Posts tagged with macbook-pro

Apple offers cheaper RAM and processor upgrades

Posted on October 26, 2009 9:29 PM

Too bad this generosity on their part does not extend to other lines save for the MacBook Pro line, which we did mention that it will probably be refreshed pretty soon since it was skipped during the last round of updates. High end MacBook Pro configurations have dropped by up to $1,000 thereabouts according to vigilant price watchers, so those who don't mind purchasing solid working notebooks without worrying about it being the latest in the market can look forward to picking one up now.

MacBook Pro line could be updated

Posted on October 25, 2009 11:16 PM

It seems that new MacBook Pro models could be unveiled in the near future if examination of the configuration files found within the latest build of OS X proved correct, where the 10C531 build of the 10.6.2 update mentioned in its configuration files the MacBook Pro 6.1 and the MacBook Pro 6.1b. After all, current MacBook Pro models come with a 5.(x) designation, spanning 5.1 through 5.5. What do you think? After all, the MacBook Pro line was left alone during the recent Apple refresh.

MacBook Pro gets updates

Posted on August 20, 2009 3:25 AM

Apple has just rolled out a couple of firmware updates for their MacBook Pro, where one of them will fix issues concerning Bluetooth connectivity while the other helps soothe the roaring sounds of the MacBook Pro's hard drive noise issue. Bluetooth Firmware Update 2.0.1 will see fixes to existing bugs while improving upon compatibility with the Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse and Apple Wireless Keyboard. This update will be available for all Macs equipped with Broadcom Bluetooth chipsets. As for the Hard Drive Firmware Update 2.0, this model will finally put to bed the hard drive noise issue that affects MacBook Pros with 7200 RPM hard drives introduced in June 2009 or later.

ColorWare Stealth MacBook Pro

Posted on July 6, 2009 8:18 AM

ColorWare is already well known when it comes to repainting your current gizmo into something that most other people out there don't own, but they seem to have outdone themselves this time round with the Stealth MacBook Pro. Available as a limited edition, the all-black 15" MacBook Pro comes complete with a matte display, while an Intel 3.06GHz processor powers it alongside 8GB RAM, a 256GB SSD, an 8x SuperDrive, zero gloss finish and a SofTouch coating to make you wish you'd never run out of documents to type. There will only be 10 units of these available (they weren't kidding when they classified it as limited edition, that's for sure), costing $5,999 a pop.

Macbook Pro 2009 SATA Fixed - Back To 3.0Gbps

Posted on June 22, 2009 10:33 PM

If you have been worried by the reports saying that the Macbook Pro 2009 hard disk performance was capped to 1.5Gbps, we have some good news for you: a fix has been issued!

Just as we thought, this was a software issue and a fix in the EFI Firmware 1.7 is said to patch the problem and restore the SATA speed to its full 3.0Gbps theoretical speed. You can download the update at this Macbook Pro support page, but Apple warns that this is not a supported update.

Previous rumors suggesting that Apple had cut down on performance to cut prices were indeed totally bogus. The hardware does support full SATA II speeds. Update 6/25: I see the firmware 1.7 in the Mac OS updates now, problem solved.

Macbook Pro 1.5 Gbps SATA To Reduce Costs? Not a Chance

Posted on June 15, 2009 1:19 PM

There's some buzz this morning about the 2009 Macbook Pro exhibiting SATA 1.5Gbps speeds (the previous models have a 3Gbps SATA hard drive controller) and from the first benchmarks, it looks like disk performance is logically lower, if you have a fast disk, like an SSD - even 7200rpm laptop hard drive often don't reach 120MBps (Mac rumors reports [SSD] performance going from 225MB/s down to 115MB/s in disk benchmarks. Ouch.).

The situation gets even more confusing as some users are reporting seeing a 3Gbps SATA, while others see a 1.5 Gbps one. First of all, I believe that NVIDIA has never produced a single GeForce 9400M motherboard chipset (aka ION) that doesn't handle SATA-2 (3Gbps). And even if they did, it would not really save a buck on the chip, as long as the chip size is identical. Most importantly, a 1.5 Gbps SATA-I Geforce 9400M chipset does not exist, as far as I know.

Then what happened? We're not sure, but consider these scenarios: what if some computer shipped with a SATA-I disk? What if 1.5Gbps consumes less power? What if it was a shortcut to ship on time? Because the hardware supports SATA-II, there is a ~~slight~~ good chance that this can be updated in the future. We'll be waiting for an official statement from Apple.

MacBook Firesales

Posted on June 10, 2009 10:45 AM

After having announced new MacBook Pros recently, Apple is now holding firesales of its older MacBooks in order to clear remaining inventory so as to make space for newer shipments. Generally speaking, Apple has reduced the price of its previous generation 13" MacBooks within a $100 to $300 range, while older MacBook Airs have experienced a reduction from $400 to $800, and MacBook Pros by $400 to $500. For those who do not need to remain on the forefront of technology always and yet want to pick up the simplicity of an Apple notebook, these previous generation models are worth looking into if having the latest and greatest at any cost are not your cup of tea.

Apple WWDC 2009 Round Up

Posted on June 8, 2009 12:14 PM

Ok, so the dust’s settled and here’s a quick recap of what were the more notable releases from Apple today.

So, what do you think of Apple’s showing this year? Are you disappointed that the iPhone 3GS did not seem to live up to all of your expectations, or are you more than happy that Cut and Paste is finally available? Share your bouquets and brickbats in the comments section.

13-inch MacBook Pro

Posted on June 8, 2009 10:32 AM

There's also a 13" MacBook Pro, making us wonder what happened to the MacBook that used to be that size. The 13" will come in two configurations, powered by a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo and 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo processor, boasting 2GB and 4GB DDR3 RAM, Intel's 9400 graphics chipset, 160GB and 250GB hard drive respectively and an SD memory card slot, priced at $1,199 and $1,499, available from today onwards.

New 15-inch MacBook Pro Unveiled

Posted on June 8, 2009 10:12 AM

Apple has updated their MacBook Pro line as expected, and it will be able to hold up to 8GB RAM, and it will power past the 3.0GHz mark since it is able to hold an Intel 3.06 GHz Dual Core 6MB Level 2 Cache processor inside. Of course, other interesting additions include an SD memory card slot, a much better display (which is more or less a staple upgrade in each new MacBook) that boasts 60% more color gamut than its predecessor. You will also get a built-in battery (non-removable), but fret not - Apple has promised that this battery is able to last for up to 5 years, where you'll probably change your MacBook Pro to something better before that.

3G Wireless Modem in Macbooks Soon?

Posted on May 5, 2009 1:18 PM

A job listing at Apple is hinting at a possible 3G integration in future computers:

The Comms Software QA team within the Mac Hardware Group is seeking a motivated QA engineer to perform quality assurance testing for new Apple CPU Products. Duties for this position include, but are not limited to: Testing and reporting hardware, software, and device driver bugs for Communications technologies including AirPort (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth v2.0, gigabit Ethernet, and/or 3G Wireless WAN in a detailed, timely manner.

Of course, the less exciting possibility is that Apple wants to test the compatibility of external 3G cards with its computers, but a built-in 3G modem isn't so far-fetched: every other PC maker has something already.

Sanho Hypermac External Battery Pack

Posted on May 5, 2009 7:00 AM

Sanho has released their new external battery pack that allows your MacBook Pro to run for an unprecedented 32 hours straight without the need to be connected to a power outlet, but really, this is useful only for emergencies since we don't think most people would be open to spending half a grand on the 222Wh unit. The Sanho Hypermac External Battery Pack will ship later this month, and you can also choose to pick up the $150 car charger or the $200 60Wh model if your budget is rather tight this month.