Apple Mac HQ

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 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]

No doubt that you’ve seen the first Macbook Air ad. The manilla folder shows you just how thin the Macbook Air truly is. As with many Apple ads, music takes the center stage along with the product.

The Macbook Air ad features a catchy tune by Yael Naim called New Soul. The song, and her new CD (iTunes link), is currently available in iTunes. In addition to the Macbook Air ad, Yael has recently received some more press. USA Today recently did a short article on Yael that dives into her background in music, her new CD, and other tidbits.

Being a singer-songwrite fan, I’ve listened to a few of the other tracks from her CD and have enjoyed them. If you’re a fan of singer-songwriters you should definitely check her out. If you’ve discovered any good singer-songwriters lately, drop his/her name in the comments. I’m always on the lookout for some good music.

Are you dying to have a Macbook Air and just happen to have $40,000 to burn? If I’m speaking your language, then I’ve got the perfect Macbook Air for you. For just south of $40,000, Bling My Thing will sell you a new Macbook Air with 12,000 Swarovski crystals. The crystals are treated with a 24K gold coating and are shinier than normal Swarovski crystals. The “Golden Age”, as they are calling this special Macbook Air, takes a week to construct since each crystal is applied by hand. Only 20 are being made, and they go on sale March 18th.

Bling My Thing also offers pimped out crystal iPhones and iPods. No word on the Macbook Air specs. For $40,000 I sure hope you get the 1.8GHz, 64GB SSD Macbook Air.

[Via Huffington Post]

With the Macbook Air firmily in the clasp of all those who value weight and style, the reviews are starting to come in. While I’m not someone who would 1) Buy the Macbook Air, or 2) be able to get a review unit from Apple, I realize that some of you might want to know more about this sexy notebook. Are you looking to buy a Macbook Air but want to know what others think? If so, here is a roundup of some early adopters or journalist who have gotten their mits on the Air.

Walt Mossberg (WSJ Journalist): “Apple refused to make the most common compromise computer makers employ to create their littlest laptops”.

Edward Baig (USA Today Journalist): “Little things make a big impression.”

Steven Levy (Newsweek Journalist): “The Air shines most, of course, when it’s out in the open–on an airplane seatback tray, on a conference table, beside your latte in a Starbucks and on your lap when you’re sprawled on the sofa.”

David Heinemeier Hansson (from 37signals): “Dismissing it as merely a 3rd computer vanity accessory, as I’ve seen many do, is misguided and not based on actually using one for a longer period of time.”

Wil Shipley (from Delicious Monster): “Just as there should be three types of spaghetti sauce, you and I should not HAVE to agree on what we want in a machine.”

Jacqui Cheng (from Ars Technica): “One way to look at the MacBook Air is as the largest and most capable iPod in Apple’s line—think of it as an iPod touch Extreme with a built-in keyboard.”

Chris Ullrich (from TUAW): “To have this much screen and still have such a small footprint is a truly amazing feat of engineering.”

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.