Apple Intros Impressive MacBook Pro Lineup

I've always had a beef with Apple referring to their newest product as the fastest "x" ever. Theses are computers, of course they are going to get faster with each iteration. With that said, today's MacBook Pros look to be some of the most significant, (and surprisingly low-key) notebook upgrades in years.

Thanks in large part to Intel, (hard to believe there was a time when Apple and Intel weren't buddy-buddy) the new models have Intel's ultra-fast I/O connection, re-branded by Apple as Thunderbolt. Cleverly this is the same connector type used by the Apple DisplayPort, allowing you to already use the port if you have a DisplayPort monitor. Additionally, quad core processors are standard on the 15 and 17-inch models, and there's a new HD camera for FaceTime. (What happened to iChat?) Prices start at the same $1,199 as the last model.

Overall, Apple has delivered a very solid update, and again, its a bit surprising there wasn't an event to highlight the Thunderbolt technology, although Intel will be holding their own event later today.

Now then, on to the iPad2 event next week...

Mac Virgin Makes Her Move...Gets a Mac!

(Our very own intern Carolyn recently took the plunge and bought her first Mac. She'll be reporting from time to time on her experience, and asking for help. Please help her so we don't have to.)

I did it! I swiped nearly $2000 away and got myself a MacBook Pro. As a partially unemployed schmuck I was nervous taking the dive. The last time I spent that much I bought a plane ticket to Bangkok and was guaranteed Buddha, elephant rides and Singha beer! This time I was a little leery on what my purchase truly had in store. Would it be worth it? 

Here's how it went down.  I didn't go to Thailand but I took a trip to Delaware to save a few bucks. I was surprised at how small the Christiana Mall Apple store was, especially considering all the people who were taking advantage of tax free shopping like myself. There were enough young, hip Apple employeees lurking the store that I was helped in no time. (Thanks John!) I was advised by my fellow TDL-ers to ignore all the chotskys they would push on me. I understand the whole "customer service" thing, but wow! Those Apple employees are cutthroat! iWork! Protection plans! One to ones! Do we really need meetings and sessions to work our computers? What happened to just opening the box and figuring things out? I mean it's Apple! Don't we just drag and drop everything anyways? John tried his best but I held strong. He rung me up right where we stood. Impressive! That definitely beat out the Old Navy employees with the Britney Spears headsets. 

I got the computer home and opened it right away. I was happy but still didn't have that "Yes! New toy!" feeling. I took a breath, pressed the power button and waited. In seconds any hesitation or regret I previously feared would vanish. "Welcome! Bienvenue! Willkommen!" My MacBook had me in tears with its "It's a Small World" reminiscent welcome screen! I was hooked and ready to fully immerse myself in Apple's arms. 

So there Apple. All it took was an indie song and language barrier to have yourself another supporter. Now if I could only figure out this darn Photo Booth...

Really Apple, Not a Single Video Adapter?

I know, I know, we've been aware for some time of what would and wouldn't be in the box with Apple's latest laptops. Adam recently had a Ford's Focused segment on the shrinking amount of included accessories with Apple products.

Still, looking at iFixit's teardown of the 17" MacBook Pro drove the point home. The 17" model, even at $2,799, doesn't include a DVI or VGA video adapter. Unless you want to use the ONE monitor Apple sells using the new "standard," you're out of luck. Or more precisely, out $29 for the adapter you need. So if you're a road warrior, and especially if you give presentations on projectors, load up on adapters because there's ZERO chance you'll get this laptop hooked up to a projector out of the box. There's nickel and dime-ing, then there's just stupidity. Come on, Apple.

Hey Apple, The Netbook Train is Leaving the Station

On a trip to the local Costco earlier today, I saw quite a clamor. No, it wasn't just the checkout lines stretching back half the store (didn't anyone get the recession memo?) It was people of all ages checking out the HP 1000 Netbook. After waiting a bit to play with it, I've got to say, it's a solid computer - for what it is. I think 75% of the people playing with it may have thought they were using a full-blown laptop miniaturized, and for many of them, it may have been just that. If you intend to simply surf the internet, check email, and write some word documents, (which is still all many people need to do) then you may never notice the underpowered Atom processor.

Personally, it struck me as the ultimate blogging tool. The ability to throw something under 3 pounds into a bag and go, is impressive. If it had 3G wireless connectivity built-in, I may have even pulled the trigger. Are you listening, Apple? This is a product, actually a whole category of products, that are starting to gain mainstream traction, and there isn't an Apple-branded option to be found. The HP Netbook had a solid, but not MacBook Pro solid, feel. The fit and finish, again, not up to what you would expect from Apple, was still significant.

The days of selling an $1100 laptop as an entry level computer are over. Having 80% of the functionality in something at 40% of the cost, and 50% of the weight will appeal to many.

Apple's reluctance/delay in making a splash in this market category could be the biggest under-reported story to the company's future.

Brenthaven Fusion MB III MacBook Pro Bag Review

The old saying "too much of a good thing" can often be applied to the world of laptop bags. There's an all-out war (okay, overly dramatic there) to create a bag with the most pockets and zippers and sleeves in which to forget where you placed things. Less really can be more in a laptop bag. So it's refreshing to see the Brenthaven Fusion MB III for the MacBook Pro has kept pocket inflation in check.

Granted the Brenthaven site says this bag has "pockets galore" most of those pockets are on a single organizational flap for items like an iPod/iPhone, pens, business cards, etc. In addition to a sensible and useful amount of pockets, the Fusion features an extra-padded bottom to protect the laptop, and the bag allows for fast access to your computer. Check present costs here:
Brenthaven Fusion MB III

At $79.95, it's a solid, no-nonsense bag for everyday use: