Just in time for the holiday sales rush, Apple has updated much of their Mac line.

iMac
The iMac now have larger screen sizes and LED-backlit displays. The 20-inch model is now 21.5-inch, while the 24-inch is now 27-inch. While the 21.5-inch is only available as a dual-core, the 27-inch can be bought as a dual or quad-core. The aspect ratio has been changed to 16:9 which will be an improvement for multimedia viewing. The back is aluminum now instead of black. The black backing felt out of place on the previous iMacs. The 27-inch model is also VESA mount compatible as well as capable of accepting video input. All models are available now except for the quad-core iMac, which is coming in November. iMac prices begin at $1199.

Macbook
The entry level MacBook is still white and plastic, but is now unibody like the MacBook Pro. The unibody gives it a cleaner, more simplistic look. Just like the iMac, the MacBook has a LED-backlit display. The MacBook also includes a multi-touch glass trackpad and an all rubber bottom reminiscent of the Airport Extreme’s underside. The built-in battery seen on the Macbook Pros is now present in the Macbook. The 7-hour battery is not user removable. This is not that big of a deal as many users do not use multiple batteries and the battery life is very long. There are a few downsides to the updated MacBook. It lacks any FireWire ports, there is only one port for audio input/output, and it does not have a infrared receiver for accessories like the Apple Remote. These changes clearly cement this model as an entry-level product. Prices start at $999.

Mac Mini
Apple has not given the Mac Mini much love in the past. Rumors have circulated for some time that it would be axed, but the rumors are always proven untrue. The Mac Mini has been updated and now comes in the regular version and a new version that has Snow Leopard Server pre-installed. The optical drive has been replaced with a second hard drive. Both hard drives are 500 GB. An external SuperDrive can be used if an optical drive is still needed. There is only one configuration of the server Mac Mini and it costs $999. The regular Mac Mini base price is $599.

Mouse
The product I am most excited about is the new Bluetooth mouse from Apple, which is called the Magic Mouse. It is a multi-touch mouse which thankfully does away with the needs-to-be-cleaned-constantly scroll ball. Cosmetically, it has a sleeker look than the previous model. The top is clear white plastic. It does not have separate buttons for left and right click but it can be configured to be a one or two button mouse. The Magic Mouse is an inevitable evolution of an Apple branded mouse, as multi-touch has already found its way into the iPhone, iPod touch, and Mac notebooks. If you still want a corded mouse, the Mighty Mouse is still available, which is now called the Apple Mouse. The Magic Mouse comes with all new iMacs unless configured to include the Apple Mouse. It will be available late October and costs $69.

Apple Remote
Another product that received a new look is the Apple Remote. It is now all aluminum. This change was bound to happen because aluminum is Apple’s current style of the moment. It is also longer then the previous remote, looks more comfortable to hold, and is less difficult to lose. The play button has been moved near the menu button and the battery can now be removed easily from the back. According to Apple, the remote is “Compatible with Apple products introduced in 2005 or later that have a built-in infrared (IR) receiver” and “requires the iPod Universal Dock and any iPod with a dock connector or any iPhone.” The Apple Remote cost $19 and the Apple online store says it is shipping in 2-4 weeks.

Time Capsule/Airport Extreme
If you blinked, you might have missed the Time Capsule update. Not much in terms of specs, just that the backup speed is 60% faster than previous models (using Snow Leopard). Wireless networking performance was also improved in both the Time Capsule and Airport Extreme.

While the changes to the Mac and Accessories lineup are not revolutionary, they are welcomed improvements.

Unless you were hiding in a secret underground lair, you probably know Apple released some new laptops and other goodies last week. Here is a quick recap of all the changes (all that I could find):

Macbook

• There are now two different designs for the Macbook and three different price points ($999, $1299, $1599). The white plastic design of before, and a brand new aluminum design
• The white Macbook remains unchanged, except for a new price of $999 (down from $1099)
• The new Macbook received a radical design change. Gone are the days when you could easily spot the difference between a Macbook and Macbook Pro
• The new Macbook has been updated with a new precision aluminum unibody look
• The new Macbook sports a GeForce 9400M video chipset; way more powerful than the previous Intel chipset
• The new $1299 Macbook now has a slower processor; 2.0GHz C2D instead of a 2.4GHz C2D processor available in the previous $1299 white Macbook
• The $1599 Macbook has a 2.4GHz processor and 250GB HDD
• The new Macbook is without Firewire ports
• The new Macbook is sporting a new video port; the Mini DisplayPort
• The new Macbook has a glass trackpad that acts as both the trackpad and trackpad button
• The new glass trackpad supports multi-touch gestures ala the Macbook Air
• You now have a 128GB SSD option on the new Macbook
• The new Macbook has the same keyboard as the Macbook Air
• The new Macbook has a backlit keyboard; but only on the $1599 model
• The new Macbook supports the 30″ Apple Cinema Display
• The new Macbook has an LED Screen
• The new Macbook is lighter, thinner, and slightly deeper
• The new Macbook is rated for 5hrs vs. 4.5hrs in the older white model
• The battery indicator is on the side of the case instead of on the battery itself in the new Macbook

Macbook Air

• The MBA sports a GeForce 9400M video chipset; way more powerful than the previous Intel chipset
• The MBA comes standard with a 120GB HDD and also has a 128GB SSD option
• The MBA is sporting a new video port; the Mini DisplayPort
• The MBA now supports the 30″ Apple Cinema Display
• Battery life is rated at 4.5hrs vs. 5 in previous documentation (ed: Could be change in the calculation methods)
• Not shipping until “Early November”

Macbook Pro

• All models have a 128GB SSD HDD option
• The 17″ MBP remains unchanged design wise
• The 17″ MBP and the $2499 15″ comes standard with 4GB RAM and a 320GB HDD; both increases
• The 17″ MBP now comes standard with a LED display (matte or glossy)
• The 17″ MBP has a standard resolution of 1920 x 1200 (previously was a BTO option)
• The 15″ MBP was updated with the new precision aluminum unibody look
• The 15″ MBP now contains two NVIDIA chipsets; the GeForce 9400M and 9600M GT
• On the 15″ MBP, the DVI port is gone. Now you have the mini DisplayPort
• On the 15″ MBP, the ports are now on one side
• All 15″ MBP are glossy screens. You cannot get a 15″ MBP with a matte screen
• On the 15″ MBP, gone are both the FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 ports. Now you have one FireWire 800 (backwards compatible with FW 400)
• The 15″ MBP has a glass trackpad that acts as both the trackpad and trackpad button
• The new glass trackpad supports multi-touch gestures ala the Macbook Air
• The $2499 MBP received a very slight speed bump, up to 2.53GHz from 2.5GHz
• The RAM and HDD are now vastly easier to replace in the 15″ MBP via a compartment on the bottom of the laptop
• The 15″ MBP has the same keyboard as the Macbook Air
• The new 15″ MBP is slightly thinner, yet heavier, wider, and deeper
• The battery indicator is on the side of the case instead of on the battery itself in the 15″ MBP
• The 15″ MBP now has a magnetic latch similar to the Macbook

Cinema Displays

• Introduced a 24″ LED display for $899
• Built in iSight, mic, speakers, and three USB ports
• The new display contains a MagSafe connector to charge your notebook
• The new display uses the new Mini DisplayPort
• No adapter available for DVI to Mini DisplayPort available
• The previous 20″, 23″, and 30″ displays are still available; unchanged
• Not currently available for sale; “Coming Soon”

Other

• Apple talked a lot about their new products and how environmentally friendly they are. You can read the Apple 2008 Environmental Update for more information.
• Apple is now the # 1 notebook seller in education

If you’re in the market for a Mac notebook, you might want to hold off for a few days. Multiple sources have confirmed a special event Apple has scheduled for 10AM Pacific time on October 14th. The tag line, “The spotlight turns to notebooks” accompanies the invitation to the event.

The rumors about an October 14th notebook event have been circulating for some time. Indications are the the Macbook and Macbook Pro are getting a redesign. While the Macbook Air hasn’t been often mentioned in this rumor, I would be surprised if the Air didn’t get at least a processor refresh.

In related news, the Inquisitr website is reporting that Apple will release an $800 notebook. This could be either a significant price drop for the Macbook or an entirely new device. This would be Apple’s first foray into the sub $1000 notebook category. Apple has one of the healthier margins in the computer industry, so it would be a little shocking if they were to hit this price point with the Macbook. I guess we’ll find out on Tuesday.

For some time now I’ve been meaning to to write a review of the Elgato EyeTV Hybrid. I’ve owned one for about a year and absolutely love it. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, what exactly is the EyeTV Hybrid?

The Elgato EyeTV Hybrid is a USB device that allows you to watch TV on your Mac. The EyeTV Hybrid can receive over-the-air HD signals (antenna sold separately) or you can just plug in the coaxial cable from your cable provider. Bundled with the device is the EyeTV software which allows you to schedule TV recordings with the click of a button. In the US, a free TV guide is also included within the EyeTV software. The EyeTV software has a couple of presets allowing you to easily export your recording into AppleTV or iPod compatible formats. Of course you can just watch the recording on your Mac too if you wish. I promise a full review of the product is coming later this month!

Retail price of the device is about $150 USD. Other World Computing is currently offering a factory refurbished EyeTV Hybrid for less than $70 USD! This is a fantastic deal on a great product. It looks like version they are offering supports the NTSC and ATSC standards, so you need to be sure the device will work in your country before buying it. The only downside is that the factory refurbished models appear to be shipping with the previous version of the EyeTV software, version 2. I’ve had no problems with the version 2 software so I wouldn’t consider that a deal breaker. If you want to watch TV on your Mac and save some cash at the same time, this is a fantastic deal.

Update: Someone in the comments linked to the upgrade details for EyeTV 3.  It looks like you can get the upgrade to EyeTV 3 for free!

If you treated your MagSafe power adapter like an egg but the cord has frayed anyways, Apple may replace your adapter for free. Apple posted a Knowledge Base article about the replacement of frayed cords. Even if your product is out of warranty, Apple says you may be eligible for a free replacement if your adapter shows no signs of abuse. Read the KB article for all the details. Free sure beats the $80 it would take to buy a new one.

[Via TUAW]

Here’s a tip for anyone using a wireless Mighty Mouse. If you use a Mighty Mouse (MM), I’m sure you’ve had it disconnect from your Mac while working. Previously, the only way I could get the connection restored was to restart my Mac. After some poking around I found a way to reconnect the MM without restarting. This tip works better with a notebook, but will work with a desktop provided you have a USB mouse (or know the keyboard shortcuts). Do the following if the mouse has been disconnected:

1) Click the bluetooth icon in the menubar
2) Choose Set Up Bluetooth Device from the menu
3) Using the Bluetooth Setup Assistant, go through the process of setting up your mouse just as you did the very first time you setup the Mighty Mouse. If the Setup Assistant doesn’t see the MM during the scanning portion, slide the sensor cover closed and then reopen it. At that point the Setup Assistant should find the mouse.
4) Finish up the setup process and your MM should start to work again!

I’ve read numerous forum posts about Mighty Mouses disconnecting while in use. I haven’t been able to find out why it happens, but at least you can get it working again without rebooting.

Update (12/23/2009): See comment # 4 for a keyboard only solution

Update, August 2009: Apple now has their own laptop comparison chart (scroll down a little on the linked page) with even more data. I’ll no longer be updating the comparison chart linked below.

Choosing the right Apple notebook is an important decision for first time and seasoned Mac users. While there are only three notebooks to choose from, each product has its own strengths and drawbacks. I thought I would make it easier for you to choose the proper Apple notebook.

I’m compiled a detailed chart listing every possible option I could find or think of based on the current notebook offerings. If you see that I missed something, please lease a comment and I’ll update the chart. I present to you, the Apple Notebook Comparison Chart (pdf).

Update: I’ve updated the chart to reflect the recent Macbook and Macbook Pro updates.

If you’re a Mac loving pessimist who likes to save money, I’ve got good news for you. The piece of mind that is AppleCare, can be purchased for less than retail price. While this may not be news to some, it was to me.

For those that don’t know, AppleCare is basically an extended warranty with telephone technical support, web-based support resources, and some free diagnostic software. The complimentary coverage that you get when you purchase a Mac is 90 days of phone support and one year of service coverage (hardware repair). AppleCare extends both phone support and service coverage to three years. When you purchase AppleCare it does not extend your warranty three years, it extends your warranty to three years from your date of purchase.

I won’t go into the debate if AppleCare is worth the money or not. Any Mac user that’s had to use AppleCare though will likely tell you that it is worth the money. I’ve never bought an extended warranty for a computer but I’m going to purchase AppleCare for my Macbook Pro. My MBP travels a good deal, and with all that movement comes the chance that one day something might happen to it.

You can purchase AppleCare up to one year from the date of your Mac purchase. Once that one year mark passes, you can no longer purchase AppleCare. Amazon is currently (maybe always?) selling AppleCare for less than the Apple price. The Macbook Pro plan will set you back $300 ($50 less than retail). The Macbook plan costs $200 ($50 less than retail). The iMac and Mac Pro plans will set you back $150 ($20 less than retail) and $250 respectively. Oddly, the Mac Pro plan is the only Mac AppleCare plan that is not less than retail price. I guess if you can afford a Mac Pro you can afford AppleCare at retail price?

If you want to watch TV on your Mac, Amazon has an amazing deal going on right now. It looks like it’s one of the Black Friday special deals so take advantage of it while you can. For just $75 USD (after $30 rebate), you can pick up the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950 from Amazon. The regular price is nearly $150 so you’re saving close to 50%.

The Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950 looks amazingly similar to the Elgato EyeTV Hybrid which I own and love (a review is coming soon). In fact, the WinTV-HVR-950 even comes with the EyeTV Lite software package. Included is software that will work with PC’s too. The Hauppaugge will receive HD ATSC (over the air) and analog cable TV signals. The WinTV-HVR-950 even comes with a portable TV antenna capable of receiving HD signals, the Elgato EyeTV Hybrid does not include a antenna. You’ll need a fairly recent Mac to use the WinTV-HVR-950, but if you want to watch TV cheaply on your Mac this is one of the best deals I’ve seen.

Macworld opened the voting for their annual Readers’ Choice Awards tonight. Held annually since 2004, the Macworld Readers’ Choice Awards give accolades to the best hardware and software available for the Mac. The 2007 awards brought the total number of categories to four. Each of the four categories have six finalists which were pared down from reader nominations. The four categories are:

1) Apple Product of the Year
2) Third-Party Product of the Year
3) Third-Party Software of the Year
4) Mac Gem of the Year

Voting is currently open and will end November 15th. The winners will be announced next month and will be featured in the February 2008 issue of Macworld. You can vote for your favorite finalists here.