Apple Mac HQ

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]

Popularity: 15% [?]

The often rumored Macbook Pro updated came true today on Apple Tuesday (that’s my new name for Tuesdays).  In addition to the new MBP, the Macbook also saw an update.  Of the two updates, the Macbook Pro sees the most significant changes.  So what’s new?

Macbook Pro

• Base model now features the 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo and 200GB HDD
• Mid 15″ and 17″ come with 2.5GHz Core 2 Duo and 250GB HDD
• The base model now has 256MB video RAM and the other two have 512MB RAM
• 4GB RAM upgrade is now cheaper, but still not worth it ($400)
• You now have a 300GB HDD option on the 17″ MBP
• The 17″ now sports an LED display
• Multi-Touch trackpad added to all models

Macbook

• Base model now features the 2.1GHz Core 2 Duo and 120GB HDD
• Other model now features a 2.4GHZ Core 2 Duo, 160GB HDD, and 2GB RAM
• Price for the Black option now down to $100 (from $125)
• 4GB RAM upgrade is now cheaper, but still not worth it ($400; $500 if you’re buying the base model)

Both updates are available immediately with the same pricing as previous models.  I’m glad to see Apple is keeping up with the changing hardware, but when will they just make 2GB of RAM standard across their entire notbook line?  The entry model Macbook is the only model that doesn’t come with 2GB of RAM.

Update: I made a few corrections to the earlier post to reflect the 17″ LED display and the wording on the video card update. In addition to that, the Apple Remote is now a $19 paid upgrade. I hardly ever use mine and I suspect Apple is trying to cut cost/waste with the move.

Popularity: 44% [?]

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.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Apple quietly made some changes to their notebook lineup today. Between the Macbook and Macbook Pro, changes include processors, graphics cards, and hard drives. Similar to the recent Mac Mini update (if someone hadn’t ask at a press event nothing would have been said), these changes did not accompany any type of press release.

Macbook Changes:
-The Macbook now runs on the Santa Rosa Intel platform. This includes 4GB of RAM support and an 800MHz system bus.
-The Macbook now ships with the Intel GMA X3100 graphics adapter. The previous GMA 950 has 64MB shared RAM, while the new X3100 has 144MB shared RAM.
-HDD options up to 250GB 5400RPM SATA drive.

Macbook Pro Changes:
-Core 2 Duo processor options up to 2.6GHz

When I saw the update, I was about to curse since I just recently upgraded to a new 2.2GHz MBP. Since the only upgrade to the MBP was the 2.6GHz processors (and at $250), I didn’t care too much. The difference between the 2.4GHz and 2.6GHz isn’t really worth $250. The changes to the Macbook though are more significant. Even though the Macbook has been updated to the Santa Rose platform, the MBP is still the only Apple notebook to offer an LED display.

Popularity: 39% [?]