11/20, 12:15am
QuarkPromote.com for small businesses
In brief: To help U.S college and graduate students dealing with heavy educational-based costs, Microsoft's MacBU has announced a special deal for the Office 2008 for Mac, dropping the price by over 70 percent. Office 2008 Business Edition provides a series of different applications to help support all areas of education, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Entourage 2008, and Document Connection for Mac with SharePoint support.
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11/18, 3:40pm
Number draws on October NPD figures
Apple is likely to sell between 2.8 and 2.9 million Macs in the December quarter, according to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. The forecast is based on October sales data from the NPD Group, which indicates that the month's Macs were up 7 percent year-over-year. Should Apple meet expectations, overall growth for the December period should be 14 percent.
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11/14, 11:30pm
Apple's fastest iMac given a verdict
The 27-inch iMac is already a milestone for Apple through its inclusion of a truly greater-than-HD display, but the addition of Core i5 and Core i7 processors transforms it into a near powerhouse. This is the first iMac in recent memory to come close enough to Apple's workstations that it could replace one of them. Our review of the Core i5-equipped iMac will find out how close it comes to that goal and whether it's a worthwhile option for any other prospective Mac desktop owner.
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11/12, 5:50pm
Quad-core iMac near 3X faster than past gen
Electronista has received one of the first Core i5 iMacs and is putting it through its paces. Since many already are already familiar with the 27-inch iMac in Core 2 Duo form, we'll provide impressions specific to the faster model. We also have some of the first benchmarks of the system, which is Apple's first quad-core system ever outside of its Mac Pro workstations.
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11/10, 2:50pm
Follows after Core i5 models
Apple has begun prepping for shipment the more powerful Core i7 version of the 27-inch iMac, according to shipping notices. A variant of the already high-end Core i5 model, which began shipping yesterday, the i7 boosts core speeds from 2.66 to 2.8GHz, and also enables performance-enhancing technologies such as hyperthreading. Features are otherwise identical to the i5, including options for up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of hard drive storage. A Magic Mouse is included by default.
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11/09, 7:40am
Core i5 iMac ships, C2D model delayed
(Update with more shipping info) Apple this morning began sending notices that it has started shipping at least Core i5-equipped versions of the 27-inch iMac. The company's first quad-core consumer desktop is now listed for Electronista and readers as "prepared for shipment" with an unspecified ship date. Such scheduling suggests that the earliest orders may arrive within the week.
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11/06, 8:10am
Vista PC users in no rush to replace
Windows 7 isn't having as large an impact on PC sales as initially thought, sources from manufacturers said on Friday. Although US retail sales were up 49 percent, those speaking to DigiTimes say they didn't see a major spike in late October and don't expect one for the rest of 2009. The turnout has been soft enough that some notebook producers are actually facing overstock as they ordered more portables than demand required.
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11/05, 1:55pm
AMD facing ATI Radeon GPU shortages
PC vendors that rely on AMD graphics cards are delaying their shipments scheduled for the first quarter of 2010 by nearly two months, say sources at the manufacturers, DigiTimes claimed on Thursday. Radeon HD 5000-series GPUs and HD 4000-series GPUs are reportedly facing shortages through a combination of factors. The shortage of the 40nm Radeon HD 5000 cards is due to a low yield at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 40nm factories, while the 4000-series GPUs scarcity is allegedly AMD's own doing as it has scaled back production of older technology after releasing the more advanced 40nm parts.
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10/29, 11:10pm
Choppy videos, maximum CPU load
Several owners of the new iMacs have reported problems when attempting to play Flash videos, according to several posts on Apple's Support pages. Forum poster Subcide first noticed the issue with a 27-inch iMac and the latest Flash player. YouTube playback appeared "really jerky" with distorted sound, while the Activity Monitor indicated the CPU usage was spiking to 105 percent every few seconds.
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10/22, 6:50pm
Teardowns reveal unique engineering, new parts
iFixit has completed teardowns of Apple's new 27-inch iMac and Magic Mouse. The dissection of Apple's newest iMac reveals a revamped set of components used to create the largest iMac ever. The 27-inch display, with a 16x9 aspect ratio and 2560x1440 resolution, is an LG-branded (LM270WQ1) IPS-based LCD panel, weighing nearly 11 pounds. IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology offers better color reproduction and wider viewing angles compared to Twisted Nematic technology. The new all-in-one can be used as an external display, however the signal routes through the circuit board and requires the iMac to be turned on.
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10/22, 4:10pm
Magic Mouse more significant, says columnist
Apple's new MacBook and iMacs are solid but merely evolutionary products, argues Wall Street Journal columnist Walt Mossberg. The MacBook is praised for incorporating the MacBook Pro's large trackpad, and being "fast and reliable," booting cold in 22 seconds. It is also described as lighter than its predecessor at 4.7 pounds, and armed with a powerful battery, though likely to fall short of Apple's promised seven-hour lifespan in most cases.
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10/22, 9:55am
Inspiron One 19 runs 2.93GHz chip, Win 7
Dell used the occasion of Windows 7's launch to unveil the first all-in-one desktop since Apple's new iMacs. Showing initially in Japan, the Inspiron One 19 returns to an easel-like design and is meant as a faster alternative to a notebook without taking up much additional space. The PC carries an 18.5-inch, 1366x768 display and uses desktop processors that scale up to a 2.93GHz Core 2 Duo.
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10/20, 12:25pm
iMac redesigned for 16:9, Core i7
Apple today completely revised its iMac with a new design and much faster performance. The series now switches to wider 16:9 aspect ratio, LED-backlit displays and a new look with edge-to-edge glass and a seamless aluminum body. The displays are also much denser and start at 1920x1080 (1080p) for a 21.5-inch display and an extremely sharp 2560x1440 for a new, largest-ever 27-inch model. Both now use color-accurate IPS (in-plane switching) displays versus the cheaper TN (twisted nematic) panel from the old 20-inch iMac.
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10/19, 11:15pm
Slew of products said to be launched Tuesday
Daring Fireball blogger John Gruber and "Fake Steve Jobs" blogger Dan Lyons both suggest Apple is ready to launch new products tomorrow. Lyons claims there is "something brewing" for a news announcement tomorrow, although he declined to provide specific details on the products.
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10/19, 6:00pm
Apple call alludes to less expensive devices
Apple during the conference call discussing its record quarterly results this summer provided multiple hints of price drops on its products in the near future. When asked during a Q&A session about its prediction of lower gross margins for the fall, the company warned that products in the future will have lower margins and repeatedly emphasized cost as an issue. It stressed that it would provide "ever-increasing value" in its products and reiterated its beliefs that it will continue to make products at prices others "can't match."
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10/15, 3:45pm
Tech notably absent from Mac lineup
Blu-ray drives were pulled as an option for upcoming iMacs with little time to spare, anonymous sources claim. People described only as "close" to Apple say that Blu-ray support was originally anticipated for a near-future iMac refresh, but that it was nixed just before the computers went into production last month. Regardless, buyers would only have been able to get a Blu-ray drive as part of a custom order.
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10/15, 2:30pm
Rumor has iMac using quad-core Nehalem
A tentative rumor ad mid-day suggests that Apple's anticipated iMac redesign may draw on Intel's mobile Core i7 processors. Most other details aren't provided in the AppleInsider tip, but any release before early 2010 would require that Apple use some or all of the quad-core "Clarksfield" designs on the market and produce the first non-workstation quad-core Macs.
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10/05, 8:30am
Blu-ray not likely for new iMacs
Despite implications of Blu-ray Macs soon, the rumored iMac overhaul isn't slated to get the better disc format, tech writer John Gruber claimed on Sunday. Known for sources that have accurately predicted iPhone details, he said that Blu-ray was once considered likely but that the "new word" is that it has been dropped. Why this might be hasn't been addressed.
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10/03, 4:55pm
Dutch ads hint new iMac, MacBook, Mac mini
A trio of new Google AdSense ads that surfaced this weekend have alluded to new iMacs and Mac minis as well as a similarly redesigned MacBook. Searches on the Dutch version of Google with the right keywords have shown AppleInsider text ads for a "brand new," "ultra thin" iMac in 20- and 24-inch models and a "thinner, lighter and stronger" MacBook. A Mac mini ad touts the system as "faster and more affordable than ever" but sells it for 499 Euros where the lowest official Netherlands price is 599 Euros.
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10/02, 1:55pm
Apple's 2009 keyboard and mice
Apple's revamped Mighty Mouse and other peripheral changes were virtually confirmed today through a pair of new filings posted at the FCC. The entries for a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard both show unfamiliar model numbers (A1296 and A1314) and, in drawings that have since been modified, significant redesigns.
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09/29, 11:35am
Apple axes iMac, Mac mini reseller orders
Apple has abruptly notified resellers that it's ramping down stock of iMacs and Mac minis in what's likely a sign of new models ahead, according to leaked details. US-based stores are being told they can no longer place new orders for any of the existing iMac models and, according to AppleInsider, at least the starter Mac mini configuration. A supply change of the sort is often a sign Apple is readying new models and wants existing stock to clear out before the new models are ready.
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09/25, 1:45pm
Device expected to retain polycarbonate housing
Apple may be set to release an update to its entry-level MacBook sooner than analysts initially anticipated, an unnamed source told Apple Insider. Several recent reports suggest the company is preparing to launch new MacBooks and iMacs.
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09/24, 2:50pm
New iMacs said imminent
Apple could be on the verge of launching its increasingly rumored redesigned iMacs as early as next week, a new rumor suggests today. A pair of sources for AppleInsider say the company has already been assembling the new all-in-ones for the past two weeks and that large-scale buyers have been given discounts in an effort to clear excess stock. These would only last one week.
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09/16, 9:20am
May aim to compete with Windows 7 PCs
Apple is likely to release new iMacs and MacBooks "in the next several weeks," claims Wedge Partners. In particular the firm's analysts say they envision an iMac with a "thinner, organic design," including "smoothed or rounded edges." Any changes to the MacBook are "likely to be limited," according to the firm. This could be because Apple announced redesigned MacBook Pros as recently as June.
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09/15, 12:00am
HP Pavilion MS200 with Windows 7
HP's launches today have included the company's first Pavilion All-in-One PC, the MS200. The system borrows the same core design principle as the iMac and balances the entire computer on an angled stand; compared to Apple's full speed computer, though, the MS200 is consciously treated as a step above nettops and is meant as a dorm room or kitchen PC. The new offering is based on a 1.5GHz Athlon X2 and brings Radeon HD 3200 integrated video that can offload much of the 3D acceleration and movie decoding work.
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09/11, 9:15am
iMac update targets ATI video card problems
Apple has posted two new firmware updates, addressing separate pieces of hardware. The iMac Graphics FW Update 1.0.2 fixes stability problems on iMacs running an ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro video card, or else the Radeon HD 2400 XT. Systems must also be operating on Mac OS X 10.5.2 or later.
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09/04, 10:15am
Radeon HD 5800 Five Parts
AMD's ATI Radeon HD 5800 line will have five models by the time it's complete, a detailed leak of data shows. The 5870 and 5850 known to be launching first are now believed by Xbit to be just upper mid-range parts that would replace the 4870 and 4850 sold today. Falling under the codename Juniper, they would use the same processor as higher-end chips but would be eclipsed by two higher-end models, Cypress and Hemlock.
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08/11, 4:45pm
BackPack for iMac ships
Twelve South has launched BackPack, an adjustable shelf for iMacs and Cinema Displays. The shelf, made of heavy-gage steel, is sized to hold hard disks and other small accessories. It works using adjustable clips and rests on the iMac's stand using gravity to hold it in place to avoid scratching the stand's surface. More than one BackPack can be used on one machine by setting each to different heights on the stand.
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08/08, 3:50pm
iTunes 9 May Get Blu-ray
iTunes 9 could center on the addition of Blu-ray movie playback, according to a rumor floated on Saturday. A veteran source for BGR says that the Apple jukebox software, which currently can't play any videos on disc, will gain support for the HD movie format. It would also reportedly gain some level of interaction with Facebook, Twitter and potentially the Internet radio service Last.fm. It would also supposedly be possible to reorganize iPhone apps.
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08/07, 2:25pm
iMac 2009 Feature Teaser
The next revision of Apple's iMac should bring at least a pair of much sought-after features, a teaser rumor puts forward. A veteran source for AppleInsider claims that at least two often-requested features should make it into the next revision. One vague claim says the all-in-one will address a 'wish-list' feature, but another is purported to address the semi-pro audio and visual editing segment.
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07/07, 8:45am
NVIDIA 40nm GPUs in Sept
NVIDIA's first graphics chipsets based on a new 40 nanometer manufacturing process could be available by the start of the fall, a newspaper claimed on Tuesday. Taiwan's Commercial Times says the GeForce GT 220 and G210 are due to ship in late September. The story supports notions of a delay and says TSMC, which manufactures NVIDIA's chipsets, had initially suffered from poor yields of the 40nm parts but has since recovered and can supply enough for the last quarter of the year.
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07/01, 4:55pm
Apple May Drop NVIDIA
Apple and NVIDIA may be engaged in a fierce dispute that could exclude NVIDIA graphics chips from future Macs, according to sources reportedly aware of the talks. They claim to SemiAccurate that Apple views NVIDIA's proposals for renewed deals as "arrogance" and that much of the argument centers on the overheating material that triggered widespread failures in all GeForce 8400M and 8600M mobile graphics chips. The Mac firm has had to extend MacBook Pro warranties for up to three years and may be skeptical of NVIDIA's insistence that newer models aren't at risk of the same problem.
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07/01, 4:05pm
OWC ship new RAM chips
Other World computing has launched new Memory upgrades for Apple iMacs (Early 2008 models) and the 2009 White MacBook 13". The iMac offerings include a new DDR2 800MHz 4GB module and 6GB kit, allowing for a 5GB or 6GB setup that is not available from Apple. The 4GB memory module is $150 and the 6GB combo, which includes both 4GB and 2GB RAM modules, costs $170. OWC also has 2GB and 1GB options at substantially reduced pricing vs. Apple factory charges. The memory sticks carry a lifetime OWC warranty.
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06/15, 3:10pm
Apple monitor safety
Australia's Queensland University of Technology has released health-based recommendations for using high-gloss Apple screens, claiming that reflections can lead to users adopting awkward postures, in turn producing injuries. The report takes a fairly negative stance against the glass found in iMacs, MacBooks and MacBook Pros, and also recommends considering a number of factors that could help alleviate or minimize harm. Injury is only a concern however in cases of intense usage, the university suggests.
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06/01, 1:15pm
DealNN: $1,124 24-inch iMa
Today's featured deal from DealNN is on the 2.8GHz 24-inch iMac from MacMall.com. It has been reduced from $1799 to $1199, and until June 30th 2009 a mail in rebate offer drops the price again to $1124. This iMac has a 2.8GHz processor with 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive as well as Bluetooth, iSight webcam, microphone and 8x SuperDrive.
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05/19, 2:20pm
Apple refurbs: MacBooks
Apple's online store is currently offering a variety of Mac models starting as low as $849. Two Mac models are priced at $849, the 20-inch 2.4GHz iMac and 2.0GHz white MacBook. MacBook Airs are available for as low as $999 for the 1.6GHz model with 2GB of memory and 80GB hard drive. The 24-inch, 2.66GHz iMac with 4GB of memory and 640GB hard drive is available for $1299. Unibody MacBook models start as low as $1099 for the 2.0GHz model with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive. The 2.4GHz MacBook Pro with 2GB of memory and 250GB hard drive is priced at $1699. Save $400 on the 2.8GHz Mac Pro with 2GB of RAM and 320GB hard drive, now priced at $2399.
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05/02, 4:10pm
iMac Firmware Update 1.4
Apple today released an iMac Firmware Update 1.4 to resolve some outstanding issues with certain models freezing and another issue with Bootcamp, Apple's technology for allowing users to run Windows on Mac. According to Apple's documentation, the update fixes intermittent system freeze issues for iMac computers with ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics and fixes wake-from-sleep issues in Boot Camp. Readers report that the iMac freezes occur in a wide variety of applications--and even when not running Mac OS X (such as Bootcamp) and that typical troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue.
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04/30, 3:15pm
Lower priced MacBooks
Apple is allegedly in the process of restructuring its Mac offerings to include a number of lower-priced models, an unnamed source has told AppleInsider. Specific details remain unavailable, but the company is believed to be readying more affordable variations of the 13-inch MacBook and iMac, two of its best-selling products.
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04/24, 10:45am
Apple refurbs: Macs $419+
Today Apple's online store has a variety of refurbished Mac models starting as low as $419. The 1.83GHz Mac mini has 1GB of memory and 80GB hard drive for $419. A white 2.1GHz MacBook with 1GB of memory, 120GB hard drive and 8x SuperDrive is priced at $849. The 20-inch 2.4GHz iMac with 1GB of RAM and 250GB hard drive is also being offered for $849. For $50 more ($999) is the 2.66GHz, 20-inch iMac with 2GB of memory and 320GB hard drive. Also priced at $999 is the 1.6GHz MacBook Air with 2GB of RAM and 80GB hard drive. The 1.8GHz MacBook Air is available for $100 more ($1099) and has the same memory and hard drive specs as the previously mentioned MBA. A unibody MacBook is also available for $1099 with 2GB of memory, 2.0GHz processor and 160GB hard drive.
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04/17, 10:15am
Apple refurbs: Mac mini
Currently Apple's online store has a large selection of discounted refurbished Mac models including Mac minis, unibody MacBooks and iMacs. Two Mac minis are being offered: the first is priced at $419 and has a 1.83GHz processor with 1GB of memory and 80GB hard drive the second is $469 and has a 2.0GHz processor 1GB of RAM and 120GB hard drive. Unibody MacBooks start at $1099 for 2GB of memory, 160GB hard drive and 2.0GHz processor top off at $1899 for the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of memory and 128GB solid state drive. Low cost iMacs are available starting at $849 for the 20-inch model with 2.4GHz processor, 1GB of memory and 250GB hard drive. Mac Pro models are being offered for as low as $2399 with dual 2.8GHz processors, 2GB of memory and 320GB hard drive. Also available is the refurb. 24-inch LED cinema display for $799.
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04/14, 5:25pm
Apple refurbs: MacBooks
Apple's online store has a wide variety of refurbished Apple products at reduced prices. The MacBook Air SuperDrive is available for $79. Twenty-inch iMac models start at $849 for the 2.4GHz model with 1GB of memory and 250GB hard drive. MacBook Airs are available for as low as $999 for the 1.6GHz model with 2GB of memory and 80GB hard drive. The unibody MacBook with 2GHz processor, 2GB of memory and 250GB hard drive can be purchased for $1099. MacBook Pros start at $1699 for the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of RAM and 250GB hard drive and go up to $2799 for the 2.8GHz model with 4GB of memory and 128GB Solid State Drive.
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04/13, 5:20pm
DealNN: hard drives,
Featured deals at DealNN today include hard drives, iMacs, Bluetooth headsets and more. Apple's online store has the refurbished 20-inch iMac for $999, a $200 price drop from their previous price. The iMac has 2GB of memory, 320GB hard drive, AirPort extreme wireless, Bluetooth, iSight, microphone and 8x SuperDrive.
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04/08, 9:35am
OCZ Vertex SSD Mac Edition
OCZ has swung its attention towards Macs by launching storage and memory specifically geared towards iMacs, MacBooks and Mac minis. The Vertex Series Mac Edition is specifically validated in Apple's testing centers to work in the MacBook and MacBook Pro and provides much faster speeds than the stock rotating hard disks, reading data at 240MB per second and writing it at up to 170MB per second (100MB sustained). OCZ vows not only faster load times but also the improved battery life and impact resistance inherent to most SSDs.
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04/06, 5:35pm
DealNN: $50 OmniVibe
Today's featured DealNN deal is on the Mirage OmniVibe iPod dock sound station. This iPod docking station is regularly priced at $79.88 at Vanns.com, which is a price drop of $120 off the list price of $199.88, and until 4/10/09 save an additional $30 instantly dropping the price down to $49.88. The OmniVibe utilizes Omnipolar technology that creates a 360 degree sound area that envelops the room in a full sound.
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03/24, 5:05pm
Apple refurbs: seven Macs
Seven refurbished Mac models are currently being offered at Apple's online store for $1399 or less. Starting at $849 is the 20-inch 2.4GHz iMac with 1GB of memory and 250GB hard drive. The 2.66GHz iMac with 2GB of memory and 320GB hard drive is priced at $999. Also priced at $999 is the 1.6GHz MacBook Air with 2GB of memory and 80GB hard drive. For $1099 is the unibody 2.0GHz MacBook with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive. The 24-inch, 2.8GHz iMac is available with 2GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive for $1199. Next up is the 1.8GH MacBook Air with 2GB of memory and 64GB solid-state drive for $1299. Lastly is the 2.4GHz unibody macbook with 2GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive for $1399.
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03/23, 10:20am
17-inch edu iMac continues
Sales of an older 17-inch iMac will continue, an Apple newsletter indicates. Although Apple has publicly scrapped 17-inch options in favor of 20- and 24-inch sizes, the plastic 17-inch iMac launched in 2006 can still be bought through educational channels for $899. The price is said to match that of the defunct eMac, which also targeted educational buyers and disappeared as Apple switched from PowerPC to Intel processors.
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03/16, 4:40pm
DealNN: $799 iMac
Today's featured deal at DealNN is on the refurbished 20-inch iMac from Apple's online store. This Mac models is usually priced at $1099, but it has been reduced to $799. It has a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive. Built-in featuers include AirPort extreme wireless, Bluetooth, iSight webcam, microphone and 8x SuperDrive.
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03/12, 7:35am
Dell Studio One 19
Dell today unveiled the company's first all-in-one PC to bear the Studio badge. The Studio One 19 is more consciously fashionable than the XPS One and has the same basic "hanging" design concept as the iMac. Like the Studio Hybrid, though, Dell lets users customize the Studio One's colors (here the outer frame and wireless input devices). It centers on an 18.5-inch display with a 16:9 ratio, 1366x768 resolution that optionally supports multi-touch input for media playback as well as image, music and video editing.
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03/10, 5:05pm
Apple refurbs: Macs
Current refurbished Mac models at the Apple store include iMacs, MacBooks, Mac Pros and more. Two Mac models are being offered at $849: the 2.1GHz white MacBook, and the 20-inch 2.4GHz iMac. Four unibody MacBooks are being offered starting at $1099, the 2.0GHz model with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive; the same configuration with a 128GB SSD instead of a 250GB hard drive is priced at $1699; the 2.4GHz MacBook with 2GB of memory and 250GB hard drive is priced at $1399 and the same configuration with a 128GB SSD is $1899. MacBook Pros start at $1699 for the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive and top off at $2799 for the 2.8GHz model with 4GB of memory and a 128GB Solid State Drive. The Mac Pro is available in two configurations: the 3.0GHz model with 2GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive, priced at $3099 and the 3.2GHz model with 2GB of memory and 500GB hard drive is $4099.
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03/10, 4:45pm
DealNN: graphics tablets
Deals at DealNN today include graphics tablets, hard drives, iMacs and more. The refurbished 20-inch iMac is first on our list. Last week when the iMac line got an upgrade, the prices on refurbished models were slashed at Apple's online store. This model was previously priced at $999 and was dropped to $849. Included is a 2.4GHz processor, 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive, along with iSight webcam, microphone, 8x SuperDrive, and AirPort extreme wireless card.
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