Apple refreshes MacBook/MacBook Pro range

Although the majority of Apple-lovers were anticipating an exciting and comprehensive update of the two mainstream Mac notebooks, the MacBook and MacBook Pro, it´s only a processor, hard drive and graphics update this time.

All MacBooks (including Pros) were updated overnight with new, faster Intel Core 2 Duo 'Penryn' CPUs and bigger hard drives.

The MacBook can now be configured with processors ranging from 2.1 to 2.4 GHz and with hard drives ranging from 120 to 250 GB.

The 15" MacBook Pro can be built with a 2.4 or 2.5 GHz processor. The 2.4 GHz model is teamed to a 200gb drive whilst the 2.5 GHz variant uses a 250gb drive.

The 17" model now includes standard 2.5 GHz processor and can optionally be built with a Full-HD LED-backlit display.

All models come with 2gb of RAM standard except the baseline 2.1 GHz MacBook.

The Apple Remote, which was previously included on all notebooks from Apple is now an A$29 extra.

The MacBook now starts from A$1499 for the 2.1 GHz model while the MacBook Pro 15" 2.4 GHz starts at A$2699.

Read: Apple Store Australia

Revitalised Apple notebooks imminent?

The Apple rumour mill is constantly updated with more news of potential leaks of new Mac items, but this particular piece of news could certainly be true.

Both Best Buy and Future Shop in North America have new MacBook and MacBook Pro product codes on their computer systems; these entries hint at an early March release and a refresh for both models of computer.

Traditional Apple product cycles for this time of year hint at an update only for the Pro model, but this information would show a change in the current MacBook model´s lifespan.

[via Engadget]

Updated MacBook Pros almost definitely in the works

This morning, MacRumors are reporting that they have hard evidence that updated Apple MacBook Pros are in the works.

A bit of background info - the current MacBook Pros are given the system identifier code MacBookPro3,1. However, an application called MiniBatteryLogger has revealed an entry for a new model - MacBookPro4,1.

The code MacBookPro4,1 has also been included in the latest development seeds of the imminent Mac OS X 10.5.2. Because of this, we can assume that updated 'Pros are coming soon, as 10.5.2 will be supported.

We may see such updates as a multi-touch trackpad and Intel's new Penryn mobile processor, but Apple, as usual, will keep all the details under wraps until they feel like unveiling the new product.

Head over to MacRumors to get the full details.

Next-gen MacBook Pros to like multi-touch

AppleInsider, one of the hundreds of sites dedicated to sifting through the constant rumour-mill associated with the Cupertino-based corporation, has apparently 'learned' that Apple's next-gen MacBook Pros will gain the multi-touch trackpad ability of the recently-announced MacBook Air notebook.

Although this rumour is highly safe, as it wouldn't have been long anyway until Apple installed the latest 'thing' into its premium tier of notebooks, AppleInsider is offering that the 'Pros could be updated in the coming weeks.

Also posed in the article is the fact that Apple meant to release the updated MacBook Pros at, or around, the Macworld 2008 expo, but too much time needed to be allocated to the Air to make this possible.

The source also states that the new MacBook Pros would be the first Apple notebooks to feature Intel's new Penryn-based Intel Core 2 Duo processors, as well as featuring the oversize, multi-touch trackpad as featured on the new baby Mac notebook.

The new processors are slated to be clocked at around 2.5 to 2.6GHz, with 6mb of Level 2 cache.

An improved battery would also be likely, with one test published in the publication AnandTech seeing a 2.6GHz Penryn-based Pro lasting an extra 55 minutes over a similarly-configured 2.6GHz Meron-based system. That's an almost 16.5% increase.

Read: AppleInsider - "Next-gen Apple MacBook Pros to gain multi-touch trackpad"

Image courtesy of Apple.

Macbook Pro Heating Issues

I picked up a MacBook Pro several months ago considering the fact that my Toshiba M500 was awful.

After several months of owning it however I have discovered a certain issue with the CPU and battery with the heat they generate.

I recently had to pay a visit to the Chatswood Apple Store to get a new 85W MagSafe charger for my MacBook Pro because the CPU and battery got so hot they blew out the charger.

There have also been reports of if a MacBook Pro is used too much on your lap while it is hot, it has been known to give burns or even be a contributing factor to cancer, but I would'nt worry too much about that.

There are several good cooling solutions available out on the market for both Windows and Mac, but my personal favorite is the Targus Laptop Cooling System, it can be bought for AU $40.