether it's an intermittent failure or a broken display cable, more often than not it's cheaper to replace a broken electronics device than repair it.
Fast, compact, light, quiet, cool, long battery life, large screen, affordable: You can't have it all, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.12.05. Notebook design involves trade-offs. Small, light, and quiet means a smaller screen, lower capacity batteries, and a slower, cooler running CPU.
MacBook replaces PowerBook: The name grows on you, Trevor Wale, One More Thing, 2007.12.04. A PowerBook by any other name would be as sweet, but it took a while to get comfortable with the new MacBook name.
MacBook Pro 'the best', PC veteran falls for Pismo, solar power for laptops, folding keyboard, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.11.30. Also Leopard gobbling up battery power, first laptop orchestra, 802.11n for AirPort Extreme Macs, battery status widget, bargain 'Books from $149 to $2,699, and more.
64 GB flash drive in a MacBook Pro, Leopard kills keyboards, X3100 vs. GMA 950 graphics, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.11.16. Also PowerBook Medic, MacBook vs. MacBook Pro, MIT's pedal powered laptop, a free battery logger, bargain 'Books from $200 to $2,719, and more.
Cross-platform computing: Better than it's ever been, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.11.13. Macs can read PC media, both Macs and Windows PCs play nice with each other on networks, and emulation makes it easy for Intel Macs to run Windows apps.
Beyond Google, 10 years on the G3, the Cube is not a Road Apple, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.11.13. Also the 64-bit advantage of Core 2, OS 9 on a USB flash drive, sound problems since switching to Leopard, and 7200 rpm in an eMac.
MacBook Pro fastest Vista notebook, 2-finger scrolling for older 'Books, 802.11n USB stick, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.11.09. Also Samsung announced 64 GB flash drive, bling shells for MacBooks, online petition about vertical lines, bargain 'Books from $100 to $2,719, and more.
Back into the fold with a MacBook Pro, Adam Robert Guha, Apple Archive, 2007.10.17. After five months with an Acer Aspire notebook and Windows XP, it was a treat to come back to Apple hardware, Mac OS X, and nearly five-hour battery life.
External $100 Sony DVD burner likes Macs, Brian Gray, Fruitful Editing, 2007.10.10. The box and manual say nothing about Mac compatibility, but this 18x USB 2.0 DVD burner is plug-and-play (at least with Tiger).
FastMac 8x SuperDrive and BurnAgain DVD: Fast and easy multisession disc burning, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2007.10.08. FastMac's 8x SuperDrive upgrade is remarkably fast compared with older PowerBook burners, and BurnAgain DVD makes it easy to append files to a previously burned CD or DVD.
Premature Momentus failure in MacBook, superfast ExpressCard Compact Flash adapter, the LED future, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.10.05. Also which MacBook to buy, Battery Update 1.3 for 15" MacBook Pro, new bags, and bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,688.
Danes refunded for defective G4 iBooks, rumored Mac minitablet, handle for MacBooks, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.10.01. Also software update for MacBook and MacBook Pro, Give 1 Get 1 XO laptop program, CardBus adapter for ExpressCard notebooks, and bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,688.
No looking back after MacBook switch, 8x SuperDrive upgrade for MacBook and MacBook Pro, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.09.21. Also $100 laptop now $188, iBook logic board repair service, metal jacket for MacBook, MoGo mouse lives inside notebook, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,688, and more.
Importing video into iMovie, jumping the gun on G3s and Leopard, interference robustness, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.09.18. Also, Intel Macs support 802.11a WiFi alongside b, g, and n, and USB card options for beige G3 Power Macs.
2 apps every MacBook should have, right-click with Apple's 1-button trackpad, micro flash drives, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.09.07. Next year's notebooks worth waiting for, MacBook and MacBook Pro reviews, SanDisk's multicard ExpressCard adapter, and bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,688.
Region free DVD viewing on Macs and Windows PCs, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.09.07. There are three ways to get around region restrictions on your computer's DVD player: software, hardware, and extraction.
Apple #3 in laptops, 5 802.11 options below $100, Dell's color laptops not available, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.08.31. Also rendering of a possible MacBook Lite, Sonnet delivers FireWire/USB 2.0 and 21-in-1 memory card reader for ExpressCard/34, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,599, and more.
PC war losers, Mac 'just works', $68 802.11n for older Macs, a free font manager, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.08.31. Also DVD region locking, the iMac's glossy screen, Mac mini powerful enough, Chromac iMac housings, SanDisk's 8 GB flash drive, and more.
MacBook Pro 'a dream machine', wanted: MacBook with TrackPoint, MacBook power alternative, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.08.17. Also the MacBook as a back-to-school option, a lemon of a MacBook, software update for Santa Rosa 'Books, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,599, and more.
Titanium PowerBook to the rescue, laptop component shortage, 2007 'Book performance comparo, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.08.10. Also cooling the MacBook Pro, hi-res MacBook Pro suitable for color work, new batteries for G3 and G4 'Books, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,599, and more.
AirPort and screen problems affecting MacBook Pro models, Apple stripped of Energy Star label, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.08.03. Also a steampunk PowerBook, After Effects CS3 on OS X vs. Windows, a vertical notebook stand, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,199, and more.
I love the Mac mini, no iPhone in court, no region-free DVDs on MacBooks, and more, Andrew J Fishkin, Best Tools for the Job, 2007.07.31. Also 15 years of ThinkPads, reliability and all-in-one devices, and thoughts on upgrading operating systems.
Mac OS X 10.4.10 AirPort bug undermines use of MacBook Pro on battery power, Andrew Conachey, Classic Mac Nostalgia, 2007.07.30. AirPort bug introduced with 10.4.10 update means MacBook Pro can't access certain routers with encryption enabled while running from battery. 10.4.9 was fine.
250 GB 5400 rpm notebook drive benchmarked, Apple shrinks pro MagSafe adapter, $150 Linux laptop, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.07.27. Also touchup paint for TiBooks, Dell and Lenovo offer wireless USB, Logitech's nano mouse and receiver, and bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,199.
Does a college freshman need to run Windows on a MacBook?, Al Poulin, My Turn, 2007.07.24. While you can run Windows on today's Intel-based Macs, is there any reason most college students would want to or need to?
Burned by MacBook, highest performance mobile CPU, 'Santa Rosa' MacBook Pro firmware update, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.07.20. Also an adapter to use ExpressCard devices in PCMCIA and PC Card slots, two notebook cases with built-in iPod controls, and bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,199.
Laptops trump handhelds, 1.3 MP webcam in new MacBook Pro, a foldable mouse, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.07.13. Also Sony takes a lesson from the MacBook, SuperDrive Firmware Update warning, Plantronics' new USB headset, Belkin's Mouse Trap, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,199, and more.
Apple 4th in notebook sales, the ultimate notebook hard drive, Samsung's 64 GB flash drive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.06.29. Also a Fujitsu subnotebook Apple could learn from, man smashes MacBook with sledgehammer, several gushing reviews, lots of new cases, bargain 'Books from $130 to $2,299, and more.
iPhone launch a religious event, Apple's 13% market share, noise in OS X 10.4.10, and more, Mac News Review, 2007.06.29. Also Apple's 500 MB drive shortage, Seagate's first 1 TB drive, a memory optimizer for OS X, MigliaTV software, and more.
World going notebook crazy, MacBook Pro reviews, 802.11n for PowerBooks, iTilt notebook stand, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.06.22. Also LED backlight flicker, 4 GB upgrade for newest MacBook Pro models, DuelAdapter PCMCIA adapter for MacBook Pro, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,299, and more.
First impressions of a MacBook Pro, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.06.21. Six years after moving to a titanium PowerBook G4, spending time with a Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro is a real treat. There's only one drawback.
Run over MacBook Pro keeps working, overwhelmingly positive 'Santa Rosa' MacBook reviews, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.06.15. Lots of MacBook Pro reviews and benchmarks, a digital tuner for the MBP, NewerTech's battery charger and conditioner, new cases from Brenthaven and Tom Bihn, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,299, and more.
'Santa Rosa' MacBook Pro released, rugged 250 GB and 15,000 RPM notebook drives, 64 GB flash drive, and more, The 'Book Review, 2007.06.08. Also MacBook reviews, new MacBook Pro benchmarked, one in five take notebook on vacation, WiFi finding software, bargain 'Books from $170 to $2,299, and more.
A FireWire flash drive, 'refreshed' Mac bargains, Santa Rosa or Merom in new MacBook Pro?, and more, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 2007.06.07. A fast FireWire flash drive, the value of "refreshed" Macs from Apple stores, upgrade a G4 or buy a used G5?, an autorization dongle, and how to get the hard drive out of a Mac IIcx.
The June 2007 MacBook Pro value equation: Some surprises, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.06.06. Apple's newest MacBook Pro models generally offer modest improvements. Which are the better buys, the new ones or the discontinued models?
Apple sued: Can 262,144 colors be considered 'millions'?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.05.16. A new class action lawsuit claims Apple is deceiving buyers when it claims to display "millions of colors" on its notebook computers. What's really going on here?
VMware Fusion beta 3 adds new features, takes a giant step toward release, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.04.11. Looking for a virtualization solution for your Intel Mac? The latest beta of VMWare Fusion makes several improvements and includes some unique features.
1 core, 2 cores, 4 cores, 8: How much difference does it make?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2007.04.10. Geekbench scores make it possible to compare the newest 3 GHz 8-core Mac Pro with the 1.5 GHz Core Solo Mac mini - and all the models in between.
11 ways to optimize your Mac's performance, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 2007.03.12. If your Mac is getting sluggish, here are 11 tips that can help restore its original performance.
CrossOver: Run Windows apps on Intel Macs without Windows, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2007.02.28. If you need to run Windows apps on your Intel Mac once in a while, CrossOver may be the least expensive way to do so since it eliminates the need to buy a copy of Windows.
Simple ergonomics for the road warrior, Ed Eubanks Jr, The Efficient Mac User, 2007.01.16. The benefits of external keyboards and mice, laptop stands, typing gloves, and anti-RSI software for notebook users.
Cable company sets PowerBook ablaze, glossy vs. matte, first 300 GB notebook drive, MacBook reviews, and more, The 'Book Review, 2006.12.15. Also lithium polymer batteries, 'handheld lag' from using PDAs for email, MacBook Pro target disk mode bug, wireless DSL card for MacBook Pros, bargain 'Books from $209 to $1,999, and more.
Parallels revisited: Release version far more polished than beta, Alan Zisman, Mac2Windows, 2006.11.21. Parallels lets you run Windows or Linux without rebooting your Intel-based Mac, and it's made great strides since the beta came out earlier this year.
To AppleCare or not to AppleCare?, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.11.20. Consumer Reports, which generally recommends against extended warranties, says AppleCare makes sense. But does it?
Pre-2006 software: The big reason you shouldn't buy an Intel Mac today, Ted Hodges, Vintage Mac Living, 2006.11.09. If you work with software that predates the Intel transition, you may be better off sticking with PowerPC Macs. And if you use classic apps, you definitely want to avoid Intel.
Better laptop performance: What's the best upgrade?, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.10.09. Memory, CPU, bus speed, and hard drives all impact performance and battery life. Which upgrades will give you the most up time in the field?
Region free DVD viewing options for Intel and PowerPC Macs, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.09.12. Several hardware and software options that will let your view 'wrong region' DVDs on your PowerPC or Intel Mac.
7 tools for keeping your laptop (uh, notebook) cool, Charles Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2006.07.24. A quick look at the Podium CoolPad, ChillMat, ChillHubs, Laptop Desk, Xpad, iLap, and iBreeze - seven stands designed to keep you 'Books running cooler.
Drive matters, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.06.14. There's more to picking the right hard drive than size, spindle speed, buffer size, and price. But how can a 5400 rpm drive ever outperform a 7200 rpm drive?
Power strategies for using your 'Book in the field: Batteries and AC adapters, Andrew J Fishkin, The Mobile Mac, 2006.06.05. One or two extra batteries and at least one spare AC adapter can be essential when you're traveling and need to get hours and hours of use from your 'Book.
Booting an Intel iMac from an external drive, Jonathan Rentzsch, TidBITS, 2006.01.30. Intel Macs use a different partitioning scheme (GPT) than older Macs (APM), so you can't simply update an existing drive - your must repartition it with GPT.
Comparing Apples to Apples: When is Macintel faster? When does PowerPC make more sense?, Dan Knight, Mac Musings, 2006.01.29. Benchmarks show the Intel Core Duo flies through native code but plods through PowerPC programs. Will PowerPC or Intel give you the more productive workflow?
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