Briefly: $949 MacBooks; Get a Mac backfires

In brief: MacNN has reviewed the Gecko Pro-sleeve13 ($50, shown at right), a sleeve for Apple's 13-inch MacBook that functions as a standalone case or as a sleeve to place in another bag. The case is made from ballistic nylon used in military uniforms and harnesses, and features firm edges that maintain the mold even under stress.... Apple has replenished its stock of refurbished MacBooks, offering models priced from $949 alongside Mac minis priced from $649. The Canada Apple Store is also offering refurbished MacBooks from CAD1,029, as well as iMacs from CAD939.... Apple's UK series of 'Get a Mac' ads may have backfired, with Robert Webb playing the 'Mac' portraying Mac users as a little too smug. A MediaWeek report examining YouGov's BrandIndex revealed that UK consumer buzz around Apple has fallen from +8 to +4 since the ads were screened. YouGov's BrandIndex estimates perception of consumer brands via direct interviews with 2,000 people each day.

Adium downloads reach 645,000

The developers of Adium -- a free instant messaging utility for Mac OS X -- has seen 645,000 downloads. The number follows the official release of Adium 1.0 in early February, offering compatibility with most popular instant messaging systems such as AIM, iChat, Jabber, MSN, and Yahoo.

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